Life’s joys are sweeter shared, and the same goes for gaming. However, not all co-op gaming experiences are created equal.
Navigating the sea of co-op games can be tricky when finding the perfect match to play with your significant other. That’s why I’ve curated a list of the best games to play with your girlfriend. Or partner. I don’t know your life.
Related: Gamepur’s Best Games of 2023
20. Raft
- Developed by: Redbeet Interactive
- Platforms: PC
- Multiplayer: Online Co-Op
To test whether your girlfriend is survival-ready or if you’ll be shouldering all the apocalypse weight, try Raft.
This survival game throws you into the shoes of a castaway, armed with nothing more than a small lifeboat and a plastic hook, challenging you to make it in the vast ocean.
19. Portal 2
- Developed by: Valve
- Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch
- Multiplayer: Local, Online and LAN Co-Op
Cracking puzzles solo feels dull once you’ve experienced the thrill of tackling Portal 2 puzzles together with your girlfriend.
Portal 2 is a highly cooperative game and the perfect introduction for someone who has never played games before.
18. Stardew Valley
- Developed by: ConcernedApe
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile, and Nintendo Switch
- Multiplayer: Local and Online Co-Op
Stardew Valley excels in every aspect, but its true magic shines when experienced in co-op mode.
Nothing beats the joy of waking up and doing some fishing, farming, or mining with the company of your significant other.
17. Fortnite
- Developed by: Epic Games
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile, and Nintendo Switch
- Multiplayer: Local and Online Co-Op
Fortnite is a free online shooter game, a Minecraft-like LEGO survival game, a mid racing game, and a washed-down version of Rock Band. If you don’t find at least one of those games appealing enough to play with your girlfriend, then I don’t know what to tell you.
16. Minecraft
- Developed by: Mojang Studios
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile, and Nintendo Switch
- Multiplayer: Local and Online Co-Op
Minecraft needs no introduction, but you probably hadn’t thought playing this game with your girlfriend would be a good idea. Whether you’re looking for a chill, creative experience in sandbox mode or a long-term survival playthrough, Minecraft has got you covered.
15. Left 4 Dead 2
- Developed by: Valve
- Platforms: PC, Xbox
- Multiplayer: Local and Online Co-Op
Left 4 Dead 2 is a classic. There is a reason this 2009 game has as many concurrent players as it does nearly 15 games after its release.
If you like zombies but not spooky games, then Left 4 Dead 2 is the game to play with your girlfriend.
14. Human Fall Flat
- Developed by: No Brakes Games
- Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Mobile
- Multiplayer: Local and Online Co-Op
Human: Fall Flat is more fun to watch than to play. There, I said it. But that’s also why it’s extremely fun to play with your girlfriend. Who else is going to laugh at how terrible you are at this game?
13. Payday 2
- Developed by: Overkill Software
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
- Multiplayer: Local and Online Co-Op
Money Heist made me romanticize the whole heist thing. And while I’ll never look as good as those guys did in a red jumpsuit, that won’t stop me from trying to complete every heist in Payday 2.
Smoothly executing a heist while avoiding alarms through perfect coordination with your criminal crew makes for a fantastic gaming experience.
12. The Quarry
- Developed by: Supermassive
- Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox and PC
- Multiplayer: Online and Local Co-Op
Supermassive is committed to making Final Destination-like games until the formula is perfected. While The Quarry is not their overall best, it’s their best co-op offer.
If you don’t mind a bit of slasher spookiness, then The Quarry is a great game to play with your girlfriend.
11. Borderlands
- Developed by: Gearbox
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
- Multiplayer: Local and Online Co-Op
Borderlands 2 is the best in the series, but any Borderlands entry you can get your hands on will do.
Borderlands is Mad Max, the shooting game, but with less drama and more wacky lines. While you can play and enjoy this game solo, there is nothing quite like looting and shooting all over Pandora with your girlfriend.
10. Goat Simulator 3
- Developed by: Coffee Stain North
- Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mobile
- Multiplayer: Local and Online Co-Op
I was actually surprised to find out that Goat Simulator 3 is, in fact, a sequel. That really should tell you the kind of game you’re in for, but in case it doesn’t, brace for a gaming spree where you’ll be hoof-stomping an old lady’s face while she fires rockets at you and other equally outrageous antics.
