10 Best Co-Op Games For Xbox Series X/S

The Xbox Series X/S joined SONY’s PlayStation 5 to usher in the 9th generation of gaming at the end of 2020. The Xbox X/S uses Microsoft’s proprietary technology to be next-gen consoles that have faster load times, enhanced ray tracing, more stable frame rates, better input latency, and much more.

Best of all, the X/S consoles are ready for cross-play, meaning that X/S gamers can play with their friends who own an Xbox One or PC. With tons of new games, as well as older games that have been optimized for the X/S series, there are tons of great co-op experiences to be had with friends.

Borderlands 3 – Optimized for X/S

Released in 2019, Borderlands 3 was the much-anticipated next installment in the Borderlands franchise. The games have become known for being great co-op first-person shooters and are notable for their unique artistic style that’s achieved by animators drawing the characters by hand, almost, giving the games a cel-shaded aesthetic.

The Borderlands series lets players pick different classes and then upgrade their specific abilities throughout the game, making them great for anyone who loves some light RPG elements.

It Takes Two – Optimized for X/S

Similar to EA’s previous co-op adventure, Unravel Two, 2021’s It Takes Two is a co-op platformer that requires two players to accomplish the game’s many puzzles and tasks. Unlike Unravel Two — which was solely a sidescroller — It Takes Two brings gamers into the realm of 3D platforming, allowing for a much richer, fuller gaming experience.

The game’s design is also beautiful and the relationship between the two main characters has been likened to that of a romantic comedy. It Takes Two was a hit with gamers and critics, and even took home three awards at the 2021 Game Awards, including the prestigious Game of the Year award.

Halo 5: Guardians

Halo Infinite launched in late 2021, giving Xbox a much-needed exclusive to help woo gamers to buy their new consoles. While the game received rave reviews, the franchise’s famous co-op campaign was noticeably missing. Reports say that Halo Infinitie‘s co-op feature likely won’t go live until May, so in the meantime, gamers can catch up with the last Halo installment, Halo 5: Guardians.

Though the game didn’t technically get the full X/S optimization, Halo 5 does get faster load times and plays at a higher resolution on the X/S, making it beautiful to play on the next-gen consoles.

Minecraft

For those looking for a more creative co-op experience, check out the second-bestselling game in history, Minecraft. As most gamers probably already know, Minecraft drops players into a giant, open world filled with mountains, rivers, forests, villages, caves, monsters, and even an underworld called the Nether.

From there, it’s up to gamers to decide what to do — go on quests, build epic cities, survive in the woods, or even defeat the Ender Dragon. The beauty of Minecraft is that it can be as relaxed or intense as players want, allowing them to curate their own gaming experience.

Sea of Thieves – Optimized for X/S

Rare was a company once considered to be Nintendo’s secret weapon, creating some of the best SNES and N64 games of all time, like Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, and more. For years after their golden era, Rare fell into obscurity, with many not even knowing if they existed anymore.

Then, in 2018, Sea of Thieves was released for the Xbox One. The multiplayer pirate adventure allows friends to form teams of scallywags and swashbucklers to conquer the high seas. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the game boomed in popularity, becoming one of Rare’s biggest hits ever. It’s great for fans of open-world adventures who want freedom, danger, and excitement.

Castle Crashers Remastered

Completely remastered, Castle Crashers is a hack-and-slash brawler that’s an homage to old arcade games. Filled with humor and jest, up to four players (both on couch co-op and online) can team up and make their way through the kingdom to save the princess. Each character is different and possesses their own special element to create super attacks.

As the game progresses and gets harder, the characters level up and gain new abilities, making it a rewarding challenge for friends. The game also has great replayability, since playing as different characters will change the gaming experience.

Star Wars Battlefront II

Despite the controversy over Battlefront II‘s loot boxes, the game remains popular and still has a large base of online players. Battlefront II also has a co-op arcade mode where two players can team up to accomplish a series of challenges together.

Two (or more) players can also be part of a larger team in Battlefront II‘s popular online arena battles where two teams need to capture and control as many command posts as possible. The game allows players to take on the role of the Empire, Rebels, Clones, First Order, and more.

Halo: Master Chief Collection – Optimized for X/S

Fully optimized for the X/S, the Halo: Master Chief Collection allows gamers to play the famous Halo titles that put Xbox on the map. The collection includes Halo: Combat Evolved, as well as Halo 2, 3, 4, and ODST, all upgraded and enhanced for the 9th generation consoles.

Updates include 4k resolution on the Xbox X and 1080p on the S, and both consoles run at up to 120 fps, have enhanced graphics, and are equipped with cross-platform gameplay. Best of all, for co-op players, numerous enhancements have been made to the split-screen experience, making it the perfect choice for gamers who are looking to get hours upon hours of play at a good value.

A Way Out

Just like It Takes Two, 2018’s A Way Out has no single-player mode. It’s a game designed specifically for co-op play (whether it be couch co-op or online.) Even if playing online, the game still appears in split-screen because the two players need to see each other’s characters as the two converging storylines ofter interact with each other.

It’s a unique gaming experience, especially in an era when co-op gaming seems to be something that only Nintendo specializes in. A Way Out was praised for its story and engaging gameplay, becoming a sleeper hit.

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is one of those games where it can be played solo…but it’s way more fun with friends. In the game, up to four players cooperatively operate a spaceship and its four turrets. Players must navigate the ship through outer space in neon-infused 2D levels and fight off all the obstacles that block the way.

The game was praised for its adorable and hilarious characters, fun co-op playability, and its nod to classic sidescrollers. Lovers was an indie game created by a small team that went on to see huge amounts of success thanks to the game’s big heart and engrossing gameplay.

About The Author

Keith Langston
(155 Articles Published)

Keith Langston is a writer for ScreenRant, as well as Travel Channel and Passport Magazine. He holds a deep passion for film, travel, and adventure. He fully believes that ‘The Faculty’ is the greatest movie ever made.

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