20 Best Split-Screen (Couch Co-Op) Games for PC

Even though online multiplayer gaming is on an insane rise these days, there are still gamers who like playing local multiplayer games with their friends and family; and while split-screen and couch co-op games are becoming a dying breed, there are still some awesome games that anyone interested in local multiplayer games should try out. If you are also looking for such games, you have come to the right place. Here are the 20 best split-screen (couch co-op) games for PC that you can play in 2023.

Best Split-Screen (Couch Co-Op) Games for PC in 2023

1. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is one of the best co-op games — if not the best — that has been released in recent times. It’s a game filled with adventure, imaginative battle, and frantic action in space. And the best part is that you can play this game with 2 to 4 players in a local co-op mode. In case, you are alone then you can play with an AI-controlled space pet and drive the battleship together.

As for the game, it’s a beautifully designed video game where you explore the vast expanse of the galaxy in a huge neon battleship. However, you need other people to help you control the battleship and defeat the Anti-love forces who have imprisoned the space bunnies. It’s truly a fun and enchanting game that will remind you why we love video games in the first place.

Buy The Game ($14.99)

2. Overcooked! 2

We had Overcooked in second place on this list of best co-op games, but with Overcooked! 2 being such an amazing game, we had to give it a slot instead. If you’ve played Overcooked, this follow-up title is no different. After having successfully defeated the Ever Peckish, you will now face off with yet another threat.

At the same time, you do have to run a kitchen with an ever-growing number of customers who demand the utmost efficiency from you. You and your friends can play this game sitting on your couch at home; it is, in fact, one of the most popular couch co-op games out there. Oh, and if your friends can’t come over due to the pandemic, Overcooked 2 supports online multiplayer too, so you can always have some classic multiplayer action.

Buy The Game ($24.99)

3. Screencheat

Screencheat does not need much introduction, but if you are unaware it’s one of the most popular split-screen games of all time. At the outset, Screencheat is a first-person shooter game but the gameplay is slightly different and that is what makes it the most enjoyable game. Basically, everyone will be invisible from each other’s screen so you will have to look at your opponent’s screen — hence screen cheating — and then shoot them. That’s fun, right?

Also, there are a couple of weapons in the game, but look for ‘one-hit-kill’ armor and a teddy bear loaded with explosives for killing your opponents in no time. Also, keep in mind, this game supports multiple gaming controllers as well so that is great. All in all, Screencheat is a frantic and action-packed game and you can enjoy this awesome game in split-screen mode with your friends and family.

Buy The Game ($14.99)

4. Don’t Starve Together

If you’re on the lookout for the best couch co-op games to play, this is one game you shouldn’t miss out on. Don’t Starve Together is basically the multiplayer version of the acclaimed game ‘Don’t Starve’.

As the title suggests, your single purpose in the game is to not starve to death. You’ll work together with your friends in a cooperative game, exploring a vast island, gathering resources and food, and building shelter for yourself. All in an attempt to survive one more night. There are monsters aplenty, and a lot of dangers for you to be wary of, and overcome. This is one of my favorite local multiplayer games thanks to the easy-to-understand but difficult-to-master experience it offers.

Buy The Game ($14.99)

5. Split/Second

Since Blur is no longer in development, you can play Split/Second instead. It’s an equally intense racing game and supports split-screen of up to two players. Without a doubt, Split/Second is currently one of the best split-screen racing games available on PC. As for the game, it’s set in a reality television show where players are racing for the top spot. However, the game is rigged and yet, you will have to knock your opponent off the track.

Other than racing, the game also has some triggers which can destroy huge structures and buildings while racing, which can further change the outcome of the game. I would say if you like explosive kind of action racing which does not follow the dynamics of car racing alone but goes beyond that then Split/Second is an awesome split-screen game and you simply can’t afford to miss it.

Buy The Game ($19.99)

6. Sonic Adventure 2

Sonic Adventure 2, for a very long time, has been considered a game meant for split-screen gaming. It’s a story of the battle against heroes and villains and you are tasked to save the world. You can play in a team of 2 in this game and start hunting for the Chaos Emeralds. Along the way, you will experience huge opposition from returning villains such as Dr. Eggman and Rouge.

However, you can choose to be Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles and fight against the evil forces. Other than that, the game also has a kart-racing mode where you compete with your friend in the split-screen mode. All in all, if you love classic Nintendo games then Sonic Adventure 2 is highly recommended for local multiplayer gaming.