9. PowerWash Simulator
- Developed by: FuturLab
- Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox and PC
- Multiplayer: Online Co-Op
I’m totally guilty of ignoring IRL house chores but pouring copious amounts of time into power-washing mud from playgrounds and dust from Italian palazzos. Though this state of mind is less than desirable, I’m telling you, PowerWash Simulator is one of the best games you and your girlfriend can play.
8. Cuphead
- Developed by: Studio MDHR
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch
- Multiplayer: Local Co-Op (and Online through Steam’s remote play feature)
Relationships are all about sharing, and there’s quite nothing like sharing the frustration of not being able to beat Cuphead bosses with each other. The lasting scars inflicted by these bosses are unparalleled, but hey, at least there’s someone else who gets your agony now, right?
7. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
- Developed by: Steel Crate Games
- Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch and Mobile
- Multiplayer: Local Co-Op (and Online as long as you use a third-party voice chat app)
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a communication exercise for couples, and that’s exactly why it’s a game you and your girlfriend should play.
In this game, one of you’ll hold the instructions to safely disassemble a bomb while the other is in charge of listening and executing the instructions just so you don’t blow up to pieces.
6. Lethal Company
- Developed by: Zeekerss
- Platforms: PC and Mobile
- Multiplayer: Online Co-Op
Rumor has it that mixing business with pleasure is a no-no, but what’s ethics when you work for the largest and deadliest corporation in the world?
In Lethal Company, you’ll explore vibrant or eerie moons stripped of resources. It’s an easy-to-play and affordable game that promises unforgettable moments. Who knows, you might find out your girlfriend is, in fact, the most lethal company after a few matches.
5. Moving Out 2
- Developed by: SMG Studio and DevM Games
- Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PC
- Multiplayer: Local and Online Co-Op
For a game that’s all about getting furniture on a moving truck before the timer runs out, there was actually a lot of slapping in my Moving Out 2 playthrough.
Moving Out 2 offers yet another chaotic experience you can voluntarily put your couple through. It’s wildly fun, and each scenario offers something new and unexpected. If you’re down for a quick gaming session, Moving Out 2 is the game you should play with your girlfriend.
4. Phasmophobia
- Developed by: Kinetic Games
- Platforms: PC and Xbox
- Multiplayer: Online Co-Op
Phasmophobia beckons for a lights-out, girlfriend-included gaming session.
There is nothing quite like sharing triumphs, mishaps, screams, and surprises in this multiplayer paranormal encounter. It’s the kind of horror experience that keeps you glued, chaining one game after another.
3. Overcooked 2
- Developed by: Team17
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch
- Multiplayer: Online and Local Co-Op
If you need a new reason to argue with your partner, why not pick up Overcooked or Overcooked 2 for a fun cooking and yelling session?
Overcooked is a chaotic co-op game in which you run restaurants on a floating pier, a spooky graveyard, and a literal truck on the road. It’s a game that demands you and your partner to stay on top of your game as you chop, roast, plate, and deliver the client’s orders timely.
2. Baldur’s Gate 3
- Developed by: Larian Studios
- Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, and PC
- Multiplayer: Local Co-Op and Online Co-Op
When you’re not arguing over meals, you could be fighting about who gets to romance Shadowheart.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best adventure games to play with your girlfriend. You both get to create your own characters and dive into a split-screen adventure to uncover all the secrets Faerun has to offer. If you ever make it past Act 1, that is.
1. It Takes Two
- Developed by: Take-Two
- Platforms: PlayStation, PC, Xbox and Nintendo Switch
- Multiplayer: Local Co-Op
I firmly believe most co-op games are designed with the intent of breaking up couples, but not It Takes Two. This is the game to play with your girlfriend if you want to solidify your relationship.
It Takes Two hams up one entertaining scenario after the other. Just when you’ve grasped your current tool or skill set and finally moved past the fun of flattening your partner with your hammer, it takes two drops of something new to keep you engaged.
