Local Co-op
In an age where online multiplayer dominates the gaming landscape, there’s something uniquely special about gathering your friends or family in the same room, sharing a couch, and diving into a game together. Have you ever noticed how local co-op games turn an ordinary evening into a memorable experience filled with laughter, teamwork, and friendly chaos? Whether it’s passing controllers back and forth, shouting instructions, or celebrating a hard-earned victory side-by-side, the magic of local co-op lies in those real-time interactions you just can’t replicate online.
But finding great local co-op games that are both recent and easy to jump into can be surprisingly challenging. What if you want something new that doesn’t require hours of tutorials or complicated setups? What games released in the last few years really deliver on that promise of fun, casual, yet engaging cooperative play for up to four players?
If you’re nodding along, this article is for you. We’ve handpicked three fantastic local co-op games from the last three years that are perfect for friends and family who want to share the screen, pass the controller, and create unforgettable gaming moments together. Ready to explore games that blend accessible controls, hilarious gameplay, and pure cooperative joy? Let’s dive in.
PlateUp! — The Ultimate Local Co-op Kitchen Chaos (2022)
If you’ve ever enjoyed the frantic teamwork of games like Overcooked, PlateUp! offers a fresh and exciting twist on the cooperative cooking genre. Developed by Sweet Bandits Studios and released in 2022, this game has quickly become a favorite for groups of up to four players looking for local co-op fun. It combines fast-paced cooking, restaurant management, and roguelike elements into a delightful experience that’s easy to jump into but hard to master.
The core gameplay revolves around working together in a kitchen to prepare dishes, serve customers, and upgrade your restaurant. What sets PlateUp! apart is its procedurally generated kitchens, meaning that no two playthroughs are the same. As you race against the clock to fulfill orders, the kitchen layout and available appliances change, forcing your team to adapt on the fly and keep communication tight. The goal is straightforward: keep customers happy by preparing meals quickly and efficiently while avoiding the usual kitchen disasters like fires and spills.
PlateUp! supports one to four players locally, making it perfect for families or friends gathered in the same room. The controls are intuitive and accessible, so even those new to video games can easily join in. Whether you’re using controllers or a keyboard on PC, the interface is designed for simplicity and quick learning. What’s more, the game allows drop-in and drop-out multiplayer, so friends can join or leave without interrupting the flow, making it flexible for casual get-togethers.
The magic of PlateUp! lies in how effortlessly it brings players together. The gameplay encourages constant communication, teamwork, and laughter as you juggle cooking, chopping, serving, and cleaning. The visual design helps keep everything clear — each ingredient, appliance, and task is easy to recognize, which reduces confusion during chaotic moments. Because each session lasts about 15 to 30 minutes, it fits perfectly into game nights or quick bursts of fun, with randomized kitchens keeping every run fresh and engaging.
Mechanically, PlateUp! sits at the intersection of co-op cooking simulation and roguelike. You’ll spend your time chopping ingredients, cooking dishes with precise timing, serving hungry customers, and upgrading your kitchen between rounds. If things don’t go well, you’ll lose your progress but gain perks for future runs, adding a rewarding meta-progression layer that keeps players coming back. This mix of quick decision-making and evolving strategy makes the game both approachable and satisfying.
Currently, PlateUp! is available on PC via Steam and Xbox Game Pass for PC, Xbox One and Series X|S, as well as PlayStation 4 and 5. Although it doesn’t support cross-platform play, its local co-op implementation is rock solid across these platforms. Unfortunately, there’s no Nintendo Switch version yet, but given the game’s popularity, many fans are hopeful it will arrive in the future.
Thanks to its procedural design and evolving strategies, PlateUp! offers a lot of replayability. Each session feels unique, and you’ll discover new team tactics as you play more. At around $20, it offers great value for anyone seeking social, easy-to-learn, but rewarding local multiplayer entertainment.
PlateUp! is an ideal pick for groups looking to dive into a cooperative game without a steep learning curve. It’s especially appealing to fans of Overcooked-style chaos who want a little more challenge and variety. If you enjoy teamwork-heavy games with lots of communication and fast-paced decision making, this game will keep you entertained for hours.
In short, PlateUp! perfectly captures the fun and frenzy of kitchen chaos in a way that’s approachable for both new and seasoned gamers. Its blend of cooperative gameplay, randomized challenges, and quirky humor make it a standout choice for local multiplayer sessions. Whether you’re hosting a casual game night or just want a lively way to bond with friends, PlateUp! is a delicious recipe for fun.
It Takes Two — The Award-Winning Co-op Adventure Built for Two (2021/2022)
Released originally in 2021 but with important platform expansions and a Nintendo Switch port arriving in 2023, It Takes Two by Hazelight Studios is a modern classic built from the ground up for two-player cooperative play. This game stands out as one of the best examples of local co-op done right, delivering a rich narrative adventure with varied gameplay mechanics that keep both players constantly engaged.
Unlike many multiplayer games where co-op can feel like an afterthought, It Takes Two is crafted entirely around collaboration. You and a friend play as Cody and May, a married couple turned into tiny dolls by a magical spell. The story explores themes of relationship struggles, teamwork, and reconciliation — all told through imaginative level design and playful mechanics that require you to work together at every turn.
From the moment you pick up the controllers, it’s clear this game is designed to foster communication and shared problem-solving. The levels vary wildly, shifting through multiple genres like platforming, puzzles, rhythm challenges, and mini-games. Each section introduces new abilities for Cody and May, encouraging players to combine their skills creatively. One moment you’re navigating a gravity-defying platform section, the next you’re teaming up to play a cooperative shooting gallery.
