Top 6 Best Co-op Games of Q1 2018

Monster: Hunter World

Top 6 Best Co-Op Games of Q1 2018

The Monster Hunter series has made a big comeback to PlayStation consoles with their latest installment, World. The best-looking entry to date, Monster Hunter: World includes all of the classic hunting action, including intense co-op, along with some added features. Newcomers can experience all of the action through breathtaking visuals, while veterans are definitely in for a few new surprises.

Here, players still take on the role of a hunter who embarks on different quests that usually involve slaying fearsome creatures. Customize your own character and swap between 15 different weapons, each with their own unique play styles. Defeating monsters yield new materials which you can use to craft stronger (and stylish) outfits and deadlier weapons. That doesn’t mean to say that these creatures are pushovers, however, as each beast has something new to bring to the table. From the ferocious Nergigante down to the King of the Heavens, players must analyze each monsters’ tricks of the trade to survive each hunt.

And while you can take on all of the action yourself, it’s always best to bring a friend or three along for the ride. Monster Hunter: World truly shines when you’re bashing skulls and clipping monster wings with your squad. There’s nothing more satisfying when everyone is working together, coordinating their blows and achieving that sweet sense of victory. Monster Hunter: World has really given the series that push for popularity, landing it a spot as one of the best co-op games for 2018. Here’s what we thought of this monster hunting adventure.

Far Cry 5

Top 6 Best Co-Op Games of Q1 2018

Grab your guns and get ready for an explosive adventure down in Hope County, Montana. Amidst the stunning vistas and beautiful mountainside lies the crazed cult, Eden’s Gate, along with its psychopath of a leader, Joseph Seed.

You’ll come across an army of savage cultists and dangerous wildlife in the game’s vast open world. Luckily, you’ll have more than enough firepower to deal with any enemies that dare stand in your way. While the game offers a thrilling single-player campaign, you can actually clear the story with another friend. Up to two players can explore Hope County together and put an end to Eden’s Gate. And once you’ve cleared the story, there’s also an expansive Arcade Mode that offers a wide range of user-created maps. You and your partner can explore stunning recreations of fan-favorite locations, such as the eerie Baker Mansion from Resident Evil 7, or some other bizarro parody map. Thanks to Far Cry 5’s Arcade Mode, fans have all the tools they need to craft any map that comes to mind, making the game one of the most immersive co-op games of 2018. Check out our thoughts on the game.

Sea of Thieves

Top 6 Best Co-Op Games of Q1 2018

Until recently, there’s been a severe drought of pirate games in the market. Sailing the high seas, looting treasure, and fighting other scallywags on rickety boats were all concepts that developers had yet to fully explore. So, when Microsoft finally rolled out action-adventure game Sea of Thieves for the PC and Xbox One, gamers were absolutely ecstatic. You could finally live out your pirate fantasies in a vast open world, filled with different missions and factions to join.

At its core, Sea of Thieves is a co-op game that’s best enjoyed with friends. You’ll play the role of a rambunctious buccaneer who comes complete with a ship and your own crew (other players). You and your friends might find yourself exploring a deserted island at one point, before finding yourself face-to-face against a skeleton horde during an intense raid. And let’s not forget that you can also get getting crazy drunk on grog or shoot your team out of your ship’s canon. Y’know, just your run-of-the-mill pirate stuff.

Since Sea of Thieves is built on a synchronized server, you’ll be coming across some familiar faces during your adventures. Players will bump into each other from time to time in the open seas, so if someone ever sinks your ship, there’s always time for revenge later.  And with Rare looking into adding more content in the near future, this is a co-op game you’ll definitely sink hours into. Here’s what we thought about this high sailing experience.

A Way Out

Top 6 Best Co-Op Games of Q1 2018

When it really comes down to it, co-op games are all about confidence and collaboration – trusting that your partner knows what the hell he or she is doing. A Way Out manages to hit this nail on the head by providing players with an elaborate couch co-op experience.

You and your partner will play as two convicts, Vincent and Leo, who are basically looking for a way out of prison. These two protagonists couldn’t be more different from each other, with both men having completely different motivations and personalities.It’s up to the both of you to hatch the perfect escape plan and do whatever it takes to find freedom. The game plays out in a split-screen perspective, leaving both Vincent and Leo to their own devices. You and your partner each have their own roles in the escape, meaning you won’t be actually working “together” for most of the time. Scenarios aren’t set in stone, meaning you can approach each situation differently depending on your plans.

A Way Out perfectly captures what a real “co-op” game actually is, with its underlying message of camaraderie, collaboration, and trust. Check out our thoughts on this thrilling prison escape.

Attack on Titan 2

Top 6 Best Co-Op Games of Q1 2018

A direct sequel to the first game, Attack on Titan 2 continues where the anime arc left off and lets players experience the story for themselves. You can create your own fully customizable character and join the Survey Corps, killing different Titans and protecting life behind the walls. The story mode is fairly linear, providing players with objectives on their different missions to slay the Titans. It acts as a great way to learn everything you need to know about the game before you jump into the other co-op modes.

Missions also return to the game, letting players team up and take on a variety of quests with a friend. There’s also a competitive PvP mode where two groups of scout members must earn the most points within a time limit by effectively killing titans. On top of that, there’s even a mode where you can play as a Titan yourself, eating people and destroying buildings while swatting away scout members. Attack on Titan 2 is filled with plenty of non-stop action that you can share with a friend, making for an enjoyable co-op experience. Read up on our thoughts about the game!

Kirby Star Allies

Top 6 Best Co-Op Games of Q1 2018

Another one of Nintendo’s long-standing icons has finally made his debut on the Nintendo Switch. Kirby Star Allies is filled with mellow platforming adventures and cute characters, perfect for those who prefer a more streamlined gaming experience. The pink puffball is back for another adventure filled with plenty of heart (literally) and soul, sending players on a quest to investigate mysterious crystals from planet Jambastion.

Using your own crystal heart, Kirby can use his newfound power to befriend his enemies and turn them into allies. Your friends can control any frenemies you manage to sway over to your side, making for a rather charming experience. On top of that, having friends by your side is a great way to breeze through any challenge in the game. Each frenemy has their own unique skills and abilities, and Kirby can freely switch between any enemy he comes across. Kirby Star Allies is the perfect co-op game for those who are new to the platforming scene or just want to enjoy a charming, lighthearted escapade. Here’s what we thought about Kirby’s latest adventure.