Best PS4 Couch Co-Op Games & Local Multiplayer Games (2024)

As good as online connectivity is, it’s frustrating that it has largely come at the cost of sacrificing split-screen cooperative play in many games. If you ask us, nothing beats good ol’ couch co-op! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best PS4 couch co-op games to play with friends so you won’t run out of fun times to spend with your pals anytime soon.

It Takes Two

One of Hazelight Studios’ more recent offerings, It Takes Two, is easily one of the best couch co-op games to come to the PS4 in a long time. You and your gaming pal of choice can dive into an imaginative world together, solving puzzles and engaging in hijinks as you do. It’s a must-play for anyone who enjoys local multiplayer, so give it a shot ASAP.

But if you need some more convincing, you can just look at its achievement for the Game of the Year TGA award back in 2021.

Overcooked 1 & 2

Overcooked is frantic. Overcooked is mad. Quite simply, Overcooked is one of the most entertaining couch co-op games ever made. This endearing indie title is like a digital Hell’s Kitchen where players will have to work together to cook up a storm while navigating some of the most poorly designed kitchens ever conceived.

Of course, it’s all fun and games until your teammate goes all Gordon Ramsay over your sloppy culinary skills! Overcooked 2 adds even more insane stages and new recipes for you and your friends to learn.

Rocket League

Nobody could have possibly predicted that Rocket League, a game in which you play soccer with rocket-powered cars, would become such a phenomenon, but here we are. On paper, it all sounds rather silly, but in practice, it’s utterly brilliant.

In cooperative mode, especially, Rocket League is a total hoot; a game that succeeds because it is both easy to pick up and difficult to master. But even when the giggles are replaced by competitiveness, the title still measures up as an accomplished sports game, making it a must-play.

Helldivers

Couch co-op is where Helldivers’ twin stick shooting gameplay really stands out. Up to four players are landed on the game’s varied maps, tasked with completing objectives and surviving enemy encounters. Helldivers 2

There’s plenty of diversity in its missions, requiring teammates to coordinate different roles, and each mission features lots of different vehicles and weapons – some designed specifically for cooperative play. Although it has a sequel, Helldivers 2 does not support local co-op at the moment, but this could change later. Regardless, the sequel has made this original version even more appealing.

Minecraft

It’s an oldie at this point, but still a goodie. Minecraft provides endless hours of fun and creativity for you and your family and friends who have time to sit down for a quick game. Build a farm together, go spelunking, or defend your homestead from the evil zombies and creepers.

Minecraft is the perfect opportunity for you to introduce your friends to video games and let them flex their creative muscles while they’re at it. In fact, you can check out our guide on the best creative building challenges to stir up some more competition.

Towerfall Ascension

Towerfall Ascension is a real indie gem featuring 2D arena-style combat that echoes Smash Bros’ awesome gameplay formula. Although its PVP play is arguably Towerfall’s better multiplayer mode, there’s plenty of fun to be had in cooperative mode, too. Players can look forward to hours of entertaining and downright hilarious action defending against waves of enemies.

Related: Best Written Video Game Stories on The Mary Sue

Diablo III & IV

The devilishly popular Diablo III made its way to PS4 in 2014, and aside from stunning us with its awesome campaign and online modes, it also features a sweet two-player local cooperative mode. But it gets even better: both of you can simultaneously join an online session from the same console.

Those who want to take it a step further with the latest entry in Diablo can tune into the fourth installment. The game more or less showcases the same couch co-op mechanics, continuing the saga with an all-new storyline. If you happen to own an Xbox, you can even get Diablo IV on Game Pass.

Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville

The Plants vs Zombies franchise has become a couch co-op staple on almost every platform. One prime example of this is Battle for Neighborville, which can only be played split-screen on consoles.

It’s another great entry that lets you battle in the suburbs with your friends on the couch. There are tons of new beautiful levels to check out, along with unique classes and abilities to experiment with.

