Good PS5 couch co-op is harder to find than it should be. A lot of “co-op” games quietly mean online, separate consoles, or modes that feel tacked on. Everything here is playable together on one PS5, on the same TV, with local co-op that actually works. You’ll see a mix of shared-screen party games for groups and split-screen adventures for dedicated duos. I also ranked with real living-room friction in mind: readability, how fast someone can jump in, and whether the co-op asks you to work together or just mash buttons side-by-side.
This article is part of our guid on the Best Co-Op Games for PS5
How We Ranked These Games
We ranked these PS5 couch co-op picks by how well the local mode works at home, then by how smart the teamwork design is once you’re a few hours in.
Criterion | Weight | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
Couch co-op implementation | 35% | Shared-screen vs split-screen clarity, drop-in ease, and how well it plays on one console |
Co-op design depth | 25% | Whether the game truly needs teamwork, not just two players in the same level |
Accessibility onboarding | 15% | How quickly new players understand controls, goals, and their role on the couch |
Replayability | 10% | Reasons to come back after the first clear, from scoring to new runs or builds |
Overall value reception | 15% | How well it holds up over time, including critical reception and what you get for your money |
The Top 10 Best PS5 Couch Co-Op Games
The list is ranked from best overall couch play (#1) to more specialized picks (#10). Every game supports local co-op on one PS5, and we call out whether it’s shared-screen or split-screen.
“The gold standard of couch co-op design with mandatory 2-player split-screen brilliance”
Why We Picked This
If you own one couch co-op game on PS5, I’d make it this one. It Takes Two is built around the idea that both of you matter, all the time, and the game constantly proves it with puzzles and set pieces where each player has a different tool. One minute you’re coordinating platform jumps, the next you’re doing a weird little co-op mini-game that somehow still teaches you teamwork. The only real catch is commitment: it’s a 12–14 hour story, not a quick party pick. Best for couples and consistent duos.
“The ultimate chaotic kitchen party game with 200+ levels for up to 4 local players”
Why We Picked This
Overcooked! All You Can Eat is still the easiest recommendation for mixed groups because everyone understands the job in seconds: chop, cook, plate, don’t set the kitchen on fire. I ranked it #2 because its couch setup is basically perfect for one-console play, and the huge bundle means you won’t run out of levels the first weekend. You will run out of patience, though. When four people are yelling “where’s the rice?” it can get tense fast. Best for families, friend groups, and party nights where chaos is the point.
“Tactical RPG masterpiece with 100+ hour co-op campaigns—better split-screen than BG3”
Why We Picked This
Divinity: Original Sin 2 earned this spot because it’s one of the deepest co-op campaigns you can play on a single PS5, and it actually holds up well as a couch game. In fights, you’re planning turns together, setting up combos, and occasionally “helping” by accidentally lighting the whole battlefield on fire. I also like that co-op isn’t just combat. You can split up in towns, talk to different NPCs, and compare notes like you’re running a messy tabletop session. The downside is onboarding. Expect a learning curve and lots of menu time. Best for patient duos.
“Chaotic 4-player furniture-moving mayhem—Overcooked meets physics puzzles”
Why We Picked This
Moving Out 2 hits that sweet spot where you’re cooperating, but you’re also laughing at the physics the entire time. You’re tossing couches through windows, timing throws so someone can catch, and arguing about whether the safest path is the front door or just punching a hole in the wall. I put it above some other party games because the co-op asks for real coordination without demanding “gamer skills.” The weak link is repetition if you binge it. A few objectives start to blur together. Best for families and groups who want an Overcooked-style night with less stress.
“Charming 4-player platformer showcasing PS5 features with family-friendly co-op fun”
Why We Picked This
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is my go-to when you want couch co-op that feels welcoming but still has bite. The platforming is readable, the levels are bright, and drop-in/drop-out co-op works well when someone’s attention span is limited. It also deserves its ranking because it includes co-op-focused stages where you actually need to coordinate timing and movement instead of just running alongside each other. The trade-off is that it’s not a “systems” game. If you want deep builds or long-term progression, look elsewhere. Best for families, newer players, and relaxed weekend sessions.
“Unmatched tactical RPG depth with split-screen co-op—best on large displays”
Why We Picked This
Baldur’s Gate 3 is here because, in terms of co-op choices and story consequences, almost nothing touches it. You’re making big calls together, arguing over dialogue options, and then dealing with the fallout for the next 20 hours. That’s the magic. The reason it lands at #6 instead of higher is couch practicality. Split-screen can be visually busy, and in dense late-game areas it’s not always the smoothest couch hang. I also wouldn’t play it on a small TV. Best for dedicated duos who want a long, decision-heavy campaign.
“Frantic 4-player spaceship management requiring constant coordination and communication”
Why We Picked This
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is co-op as a constant conversation. One of you steers, someone else mans shields, another runs to a turret, and every mistake is immediately obvious because the whole ship starts falling apart. When it clicks, it feels like you’re a little crew. I ranked it here because the couch co-op is excellent and the design pushes teamwork harder than most party games. The thing to know is that it can be loud and frantic, especially with two players who have to cover more stations. Best for groups who like controlled chaos.
