Fans of local co-op platformers have a chance to enjoy an adorable adventure starring a lab-engineered gerbil and its magnetic exosuit in Wires and Whiskers, which is fully free to play. Currently available exclusively for PC via Steam, Wires and Whiskers brings the familiarity of classic 3D platforming into the realm of science fiction with a unique multiplayer twist.
Local co-op titles have been popular for decades, with the Mario Party game franchise and hits like GoldenEye 007 among the many classics that first introduced fans to mulitplayer couch gaming experiences. While an observable majority of modern co-op video games have moved to an online structure, many smaller indie releases like Wires and Whiskers are still focusing on old-school local multiplayer adventures.
Best Free Co-Op Games You Can Play On Steam
Are you and your friend looking for free-to-play co-op fun? Then, try out the following fantastic games on Steam.
Wires and Whiskers Puts Teamwork to the Test
Officially launched on July 31, 2025, Wires and Whiskers is touted as "a fast-paced, two-player local co-op game" where players take on the role of a cybernetic lab gerbil and an armed exosuit, as the companions battle their way through tactical combat encounters and use magnetic puzzles to platform across the lab. One player controls the gerbil, which has agile movement and melee dashes, while the other player controls the exosuit with its long-range attacks and magnetic interaction systems. Players will need to coordinate with cleverness and precision in order to survive an "irradiated world overrun by mutated enemies and unstable tech." Reminiscent of games like It Takes Two, Wires and Whiskers emphasizes the importance of teamwork to overcome whatever obstacles lie ahead.
Developed by a team of students at ISTART DIGITAL as part of their final-year project, Wires and Whiskers is estimated to have a total runtime of 20 to 30 minutes. The short but sweet experience balances combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving in a tight story with immersive environments and has been praised by players with 93% positive reviews, at the time of writing. Players who enjoy relaxing local co-op games can now play Wires and Whiskers for free on Steam.
Multiplayer gaming continues to populate a large portion of new launches, encompassing both indie titles and AAA releases. Horror, FPS, action-adventure, and both the 2D and 3D platforming genres have grown and evolved thanks to the influences of multiplayer, and the unique mechanics availalbe with the implementation of co-op have introduced more players to new elements of gaming. From massive hit titles like Split Fiction to smaller co-op experiences like Wires and Whiskers, multiplayer games continue to inspire upcoming game developers and delight audiences of all genres.