Alienation

When it comes to pure gameplay, developer Housemarque is a master class in the art. There are few who boast such an accomplished resume, and Alienation is one of its best triumphant.

The game’s combat moves at lightning speed, with some of the more frantic scenes featuring dozens of onrushing enemies in a vibrant splatter of gorgeous color. But never once does Alienation feel out of control, thanks to delicate controls and responsive gameplay. It’s easily one of the best cooperative experiences on PS4.

Dead Nation: Apocalypse Edition

Before Alienation came around, we had Dead Nation: another Housemarque special. Dead Nation is a twin-stick shooter that boasts the same accomplished design, pretty graphics, and engaging gameplay. It offers cooperatively play through its entire eerie campaign, as well as complete multiplayer specific content.

EA Sports FC 24

EA has been tweaking the EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) formula for decades, but the couch co-op gameplay remains the same. Each year brings new features and changes to the game’s physics, pushing it further toward simulation than the more arcadey-feeling entries of yesteryear. While this has sometimes spoiled the fluidity of gameplay in the past, EA Sports FC 24 is absolutely one of the best versions ever made.

Hyper Light Drifter

The pixelated indie action RPG was a massive hit when it first launched, marrying an iconic 16-bit style with modern mechanics. In cooperative mode, two players can take on Hyper Light Drifter’s main campaign, though the second player cannot upgrade their drifter or acquire new weapons.

Instead, upgrades, new weapons, and abilities are determined by the progress made by the first player. While that is somewhat frustrating, the competence of its gameplay and the sleekness of its design still make for a great couch co-op experience on PS4.

Rayman Legends

Rayman Legends is the total cooperative package; a hugely entertaining platformer with an endearing aesthetic. Legends support up to four players locally, with each player being able to select from the many colorful variations of Rayman and his companions. There’s even a whole stack of remastered levels from the originals for those day-one fans.

Never Alone

Never Alone is an adorable puzzle platformer about an Alaskan girl and her pet fox. It shines most when you navigate the arctic tundra of the game’s main campaign with the help of a friend. Taking control of the girl and the fox, there’s a satisfying amount of teamwork required to navigate puzzles.

The game’s story touches on the Alaskan culture, adding a bit of educational value. This is a calming and somewhat peaceful multiplayer experience that offers a change of pace from the norm.

Minecraft Dungeons

If you want to switch things up from Minecraft’s classic mechanics, you can tune into Dungeons, Mojang Studios hit action-adventure game. You’ll be able to play it online or locally with up to four players, eliminating formidable beasts on various levels. Even if you haven’t played Minecraft, Dungeon Crawler lovers will certainly enjoy this title as they power up with each battle.

Salt and Sacrifice

Salt and Sacrifice is a beautifully animated 2D Souls-like. And while, at times, it almost too closely resembles the Dark Souls series from which it is inspired, Salt and Sacrifice’s side-scrolling gameplay does enough to put a new spin on proceedings. Its gameplay is brutally challenging, but not unfairly so, and the game is tied together by a haunting atmosphere. Best of all, you can enjoy the entirety of its 30-or-so-hour campaign cooperatively with a buddy.

This game is also a follow-up to Salt and Sanctuary, which is absolutely worth checking out as well if you enjoyed what you played of Sacrifice.

Madden NFL 24

The sports title that started it all is still producing top-notch football simulations. Like EA Sports FC for soccer, Madden is the go-to sports franchise for football fans, and it’s a go-to couch cooperative game for many, too. Up to four players can enjoy local multiplayer, unleashing competitive fast-paced turns.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2

If you are a skater or just a fan of skating, Tony Hawk’s legendary games come to PS4 in the form of an epic connection. You can take your sessions locally or online in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 and compete with players worldwide.

Choosing your skater will be a challenge since all the pro skaters are available in this game. But you can ease the process by deciding with a friend through its local co-op features.

