25 Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Games On PlayStation Plus, Ranked

PlayStation Plus has hundreds upon hundreds of games spread across the Extra and Premium tiers. Regardless of somebody’s preferences, they are likely to find a few titles that suit their needs. Want an open-world game that can keep you busy for months? PS Plus has dozens of options. Craving a horror experience? PS Plus has dozens of options. Want a management sim? Well, pickings are a bit slim, but they do exist. Want a couch co-op PS Plus game to play with friends? Fortunately, there are plenty of options covering a fairly wide spectrum of genres and gameplay styles.

Online multiplayer might be the more enticing feature in this day and age, but local play has a storied history that will hopefully continue to receive new chapters for decades to come. Although hardly exhaustive, PS Plus serves up a snapshot of gaming’s past and present, which includes highlighting projects that are perfect for two players to enjoy together. Let’s go through the best local co-op PS Plus games.

While all of these PS Plus co-op games are on Premium, some of them are not available with an Extra subscription. Each entry specifies whether the title can be played on both tiers.

The rankings are not based solely on quality. For example, newer PS Plus additions will be mentioned first.

Finally, not every game supports split-screen.

Updated April 20, 2025 by Mark Sammut: The April 2025 PS Plus Extra and Premium lineups were not particularly defined by split-screen co-op games. The month’s biggest releases are single-player, with Hogwarts Legacy and Blue Prince hogging the limelight. Battlefield 1 is a great PvP multiplayer option too. Fortunately, the lineup included one game that supports local co-op.

1

PlateUp!

Run A Franchise With A Few Friends

PlateUp! is a co-op sim game about running a restaurant. Rather than focusing on one aspect of the experience, the game grants players quite a bit of control, challenging them to design the restaurant’s layout, pick the dishes, cook the food, serve the plates, and upgrade. Each step is not particularly complicated, but they combine to create a fairly thorough and, at times, overwhelming experience. The “main” goal is to succeed for 15 days, with failure coming very easily. Once that is reached, players can move on to a new location, all in the hopes of creating the ultimate franchise.

PlateUp! might conjure images of Overcooked, another couch multiplayer PS Plus game with a somewhat similar premise, but their minute-to-minute gameplay loops are reasonably different. Consequently, disliking one title does not necessarily mean that the other project should be ignored. While playable solo, PlateUp! is very much a game designed with multiplayer in mind, as the feature really captures the cooperative effort that is involved in running a kitchen.

2

The Dark Pictures Anthology

Have A Super Horror Movie Night With Friends And PS Plus

• 	The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan	The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope	The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes	The Dark Pictures: The Devil in Me
  PS Plus Availability	Extra & Premium	Extra & Premium	Extra & Premium	Extra & Premium
  Platform(s)	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One
  Released	2019-08-30	2020-10-30	2021-10-22	2022-11-18
  Developer(s)	Supermassive Games	Supermassive Games	Supermassive Games	Supermassive Games
  How Long To Beat	5 Hours	5 Hours	6 Hours	7 Hours

While Until Dawn is single-player, Supermassive Games’ other horror projects have prioritized co-op, supporting both local and online multiplayer. The Quarry is probably the developer’s crowning achievement in cooperative play, but The Dark Pictures Anthology is a fantastic all-around option. More importantly, except for Switchback VR, the series’ entries are all available on Sony’s subscription service, and each title is one of the best local co-op PS Plus games.

Now, naturally, The Dark Pictures Anthology falls squarely into horror, so players need to be at least somewhat fond of these types of experiences. Just to be clear, the games are not especially scary, but they have a few intense moments. That said, they generally come across as a love letter to classic movies, albeit tackling different subgenres. As such, if the group is not particularly interested in conventional horror stories, they might not love this series.

Each game supports 5-player local co-op, with each participant taking charge of one of the characters. The stories cycle through the protagonists, so one player will take charge and make decisions that could and will impact everyone else. Each entry is roughly about 5 hours long, so they are generally decent picks for a long game night.

