15 Games Like It Takes Two to Play in 2026

When It Takes Two launched, it reminded a lot of players why co-op games can be special. It wasn’t just about playing together. It was about needing each other. Every level introduced new mechanics, every puzzle forced communication, and the story actually cared about the relationship between the two players. That mix of constant gameplay variety, emotional storytelling, and true co-op design helped it win Game of the Year 2021.

Since then, many players have been asking the same question: what do we play next?

This list answers that. Below are 15 games like It Takes Two that focus on co-op gameplay, shared problem-solving, communication, and memorable moments. Some are story-driven, some are chaotic, and some are clever puzzle games—but all of them are best experienced with another person on the couch or online.

Quick Comparison: Top 5 Picks

Game	Core Similarity	Best For
A Way Out	Same developer, co-op story	Narrative-driven co-op
Split Fiction	Hazelight co-op design	Players wanting the next big co-op hit
Unravel Two	Emotional co-op platforming	Couples or relaxed co-op
Portal 2	Puzzle-based teamwork	Problem-solving duos
We Were Here	Communication-first co-op	Voice-chat focused players

1. A Way Out

Why it’s similar

A Way Out comes from the same developer as It Takes Two and was built entirely around two-player co-op. The story can only be played with another person, and the game constantly switches perspectives, mechanics, and pacing. Progress depends on cooperation, timing, and communication.

What makes it unique

A Way Out is more grounded and cinematic. It focuses on a prison escape story and realistic situations rather than fantasy mechanics. The split-screen presentation is always active, even online.

Key features:

Mandatory two-player co-op
Cinematic storytelling
Constant split-screen gameplay

Price: $29.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One

2. Split Fiction

Why it’s similar

Split Fiction is Hazelight’s next major co-op release, following the same design philosophy as It Takes Two. It’s built around shared mechanics, frequent gameplay shifts, and a story that ties directly into co-op interaction.

What makes it unique

The game leans heavily into genre-hopping, moving between different worlds and mechanics more aggressively than previous Hazelight titles. It’s designed as a showcase of co-op creativity.

Key features:

Genre-switching levels
Co-op-only design
Narrative-driven gameplay

Price: $39.99 | Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

3. Unravel Two

Why it’s similar

Unravel Two focuses on cooperation, with two yarn characters physically tied together. Progress often requires coordination, timing, and shared movement, similar to how It Takes Two forces players to work as a unit.

What makes it unique

The game is calmer and more reflective. Instead of constant mechanic changes, it builds emotion through visuals, music, and environmental storytelling.

Key features:

Physics-based co-op platforming
Emotional tone
Couch or online co-op

Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

4. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Why it’s similar

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons shares It Takes Two’s emotional focus and puzzle-based progression. While originally single-player, the experience mirrors cooperative thinking.

What makes it unique

One player controls both characters at once, creating a unique emotional and mechanical connection that few games attempt.

Key features:

Dual-character control
Story-driven puzzles
Strong emotional payoff

Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

5. Portal 2

Why it’s similar

Portal 2 is one of the best co-op puzzle games ever made. Its co-op campaign requires constant communication and joint problem-solving.

What makes it unique

Its humor and physics-based puzzles set it apart. Solutions often require thinking in three dimensions and trusting your partner.

Key features:

Dedicated co-op campaign
Physics-based puzzles
Sharp writing and humor

Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Switch

6. We Were Here (Series)

Why it’s similar

We Were Here revolves entirely around communication. Players are separated and must describe what they see to solve puzzles together.

What makes it unique

You never see the same thing as your partner. Success depends on clear explanations and listening.

Key features:

Voice communication required
Asymmetric puzzle design
Short, focused experiences

Price: Free–$14.99 | Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

7. Tick Tock: A Tale for Two

Why it’s similar

Tick Tock: A Tale for Two is built around shared puzzle-solving, where both players see different information.

What makes it unique

It works even without internet. Players can sit apart and communicate verbally or via text.

