Best if you want a partner-dependent action shooter that demands constant coordination, resource sharing, and tactical positioning—most rewarding in couch co-op but playable solo with AI backup.
Resident Evil 5 pivots the series away from solo survival horror toward bombastic cooperative action, and that shift defines everything about how it plays. Every encounter is designed around two-person teamwork: one player draws fire while the other flanks, you toss healing herbs across the screen mid-combat, and inventory management becomes a shared puzzle as you divvy up grenades, rifle ammo, and key items between limited slots. The static aiming (you stop moving to shoot) forces deliberate positioning and creates natural rhythm—advance, plant your feet, unleash damage, reposition—that feels arcade-precise when you sync with your partner. The learning curve is steep if you're expecting modern third-person shooter fluidity. Movement is tank-like, inventory management pauses but doesn't stop the game, and resource scarcity punishes spray-and-pray habits. You'll spend early sessions learning enemy patterns, mastering quick weapon swaps, and figuring out when to melee versus conserve bullets. Once these systems click, the game becomes a satisfying loop of crowd control, ammo conservation, and coordinated pushes through increasingly chaotic firefights. Sessions naturally break into 20–30 minute chapters with generous checkpoints, making it easy to knock out a stage in an evening. Replayability comes from difficulty tiers that genuinely reshape encounters (enemies become faster, more aggressive, ammo scarcer), unlockable weapons with upgrade trees, and score-attack modes that reward efficient play. The Mercenaries mode offers pure arcade survival thrills with timer extensions for chaining kills—a fantastic post-campaign time sink for skilled duos. Playing solo with AI partner Sheva is functional but compromised; she'll heal you and handle basic combat but can't match human improvisation during boss phases or resource-critical moments. The game truly shines in split-screen or online co-op where communication turns frantic shootouts into coordinated ballet. Fair warning: this is an action game wearing horror aesthetics, not a tense survival experience. Expect blockbuster setpieces, abundant enemy waves, and power fantasy satisfaction over dread.
2 local • 2 online
Resident Evil 5 does not support crossplay, includes split-screen multiplayer, supports up to 2 players online, features co-op campaign mode.
Single Player • Multiplayer • Co-op • PvP • Online Multiplayer • Local Couch Co-op • Split-Screen
Supports 2-player co-op for the main story/campaign (partner can be AI when solo). Also includes competitive modes (Versus: Slayers/Survivors; Team variants) and co-op Mercenaries modes. Split-screen local co-op supported on PC/Steam and consoles. Online play supports up to 2 players for co-op; Versus supports up to 4 players online. No cross-platform play. Console online play may require platform subscription (e.g., PlayStation Plus / Xbox online membership depending on platform generation).
Important details about which version to buy and where to play.
The Switch version suffers from noticeable performance drops during split-screen play and enemy-heavy sequences, sometimes impacting aiming precision and movement responsiveness. Other platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox) deliver smoother experiences with more stable frame rates.
Offers aim assist and multiple difficulty settings to help newcomers, but lacks comprehensive accessibility options. Static aiming and inventory pauses provide natural breaks, though the choppy Switch performance may challenge players sensitive to inconsistent frame rates.
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If you enjoyed Resident Evil 5, 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.
Cooperative multiplayer games that emphasize teamwork and shared objectives, building on the social aspects of Resident Evil 5.
Campaign and Horde are built for buddies: tight third-person cover shooting, shared revives, and clear roles make co-op runs feel smooth and coordinated.
A co-op third-person shooter where builds and teamwork matter; drop-in/out co-op and boss-focused encounters scratch the squad survival-shooter itch.
Playable in co-op with shared combat pacing and resource tension; over-the-shoulder shooting plus horror set pieces make it a natural partner playthrough.
Objective-driven co-op against swarms with special infected pressure; card-based loadouts add variety while keeping the run-and-gun team vibe front and center.
Other games in the Resident Evil 5 universe or series, offering familiar worlds with fresh perspectives.
Leans harder into action with multiple campaigns and frequent co-op moments; over-the-shoulder gunfights and set-piece pacing echo the same era of the series.
The classic over-the-shoulder template: deliberate aiming, crowd control, and tense resource management that bridges horror roots and action-forward gunplay.
Episodic survival-horror with co-op Raid Mode for replayable runs; mixes resource tension with punchy third-person combat and upgrade progression.
Mature, atmospheric alternatives to Resident Evil 5 featuring darker themes, grittier visuals, and more serious storytelling.
More oppressive horror tone and brutal enemy encounters; limited supplies, trap-heavy fights, and grotesque environments push the dread far beyond pure action.
A grimmer, grounded survival journey where stealth and scarce ammo shape every fight; tense third-person encounters deliver a harsher take on infected threats.
Third-person shooting framed by a bleak, unsettling narrative; squad-based firefights are familiar, but the moral darkness and atmosphere hit much harder.
Head-to-head competitive games for players who enjoy the competitive elements found in Resident Evil 5.
Competitive versus plus Horde co-op, with chunky third-person cover combat and strong weapon feel; great if you want the same shooting language but PvP focus.
Tactical 5v5 with tight gunplay and teamwork emphasis; map knowledge, gadgets, and coordinated executes offer a competitive twist on methodical firefights.
We've included this game in 1 article.
Resident Evil 5 makes the list for its genuinely clever split-screen co-op design—sharing inventory, covering angles, and coordinating shots works brilliantly on paper. However, it ranks last due to noticeable performance issues on Switch that make aiming feel sluggish during busy firefights. Only recommended for RE veterans willing to tolerate frame drops in exchange for that classic partner-based survival horror experience.
Common questions about this game answered by our team.
Normal difficulty is manageable for action game veterans but punishes poor resource management. Higher difficulties demand mastery of enemy patterns and coordinated tactics. Checkpoints are generous, reducing repeated frustration.
Main campaign runs 10–12 hours on first playthrough. Factor in significantly more time for unlocking weapons, tackling higher difficulties, and mastering Mercenaries mode.
Playable but compromised—AI partner handles basics but can't improvise during boss fights or resource-critical moments. The game is built for human co-op and truly shines that way.
No. It's an action shooter with horror setting and grotesque enemies. Expect blockbuster setpieces and crowd combat over tension or dread. The scares are minimal compared to classic RE games.
Chapters naturally break into 20–30 minute chunks with checkpoints, perfect for short sessions. Mercenaries mode runs offer quick 5–10 minute arcade bursts.
