The monumental success of It Takes Two in the early 2020s was a watershed moment for cooperative gaming, proving to publishers that players still crave deeply connected, side-by-side experiences. This legacy continues to inspire developers, and in 2026, the appetite for inventive local co-op adventures remains strong. What other games capture that same magic of close teamwork, creative puzzles, and shared joy without relying on combat? From whimsical platformers to deceptively intense space adventures, here are ten standout titles that offer experiences overlapping with the spirit of It Takes Two, each requiring players to work in harmony to succeed.
10. Unravel Two
While its narrative may not be as cinematic, Unravel Two is a game brimming with heart and charm. Players control two tiny 'Yarnlings,' adorable cotton creatures physically bound by their strings, who must work together after a shipwreck. This connection is the core mechanic; you'll rely on each other to swing, rappel, and bound across exquisitely detailed 2D levels that are filled with surprising depth. Traversing misty coastlines, dense forests, and familiar backyards becomes a shared adventure, perfectly capturing the essence of cooperative interdependence. Isn't the journey home more meaningful when you're literally tied to your partner?
9. Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
The Trine series returned to excellent form with its fourth installment. This 2.5D platformer-puzzle adventure is set in a sparkling fairy-tale world where players control a Wizard, a Thief, and a Knight, each with unique abilities. The true co-op brilliance of Trine 4 lies in its flexible character system. Players can switch between characters at will, even if another player is already controlling that character. This allows for wonderfully chaotic and creative strategies—imagine three Wizards telekinetically moving every object or three Knights bulldozing through obstacles. It's a perfect mix of whimsical fun and satisfying cooperative problem-solving.
8. A Way Out
It would be impossible to discuss games like It Takes Two without mentioning Hazelight Studios' previous groundbreaking title, A Way Out. This game is a masterclass in mandatory co-op storytelling, casting players as two inmates, Leo and Vincent, who must collaborate to plan and execute a daring prison escape. While its setting is grittier and less polished visually than It Takes Two, it follows the same split-screen principle and emphasizes synchronized actions and puzzle-solving. More of a cinematic prison-break thriller than a platformer, A Way Out offers a uniquely gripping and shared narrative ride that proves cooperation isn't always about cuteness—sometimes it's about survival.
7. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a breezy, delightful 3D platformer that supports up to four players locally. While it may be less dependent on intricate teamwork than It Takes Two, it excels in delivering lighthearted, cooperative fun. The entire adventure can be played together, navigating vibrant, craft-themed worlds filled with secrets and gentle challenges. The game is expertly tuned to ensure the platforming never becomes so difficult that it frustrates less experienced players, making it an ideal choice for mixed-skill groups. What it lacks in co-op-specific puzzles, it more than makes up for in sheer charm and accessible, joyful exploration.
6. Portal 2
The sole first-person entry on this list remains a pinnacle of cooperative design. Portal 2's dedicated co-op campaign places two players in the chassis of endearingly beeping robots, Atlas and P-Body, tasked with solving a series of increasingly complex test chambers using the iconic portal gun. The campaign is a marvel of communication-based puzzle design, where success hinges entirely on perfect coordination and spatial reasoning with your partner. The inherent playfulness of portal mechanics is exponentially increased when two minds are working together, making for a brilliantly challenging and rewarding experience that has stood the test of time.
5. Rayman Legends
Years after its release, Rayman Legends continues to be one of the finest casual co-op platformers available. Its cartoony aesthetic is bursting with personality, and the gameplay is wonderfully forgiving—knocked-out players can instantly respawn as a bubble, allowing the action to flow seamlessly. The game features a smooth difficulty curve and a compelling progression system based on collecting hidden Teensies and Lums to unlock new characters. While it may not demand the same level of strategic cooperation as other titles, its rhythmic, energetic levels and emphasis on playful chaos make it a guaranteed source of smiles and shared laughter.
4. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
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This game stands out by flipping the script: instead of controlling characters traversing a level, you and your crewmates control the various stations inside a single spaceship. Players must scramble between thrusters, shields, and weapon consoles to pilot their vessel through colorful but hazardous cosmic landscapes filled with asteroids and giant space monsters. Communication isn't just helpful here—it's absolutely critical. The frantic, deceptively intense gameplay creates a quintessential bonding experience, though be warned: it's also the kind of game that leads to shouted commands and triumphant cheers, perfectly capturing the chaotic joy of teamwork under pressure.
3. PHOGS!
PHOGS! (which stands for PHysics OG Simulation) is a wonderfully silly and inventive puzzle-adventure. Players control a single, stretchy canine with two heads, each controlled by a different person. This unique premise means coordination is everything; you must work together to stretch, bounce, and pull your way through a series of imaginatively themed worlds, from delicious candylands to serene sleep realms. The game is cheerful and accessible, but don't be fooled—the physics-based puzzles in later levels require sharp thinking and seamless cooperation to avoid becoming a tangled, knotted mess.
2. Untitled Goose Game
For a more relaxed yet mischievously cooperative experience, Untitled Goose Game is a perfect choice. Its two-player mode allows you and a friend to embody a pair of honking geese tasked with causing serene havoc in a sleepy English village. The puzzles are largely designed for a single player, but tackling them together—sneaking into gardens, stealing items, and generally terrorizing the populace—is an utterly delightful experience. Its low-stakes, whimsical style is incredibly accessible, capable of winning over even the most game-averse individuals. It's a shorter adventure, but one that perfectly scratches the itch for lighthearted, shared mischief.
1. Knights and Bikes
Crafted by former LittleBigPlanet developers, Knights and Bikes is a two-player adventure overflowing with charm and heart. Set in a 1980s-inspired world with a delightful cardboard-cutout aesthetic, it evokes powerful nostalgia for childhood adventures. Players control Nessa and Demelza, two friends exploring their island home on bikes, solving environmental puzzles that require both participants, engaging in light combat, and uncovering a touching story. The game's focus on friendship, imagination, and collaborative problem-solving makes it a deeply resonant experience for players of all ages, solidifying its place as a top-tier co-op adventure that truly understands the magic of playing together.
| Game | Core Co-op Mechanic | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|
| Unravel Two | Physically linked characters | Intimate, puzzle-focused platforming |
| Trine 4 | Flexible character swapping | Creative, magical puzzle-solving |
| A Way Out | Split-screen narrative synchronization | Cinematic, story-driven thrills |
| Sackboy | Casual 3D platforming | Family-friendly, joyful exploration |
| Portal 2 | Communication-based spatial puzzles | Logical thinkers and communicators |
| Rayman Legends | Forgiving, chaotic platforming | Stress-free, fun-focused sessions |
| Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime | Multi-station spaceship management | Frantic, communication-heavy action |
| PHOGS! | Controlling a two-headed stretchy dog | Silly, physics-based cooperation |
| Untitled Goose Game | Shared mischievous objectives | Relaxed, humorous play |
| Knights and Bikes | Childhood adventure storytelling | Nostalgic, heartwarming exploration |
In 2026, the landscape of local cooperative play is richer than ever. These ten games demonstrate that the core appeal identified by It Takes Two—meaningful collaboration, shared triumphs, and creative problem-solving—continues to thrive across a diverse spectrum of genres and styles. Whether you're swinging on a yarn, solving test chambers, or honking as a goose, the best adventures are still the ones we share.