Gaming with your kids can be a great bonding experience (or a chaotic mess where someone gets “accidentally” yeeted into the lava). It’s typically best to start your children on co-op games, which emphasize working together instead of against each other. The best co-op games are fun with just enough challenge to keep things interesting without leading to controller-throwing meltdowns.
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Great family-friendly games for all ages that include co-op campaigns.
Luckily, there are tons of potential options out there. Whether you’re building worlds, dodging enemies, or cooking under pressure, these games guarantee laughs and teamwork.
9
Super Mario 3D World
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Released
-
February 12, 2021
- ESRB
-
e
- Developer(s)
-
Nintendo EPD
- Engine
-
miyamoto’s
- Franchise
-
Super Mario
Mario games are typically a safe bet for family gaming, and Super Mario 3D World dials up the chaos for up to four players. You can jump, run, and (let’s be honest) accidentally sabotage each other through tons of vibrant levels. The game is accessible for kids, but completionists will find plenty of challenges.
These days, this game is often sold with Browser’s Fury, providing a fun little single-player adventure to try out as well.
8
Minecraft
Minecraft
- Released
-
November 18, 2011
- ESRB
-
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
- Engine
-
LWJGL, PROPRIETARY ENGINE
- Multiplayer
-
Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
Few games give you as much freedom as Minecraft. You and your kid can team up to build an epic castle, explore dangerous caves, or just chill in Creative Mode. It’s a game that can be very tough, or you can adjust the settings for children who find just walking in a straight line difficult.
Minecraft is so open-ended that kids cannot do it “incorrectly.” There is no boss for them to struggle to beat and no objectives to accidentally mess up. The PC game also has a huge library of mods to turn Minecraft into practically anything you want.
7
Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Overcooked
- Released
-
August 2, 2016
- ESRB
-
e
- Developer(s)
-
Ghost Town Games
- Engine
-
Unity
- Multiplayer
-
Online Multiplayer
- Number of Players
-
1-4
Want to test your patience and teamwork skills? Overcooked! is basically a co-op cooking game where everything goes wrong in the most hilarious ways. It is not easy. There are tons of hazards, and you’ll probably have to go through most maps several times. However, for older children (or younger children who don’t mind a challenge), it’s a great option.
The game is easy to hit the ground running with, but the later levels get much harder. This game is not recommended for those who get easily frustrated.
6
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
The LEGO games have been co-op gold for years, and The Skywalker Saga is no exception. It’s an action-packed, funny, and surprisingly deep dive into the Star Wars universe, letting you and your kid smash bricks and battle baddies through all nine movies.
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A fine addition to your collection.
The drop-in, drop-out co-op makes it great for casual playing, instead of dedicated gaming sessions that might keep you busy for hours. Plus, there is no penalty for dying and needing to try again.
5
Kirby And The Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
4.0/5
- Released
-
March 25, 2022
- ESRB
-
E10+ for Everyone 10+: Cartoon Violence
- Developer(s)
-
HAL Laboratory
- Publisher(s)
-
Nintendo
- Engine
-
unity
- Multiplayer
-
Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
Kirby is adorable and colorful (and surprisingly forgiving). Perfect for kids still getting the hang of gaming, Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers fun co-op action with Player 2 controlling Bandana Waddle Dee (aka, the sidekick who does all the work while Kirby steals the spotlight).
The levels are pretty straightforward, but they are also packed with things to discover. Plus, “Mouthful Mode” is just pure comedic gold (that your kid will love).
4
It Takes Two
It Takes Two
- Released
-
March 26, 2021
- ESRB
-
T for Teen: Animated Blood, Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence, Language
- Developer(s)
-
Hazelight Studios
- Engine
-
Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer
-
Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
- Number of Players
-
2
This award-winning co-op masterpiece is designed exclusively for two players, making it one of the best parent-kid bonding games. You and your child play as two parents turned into tiny dolls, navigating imaginative levels filled with puzzles and platforming.
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It’s hard to decide which of the fantastic levels in It Takes Two are the best to play!
This game does have several adult themes (think: divorce), but it’s about as heavy as a Pixar movie. Each level introduces a new gameplay option, so you’re always tackling new things.
3
Cuphead
Cuphead
- Released
-
September 29, 2017
- ESRB
-
E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Developer(s)
-
Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
- Publisher(s)
-
Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
- Engine
-
Unity
- Multiplayer
-
Local Co-Op
- Franchise
-
cuphead
Cuphead is a stunning platformer that’s inspired by 1930s cartoons. It’s beautiful and brutal. This game is extremely hard, even for adults. However, if your kid is a bit older and has good reflexes, the two-player mode lets you take on this wild game together. Because of its difficulty, we only recommend it for more experienced players.
One player is Cuphead, the other is Mugman, and both will probably get obliterated by a giant evil carrot at least once. The good news? It’s incredibly satisfying when you finally do win, and your kid will forever think you’re the coolest gamer parent ever.
2
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
If you’re looking for a classic arcade beat-’em-up, Shredder’s Revenge is about as good as it gets. It’s a throwback to the old TMNT games, complete with fast-paced, button-mashing action and the ability to play all four turtles (plus some extras). It allows for up to six players to team up and take down Shredder’s goons.
This game is simple enough for even younger kids. However, there is enough complexity for even older players to get engaged. It’s a great way to introduce your child to the awesomeness of ’90s gaming.
1
Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends
- Released
-
August 30, 2013
- ESRB
-
E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
- Developer(s)
-
Ubisoft Montpellier
- Engine
-
UbiArt Framework
- Multiplayer
-
Local Multiplayer
Rayman Legends is easily one of the best 2D platformers ever made. Plus, its co-op mode makes it even better. This game is packed with action-oriented levels and fun mechanics. It has a very great soundtrack, too, and music-based stages where your jumps sync to rock songs.
It’s great for those who get easily frustrated. If your kid falls into a pit for the hundredth time, they’ll just float back in a bubble instead of getting a game over. This means less frustration, more fun, and way fewer “Dad, I don’t wanna play anymore” moments.
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