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Top 20 best Switch co-op games to play with friends and family

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Top 20 best Switch co-op games to play with friends and family

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Updated on July 26, 2023 - swapped 8 games. Original article by Mihail Katsoris, updated by Nitisha Upadhye.

Playing games on the go is what makes the Nintendo Switch gaming experience unique, but being able to connect and play with friends, makes it that much more fun. Platformers, adventures, action, shooters, you name it, whatever is your cup of tea, you can find it on the Nintendo Switch game library.

We've put together a list of the best Switch co-op games, so you can team up with your friends, locally or online, and have some fun time gaming together. We've tried to include various types of games, for all ages, so hopefully, you can find the best Switch games for co-op! Let's get right into it. 

Click Here To View The List »

1
It Takes Two

Publisher: Studio MDHR
Available on: Switch
Find out more about Cuphead
Cuphead

The award-winning title published by Electronic Arts was ported over to Switch, and we’re glad it was brought to the platform. The co-op game revolves around a couple who are about to be separated. And while it is an unusual theme to base a video game on, it magically works.

Following a few strange events, the couple gets trapped inside dolls. To return to their human form, they must play through a series of adventures. As you can guess, it does take two to solve the puzzles.

It Takes Two

Check out It Takes Two on Nintendo's official website.

2
Kirby and the Forgotten Land

With Kirby and the Forgotten Land, the beloved pink puffball took the Switch community by storm. For the first time, Kirby was seen in a 3D avatar - and the graphic overhaul was well-received by fans. There's a lot to explore in the Forgotten Land, which is beautifully animated.

In this part, players step in as Kirby and explore an abandoned city. The goal is to save Waddle Dees, who has been kidnapped. Oh, and you get some help from the mysterious Elifilin. Much of the emphasis lies on visual storytelling - and we were bummed to find out that it's not an open-world game. Nonetheless, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a pleasing experience.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

You can download Kirby and the Forgotten Land from Nintendo's website.

3
Super Mario Odyssey

There's no way you have a Nintendo Switch and you don't have a Super Mario Odyssey. Released in 2017, the Mario title blends 2D and 3D elements - which makes it modern with a hint of nostalgia. But the first thing you will notice about the game is the vast open-world kingdoms. And what's better is that you can explore multiple kingdoms with unique themes, like the Metro Kingdom and the Luncheon Kingdom.

In co-op mode, one player controls Mario while the other controls Cappy, and they must work together to defeat enemies and clear puzzles. Cappy's mechanics keep things interesting. You can toss Cappy and control the wearer's movements. If you are a fan of Mario and Switch co-op games, don't miss this one out.

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is available for purchase on Nintendo's site.

4
Animal Crossing: New Horizons

For Nintendo users, Animal Crossing games are nothing new. However, when Animal Crossing: New Horizons (often shortened as ACNH or AC New Horizons) rolled out, there was a renewed interest in the social simulation title. When you step into New Horizons, you land on a deserted island, and you have to build a community from scratch.

The best part about Animal Crossing: New Horizons is that it's for everyone - even those who are into video games. It is a non-competitive casual game, which is perfect for some relaxation. With local and online multiplayer modes, ACNH makes sure that you're connected to the community. If social-themed titles are your thing, then you should definitely check out New Horizons.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

If you decide that this is the right one for you, dive into our dodo codes where thousands of players are sharing their friend codes! You'll find a bunch of people to play with, in no time!

Check out Animal Crossing: New Horizons - it's available for purchase!

5
Cuphead

If Cuphead reminds you of jazz music and 1930s animation, then you're not the only one. The cartoonish arcade game has challenging boss battles at every step. Cuphead is known for having some difficult boss battles - but don't let that fool you. It lets you choose your battles and paths with varying difficulty levels, which ensures that you have fun.

Cuphead features a co-op mode, so you and your buddy can take down bad guys together. The local co-op allows you to play as Cuphead and Mugman and complete the challenges.

Cuphead

You can download Cuphead and its successor Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course for your Switch

6
Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Just as they say - Communication is the key. And for the Overcooked games, we'd also add collaboration and coordination to the list.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat bundles up Overcooked! and Overcooked 2! - the two most popular titles in the culinary chaos. Plus, you also get all their DLC packs and some new extra levels and chefs.

