Best Couch Co-Op Games on PS5: Top Local Multiplayer Picks (2026)
Nothing beats sitting next to someone and playing through a game together. The PS5 has an excellent lineup of couch co-op games — from heartfelt adventures to chaotic party games. Whether you're gaming with a partner, sibling, or friend, these are the best local multiplayer games on PlayStation 5 in 2026.
We've tested every game on this list in split-screen and local multiplayer on both the standard PS5 and PS5 Pro to ensure they deliver a great couch gaming experience.
Table of Contents
- How We Chose These Games
- Top 10 Couch Co-Op Games
- Best Free Couch Co-Op Games
- Best by Category
- Essential Setup Tips
- Controller & Hardware Guide
- FAQ
How We Chose These Games
We evaluated over 40 couch co-op titles on PS5 based on these criteria:
- Co-op quality — Is the game genuinely designed for two+ players, or is co-op tacked on?
- Fun factor — Does playing together make the game more enjoyable than playing alone?
- Accessibility — Can someone who doesn't usually play games pick it up?
- Content length — Does the game provide enough content to justify the purchase?
- PS5 performance — Does split-screen maintain solid frame rates and visual quality?
1. Split Fiction
Players: 2 (local or online co-op) | Genre: Action-Adventure | Metacritic: 88 | Price: $39.99
Hazelight Studios' latest co-op masterpiece and the follow-up to the Game of the Year-winning It Takes Two. Two contrasting writers — Mio (sci-fi) and Zoe (fantasy) — become trapped in their own stories and must rely on each other to break free.
Why It's Our #1 Pick
Split Fiction doesn't just support co-op — it requires it. Every puzzle, every boss fight, and every platforming section is designed around two players with different abilities working together. The game constantly switches between sci-fi and fantasy worlds, with each player experiencing different mechanics.
What makes Split Fiction truly special is the variety. In one section, you're piloting mechs through a space station. In the next, you're riding dragons over a fantasy landscape. Then you're solving stealth puzzles in a cyberpunk city. The game never repeats itself across its 12-15 hour campaign.
PS5 performance: Flawless 60fps in split-screen with no noticeable visual downgrade. DualSense haptic feedback is implemented for both controllers.
Best for: Couples, best friends, anyone who wants the definitive co-op experience.
Replay value: Multiple story branches and side activities mean you'll want to play through at least twice.
2. It Takes Two
Players: 2 (local or online co-op) | Genre: Action-Adventure | Metacritic: 88 | Price: $39.99
The game that won Game of the Year 2021 and still holds up perfectly. Cody and May must save their marriage by working through imaginative levels where each player has different tools and abilities. The 12-14 hour story constantly reinvents itself with new mechanics every single level.
What Makes It Special
Every chapter introduces a completely new gameplay concept. In one level, you're shrunk down to ant size and navigating a garden. In another, one player controls time while the other has a gravity gun. There's a section where you're inside a snow globe, another on a floating musical instrument, and a breathtaking sequence inside a kaleidoscope.
The relationship between Cody and May drives the narrative, making this particularly resonant for couples playing together. But even friends or siblings will enjoy the inventive gameplay and frequent laugh-out-loud moments.
PS5 performance: Solid 60fps in split-screen. The game also offers a free Friend's Pass — if one person owns the game, the other can download a trial version and play the entire campaign together at no extra cost.
Best for: Couples (the story is literally about a marriage), but genuinely great for anyone.
3. Baldur's Gate 3
Players: 2 (local split-screen) | Genre: RPG / Tactical | Metacritic: 96 | Price: $69.99
The highest-rated game of 2023, and it fully supports couch co-op. Baldur's Gate 3 transforms into an entirely different experience in local multiplayer — it becomes a tabletop RPG session on your couch. You and your partner each control characters in Larian Studios' massive D&D-based adventure, making decisions that can wildly diverge.
The Couch D&D Experience
What makes BG3's co-op unique is that each player can make independent choices. You can be in entirely different conversations at the same time. One player can be negotiating with a merchant while the other is pickpocketing them. You can even disagree on story decisions — the game has systems for resolving player conflicts through dice rolls.
With 100+ hours of content in a single playthrough and over 17,000 possible ending variations, Baldur's Gate 3 offers more couch co-op content than perhaps any other game on this list.
