The 35 Best Local Co-Op Games on Steam

Updated July 7, 2026, by Mark Sammut: I've added two new local co-op games: Lost Castle 2 and Iron Meat.

Did you know that Steam has local co-op games? OK, that might sound obvious, but PC gaming is so heavily associated with online multiplayer that it's easy to forget that the platform offers nearly the same couch co-op games as consoles. In fact, Steam has by far the most co-op games out of any store, with dozens of new titles dropping each month. However, not all of them deserve your time or money, and a few games certainly stand out from the crowd.

Since searching for these types of releases isn't that simple, let's put together a lineup of the greatest local co-op games on Steam and try to cover a wide spectrum of genres. So, grab a couple of friends, boot up Steam, and prepare for a fun time all about cooperation, teamwork, and arguments.

1 Lost Castle 2

Another Steam Beat 'Em Up Roguelite (And Another Great One)

After roughly a two-year stint in Early Access, Lost Castle 2 made its full debut in June 2026, becoming the month's biggest local co-op Steam release. While June's multiplayer scene was headlined by Meccha Chameleon and Burglin' Gnomes, those games are online-only and therefore don't qualify here. Lost Castle 2 supports 4-player local and online co-op, and it seems like a better fit for the former.

Before proceeding any further, I will say that Lost Castle 2 has its share of technical issues that hold it back a bit, but nearly everything else is so good that a recommendation is still warranted. Beat 'em up roguelites are not hard to come by at all, but they are also natural fits for local co-op and regular contributors. Lost Castle 2 shakes things up by leaning further than most into RPG territory, granting things like different weapon types and other progression stables like upgrades.

While I wouldn't 100% recommend it to people who are tired of these types of games, Lost Castle 2 is definitely worth a shot for those into a good old-fashioned beat 'em up.

2 Split Fiction

The Best Co-Op Game On Steam

Hazelight is back with another fantastic co-op experience. Similar to It Takes Two and A Way Out, Split Fiction only supports 2-player runs, so solo playthroughs are not an option. While that can be frustrating for people who prefer to game on their own, Hazelight's dedication to co-op deserves praise, especially in an era when non-online-focused multiplayer projects are so rare.

Due to this creative decision, Split Fiction is built to emphasize and bolster cooperative action, including a story revolving around two characters who are forced to work together after they are screwed over by a corporation. Zoe and Mio are both writers, with the former specializing in fantasy and the latter in sci-fi. Long story short, their ideas are not only stolen but also turned into worlds that Zoe and Mio have to play through to survive.

Like It Takes Two, Split Fiction constantly shakes up its locations and gameplay. Each level essentially takes place in a different world within the general fantasy or sci-fi genre, and the environments span an impressive range of settings. The gameplay also evolves to match the situations, resulting in pretty constant surprises. Split Fiction could be described as a platformer, but that only reflects the core gameplay, not the game's incredible scope.

The story is pretty great too, with two fun protagonists and strong writing throughout. If two friends loved It Takes Two, they will probably adore Split Fiction.

3 Iron Meat

Shoot All The Aliens In The Face (With A Friend)

Side-scrolling shoot 'em ups are not exactly rare, but the genre's heyday was so long ago that new releases automatically feel antiquated. That said, when a game comes around that really nails the formula, it can be truly special, and Iron Meat is special.

Fundamentally, Iron Meat doesn't play all that different from classics like Contra, instead opting to perfect the formula that was written long ago. An alien invasion turned Earth into a hellhole, and it's up to you (and a friend) to blast a wide assortment of creatures in the face while running through a series of pretty cool levels. The action is fast and intense, with enemies coming fast and heavy.

Iron Meat can be played solo or in 2-player local co-op, and both are equally great, to be honest. This isn't one of those games that is way better with a friend, but co-op introduces a fun new way to experience the campaign.

4 Baldur's Gate 3

The Best Co-Op RPG On Steam For Players Looking For A Long Campaign

After achieving near-perfection with Divinity: Original Sin 2, another great co-op PC RPG, Larian Studios did the impossible and produced something arguably even better. After spending almost three years in early access, Baldur's Gate 3 finally made its proper debut in August 2023, and to say the game was well-received would be an understatement. Hailed as a new benchmark in the CRPG genre, the long-awaited sequel is a deep and rewarding single-player experience that can easily keep somebody entertained for months on end. A big part of the game's appeal is its flexible and reactive design that seeks to morph the world to complement a player's choices.

While a fantastic solo experience, Baldur's Gate 3's local co-op feature is also not an afterthought. Players can join someone else's campaign or start a new one and play together from the beginning. Thanks to the use of split-screen, adventurers are not tied to each other, and one party member can head out to explore on their own while their partner does something else. Even though they will likely stick together during most sessions, Baldur's Gate 3 makes it possible for both players to feel in control.

