Looking for a way to turn game night into a bonding experience? Playing video games together is a fantastic way for couples to connect, communicate, and create shared memories. Whether you’re working as a team to solve a puzzle or competing for first place, these co-op adventures offer fun for every type of couple.
From chaotic kitchens to serene island getaways, the perfect game for your next date night is waiting. This roundup highlights the best cooperative and competitive titles that will have you and your partner laughing, strategizing, and enjoying each other’s company. Let’s find your next favorite shared hobby.
Our Top Picks for Co-op Gaming
- It Takes Two – Nintendo Switch
- Overcooked! All You Can Eat – PS5
- Stardew Valley [Nintendo Switch]
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version
- LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga – PS5
- Minecraft – Nintendo Switch
- KeyWe (Nintendo Switch)
- The Quarry – Xbox Series X
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
It Takes Two – Nintendo Switch
This award-winning game is built from the ground up for cooperative play. You and your partner control two characters, Cody and May, who are transformed into dolls and must navigate a fantastical world. The core gameplay requires constant communication and teamwork, as each character has unique, complementary abilities needed to progress.
The story is a heartfelt and humorous journey that mirrors the challenges and triumphs of a relationship. With its varied gameplay that constantly introduces new mechanics, it ensures that the experience remains fresh and engaging from start to finish. It’s more than a game; it’s a shared adventure that strengthens your partnership.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat – PS5
Prepare for a hilarious test of your coordination and communication in this ultimate kitchen chaos simulator. This edition includes both Overcooked! games, remastered with enhanced 4K visuals and all additional content. You and your partner will need to work as a seamless team to chop, cook, and serve meals against the clock in increasingly absurd kitchens.
For the first time, the game features full online multiplayer integration, allowing you to play with other couples. Cross-platform multiplayer and voice chat mean you can join the culinary carnage with friends no matter their system. It’s a fantastic way to see how you both perform under pressure, resulting in laughter and maybe a few friendly shouts.
Stardew Valley [Nintendo Switch]
Escape to the countryside together in this beloved farming and life simulation game. You can build and manage a shared farm, from planting crops and raising animals to fishing and mining for resources. The game’s relaxed pace allows you to set your own goals and enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life at your own rhythm.
Beyond farming, you can engage with the local townspeople, participate in seasonal festivals, and even get married in-game. The co-operative mode lets you share the workload and build your dream homestead as a team. It’s a peaceful and rewarding experience that offers a perfect, low-stress virtual retreat for couples.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – US Version
Experience the definitive version of this classic racing game, perfect for a bit of friendly competition. Race together on all the tracks from the original Wii U game and its DLC, all while enjoying smooth, 1080p visuals in TV mode. The game supports local multiplayer for up to four players, making it great for double dates or playing with friends.
Beyond the standard races, you can engage in a revised battle mode on dedicated courses. With a wide roster of characters, including favorites like King Boo and the Inklings, every race feels unique. It’s an accessible and instantly fun game that balances skill with the chaotic fun of items and power-ups.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga – PS5
Embark on an epic journey through all nine Star Wars films in this massive and hilarious LEGO adventure. You and your partner can play together in co-op mode, experiencing the iconic story with the classic LEGO charm and humor. The game allows you to freely fly around the galaxy, visiting famous locations and taking on missions at your own pace.
With hundreds of characters to unlock and a vast world to investigate, there is always something new to see and do. The gameplay is accessible for all skill levels, making it a great choice for a mixed-experience couple. It truly is the ultimate LEGO Star Wars experience, packed with content for you to enjoy as a team.
Minecraft – Nintendo Switch
This is the ultimate sandbox for creative couples. You can enter a randomly generated world and build anything you can imagine, from a simple cottage to a massive castle. The game offers two primary modes: Creative, with unlimited resources for unrestricted building, and Survival, where you must gather materials and defend against creatures.
Working together to construct a home, explore deep caves, or survive the night fosters a great sense of shared accomplishment. The open-ended nature of the game means you can set your own goals and create your own fun. It’s a digital playground that encourages collaboration and imagination.
KeyWe (Nintendo Switch)
Take on the role of two small kiwi birds, Jeff and Debra, running a post office in this adorable and chaotic co-op game. With no hands, you must use your limited abilities—like pecking, jumping, and butt-slamming—to type out telegrams, send packages, and ship mail. Success requires precise timing and constant communication with your partner.
The game is designed for couch co-op but also supports online play. You can also attempt to manage the postal chaos alone in single-player mode by controlling both birds. Navigating the perilous postal environments together is a uniquely fun and funny challenge that will test your teamwork in the best way possible.
