The gaming industry tends to work in trends. One type of game will be popular for a while before eventually tailing off and losing its place to something else. The shooter genre, however, has managed to maintain popularity for years. Of course, it's changed plenty of times through the decades. But the simple act of shooting people, monsters, or zombies in a video game setting is evergreen.

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Yet, not enough of them allow you to do it with a buddy by your side. While co-operative shooters aren't extremely rare, it seems like there should be more of them. That being said, there are a few amazing ones out there, and these are the greatest.

Updated February 9, 2024 By Ben Jessey: There are many shooters out there that offer co-op play. But not all of them are worth your time and money. So, we created this list to shine a light on the best ones. In this update, we've added a few more wonderful ones to the collection.

Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora

Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora - Na'Vi Sky Warriors Assaulting An RDA Gunship
Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora

Released
December 7, 2023
Developer(s)
Massive Entertainment
Platform(s)
PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC

Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora is an open-world action-adventure title where you get to roam the beautiful world of Pandora. You play as one of its residents, a.k.a a Na'vi. As the blue creature, you and a possible friend online have to try to stop humanity's invasion of Pandora.

The narrative is similar to the movies, but this is a primarily separate self-contained tale. To fight back against the human forces on the planet, you must do some first-person shooting. Your weapons include things like a bow and a shotgun.

World War Z Aftermath

World War Z Screenshot Of Survivors Fighting Off A Zombie Horde

World War Z Aftermath offers both third-person and first-person shooting action. The decision of which perspective you use is up to you. Regardless of which you go for, you get to experience some solid and smooth shooting mechanics. And the things you're shooting are zombies.

It's a squad-based zombie shooter in the mold of Left 4 Dead. However, this one is set in the World War Z universe. Yet, it's only loosely based on the novel and movie of the same name. You don't need any knowledge of them to enjoy the experience. All you need is an appreciation of zombie killing.

Tom Clancy's The Division 2

Squad walking up to the Capitol building in DC in The Division 2
Tom Clancy's The Division 2

Released
March 15, 2019
Developer(s)
Massive Entertainment
Platform(s)
PS4 , PC , Xbox One , Stadia

The Division 2 is an always online third-person shooter with RPG elements. It's set in a fictional version of Washington D.C. that has been ruined by a deadly virus. The narrative doesn't get a significant amount of focus, however, and it certainly isn't the main selling point of the game.

That would be the combat. This title offers tight cover-based shooting mechanics that are a joy to behold. Plus, there's plenty of opportunity for teamwork. After all, with all the skills available, you can each create a build that works seamlessly together. And you may need to when taking on the harder missions.

Star Wars: Battlefront 2

An imperial officer and Stormtroopers are attacked by Ewoks in Star Wars: Battlefront 2.
Star Wars Battlefront 2

Released
November 17, 2017
Developer(s)
DICE
Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC

The movies might be more about lightsabers, but there is plenty of shooting in the Star Wars universe, too. There is certainly a lot in Star Wars: Battlefront 2, as apart from occasional times when you play as major characters, you're typically a soldier with some type of blaster.

The game doesn't offer a traditional co-op story, but there is a dedicated co-operative mode. It's a PvE experience that pits you against bots, and you have to either attack or defend a point. Either way, these co-op matches are really fun due to the game's satisfying shooting mechanics.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 3

Call Of Duty Black Ops 3 Characters Talking
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3

Released
November 6, 2015
Developer(s)
Treyarch
Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC

Despite seemingly being tailor-made for it, the Call Of Duty series doesn't often offer a co-op campaign. Black Ops 3, however, is one of the few entries to do so. Alongside a friend locally or up to three online, you can experience a story set far in the future that is about highly advanced tech, conspiracies, and, of course, warfare.

It's an engaging story that has some interesting missions. The famous Zombies mode is also available to play with some friends. And whatever mode you're experiencing, the FPS combat is slick and exciting.

Remnant 2

Remnant 2: The Hunter Activating Their Prime Sight Ability
Remnant 2

Released
July 25, 2023
Developer(s)
Gunfire Games
Platform(s)
PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC

Remnant 2 is not only a third-person shooter, it's also an RPG with some Soulslike elements. During the game, you travel to different worlds that all have distinct environments and enemies. In each one, you need to find and kill a really powerful monster.

