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Strong together: the hottest co-op games
Not in the mood for loneliness? We present the best online co-op games in 2021.
Not in the mood for single-player games and don't fancy competitive multiplayer games at the moment? Then how about a great co-op game with your friends? Here are some of our current recommendations that will keep you glued to the gamepad for hours.
If you're more in the mood for captivating co-op action on the sofa at home, we've got something for you too:
01
It Takes Two
PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC
It Takes Two is fully designed for co-op and is bursting with innovative ideas that would easily be enough for ten games.
The story is about love and, fittingly, the game is also full of love for the medium of video games. It feels like you stumble across a successful homage, an Easter egg or a funny allusion every few steps. But It Takes Two also impresses in terms of gameplay with a unique mix of genres: 3D platformer, third-person shooter, fun racer and puzzle - all in one game.
And we haven't even mentioned the successful mini-games or the pretty Pixar-style graphics. All this makes It Takes Two an absolute highlight that co-op fans should not miss out on.
02
Elden Ring
PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC
In most games these days, co-op gameplay works by simply clicking on the friends list. But From Software's latest masterpiece hides the co-op mechanic behind a few puzzles, in the tradition of its predecessors.
Firstly, you need a certain item (Crooked Fingers of the Stained) to be able to summon another player in "The Lands Between". To do this, you must not have defeated the boss in the respective area. Oh yes, and you'll also have to do without your trusty steed in co-op.
But once you've enjoyed multiplayer (up to three are possible), you'll look at Elden Ring with different eyes.
03
Genshin Impact
PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
The Chinese fantasy action RPG Genshin Impact, which was only released at the end of September 2020, took the gaming world by storm. Visually, the adventure is reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, only with anime characters.
Despite or perhaps because of the free-to-play approach , the game is hugely popular because it also has a lot to offer in terms of gameplay. Thanks to cross-play, you can complete varied missions and hunt monsters with up to three friends across platforms? It's just as much fun as it sounds.
The co-op RPG Genshin Impact is taking the gaming world by storm
© Shanghai miHoYo YingTie
Cross-platform multiplayer
04
Ghost of Tsushima
PlayStation 4
Perhaps the best PS4 exclusive title of 2020 is best known for its stylish graphics and successful campaign. Since October, however, the open-world game has also had a stand-alone online co-op mode called Ghost of Tsushima Legends, which is a lot of fun.
Here, you can either take on varied co-op missions together with another samurai, which, in combination with the impressive graphics and fantasy setting of the free expansion, provides a fresh gaming experience. Alternatively, up to four players can slip into the skin of different classes in order to survive as long as possible against opponents in an interesting variant of the classic horde co-op mode. In any case, both co-op modes are fun.
05
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Okay, technically speaking, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a pure couch co-op title. NOCH, because online co-op will be added as a free update in December.
Then up to four players will be able to experience what is perhaps the most charming platform game since Rayman Legends together and wiggle to the fat beats of the cool music levels. And it's even cross-generational between PS4 and PS5. And honestly? Even in couch co-op, the new Sackboy adventure is a lot of fun.
The best PS5 games
06
FIFA 21
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
FIFA 21 is not necessarily known as a co-op game and yet it is possible. In addition to the Pro Clubs mode and other co-op modes, FIFA 21 Ultimate Team has been given a brand new feature this year.
Friendly matches, Squad Battles and even Division Rivals can be played cooperatively with two players. FUT 21 on its own is great, but in co-op? Even better!
FIFA 21 Ultimate Team
© EA Sports
Everything at a glance: Our FIFA 21 collection
With RBLZ Gaming, RB Leipzig is breaking new ground in the esports sector. We introduce the team:
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Neben den Top-Spielern Umut und Gaucho zocken auch das erst 14-jährige Talent Anders Vejrgang und die RBL-Fußballerin Lena Güldenpfennig für RBLZ Gaming.
07
Among Us
PC, Android, iOS
Raise the curtain on THE multiplayer and co-op hit of 2020, whose popularity went through the roof in July of this year - even though Among Us has been available since 2018. There is now no way around the indie game. This is mainly due to the fact that Among Us keeps you glued to the screen like no other game, despite its simple technology.
Up to ten players are assigned to two teams before a round: Crewmates and Impostors. While the crewmates have to complete various tasks within the space stations over the course of a round, the impostors have to sabotage them and eliminate the crewmates. An incredibly exciting cat-and-mouse game with addictive potential.
The Among Us hype is unstoppable!
© InnerSloth
Are you passionate about games? Do you already know Screenland? Our documentary series shows how gameswill help shape the future. From personal stories from the industry to newly discovered genres. In episode 1, dreams become reality:
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Dreamer's dilemma
Enter the world of dreams in virtual reality, where they can be shared and experienced with other people.
08
Spelunky 2
PC, PlayStation 4
The direct predecessor of the hard-hitting roguelike adventure is one of the most influential representatives of the genre in recent years. However, Spelunky 2 goes several notches higher (get it? Scoops? Because you dig your way through tunnels with a shovel... never mind).