3

TimeSplitters Trilogy

A Great FPS Series That Is A Trip Through Time

PS Plus Premium exclusives tend to be overshadowed by their Extra counterparts, which makes sense since the latter are usually fairly modern. For example, August 2024’s Extra lineup included The Witcher 3 and Cult of the Lamb, two fantastic “recent-ish” games that can consume someone’s life for a good while. However, the month’s Premium classics were arguably just as exciting, solely for one franchise: TimeSplitters. Too many years have passed since Free Radical’s trilogy was last spotlighted, and all three entries are now readily available on the PS4 and PS5.

All three titles support 2-player local co-op, allowing their campaigns to be experienced alongside a friend. Generally speaking, TimeSplitters 2 and Future Perfect are considered to be far superior to their predecessor, to the point of the original game being relegated to something of a footnote in the IP’s legacy. Honestly, players can just jump into the sequel and skip the first; however, TimeSplitters is a charming time capsule of its era. Its gameplay also feels quite different from its sequels since levels emphasize speed above everything else. So, while not perfect, it is worth a try.

TimeSplitters 2 and Future Perfect hold up as two of the greatest FPS games of all time, and they are still an absolute blast to play through. Their campaigns are great in single-player, but they do shine slightly brighter in co-op. The gunplay’s chaotic nature is amplified by having a second user along for the ride, and the maps are consistently fantastic in both games. Future Perfect has the superior story mode, but TimeSplitters 2 arguably has the better gameplay.

4

Cult Of The Lamb

The Lamb Builds A Cult With The Help of The Goat

Cult of the Lamb was always great, but it used to be kind of lonely. However, in 2024, Massive Monster released a free update that, among other things, introduced a 2-player co-op for the campaign. Now, everyone’s favorite cult-leading lamb does not have to take on the responsibilities of guiding followers and clearing dungeons on their own. It can be a team effort, with the lamb being able to summon a goat.

Narratively, Cult of the Lamb does not directly reference the co-op element, so the feature does not add much from that perspective. However, a second player should help extend the replay value of the dungeon runs, which might have started to feel old for people who have been leading a cult since 2022. Cult of the Lamb‘s local co-op is easy to access, and it even includes a few unique tarot cards and relics.

5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Co-Op Beat ‘Em Up That Is Accessible & Fun

Beat ’em ups really are made for co-op, and TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge exemplifies that. Inspired by the franchise’s classic entries in the genre, the 2022 release is a colorful and challenging throwback that should satisfy fans of Turtles in Time along with newcomers who never stepped into arcades. For the most part, the campaign follows a fairly standard structure for a beat ’em up, including offering a myriad of playable characters: the Turtles themselves, Splinter, April, and Casey Jones. More importantly, each character has a unique moveset and strengths that set them apart from their peers. This versatility significantly enhances the project’s replayability since a single playthrough probably won’t take somebody longer than a couple of hours.

In co-op, friends can team up to take on the Foot Clan, and they will do more than just share a screen. Shredder’s Revenge incorporates a couple of multiplayer-focused mechanics that reward co-op play, including special 2-player attacks. Along with local co-op, the game also supports online multiplayer for up to 6 participants, and it is possible to mix and match the two versions to fully stack a lineup.

6

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Co-Op Required To Get The Full Experience

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a delightful 3D platformer, a genre that is not overrepresented on the PS5. As the LittleBigPlanet spin-off can largely be experienced in single-player, any solo runners will generally have a good time; however, the game not only supports local and online co-op but occasionally emphasizes it. While most of the campaign’s levels are designed for solitary players, there are a few stages specifically created for co-op. These do not have to be completed to get to the end of the campaign, but they do make the process a lot easier.