Buy The Game ($9.99)

7. Guacamelee 2

While Guacamelee 2 isn’t a split-screen game by definition, it does support local co-op which qualifies it as a couch co-op title. The game allows up to four players to play on the same screen at the same time and experience the entire story together. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the title, Guacamelee 2 is a Metroidvania platformer in which you control a luchador who fights his way across a number of beautifully handcrafted levels with a ton of different enemies. With each subsequent level, your fighter learns some cool new abilities which really come in handy on later levels.

Buy The Game ($19.99)

8. Gears of War 4

Third-person shooter Gears of War 4 is another great split-screen game that you can play on your PC. While the Xbox One version of the game supports split-screen play for both the campaign and the multiplayer mode, the PC version of Gears of War 4 only offers split-screen support for the campaign.

This means that while you’ll be able to enjoy the entire campaign along with a friend, you won’t be able to enjoy the online multiplayer mode on split-screen on your PC. Gears of War 4 is a must-have for any of you who enjoy shooting games and want to share the experience with a friend at home.

Buy The Game ($19.99)

9. A Way Out

One of the newest titles on this list, A Way Out is a co-op-only adventure in which you and your friend play as Leo and Vincent, two convicts planning their daring escape from prison. As you’d expect, the game features a local split-screen co-op in which both the players see the game from their character’s perspective and have to work together to get their plan into action. The game doesn’t have a single-player option, but it does offer online co-op support, so you can play it with anyone who also has a copy of the game.

Buy The Game ($29.99)

10. Castle Crashers

Get your armors up and sharpen your blades because it’s time for some serious hack n slash. In Castle Crashers, hack n slash your way through multiple levels and crash some castles to save your princess. Team up with your friends in up to 4 players multiplayer mode and crash all the castle parties in barbarian style.

Slash anyone who gets in your way. The game offers a beautiful cartoony graphics style and a cheesy background soundtrack that really makes the entire gameplay experience more immersive. If you are looking for a hack n slash adventure along with your friends then this is definitely an amazing game for you to try.

Buy The Game ($14.99)

11. Cuphead

Cuphead is another great game that you can enjoy with your friend on the same screen, making it an essential addition to this list. I first saw Cuphead while watching a League of Legends stream on Twitch and the game’s old-timey graphics, coupled with the fast gameplay really got me intrigued.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the title, Cuphead is a run-and-gun shooting game in which you control animated Cuphead, and his brother Mugman when you play the local co-op option, to fight through level after level of enemies to replay your debt to the devil. Cuphead is really fun to pick up and extremely difficult to master, making it a must-have for any of you looking for a fun local co-op game to play on your PC.

Buy The Game ($19.99)

12. LEGO Batman 2

If you have tried any LEGO game, you will find that most LEGO games are built solely for the purpose of having fun with your kids or even your significant other. You can even play with a friend, but LEGO actually caters to younger gamers. LEGO Batman 2 offers a dynamic split-screen experience where you get to control the slightly humorous LEGO Batman and Robin along with their superhero friends from other DC comics and cartoons.

Running around Gotham city and beating bad guys has never been more fun. You can now serve justice to the criminals in the city along with your trusted sidekick. This game works really well for a parent/kid gaming session because it’s family-friendly and boasts very easy gameplay which anyone can learn in minutes.

Buy The Game ($19.99)

13. Portal 2

Portal 2 is all about solving puzzles and going through different dimensions for solving each part of the puzzle. Even though the multiplayer mode in Portal 2 is not as intriguing and exciting as the single-player campaign, if you are with your friend and want to shoot some portals around then it’s the perfect one.

Just by adding a second player to the game, you get to experience such fun and complex puzzles that are not even possible in the single-player mode. You need to work together with your friend in the split-screen mode to solve all the puzzles and overcome each obstacle along the way. Definitely, a must-try for puzzle enthusiasts.

Buy The Game ($9.99)

14. Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection features all of the games in the Borderlands franchise, all of which come with local co-op support. While the game doesn’t come with a split-screen option built-in, there are ways you can configure the game to work in split-screen on your PC. If you aren’t familiar with the Borderlands franchise, it’s a first-person shooter which is renowned for its co-op mode that allows up to four players to play the game at the same time.

In Borderlands, you take up the role of one of four vault hunters as you fight against hordes of enemy creatures. The Handsome Collection packs in both Borderlands 2, and Borderlands: The Pre Sequel in one bundle, offering you hours of co-op gameplay with your friends.

