Here’s a list of 23 Good Video Game for Couples
Playing video games as a couple can be a fantastic way to bond, communicate, and have fun together. Whether you’re snuggled on the couch or teaming up online, co-op games offer shared adventures and memorable moments. This guide will help you find the right game for you and your partner by breaking down good video games for couples into categories by difficulty and play style. From laid-back cozy titles to intense challenges, there’s something here for every pair of players.
In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of games perfect for two, organized by difficulty and gaming experience. Whether one of you is a total newbie or you’re both seasoned gamers, you’ll find options below that fit your comfort level. Let’s press start on finding your next co-op date night game!
Easy Games For Couples (Casual Couple Gamers)
These games are simple to pick up, relaxing, and mostly stress-free – perfect if one or both of you are new to gaming or just want a chill experience together.
1. Stardew Valley
Platform: (PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android)
Official website: https://www.stardewvalley.net/
How to play Co-Op: Local and multiplayer on Steam
A charming farming and life simulation RPG that lets couples build a farm and life together at their own pace. It’s great for couples because it’s cooperative and low-pressure: you can tend crops, fish, raise animals, and explore the town side by side without any rush or competition.
The gameplay is incredibly relaxing and offers endless wholesome activities to enjoy as a team. Stardew Valley supports two-player co-op (up to four online) on most platforms . Plant some seeds, decorate your farm, attend the local festival hand-in-hand – this game feels like a virtual countryside retreat for two.
2. Spiritfarer
Platform: (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia)
Official store: Nintendo eShop
How to play Co-Op: Local co-op (one plays Stella, the other plays Daffodil the cat)
An emotional, cozy management game about guiding spirits to the afterlife. One player takes the role of Stella, the ferrymaster, and the other can join in as Daffodil the cat. Spiritfarer emphasizes quality time and cooperation – you’ll work together to care for adorable spirit friends on your boat, explore islands, gather resources, and craft.
The gameplay is gentle and calming, focusing on tasks like cooking, fishing, and building, which you can do as a team. Playing together feels rewarding as you coordinate tasks and support each other through a heartfelt story. It’s a perfect pick for a relaxed evening when you want something narrative-rich and uplifting to share.
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Platform: (Switch)
Official store: Nintendo eShop
How to play Co-Op: “Party Play” local co-op mode (two players on the same Switch; one as leader, one as follower)
If you want a super casual, feel-good experience, this popular life sim is ideal. Couples can share an island and build a paradise together. Although the game is primarily single-player, New Horizons offers a “Party Play” local co-op mode where two players on the same Switch can play simultaneously (one as leader, one as follower). It’s not high-stakes at all – you’ll be decorating your home, catching bugs, planting flowers, and socializing with cute animal villagers.
This game shines for couples because it’s very collaborative: you can brainstorm island layouts together, trade items, and visit each other’s creations. It essentially becomes a joint project – a little digital world that reflects both of your personalities. It’s delightful to see what you can create as a team. Plus, you can visit other players’ islands online, making it a fun double-date activity with friends.
4. Kingdom Two Crowns
• Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android
• Get It: Steam
• Why It’s Great for Couples: A side-scrolling “micro strategy” game where you and your partner play monarchs, working together to build and defend your kingdom against nightly threats. The gameplay is very easy to get into—you collect coins, recruit villagers, and construct defenses. Communication is key, but the controls are simple.
• You can team up in either local co-op or online (depending on the platform), sharing resources and planning expansions together. It’s great if you love laid-back base-building with a focus on cooperation.
5. LEGO Games (e.g. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga)
Platform: (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch)
Official store: PlayStation Store for LEGO Star Wars
How to play Co-Op: Drop-in/drop-out two-player couch co-op
The entire line of LEGO video games is extremely couples-friendly, especially for casual gamers. They feature drop-in/drop-out two-player couch co-op in which you team up to bash baddies, solve light puzzles, and collect studs in various famous movie universes (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, etc.). The easy difficulty and silly humor make LEGO games stress-free fun. You can’t really “lose” – there’s no game over, so it’s great even if one partner isn’t very experienced.
Why it’s fun to play together: you’ll laugh at the goofy slapstick scenes and often need to work together (one might pull a lever while the other builds a LEGO contraption, for example). It’s very balanced co-op game where both players are equals. For a casual date night, smashing LEGO bricks and uncovering secrets in these games is oddly satisfying and not demanding.
6. Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together!