The Quarry – Xbox Series X
For couples who enjoy a thrilling cinematic experience, this interactive horror story is an excellent choice. You play as nine teenage counselors on their last night at summer camp, who are thrown into a night of terror. The game plays out like a movie, where your decisions directly impact the narrative and determine who survives until morning.
You can play together by passing the controller and making collective choices, or assign characters to each other. The branching storylines and numerous possibilities make for a highly replayable experience. It’s a perfect game for a spooky movie night, filled with tension, suspense, and unforgettable moments.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Create your own peaceful island paradise together in this charming life simulation game. You can share an island, where you can design your homes, decorate the landscape, fish, catch bugs, and interact with adorable animal villagers. The game runs in real-time, syncing with the current date and season, which gives you a reason to check in every day.
The relaxed, open-ended gameplay is all about creativity and customization at your own pace. You can visit each other’s islands, trade items, and celebrate in-game events and holidays together. It’s a calming and joyful virtual space that serves as a wonderful shared creative outlet for couples.
What to Look For in the Best Video Games For Couples in 2025
When my partner and I first started looking for games to play together, we quickly realized that not every co-op game is a good fit for a date night. Picking the right one can be the difference between a fun evening and a frustrating argument. Over time, we’ve figured out a few key things to consider before hitting that “purchase” button.
First, think about your combined skill levels. If one of you is a seasoned gamer and the other is just starting, a brutally difficult platformer might not be the best choice. Look for games with adjustable difficulty or supportive mechanics. A game like It Takes Two is brilliant because it often gives each player unique, equally important abilities, so no one feels like they’re being carried. The goal is to feel like a team, not a teacher and student.
Next, consider the game’s tone and pacing. After a long day, do you want something chaotic and action-packed, or something more relaxed and creative? My partner and I have two categories: “weeknight games” and “weekend games.” Weeknight games are usually chill, like building a farm in Stardew Valley or solving puzzles in Unravel Two. Weekend games are for when we have more energy for a deep narrative or a challenging boss fight. Matching the game’s energy to your mood is a game-changer.
Finally, pay close attention to the co-op format. Couch co-op (playing on the same screen) is a classic for a reason—it feels more social. Online co-op is great if you’re in a long-distance relationship or just want to play from the comfort of your own setups. Some games even offer “cross-play,” allowing you to play together on different consoles or PCs. Always double-check the game’s features to make sure it supports your preferred way to play. Finding the right game is all about understanding how you both like to play and what you want to get out of the experience together.
FAQ
My partner isn’t a gamer at all. What’s a good starter game for us?
This is a very common situation, and the best approach is to start with something simple, forgiving, and focused on fun rather than complex mechanics. We highly recommend a game like It Takes Two. It was literally designed for this scenario. The gameplay constantly changes, so it never gets repetitive, and it does a fantastic job of teaching you how to play as you go. Other great options are the Lego games (like Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga) or the calm, creative world of Stardew Valley.
We only have one gaming console. Can we still play together?
Absolutely! Many of the best video games for couples in 2025 offer local co-op, also known as “couch co-op.” This means you can both play on the same console and the same screen. Games like Overcooked! 2, Cuphead, and the Rayman Legends series are perfect for this. You just need an extra controller. Always check the game’s store page for “Local Co-op” or “Shared/Split Screen” before you buy.
Are there any good free co-op games for couples?
Yes, there are several free options that are great for playing as a couple. Fortnite has a co-op mode where you can team up against other players. Genshin Impact allows you to join each other’s worlds and complete challenges together after a certain point in the story. For a more relaxed experience, Sky: Children of the Light is a beautiful, social adventure game that is free to play and perfect for holding hands and flying through serene landscapes.
What if we want a game with a good story we can experience together?
If you want to get invested in a narrative, there are some amazing co-op story-driven games. It Takes Two has a heartfelt and humorous story about a couple repairing their relationship. The We Were Here series is a fantastic puzzle-adventure where you communicate via walkie-talkie to escape a mysterious castle. For a longer, more epic story, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a deep role-playing experience where your choices shape the world, and it’s a blast to make those decisions together.
We sometimes get competitive with each other. Any good versus games?
Friendly competition can be a lot of fun! Instead of purely cooperative games, you could try some party games that are designed for head-to-head play. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a classic for chaotic battles. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is always a good time, and its random items keep the races exciting and unpredictable. For a simpler, physics-based brawler, Gang Beasts will have you both laughing as you try to throw each other off moving trains.