Summary
- Co-op gaming is thriving with the rise of indie titles, offering players a plethora of options.
- Local multiplayer games are not just limited to Xbox One, but the console offers full support for four players to enjoy hours of fun on the couch.
- Titles like Runbow, Vampire Survivors, and Minecraft Dungeons showcase the excitement and engagement that comes with playing in multiplayer co-op mode.
Gaming has always worked better when people are playing together. Experiencing what the game has to offer with someone else in person has a certain, special quality to it that's hard to replicate online. There was a time when the option of playing with friends has been dwindling over the last few years, but the rise of indie gaming coupled with the massive success of an innovative console like the Switch has led to players being spoiled for choice when it comes to such titles.
10 Co-Op Games To Play If You Loved Man Of Medan
Playing a scary game with a friend is the best way to experience horror, and if Man of Medan's co-op mode was up your alley, these games will be too.
Of course, local multiplayer games are common on other consoles as well, and the Xbox One is no exception to this rule. The console has a ton of options in terms of local play, so there's no shortage of fun. The good thing about local play on the Xbox One is that it's fully supported, so here are some of the best local games that can be played on the Xbox One (with a few even available on the next-gen Series X/S consoles). Gamers can easily pick up one of the many great multiplayer titles on this console and enjoy hours upon hours of fun with up to three other people from the comfort of their couch.
Updated on March 25, 2025, by Gerardo Molina: The Xbox One was, without a doubt, one of the most iconic consoles of its time, as it not only had great graphics for the period and interesting exclusives that many players enjoyed, but it also opened up a ton of possibilities for those who liked to play various games solo or with friends on the couch. While online multiplayer is also great fun, many veteran players miss that feeling of sitting at home with their friends and taking on various challenges together. After all, nothing beats human connection and interaction. Some of the games on this list can be played on local co-op without too many difficulties, whereas others will require some tweaking to get them going in this configuration.
36 Guacamelee! 2
A Metroidvania With A Very Interesting Concept
Guacamelee 2
- Released
- August 21, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Fantasy Violence, Alcohol Reference, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Action
As far as Metroidvanias with interesting concepts go, Guacamelee! 2 is definitely among the top contenders on the list. Players take control of Juan Aguacate, a luchador who can fight by throwing various wrestling grapples, kicks and punches. Some of the move sets of various characters are not only meant to be used in combat, but can also be used to reach great heights and move throughout the platforms available.
This is the kind of game that would work in any configuration. However, while playing with strangers online would be entertaining, it can't beat the human experience of sitting with a friend on the couch and playing locally. While other titles restrict the Co-op experience to a maximum of two players, Guacamelee! 2 allows for up to four, making everything much more fun.
35 Diablo 4
The Maximum Local Players Allowed Was Cut In Half, But The Experience Is Still Fun
Diablo 4
- Released
- June 5, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
Diablo 4 is the latest addition to the long-standing Diablo franchise, which has provided players with decades of unending fun around its medieval fantasy RPG setting. When people talk about patience, they should use the fans of the Diablo franchise as an example, as there was an 11-year gap between Diablo 3 and Diablo 4. Luckily, the wait was well worth it, as this new release features new and improved game mechanics, weapons, armor sets and enemies to take on, as well as interesting levels to progress through.
Unfortunately, unlike games like Guacamelee! 2, Diablo 4 does not allow for four-player couch co-op and is restricted to a maximum of two players. This is a considerable downgrade from its predecessors’ maximum of four local players, and many players agree that it was a lot more fun to be able to play with more people in the same room. The decision to cut the maximum amount of local players in half was probably made due to modern standards and the ease of online matches in gaming.
34 Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
Great 2D Platforming Mechanics
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
- Released
- October 8, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is great fun and has a strong focus on physics puzzles. It builds on many of the elements that made its predecessors popular and implements a few of its own that provide a fresh and entertaining experience.
Although puzzles take the spotlight in this game, there's also a ton of combat, which makes the game feel fast-paced and varied. One of the greatest things about this game is that it sticks to the tradition of older games and allows for up to four players to be in the same room and play together locally, which is something most veteran players are thankful for, as it reminds them of a simpler time.
33 Pummel Party
The Ultimate Friendship-Testing Game
Pummel Party
- Released
- September 20, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rebuilt Games
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Party Game
Allowing up to 8 players in either online or local multiplayer, Pummel Party lets players compete against one another or AI while using a wide variety of items in many different situations.