Platform: (Switch)
Official store: Nintendo eShop
How to play Co-Op: Designed for two-player cooperation (local co-op)
A cute and clever little puzzle game designed explicitly for two-player teamwork. Each of you controls a paper character that can cut pieces out of the other to change shapes. Together, you must communicate and experiment to solve puzzles (like fitting into outlines or moving objects).
Snipperclips is great for couples because it’s all about communication and teamwork – you literally have to discuss “Okay, snip me here… no, a bit to the left!” and figure out creative solutions jointly. It’s very accessible (simple controls) and has a lighthearted, often hilarious vibe (expect giggles when you accidentally cut your partner into a funny shape). Solving each puzzle as a duo feels extremely rewarding and reinforces working in sync. It’s short and sweet, making for a perfect cooperative evening that won’t lead to any gamer rage.
Mid-Level Games For Couple Gamers (Mid-Core Couple Gamers)
These games have a bit more depth or challenge but aren’t too punishing. They often require teamwork and coordination, making them fantastic for couples ready to communicate and strategize, but they remain accessible with some practice.
7. A Way Out
Platform: (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Official store: EA
How to play Co-Op: Mandatory two-player (local or online split-screen)
This unique action-adventure is built from the ground up for two players – in fact, it cannot be played solo. You and your partner play as two prisoners, Leo and Vincent, who must break out of prison and go on the run together. The screen is split, and each of you has different perspectives and tasks, often simultaneously.
Why it’s great for couples: it’s a true teamwork test. One moment you’ll coordinate a stealthy escape (timing your moves together), the next you might be in a high-speed chase where one drives while the other shoots. The game encourages constant communication and has an engaging, cinematic story you experience together. It’s also very forgiving (failures usually just reset a checkpoint), so mid-core players can enjoy the ride. The variety of cooperative scenarios in A Way Out – from co-op puzzles to back-to-back gunfights – will keep both of you on your toes and working in harmony.
8. It Takes Two
Platform: (PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Switch)
Official store: Steam
How to play Co-Op: Co-op only (local or online)
Another brilliant co-op-only adventure from the creators of A Way Out, It Takes Two is often considered one of the best co-op games ever made (it even won awards for it). You play as a married couple (Cody and May) turned into dolls by magic, traversing imaginative levels to find a way to become human again. This game is genre-bending – it throws platforming, puzzles, shooting, even fighting game mechanics at you, all in creative cooperative ways.
Each level gives the two players different abilities that complement each other, so true collaboration is required (for example, one might shoot nails into walls while the other uses a hammer to swing on them). It’s fantastic for couples because it literally explores themes of communication and partnership through gameplay. Also, it’s very accessible – you don’t need to be a hardcore gamer to enjoy it, as the game gradually teaches you skills and forgivingly respawns you if you fall. Every challenge in It Takes Two feels like a trust exercise and a dance of coordination with your partner, which is incredibly satisfying when you succeed together. Plus, the story about working on a relationship might hit home in a sweet way.
9. Overcooked! 2
Platform: (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
Official store: Steam
How to play Co-Op: Local or online co-op for 2–4 players
If you two can stand a little chaos in the kitchen, Overcooked! 2 is a riotously fun cooking game for 2–4 players. You’ll act as chefs in absurd restaurants, frantically chopping ingredients, cooking dishes, and serving meals under time pressure. The catch: the kitchen layouts are crazy (think shifting platforms, or two trucks driving on the highway) and require tight cooperation.
Overcooked! 2 is great for couples because it’s all about communication and teamwork under pressure – you have to coordinate (“You boil the pasta, I’ll fry the veggies!”) and adapt on the fly. Yes, it gets hectic and can even be stressful, but in a fun way that usually leads to laughter (or playful yelling!). It’s a fantastic couch co-op experience that really strengthens your ability to work together. By the end of a successful level, you’ll feel like a well-oiled machine (and probably high-five in real life). And if things go wrong, failing in Overcooked! often makes for comedy gold. Difficulty-wise, it starts easy and ramps up, but you can replay levels to improve scores, keeping mid-core gamers challenged but not overwhelmed.
10. Portal 2
Platform: (PC, Mac, Linux, PS3, Xbox 360, Switch via collection)
Official store: Steam
How to play Co-Op: Two-player co-op campaign (local split-screen, online, or LAN)
The co-op mode in Portal 2 is a masterclass in teamwork and puzzle-solving. As two robots, you and your partner tackle a separate campaign full of mind-bending puzzles that require using portals and switches in sync. Each of you can shoot two portals, for a total of four – meaning the puzzles are more complex than the single-player ones and absolutely demand cooperation and communication.
