What is better than the exquisite pain of perma-death? Why, sharing it with a friend or two, of course!
The above statement being a universal truth, I have endeavoured to build the most detailed and comprehensive guide to co-op roguelikes and roguelites that I can. What’s more, I know it will be very useful for anyone out there who is looking for a co-op game to play with their partner, online with a buddy, or when some friends are over.
As with all of the top lists here on Rogueliker, this page is going to be refreshed as more games are played – perhaps more so in this instance, as the plan is to enlist some friends and play both online and local co-op as and when I can.
The criteria for inclusion are simple; I’ll only include games that have either local or online co-op, they’ll be critically successful (a metascore of 70 or above should just about do it), they’re all either roguelikes or roguelites, and I’ll only focus on original games (no player-made mods).
With that settled, let’s get straight to business. Here are the best co-op roguelikes and roguelites, starting with one you might not have heard of before…
Spellmasons | Octavia Blue | PC (Mac, Win)
I’m going to kick off this co-op party with a turn-based roguelike: Spellmasons. This is a game that can be played alone, but it is much better with a friend or two in tow. (Well, actually, I’m not sure I’d call it a roguelike in the strictest sense, but that’s what the devs call it, and that’s good enough for me.)
As the name implies, this is a game steeped in magic spells, with players – up to eight at a time – grouping up as the eponymous spellmasons. Together, you must take on a series of escalating challenge rooms filled with monsters and potions, using your spells together to deal the most damage possible.
Turn-based tactics with up to eight people sounds unwieldy, but the trick here is that everyone takes their turns at the same time. This means that you can work together as a team, but also focus on what you’re doing – the best of both worlds, I think.
The Spell Brigade | Bolt Blaster Games | PC (Win), PlayStation 5
Keeping with the spell focus, but shifting gears completely, is The Spell Brigade, a top-down action-roguelite with survivors-like sensibilities.
The reason I’m including this one above other co-op bullet heavens is the implementation of a Magicka-inspired gimmick that makes this a lot of fun in a group.
With support for up to four players and cross-play across Steam PC and PS5, it’s really easy to get into a game. Staying alive and in the action with the friendly fire switched on is another matter.
I really enjoyed the added high-stakes feeling delivered by the pain of friendly fire, and that goes quite nicely with the cute art, the solid soundtrack, and loads of magic spells.
AK-xolotl: Together | 2Awesome Games | PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
The Together update has rolled out across all versions of AK-xolotl, and it brings a bunch of chaotic two-player goodness to the party. When we played, we did encounter a bug that required a restart, so I think there are still one or two issues to smooth out; however, once we got going, the game was tremendous fun.
This top-down shooter owes a lot to another game on this list, Nuclear Throne. In 2Awesome’s actioner, you control the cutest-looking axolotls who also happen to be pissed off and heavily armed. Together with a friend, you can now run a series of combat encounters, making upgrades, dodge-rolling bullets, and shooting giant grubs and the like.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate | Super Evil Megacorp | iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
I’m including this right near the top of the article as penance for getting around to it so late, because Splintered Fate is a fantastic little co-op, particularly if you’re after a game that can stretch across a generational divide.
Naturally, Splintered Fate lets you play as all four of the brothers, all at the same time if you’ve got four controllers, although that would be a lot of green dudes running around the place (there are other characters added since via DLC).
Visually, things can get cluttered, not least because some of the specials are quite loud, but there is a colour scheme and if you can keep track of which abilities you’ve picked, that helps, too.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by nearly all aspects of TMNT: Splintered Fate, and I thoroughly enjoyed playing it with my son. It’s not the deepest roguelite out there, but it has just enough quality in the right places.
Cult of the Lamb | Massive Monster | iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
And here’s another game about beating the crud out of critters while controlling a cute animal. In this instance, you’re playing as a little lamb who runs their own cult. The aim of the game is to expand your little empire, adding new facilities and growing your following.