Along the way, you solve some puzzles and shoot many different creatures. That last bit might be the best part, as the gunplay is very fluid and fun. And you can enjoy it with up to two friends.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

Tiny Tinas Wonderlands Molten Mirrors 2 - via Gearbox
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands

Released
March 25, 2022
Developer(s)
Gearbox Software
Platform(s)
PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One , PC

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is a spin-off of the Borderlands series. And like those games, this title offers online co-op. Where it differs from the mainline series is that it's set inside a tabletop role-playing game.

So, you wander around a fantasy world, completing quests with the ultimate goal of defeating the Dragon Lord. It's wacky and funny. More importantly, though, it's a joy to play since the gunplay is enjoyable, and there is plenty of enemy variety.

Unreal Tournament 3

Unreal Tournament 3 promotional image

Unreal Tournament 3 is a fast-paced and attack-packed FPS game from the late 2000s. The combat is similar to games like Doom in that you're encouraged to be in perpetual motion while fighting.

The campaign can be played in local split-screen co-op. It's a unique experience, as the game doesn't contain traditional missions. Instead, you play multiplayer-like matches against AI with cutscenes in-between each one. It's odd, but it works pretty well, and the game is very fun.

Contra

Bill and Lance running through the field with guns in hand in Contra

Co-op shooters don't get much older than the original Contra, but re-releases have brought it onto some more recent systems. And the game holds up very well from a gameplay standpoint, particularly for those who appreciate arcade titles.

It's a pure side-scrolling shoot 'em up where you and a buddy have to run, jump, and, most importantly, shoot your way past all the enemies in front of you. It's a simple but fun co-op game.

Zombie Army 4: Dead War

Karl, Shola, Jun and Boris head into battle in Zombie Army 4 Dead War
Zombie Army 4: Dead War

Released
February 4, 2020
Developer(s)
Rebellion Developments
Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC , Stadia

No matter how dangerous they are, zombies are always fun to fight. So, it's nice that Zombie Army 4 allows you to battle them as a team of up to four players. These aren't just any run-of-the-mill undead, though. These are Nazi zombies that are under the rule of the undead Hilter.

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Therefore, you immediately have an incentive to blow them away. And you can do just that with a variety of unique powers and weapons, along with some of the regular guns you expect to see in a World War 2 shooter.

Resistance 3

Resistance 3 fight with chimera enemy

In Resistance 3, humanity is in serious trouble as the alien threat known as the Chimera is mounting an invasion. It's up to you to stop the deadly creatures, and you can bring a friend along for the ride, too.

The game is a traditional first-person shooter with satisfying shooting mechanics and some unique weapons to use. Plus, there is a bit of a horror element to the game, as several of the places you visit are capable of giving you a scare.

Rainbow Six: Vegas

3 team members taking down terrorists in a colorful, well lit area of the Las Vegas Strip in Rainbow Six Vegas

Rainbow Six Vegas is a tactical FPS that boasts two co-op modes. For starters, you can play through the entire campaign with up to four players online or two locally. The narrative is a standard shooter tale as your squad attempts to bring down a terrorist.

Speaking of terrorists, the other co-op mode is called Terrorist Hunt. In it, you get put on a map with a bunch of enemies, and you need to take them all out. This is easier said than done, as this game takes a more realistic approach to combat, meaning you die in only a few hits. This is why you must use cover and play tactically.

Outriders

Outriders Screenshot Of Two Soldiers Shooting
Outriders

Released
April 1, 2021
Developer(s)
People Can Fly
Platform(s)
PC , Stadia , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Outriders is set in a universe where Earth isn't doing so great, so humanity is looking for another planet to call home. That new world is known as Enoch, and it comes with its own set of dangers. You don't have to face them alone, though. A maximum of two friends can join you online.

Each one of you can choose between different character classes, as this is a shooter mixed with an RPG. They all have their own abilities that can assist you on your perilous adventure. What are also useful are the firearms you can obtain and use in third-person cover-based gunfights.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Soap MacTavish holding gun
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)

Released
November 10, 2009
Developer(s)
Infinity Ward
Platform(s)
PC , PS3 , Xbox 360 , PS4 , Xbox One , macOS

There are actually two Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 titles that are significantly different. They both contain co-op elements, but the 2009 title just edges it in enjoyability. Unfortunately, those previously mentioned co-op elements don't feature in the campaign.

Thankfully, though, the game's spec-ops mode makes up for it by providing one of the best co-op shooter experiences ever. While playing the mode, you and a friend embark on different mission scenarios. There is a lot of variation between them and most are fun to play.

