15 of the Best Co-Operative Puzzle Games

There is nothing better than playing puzzle games with a friend. Check out these great two-player co-op games.

Even though it's fun to play alone, sometimes it's nice to have someone else join you; whether it's a friend, partner, or a complete stranger. There have been some amazing new cooperative games coming onto shelves and digital libraries in the last few years, so cooperative games are on the rise.

In order to reach the end goal of these cooperative adventures, you will often need to work together and communicate effectively. Play as two geese navigating their way to village overlords, battle through a terrifying labyrinth, or even escape a frightening labyrinth in this collection of the best cooperative puzzle games out there.

Updated September 2, 2021, by Stephen LaGioia: Puzzle games can be a great way to train your brain whilst being entertaining in the process. Co-op puzzle romps can be especially useful, as they add elements of socialization and communication. In addition to this, the added dynamic of having more players opens up new avenues for creativity when it comes to game design, while adding to its complexity.

Given how many great co-op puzzle games are hitting the scene lately, it seemed like a good idea to revisit this piece in light of the ever-growing interest in social games and online functionality.

1 
It Takes Two

A platforming, puzzle-solving masterpiece for two players. It Takes Two is a critically acclaimed movie which revolves around husband Cody and wife May, whose relationship has become strained when their unwitting daughter turns them into dolls.

In order to complete puzzles and navigate obstacles in It Takes Two, you need to master your character's unique abilities and, most importantly, work together. Join your friends as you bobsleigh through a snowglobe, battle gangster squirrels, and pilot a pair of pants in this award-winning title taking the cooperative genre by storm.

2 

Luigi's Mansion 3

The Switch's Luigi's Mansion 3 is one of the best multiplayer games, combining classic Mario gameplay with some great puzzle elements.

As a result, although the game starts as a single-player game, you can invite another player into the adventure once Luigi unlocks his new friend Gooigi. This makes the game completely cooperative. Luigi's Mansion 3 will have you both teaming up to clear obstacles and thwart bosses, making this an ideal choice for those who don't want to be scared by gaming ghosts.

3 

Untitled Goose Game

The world's (least) favorite goose is back, and this time he's not alone. Untitled Goose Game co-op is an open-world cooperative game where two geese can work together to solve problems, chase villagers and of course, honk endlessly.

4 

Unravel 2

With Unravel 2, you and your partner need to solve platforming puzzles in order to progress through the stages and save two children who have run away from unreliable adults.

Despite its sad but enlightening story, this game is breathtakingly beautiful with breathtaking scenery and gameplay. Players need to escape a crazed pheasant, use objects to find hard-to-reach places, and most importantly, never leave one another behind.

5 

Ibb and Obb

You and your friends work together to move past obstacles and have some fun figuring out how to solve levels in the delightfully cute and creative Ibb and Obb cooperative puzzle game.

With stylish art and sound, this game is perfect to play together on the couch, and will keep you coming back for more with some tough and challenging puzzles - but nothing you can't solve with your team!

6 
Portal 2

The game is an older entry in the cooperative puzzle genre, but one that still holds its own as a two-player co-op adventure that you and a friend can spend hours upon hours solving.

There is an entirely separate campaign mode in Portal 2's co-operative mode, with its own story, portal mechanics, and two new characters. Teamwork is key to success, because when you work together, you'll discover new ways to use the portals and find a way out before Glados turns you against one another.

7 
We Were Here Trilogy

Using walkie-talkies to communicate, you and your partner must solve puzzles both independently and together in order to work out your locations and (hopefully) escape.

The game plays like an immersive first-person cooperative adventure, so both of you need to cooperate and discover useful items in order to solve each other's puzzles and reach the end. The game is great for those looking for a short escape room-style adventure game, and with a trilogy and fourth to follow, now is a great time to pick it up.

8 
Tick Tock: A Tale For Two

Playing this escape room-style game by yourself is not an option, as you'll have to work together to escape.

The story is based on Scandinavian folklore, and the setting is beautiful, if not slightly eerie. You both need to share information in order to get the full picture of what's going on and solve the story's mysteries.

9 

DYO

In Dyo, two Minotaurs are trapped on either side of a split screen who must work together to escape the cursed labyrinth they have been trapped in.

It is your responsibility to control the Minotaur and hop over the split-screen to manipulate levels, solving platforming puzzles and carving a path to freedom together. Since there are no enemies and no time limits, sit back, get puzzling and try not to yell as you both work together to unravel this maze's tricks and traps.

10 

Labyrinthine

With Labyrinthe, you'll combine survival horror with some classic puzzle-solving as you attempt to escape a creepy children's hedge-maze together and hopefully survive the bloodcurdling horrors it houses.

The game is designed for cooperative play between four players and plays like a classic puzzle-solver - everyone must know what they're doing and work together in order to uncover the dark secrets lurking around every corner and all escape the maze without dying.