PS5 performance: Solid frame rates in split-screen, though graphically intensive scenes can see occasional dips. The vertical split-screen takes some getting used to.
Best for: D&D fans, RPG lovers, couples who want a long-term co-op commitment.
4. Borderlands 4
Players: 2 (split-screen) | Genre: Looter-Shooter | Price: $69.99
The ultimate split-screen loot shooter. Grab two controllers, set up a second profile, and jump into split-screen from the game menu. Billions of procedurally generated guns, four unique Vault Hunters with distinct skill trees, and non-stop explosive combat make this the best couch co-op shooter on PS5.
The Loot Grind Together
Borderlands 4 perfects the franchise formula. The shooting feels tighter than ever, the humor is sharp (if you enjoy the series' style), and the loot variety is genuinely staggering. Finding a legendary weapon is exciting on your own, but screaming about it to the person next to you is infinitely better.
The game scales enemies based on your combined power level, so there's no issue with one player being over-leveled. Side quests are plentiful, and the endgame content provides dozens of additional hours.
PS5 performance: Smooth 60fps in split-screen for most encounters. Heavy particle effects during boss fights may cause brief frame drops.
Best for: Shooter fans, loot addicts, players who love irreverent humor.
5. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Players: 1-4 (local co-op) | Genre: Party / Cooking Sim | Metacritic: 84 | Price: $39.99
The easiest co-op recommendation for mixed groups. Everyone understands the job immediately: chop, cook, plate, serve — and try not to set the kitchen on fire. This ultimate bundle includes all Overcooked 1 and 2 content, fully remastered for PS5.
Why It Works for Everyone
Overcooked is the rare game that non-gamers can pick up in seconds. The controls are simple (move, grab, chop, throw), but the escalating kitchen chaos — conveyor belt kitchens, kitchens on moving trucks, kitchens in haunted houses — creates genuine excitement and laughter.
With 4-player support, it's perfect for game nights with friends or family gatherings. The difficulty curve is well-designed, starting gently and ramping up to genuinely challenging levels that require precise coordination.
Warning: This game has been known to cause friendly arguments. Communication is key.
PS5 performance: Perfect 60fps with up to 4 players. DualSense features add subtle feedback.
Best for: Game nights, mixed groups, non-gamers, families, anyone who loves organized chaos.
6. Stardew Valley
Players: 1-4 (split-screen) | Genre: Farming Sim / RPG | Metacritic: 89 | Price: $14.99
Build a farm, explore caves, fish, and romance villagers — all with a friend on the same couch. Stardew Valley's split-screen co-op turns the beloved farming sim into a cooperative experience where you can divide tasks and build your dream farm together.
Relaxed Co-Op at Its Best
Stardew Valley is the antidote to competitive, high-stress gaming. There are no time pressures (beyond the in-game day cycle), no fail states, and no competition between players. You work together to build something beautiful, and the satisfaction of seeing your farm transform from overgrown land to a thriving homestead is deeply rewarding.
The 2026 updates have expanded local split-screen to support up to four players, and the massive 1.6 update added new crops, festivals, and farm types. With hundreds of hours of content, Stardew Valley offers incredible value at its $14.99 price point.
Best for: Couples, relaxed gaming sessions, people who need a break from shooters, anyone who loves farming sims.
7. Divinity: Original Sin 2
Players: 2 (local split-screen) | Genre: RPG / Tactical | Metacritic: 93 | Price: $49.99
One of the deepest co-op campaigns you can play on PS5. You're planning turns together, setting up elemental combos, and occasionally "helping" by accidentally lighting the whole battlefield (and each other) on fire.
Tactical Brilliance for Two
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a masterclass in tactical RPG design. The elemental interaction system is incredibly deep — rain creates puddles, lightning electrifies water, fire evaporates water into steam, and poison clouds can be ignited into explosions. Planning these combos with a co-op partner is immensely satisfying.
With 100+ hours of tactical RPG content, multiple origin stories to choose from, and a richly written world, D:OS2 offers exceptional value. The controller interface is well-adapted for couch play, and the split-screen implementation is clean.
Best for: Tactical RPG fans, players who love deep systems, couples looking for a long-term co-op game.
8. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Players: 1-4 (local co-op) | Genre: 3D Platformer | Metacritic: 80 | Price: $39.99
A charming 3D platformer built specifically for co-op. Levels are designed with cooperative puzzles that require teamwork — pulling levers in sync, throwing each other across gaps, and coordinating jumps on moving platforms. Some levels are co-op exclusive, meaning they can only be accessed with multiple players.