In any case, frustration-resistant gamers will find an absolute masterpiece in Spelunky 2, which easily puts the first game in its pocket, especially in terms of variety and depth of play. Together with up to three friends, exploring the dark caves is even more fun.
Spelunky 2 is also a feast for speedrunners like our GrandPooBear, who has just built himself a cool new studio:
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GrandPooBear builds his dream studio
Go behind the scenes with speedrunner GrandPooBear as he tackles the build of his dream streaming studio.
09
Minecraft Dungeons
PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
One of the most influential multiplayer games of all time(Minecraft) meets one of the most influential co-op games of all time(Diablo 3) - that can only be a good thing, right?
Basically, you can think of Minecraft Dungeons as a classic dungeon crawler with a blocky look that will delight younger and older players alike with its charming humour. It may not be as complex as its big role models, but it is always fun, especially in co-op.
Pew, pew! Minecraft Dungeons is great fun in co-op.
© Microsoft
More about Minecraft Dungeons
10
Monster Hunter World
PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
If you've had enough of Dauntless or prefer the "real deal", then Monster Hunter World is your best bet. The main game alone will delight you with its varied classes, extensive mechanics and exciting co-op missions. In the Iceborne expansion, a whole host of new content awaits the best monster hunters.
Hundreds of hours of the finest co-op fun are guaranteed with Monster Hunter World. You can also try out the game on the PlayStation 4from 25 - 30 March as part of a free trial version - it's worth it (even without a trial version).
Monster Hunter: Iceborne invites you to go on winter monster walks
© CAPCOM
11
Warframe
PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
The Free2Play action title Warframe has been on the market for over seven years, and this fact alone speaks in favour of the game. Over the years, the title has regularly reinvented itself thanks to extensive updates and expansions , adding useful features that make Warframe one of the best co-op games around today.
The game combines role-playing elements with those of shooters and stealth action games to create an intense mix. Once you have created your character, you slip into the eponymous Warframe combat suit, which is equipped with special abilities and unique weapon systems. Alone or in co-op, you embark on a variety of missions from a ship.
You collect experience points for completing tasks and successful missions, which you use to level up - which of course unlocks a number of upgrades and new options. The scope of Warframe is now so huge that you can easily spend hundreds of hours in the action game without getting bored. Give it a try.
Warframe: Cyber ninjas in space
© Digital Extremes
12
Gears 5
PC, Xbox One
The third-person shooter is one of the most technically impressive games of recent years and, in addition to a successful solo campaign and extensive multiplayer options, impresses with the brand new co-op mode Escape, which is a reverse version of the legendary Horde mode (which also exists, by the way).
As a team, you have to get out of the enemy area, which consists of short levels, as quickly as possible, while Gears 5 throws a number of dangers at you. An adrenaline-fuelled race against time that requires perfect coordination.
Hard-hitting alien action is guaranteed in Gears 5
© Microsoft
13
Destiny 2
PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Bungie's action MMO has gone through some ups and downs since its release almost two and a half years ago. Around six months ago, the game switched to the Free2Play model as Destiny 2: New Light. The free version includes the main game and the two expansions Curse of Osiris and Spirit of War.
If you haven't yet tried out the adventure from the former Halo creators, you now have no excuses. Whether you prefer to play alone or venture into exciting missions, crunchy strikes or captivating raids in co-op mode - Destiny 2 has something for every shooter fan. There is also an extensive PvP multiplayer on top and once you have played through the free content (which is unlikely to happen any time soon), premium expansions such as Forsaken or Fortress of Shadows provide new challenges.
Destiny 2 keeps getting better and better
© Bungie
14
Diablo 3
PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Blizzard's action role-playing game belongs in every well-stocked game collection and has been one of the best co-op titles ever for years, whether played together on a PC or console or in online mode. Diablo 3 has now reinvented itself once again in Season 20 and even after eight years, the monster hunt for barbarians, demon hunters, witch doctors and the like is as captivating as it was at the beginning.
The perfect time to level up a new class or go hunting for new, even better equipment in the Nephalem portals until Diablo IV presumably takes over from the modern classic next year.
Are you looking for a free alternative to Diablo 3 or have you already had your fill of New Tristram and Caldeum? Then take a closer look at Path of Exile, which, despite its similar gameplay, skilfully sets itself apart from its role model.
Diablo 3
© Blizzard Entertainment
15
Borderlands 3
PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Do you want the finest comic action with a good dose of humour, varied planets, 4 cool classes with unique skills and a successful RPG system? Then you should pay Borderlands 3 a visit. The latest instalment in the cult series is in no way inferior to its predecessors.
Especially as there will be fresh content as early as 26 March, when the brand new DLC "Guns, Love and Tentacles" launches, in which you accept an invitation to an engagement party that goes... let's say a little differently than planned. Of course, in the add-on on the ice planet Xylourgos, you can expect a brand new, Borderlands-typically completely crazy story, brand new missions, enemies and bosses, which of course drop tons of brand new loot.