Puyo Puyo Tetris

An interesting mix of Puyo Puyo and Tetris, this is a puzzle game that works well as a couch co-op party title with friends. Alternatively, you can play on your own for hours on end and enjoy the pleasures of puzzle-solving on your own.

Badland

On paper, Badland looks and sounds a bit basic, but don’t be fooled; it’s a lot harder than it may appear. Everything will depend on your skill and precision, and it will only get more challenging with advanced levels. In brief, this side scroller has you tapping a single button to avoid enemies, using power-ups that grant certain abilities along the way.

The clone mechanic is its standout feature, though, suddenly multiplying your character dozens of times over. There’s plenty of innovation in its design, and adding another player for cooperative action doubles the fun.

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection bundles together Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel. Even better, there’s a feature that allows you to play with a friend in split-screen couch co-op, supporting two players. Together, you and a buddy can loot to your heart’s content, take down the biggest enemies together, and try to overtake the moon in a joint conquest.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Call of Duty never disappoints when it comes to local co-op action. The latest entry, confusingly titled Modern Warfare 3, showcases fun-filled multiplayer modes and the MW’s first-ever Zombies challenge.

Using its split-screen features, you can jump into local co-op play with your friends. All the classic game modes are back as well, and this is an easy one to recommend if you’re looking for something entertaining for a game night.

Enter The Gungeon

Enter the Gungeon is a mashup of roguelike-level design, twin-stick shooting, and mad bullet hell dodging. Action moves at lightning pace, and there’s a real intricacy to its combat that demands careful timing and precision.

The four playable characters each start with different weapons, featuring over 190 variations through its progression. Cooperative gameplay isn’t quite as tight as solo, with some levels feeling a bit cramped, but Enter The Gungeon’s explosive action is still a blast with a pal.

Lara Croft: The Temple Of Osiris

Lara Croft: Temple of Osiris follows on from Guardian of Light, a top-down twin-stick style shooter that portrays Lara more closely with the tropes of the original games. Cooperative gameplay works really well and is one of the game’s standout features. Up to four players can team up to navigate the tomb’s various puzzles and gun down enemy hordes, wrapped together in a fairly decent story.

If you’ve gone back and played the recent HD remasters and now want some co-op Tomb Raider fun, you can’t go wrong with Temple of Osiris.

Guacamelee! 2

Guacamelee! 2 is pretty much an awesome improvement and a step up in every way from its predecessor. As a Mexican-themed 2D Metroidvania brawler, you can team up with your friend to fight your way through a gauntlet of hilarious and colorful bosses and explore a wonderfully beautiful world together.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

It might be a remaster of a fairly old game, but it still holds up pretty well on the PS4. Best of all, though, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition also features local co-op. It’s not the main focus of the game, but two players can still take control of two separate characters during combat encounters to shake things up a little.

Divinity: Original Sin 1 & 2

Divinity: Original Sin is an isometric turn-based RPG that allows gamers to complete their main campaign cooperatively. A hybrid camera setup means the screen only splits to allow gamers to explore different worlds independently – a superb design feature that we don’t see enough of. Divinity: Original Sin is a massive RPG with plenty of content to enjoy with a pal.

There are nearly endless character customization options and different abilities to shape your build preference, and its levels are brimming with that oh-so-sweet loot. Oh, and did I mention it’s from Larian Studios? You heard that right, the makers of the GOTY Baldur’s Gate 3 took part in this one, so you don’t want to miss out.

Broforce

Broforce is a 2D co-op action platforming shooter with over-the-top action, violence, and destruction that Michael Bay would very much approve of. The game caters to local multiplayer, allowing up to 4-player co-op, and Broforce really excels in this mode. The more Bros you get to join you on your quest, the more chaos and mayhem are added to the mix, as is a hefty dose of belly laughing, too.

