While some people prefer solo experiences, I believe the vast majority of gamers enthusiastically welcome the possibility of experiencing great games with friends or family. With that being said, let’s check out 5 great co-op games available on Xbox Game Pass.
Unravel Two
Starting off with a puzzle-platform game, the sequel to 2016’s Unravel was released in June 2018.
Set on an island, the game only supports local co-op and focuses on two Yarnys. These characters have to work together in order to complete puzzles. Each completed puzzle gives access to a new area, with additional and more challenging levels.
For me, this is one of the most charming co-op games out there. The beautiful graphics and the emotive narrative that surrounds the characters are top-notch. The game really immerses you in its storyline. The co-op aspect just brings a welcomed sense of dynamism, that Unravel Two benefits from tremendously. One other great aspect is that if the players are not feeling challenged enough, there are optional puzzles that will surely amp up the difficulty.
In my opinion, its level and puzzle design are some of the best in the platform genre. It is one of those games that should be played alongside someone you really like. That is why I decided to include Unravel Two in this selection of great co-op games.
A Way Out
From the brilliant mind of director Josef Fares, the creator of 2021’s Game of the Year It Takes Two, we have A Way Out.
The game features a local or online split-screen co-op for 2 players. Played from a third-person perspective, the story follows two prisoners who try to break out of prison.
A Way Out is one of my personal favorites, right alongside It Takes Two. Also, as a big fan of story-driven experiences, this was an easy pick-up for me. The overall gameplay is amazing, with an even greater cinematic experience. Its unique and fresh mechanics really stand out from a genre of co-op games that seem to always feature the same aspects.
Although the controls can feel clunky sometimes, A Way Out is a perfect mix of brilliant storytelling and excellent gameplay. These two aspects make for a highly entertaining game, with an even greater ending that left me completely speechless.
Dead Space 3
If you are looking for a more horror-themed experience, Dead Space 3 will serve you just right.
In this survival horror, the protagonist travels to Tau Volantis, an ice-covered planet, in order to end the Necromorph threat. The Necromorphs are a race of alien monsters that have been threatening the planet.
With a remake recently announced, the third entry in the Dead Space franchise is one of my favorite co-op games. For me, there is nothing better than being immersed in a creepy environment with your friends. And when the scares come, the adrenaline rush keeps you glued to your screen. In my opinion, Dead Space 3 is a master in this field, with the support of carefully crafted environments and spooky visuals.
The terrifying and undoubtedly intense gameplay makes for one of the best co-op survival horror experiences out there. Every fan of the co-op genre should give Dead Space 3 a shot, and that’s why I chose to include it in this list of great co-op games available on Xbox Game Pass.
Overcooked 2
Turning our focus to a more family-friendly game, we’ve got Overcooked 2.
In this cooking simulator, a team of up to four players must prepare orders for their customers. The players can chop, gather, and cook the ingredients, combining them into different plates. The team also has to coordinate different orders at the same time, with increased difficulty as each level goes by.
Being a fan of the first Overcooked game, I was stoked when I heard that a sequel was in the works. And it turned out to be everything I wished for. Overcooked 2 took everything that the first entry nailed perfectly and cranked it up to even greater levels. For me, the greatness of this game comes from the fact that everyone can play it. Overcooked 2 achieves the great prowess of being one of the few games that bring together players of the most diverse skill levels.
It has bigger and more detailed gameplay than its predecessor, which can only mean one thing, more excitement. For me, Overcooked 2 is the definition of family fun, and that’s why I’ve selected it as a great co-op game.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction
As for the final entry in our selection of great co-op games available on Xbox Game Pass, we’ve got Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction.
One of the major game releases of January, Rainbow Six Extraction is a co-op multiplayer game that puts the players against an alien race called the Archaeans. Supporting up to three players, the operators have to complete objectives on alien-infested locations.
Although not one of the best co-op experiences out there, I still find Rainbow Six Extraction a great game that every co-op fan should try, especially if you are into FPS games. If you enjoy the overall spirit of the Rainbow Six saga, like me, then this game is a safe bet when it comes to fun and compelling gameplay. In my opinion, the co-op aspect of the game is what really shines, giving it a diverse feeling when compared to other similar titles.
Competing in an FPS saturated market, I believe Rainbow Six Extraction really stands out for its strategic aspects, which cleverly break away from the competitiveness of its predecessors.
Now that you’ve got in touch with all of these great co-op experiences, go have some fun.
What do you think of this selection? Would you change any of these entries? What is your favorite co-op game? Let me know in the comments down below!