Back 4 Blood

Back 4 Blood Characters Preparing To Fight
Back 4 Blood

Released
October 12, 2021
Developer(s)
Turtle Rock Studios
Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox One X , Xbox One S

Because of its name and the fact it shares several developers, Back 4 Blood has the issue of continually being compared to Left 4 Dead. This is bad because no zombie squad shooter can truly match that classic title. Yet, Back 4 Blood is still a fun first-person shooter in its own right.

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The campaign consists of several acts, and each one contains a bunch of chapters. The main objective in them all is to survive as you progress through the mutant-filled area, using any weapons you find. There are also sometimes other objectives you need to accomplish, which helps vary things up.

Killing Floor 2

Killing Floor 2 Feature Image huge enemies in the game charging a line of players
Killing Floor 2

Released
November 18, 2016
Developer(s)
Tripwire Interactive , Hardsuit Labs , Saber Interactive
Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Xbox One

Survival is the only goal in this co-op shooter. After all, there is no real story. You're just placed on a map, and you must survive wave after wave of infected creatures. As the waves go by, the creatures attack in ever-increasing numbers, and new types of them turn up. If you make it to the final wave, you face a powerful boss.

What is great about the co-op play is that it alters depending on how many of you there are. For example, you will face more enemies if you have a crew of six than if there are only two of you. So, you don't have to worry about it being excruciatingly hard if you don't have a full squad.

Saints Row: The Third Remastered

Saints Row The Third: Man With Weapon Stands Before Explosion

Saints Row has sometimes been referred to as a Grand Theft Auto clone. However, it's an unfair label, as the wacky open-world series has its own style and offers things GTA doesn't, such as a comprehensive co-op mode.

Most entries in the series offer a co-op campaign, with the best occurring in Saints Row: The Third. This instalment finds the perfect balance between serious and silly. And the gunplay in the game is a lot of fun, particularly because there are a host of unique and silly weapons to use.

Killzone 3

The ISA fights a MAWLR in Killzone 3.

Killzone is one of the Playstation's most underrated exclusive series. There have only been four main entries in the series, but each one is at least decent. Killzone 3 slips into 'great' territory, especially when playing through the campaign with a buddy. The story isn't incredibly engaging, as it's the standard military tale, where you have to stop dangerous enemy forces.

Yet, the combat makes up for the uninspiring narrative. Each fight is very enjoyable due to the satisfying feeling of the guns and the tight shooting mechanics. Plus, the title is one of the best-looking PS3 games ever.

Far Cry 6

Two guerilla fighters from Far Cry 6
Far Cry 6

Released
October 6, 2021
Developer(s)
Ubisoft
Platform(s)
PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One , PC , Stadia

The recent Far Cry games have all included captivating main villains, and Far Cry 6 is no different. In this one, the antagonist is Anton Castillo, who is the tyrannical leader of the fictional island of Yara. Throughout the game, you lead a resistance effort to overthrow the evil dictator. This means going to different parts of Yara and recruiting significant figures to help with your cause.

As this is an open-world game, there are also plenty of side missions to do and enemy locations to take over. You can opt for stealth to get these jobs done, or you can blast them away with your wide variety of customizable weaponry. And you can do it all with a friend by your side.

Payday 2

Payday 2 Fighting Swat Enemies
Payday 2

Released
August 13, 2013
Developer(s)
Overkill Software
Platform(s)
PS4 , PS3 , Xbox One , Xbox 360 , Switch , PC

Payday 2 is an online co-operative shooter where you and up to three other players execute different heists. The variety of these robberies is what makes them great, as they often take place in completely distinct places, from banks to art galleries to prisons.

Unsurprisingly, you're often tasked with stealing money or valuables, but you are occasionally asked to do other things, like rescue an inmate. Regardless of the type of job, they typically require teamwork and possibly some accurate shooting.

The House Of The Dead: Overkill

The House Of The Dead Overkill Screenshot Of Agent G and Detective Washington

The House Of The Dead series began as a light gun shooter in arcades. In recent years, though, there have been some home releases, including the Overkill title. The game tells a story about the mystery surrounding the start of an undead outbreak. But storytelling isn't really a priority for this on-rail shooter.

The game is mostly just about firing bullets into things. You and an ally go from screen to screen killing every monster you see and even occasionally saving a civilian who's about to become a zombie meal. It's loud, enjoyable, and involves plenty of profanity.

Cuphead

Cuphead Two player Boss fight
Cuphead

Released
September 29, 2017
Developer(s)
Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC

Cuphead isn't the sort of game people consider when they think of shooters, but it technically is one. More specifically, it's a run-and-gun title where you sprint across a 2D level and shoot everything you see. And the game allows you to do that with a buddy.

