Gaming is always more fun when it’s shared with your buddies.
While single-player games are pretty engaging, there’s something about playing cooperative games that just cannot be beaten.
If you don’t know yet, in cooperative games, you team up with your friends or other players to win the game together. Have you noticed players sitting together with different gaming controllers playing a single game? Chances are, they’re busy playing a co-op game. It’s fun, engaging, and great for building connections.
With a diverse library divided by different genres ready to be picked up, the PS4 is a haven for co-op games.
To shed some light on that, we’ll be going over some of the best co-op games available today on the PS4, so that you and your friends can enjoy lending each other a hand.
Let’s learn more.
Why are Co-Op Games So Popular?
One of the major reasons co-op games became so popular is the fact that you and your friends can join hands and beat opponents to win a game – sometimes from the jaws of defeat. The simple fact of “collaborating” with other players to clear a level brings a unique sense of accomplishment.
You can achieve more together while enjoying teamwork and camaraderie instead of just a competitive spirit. This genre fostered a spirit of shared achievements where people commonly worked towards a common objective and achieved it.
Pretty off-topic, but this type of teamwork spirit sets a great example to do similar things in the real world.
Multiplayer Vs. Co-Op Games – What’s the Difference?
Before starting with the list of games, let’s first understand the difference between multiplayer and co-op games.
While both may seem like the same thing – they are not. It’s safe to assume that fewer people are aware that co-op is a sub-category or a sub-genre of multiplayer games. The concept may feel similar, but the two have a unique distinction. Here’s a table that illustrates some of the differences between them:
| Multiplayer Games | Co-Op Games |
| Competitive gameplay | Inclusive and collaborative gameplay |
| Involves playing against friends or other players | Winning is often determined by individual skillset |
| Greater chance of intensity and rivalry while playing | Requires effective communication to succeed |
| Winning is often determined on individual skillset | Winning is determined by teamwork, shared skills, and strong coordination |
| Can be played with multiple people | Can be played with multiple people, but mostly just 2 |
| Can be played from wherever you are | You’ll have to share/split the same screen |
Co-op games are perfect for players who prefer peaceful gaming sessions rather than a stern and competitive battle.
With that said, let’s jump into the list of the best co-op games you can play on PS4 today.
Grand Theft Auto V
An open-world masterpiece, Grand Theft Auto V is every gamer’s paradise. From the house of Rockstar Games, the storyline of the fifth edition will take you on a series of dangerous heists with sprawling maps and varied activities.
If you’re new to the world of GTA, here’s how the storyline unfolds in this one – three men (a young hustler, a terrifying psychopath, and a retired bank robber) cannot trust anyone as they are caught up between the politics of the underworld, the US government, and the entertainment industry.
The game features a dynamic and real-time evolving environment, offering an immersive experience. You can choose to switch between the characters as per your will, but remember; their story is interwoven, so it’s crucial to make choices in your favor.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grand Theft Auto V Playstation 4 |
$23.98 |
Buy on Amazon |
You’ll have to enter the cooperative chaos in this dark comic world to bend the rules and win the game. Moreover, you’ll have to strategize your decisions not to get caught by the police. The goal is to emerge victorious in gang wars and meet their final motive.
Developer: Rockstar North
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Diablo III: Eternal Collection
Embark on a demon-slaying adventure with your friends and family as you step into the dark menacing world of demons of the burning hell. These demons are roaming free in the land, causing unsolicited trouble, making this game full of exciting quests, puzzles, and moves that’ll keep you hooked to the screen for hours.
Diablo III: Eternal Collection is compulsive because of its functionality but also engaging enough as they have added more elements to its original storyline.
In this PS4 RPG, you’ll find yourself making choices and seeing the repercussions of those choices play out in real-time. It’s known for its hack-and-slash style combat with varied classes and other supporting characters to help you finish your quests.
If you want to stay away from the limelight for a while, try your hand at side quests, collect rewards, and amp up your skills.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Diablo III Eternal Collection - PlayStation 4 |
$20.97 |
Buy on Amazon |
Collecting as many weapons and skills as possible is beneficial since you’re bound to be face-to-face with the angel of death, Malthael, who’s thirsty for your blood.
So, invite your friends and chalk out a plan to uncover those dungeons now!
Developer: Blizzard Team 3
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Divinity: Original Sin 2
This game starts with the death of Divine and the Entry of The Void. What do you do? Well, be whoever you want to be and play wherever you are, for you are the God that the world needs, and it’ll bow down to your commands.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is the perfect role-playing game to test your decision-making skills. It comes with heavy combat moves, adding to the game’s overall experience. The choices are yours to make, but results will directly affect the world around you, as they’ll act based on your choices.
You can choose your character from the five races available in the game. Don’t worry; you can upgrade your character with over 200 skills in 12 skill schools while they play to their strengths.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Divinity: Original Sin 2 - PlayStation 4 Definitive Edition |
$47.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
This game adds occasional spice to the storyline with romance, feuds, disagreements, and unique relationship-testing quests. You can enter the story mode to enjoy the lauded narrative or roam around as you will in the free combat zone. Didn’t I say? It’s all about your choices!
