Although many have never seen an official release outside of Japan, monster taming games have been around since at least the early 1990s, with some even predating the launch of the first few Pokemon games. But, for the most part, they have been primarily single-player experiences that sometimes include competitive multiplayer battling.
In the last decade or so, a handful of monster taming games have added different co-op features in addition to their single-player and competitive multiplayer modes. Whether they involve battling others side by side, exploring the world together, or just playing the various mini-games included in these titles, here are some of the best.
7 Yo-Kai Watch 2
While the main game of all three versions of Yo-Kai Watch 2 has no co-op features, the Oni Blasters Mode introduced in Psychic Specters is a co-op feature that can be played with up to four players
Based on the Terror Time mini-game of the first Yo-Kai Watch, Blasters has up to four players selecting a Yo-kai to play as to battle the Oni Yo-Kai that once terrorized them. It may not be co-op battling or exploration, but the Blasters Mode is still notable for being the start of the Yo-Kai Watch Blasters series.
6 Pokemon Sun and Moon
The Pokemon series has had co-op battle features since at least the third generation games, and although they aren't always present, they still sometimes appear. The seventh generation games, Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon, introduced the Battle Tree, a facility with a multi-battle mode where players can team up with an AI partner or another player, each selecting a team of three Pokemon.
Trainers battle until they've either been defeated or have completed the challenge. Once the players have managed to reach a certain point, characters like Red, Blue, and a few others make cameo appearances and challenge the trainers themselves.
5 Monster Hunter Stories 2
The main Monster Hunter series is already known for its co-op gameplay, so it makes sense that the spinoff title Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin also has some co-op features. Like in the main series, players can take on quests together to hunt specific monsters and have a chance to obtain an Egg of said monster. These can be a big help with monsters that are difficult to find and defeat in the single-player mode.
Unlike the main series, these quests are limited to only two players rather than up to four. There are also co-op versus battles where four players can fight against each other in pairs.
4 Re:Legend
Re:Legend, an oddly titled game that was in early access for several years, finally had its full release on Steam in September 2022. Re:Legend is a monster taming life sim hybrid, with monster raising and riding, battling, farming, fishing, and many other activities usually expected from life sim games. It's Stardew Valley with Pokemon basically.
Many of these activities can also be done together through online co-op with up to four players. Combat is also action-based rather than turn-based, so battles can happen a bit quicker than they would otherwise, but you better make sure your internet connection is up to the task beforehand.
3 Pokemon Lets Go Pikachu and Eevee
The first pair of Pokemon Games for the Nintendo Switch, Pokemon Lets Go Pikachu & Lets Go Eevee, themselves remakes of Pokemon Yellow, don't have the wireless or online co-op of other Pokemon games, instead opting for local co-op where two players control the same team of Pokemon.
A common complaint is that Pokemon has become too easy, and the local co-op in Lets Go makes the games even easier, although there's still plenty of fun to be had. Just don't be too surprised if you're playing the game with a friend and beat it in a shockingly short amount of time.
2 Pokemon Sword and Shield
The eighth generation Pokemon games, Pokemon Sword and Shield, introduced the concept of Dynamax and Gigantamax, where Pokemon can become giant and more powerful with their attacks changed into special Dynamax and Gigantamax moves.
With the introduction of this new mechanic, these games also introduced Max Raid Battles, where four players, each with one Pokemon, can battle a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokemon together. If Pokemon faint four times or ten turns pass, then the battle is over, but if the wild Pokemon's health is depleted, then the trainers will have a chance to catch it.
1 Temtem
Unlike many other monster taming games, most of Temtem can be played co-op since it primarily revolves around double battles and is also an MMORPG where players can team up to take on various challenges. That doesn't mean you can't play it on your own, however, as catching Temtem, exploring routes, challenging Temtem Leaders, and more can all be done either by yourself or with a friend.
Unlike Pokemon, instead of a party of up to six for trainers to use in battle, tamers can have up to eight Temtem in their party, allowing for a little more team variation.