The goal is simple - coordinate, cook, and serve. However, it's chaos in there. Each kitchen has its own personality, and the clock keeps ticking, forcing you to act quickly and act together. In addition to the local co-op (which is the whole point), it allows cross-platform playability, making it accessible.

If you like co-op games with maximum interaction, then you should be adding this bundle to the cart.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat

You can get Overcooked! All You Can Eat and the latest entry in the franchise for your console.

7
Terraria

Terraria combines the good old 2D sandbox qualities and sidescrolling leisure into one fine game. At first glance, Terraria resembles Minecraft and Stardew Valley a lot - but it has its own charm. For instance, Terraria has "procedurally generated worlds," which means you cannot predict what you'll encounter next. Plus, the diverse biomes, challenging bosses, and day-night cycles add more depth to the gameplay.

Terraria supports local as well as online co-op, so you can explore biomes, defeat monsters, mine, build, and craft stuff with your friends. What's more, is that the game lets you play cross-platform, so you and your buddies can play together regardless of the device they own.

And if you want to learn more about the game, we have a review for you.

Terraria

Download Terraria on Nintendo Switch

8
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Much like the name suggests, this one combines Lego and Star Wars to bring you the best of both. You get to experience all the Skywalker Saga movies with a humorous Lego twist. And with 300+ playable characters and 100+ powerful vehicles, the action never stops.

Unlike the previous Lego games, this one has an open world, which lets you explore your surroundings at a leisurely pace. Further, the gameplay is a combination of puzzles and combat, giving you the best of both worlds. And you can split screens and experience this fun with your family and friends.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Get Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga for your Nintendo Switch.

9
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has the ultimate roster - there's Mario, Kirby, Link, Zelda, Pac-Man, Bayonetta, and many more beloved characters on board. The goal is simple - fight and win. But it doesn't end here. It adds excitement with more than 100 stages, unique fighting mechanics, and customizable modes.

If you enjoy fighting games, then Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is one of the best experiences you can have on the Switch. The co-op mode is super fun as you can queue up with a friend as a team and challenge other players online. It's one of our favourites too.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Try Super Smash Bros. Ultimate if you haven't already.

10
Luigi’s Mansion 3

Boo!

If you’re looking for the perfect Halloween game before Halloween, then Luigi’s Mansion 3 might just be the right choice. Mario has gone missing, the friends are gone, and Luigi is alone in the spooky Last Resort hotel. Help Luigi bust some ghosts and uncover the secrets of the sinister resort.

Luigi's Mansion 3 is a unique blend of adventure, puzzles, and ghosthunting. As you wander through the haunted hotel, you can capture ghosts with your Poltergust G-00. And there's no dearth of ghosts - there's a wide variety of them at every corner.

You can double your fun with the co-op modes. You can split it with your friend and play as Luigi and Gooigi (the gooey version of Luiigi). Or you can invite up to eight players in the ScareScraper Mode, a time-based ghosthunting challenge.

Luigi’s Mansion 3

Enter Luigi's Mansion 3 and get ready to be spooked.

11
Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise is a critically acclaimed franchise - and we can see why. Set in a ninja-themed village, you have to explore the hamlet, slay monsters, and rise through the ranks to claim the title of the ultimate hunter. As you can guess, there’s a lot of hack-and-slash. And with the Sunbreak expansion DLC, it has loads of new monsters to defeat.

It offers local as well as online co-op, and up to four players can join the fun. And even though Monster Hunter Rise seems like it's made for pros, it's actually very beginner-friendly - so all your friends can join in.

Monster Hunter Rise

Download Monster Hunter Rise and also check out the expansion DLC.

12
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp

If you love turn-based strategic games, then look no further than the recent release - Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp. It bundles up the two campaigns - Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising. In this strategy game, your goal is to defend the Cosmo Land with your Commanding Officers and a loaded arsenal.

Now Advanced Wars has rich single-player gameplay, in case you decide to play alone. But it also offers support for local and online multiplayer battles. And with customizable maps, you can enjoy a more personalized experience.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp

Get the new the new Advance Wars bundle

13
Diablo III: Eternal Collection

Diablo is an RPG that needs no introduction, and being able to play it portably adds something different to the experience. Diablo III: Eternal Collection bundles up the base game, Reaper of Souls expansion, as well as the Rise of the Necromancer pack.

As always, the Diablo title packs in rich lore, highly polished gameplay, and a bunch of playable classes. Further, it has exclusive features for Switch players, like pets and cosmetic wings. Your friends can join you in the adventure via local or online multiplayer mode. It's not like their newest Diablo in the series, but that's not a bad thing, considering how Diablo 4 plays.

