Top Online Co-Op Games Available on Xbox Game Pass

In the bustling realm of gaming subscriptions, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass has secured its spot as a titan. While it’s not the only option out there, it’s arguably the favorite for most gamers due to its appealing offerings. Subscribers are treated to launch-day access to all Xbox first-party games, plus a selection of third-party titles occasionally thrown into the mix.

A big reason for Game Pass’s success is its wide range of games. Whether you’re into solo horror adventures or online-only PvP battles, there’s a little something for everyone. Of course, co-op games hold a special place in this lineup, but which ones truly stand out on Game Pass?

As of November 25, 2024, the addition of new exclusively online co-op titles to Game Pass hasn’t been particularly vast, except for Black Ops 6. Consequently, we’ve included discussions on a couple of games that support both local and online multiplayer.

When diving into co-op games on Game Pass, we’ll mostly focus on those that highlight online play. Still, a few noteworthy exceptions are worth mentioning, which are so good that everyone should give them a shot. These will be noted towards the article’s conclusion.

### Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – The Return of Zombies Co-Op

Black Ops 6 marked a significant milestone as a Day One release on Game Pass. While this blockbuster was destined to be one of 2024’s top sellers without needing a subscription boost, its Game Pass debut makes for an easy re-entry for lapsed fans. Treyarch has smartly incorporated a more conventional campaign, moving away from some of the more forgettable entries in recent years.

Of course, at its core, Black Ops 6 thrives in multiplayer, whether it’s PvP or co-op mode. Traditional modes like Deathmatch and Domination are back, typically in 6v6 matchups, where cooperation often spells victory. The real draw, however, is the Zombies mode, which returns to its beloved formula, reminiscent of the Black Ops Cold War era. Teams of four tackle endless zombie waves, unlocking areas and earning better gear and abilities as they progress.

### Sea of Thieves – A Crew Adventure on the High Seas

Sea of Thieves has transformed remarkably since its lukewarm start, becoming a multiplayer gem. A crew of four can set sail for treasure, mystery, and possibly a kraken encounter. While solo play is possible, co-op is where Sea of Thieves shines, inviting both cooperative and PvP experiences.

Years after its release, Rare continues to refresh Sea of Thieves with frequent updates, ensuring there’s always a new adventure for players to embark on.

### Core Keeper – Solo or Group Survival Fun

Core Keeper combines survival, crafting, and combat in a procedural world with up to eight-player co-op. The co-op feature enhances an already engaging solo experience, where players initially fumble their way through a vast, dark world gathering resources and discovering new possibilities.

Its engaging mechanics and addictive nature place it among the elite in indie survival-crafting, with multiplayer adding a cozy team dimension.

### Remnant 2 – Co-Op Soulful Shooting Experience

Remnant games define what co-op gameplay can be in a Soulslike shooter. While single-player is an option, the games excel in co-op, featuring up to three players. Remnant 2 builds on its predecessor’s foundation with refined gameplay and captivating worlds, leaning heavily on procedural generation for diversity.

### Dead Island 2 – Simple Zombie-Slaying Joy

Though riding on positive initial reviews, Dead Island 2 flourished further with its Game Pass appearance. Known for its engaging gameplay and a visceral experience of zombie combat, it sticks to doing the basics well, making it a hit despite sounding ordinary.

Designed for straight-up zombie destruction fun, it encourages players to experience it solo first, but its co-op mode is equally rewarding and allows teams to buddy up early in the campaign.

### Warhammer 40000: Darktide – Engaging Co-Op for Warhammer Enthusiasts

Part of the extensive Warhammer 40K collection, Darktide stands out with action-packed co-op gameplay. It offers four distinct classes, ensuring variety and complementing a cooperative group play dynamic. The campaign’s challenges demand a synchronized team effort to overcome bosses.