Nex Machina

Finnish developer Housemarque knows shoot ’em ups. They’ve spent the past twenty years perfecting and honing the formula, and Nex Machina might just be the pinnacle of their portfolio. Like the awesome Dead Nation and Alienation, Nex Machina is an adrenaline-pumping twin-stick shooter that is an absolute joy.

It’s also utterly beautiful to look at. Each level is a dazzling 60fps neon light show amid frantic explosions that erupt in glorious detail. Best of all, the entire campaign is playable in co-op. You won’t find many games more intense and exhilarating.

We Are The Dwarves

Intergalactic Dwarven astronauts. Yep… that’s a thing. With We Are The Dwarves, the developers have boldly blasted dwarves where no dwarf has ever gone before. Each of the three playable dwarves handles very differently, each with their own special abilities. In its cooperative campaign mode, it’s all about working together to manage and execute those abilities tactically throughout your adventure.

Combat can be paused, allowing you and your buddy to plan out the best tactics. It’s far more measured than something like Diablo, but executing a carefully planned strategy makes for plenty of woohoo moments.

Viking Wolves of Midgard

Vikings Wolves of Midgard didn’t launch with couch co-op, but a previous patch has finally added it in, and now the whole campaign can be played with a friend. The isometric RPG is heavily inspired by the iconic Diablo series, with gameplay centered around looting, leveling, and upgrading equipment. If you have ever played a game from this sort of genre, you’ll find the controls pretty smooth and intuitive, with special attacks all assigned to individual buttons.

Combat is a bit more measured, almost Souls-like, than something like Diablo. There’s far more emphasis on timing, striking, and evading enemies, as opposed to just going full bore. There aren’t many good Viking-themed games out there, but this one is certainly worth taking on with a pal.

Death Squared

If you’re looking for some mental stimulation, Death Squared might be the ultimate cooperative brain teaser. While single-player follows the story of an AI tester progressing through the ranks of a corporate robotic company, co-op abandons the story for 40 purpose-built local multiplayer levels.

Things start easy but quickly get tricky, employing some very clever level design to keep you on your toes. Once things begin to click, though, the head-scratching gives way to high-fiving, and Death Squared is an absolute blast.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes

Any of the LEGO games are deserving of a spot on this list, but Marvel Super Heroes is definitely one of our favorites. Packed with oodles of charm and humor, the entirety of the main campaign can be played cooperatively. You’ll get to visit loads of iconic locations from Marvel movies and play as all of your favorite Superheroes in adorable LEGO guise.

Outside of main missions, the game is essentially a full-scale open world that can be traversed and explored for collectibles. You can swap out and select different characters as you unlock them, too, so there’s loads of variety to gameplay. Any of the other LEGO games will do the trick, as well.

Child of Light

Not many people know Child of Light has a cooperative mode, but it is possible to play it through with one friend taking control of Igniculus, the firefly. Igniculus functions primarily as support during the game’s turn-based battles, though a second pair of eyes is also helpful in solving the game’s puzzle sections, too.

If you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking, story-driven co-op game with tactical combat and a jaw-droppingly gorgeous aesthetic, look no further.

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth already had an unbelievable amount of content without the addition of cooperative play. The variety of monsters, maps, and items in this roguelike is astounding, and the gameplay is non-stop entertainment all the way through. Teaming up with a friend via drop-in or drop-out doubles that fun, blending challenging gameplay with almost endless discovery.

The off-the-wall premise – half-naked babies escaping a basement full of monsters by crying on them – is actually held together by a surprisingly deep and somewhat spiritual narrative. A must-play.

Rock Band 4

The ever-popular Rock Band series continues with its fourth iteration. Four-player co-op means you get a whole crew over and find out which one of you is the elite keyboardist of the group. There are 65 songs to choose from spanning 1960-2010, and if you’ve downloaded songs for previous Rock Band games, most are compatible with this version.

Musos will love the chance to nail guitar and drum solos across their favorite tracks, but the gameplay is entertaining and accessible enough for anyone to give it a go. For the best experience, a peripheral instrument kit is also available.