Diablo III: Eternal Collection

Get the Diablo III collection for your Switch.

14
Mario Party Superstars

Mario Party Superstars includes 5 completely revamped boards from the N64 Mario party games, plus 100 mini-games from the series catalogue since its GameCube days. All game modes support online play. As a bonus, know that many consider Superstars to be the best Mario Party game (or rather a collection) ever.

Mario Party Superstars

Get the Party started! Download Mario Party Superstars today.

15
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is by far the best-selling title on the Nintendo Switch, and that's because it's simply one of the best gaming experiences you can have on the console. Especially if you are playing with friends. We are not saying it's the best Switch co-op game, but sales are definitely supporting that notion. That's why we have included it on the list of best racing games on Switch as well. Even if you're not a huge fan of racing titles, this one will stick with you, mark my words.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Race with your friends and family! Get Mario Kart 8 Deluxe!

16
Stardew Valley

If you like relaxing games like Minecraft, then you should be checking out Stardew Valley. This one has been around since 2016, and it still enjoys a strong fan base. At the very beginning, you inherit a farm in the Stardew Valley and move away from the crowded city and a corporate job to a small seaside town. Your goal is to build your life there - farm, fish, craft items, and do much more. You can even get into a romantic relationship with one of the citizens, or in case you play coop, there is an option to have a baby with your partner.

A lovely pixelated world that's perfect to explore with someone else!

Stardew Valley

Be a part of the Stardew Valley community.

17
Unravel Two

Unravel Two is a unique adventure platformer that has won the D.I.C.E award for the best family game of the year. No wonder, it did. If you try it out, you'll notice it has one of the most symbiotic systems for coop on the console. Even though it is still enjoyable in single mode, playing with a friend makes it definitely a lot more fun.

Unravel, the prequel, was designed for a single player. But Unravel Two focuses on two Yarnys, which is perfect for co-op play. While most of the game has puzzles, there are a few chase sequences that add loads of action to it.

Unravel Two

Check out Unravel Two on Nintendo's official website.

18
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is similar to other Mario games but with a much faster pace and exciting powerups. Actually, this title is a bundle of two different games - Super Mario 3D World and Bowser’s Fury. The former is a 3D multiplayer title where you can join in with four friends (Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad).

Meanwhile, Bowser's Fury is a separate game set in a cat-themed world. It features an open world that players can explore and choose to complete the objectives at their own pace. Bowser's Fury offers a local co-op mode, which can be played by two players. One can step into Mario's shoes, while the other can play Bowser Jr.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is available on Nintendo's shop.

19
Minecraft Dungeons

It's Minecraft but in dungeons. If you love Minecraft but you'd like to explore a new theme in the game, Minecraft Dungeons might be for you. It chooses to keep the block-style visuals in the Minecraft universe but gives it a darker twist. Unlike other Minecraft titles, this one places more emphasis on exploration and combat and eliminates crafting.

It is a whole new game where you must complete quests, participate in incredible events, collect various new items, and destroy many dangerous monsters. Also, you can enjoy this dynamic gameplay in the company of friends. With the local and online multiplayer modes, up to four players can join a session.

Minecraft Dungeons

Download Minecraft Dungeons on your Switch.

20
Rocket League

Rocket League can be summed up as "Cars + Football" - and it is enough to get most of us excited. Of course, RL does not need an introduction, as it's already a popular game on most platforms. Plus, it supports cross-platform play, which makes it accessible.

On Nintendo Switch, Rocket League has exclusive Nintendo-themed content, integration with Nintendo's online services, and a local co-op mode. Interestingly, Switch also offers touchscreen support, which delivers intuitive controls.

Rocket League

Get Rocket League for your Switch.

With this, we are closing off our list of the best Switch co-op games! Take a look at the best local multiplayer Switch games if you are in the pursuit of similar content!

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Mihail Katsoris
Mihail Katsoris
I enjoy playing games ever since I was a kid (which was a long long time ago at this point). Everything started with an Atari 65XE. Then came an Amiga 500+, a Sega Genesis, a 386, a Playstation, a Playstation 2 and so on. Anyway, you get the idea. I consider myself lucky to be able to experience the gaming evolution throughout the years. This is my passion, and what I will continue to do for as long as I can.