Family-Friendly Excellence
Sackboy is the best choice for families with younger children. The difficulty is forgiving, the visuals are gorgeous and colorful, and the DualSense features add delightful haptic feedback. The co-op exclusive levels are smartly designed, giving you content you literally can't access playing solo.
The game features licensed music tracks (including a memorable level set to Uptown Funk) and the classic LittleBigPlanet charm that made the franchise beloved.
If you enjoy fun, creative games, explore Webnetic's game collection — we have casual games like Rainbow, Weben Blocks, and Quick Mafs that are perfect for quick, fun gaming sessions.
Best for: Families, younger players, anyone who loves charming platformers.
9. Unravel Two
Players: 2 (local co-op) | Genre: Puzzle-Platformer | Metacritic: 79 | Price: $19.99
Two yarn characters connected by a single thread. Every puzzle requires coordination — swinging each other across gaps, pulling platforms, and creating bridges with your shared thread. It's beautiful, clever, and surprisingly emotional.
The Thread That Binds
The central mechanic — two characters literally tied together — is a brilliant metaphor for cooperation. You must constantly consider your partner's position, as moving too far apart will pull them off ledges or prevent them from reaching platforms. The thread can be used as a bridge, a rope swing, a lasso, and more.
The environmental storytelling is subtle but effective, telling a wordless narrative about connection and overcoming obstacles together. Each level is visually distinct, from Swedish countryside to industrial cities and underground caves.
Best for: Couples, artistic gamers, puzzle lovers, players who appreciate creative game design.
10. Diablo IV
Players: 2 (local split-screen) | Genre: Action RPG | Metacritic: 87 | Price: $69.99
Blizzard's latest ARPG supports full couch co-op. Slay demons, chase loot, and explore the dark world of Sanctuary together. The split-screen implementation is smooth, and the shared loot creates exciting "check out what I found!" moments.
Dark Adventures for Two
Diablo IV's couch co-op is a perfect weekend activity. The gameplay loop — kill demons, find better gear, kill stronger demons — is inherently addictive, and sharing that experience with someone amplifies the excitement. Each class plays differently, so coordinating builds (like pairing a tanky Barbarian with a ranged Sorceress) adds strategic depth.
The seasonal content keeps the endgame fresh, with new mechanics, dungeons, and gear to chase every few months. If you enjoy the loot grind, Diablo IV can easily provide 100+ hours of couch co-op content.
Love action RPGs? Check out our best free PS5 games — Path of Exile 2 is a fantastic free alternative.
Best for: ARPG fans, loot chasers, players who enjoy dark fantasy settings.
Best Free Couch Co-Op PS5 Games
Don't want to spend anything? These couch co-op games are completely free — and no PS Plus required for online multiplayer:
Brawlhalla
Players: 2-4 local | Genre: Platform Fighter
A fast-paced Smash Bros-style fighter with over 50 characters plus crossover fighters from Street Fighter, WWE, The Walking Dead, and more. Simple to pick up, surprisingly deep to master. Perfect for competitive couch gaming.
Fall Guys
Players: 2 local | Genre: Party Game
60 players compete in obstacle courses and mini-games. Playing with a friend on the same couch in Squad mode adds hilarious coordination moments. Simple controls make it accessible to everyone.
Rocket League
Players: 2-4 local split-screen | Genre: Vehicular Soccer
One of the best local multiplayer experiences on PS5. Up to 4 players can play split-screen, making it perfect for game nights. The 5-minute match format keeps sessions manageable.
Fortnite
Players: 2 local split-screen | Genre: Battle Royale
Fortnite's split-screen mode lets two players drop into battle royale together. The LEGO Fortnite mode also supports local co-op for a more relaxed crafting experience.
Want more free games? See our complete list of best free PS5 games for 15 titles you can download right now.