The controls are accessible enough that even casual players can quickly get the hang of their character’s abilities, but the game never feels trivial. It strikes a perfect balance between challenge and fun by gradually introducing mechanics and requiring both players to contribute actively. Because the gameplay constantly shifts, neither player can dominate the experience — success depends on genuine cooperation and timing.
One of the most praised aspects of It Takes Two is how seamless the local co-op experience is. Whether you’re playing side-by-side on a couch or online, the split-screen presentation never feels cramped. The camera smoothly adapts to both players’ positions, ensuring that you can always see your partner without frustration. On consoles and PC, the game supports a variety of input methods, so you can mix controllers or keyboards as you like.
Beyond gameplay, the vibrant art style, charming character animations, and humorous writing create an inviting atmosphere that draws players in. The story unfolds in inventive ways that keep the emotional stakes high without ever feeling heavy-handed. Each level’s creative world design reinforces the narrative themes, making the adventure feel like a lovingly crafted journey rather than just a series of challenges.
Platform-wise, It Takes Two is available on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, PC, and since 2023, the Nintendo Switch. The Switch version allows players to enjoy the full local co-op experience on the go, expanding accessibility for smaller groups wanting to play together anywhere. Though online co-op is supported, the game’s real magic shines brightest when two players share the same screen and space.
Replayability comes mostly from enjoying the story and exploring the diverse gameplay elements. While the campaign typically lasts around 12-15 hours, the joy of experiencing the quirky mechanics and narrative twists with a friend can’t be overstated. The game also offers a “Friend’s Pass” system, letting one player without a copy join another who owns it — perfect for trying out the game with minimal hassle.
It Takes Two is best suited for duos looking for a deeply cooperative experience that blends storytelling with gameplay variety. It’s ideal for couples, close friends, or anyone who values shared experiences that challenge communication and coordination in a meaningful way. Its approachable controls and engaging story make it accessible to newcomers, while the clever level design keeps veteran gamers hooked.
In summary, It Takes Two redefines what cooperative games can be. Its unique blend of heartfelt narrative, innovative mechanics, and flawless local co-op implementation make it an unforgettable journey for two players. If you’re after a game that’s both emotionally resonant and endlessly fun to play side-by-side, this one is a must-have.
Got it! Here’s the full deep dive on the third game, Moving Out 2, keeping the same style and tone:
Moving Out 2 — The Hilarious Local Co-op Moving Simulator (2023)
For anyone who enjoys chaotic, physics-based gameplay wrapped in a quirky, colorful package, Moving Out 2 offers an unforgettable local co-op experience. Developed by SMG Studio and DevM Games, and released in 2023, this sequel builds upon the goofy charm and hectic fun of the original Moving Out while adding new features and expanding the cooperative chaos.
In Moving Out 2, players step into the shoes of Furniture Arrangement & Relocation Technicians (F.A.R.Ts for short — yes, the game loves its silly humor), tasked with moving all kinds of objects out of homes, offices, and bizarre environments. The challenge lies not just in hauling items but in coordinating with your team to navigate tricky physics, avoid hazards, and beat the clock.
The game supports up to four players locally, making it perfect for friends or families gathered on the couch. The controls are simple and intuitive: pick up, carry, throw, and drop items, with no complex mechanics to master. This accessibility means players of all ages and skill levels can jump in right away and contribute to the team effort.
One of the game’s greatest strengths is how it uses physics and level design to turn even the simplest task — moving a couch — into a laugh-out-loud event. Objects can get stuck in doorways, topple over at the worst moments, or collide spectacularly with the environment and other players. The unpredictability leads to hilarious moments, and the game encourages creative problem-solving and coordination.
Each level introduces unique challenges: tight spaces, environmental hazards like rivers or slippery floors, and puzzles that require players to work together in inventive ways. Whether you’re maneuvering bulky furniture up stairs or balancing fragile items carefully, Moving Out 2 keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
The game shines in its local co-op mode, where four players can easily coordinate who carries what, plan routes, and troubleshoot on the fly. The shared screen is well-designed to accommodate all players, and the bright, cartoonish visuals make it easy to track what’s happening even in the busiest moments.
Platform-wise, Moving Out 2 is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and PC. It’s optimized for controllers but also supports keyboard and mouse on PC. Local co-op is a core feature, and many players have praised the game for its smooth drop-in/drop-out system and stable multiplayer performance.
Replayability is strong thanks to the game’s level variety and scoring system. Players are encouraged to improve their times and earn better ratings, which adds a competitive edge without overshadowing the cooperative spirit. The game also supports mods and custom levels on PC, extending its lifespan for dedicated groups.
Moving Out 2 is perfect for casual groups looking for a lighthearted, cooperative experience filled with laughter and unpredictable moments. It’s ideal for families, parties, or friends who want a game that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master in terms of teamwork and coordination.
In conclusion, Moving Out 2 continues the tradition of its predecessor by delivering a chaotic, charming, and endlessly entertaining local co-op experience. Its accessible controls, physics-driven gameplay, and hilarious scenarios make it a standout choice for anyone wanting to share some joyful chaos on the couch.
Ready to Gather Your Friends? It’s Time to Play Together
There’s no substitute for the laughter, excitement, and genuine connection that only local co-op gaming can bring. Whether you’re chopping up chaos in PlateUp!, embarking on a heartfelt adventure in It Takes Two, or tumbling through uproarious furniture-moving mishaps in Moving Out 2, these games share one thing in common: they were made to be played side-by-side with the people you care about.
So why wait? Dust off those controllers, call your friends or family into the room, and dive into the shared joy of local co-op gaming. These games don’t just offer a fun way to pass the time — they create moments you’ll remember, stories you’ll laugh about, and teamwork that brings you closer.
No complicated setups, no waiting for online lobbies — just pure, unfiltered fun in the same room, at the same time. The perfect game night is just a button press away. Ready to make some memories? Grab a controller and start playing now.
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