While these stages are co-op driven, the rest of the campaign can also be tackled by four players. Sackboy uses a drop-in, drop-out multiplayer system, permitting friends to jump in whenever they feel like it. This method complements the game’s relaxed tone and makes it perfect for short sessions since players do not have to commit to completing a full playthrough.

7

Dragon’s Crown Pro

Beat ‘Em Up RPG With That Vanillaware Magic

Vanillaware does not create bad games, and Dragon’s Crown ranks comfortably among the decorated developer’s greatest achievements. Originally released for the PS3 and Vita, the game eventually made its way to the PS4 in the form of a Pro edition, and this version is on PS Plus Premium. Featuring six playable classes, Dragon’s Crown blends side-scrolling beat ’em up action with RPG systems, crafting an experience that can be deeply addictive despite being ultimately quite repetitive. Players will find themselves playing through the same nine levels as they gradually level up their characters (and take on higher difficulty levels), and the combat system is more than good enough to keep things interesting for a long while.

In terms of co-op support, four friends can team up to take on the campaign’s challenges. When the full playable roster is used, the on-screen action can get a touch chaotic and overwhelming; nevertheless, co-op is a positive addition to Dragon’s Crown. The game is great solo, but bringing a friend along can make the grind less exhausting.

8

Children Of Morta

Strong Narrative, Characters, & Co-Op Gameplay

An action-RPG roguelike, Children of Morta follows the Bergson family as they crawl their way through randomly-generated dungeons. Featuring seven playable characters that each feel unique, players have a wide range of duos they can try out, and they will need to experiment since swapping between family members is required.

Along with decent gameplay that blossoms nicely as the campaign progresses, Children of Morta also tells a surprisingly effective character-driven narrative, presenting the Bergsons as a unit with history rather than mere puppets. Friends looking for a more difficult co-op game should try out this title.

9

Lost Planet 2

A Cult Classic That Is Only Worth Playing With A Friend

Capcom’s Lost Planet is such a bizarre series. The franchise produced three main games and a spin-off, all of which are fairly distinct from each other. Even though the console Lost Planet trilogy was all released on basically the same hardware and within a span of about 7 years, they vary so greatly in terms of strengths, weaknesses, and tone that they cannot be recommended as a whole. If someone is seeking a single-player experience, they should check out the original Lost Planet; however, if co-op is someone’s poison, they should look no further than Lost Planet 2. Lost Planet 3 is also a game that exists.

Supporting local split-screen and 4-player online co-op, the sequel was clearly designed to be played with friends. The campaign is split into missions that contain a few basic objectives, although they are mainly there to give players something to kill while wearing awesome mech suits. Lost Planet 2 emphasizes teamwork to an extent, especially during its massive and awe-inspiring boss battles. Even all these years later, the latter encounters are still visually impressive.

10

Vikings: Wolves Of Midgard

A Viking Epic

Diablo‘s shadow looms far and wide over the isometric action RPG genre. While Blizzard’s franchise might not be on PS Plus, Vikings: Wolves of Midgard serves as a respectable alternative. Except for its Norse influences, a setting that was more unique in 2017 before the launch of God of War, Vikings doesn’t deviate too far from the beaten path for this type of game. The kill, loot, and recycle loop continues to be repeated for a reason – it works.

Vikings: Wolves of Midgard supports local and online co-op, and the journey is far more enjoyable with a few friends who are willing to synergize their builds.

11

Earth Defense Force 5

Cathartic Fun

PS Plus has a couple of Earth Defense Force projects, and they are all acquired tastes. Sandlot’s franchise translates monster b-movies into games, delivering a straightforward, silly, but highly enjoyable experience. While not completely devoid of variety, most missions boil down to “kill every insect” as hundreds of these big buggers crowd the streets and crawl over buildings. Even though the visuals are far from great, EDF is relentlessly charming, as long as somebody goes in with realistic expectations. These titles offer mindless fun, and that’s largely it. Do not go in expecting a great story, very deep gameplay, or a wide assortment of character customization options. Just pick a class, try out some different weapons, and shoot everything that moves. Also, mecha.