Developer: Larian Studios
Publisher: Larian Studios and Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release Date: August 31, 2018
Final Fantasy XIV
Loved by over 27 million players, Final Fantasy XIV has earned a lot of laurels in its kitty. You get to live your story in the magical and captivating land of Eorzea – a place embraced by Gods and forged by heroes.
In this story, you become the warrior of light blessed by the Mothercrystal – the source of all life, to set out on a quest to save the land from destruction. As you fight through levels, you’ll have to make friends, team up with them, and complete challenges together.
Yes, this is an MMO that allows up to 24 players in the dungeons, raids, and group challenge modes, with about 72 players in an exciting and insane PvP mode. Its vivid music adds to the nail-biting moments of the game. You can explore the land by flying, swimming, and diving apart from foot.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Final Fantasy XIV: The Complete Collection (PS4) | 466 Reviews | $60.11 | Buy on Amazon |
During the engaging gameplay, you’ll have to choose a job that suits you and prepare to discover yourself in the journey of saving the realm.
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: April 14, 2014
No Man’s Sky
If the words exploration and survival excite you, this game is a real catch. As the name suggests, in No Man’s Sky, you’ll be in a no man’s sky exploring different galaxies waiting to be discovered.
This astronautical masterpiece will take you on an infinite journey where each star is a sun you can visit to explore to unravel its mystery. As you land on them, you’ll befriend the life of the planet and come across aliens and hazardous substances that are rotting the planet.
You can build your base comprising colonies, small check posts, or a typical building. Take the help of the local workers of that planet to farm resources and make the place sustainable.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can summon Space Anomaly, which will gather up to 32 real-time online players with whom you can go on intergalactic missions together.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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No Man's Sky Beyond PS4 Playstation 4 |
$35.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
You can also experience the game in VR, for the sky is the limit in this game. Without a doubt, if you love space exploration games, you can’t miss out on No Man’s Sky!
Developer: Hello Games
Publisher: Hello Games
Release Date: August 9, 2016
Teenage Mutant Ninja’s Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Unleash nostalgia with friends in this retro beat ’em up game. Team up as Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael to battle iconic enemies, solve puzzles, and save the city from Shredder’s tyranny.
Teenage Mutant Ninja’s Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge beautifully captures the essence of the classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade era with its vibrant full-color pixel art graphics. This classic game has newly added movements of the dodge roll right and left, charge attacks, and a chance to defend yourself when you’re being attacked.
The storyline follows the turtle and his friends on a journey to stop Bebop, Rocksteady, Krang, and Shredder, who’re the culprits behind the assault on Channel 6. Their motive is to steal gnarly devices for evil power, and if there’s anyone who can stop them, it’s you.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - PlayStation 4 | 554 Reviews |
$29.45 |
Buy on Amazon |
You must undertake a timeless journey of defeating them by playing it with up to 6 players simultaneously.
Developer: Tribute Games
Publisher: Dotemu
Release Date: June 16, 2022
Rayman Legends
The best platformer of the year is back with a bang, but this time with more stunning visuals and thrilling challenges.
As you know how Rayman cannot just stick to his business. One fine day, he goes for a walk in the jungle with his friends – Globox and Tensies. They don’t realize that they have entered an enchanting forest and stumbled upon a tent full of mysterious and attractive paints.
As they try to wrap their heads around it, they get sucked into it and are now a part of that world.
By playing Rayman Legends, you and your friends will embark on a journey filled with running, jumping, tackling, and battling, all while unraveling the mysteries concealed within each legendary painting.
Along with an exciting storyline, the game offers stunning graphics with cute characters that’ll keep you engaged for a long time.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Rayman Legends - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition |
$15.70 |
Buy on Amazon |
The concept of boss battles in this game takes the thrill to another level, as you’ll have to keep an eye on all angles to escape and defeat them. So, dance, punch, and zipline your way out using the perfect timing and rhythm to win this game.
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: February 18, 2014
Streets of Rage 4
Relive your old days with Streets of Rage 4, a continuation of Sega’s Streets of Rage series. You’ll need your maverick for this one, as it’s full of street battles, combos, and quests that must be completed to restore the peace in the city. You can rock a retro look by selecting one of the five iconic characters from the series.
It comes with 3 main modes – story mode, arcade mode, and battle mode to keep you entertained for hours. With polished visuals, classic characters, and new mechanics, this game brings a modern twist to the nostalgic genre.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Streets of Rage 4 - PlayStation 4 |
$31.44 |
Buy on Amazon |
The enchanting and powerful soundtrack by world-class musicians only adds to the brilliance of Streets of Rage 4. Also, make sure to check out our list of the best PS4 fighting games if you love Streets of Rage 4!
Developer: DotEmu, Lizardcube, Guard Crush, Seaven Studio & Guard Crush Games G.P.