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The inclusion of a teammate is welcome as the game is punishingly difficult. While simply making it through levels can be tough, it gets even harder during the boss fights. So, this game is perfect for those who like a challenge and old-school art styles.

Deep Rock Galactic

Deep Rock Galactic Glyphid Swarmers

The term 'shooter' doesn't completely define Deep Rock Galactic. The game is largely about mining things as each level places you in a procedurally generated cave and you're often tasked with finding and collecting useful materials. However, these caves aren't incredibly safe.

You regularly get attacked by hordes of creatures, both big and small ones. This is where the shooter aspect comes in as you must defend yourself by blasting them all away. Thankfully, both the digging and shooting mechanics feel satisfying.

Sniper Elite 5

Sniper Elite 5 Matthaus Building With A Soldier Inside It

As you can guess from the title, this game revolves around a certain type of gunplay - sniping. You and a friend can sneak around each mission with your rifles in hand, looking for the perfect opportunity to pick people off - and see x-rays of the bullets going through their bodies in the process.

Occasionally, you may want to co-ordinate and take two guys down at once. Or, if you're the less subtle type, both of you may prefer to wipe out a group of enemies while they're charging at you. The latter tactic is good practice for the additional survival mode, where you have to defend yourself against a horde of people.

Resident Evil 5

Resident Evil 5 Screenshot Of Sheva and Chris On Rooftop
Resident Evil 5

Released
March 5, 2009
Developer(s)
Capcom
Platform(s)
PS3 , PS4 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , PC , Switch

When it initially launched, Resident Evil 5 received some criticism from fans of the series. Their issues revolved around the lack of scares this supposed horror game provides. The complaints were fair, but RE5 is an excellent co-op third-person shooter.

In the game, you follow Chris Redfield and series newcomer Sheva Alomar as they investigate some strange goings-on in a fictional part of Africa. Naturally, the place contains a litany of infected creatures that you have to kill. But you can't just mow them all down as you'd do in an average shooter as ammo isn't plentiful. So, you have to manage your resources, which adds a welcome tactical element to what is already an enjoyable experience.

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

Borderlands 2 Screenshot Of Fight

What is the best Borderlands game? It's tricky to answer that question, but The Handsome Collection includes two that would be in consideration. Both Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel are in this package, and they're excellent first-person action RPGs.

Much of the focus is on the action side of things, as these games are filled with combat sections. Battles are frantic and exciting whether you're fighting people or the creatures of Pandora. The narratives are solid and engaging, too, and they revolve around the always charismatic Handsome Jack. The stories are not likely to make you cry, but you may laugh once or twice.

Left 4 Dead 2

The Left 4 Dead 2 survivors (from left to right) Nick, Rochelle, Coach and Ellis arrive in New Orleans
Left 4 Dead 2

Released
November 17, 2009
Developer(s)
Valve
Platform(s)
PC , Xbox 360 , Linux , macOS

Games don't get much more hectic than Left 4 Dead 2. The goal is to reach the saferoom in every chapter and eventually escape the area. But you have to do so while getting attacked by countless infected monsters. These aren't the slow, plodding kind, either, as they're all super fast and agile. Among them are a few special infected that are even more dangerous.

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Thankfully, you can fight the horde as a team as the game supports both local and online co-op. Whether you're playing alone or with a friend, it's a very enjoyable first-person shooter.

Gears 5

Kait Diaz in Gears of War 5 looking back as another NPC appears in the distance.
Gears 5

Released
September 10, 2019
Developer(s)
The Coalition

Gears Of War is a long-running series with many great instalments. The fifth main entry is one of the best. In it, the war between the humans and Swarm continues, while Kait Diaz goes on a personal journey to find out who she exactly is.

It makes for a more emotional tale than newcomers to the series might expect. Along with the tears, though, the game provides plenty of laughs as there's a lot of witty dialogue. The combat is also enjoyable, as the Gears series has always been the standard for third-person cover shooting. And Gears 5 provides the most polished experience in the history of the popular series.

Halo: Master Chief Collection

Master chief and Arbiter standing back to back in Halo

When people talk about co-operative shooters, Halo is often a name that gets brought up. Since 2001, the series has produced a litany of brilliant co-op adventures. Thankfully, most of the best are a part of the Master Chief Collection.

Initially, it included Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo 4. ODST and Reach have been added to the package since. All of the titles are brilliant in their own right and include enjoyable first-person gunplay as well as strong vehicle combat. They also boast some solid story-telling that revolves around Master Chief's adventures.

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