Best Co-Op Games Releasing in 2026 That Already Deserve Your Attention

The last couple of years, we’ve started to see a shift in multiplayer gaming back towards co-op gameplay experiences. That’s in no small part to the success of Hazelight Studios’ breakout titles, It Takes Two and Split Fiction. Both games have reminded players everywhere that there are plenty of multiplayer experiences that don’t involve PvP brawls or games as a service subscription.

While co-op games are nothing new and have been around for just about as long as video games have existed, it does seem like we’re going through a bit of a renaissance at the moment. In fact, we’ve already seen a number of great co-op games come out this year. And there’s no sign of slowing down either, as there are still several co-op titles waiting to release in 2026 that are looking to make just as big of a splash.

If you’re looking for more co-op games to add to your must-play list for 2026, there are a number of titles in just about every type of genre out there coming soon.

10 Directive 8020

Screaming In Space

The Dark Anthology series has always felt more like an interactive movie than a video game, making it a great choice for playing with friends by committee. Directive 8020 looks to continue that tradition with a sci-fi horror experience that you probably won’t want to play alone in the dark. Getting a group of up to five friends together to play the game’s Movie Night mode allows each person to take on the role of a different game character and everyone has to vote on decisions made in the game.

It’s not a traditional co-op mode, but you’re definitely all working together to not get killed by aliens. Who survives and who dies can change from playthrough to playthrough, but there are usually some endings that could be considered better than others depending on who you talk to. But, all that means is you’ll have plenty of replay opportunities for you and your friends.

9 Forza Horizon 6

Big In Japan

While you’ll probably never be able to race through the streets of Tokyo, Japan with your friends in tricked-out sports cars, Forza Horizon 6 could be the next best thing. As in previous entries, players will be able to cruise around with friends in the game’s co-op mode and make their own fun. You’ll also be able to get through a number of challenges and racing events to progress through.

There are also planned casual events in-game, like meet-ups to hang out and let folks check out other customized rides. There aren’t a lot of racing games out there that include any robust or casual co-op features and, in general, the Forza Horizon racing games are top-notch. Definitely put it on your list if you like rolling with the homies.

8 Out of Words

The Sound of Silence

One thing that sticks out about Out of Words immediately is its striking stop-motion animation art style. The story of two best friends thrown into a world where they no longer have mouths and have to work their way through a series of puzzles and platforms. The game is looking to focus heavily on co-op team play that will require mastering skills and getting the timing just right to get past the game’s many obstacles.

Out of Words has a lot of promise and could be a real breakout co-op game that rivals titles like Journey, or It Takes Two. It will be interesting to see if and how the lack of a mouth will factor into online co-op play if at all.

7 Subnautica 2

Under the Sea

While the song in The Little Mermaid may have led you to believe that life under the sea was a paradise, the upcoming Subnautica 2 might have something to say about that. The highly anticipated sequel to the original underwater survival game is promising to be a beautiful and dangerous experience for co-op players everywhere. Along with a new ocean, players will get their hands on new vehicles and will even be able to mutate themselves for a better chance at survival.

Exploring the depths of alien oceans while trying not to get eaten by giant crabs and squids in Subnautica 2 should be on the sonar of anyone who enjoys a good survival game. Just remember that it’s sink or swim when it comes to Subnautica games.

6 The Duskbloods

A Bloody Good Time

The team at From Software is well-known for making challenging action-RPG experiences, and The Duskbloods seems like it will follow that legacy. The game will put players in the role of one of several classes of vampire-like creatures that will then be able to squad up in 8-player teams for PvP or PvE action. While not much has been shown off yet, the game seems to be full of the types of horrendous, yet gorgeously designed creatures we’ve all come to know and love from the Souls and Bloodborne games.

While The Duskbloods is light on info at the moment, players who enjoy a challenge should keep an eye on this one. I personally don’t fare too well on my own in these types of games, so titles like this and Elden Ring: Nightreign that focus more on the co-op experience make them much more inviting, since I can always get a friend to carry me through the harder spots.

5 Ikuma: The Frozen Compass

Cold as Ice

Fans of Lost Ember will be pleased to know that Mooneye Studios' upcoming narrative adventure Ikuma: The Frozen Compass is looking just as good. The co-op adventure puts players in the role of a boy and his dog as they try to survive the frozen arctic tundra. Players will have to explore and manage their supplies in order to survive and make it back home.

Much like many other games on this list, Ikuma is taking a note from the It Takes Two and Split Fiction school of co-op gameplay and introduces asymmetrical gameplay aspects. Meaning what you do as the boy or the dog could be a whole different experience. Ikuma looks like an adventure full of danger and whimsy that any co-op duo should enjoy.

4 Hela

It's A Small World

In a list that’s filled to the brim with some truly visually amazing games, Hela still manages to stand out. The upcoming co-op game puts players in the role of two ridiculously adorable mice as they explore a lush, green countryside and solve puzzles. Players will be able to glide around wind caves and even catch a ride on the back of a moose by Spider-Man swinging up onto its back.

If you’re looking for a co-op experience with a cheerful and inviting vibe, Hela is definitely worth adding to your wishlist. Between its adorable concept and visually impressive presentation, it's shaping up to be a cozy and inviting adventure.

3 Orbitals

Saving the Universe

Beyond Orbitals' initial charm, this anime-inspired co-op puzzle adventure game may be the next It Takes Two or Split Fiction. Visually, its 80s retro anime art style is beyond gorgeous and catches the eye immediately. Then there’s the varied asymmetrical co-op puzzle gameplay that looks to involve exploring alien worlds and flying around with jetpacks.

Orbitals looks like it's filled to the brim with charm and its art style harkens back to the days of watching Voltron and Robotech on Saturday mornings. If you’re looking for the next co-op game to play with your best friend or partner, you’ll definitely want to keep this one in your orbit.

2 Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Light the Bat-Signal

The upcoming Lego Batman: Legacy of The Dark Knight is shaping up to be an epic magnum opus for the long-running Lego and DC tie-in. It draws from every facet of Batman’s long history and is going to be chock-full of supporting characters, including the many iterations of his trusty sidekick Robin. The dynamic duo definitely lends themselves well to the kind of low consequence co-op that the Lego games are known for.

Players will be able to explore the legacy of Gotham’s pointy-eared hero from his early days all the way up to the grittier Absolute version that’s popular in comic books right now. Lego Batman: Legacy of The Dark Knight is going to be the kind of game that parents can play with their kids, or have just as much fun playing with their fully grown friends.

1 Grand Theft Auto 6

Getting the Gang Back Together

While there’s sure to be an enthralling single-player campaign mode in Grand Theft Auto 6, many players are more interested in what online multiplayer modes will have to offer. If Rockstar’s current success with their ongoing GTA Online world is any indication, we could be in for a treat. Currently, the company is making money hand over fist by releasing new heists and vehicles, and having regular community events.

It’s hard to say precisely what kind of content GTA 6 will have to offer at launch, but Rockstar has said that there will be user-generated content available. More than likely, we’ll see new, possibly more elaborate jobs for players to squad up and attempt. At the very least, folks should be able to enjoy running around the game’s open world together, causing chaos.