When Is Black Ops 4 Coming to Steam

What Online Co-op Games Help You Stay in Touch with Friends?

Lyncconf Games/Flickr

Gaming has the unfair reputation of being a socially isolating activity, but it doesn't have to always be about sitting in the dark alone. Co-op games are excellent tools for encouraging gamers to collaborate and coordinate with their fellow gamers. In general, a co-op game allows you to partner with a friend ― or even requires you to play with another unknown gamer ― to accomplish the game's objective.

These types of games come in many forms to captivate every type of imagination. If you're searching for a co-op game that can help you stay in touch with your friends — and still offer endless fun, of course — check out these exciting options.

A Way Out

A Way Out is one of the few games that only offers a co-op mode. Fans of this game report that it features superb gameplay that encourages great communication and a strong partnership. Talk about the perfect way to do some bonding! Characters can also change their actions to influence the outcome of the game's plot.

BagoGames/Flickr

In the game, you team up with a friend to play as two prisoners who are planning their escape from prison. Not only do you have the exciting challenges of working together to make your escape, but you also play a variety of mini-games along the way. Basketball, darts, baseball, banjo dueling and horseshoes are just a few of your options.

Apex Legends

Apex Legends is a free co-op game that requires players to work as a team to survive. The game boasts an exciting battle royale mode that enables you to play with two friends. You can choose your legendary character for the match and then you will learn how to fine tune the character's abilities and special skills over time. Use your gaming mic to talk to your friend as you play.

Instacodez/Flickr

Are you short a friend and need to play with a stranger to complete your team? Apex Legends has a communication system that enables you to point to an object or suggest a location. The game will then communicate what you're trying to say. You don't have to worry about clicking words, fiddling with a mic or enduring awkward interactions with a stranger.

Minecraft

Minecraft is one of the best co-op games if you're searching for an option that allows you to spend a creative gaming session with your friends. Up to 30 people can play at once, and it's even possible for players from different gaming platforms to play in the same session.

DasMonster/Pixabay

Spend a few hours building an entirely new world with your friends, complete with a castle or roller coaster. You can also visit your friend's world and build a few additions to their virtual space. Break out your pickaxe and dig a never-ending pit or construct a house using your favorite Minecraft materials.

Spawn all kinds of Minecraft creatures, including cute, block-shaped animals as well as deadly villains. Work together to survive the virtual elements during Survival gameplay or just let your imaginations run wild in Creative mode.

Overcooked 2

Collaborative cooking might not be the first thing you envision when it comes to co-op gaming. However, Overcooked 2 proves that cooking with friends can actually be a fun, challenging way to spend the afternoon.

DasMonster/Pixabay

You can play online with up to four friends in a fast-paced match. As you cook, you and your fellow chefs have to follow a series of commands and dodge various obstacles. Some kitchens even change their environment while you're in the middle of preparing a new recipe. Compete against another team in the game's Versus mode or try to get a new high score in Arcade mode. Try out the game's various chefs, recipes and kitchens to keep your cooking sessions interesting.

Friday the 13th: The Game

See if you can take down hockey-mask-wearing Jason once and for all in Friday the 13th: The Game. You will team up with your friends as the Camp Crystal Lake counselors, and each counselor character has his or her own skills and weaknesses. You have to work together to evade Jason, gather items to assist with survival and try to make it out of Camp Crystal Lake alive. Multiple tasks throughout the game provide a collection of interesting co-op game play opportunities.

Mindmatrix/Wikimedia Commons

Note: Friday the 13th: The Game is intended for adult players due to the violent content and language.

Fewings Thavatabot