The best local co-op games for two on the sofa

Online play gets all the attention, but there is still nothing quite like two people on one sofa shouting at the same screen. Local co-op never went away, and the last few years have been a golden age for it.

Built for two

The best couch co-op games are designed around two players pulling in the same direction — puzzles that need both of you, platforming that only works together, chaos that is funnier with someone next to you. They tend to be approachable enough that a non-gamer partner can pick up a controller and have a great time.

Getting set up

You will want a second controller, and on some platforms that is the only extra you need. The Switch makes this especially easy — a single console, two Joy-Con, done. Check the game's box or product page for the local player count so you are not caught out expecting split-screen that is online-only.

Pick up a spare pad from consoles & accessories and line up a couple of two-player games for the weekend.