POPUCOM is a colorful 3D co-op puzzle adventure with a bit of a Splatoon vibe. Instead of competing, you use color guns to activate switches, overcome obstacles and solve puzzles together. The platforming is surprisingly forgiving, as falling into a pit or missing a jump simply respawns you next to your partner. The puzzles focus more on cooperation than difficult logic, and accessibility options include colorblind assistance, contrast settings and aim assist.
LEGO Voyagers
In LEGO Voyagers, you play as two little LEGO bricks on a charming puzzle adventure. You can stack on top of each other, snap together or build catapults and boats to overcome obstacles. There is no combat, demanding platforming or dialogue to worry about. Just plenty of little puzzles and teamwork. You can play locally or online using a free Friend's Pass, so only one player needs to own the game. Just keep in mind that the adventure is fairly short, usually taking one or two evenings to complete.
Chicory: A Colorful Tale
If your partner prefers creativity over action, Chicory: A Colorful Tale might be a lovely choice. One player controls a little dog, while the other controls its magical paintbrush. The second player can paint almost anywhere on the screen and help solve puzzles or open new paths. However, the co-op is quite asymmetric: only one player actually controls a character. You can swap roles, though!
Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna)
Never Alone is a 2D puzzle-platformer based on a traditional story of the Iñupiat people of Alaska. You control Nuna and her Arctic fox companion, each with different abilities. Nuna can climb and move heavy objects, while the fox can squeeze through small spaces and interact with nature spirits. Both players are essential to making progress. Just be aware that some platforming sections require good timing, and at least one player needs a controller for local co-op.
KeyWe
In KeyWe, two little kiwi birds work together to sort and deliver mail. You can peck, jump and even use your bird booty to slam buttons. Yes, really! You can split up the work between sorting letters, stamping addresses and operating the telegraph. But things get hectic when the timers start ticking. If you have played Overcooked, you will recognize the chaos. Fortunately, there is also a no-time-limit mode, although this one is probably better suited to someone already comfortable with basic controls.
Blanc
Blanc follows an orphaned wolf cub and a fawn trying to find their families. This short fairy-tale adventure has no combat, dialogue or time pressure. Instead, you will push obstacles, jump across gaps and combine the animals' abilities to survive the snowy wilderness. The camera follows both characters, making it particularly welcoming for beginners. It is a lovely little adventure, but only takes around two hours to complete.
Sheepherds!
Sheepherds! is a wholesome herding game for up to four players. You control dogs that bark and run around to guide colorful sheep through gates and into barns. There are no time limits, and you can even guide sheep through flowers to dye their wool different colors. It is also a great way to get comfortable with PC controls. One little tip: do not let the more experienced player herd everything alone. Teamwork makes the dream work, even when you are a dog! (woof)
Lost Twins 2
Lost Twins 2 is a hand-drawn puzzle adventure where you guide Abi and Ben through different worlds. The interesting part? You can rearrange the environment itself, a little like the board game Labyrinth. One player might slide tiles to create a path while the other activates switches or figures out the next jump. There is no combat or time pressure, but some later puzzles can get quite tricky!
Pode
Pode is a local co-op puzzle adventure about a little rock helping a fallen star find its way home. The rock can activate pressure plates, while the star can float and use its glow to make plants bloom. You can even hold hands to share abilities or carry each other around. Together, you solve puzzles and transform barren caves into beautiful gardens. It is a gentle experience, though perhaps a little slow if you are looking for fast-paced action.
Moss: Forgotten Relic
Our number one is Moss: Forgotten Relic. Thanks to its Play Together update, two players can experience the adventure locally in completely different roles. One player controls Quill, a little mouse who runs, jumps and fights. The other becomes the Reader, who can move obstacles, freeze enemies and heal Quill. The Reader does not need to worry about combat or their own health, making this a particularly nice option for players with different experience levels. Just keep in mind that the Reader controls a cursor using the right stick, which might take a little getting used to.
More Co-op Games to Play TogetherAnd if you are looking for more ideas, check out FYNCH, our co-op game finder, at Co-op Pixels.