Following a major content update, all of this can now be played in co-op, with the second player joining as a little goat. What’s more, Cult of the Lamb’s minigames have been tweaked for two players, and there are new gameplay systems in place to balance things out, like the corrupted and co-op relics. The co-op portion of Massive Monster’s action-roguelite took a while to land, but it was well worth the wait.
Ravenswatch | Passtech Games | PC (Win), PlayStation, Switch, Xbox
Ravenswatch is a top-down isometric action-RPG built around mythological themes, and it looks fantastic thanks to the game’s painterly graphics and a bold art style.
It’s also very replayable thanks to a selection of finely tuned difficulty settings, which will allow you to tailor the experience for those present (it supports up to four players).
Another thing that I really like about Ravenswatch is the gameplay loop, which is a little unusual for a co-op game of this kind. Players must clear out an extensive level, balancing risk with reward, before getting stuck into a boss battle at the end. It’s compelling stuff from the makers of Curse of the Dead Gods.
Risk of Rain Returns | Hopoo Games | PC (Win), Switch
Next up, let’s talk about the brilliance of Risk of Rain Returns, which is a riot in multiplayer. As you can see in the clip below, which was our tenth attempt (or thereabouts), the screen can get really busy when two or more people are fighting in the same area. Chaos is part of the fun of RORR, and with a diverse roster of playable Survivors to choose from, no two runs are ever going to be the same.
Risk of Rain 2 | Hopoo Games | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Risk of Rain 2 is an immediate pick on any co-op roguelike list, and that’s with or without the Survivors of the Void DLC installed. It’s better with, I’d say, and there’s the added bonus here where if one player in the party has the content, it’s unlocked for everyone.
The frantic third-person shooter combat in ROR2 is, like its side-scrolling brother, defined by the game’s roster of playable characters.
There’s a bunch of different playstyles catered to, and when you throw in the vast array of items and how they change things, you’ve got a co-op game that’s overflowing with gameplay possibilities.
Streets of Rogue | Matt Dabrowski | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
It’s finally time for Streets of Rogue to enter the proverbial chat. This zany rogue of a game presents players with an altogether more open-ended co-op experience, where freedom to commit chaos is the right of every player.
In my admittedly limited experience, it’s possible to get in the way of each other as the game’s emergent systems collide. Yet, the point of Streets of Rogue is that you never know exactly what you’re going to get, and a little extra mayhem is hardly going to ruin the fun now, is it? Actually, now that I come to think of it, maybe I like Streets of Rogue better with the madness of multiplayer.
Nuclear Throne | Vlambeer | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
I’m going back to another game from a few years back, a mutated twin-stick shooter that I haven’t written about in ages. That’s right, Dear Reader, I’m referring to the excellent Nuclear Throne. This Vlambeer classic is a great example of community development done right, and it remains brilliantly playable to this day.
I think my favourite part of this game, which is absolutely nails, I should add, is the post-apocalyptic setting, and the fun that the developers were able to have with it.
Other games have evolved the ideas laid down here, often taking one aspect of Nuclear Throne’s design and then running with it, but none of them is as well-rounded nor as radioactive as this punishing post-apocalyptic shooter.
Don’t Starve Together | Klei Entertainment | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Xbox
I doubt even Klei would have predicted the continued and sustained success of their co-op survival sim, Don’t Starve Together. I’m not at all surprised, though, as high quality is a studio hallmark, and I’ve enjoyed nearly every game that I’ve played by them.
If I had to guess at the secret sauce that keeps the game flying high in the Steam charts, I reckon I’d call out the game’s delightful visual design. Klei makes some of the best-looking games ever, and I’m really looking forward to the recently announced Don’t Starve Elsewhere.
Children of Morta | Dead Mage | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
If what you and your co-op partner are after is some story-driven adventuring, then please direct your attention to Children of Morta.
Not only is this one of the best-written roguelite games out there, but it boasts some of the loveliest pixel art I think I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen more than my fair share).