Portal 2 is perfect for couples who enjoy using their brains together: you’ll both feel like geniuses when you solve a particularly tricky chamber. What makes it fun as a pair is the eureka moments you’ll share – often one person has an insight that helps both progress. It’s also very accessible in terms of controls (it’s a first-person game but mostly non-twitchy). The charming (and often funny) dynamic between the two robot characters adds to the experience. Success requires thinking collaboratively, not just individually, which is a wonderful exercise in synergy. If you want a medium challenge that will truly make you communicate and think together, Portal 2’s co-op is legendary.
11. Minecraft
Platform: (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile)
Official site: minecraft.net
How to play Co-Op: Local or online (split-screen on consoles, servers, or LAN on PC)
The ultimate sandbox game is what you make of it, which can make it a fantastic couples’ experience at any difficulty level you prefer. In Minecraft, you and your partner are dropped into a blocky world where you can mine resources and build anything you imagine. For mid-core purposes, consider playing survival mode cooperatively: you’ll start from scratch and gradually create a home, gather resources, and fend off the occasional creeper together. It’s great for couples because you set your own goals – maybe you’ll construct a cozy house or even an entire town side by side.
The game encourages a division of roles that couples naturally fall into (“I’ll go mining while you farm for food”) and celebrates creativity. There’s nothing quite like looking over a landscape and knowing that we built this together. On peaceful mode, it’s completely stress-free; on higher difficulties, surviving the night is a bonding challenge. You can also explore vast cave systems or venture into other dimensions (Nether, End) as a team when you feel more adventurous. Minecraft is essentially digital LEGO meets adventure, and it’s as deep or as casual as you want – making it suitable for a couple with mixed skill levels. Plus, you can play split-screen on consoles or online on PC, making it very flexible.
12. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
Platform: (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
Official store: Steam
How to play Co-Op: 1–4 player couch co-op (local multiplayer)
Don’t be fooled by the cute name; this is an action game that will truly test your coordination! You and your significant other control a single spaceship together, manning different stations (steering, guns, shields, engine) to fight your way through neon galaxies. It’s a frantic 1- to 4-player co-op space shooter where teamwork is everything.
Why couples love it: it forces clear communication and role-swapping. One moment your partner might pilot while you shoot aliens, the next you’re scrambling to the shield controls while they run to the laser cannon. It’s hectic, but when you start coordinating (“You take top turret, I’ll protect the left flank!”), it feels amazing to overcome the chaos together. The game has simple controls yet a deep challenge – ideal for mid-core gamers who want to improve cooperation skills. It’s also got a lovable aesthetic and a theme of love conquering all (you are literally trying to save space-bunnies with the power of love). If you want a fast-paced co-op game that requires real teamwork and quick thinking together, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a stellar choice.
13. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Platform: (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, VR, Mobile)
Official site: keeptalkinggame.com
How to play Co-Op: Asymmetrical local/online co-op (one player sees the bomb on-screen, the other uses a separate bomb defusal manual)
This one is a bit different: it’s a co-op party puzzle game where communication is the only way to win. One of you is looking at a virtual bomb on the screen, and the other has the bomb defusal manual (which can be printed or viewed on a phone). The bomb-expert must describe what they see (wires, symbols, etc.), and the manual-expert must tell them how to defuse it – but neither can see what the other sees.
This asymmetrical gameplay makes it fantastic for couples because it’s all about how well you can communicate under pressure. It’s great fun to discover how each of you describe patterns or solve problems verbally. You’ll develop a sort of “couple shorthand” as you play more (“when I say weird smiley symbol, you know which one I mean!”). The bombs start easy but add more complex modules over time, providing a nice learning curve for mid-core gamers. There’s no twitch action at all, just brainpower and teamwork. The game explicitly encourages couch co-op – it’s a team endeavor where “going solo is not an option!” Many couples find this game hilariously tense and satisfying – it can either bring out your best communication or have you laughing when the timer runs out because you misunderstood each other. Either way, it’s a blast (sometimes literally!).
Deep-Level Games For Couples (Serious Couple Gamers)
These games offer deeper narratives, complex mechanics, or longer-term progression that require more engagement. They’re perfect if both of you are gamers who want to sink hours into a rich experience together. Teamwork is still crucial, but these titles will also scratch that itch for story or strategy depth.