### Minecraft Legends – An Accessible Strategy Game

Minecraft Legends brings a fresh, albeit somewhat simple, real-time strategy experience. Despite its average reception, it introduces an accessible take on a complex genre, enhanced by the option for online and PvP co-op, allowing teams to tackle missions together.

### Grounded – Cooperative Survival in a Miniature World

From the creators known for RPGs, Grounded explores a new path in the survival genre. Players, reduced to insect-sized explorers, navigate a backyard teeming with hazards. The game shines in both single-player and co-op modes, supporting shared and cross-platform play, which enriches multiplayer interaction.

### Space Engineers – Creative Sandbox in Space

Although not very accessible, Space Engineers offers a unique sandbox experience where players can build almost anything they can imagine. While it’s tough at first, getting a handle on the mechanics unlocks a vast creative potential, which can be even more rewarding in multiplayer settings.

### Palworld – Genre-Defying Hybrid Adventure

Palworld boasts a unique blend of survival, monster-taming, and shooter genres. Though still evolving in early access, it introduces players to a world where they must survive, explore, and harness creature abilities to thrive.

Its multiplayer component, while not without minor hiccups, adds depth and replayability that keeps players hooked.

### Payday 2 – The Timeless Heist Master

Despite its age, Payday 2 remains a staple in online co-op as a favorite for enjoyable heist planning and execution. Each mission is unique, leveraging teamwork for successful outcomes, making it a continuous hit among FPS enthusiasts.

### Conan Exiles – A Co-Op Journey in a Vast Survival Sandbox

Conan Exiles, though initially plagued with issues, has grown into a reputable survival game thanks to community support and modding. Its flexibility in gameplay allows players to experience a single-player campaign or participate in cooperative multiplayer, adjusting to their survival goals.

### World War Z: Aftermath – Cooperative Zombie Thrills

With improvements leading to its Aftermath version, World War Z stands as a robust co-op zombie shooter. Inspired by Left 4 Dead, yet managing to innovate, it offers vast zombie horde challenges across various settings, promising endless cooperative thrill rides.

### Deep Rock Galactic – Mining and More With Friends

In Deep Rock Galactic, players dive deep into hazardous caves in pursuit of riches, facing countless threats. While solo play is possible, the co-op element truly elevates the experience. A combination of unique classes and procedural level generation keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.

### Monster Hunter Rise – Cooperative Hunts With Friends

A staple in cooperative adventures, Monster Hunter Rise lets groups of four tackle powerful beasts. While easing newcomers through single-player quests, the game’s core is the multi-player hunts, encouraging diverse strategies and teamwork.

### Halo Infinite – Co-Op Cheers Amongst Challenges

Halo Infinite faced criticism for a lack of co-op at launch, but its eventual implementation has been mostly positive. While not groundbreaking, the cooperative feature complements its expansive campaign, inviting difficulty balancing through team coordination.

### The Quarry – A Narrative Co-Op Mystery

In The Quarry, players navigate a horror narrative brimming with tension. The co-op modes allow for shared storytelling, whether locally or online, enhancing the experience through collaborative choice-making and character control.

### A Way Out & It Takes Two – Essentials of Co-Op Gaming

Hazelight’s masterpieces demand co-op play, presenting narratives deeply rooted in character interaction and relationship dynamics. Both A Way Out, a prison escape saga, and It Takes Two, a whimsical journey to repair a broken relationship, demonstrate exceptional storytelling through gameplay interdependence.

### Moving Out 2 – Teamwork in Chaotic Fun

Combining laughter and challenge, Moving Out 2 amplifies the absurdity of furniture moving across dimensions. Offering both local and online co-op, it turns a mundane task into an engaging comedy of physics-based challenges, proving best enjoyed with a partner.

### Diablo 4 – An Addictive Co-Op Loot Chase

Despite its controversies, Diablo 4 remains a strong cooperative contender, driven by its loot-centric action. The co-op mode fosters group dynamics, encouraging varied skillsets for a rewarding combat experience, enriched further by Diablo’s compelling gameplay loop.