Similar to the Mario Party games, Pummel Party features various mini-games that will put players' skills and friendships to the test and make for a very fun afternoon of conversation when playing with others locally. All in all, this title has a lot to offer players who love party games and want to compete against their friends.
32 Moving Out
Rearranging Furniture With Friends Has Never Been More Fun
Moving Out
- Released
- April 28, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Devm Games
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle, Action
Moving Out is set in the town of Packmore, where players take on the role of a furniture mover, who must transport furniture from different houses through several obstacles they'll encounter along the way.
This fun title requires players to communicate effectively in order to navigate the spaces available to them and do the move properly. Moving Out is a great game to play locally with friends, as it presents players with exciting moments and pleasant feelings of satisfaction when a move is completed. Players who've already completed this game should also try Moving Out 2 for a similar experience with additional obstacles and elements that keep things interesting.
31 Ultimate Chicken Horse
A Fun, Chaotic Game To Play With Friends
Ultimate Chicken Horse
- Released
- March 4, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
Ultimate Chicken Horse is chaotic and extremely entertaining. Players can build the levels they'll play in and compete against one another. The game allows for the setting of traps, platforms, and a large variety of other obstacles designed to make other players have a hard time completing a course.
One of the strongest aspects of this game (if not the strongest) is its fun multiplayer that allows up to 4-player local co-op, ideal for playing with friends on the couch during a get-together. Players can both cooperate and sabotage each other depending on their needs by using simple, user-friendly controls.
30 Spelunky 2
A Fun Roguelike With Permadeath
Spelunky 2
- Released
- September 15, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Mossmouth, BlitWorks
- Platform(s)
- Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike, Platformer
Everyone loves a good roguelike, and when the concept is combined with cave exploration, masterpieces like Spelunky 2 are created. The game has procedurally generated caves that change with each playthrough and are filled with enemies, traps, and treasures. Multiplayer mode allows for up to 4 players to cooperate locally and work together to reach the cave's treasures, while avoiding the many hidden dangers in the area.
The Permadeath feature that ends players' journey if they die raises the stakes and makes everything feel more serious. However, the possibility to work with friends to advance through the game takes away from that, keeping things light and entertaining.
29 LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2
A Family-Friendly LEGO Adventure
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2
- Released
- November 14, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- TT Games, Traveller's Tales
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Puzzle, Platformer, Fighting
Set in the Marvel universe, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 features a wide roster of characters and gameplay focused on combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving across various famous locations in the franchise. Like in other LEGO games, cooperation with others is key to progressing through this title and overcoming the various obstacles that arise.
Players can take on this game's challenges with up to another 3 friends locally, which allows for tons of fun and easy in-person communication. Similar to other entries on this list, the game is family-friendly and simple enough that even younger gamers can have a blast.
28 TowerFall Ascension
A Fun, Competitive Archer Game
TowerFall Ascension
- Released
- June 25, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Action, Fighting, 2D
- Released: March 11, 2014
- Developer: Maddy Makes Games Inc., Extremely OK Games, Ltd.
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PS Vita, Nintendo Switch, Ouya
Players who love the breakneck chaos in titles like Super Smash Bros. Will love what TowerFall Ascension brings to the table. In this title, gamers control four archers with a limited number of arrows that can be resupplied from various corners of the map. Players can either shoot others or land on their heads to finish them off.
What follows is a chaotic affair, with four players scrambling to refill their arrows and avoid damage by any means necessary. Skilled players can catch arrows, while others can rely on the many skills scattered across the map to make things easier for themselves. Regardless of what a player's familiarity with such titles can be, jumping into TowerFall Ascension is pretty simple and hooks players once they get into the competitive flow of things.
27 Overcooked
An Adrenaline-Rushing Culinary Game
Overcooked
- Released
- August 2, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ghost Town Games
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
Most people even remotely familiar with Overcooked know just how engaging this title really is. Players must band together and split tasks to fulfill as many customer orders as possible, but this is easier said than done. Even on the easiest levels, Overcooked can become chaotic in no time if players don't prioritize teamwork over everything else.
The best part of Overcooked is that it only takes a few games for players to get into the flow of things, and there's no stopping them once players reach this point. It's easy to see why this title is perfect for players who want to check out four-player games that are entertaining and challenging at the same time.