Publisher: Dotemu
Release Date: April 30, 2020
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
Meet the troubled young prince, Selius, who’s named the Nightmare Prince in a beautiful enchanting fairyland. This is because he’s experiencing some dark monstrous dreams, and because of his magical powers, he’s attracting and pulling demons with a rage into the fairyland, who’re eager to destroy the peace of the land.
To save the land from destruction, the three superheroes – Amadeus the Wizard, Pontius the Knight, and Zoya the Thief, are back to join forces in a thrilling quest to save the prince and restore harmony to the world.
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is beautifully captured with 2.5D landscapes, offering a unique experience. You’ll find yourself solving dynamic puzzles, passing through a breathtaking fantasy land teeming with danger, and completing challenges as you move closer to diminish the villains’ plans.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Trine 4 : The Nightmare Prince (PS4) - PlayStation 4 |
$29.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
Compared to its previous releases, the game makers have introduced completely enhanced physical moves, which are much more interactive and realistic as you tackle enemies and take down bosses.
You can play this game against four players or co-op with your friends.
Developer: Frozenbyte
Publisher: Modus Games
Release Date: October 8, 2019
Attack on Titan 2
Brace yourself for a bold yet emotional anime adventure with this hack-and-slash release from the house of Hajime Isayama’s manga series. Attack on Titan 2 is a sequel with many upgrades and enhancements.
You must work with friends to master the versatile omnidirectional mobility gear and strategically target the weak points in heart-pounding battles. The omnidirectional mobility gear gives more freedom of movement and precision, making the battles fiercer and more thrilling.
In the storyline, the makers have paid a lot of attention to character development. The relationships with the protagonist’s peers come to light as it evolves. It’s interesting to see how they flourish and affect your quest to save the world.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Attack on Titan 2 - PlayStation 4 | $59.98 | Buy on Amazon |
You and your friends can adopt the town life to lay low, improve relationships, and train yourselves before the next big battle with the Titans. This game will surely entertain you, regardless of whether you’re an anime fan.
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Release Date: March 20, 2018
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4
Join Luffy and Straw Hat Pirates in this fast-paced action game that captures the spirit of anime and the Musou action genre. In this installment, you experience the entire One Piece story from the beginning.
The story of One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 follows the folks who journeyed to explore different islands and beyond in search of the illustrious treasure – One Piece. On the way, they encounter various enemies. As players, you and your friends must take them down in a slash and perform crazy attacks in some of the memorable battles from the anime series.
You’ll have to destroy the buildings, enemies, and everything that comes your way because there’s a price to pay to get the treasure. Embark on this epic adventure by stepping into the shoes of your favorite characters from the popular anime.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
One Piece Pirate Warriors 4 PS4 |
$34.26 |
Buy on Amazon |
Each one displays a specific ability, so you and your friends can strategize and pick the best ones accordingly to help you track down the treasure. In this signature anime, the victory is sweet as the world is cruel. We’ve also got a whole list of the best anime games on PS4, if you’re interested in the genre!
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release Date: March 27, 2020
Watch Dogs 2
With technological advancements also come great threats unknown to many but mastered by few. In Watch Dogs 2, the rules are meant to be broken, and bonds are meant to be strengthened.
Step into the near-futuristic San Francisco bay area that offers a dynamic, open world full of possibilities. However, there’s something hidden at the birthplace of the tech revolution. Use your hacking skills to find out and stand for what is right.
You’ll be thrilled to test out the skills your characters possess. From hacking into the government infrastructure and electronic devices to people’s data, you can take control of drones, cars, machines, robots, and much more to take down your enemies.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Watch Dogs 2 (PS4) | 2,459 Reviews |
$22.90 |
Buy on Amazon |
The best weapon to win this game is manipulation, so use it to change the course of events, wreak havoc on corporations, and uncover the city’s dark secrets in front of the world. Make this journey exciting by playing it in co-op mode with your friends and family.
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: November 15, 2016
Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered
Relive the iconic 90’s Ghostbuster universe, which is back with a bang with even better graphics and gameplay.
In Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered, you can join your friends and catch ghosts, investigate supernatural mysteries, and collaborate to save New York City from paranormal threats.
The fresh storyline involving player battles and capturing of powerful ghosts throughout the city has kept the fans hooked on to the screen for hours, and it won’t be any different for you.
The weapons are even better and upgradeable with bustling moves, like wrangling and trapping in wider gameplay. Learning them will pique your interest in boss fights, and you can also make a larger team to engage in large-scale battles and test your team’s courage.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition |
$48.75 |
Buy on Amazon |
Most importantly, you’ll have to communicate effectively, attack in coordination, and strategize various possibilities of capturing ghosts to complete the game.
Developer: Saber Interactive
Publisher: Mad Dog Games, LLC
Release Date: October 4, 2019
Closing Thoughts
While gamers are fun and offer great entertainment, they can be enjoyed better when teamed up with friends and family. The co-op genre offers a thrilling and unique experience, adding to the joy of gaming with people you know.
The games in this list are great options when you want to call up your buddies for a fun weekend of gaming.
Trying to save money? Check out the best free PS4 games for when you’re on a budget.