Dead Mage has done a tremendous job in this regard, and the high-quality presentation is a big part of why the game has proven to be so enduringly popular.
While Children of Morta does feature procedural generation, it’s not a traditional roguelike by any means. In fact, action-RPG fans are going to feel right at home, and as it’s one of the less punishing games on this list, it might also be good to play with an older child, if you’ve got one spare.
The Binding of Isaac: Repentance | Nicalis, Edmund McMillen | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
After many years of waiting, online co-op finally arrived in The Binding of Isaac’s FREE Repentance+ update.
Playing together with friends is great fun for a multitude of reasons. The carnage, the crap-slinging, the demonic poop fiends – all of it is best tackled with a friend.
Spelunky 2 | Mossmouth, Blitworks | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
If you don’t mind potentially falling out with your opponents, then the multiplayer in Spelunky 2 is a great option. Don’t get me wrong, the co-op mode is fine, and you should definitely play it, but I’m going to suggest that you and your friends also get stuck into the PvP modes.
The PvP modes can create absolute mayhem, and the systemic gameplay means you never know how things are going to work out. Co-op campaign, on the other hand, makes Spelunky a little bit more forgiving.
Either way, Spelunky and Spelunky 2 are incredible games that provide some of the very best multiplayer around, and if you’ve not already played one or both yourself, I suggest you hop to it. Just keep an eye out for spikes and bats.
Absolum | Dotemu, Guard Crush Games | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
If you and your friends are beat ’em up fans, Absolum falls into must-play territory. This crisp and colourful fighting game is by the same folks who gave us Streets of Rage 4, which marked a return to form for one of the finest beat ’em series of all time.
Absolum blends roguelite elements to spice up run variety, but the heart and soul of this game is the incredible combat, which flows perfectly thanks to excellent hit detection and well-implemented physics.
Not only does it play like a dream, but the art by Supamonks is also top-notch, and if you’re after a co-op game with lots of swagger and plenty of punch, Absolum is a true knockout in both respects.
Crypt of the NecroDancer | Brace Yourself Games | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
One video game experience I’ve yet to enjoy is an eight-player multiplayer session on Crypt of the NecroDancer. That sounds absolutely mental – playing with just one or two people is fun enough.
NecroDancer’s unique music-infused gameplay is all about fighting fantasy creatures to a funky beat. I’ve played so much of this game on my own over the years, as nobody at home likes it for reasons I will never understand.
That being so, it’s not one I think about from a multiplayer perspective, but there are a number of modes to try, and I had a great time when I revisited the online multiplayer recently with a couple of friends.
Astral Ascent | Hibernian Workshop | PC (Win), PS, Switch
Astral Ascent is a lovely-looking action platformer with loads of great boss battles and tons of interesting interlocking systems to explore and progress. The pixel art is wonderful, there are tons to do, and there’s a story to unravel about escaping an astral prison guarded by zodiac bosses.
If all that sounds like your jam, then I invite you to proceed with relative confidence, but with the caveat that the multiplayer is local only. I can see why, as this one is all about precision combat that mixes melee and magic, and a responsive co-op partner is a must.
Roboquest | RyseUp Studios | PC (Win), PlayStation, Xbox
One top-quality first-person shooter that’s a great shout for multiplayer is Roboquest, which takes the looter shooter formula and injects it with giant frickin’ robots – what’s not to like about that?
Roboquest is good when played solo, but things are turned up to 11 when you introduce a friend. The playful Borderlands-inspired visuals really lend themselves to co-op, and the run variety is decent thanks to the level generation, plus there’s a good number of weapons and build options on hand as you learn the game and master its nuances.
Vampire Survivors | Poncle | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
It wasn’t until recently that Vampire Survivors was a purely solo endeavour for me, but that changed recently, and I’m glad for it. I can’t say I’m surprised, but it works rather well as a co-op game. I played with one person, but it supports four players.
