Co-op guide
Games to play with your girlfriend (or boyfriend)
The best couple games are the ones where you need each other. Here are co-op picks sorted from relaxed to chaotic, with notes on who each one suits.
Our picks
1. It Takes Two
Must playBuilt for two players about a couple. Every level changes the mechanics. Only one copy is needed thanks to the Friend's Pass.
2. Split Fiction
StoryFrom the same studio. Two writers trapped in their own stories, with a Friend's Pass for online play too.
3. Stardew Valley
CozyRun a farm together at your own pace. Great if one of you is new to games.
4. Minecraft
CreativeBuild a home, explore, or just mess around. Works on almost every device.
5. Overcooked! 2
ChaoticCook together under pressure. You will yell. You will laugh more.
6. Portal 2 co-op
PuzzlesA separate two-player campaign that rewards talking things through.
7. Unravel Two
CuteTwo yarn creatures tied together. Gentle platforming, couch co-op only.
8. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
CozyShare an island or visit each other's. Low stakes, lots of small moments.
9. Don't Starve Together
SurvivalOdd, gothic survival where you keep each other alive.
10. Valheim
AdventureViking survival with building and boss fights. Good for long weekends.
11. Sea of Thieves
AdventureSail a two-person ship. Steering and navigating forces real teamwork.
12. Lethal Company
Funny scaryHorror that turns into comedy fast. Better with a couple of friends too.
How to pick the right one
New to games? Start cozy (Stardew, Animal Crossing) before anything with fast reflexes
Pick games where both roles matter, so nobody feels like a passenger
Check couch versus online play before you buy, especially if you live apart
Short sessions beat marathons for the first few tries
Questions people ask
What is the best game to play with a girlfriend who doesn't game?
Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing. Both are slow, forgiving and have no fail state to stress over.
Which co-op games only need one copy?
It Takes Two and Split Fiction both include a Friend's Pass, so one person buys the game and the other plays free.
What if we live in different places?
Most picks here work online. See our long distance games guide for ones that work best apart.
Related guides
No player 2 yet?
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