“Modern beat 'em up masterpiece with 4-player co-op and deep combat systems”
Why We Picked This
Streets of Rage 4 is the beat ’em up I recommend when your group wants something that feels arcadey but still rewards practice. You can button-mash and have a fine time, then slowly learn spacing, juggling, and crowd control as you replay stages. That replay pull is why it beats out some flashier co-op options. Still, it’s not for everyone. Friendly fire and harder difficulties can turn a casual night into a blame game, and the story is basically an excuse to fight. Best for friends who like improving together and chasing higher scores.
“Brutally challenging 4-player roguelike with infinite procedural replayability”
Why We Picked This
Spelunky 2 is ruthless couch co-op, and that’s exactly why it makes the list. Runs are short, every level is a new mess, and the game creates constant “we did that to ourselves” moments when someone triggers a trap chain reaction. I put it at #9 because accessibility is the barrier. New players will die a lot, and sometimes you’ll die because your teammate panicked and threw you. That’s part of the story you tell afterward, but it’s not relaxing. Best for patient groups who like roguelikes and don’t mind failure as the main teacher.
“Retro beat 'em up excellence with rare 6-player local co-op support”
Why We Picked This
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge earns its place mostly because it solves a real couch problem: what do you play when more than four people want in? Six-player local co-op is rare, and it makes this an easy party save. The action is simple, readable, and full of little throwback touches that keep the energy up even for non-gamers. It sits at #10 because the co-op depth is lighter than the games above. You’re not solving puzzles together so much as swarming enemies together. Best for big gatherings, families, and quick arcade-style sessions.
Honorable Mentions
These are still strong couch co-op games on PS5, but they either fit a narrower mood or have a bigger caveat that kept them out of the main ranking.
Castle Crashers Remastered
Castle Crashers Remastered barely missed the top 10 because, even now, it’s one of the cleanest “sit down and start swinging” couch games around. You get that simple beat ’em up loop, plus light RPG progression that keeps everyone chasing new weapons and leveling up their character. I didn’t rank it higher mostly because the feel is a little older-school. The pacing can drag in spots, and some humor lands better if you’re already on its wavelength. Still, it’s a great pick for groups that want action with long-term carrots.
PHOGS!
Phogs! is a sweet co-op puzzle-platformer where each of you controls one end of a two-headed dog. It’s a silly premise that turns into genuinely good teamwork, because you’re constantly deciding who pulls, who anchors, and how to angle your “dog body” through obstacles. I kept it out of the top 10 because it’s more of a short, cozy play than a deep, replayable staple. If your group wants a long campaign, pick something else. Best for couples, parents playing with kids, and anyone who wants low-stress co-op.
Unravel Two
Unravel Two is the calm, thoughtful alternative to the chaotic party picks above. You’re tethered together, which means most puzzles boil down to real coordination: swinging as a pair, building little yarn bridges, and saving each other from falls. I like it a lot for mixed-skill pairs because one player can handle trickier movement while the other focuses on timing and support. It didn’t crack the top 10 because the content is relatively short and the replay hook isn’t as strong. Best for duos who want gentle problem-solving and a quieter vibe.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is a co-op comfort food beat ’em up with crunchy pixel art and RPG-style leveling. The reason it’s an honorable mention is simple: it’s fun, but it can also be a little opaque. New players don’t always realize how much leveling affects difficulty, and early fights can feel unfair until you build your stats. When your group clicks with it, though, it turns into a great “one more stage” couch game. Best for friends who like retro brawlers and don’t mind a bit of grind.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is co-op for people who don’t want pressure. You can farm, fish, explore mines, decorate, or just wander around town and chat with NPCs, and the game doesn’t punish you for playing at your own pace. I left it in honorable mentions because, as a couch game, split-screen can feel cramped, and the “what should we do today?” freedom sometimes stalls groups that want clear objectives. Still, if you want a long-term shared project, it’s hard to beat. Best for couples, families, and low-stress nightly play sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local co-op on PS5 has a few gotchas. These quick answers should help you avoid the most common disappointments.
What counts as couch co-op on PS5?
For this list, couch co-op means two or more people playing together on a single PS5 using the same TV or monitor. That includes shared-screen games and split-screen games. If a game mainly expects separate consoles and online play, we left it out.
Which is better for couch co-op, shared-screen or split-screen?
Shared-screen is usually best for parties because everyone sees the same thing and it’s easy to follow. Split-screen works great for two-player adventures where you need independence, but text and UI can get harder to read if your TV is small or you sit far back.
What are the best PS5 couch co-op games for four players?
If you want four people on one console, start with Overcooked! All You Can Eat, Moving Out 2, and Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime also supports four locally, but it asks for more coordination and gets hectic faster.
Are there any PS5 couch co-op games for more than four players?
Yes, but the list is short. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge supports up to six local players on one screen, which makes it a great pick for big family gatherings or friend groups.
What should we play if one person is new to games?
Pick something with clear roles and simple controls, then let the newer player take the “do one thing well” job at first. Sackboy and Overcooked are great training wheels for teamwork, while It Takes Two is excellent for two people learning together because it teaches co-op habits as it goes.
Conclusion
If you want the cleanest two-player co-op design on PS5, start at the top with It Takes Two. If your goal is a loud living-room night with friends, Overcooked! All You Can Eat and Moving Out 2 are the safest bets. The rest of the list is about matching the game to your group, your screen, and your patience level, especially for split-screen RPGs and tougher roguelikes. Ready for more tailored picks? Try our Recommendations Engine for suggestions that match your play style.