Best Couch Co-Op Games by Category
Best for Couples
- Split Fiction
- It Takes Two
- Stardew Valley
- Unravel Two
Best for Families with Kids
- Sackboy: A Big Adventure
- Overcooked! All You Can Eat
- Fall Guys (Free)
- LEGO games (multiple available)
Best for Competitive Friends
- Rocket League (Free)
- Borderlands 4
- Brawlhalla (Free)
- Gran Turismo 7
Best for Long Gaming Sessions
- Baldur's Gate 3
- Divinity: Original Sin 2
- Diablo IV
- Stardew Valley
Best Budget Picks (Under $20)
- Stardew Valley — $14.99
- Unravel Two — $19.99
- Brawlhalla — Free
- Rocket League — Free
- Fall Guys — Free
Essential Tips for the Best Couch Co-Op Experience
Display Recommendations
Split-screen gaming benefits enormously from screen size:
- 43" or smaller: Playable but cramped for split-screen
- 50-55": Good for 2-player split-screen
- 65" or larger: Ideal for 2-4 player split-screen
- Ultrawide monitor: Some games support horizontal split on ultrawide displays
Audio Tips
- Use your TV speakers or a soundbar — Headphones don't work well for couch co-op since both players need to hear
- Turn on subtitles — Story-heavy games like It Takes Two benefit from subtitles when conversation competes with game audio
- Adjust dialogue volume — Many games let you boost dialogue volume relative to music and effects
Controller and Hardware Guide
Controllers You'll Need
Most couch co-op games require one DualSense controller per player. Here's what you need:
| Players | Controllers Needed | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2 players | 2 DualSense controllers | 1 included + ~$69.99 for second |
| 3 players | 3 DualSense controllers | 1 included + ~$139.98 |
| 4 players | 4 DualSense controllers | 1 included + ~$209.97 |
Money-saving tip: Third-party PS5 controllers from brands like HORI and Nacon are available at lower price points, though they may lack DualSense haptic features.
PS5 Pro Advantages for Couch Co-Op
The PS5 Pro offers tangible benefits for split-screen gaming:
- Higher resolution per player in split-screen thanks to more GPU power
- More stable frame rates during chaotic split-screen moments
- Better visual quality with PS5 Pro Enhanced games
While the standard PS5 handles split-screen well, the PS5 Pro provides a noticeably smoother experience in demanding games like Borderlands 4 and Diablo IV.
FAQ
What is the best couch co-op game on PS5? Split Fiction from Hazelight Studios is the best couch co-op game on PS5 in 2026. It features incredible variety, a compelling story, and a flawless 60fps split-screen experience. For RPG fans, Baldur's Gate 3 offers the deepest co-op experience.
Can you play split-screen on PS5? Yes, many PS5 games support split-screen local co-op. Games like Split Fiction, It Takes Two, Borderlands 4, Rocket League, and Diablo IV all offer excellent split-screen experiences. The PS5's powerful hardware ensures smooth performance even in split-screen mode.
Do you need two controllers for couch co-op? In most cases, yes. Each player needs their own DualSense controller. Some puzzle games like Unravel Two technically allow sharing a controller, but the experience is much better with one controller per player.
Can you play couch co-op online on PS5? Some games offer both local and online co-op. Split Fiction, It Takes Two, and Baldur's Gate 3 let you play either way. If your co-op partner isn't in the same room, you can use PS5 gamesharing to share one copy between two consoles.
What PS5 co-op games work offline? Most local co-op games work without an internet connection once downloaded. Stardew Valley, Overcooked, Sackboy, and Unravel Two all work fully offline. Online-focused games like Fortnite and Fall Guys require internet.
Are there any 4-player couch co-op games on PS5? Yes. Overcooked! All You Can Eat, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Stardew Valley, Brawlhalla, and Rocket League all support 4-player local co-op on the same console.
Can I play couch co-op on PS5 Digital Edition? Absolutely. The PS5 Digital Edition supports the same local multiplayer features as the standard PS5. The only difference is you'll need to buy games digitally.
What's the cheapest way to play couch co-op on PS5? Download the free games on this list (Brawlhalla, Fall Guys, Rocket League, Fortnite) — they cost nothing and don't require PS Plus. If you want paid games, Stardew Valley at $14.99 is the best value, offering hundreds of hours of co-op content.
Do couch co-op games support trophies for both players? It depends on the game. Some games (like Borderlands 4) award trophies to both players. Others only track progress for the primary account. Check individual game details before starting.
Discover more great PS5 content: explore the best free PS5 games, learn how to gameshare on PS5 to share your games, or check our game release calendar for upcoming titles. Looking for quick, fun games to play right now? Try Webnetic's own game collection — casual browser games from math challenges to creative puzzles!