Although viable solo, EDF 5 can get repetitive very quickly when players are taking on the alien insectoid hordes as a one-soldier army; fortunately, the franchise tends to prioritize multiplayer. Along with 4-player online support, 2-player local co-op is available, and the introduction of a secondary user really elevates the overall experience. Co-op lets the class system shine and increases the difficulty slightly, requiring a slightly more tactical approach in the process. Not every name needs to be complex; sometimes, nothing hits the mark like blasting away an army of ants.

12

Untitled Goose Game

Double Trouble

Untitled Goose Game offers unbridled chaos. A quaint British town becomes subject to unspeakable horrors due to the arrival of a goose, one that plans to turn the citizens’ lives upside down. And, to make matters worse, the waterfowl can bring a friend.

House House’s Untitled Goose Game is a silly but charming game that puts players in charge of a goose (or two geese in local co-op) as they steadily try to complete tasks. More often than not, this process involves being a nuisance to the townsfolk, and the indie title is a lot of fun. Beyond the addition of a second goose, the game does not change too much since the campaign’s objectives remain the same. Players can have a blast working together as they annoy the furious NPCs.

13

Overcooked! All You Can Eat!

A Full Course

Overcooked! 2 is one of the best local co-op games of the last few years, so the announcement that it would leave PS Plus Extra in November 2024 was disappointing. However, Sony had a plan and revealed that Overcooked! All You Can Eat! would essentially replace it. This release contains Overcooked!, its sequel, and their DLC, making it by far the most complete option. Basically, Overcooked! 2 was upgraded.

So, what is this franchise about? Well, it is about cooking. Putting aside fantastical stories that add an element of silliness and drive to the campaigns of both titles, Overcooked! is ultimately a restaurant party game where players have to complete orders and keep customers satisfied. That might sound straightforward, but like a real restaurant, things get complicated quickly. Before long, chefs will be drowning in requests as they try to navigate a bizarre kitchen while hopefully keeping their cool. Most co-op games bring people together, but some can break them apart. Overcooked! can inspire both.

Overcooked! 2 is generally better than its predecessor, and its gameplay loop is very similar (but not identical). Newcomers can just start with the sequel if they want, although both entries are really fun local co-op experiences.

14

Cat Quest 2

Adorable Action RPG Goodness

Cat Quest and its sequel are both relentlessly charming smaller-scale action RPGs, but only the latter supports 2-player co-op. More importantly, the campaign was likely designed to be played with a friend, to the point of both the story and cover image showcasing the dual protagonists (this time, the feline partners with a dog to create perhaps the most adorable pair of heroes in gaming). For the most part, the conventional good vs evil story plays things safe, mostly serving as an excuse to send players on a joyous adventure through towns, wastelands, and dungeons. En route, they will face off against an impressive range of monsters, engaging in combat that has more depth than might initially appear to be the case.

Now, Cat Quest 2 is a perfectly fine solo RPG that allows players to swap back and forth between the two protagonists; however, an AI partner is seldom as useful as another human, and that is mostly true for this game. In terms of difficulty, Cat Quest 2 delivers enough of a punch to not bore experienced players (at least when played in Normal Mode), while also being accessible to children who might be taking their first steps into the world of gaming.

15

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game Complete Edition

Challenging Beat ‘Em Up For More Than Just Fans

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game Complete Edition adapts Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel as it pits the titular character against a slew of his girlfriend’s ex-partners. Harboring back to traditional beat ’em ups, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game is a charming romp defined by retro visuals, simple but solid gameplay, and tough bosses.

The game comes with seven playable characters that have a few unique features, allowing friends to team up and work together to take on the roster of sinister exes. There are even a few co-op combos to spice things up.

