Best if you want a deep, progression-driven kitchen sim that rewards strategic planning as much as frantic coordination—Overcooked meets roguelite restaurant building.
PlateUp! transforms the chaotic kitchen genre into something with lasting bite. Instead of resetting after every shift, you build a persistent restaurant over a 15-day run, expanding your floor plan, chaining together automated appliances, and unlocking new equipment between service rushes. The result is a game that asks you to think like a manager during downtime and execute like a line cook when doors open. The core loop splits neatly: during prep phases, you and up to three friends negotiate layouts, buy appliances, and plan automation—conveyor belts feeding ovens, dishwashers linked to serving stations. Then customers arrive and you scramble to fulfill orders while your clever (or chaotic) kitchen design reveals its strengths and flaws. Success hinges on clear role assignment: one player might handle all plating, another manages seating and patience meters, a third focuses on cooking stations. This division of labor makes it feel less like frantic button-mashing and more like a well-oiled crew finding rhythm together. The roguelite structure keeps stakes high. Fail to meet daily goals and your run ends, but you unlock new recipes, appliances, and modifiers for future attempts. Each restaurant is procedurally generated with unique layouts and customer quirks, so no two runs feel identical. The progression system rewards repeated play—you'll return to your franchise HQ between attempts to spend currency on permanent upgrades and cosmetics, then dive back in with fresh strategies. The learning curve is steeper than Overcooked. Early runs teach you the basics, but mastering automation, optimizing layouts, and juggling multiple dish types takes hours of experimentation. Solo play is viable but significantly harder; this game shines brightest with a dedicated co-op partner or group willing to communicate and iterate. Sessions typically run 30–60 minutes per full attempt, with individual day shifts wrapping in 5–8 minutes—perfect for "one more run" loops that stretch into entire evenings. It's not as immediately accessible or visually polished as its genre peers, and the UI can feel dense on handheld Switch screens until you internalize the icons. But if you've exhausted Overcooked and crave something with more strategic depth, persistent progression, and room to optimize, PlateUp! delivers a satisfying long-haul co-op experience that rewards teamwork and smart planning in equal measure.
4 local • 4 online
PlateUp! does not support crossplay, supports up to 4 players online, features co-op campaign mode.
Single Player • Multiplayer • Co-op • Online Multiplayer • Local Couch Co-op • Shared Screen
Supports 1–4 players co-op. Local play is shared-screen (no split-screen). Online co-op supported on PC via Steam (Steamworks/Remote Play Together supported). No official LAN mode listed. No official cross-play support indicated between platforms. Players typically form a single team running one restaurant; no PvP modes.
Important details about which version to buy and where to play.
Switch version can feel cramped on handheld due to UI density; docked play with a full controller setup is recommended for multiplayer. PC version offers sharper visuals and slightly smoother interface navigation.
Clear color-coded stations and readable recipe icons aid coordination. Controller-friendly menus and sound cues support timing. No full button remapping on all platforms, but layouts are intuitive. Practice mode allows low-pressure experimentation before committing to runs.
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If you enjoyed PlateUp!, you'll love these similar games. We've handpicked titles based on gameplay style, difficulty, atmosphere, and what players like you are enjoying. Whether you're looking for something with a similar vibe, more challenge, or the same multiplayer features, these recommendations have you covered.
Social multiplayer games perfect for game nights and group gatherings, building on the party-friendly aspects of PlateUp!.
Pure kitchen chaos built for loud couch sessions: frantic station-hopping, constant callouts, and quick failures that turn into instant rematches with friends.
Physics comedy co-op that nails party-night pacing: rapid levels, goofy objectives, and constant “grab/throw/route” decisions that reward teamwork over perfection.
Same frantic teamwork energy but with home renovation: split tasks, race timers, and yell-friendly coordination across messy apartments in short, punchy rounds.
Fast, hilarious couch co-op where communication matters: swing, grab, and toss allies through tiny obstacle courses—great for quick rounds and big reactions.
Cooperative multiplayer games that emphasize teamwork and shared objectives, building on the social aspects of PlateUp!.
Co-op problem-solving with clear roles: gather, craft, and lay track together under gentle pressure, with runs that stay readable even for new players.
Shared-ship teamwork that’s instantly understandable: swap stations (guns, shields, engine), cover each other’s gaps, and scale difficulty smoothly for groups.
Communication-first co-op: one defuses, others read the manual, creating the same “callouts and roles” vibe without twitch play—perfect for mixed abilities.
Low-stress couch co-op built around coordination: two players share one stretchy dog body, solving light puzzles that stay friendly for mixed-skill groups.
Simulation and management games that share the strategic planning aspects of PlateUp! with deeper economic systems.
Service-line pressure with more planning: build menus, optimize prep, and survive intense orders. Scratches the restaurant loop with clearer solo progression too.
Restaurant co-op that’s easier to read at a glance: seat, cook, serve, and upgrade your diner layout. A clean management loop for local or online teamwork.
Games with deeper mechanical complexity than PlateUp!, rewarding players who enjoy mastering intricate systems and advanced strategies.
Leans hard into automation mastery: design conveyor-belt kitchens, chain machines, and debug throughput like a factory puzzler—similar obsession, deeper optimization.
If you love building self-running kitchens, this is the apex: automate everything, scale production lines, and refine layouts for hours with co-op-friendly logistics.
We've included this game in 2 articles.
PlateUp! earns its #2 spot by delivering what Overcooked veterans crave: deeper systems. The roguelite structure lets teams build automation strategies across runs, while appliance daisy-chaining and floor planning reward smart role division. Online and local play suit Switch perfectly, though the steep learning curve and dense interface keep it from the top slot.
Ranked #8 for adding meta-progression to the couch kitchen formula. Unlike reset-heavy alternatives, PlateUp! lets four players grow a restaurant together over multiple sessions through roguelite unlocks and automation systems. Teams assign domains—conveyors, dishes, floor layout—creating ownership beyond frantic execution. Steeper onboarding holds it back, but sustained replay rewards patient groups.
Common questions about this game answered by our team.
Harder overall. Early days are approachable, but difficulty spikes as you progress through a run. Success depends on smart layout planning and role division, not just quick reflexes. Expect frequent failures while learning.
A complete 15-day restaurant run typically lasts 30–60 minutes, with individual day shifts taking 5–8 minutes. Meta-progression encourages repeated attempts, so total playtime adds up quickly across unlocks.
Playable solo but significantly harder—you'll juggle all roles yourself. The game truly shines in 2–4 player co-op where you can divide tasks and coordinate automation strategies together.
Yes. Failed runs still unlock new recipes, appliances, and franchise upgrades you can spend between attempts. Each run builds toward long-term progression, not just immediate victory.
Both. PlateUp! supports online multiplayer and local couch co-op, making it flexible for remote friends or same-room groups. Crossplay availability varies by platform.