14. Borderlands 2
Platform: (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
Official store: Steam
How to play Co-Op: Up to 4-player co-op (drop-in/drop-out online or split-screen on consoles)
A high-energy co-op looter-shooter with RPG elements set in a comic, post-apocalyptic sci-fi world. Borderlands 2 lets you and your partner choose distinct character classes and gun down hordes of bandits and monsters together while collecting tons of crazy loot. It’s up to 4-player co-op, but works wonderfully with just two – you effectively become an unstoppable duo of Vault Hunters.
What makes it great for couples: it’s a lengthy game (easily 30+ hours with side quests) that you can commit to together, developing your characters over time. The gunplay is satisfying, and with two players you can strategize a bit (perhaps one of you snipes while the other charges in, or you pick complementary skill trees that support each other). The game is also drop-in/drop-out, meaning you can explore the open world at your own pace and always join up for missions. With its humorous story and colorful graphics, Borderlands 2 provides a less serious tone but deep progression – an excellent blend for serious gamers who want something not too emotionally heavy. Plus, it’s just fun to unleash mayhem side by side. The game explicitly supports up to four-player co-op and even split-screen on consoles, underscoring its cooperative design. If you both enjoy shooter mechanics and light RPG elements (leveling up, skill points, endless weapon loot), this is a journey you can invest in for the long haul.
15. Divinity: Original Sin 2
Platform: (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
Official store: Steam
How to play Co-Op: Local co-op for 2 players (split-screen), or up to 4 online
For the couple that loves epic role-playing adventures, Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers a sprawling 100+ hour campaign that you can experience entirely in co-op. This is a deep, tactical RPG with turn-based combat, rich storylines, and tons of player choice. You create characters who become “party members” in the story – and you can even have divergent goals or make different decisions, affecting the narrative dynamically for both of you. Why it’s amazing for serious gaming couples: it’s like playing D&D together in video game form. You will discuss strategies in combat (“focus fire on this enemy, then combo that spell!”) and also discuss story decisions (“should we side with this character or betray them?”).
The level of engagement is high – you’ll be thinking and planning together constantly. Divinity 2 also allows you to split up in the game world (unlike most co-op games): you could be talking to different NPCs in town simultaneously, covering more ground as a team. It’s a true test of coordination and shared decision-making. There’s even a Game Master mode if one of you ever wants to create adventures for the other. While the mechanics are complex (inventory management, skill combos, etc.), learning them together is part of the fun if you’re both into RPGs. The game supports full campaign co-op and even local split-screen for two. If you’re a pair of serious RPG enthusiasts, Divinity: Original Sin 2 will provide dozens of sessions of deep, immersive gameplay to embark on together.
16. Baldur’s Gate 3
Platform: (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
Official store: Steam
How to play Co-Op: Drop-in/drop-out co-op for up to 4 players (local split-screen on PS5 for 2 players, online co-op for up to 4)
Another massive RPG experience that’s taken the gaming world by storm, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a rich narrative with countless choices and tactical turn-based combat, all based on Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules. For couples, BG3 is an incredible journey to share: create your own characters or play as pre-written origin characters with personal storylines. The story will react to each of you, and you’ll often have to agree (or compromise) on decisions, making it a truly cooperative role-playing experience. The game is quite challenging and complex, meant for serious gamers – but if you’re both into RPGs, figuring out effective party builds and tactics is extremely rewarding.
Why it stands out for couples is the sheer amount of content and freedom: you might spend an evening just exploring a side-quest or tinkering with gear together. You basically get to live out an epic fantasy adventure side by side, forging your own saga. Communication is key, whether in battle (coordinating spells and attacks) or in narrative (debating morally gray choices). The couch co-op works great on PS5/Xbox (splitscreen), and online co-op allows PC players to join easily. BG3 supports full co-op through the entire story, which can easily last 60–100 hours per playthrough. If that sounds like an exciting long-term “game night” commitment, Baldur’s Gate 3 will give you an unforgettable cooperative experience with plenty of depth—plus a little romance for good measure!
17. Diablo III: Eternal Collection
Platform: (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
Official store: Nintendo eShop
How to play Co-Op: Local or online co-op (up to 4 players); on consoles, you can play couch co-op on a shared screen
Action RPG fans looking for a shared loot grind will love Diablo III. This dungeon-crawling adventure lets two (or up to four) players team up locally or online to slash through hordes of monsters and gather epic loot. The game is fast-paced and can be played on various difficulty levels that you can adjust to suit your comfort. For couples, Diablo III is great because it’s cooperative at its core – different character classes can complement each other with skills (maybe one of you is a tanky Barbarian soaking up damage while the other is a Wizard blasting enemies from afar).
