Gaming with your kids can be a great bonding experience (or a chaotic mess where someone gets "accidentally" yeeted into the lava). It's typically best to start your children on co-op games, which emphasize working together instead of against each other. The best co-op games are fun with just enough challenge to keep things interesting without leading to controller-throwing meltdowns.
Related8 Best Co-Op Games For Families
Great family-friendly games for all ages that include co-op campaigns.
PostsLuckily, there are tons of potential options out there. Whether you're building worlds, dodging enemies, or cooking under pressure, these games guarantee laughs and teamwork.
9 Super Mario 3D World
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
LikeSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Platformer Released February 12, 2021 ESRB e Developer(s) Nintendo EPD Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine miyamoto's Franchise Super MarioWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALMario games are typically a safe bet for family gaming, and Super Mario 3D World dials up the chaos for up to four players. You can jump, run, and (let's be honest) accidentally sabotage each other through tons of vibrant levels. The game is accessible for kids, but completionists will find plenty of challenges.
These days, this game is often sold with Browser's Fury, providing a fun little single-player adventure to try out as well.
8 Minecraft
Close 6 Images 6 Images CloseMinecraft
Sandbox Survival 10.0/10 Released November 18, 2011 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Mojang Publisher(s) Mojang Engine LWJGL, PROPRIETARY ENGINE Multiplayer Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer Franchise MinecraftWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALFew games give you as much freedom as Minecraft. You and your kid can team up to build an epic castle, explore dangerous caves, or just chill in Creative Mode. It's a game that can be very tough, or you can adjust the settings for children who find just walking in a straight line difficult.
Minecraft is so open-ended that kids cannot do it "incorrectly." There is no boss for them to struggle to beat and no objectives to accidentally mess up. The PC game also has a huge library of mods to turn Minecraft into practically anything you want.
7 Overcooked! All You Can Eat
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
LikeOvercooked
Simulation Released August 2, 2016 ESRB e Developer(s) Ghost Town Games Publisher(s) Team17 Engine Unity Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Franchise Overcooked Number of Players 1-4WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALWant to test your patience and teamwork skills? Overcooked! is basically a co-op cooking game where everything goes wrong in the most hilarious ways. It is not easy. There are tons of hazards, and you'll probably have to go through most maps several times. However, for older children (or younger children who don't mind a challenge), it's a great option.
The game is easy to hit the ground running with, but the later levels get much harder. This game is not recommended for those who get easily frustrated.
6 LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
CloseLego Star Wars
The LEGO games have been co-op gold for years, and The Skywalker Saga is no exception. It’s an action-packed, funny, and surprisingly deep dive into the Star Wars universe, letting you and your kid smash bricks and battle baddies through all nine movies.
RelatedLEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga - Best Characters
A fine addition to your collection.
PostsThe drop-in, drop-out co-op makes it great for casual playing, instead of dedicated gaming sessions that might keep you busy for hours. Plus, there is no penalty for dying and needing to try again.
5 Kirby And The Forgotten Land
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedKirby and the Forgotten Land
Platformer 4.0/5 Released March 25, 2022 ESRB E10+ for Everyone 10+: Cartoon Violence Developer(s) HAL Laboratory Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine unity Multiplayer Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer Franchise KirbyWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALKirby is adorable and colorful (and surprisingly forgiving). Perfect for kids still getting the hang of gaming, Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers fun co-op action with Player 2 controlling Bandana Waddle Dee (aka, the sidekick who does all the work while Kirby steals the spotlight).
The levels are pretty straightforward, but they are also packed with things to discover. Plus, "Mouthful Mode" is just pure comedic gold (that your kid will love).
4 It Takes Two
Close 6 Images 6 Images CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedIt Takes Two
Action Adventure 8.0/10 Released March 26, 2021 ESRB T for Teen: Animated Blood, Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence, Language Developer(s) Hazelight Studios Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Engine Unreal Engine 4 Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer Number of Players 2WHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONThis award-winning co-op masterpiece is designed exclusively for two players, making it one of the best parent-kid bonding games. You and your child play as two parents turned into tiny dolls, navigating imaginative levels filled with puzzles and platforming.
RelatedIt Takes Two: Every Chapter, Ranked
It's hard to decide which of the fantastic levels in It Takes Two are the best to play!
PostsThis game does have several adult themes (think: divorce), but it's about as heavy as a Pixar movie. Each level introduces a new gameplay option, so you're always tackling new things.
3 Cuphead
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedCuphead
Platformer Released September 29, 2017 ESRB E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco Developer(s) Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc. Publisher(s) Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc. Engine Unity Multiplayer Local Co-Op Franchise cupheadWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALCuphead is a stunning platformer that's inspired by 1930s cartoons. It's beautiful and brutal. This game is extremely hard, even for adults. However, if your kid is a bit older and has good reflexes, the two-player mode lets you take on this wild game together. Because of its difficulty, we only recommend it for more experienced players.
One player is Cuphead, the other is Mugman, and both will probably get obliterated by a giant evil carrot at least once. The good news? It’s incredibly satisfying when you finally do win, and your kid will forever think you’re the coolest gamer parent ever.
2 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Beat 'Em Up 4.5/5 Released June 16, 2022 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Tribute Games Inc. Publisher(s) Dotemu Engine FNA Multiplayer Local Co-Op, Online Co-Op Franchise Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONIf you're looking for a classic arcade beat-'em-up, Shredder's Revenge is about as good as it gets. It's a throwback to the old TMNT games, complete with fast-paced, button-mashing action and the ability to play all four turtles (plus some extras). It allows for up to six players to team up and take down Shredder's goons.
This game is simple enough for even younger kids. However, there is enough complexity for even older players to get engaged. It's a great way to introduce your child to the awesomeness of '90s gaming.
1 Rayman Legends
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedRayman Legends
Platformer Released August 30, 2013 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief Developer(s) Ubisoft Montpellier Publisher(s) Ubisoft, Nintendo Engine UbiArt Framework Multiplayer Local Multiplayer Franchise RaymanWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONRayman Legends is easily one of the best 2D platformers ever made. Plus, its co-op mode makes it even better. This game is packed with action-oriented levels and fun mechanics. It has a very great soundtrack, too, and music-based stages where your jumps sync to rock songs.
It's great for those who get easily frustrated. If your kid falls into a pit for the hundredth time, they’ll just float back in a bubble instead of getting a game over. This means less frustration, more fun, and way fewer “Dad, I don’t wanna play anymore” moments.
5:56 NextThe Best Co-Op Shooter Games
Shooting people in virtual worlds is more fun with friends by your side.
Posts