Buy The Game ($14.75)

15. Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed

While Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed is considered a Mario Kart rip-off or clone by many, this game offers some unique gameplay elements that make it stand out. Although the game is definitely inspired by Nintendo’s very popular franchise, the best thing about Sonic All-Stars Racing is the fact that it’s easily available on PC and you can enjoy it with your friends in amazing split-screen modes for maximum enjoyment.

You get to choose different racers from the Sonic universe, including but not limited to popular ones like Sonic himself, Knuckles, Tails, and much more. If you like a more cartoony-style racing game then this is definitely a good try.

Buy The Game ($19.99)

16. Rocket League

Everyone knows Rocket League, it’s one of the most popular sports titles out there. When you merge Football (Soccer) with racing cars and add some janky physics to the mix then you get a perfectly exciting game called Rocket League. The split-screen experience in this game is just perfect. You can team up with your friend in split-screen mode and go against other players from around the world in 2v2 online matches.

It’s fast paced racing game where the main objective is to hit the ball in the opponent’s goal post. Whoever scores the most goals in 5-minutes wins. If you are looking for an exciting game to play along with your friend then you should definitely try this out.

Try The Game (Free)

17. It Takes Two

It Takes Two is the latest addition to this list, which came out in 2021. The game is built solely for the purpose of being played as a co-op game which is why it’s definitely one of the best couch co-op games you can play right now. It’s available on PC and console, so even if you are a console gamer, you can try it out.

In It Takes Two, you and your friend will play as Cody and May — a human couple who has been transformed into dolls by a magic spell. The game brings a bunch of unique and even interconnected abilities, which helps the co-op game work even better. All in all, this is one of the best co-op games you can play, and you should definitely check it out.

Buy The Game ($39.99)

18. Outward

If you’re looking for one of the best couch co-op role-playing games to play, look no further than Outward. This is one of the best RPG titles you can play with your friends right now. What’s more, Outward adds a survival element to the game, so you don’t just need to protect yourself from enemies, but also from the cold, hunger, and sleep deprivation.

Outward supports single-player gaming, but can be played with up to 4 friends in co-op mode, which can make things much more interesting and fun. Outward is definitely an RPG title that you can’t afford to miss if you and your friends have been looking for a fun couch co-op title to enjoy.

Buy The Game ($39.99)

19. Left 4 Dead 2

The original Left 4 Dead game introduced the zombie-killing adventure that two players can enjoy together. Nothing beats the fun and excitement of bashing zombie skulls with a plethora of different weapons while working together with a friend in split-screen mode. You can even play with 4 players at a time in the “Versus” mode.

Join forces with your friend in the post-apocalyptic world and start bashing some zombie skulls to survive in this world. Left 4 Dead 2 also offers exciting new campaigns and modes to further expand the story and gives you, even more, zombies to kill. A must-have for all zombie-killing fans out there.

Try The Game ($9.99)

20. Divinity: Original Sin 2

In case you wish to experience a great role-playing game with your friend, you should try out Divinity: Original Sin 2. Set in the fantasy world of Rivellon, Divinity: Original Sin 2 takes players on an epic journey, which they can share with their friends on the same screen. While the game comes with support for a four-player co-op as well, a single machine can only handle two-player co-op, so in case you want to play it with three of your friends you’ll require two copies of the game and two systems.

The game also features a game master mode which will allow you to add a fifth player to the party who can take the role of the storyteller and create a new adventure on the fly, just as you’d find on popular table-top RPGs.

Buy The Game ($44.99)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play split-screen on Steam games?

Yes, you can play compatible split-screen games from Steam. Moreover, with Remote Play Together, you can even play local co-op and split-screen games online.

Try Out The Best Split Screen Games for Your PC

Before you start commenting “A few games are not SPLIT-SCREEN” and bring your pitchforks, I’d personally like to explain that most split-screen games share the same genre, gameplay, etc. Halo The Master Chief Collection offers a split-screen, but it plays similarly to Call of Duty since both are arcade shooters. The same goes for Borderlands. Most racers have split-screen, so we can’t put them all but we tried to cover different racing styles ranging from arcade to simulation, etc.

We have actually opted for a few games that serve the same purpose as split-screen games, which is a couch co-op experience on a single shared screen. Still, if you think there are some other amazing split-screen games out there then feel free to mention them in the comments below and we’ll probably put up an honorable mentions section for them.