Summary
These daysmultiplayer gamesare mainly played online, whether with friends or strangers. While this allows players an endless roster of companions to game with,embarking on couch co-op adventuresor otherwise button-bashing beside friends will always bring its own brand of fun. It’s simply not possible to cover an opponent’s eyes to steal a victory when they’re on a separate console elsewhere. They’re not forced to listen to the maniacal laughter that follows or witness a glory lap around the room. Side by side, players can truly share the experience, as well as some snacks. Plus of course, friends without the same console or game can play too.
Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic games out there featuring local multiplayer. For Xbox Game Pass users, many of them are available for free. However, there are some great couch co-op titles that some gamers may not be aware of since they are not available on Xbox Game Pass.
Updated on July 06, 2025, by Ritwik Mitra:The Xbox brand has seen its fair share of ups and downs in modern times, with many people finding the console to be a bit of an unnecessary purchase given its lack of exclusive games. However, there’s no denying that this console is great for players who want to game on a budget, with the sheer wealth of games present on this console making it a decent pick for any fan of everything from AAA masterpieces to indie gems and everything in between. Fans of local multiplayer titles will also be spoiled for choice, as the Xbox can boast the better collection of local multiplayer games in the current generation. With that in mind, more games that are perfect for local multiplayer have been included on this list.
While games not on Game Pass will be prioritized, a few exceptions will be included.
Most people could never have imagined that an auto-battler would become one of the biggest indie hits around, but that’s precisely what makesVampire Survivorssuch an incredible game. The game’s reasonable pricing and compelling gameplay loop make it a blast to interact with.
To make things even better, an update forVampire Survivorsadded local co-op for up to four players, letting friends sit together and decimate their enemies using the seemingly endless array of powerups and abilities. For such a simple form of gameplay, it’s amazing just how absorbing this experience can be, especially with a friend in the mix.
TheTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesbrawlers are legendary in their own right, with players loving the idea of controlling their favorite turtles to wreak havoc against the Foot Clan and other turtles enemies. So, it’s nice to see that these games are still going strong to this day.
Shredder’s Revengeis an immaculate beat-‘em-up that encapsulates everything the series does well. Players will love the retro trappings of this game - all very reminiscent of the legendaryTurtles in Time- and how it allows them to enjoy seamless six-player co-op, which isn’t all that common.
The ultimate button-bashing fighter franchise has had friends sweating beside each other since 1996. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed game with combatants duking it out for glory in the King of Iron Fist Tournament. Played socially on the sofa, the palpable tension rises second by nail-biting second until one combatant’s health bar is chipped all the way down to empty, and their leopard-headed character is KO’d.
Tekken 6,7, andTag Tournament 2are all playable on Xbox One/Series X.Tekken Tag Tournament 2is especially enjoyable when played locally with friends. Not only is it a classicTekkenentry, but it has the largest roster of fighters to choose from in anyTekkengame. Plus, it’s the onlyTekkenon Xbox where four friends can play at once, in two-VS-two tag matches!
Though for some gamersCrash Team Racing Nitro-Fueleddoesn’t quite match up to theMario Kartline, for many it is thetop-rated kart raceron Xbox. It is one of the most vibrant, whacky, and fun racing games available to play with pals on or offline.
The originalCrash Team Racingbecame a beloved multiplayer racerin 1999 on PlayStation 1, a triumph both in aesthetic and gameplay. 20 years on and beautifully remastered to modern standards,Nitro-Fueled’s squeaky clean graphics combined with even tighter gameplay ensure this game’s continuing success for years to come.
13N+/N++
2–4 Players Local
Who would have thought that such a seemingly simple game could be so much fun? Racing 2-dimensional stick figure ninjas against friends or family in this arcade platformer is sure to bring out everyone’s competitive streak. Players simply have to run faster than each other, time jumps better, and occasionally avoid an onslaught of lethal technology designed to thwart stick ninjas.
N+is the sort of game that has everyone right on the edge of their seat, then hovering out of their seat, preparing to cry out in victory, only to have a nifty opponent slide overhead and into the exit first.
Another vibrant and family-friendly game,Octodad: Dadliest Catchtells the tale of an Octopus hiding his true nature from his seemingly unsuspecting family. Depending on the number of players, each person must control one to four of Octodad’s limbs (using more would be a dead giveaway) whilst completing day-to-day tasks.
From making the morning coffee to going to the supermarket, things aren’t so easy for an octopus with flailing tentacles instead of arms or legs. Coordination is key to not making a hilarious mess of things. Funny, fun, and light,Octodad: Dadliest Catchis easy to jump right into and enjoy with anyone.
For any fans of fantasy RPGs,Divinity: Original Sin 2is one of the best around and one of the relatively few with a local multiplayer option. In fact, this gorgeous, rich fantasy adventure is highly suited to multiple adventurers questing together.
Players control a team of four characters, choosing from men, elves, dwarves, undead, or lizardfolk, all customizable to the heart’s content. They’lllevel and armor upas players wander various lands, striving to protect both mortals and gods from the Voidwoken. In terms of cooperative adventure titles, working together with friends or family to complete this quest is one of the most immersive and enjoyable experiences available.
TheResident Evilfranchise boasts some of the most acclaimed horror games of all time. Though for someResident Evil 5may not live up to certain earlier entries overall, it was an undeniable hit as a cooperative gaming adventure. Players take on the roles of Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar, who must work intimately together to solve puzzles and, of course, headshot some undead, ultimately saving the world from the terrible Uroboros virus.
LikeResident Evil 4,5manages to blend the series’ iconic horror thrills with tighter fast-paced action than earlier games, broadening the appeal to a wider audience of gamers. It’s a deeply fun, highly cooperative, zombie shooting adventure that will keep players coming back for more.
Driving and soccer games are among the most natural and fun genres to play with others. Combining the two with a destruction derby-ish twist gives playersRocket Leagueand tons of ludicrous multiplayer fun. The game is essentially soccer, except players must maneuver extremely rocket-propelled vehicles around the arena, perhaps pulling off some magnificent backflips to score a flaming goal.
It’s a fast-paced, gloriously atmospheric game with a simple objective: score more goals than the other person. Yet the rambunctious thrills and varying arenas and game modes will have players enjoying that objective again, and again, and again… and again. What’s more,Rocket Leagueis free to play.
Cupheadhas been lauded as a refreshingmultiplayer run-and-gunplatformer. It sees Cuphead and Mugman on a wonderfully eerie and beautifully designed side-scrolling adventure, facing off against a slew of fun and dastardly bosses until ultimately facing the devil himself.
All hand drawn in classic 1930s style cartoons and accompanied by original jazz recordings,Cupheadgives players a blast from the past in every sense, brought wonderfully to life in clean high definition. It’s a difficult venture at times, even with a friend, but delightfully rewarding and visually second to none.