Key features:

Asymmetric puzzles
Short playtime
Unique time-based mystery

Price: $9.99 | Platforms: PC, Switch, Mobile

8. Operation: Tango

Why it’s similar

Operation: Tango forces players into complementary roles, similar to how It Takes Two assigns different abilities.

What makes it unique

One player hacks while the other infiltrates. Neither can see the full picture alone.

Key features:

Hacker + agent roles
Voice communication required
Spy-themed missions

Price: $29.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

9. Lego Voyagers

Why it’s similar

Lego Voyagers focuses on shared exploration and puzzle-solving, designed to be approachable for all ages.

What makes it unique

It blends Lego humor with structured co-op progression.

Key features:

Family-friendly co-op
Puzzle-based exploration
Lego-style humor

Price: $29.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

10. Overcooked! 2

Why it’s similar

Overcooked! 2 thrives on communication and teamwork under pressure.

What makes it unique

It’s fast, chaotic, and intentionally stressful in a fun way.

Key features:

Time-based co-op challenges
Couch and online co-op
High replay value

Price: $24.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

11. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Why it’s similar

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is pure communication-based co-op.

What makes it unique

Only one player sees the bomb. The other reads the manual.

Key features:

Asymmetric information
Voice communication
High tension puzzles

Price: $14.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile

12. Untitled Goose Game

Why it’s similar

Untitled Goose Game offers light co-op puzzle solving with shared objectives.

What makes it unique

It’s built around humor and mischief rather than challenge.

Key features:

Lighthearted co-op
Simple objectives
Strong humor

Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

13. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Why it’s similar

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime forces constant coordination between players.

What makes it unique

Everyone shares control of a single ship, managing different systems.

Key features:

Shared spaceship controls
Fast-paced teamwork
Bright visual style

Price: $14.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

14. Sea of Stars

Why it’s similar

Sea of Stars supports co-op play while focusing on shared progression.

What makes it unique

It’s a turn-based RPG, offering a slower, strategic pace.

Key features:

Turn-based combat
Co-op support
Pixel art presentation

Price: $29.99 | Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

15. Core Keeper

Why it’s similar

Core Keeper is best experienced with friends, sharing exploration and base-building tasks.

What makes it unique

It’s open-ended and long-term, ideal for extended co-op sessions.

Key features:

Shared survival gameplay
Base building
Exploration-focused

Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Full Comparison Table

Game	Price	Platform	Best For
A Way Out	~$29.99	PC, PS4, Xbox One	Story-driven co-op
Split Fiction	~$39.99	PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch	Modern co-op adventures
Unravel Two	~$19.99	PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch	Emotional platforming
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons	~$19.99	PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch	Narrative-focused players
Portal 2	~$19.99	PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Switch	Puzzle-solving teams
We Were Here (series)	Free–$14.99	PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch	Communication-heavy co-op
Tick Tock: A Tale for Two	~$9.99	PC, Switch, Mobile	Short puzzle experiences
Operation: Tango	~$29.99	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch	Asymmetric co-op
Lego Voyagers	~$29.99	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch	Family-friendly co-op
Overcooked! 2	~$24.99	PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch	Chaotic fun
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes	~$14.99	PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile	Voice communication
Untitled Goose Game	~$19.99	PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch	Lighthearted mischief
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime	~$14.99	PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch	Fast-paced teamwork
Sea of Stars	~$29.99	PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch	RPG fans
Core Keeper	~$19.99	PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch	Long-term co-op play

Conclusion: What to Play First

If you loved It Takes Two, start with A Way Out, Split Fiction, or Unravel Two. Those three best capture the balance of cooperation, variety, and emotional payoff. Puzzle-focused players should look at Portal 2 or We Were Here, while chaos lovers will enjoy Overcooked! 2.

No matter which you choose, every game on this list proves that co-op works best when players truly depend on each other. If you have a favorite co-op game that belongs here, drop it in the comments.