The best local co-op games to play in 2026
The article highlights local co-op games for players who want to share a screen, arguing that couch and split-screen experiences still offer plenty of worthwhile choices. Its 2026 selection focuses on less widely featured titles across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC and Xbox Series X.
The games described include Gears of War: E-Day, whose campaign supports two-player split-screen; Moving Out 2, a less order-heavy furniture-moving alternative to Overcooked; and Split Fiction, a puzzle and platforming adventure about two authors. Lego Voyagers offers a gentler experience, with two players guiding Lego bricks through a handcrafted world. The article says the games are presented in no particular order and omits familiar staples such as It Takes Two, Overcooked 2 and Stardew Valley.
In short
- Local co-op still has plenty of options in 2026.
- The selection spans four major gaming platforms.
- Picks range from action campaigns to relaxed puzzles.
Explained simply
Local co-op games let two or more people play together on the same device, often sharing a screen or using split-screen. They offer a different way to play from online multiplayer, where each person usually uses a separate device and connects over the internet.
The games in this selection range from action and platforming to puzzle-solving and moving furniture. Some are designed around teamwork and shared challenges; others offer a gentler pace. They are available across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC and Xbox Series X, though not every game is on every platform.
The selection focuses on titles beyond familiar co-op favourites such as It Takes Two, Overcooked 2 and Stardew Valley. It may help players looking for something new to play together, whether they prefer a demanding campaign or a more relaxed shared adventure.