Top 5 Best Co-op Games to Look Forward to in 2021 (So Far)

Well, we made it, 2021 has arrived. 2020 was a year partly defined by the separation of friends and loved ones for many people around the world. Co-op video games became a core component in keeping family and friends together during one of the most trying years in recent memory.

While 2021 has the making of being a much needed turning point for the world, it could still be some time until we’re all together again. Until that time comes, 2021 is looking to have a wealth of games that will keep parties going for months to come. Here are the best co-op games coming out in 2021!

Note: This list only contains games with confirmed 2021 released dates.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition

The much lauded beat-em up based on the Bryan Lee O’Malley comic is making its return this month. Originally released in 2010 to celebrate the release of the feature film, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game was received very well when it released over 10 years ago. The game has been unavailable for some time, even digitally, due to licensing. Well to mark the 10 year anniversary, Ubisoft is releasing Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition which finally includes online co-op.

Heavily inspired by classic beat-em ups like River City Ransom and Streets of Rage, up to four players can beat the snot of Ramona’s exes and their goons in an drop-in, drop-out co-op. The original DLC content, Knives Chau and Wallace Wells, will be included in the complete edition. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition will be available on PS4, Xbox One, PC and Stadia on Jan. 14, 2021.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

While the Wii U struggled to find its footing during its five year lifespan, it was home to some incredible first-party outings. One of the best 3D platformers that ever graced the system was Super Mario 3D World, and it’s finally seeing a re-release in the form of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury next month.

This package comes with all the original goodies that made the original game such a beloved experience, the phenomenal level design, the incredible four-player co-op, and yes, the cat suits. This re-release also comes with a new expansion called Bowser’s Fury which looks to offer more worlds for you and your friends to claw your way through. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is launching on Nintendo Switch on Feb. 12, 2021.

Outriders

One of the first next-gen titles that we ever got to look at was the latest from Square Enix and developers People Can Fly. Outriders is a third-person looter shooter that allows up to three players to squad up to take on the various dangers on the planet of Enoch. Players can choose from one of four classes that range from the tank-like Devastator, or the healer and long range specialist, Technomancer.

Outriders looks to host an extensive skill tree and will be filled with copious amounts of gear to keep players busy for hours on end. People Can Fly is promising a lengthy campaign of 25-30 hours, but promises the length of the game could be doubled or even tripled if players take advantage of all side content available.

All of this content, of course, can be taken on cooperatively. Outriders is scheduled for release April 1, 2021 and will be released on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Monster Hunter Rise

One of Capcom’s best-selling titles is getting a new entry on the Nintendo Switch this March with Monster Hunter Rise. If you’re somehow not familiar with the Monster Hunter formula, you and up to three players locally or online can gather together to hunt down a variety of vicious monsters for their resources to make your character even stronger with new armor and weapons. Monster Hunter’s gameplay loop can be very grind-heavy at times, and grinding monsters for resources is made all the easier with friends at your side.

Rise takes players to Kamura Village, a beautiful mountain village heavily inspired by Japanese culture that acts as a hub world for you and your friends. Players will be given some unique new tools such as the wirebug, which allows players to traverse and attack monsters in a variety of ways. There are also some new companions along for the ride with the Palamutes, canine companions that you can mount and can assist you in combat. Of course, the Palicos, Monster Hunters staple feline companions will be along for the ride.

If you’re interested in giving Monster Hunter Rise a try, there’s a brand new demo on the eShop now!

Back 4 Blood

Turtle Rock Studios’ Left 4 Dead was the epitome of co-op first-person shooters when it launched all the way back in 2008. You and three friends fight to survive the night against waves of zombies and other undead monstrosities. The Left 4 Dead franchise has been dormant since the release of Left 4 Dead 2 in 2009, and with Valve not moving forward with the franchise, Turtle Rock Studios is pumping out a spiritual successor with Back 4 Blood.

Back 4 Blood brings back all the ingredients that made Left 4 Dead such a bloody good time to begin with. Up to four players can take on the Ridden, swarms of humans turned into grotesque creatures after being infected by parasites. You can tackle the entire campaign in co-op and the game is set to have PvE and PvP multiplayer.

For some added spice, Turtle Rock is implementing a rogue-lite card system to the game that will alter your experience in unique ways each time you play. Back 4 Blood hits PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC this summer.

Those are some of the best co-op games announced for this year! What else is going down in 2021? Here are the 10 best new anime coming in 2021 and some game anniversaries that might just make you depressed.