Couch co-op games to play on the sofa from your PC

Playing on PC doesn't mean playing alone. Many Steam games have local co-op: two or more people, a single screen and one controller each (or one with a controller and the other with the keyboard). It's the simplest way to show someone a game without them having to buy anything.

This list only includes games that Steam marks with shared or split screen co-op, and that also work on Steam Deck. We've grouped them by the kind of evening you're after, because a dinner with friends isn't the same as a quiet night in as a couple.

Before you start: what you need

• Controllers. Almost all these games are much more fun with one controller per person. Steam recognises Xbox, PlayStation and Switch controllers without installing anything.
• Your PC connected to the TV, if you can. With an HDMI cable and Steam's Big Picture mode, the sofa becomes a console.
• If your friend isn't at home: every game on this list supports Remote Play Together, the Steam feature that lets you play a local game online. Only the host needs to own it.

For laughing as a group

If you have people round and little time to explain rules, look for games that make sense in seconds and where getting things wrong is part of the fun.

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  Overcooked! 2Co-op · Party · CookingWhen you have people with you and half an hour: it's organised chaos in short doses.When to play it and when not to
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  Castle CrashersBeat 'em up · Local co-op · HumourWhen you have friends with you and want instant laughs without explaining anything: it makes sense in seconds.When to play it and when not to

Overcooked! 2 is the party classic: cooking as a team in kitchens that move, split apart or catch fire. Levels last a few minutes, so everyone can have a go. A warning: if someone in the group gets stressed easily, let them know first.

Castle Crashers is more relaxed: up to four knights brawling their way across an absurd kingdom. There's less coordination needed, which is why it works so well with people who rarely play.

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  Human: Fall FlatPuzzle · Physics · Co-opWhen you want a laugh with someone without needing to be good: every level is a little chaos.When to play it and when not to

Human: Fall Flat is another safe bet for a laugh. The controls are clumsy on purpose and, with two people trying to climb together, every level ends in comedy. It's one of the best for playing with someone who doesn't usually play.

For playing as a couple

With two people and an evening ahead, there's room for longer adventures, with a story and mechanics designed so that you need each other.

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  It Takes TwoCo-op · Adventure · PlatformerWhen you have someone beside you (or online) and an hour or two: every chapter brings new ideas.When to play it and when not to

It Takes Two is designed from start to finish for two: you can't play it alone. Each chapter changes the mechanics completely, so there's never time to get bored. If you're looking for the game to play as a couple, this is it.

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  Portal 2Puzzle · First person · Co-opWhen you want to think a bit and have a laugh. Each chamber takes minutes and the campaign moves at a good pace.When to play it and when not to
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  Unravel TwoCo-op · Platformer · PuzzleWhen you want a calm adventure with a partner or friend, with no great demands.When to play it and when not to

Portal 2 has a co-op campaign separate from the single-player one, with puzzles that can only be solved by combining both players' portals. It's one of the best things you can play as a pair if you like thinking together.

Unravel Two is the gentlest option: two little yarn characters joined by a thread, simple platforming and beautiful landscapes. Short and undemanding, perfect if one of you rarely plays.

For something calm

Not all co-op has to be chaotic. There are games to share with no rush, no shouting and no clock.

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  Stardew ValleyFarming · Life sim · CosyPerfect when you want to relax and still feel you're making progress: every in-game day leaves the farm a little better than before.When to play it and when not to

Stardew Valley supports split-screen co-op: each of you works your part of the farm, you go fishing, head down the mines and divide the day however you like. It's the game for a pressure-free night on the sofa, and it lasts for months.

Tip: if you fancy co-op but one of you is tired, look for low-energy games. We show this on every game page, and the recommender takes it into account if you choose "On the sofa with someone".

For a shared challenge

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  CupheadAction · Boss fights · Local co-opWhen you have energy and fancy a challenge: each boss lasts minutes and victory tastes sweet.When to play it and when not to

Cuphead is the opposite of a relaxing game: hard bosses, patterns you have to memorise and lots of attempts. With someone beside you, every defeat is easier to take and every victory is twice as sweet. Only for days when you have energy.

Which one shall we pick today?

If you're not sure which one suits you right now, try our recommender and choose "On the sofa with someone" as the play mode. It takes into account how much time you have and the day's energy, and prioritises games with local co-op.