Summary

  • The Steam Deck offers various co-op games for on-the-go gaming with friends.
  • Portal 2, Stardew Valley, Cuphead, and more provide unique co-op experiences.
  • Titles like It Takes Two, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, and Deep Rock Galactic offer diverse gameplay and challenges for co-op fun.

The Steam Deck allows you to take gaming on the go, whether it be for your lunch break at work, long road trips, or even friendly get-togethers. One of the best ways to use a Steam Deck is to play games with other friends. Luckily, there are plenty of options both verified and playable on the device.

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This can be used as a way to have your own dedicated screen, connect online, or play together in the same room without needing to move your entire setup around. From exploring new worlds to solving puzzles, these are the best co-op games to play on Steam Deck.

10 Portal 2

Two Brains Are Better Than One

Portal 2

Puzzle Platformer Released April 18, 2011 Developer(s) Valve Publisher(s) Valve Platform(s) PS3, Xbox 360, Switch, PC Powered by Expand Collapse

Portal 2 is a must-have for anyone wanting to play co-op with their friends both split-screen and online. With twice as many portals, it’s going to take a lot of brainpower to figure out how to complete each test chamber.

Portal 2’s co-op features all the familiar puzzle mechanics from the base game while also adding unique mechanics that are exclusive to the mode. With six different courses to play through, it offers the perfect longevity for co-op fun. It's also the perfect game for couples who want to test out their compatibility.

9 Stardew Valley

The Ultimate Cozy Game

Stardew Valley

RPG Simulation Released February 26, 2016 Developer(s) ConcernedApe Publisher(s) ConcernedApe Platform(s) PC, Xbox One, Android, iOS, PS4, Switch Powered by Expand Collapse

The popular cozy farming simulator is another game best experienced with friends. You can play the game by connecting another controller or by connecting through Wi-Fi using your own copy of the game. This makes it a flexible game.

You will be able to have a player host a farm that up to four players can maintain. You can also enter the same dungeons and tackle enemies together. Nothing helps friendships grow like planting crops and watching them blossom together.

8 Cuphead

Two Player Run And Gun

Cuphead

Platformer Released September 29, 2017 Developer(s) Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc. Publisher(s) Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc. Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC Powered by Expand Collapse

Cuphead is the perfect 2D sidescroller for those who want the ultimate challenge to their friendship. Every boss has their own way of wiping out Cuphead and Mugman as they travel to collect the Devil's unpaid debts.

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Playing co-op lets you and your friends revive each other with a well-timed parry. This can be crucial for getting through a level or tackling an unruly boss. This is the perfect couch co-op game that also lets your partner choose which upgrades and weapons they want before tackling the bosses.

7 Don't Starve Together

Gothic Art Style

Don't Starve Together

Survival Released December 15, 2014 Developer(s) Klei Entertainment Publisher(s) Klei Entertainment Platform(s) PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch Powered by Expand Collapse

The delicious gameplay of Don’t Starve can now be experienced in co-op with Don’t Starve Together. Every map is randomly generated and death is permanent. Luckily, there are some items that will bring you back from the brink if it comes to that.

The game has a day-and-night cycle that changes how you tackle challenges. There are plenty of opportunities to gather food and supplies during the day. Meanwhile, monsters will appear during the night to ambush you. Work together or go on your own path. Just don’t starve.

6 It Takes Two

The Best Gameplay Variety

It Takes Two

Action Adventure Released March 26, 2021 Developer(s) Hazelight Studios Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Platform(s) PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, Switch Powered by Expand Collapse

It Takes Two elevates the standards of a co-op experience. Not only does it have online and split-screen co-op, but the game also has plenty of variety when it comes to gameplay. Mechanics are constantly changing, with some levels requiring you to shoot something while others need you to time movement.

It Takes Two always feels like the gameplay is meant for two players combining their abilities rather than just playing the same game at the same time. It is the ultimate gameplay challenge to test compatibility.

5 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Classic Arcade Nostalgia

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Beat 'Em Up Released June 16, 2022 Developer(s) Tribute Games Inc. Publisher(s) Dotemu Platform(s) Android, iOS, PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One Powered by Expand Collapse

If you’re looking for a co-op game that takes you back to the glory days of arcade beat-em-ups, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge will do the trick. Play as your favorite Ninja Turtle, April, or even Splinter, as you fight bad guys together.

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Everything is beautifully animated with characters being expressive and fun. With the ability to play with six players at once, the chaos is maximized as you hack, slash, bash, and kick around the members of the foot clan and the old shred head.

4 Terraria

Dig Deep Together

Tommy Tsunami

Terraria

Action Adventure Sandbox Released May 16, 2011 Developer(s) Re-Logic Publisher(s) 505 Games Platform(s) PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Vita, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, 3DS, Stadia, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch Powered by Expand Collapse

If you're looking for a game the whole friend group can play at a get-together, Terraria will have you mining for riches and discovering new items that will help you go deeper into the world’s core. There are also many different biomes filled with killer bees, zombies, and eldritch abominations.

Terraria also has two different afflictions that contaminate the world. This can alter the items you can craft and the bosses that show up. These elements are Corruption and Crimson, and they spread further with each passing second.

3 Deep Rock Galactic

Fully Destructible Environments

Deep Rock Galactic

FPS Released May 13, 2020 Developer(s) Ghost Ship Games Publisher(s) Coffee Stain Publishing Platform(s) PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One Powered by Expand Collapse

Deep Rock Galactic can be played with up to four players. If you love digging holes, tunnels, and uncovering mobs of enemies, then get ready to start mining. Every stage has a goal that can be tackled through a variety of different methods.

Primarily, you will be tunneling through the cavern walls, so if you want to, you can dig straight down or follow the tunnels to get a better angle. Each cavern is procedurally generated, so no two levels are exactly the same, leading to surprises around every corner.

2 Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

The Ultimate Star Wars Experience

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Action Adventure Released April 5, 2022 Developer(s) Traveller's Tales Publisher(s) Warner Bros. Interactive Platform(s) Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Powered by Expand Collapse

Whether you love Star Wars or Lego in general, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is one of the best co-op games to check out. Play as dozens of characters from the Star Wars franchise and not just the most iconic ones like Obi-Wan or Luke. Minor characters also have their own abilities to mess around with.

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With couch co-op and online capabilities, you can play on a single Steam Deck or side by side on your own devices as you play through the events of every Star Wars film from The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker.

1 Baldur's Gate 3

Just Like Dungeons & Dragons

Baldur's Gate 3

RPG Released August 3, 2023 Developer(s) Larian Studios Publisher(s) Larian Studios Platform(s) PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS Powered by Expand Collapse

One of the greatest RPGs of all time is not only Steam Deck Verified, but can be played as a couch co-op game when docked. Baldur's Gate 3 lets you experience all the character moments, enemy encounters, and customization with a friend.

Be warned, just like any Dungeons & Dragons campaign, Baldur’s Gate 3 requires all players to be present to continue a save file where the game was started in co-op. Once you have all your players ready, you can start your adventure.

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