The loop of clearing areas and constantly finding better gear can be very addictive, and doing it together doubles the excitement (“Check out this legendary sword I found!”). It also has seasonal modes and adventure modes that you can dip into for endless replayability even after finishing the story. Importantly, Diablo III supports couch co-op for up to 4 on consoles (no split-screen needed as you share one screen), making it easy to play side by side. Teaming up in Diablo feels empowering – coordinating your attacks to decimate demons and celebrating the shower of loot is a blast. The game isn’t heavy on story (it’s there, but not the main draw), so it’s easy to jump in and out. If you both enjoy character progression and combat that isn’t too punishing (you can always dial down the difficulty), Diablo III offers a deep well of co-op gameplay to dive into.
18. Monster Hunter: World
Platform: (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Official store: Steam
How to play Co-Op: Online co-op for up to 4 players
For couples willing to tackle something more complex and challenging, Monster Hunter: World provides an intense cooperative hunting experience. You’ll team up as hunters to take down giant monsters in epic battles. Preparation, strategy, and skill are all required – you’ll be gathering materials to craft better weapons and armor, studying monster behaviors, and executing hunts that can last up to 20–30 minutes each. It’s deeply satisfying for two serious gamers working in tandem. In co-op (up to 4 players), monsters’ difficulty scales up, but having a partner means you can synergize roles (one might set traps or use a hunting horn to buff, while the other focuses on pure damage, for example). Communication and planning make hunts smoother: you’ll be calling out when to fall back and heal or when to unleash a combo. The thrill of finally toppling a huge dragon together is worth the effort.
Monster Hunter: World is great for hardcore couples because it’s essentially an endless endgame – there are always tougher challenges and better gear to strive for, so you can sink potentially hundreds of hours if you both get hooked. That said, it’s perfectly fine to take it at your own pace and enjoy the satisfying core loop of “hunt, craft, upgrade, repeat.” The game supports online co-op; you can create a private session for just the two of you and even join each other’s story quests (with some caveats about cutscenes). Hunting as a duo feels like an exercise in trust and coordination – you’ve got to have each other’s backs when a vicious creature turns the tables. If that prospect excites you more than it scares you, Monster Hunter could become your shared gaming passion.
Hardcore Games For Couples (Hardcore Couple Gamers)
These games are challenging, requiring serious skill, timing, or dedication. They’re best for couples who both identify as hardcore gamers and are up for tough trials (and possibly some frustration!). The payoff of overcoming these challenges together, however, can be huge. If you two love a good challenge and work like a true team under pressure, these games will test and strengthen your coordination.
19. Cuphead
Platform: (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
Official store: Nintendo eShop
How to play Co-Op: Two-player local co-op (one as Cuphead, one as Mugman)
Don’t let the 1930s cartoon art style fool you – Cuphead is notoriously difficult. It’s a run-and-gun platformer centered on boss battles that demand quick reflexes and perfect timing. In two-player local co-op, one of you plays as Cuphead and the other as Mugman, working together to defeat outrageously designed bosses. It’s great for hardcore couples because it requires near-flawless teamwork and pattern recognition.
You’ll find yourselves shouting encouragement or warnings (“Watch out for that homing attack!”) constantly. The nice part is you can revive your partner by parrying their ghost when they die – adding a layer of cooperative clutch saves to the gameplay. Every victory against a boss feels earned and immensely satisfying when done together, especially after many attempts. Cuphead really builds that “we’re in this together” vibe since both of you need to survive to succeed. And while it’s challenging, it’s also short-run (you can tackle a boss for a few minutes then take a breather), so it’s great for couples who want high intensity in small doses. If you both have the patience and skills for old-school difficulty, Cuphead will reward you with some of the most exhilarating co-op moments out there.
20. Don’t Starve Together
Platform: (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile)
Official store: Steam
How to play Co-Op: Couch co-op via split-screen on consoles or online multiplayer on PC/console
This is the co-op multiplayer version of the hit survival game Don’t Starve. As the title implies, your main goal is not to starve (among other deadly threats). You and your partner are dropped into a dark, whimsically gothic wilderness and must survive as long as possible by gathering resources, building a base, crafting items, and fending off monsters. It’s challenging because the game throws seasonal hardships (winter, darkness), monsters, and madness at you. For hardcore gamers, Don’t Starve Together is a brilliant test of long-term coordination and strategy. You’ll divide tasks and specialize (perhaps one of you focuses on farming and cooking while the other is exploring and hunting). Communication is key when danger comes – e.g., coordinating kiting a giant boss or quickly assembling a fire before nightfall. Every in-game day is a small victory when done together.
