It's no secret that 2023 was a game-changing year for the gaming industry, offering a plethora of top-notch releases in various genres. Co-op gaming enthusiasts were particularly spoilt for choice, with an abundance of exciting new titles hitting the shelves, providing an exhilarating gaming experience for friends looking to team up and conquer challenges together.
The diverse range of co-op games introduced in 2023 catered to every preference, be it fantasy RPGs, thrilling horror games, or classic platformers. Whether players preferred to engage in online co-op adventures or relished local multiplayer experiences, the year had something for everyone.
Co-op gaming aficionados seeking the ultimate 2023 co-op experiences need not look any further. It's important to note that the following list is not ranked, but rather presented in alphabetical order.
Baldur's Gate 3
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Larian's Baldur's Gate 3 received universal acclaim, bagging multiple Game of the Year awards and earning a spot as one of the finest RPGs in gaming history. While many opt for a solo adventure, the game also boasts robust co-op support, allowing up to four players to engage in online co-op, along with 2-player split-screen on all platforms except Xbox Series S. Larian's inclusion of split-screen co-op as a key feature in this expansive RPG is indeed commendable at a time when many developers have phased out local co-op.
Bang-On Balls: Chronicles
Among the array of co-op games released in 2023, Bang-On Balls: Chronicles stands out as a uniquely eccentric 3D platformer, accommodating up to four players online and two players in split-screen. Players are plunged into themed worlds teeming with humorous pop culture references, offering a medley of goals to achieve and collectibles to amass. The game's appeal lies in the chaotic freedom players have to wreak havoc in the game world, courtesy of its destructible environments. While it may have flown under the radar for some, Bang-On Balls: Chronicles guarantees a delightful experience and may particularly resonate with fans of the Goat Simulator games. Interested parties can delve into Bang-On Balls: Chronicles on PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox.
Cassette Beasts
For fans of Pokemon seeking a novel co-op twist within the monster-catching realm, Cassette Beasts is a must-play. Standing tall among the best Pokemon-style games, even when compared to Pokemon itself, Cassette Beasts invites a custom player character and their companions to explore a peculiar world brimming with bizarre monsters to capture, train, level up, and evolve. The game allows a second player to assume control of the active companion, granting them the freedom to traverse the game world and partake in battles.
Dead Island 2
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Although the arrival of Dead Island 2 may have been long-awaited, it proved to be worth the anticipation for many co-op gamers. The game enables up to three friends to band together, embarking on quests and mowing down zombies in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. The thrill of annihilating undead hordes alongside friends remains evergreen, and Dead Island 2 equips players with an extensive arsenal of weapons to experiment with. Despite the disappointment of the player count being reduced from four to three, the game remains one of the most substantial co-op experiences of the year, promising even more content in the pipeline.
Diablo 4
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Co-op has been ingrained in Diablo's DNA since its debut in 1997, making it no surprise that it's a pivotal selling point for Diablo 4. The game supports 2-player local co-op, but truly shines in the online co-op domain. While venturing through Diablo 4's expansive world, players may encounter others engaged in the game, affording the opportunity to form parties, complete quests, and tackle dungeons together. Despite some disappointed fans due to the game's post-launch support, it continues to receive fresh content and is set to receive a substantial expansion in 2024, ensuring an abundance of Diablo 4 co-op adventures in the future.
Disney Illusion Island
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Amidst the plethora of Metroidvania platformers, Disney Illusion Island stands out, boasting a vibrant art style inspired by classic Disney cartoons, and accommodating 4-player co-op. On a single Switch console, players can assume the roles of iconic characters Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, as they navigate the game world, acquiring new abilities, typical of Metroidvania games, to access previously inaccessible areas. Unlike some co-op platformers that struggle with actual cooperation, Disney Illusion Island encourages collaborative play by incorporating special co-op moves such as Rope Drop and Leap Frog.
Lethal Company
Lethal Company emerged as an unexpected frontrunner, captivating players and garnering immense popularity as a co-op horror game in early access. The sci-fi horror game tasks players with exploring abandoned facilities, often encountering spine-chilling creatures along the way. Its resounding success during early access paves the way for anticipation regarding future updates and potential expansion to additional platforms.
Moving Out 2
The original Moving Out resonated with co-op gamers, mirroring the chaotic charm of the Overcooked games, setting the stage for intense and comical scenarios. Its successor, Moving Out 2, surpasses its predecessor, incorporating online co-op and an assortment of gimmicks to keep players on their toes. Undoubtedly one of the standout co-op experiences of 2023, Moving Out 2 guarantees hours of uproarious entertainment.
Remnant 2
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Remnant: From the Ashes deviated from conventional Soulslike tropes by emphasizing co-op play and ranged weaponry. Its sequel, Remnant 2, retains all the aspects that made its predecessor exceptional, elevating the experience to new heights. The game's procedural generation has been enhanced, ensuring players and their co-op counterparts are constantly confronted with fresh challenges. Enthusiasts of the Soulslike genre will find much to admire in Remnant 2, with its co-op support solidifying its status as one of the year's premier games.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Nintendo struck gold with its co-op formula in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, offering four-player simultaneous traversal of Super Mario stages for the first time. Co-op has continued to be at the forefront of 2D Super Mario games, with 2023's Super Mario Bros. Wonder being the latest addition to the series. Although some fans initially lamented the absence of player collision, the decision resulted in a less vexing co-op experience, allowing players to seamlessly tackle the game's fast-paced platforming challenges alongside friends. Moreover, Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces Dark Souls-inspired online features to the Super Mario franchise, enabling players to witness others partaking in the game, along with avenues to communicate with and assist strangers encountered online.