16

Magicka 2

Fun Magic System

Magicka 2 is a power fantasy in the sense that it gives players the ammunition to create spells that could impress the likes of Gandalf, Shang Tsung, and Doctor Strange. While players are given all the tools they might need, executing them is hardly easy as it requires carefully pressing the right buttons to combine magic types, and these input sequences are long. Testing as the game’s learning curve can be, Magicka 2 rewards the committed with satisfying wizardry destruction.

Although possible solo, Magicka 2 is meant to be played with a few friends as enemies hit hard and without remorse. In a group of four, players can spread overwhelming and delightful mayhem across the land. It is a lot of fun.

17

Alienation

Isometric Shooter Awesomeness

A twin-stick shooter, Alienation was a blast when it came out in 2016 and time has done little to hurt the game’s appeal. Earth has fallen at the hands of an alien invasion, so it is up to the players to turn the tide by doing a lot of shooting and killing.

Alienation supports single-player and online co-op, both of which are quite fun, although the latter isn’t all that active nowadays. However, the shooter is arguably at its best when played in local co-op since this allows the team to coordinate better. There are four characters with individual classes, each of whom has unique strengths and weaknesses. Alienation is explosive, incorporates engaging RPG elements, and offers quite a steep challenge.

18

Death Squared

Fun & Challenging Puzzle Game

SMG Studio’s Death Squared is an intriguing puzzle game that pushes cooperative play to the forefront. Split into levels (or tests), players have to direct their colored cubes toward their associated square. Each level comes packed with traps and challenges, and although the game can be played solo, Death Squared shines brighter in co-op.

Players need to coordinate to help each other reach their end goal, and communication is key. Puzzle games tend to be isolating, but Death Squared flips that completely on its head to create one of the genre’s more memorable modern releases. It is charming, difficult, and even tells a decent story for a puzzle game.

19

Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince

A Fantasy Adventure With Friends

Trine is pretty much synonymous with local co-op, with each of Frozenbyte’s games allowing a group of friends to play through an epic fantasy adventure as a unit. At the moment, only Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is available on PS Plus Extra and Premium, so newcomers will have to start from a fairly late point in the overall story. While connected, each entry tells a fairly standalone narrative that feels like it is ripped out of a storybook, so beginners can just jump into the fourth entry and not worry too much about missing out on details.

Gameplay-wise, Trine 4 predominantly revolves around puzzles that make use of the three main characters’ unique skills. Zoya, Pontius, and Amadeus slot seamlessly into three classic fantasy archetypes (wizard, knight, and thief), and they all unlock new abilities as the story progresses. While solo players will need to swap between characters as required, co-op allows everyone to get in on the fun. Now, Trine 4 offers two types of multiplayer, depending on the group’s needs. Three players can opt for the classic version, which assigns each of them a character. Conversely, they can just decide to remove that restriction and swap between characters as they please, and this mode is the only one for four players.

20

For The King

For Tabletop RPG Fans

Depending on the player, For the King will either be a frustrating time-sink that is not worth the hassle or an addictive RPG that does an admirable job of replicating a tabletop campaign. Fondness for the latter is required to appreciate IronOak’s project as the developer clearly set out to recreate that type of experience, and that goes beyond the implementation of turn-based movement and fantasy tropes. For the King is driven by randomness, with nearly every action taken by players adhering to the discretion of the RNG gods. As such, there can be times when the game seems to be actively working against the player, which is not fun. However, randomness is a central part of many classic tabletop games, adding an element of unpredictability to playthroughs. Love or hate it, For the King knows what it wants to be and delivers on that promise.

Moving past that extended disclaimer, this RPG tells a fairly basic story about setting out on an adventure to protect the kingdom following the death of its ruler. Players create a party and are dropped into a grid-based map, with every action being turn-based. For the King utilizes roguelike elements to ensure each playthrough offers something different, and players will likely find themselves having to start over after their characters are wiped out or they are just having a brutal campaign. The combat is also turn-based and generally enjoyable, opting to match accessible mechanics with a high difficulty ceiling (even on lower levels).