The game truly shines for couples if you both enjoy strategy and don’t mind learning through failure (expect your first few attempts to end in hilarious disaster). But each failure prompts a “let’s try again, differently” discussion, which can be a fun analytical exercise for two hardcore players. The art and atmosphere are memorable, and surviving 50+ days with your partner feels like a genuine accomplishment. Just remember: fight, farm, build, and explore together if you want to survive – teamwork is everything in this unforgiving wilderness.
21. Death Road to Canada
Platform: (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile)
Official store: Nintendo eShop
How to play Co-Op: 2-player local co-op (up to 4 players)
A quirky, pixel-art roguelite where you and your partner try to road-trip your way through a zombie apocalypse from Florida to Canada. The catch? It’s different every time – random characters, events, and hordes of zombies. It’s brutally difficult; death is permanent and runs can end suddenly if you’re not careful.
So why include it for couples? Death Road to Canada is one of those games where you’ll create funny, tense stories together (“Remember that time you tried to recruit a dog and it ended up stealing our car?”). Working together means managing scarce resources, fighting off zombies in real-time action segments, and making tough choices in text events. It’s hardcore because you’re likely to fail many runs, but each failure is a zany adventure you survive (or not) as a team. If you and your partner appreciate dark humor and high-stakes gameplay, this is a great one to tackle.
The combat is action-based but simple (think old-school arcade style), so the difficulty comes from decision-making and risk management together. Death Road is also fairly quick to pick up and play in sessions, so it won’t consume your life like some deep games – you can attempt a run or two in a sitting. With four-player same-screen co-op supported, you could even double-date in apocalypse survival. But two players is plenty to have a chaotic good time. Reaching Canada (the win condition) together on a successful run will genuinely feel like surviving an odyssey with your partner.
22. Monster Hunter (series)
Platform: (PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox – varies by title)
Official store: Steam
How to play Co-Op: Online co-op for up to 4 players (Monster Hunter: World, Monster Hunter Rise, etc.)
We highlighted Monster Hunter: World in the Deep category, but it equally belongs here in Hardcore. If you and your partner thrive on difficult boss fights and deep mechanics, Monster Hunter (be it World, Rise on Switch, or others) can become an incredibly rewarding shared hobby.
Teaming up to take down colossal creatures requires practice, strategy, and yes, sometimes failure before success. Only consider this category if both of you are up for a steep learning curve and lots of coordination. The feeling of finally slaying that Elder Dragon together after several tries is pure elation.
23. Soulsborne Co-op (Dark Souls, Elden Ring, etc.)
Platform: (PC, PlayStation, Xbox)
Official store: Bandai Namco
How to play Co-Op: Summoning system (place summon sign, get summoned into the host’s world)
For the most hardcore couples: yes, it’s possible to tackle notoriously difficult co-op action-RPGs like Dark Souls or Elden Ring together via their summoning co-op systems. One of you can “summon” the other into their game to help with areas and bosses. These games demand precision combat skills and patience. Playing them co-op can actually make them a bit easier (you can gang up on enemies), but they’re still quite unforgiving.
The reason to consider this is if you both are already fans of challenging games and want to share the experience. Communicating enemy patterns, covering each other’s backs in tough fights, and even coordinating builds (one might go tanky, another high damage) can make a Souls journey a profound cooperative achievement. Just be prepared for some frustration and a lot of fist-pumps when you two finally topple that boss that was wiping the floor with you. Not every couple will enjoy this kind of stress, but those who do often swear by it as an ultimate test of teamwork and trust.
No matter your skill level or gaming tastes, the key to finding a good video game for couples is picking something you’ll both enjoy and that encourages you to play together. Whether you’re farming by the sunset in Stardew Valley or screaming in victory after a boss kill in Dark Souls, the real fun comes from the shared experience. Co-op gaming as a couple can improve communication, create inside jokes, and give you awesome joint achievements to look back on. So grab a second controller (or keyboard), set up a voice chat if you’re long-distance, and dive into one of these titles with your player 2. Playing as a team – and sometimes failing as a team – is an adventure all on its own. Happy gaming, lovebirds!