5 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate

Co-Op Hades Is A Beautiful Thing

There are roughly a billion TMNT games, and they cover a pretty wide range of genres and playstyles. Although not guaranteed in every game, co-op is a natural fit for a franchise that features four brothers as its protagonists, and we have gotten a couple of good brawlers over the years. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate exists in a post-Hades world, and that influence is pretty much impossible to ignore.

Here's the thing: Hades is great, and TMNT is great. Ergo, Splintered Fate is great. That math might not add up for everyone, but this 2024 is genuinely a solid attempt to create a Turtles version of the beloved roguelite, and it brings enough new ideas to the plate to stand as its own identity.

Splinter has been kidnapped, so the Turtles and their friends go on an adventure to rescue the rat. Naturally, they have to fight an army and plenty of bosses along the way, and defeat means returning to square one. During runs, players get to pick an upgrade or currency whenever a room is cleared, and the build options are decent. There are also permanent upgrades that must be unlocked for the Turtles to last longer, and Splintered Fate is relatively difficult. Solo, I think this game can get a bit tiresome after a while; however, in co-op, the novelty lasts way longer.

6 Marvel Cosmic Invasion

Accessible And Fun Steam Beat 'Em Up Co-Op Game

Is it remotely surprising that the team behind TMNT: Shredder's Revenge would end up producing one of 2025's best co-op romps? Marvel Cosmic Invasion builds on Tribute Games' previous outing by offering another gorgeous, challenging, and accessible adventure that can easily be enjoyed solo or with friends. The former works brilliantly and comes with tons of replay value due to the 15 playable characters, all of whom are unique; however, like with nearly every beat 'em up ever, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is just a bit better with friends.

The story is not important; the only thing you need to know is that the combat is smooth and bombastic, fitting for a game that features some of the most iconic and strongest heroes in fiction. While single-player has its own quirks, co-op really forces you to consider the characters' synergy, as you try to build a team of complementary fighters rather than just solo artists.

TMNT: Shredder's Revenge is also fantastic, while Streets of Rage 4 is a great option if you want a harder beat 'em up.

7 Rotwood (1.0 Release)

Co-Op Beat 'Em Up Roguelite Goodness

OK, here is a bit of a strange case. Rotwood is a perfectly enjoyable co-op beat 'em up roguelite, and I would recommend it to a group of friends who are just looking for something to play together. The combat is fun, the animations are great, and there are quite a few customizable options, both cosmetic and mechanical. The combo system and variety of weapons help keep things feeling fresh as playthroughs pile up, and the progression system can be rewarding thanks to its base-building aspect.

The thing is, Rotwood had a peculiar early access life. Klei's game launched to almost universal praise, but its reputation has since declined somewhat. The updates didn't always go down smoothly, and the 1.0 launch came out of nowhere, following a divisive point in Rotwood's development cycle. The main issue seems to be relics, as the most fun ones take a long time to unlock.

8 PowerWash Simulator 2

A Relaxing Time With Your Friends

While not garnering the same level of initial praise as its predecessor due to technical issues, PowerWash Simulator 2 nevertheless has all the elements to be a fantastic sequel, even if the bugs are and will always be frustrating. For multiplayer, the online component seems to cause the most issues, while the 2-player local co-op is a bit better.

The Career mode can only be experienced with two players, making it pretty much perfect for local co-op. As with the first title, you and your partner get to run a business, completing cleaning jobs that vary in scope, scale, and location. More importantly, PowerWash Simulator 2 is one of the most relaxing multiplayer games on Steam. After a long, exhausting day at work, it is nice to jump into your therapeutic fictional job.

9 Absolum

Another Smash Co-Op Beat 'Em Up Lands On Steam

Is there a genre that has more couch co-op success stories than beat 'em ups? Seriously, it seems like every other month produces a gem, and they tend to support both local and online on Steam (which is NOT a guarantee by any means). Absolum is another jewel in the genre's crown, from the same team that handled Streets of Rage 4.

Compared to that, this game is far more fast-paced and flashier, incorporating roguelite elements to improve replayability. Absolum's combat is among the best in the beat 'em up sphere, and it lacks neither depth nor accessibility. You have a few different characters to pick from, all of whom feel suitably different and combine to create interesting duos. The story is relatively lengthy for the genre, especially since you will be starting from scratch after a defeat.

10 It Takes Two

One Of The Greatest Local Co-Op Experiences Ever

Hazelight is responsible for three of the best 2-player Steam games, including Split Fiction. A Way Out is also fantastic and an easy recommendation for any duos seeking a mature storyline, but 2021's It Takes Two is generally regarded as the superior overall package. The story follows a married couple who are miniaturized and must embark on a wild adventure to make it back home. The premise might sound derivative, but the game absolutely nails its characters and visuals.

As May and Cody are on the verge of divorce, their shared situation forces them to communicate openly and work together after years of growing apart. It Takes Two's co-op gameplay reflects and enhances the narrative's themes.