The simple and defining difference is that you alternate the levelling of your characters. You can, however, mitigate this by working together, and when it works, it’s rather satisfying. When it doesn’t, you’ll get gobbled up by a swarm of monsters. Possibly space monsters via the recent Among Us expansion: Emergency Meeting.
Crab Champions | Noisestorm | PC (Win)
Crab Champions might be in Early Access still, but it’s already jam-packed full of things to do, and it’s being constantly updated with new content. If you’re after a third-person shooter to play in online co-op, put this right at the top of your wishlist.
Crab Champions has you scurrying around on six legs through a range of exotic locations. I wrote about the game after the Elemental Update, which added even more enemy types, weapons, items, and gamerpaly modes. There’s a huge amount of content waiting to be discovered – don’t dismiss this little gem.
Enter the Gungeon | Dodge Roll | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
There are few games that can match Enter the Gungeon when it comes to pulsating combat. This wonderful shooter puts the “bullet” in bullet hell in all the best ways imaginable, with a well-executed theme that is matched only by its satisfying gunplay and reactivity.
The one thing I would say about playing Gungeon with a co-op friend: pick someone who is on the same wavelength as you. There is a fair degree of precision involved in this one, and if you and your buddy aren’t one with the Force, prepare to bite the proverbial bullet.
Gunfire Reborn | Duoyi Games | Android, PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
I’ve really warmed to Gunfire Reborn in recent weeks, which tends to suggest that I hadn’t played it enough before. Don’t be like me.
For those in the dark, Gunfire Reborn is a frantic but deeply varied first-person shooter filled with great combat encounters and stylish design decisions that keep things feeling fresh and snappy. And best of all, this quirky little looter shooter supports co-op for up to four players.
The best parts of Gunfire Reborn are only amplified by co-op, as the game’s extensive range of weapons is able to synergise, which in turn leads to some satisfying moments where everything just clicks.
I recommend sticking with the PC version (or mobile) as the console versions are not being updated.
Ship of Fools | Fika Productions | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
This quirky action-roguelite is built for co-op play. The action is set for two players working in tandem on a boat as it advances through seas full of monsters out to eat you!
It’s slapstick fun as two players scurry between the cannons, smacking exploding critters with their paddles, and using harpoons to grab the resources you need from the water, always just in the nick of time.
The boss battles are also quite fun and light-hearted, which makes this a good game for younger players or a family of rogues. In fact, I made a whole article about roguelike games that are great for younger gamers and other small creatures.
Elden Ring Nightreign | FromSoftware | PC (Win), PS5, Xbox Series
Kieran played the game both solo and in co-op (with me, poor sod) while reviewing Nightreign for the site, and his conclusion after playing both to excess was that this is a game best served in co-op.
Nightreign is built for three players, and two will struggle if someone bails. Solo players can play a slightly easier version of the game, but it’s still hard as nails, no matter which version you attempt.
What is essential, however, is communication, which isn’t the From’s strong point, I think it’s fair to say. In a nutshell, bring a couple of your own friends, and you’ll have a blast, but anything less than fully connected, cooperative play makes Nightreign less inclined to slay.
Monaco: What’s Yours Is Mine | Pocketwatch Games | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), Switch, Xbox
What’s this? Monaco isn’t a roguelike! I hear you, Dear Reader, but every now and then I’m going to bend the rules for a game that I love. In this instance, I’m going to leave you a parting gift: a game I recommend to anyone looking for a top-quality co-op experience.
Monaco: What’s Yours Is Mine is basically a beautiful spin on Pac-Man with weird criminals and a lovely plinky plonky soundtrack. I’ve played on PC and console, and I still rate this heist ’em up as one of my favourite indies ever (in fact, you’ll find one of my review quotes over on the Steam page).
Is that it? Well, yes, for now it is. I’ve mostly played roguelikes by myself over the years. However, I’ve already got more play sessions lined up, and the plan is for this to be a regularly updated page crammed full of great co-op games to share with your buddies.