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy

The beloved Trine series made a return last year with the release of Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy. The game features local co-op, allowing you to traverse its gorgeous 2D landscapes with a friend, fighting fantastical bosses and solving environmental puzzles along the way.

Nuclear Throne

Nuclear Throne takes frantic bullet hell gameplay and marries it to roguelike game design. In doing so, the game should appeal both to players who love fast-paced gunplay and those who favor a more measured, tactical approach.

Whatever your play style, there’s a smorgasbord of devastating weaponry to use along the way, from low-tech garden appliances to futuristic laser miniguns. The campaign, which can be played with one friend cooperatively, is brought to life with a host of whimsical characters, each of which can be leveled with new skills as you progress.

One Piece Pirate Warriors 4

Based on the longstanding anime series, One Piece Pirate Warriors 4 sticks faithfully to its source material and will be best enjoyed by those familiar with the franchise. That being said, this is a classic muso-style game, where players face off against massive waves of enemies in hack-and-slash action.

As long as you’re down with the genre, you’ll find it entertaining, even if you’re not up to speed with the lore. Team up with a single buddy and use the characters’ quintessentially anime superpowers to cut down entire fleets of enemy pirates. The mad combinations and ragdoll physics engine have enemies flying around in spectacular carnage.

PixelJunk Nom Nom Galaxy

In PixelJunk Nom Nom Galaxy, Soup is the currency of the cosmos, and you’re about to become a culinary mogul. Inspired by titles such as Terraria, Nom Nom Galaxy has players traversing environments and harvesting supplies to farm their commodities.

It might sound whimsical, but Nom Nom Galaxy takes soup production very seriously, and there is a ton of depth to its gameplay systems. Later on, players can use robots to automate the farming process, increasing production and giving them more time to build defenses. Playing with a friend, coordinating production, and reinforcing your stronghold is terrific fun.

Neon Chrome

Neon Chrome is a cyberpunk twin-stick shooter where you take control of a hacker trying to take down the Overseer of an evil corporation. You’ll battle enemies in a bid to reach the top floor, collecting coins to upgrade your equipment before taking on each end-of-level boss.

As a hacker, you’re not actually doing any dirty work yourself, taking control of droids that do all the shooting instead. These droids fall into different classes and can be upgraded with different attributes, from stealth to all-guns-blazing playstyles. You and four buddies can share the action.

Circuit Breakers

Another twin-stick shooter makes our list. Circuit Breakers brings all the madness of the 80s arcade to PS4, and it’s one of the best couch co-op experiences. The game employs a simple but innovative mechanic that puts a fresh spin on a familiar gameplay loop: crystals that drop from downed enemies facilitate upgrades to weapons

However, weaponry can be lost by aimlessly spraying bullets. You’ll need to stay accurate and mobile in the face of relentless enemy hordes to beat this challenging shooter.

Resident Evil Revelations 2

Resident Evil Revelations 2 is a four-part episodic adventure featuring old favorites Claire Redfield and Barry Burton. Players take control of Claire, paired with Barry’s daughter Moira, who acts as a supporting character. The dynamic between this pairing works well in co-op; one provides the muscle and Moira her puzzle-solving abilities.

It isn’t quite old-school survival horror, but its slightly more measured action will remind you of classic games in the franchise. If you’re in the mood for action, the run-and-gun Raid mode is also great fun with a pal, too.

Ark: Survival Evolved

ARK: Survival Evolved pits players against dinosaurs in a prehistoric world that has proven a winning formula among its substantial player base. The entire game can be played as a split-screen cooperative experience and offers a massive world to explore with a buddy.

You can spend dozens of hours getting lost in this enormous world, crafting and foraging for supplies to build your base. With a sequel likely to skip the PS4 entirely, the original ARK will remain your best option for couch co-op.

PixelJunk Shooter

This remastered-for-current-generation version of PixelJunk Shooter combines two games in one awesome