This was the week of two things: updates and free games. Several popular co-op games received major weekly updates that players can enjoy with friends and family this weekend - be it on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, or other platforms. In addition, a number of other interesting new co-op games were temporarily or permanently available for free via platforms such as Steam. Here are five co-op games to try out this weekend - as always, featuring a mix of old classic standbys and new titles that players should definitely not miss out on. Every weekend is the perfect weekend for some co-op gaming, and this one is no exception.
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Play Schedule 1
Early access crime simulator Schedule 1 released its Big Cartel update, which debuts in its beta branch following previous delays. The Big Cartel update introduces the Benzies family, a powerful rival group that will stop at nothing to take down the player's drug empire. To defeat the Benzies, Schedule 1 players will need to try out new features, including ambushes, dealer robbery, dead drop theft, and even possibly truce negotiation. Players can team up against the Benzies in the beta version of Schedule 1 this weekend; the update will likely be added to the full version of Schedule 1 in the near future.
- Developer(s)
- TVGS
- Publisher(s)
- TVGS
- Engine
- Unity
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Number of Players
- Single-player
WHERE TO PLAY
You're a small-time drug dealer rolling into a fresh town with no cash, no product and no connections. Build your drug empire from the ground up in the grungy west-coast city of Hyland Point. Contend against intensifying law enforcement and deadly cartel competitors to expand your empire and reach the peak of the underworld.
MANUFACTURE - Produce a range of drugs to satisfy your customers, each one with it's own unique production process. Discover special recipes to create new drug variants with special properties.
DISTRIBUTE - Walk, skate or drive throughout Hyland Point to get product into the hands of customers. Hire dealers to handle distribution for you.
EXPAND - Purchase new properties and hire employees to expand the scope and scale of your operations. Work with suppliers to build a fully automated production and distribution chain.
FIGHT - This is a dangerous line of work - you'll have to contend with increasing law enforcement, as well as deadly cartel competitors. Fight with fists, melee weapons or firearms.
WORK TOGETHER - A growing empire needs skilled management. Reach new heights in co-op multiplayer.
- Genre(s)
- Simulation, Crime, Action, Management, Strategy
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Play Phasmophobia
Another co-op game that received a major update this week is Phasmophobia, the spooky ghost-hunting phenomenon. Following July 2025's improvement to video evidence, the game's August 12 update sees a big rework of Phasmophobia's Grafton Farmhouse map. These changes bring Grafton in line with the previously reworked maps, such as Point Hope Lighthouse, making it more detailed and adding new spooky elements, like potential lighting failures. One to four players can team up and have a "Halloween in August" weekend in the all-new Grafton Farmhouse.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 76 /100 Critics Rec: 62%
- Released
- October 29, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood, Use of Drugs, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Kinetic Games
- Publisher(s)
- Kinetic Games
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unity
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror, Puzzle
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Play Elden Ring Nightreign
Elden Ring Nightreign received an August 2025 update, and as the first full-fledged co-op Soulslike set in the Lands Between, it's worth a try. The August update is a smaller patch focused on balance and quality of life improvements, and does not add any new content, but it's still the perfect excuse for groups of players to boot up Nightreign this weekend. The biggest change was a re-balancing of the "Storm Ruler" skill, which now features a shorter countdown; in addition, a number of previously reported bugs were fixed, including crashes reported specifically on the PlayStation 5.
Elden Ring Nightreign
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 80 /100 Critics Rec: 78%
- Released
- May 30, 2025
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software
WHERE TO PLAY
"ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is a standalone adventure within the ELDEN RING universe, crafted to offer players a new gaming experience by reimagining the game’s core design.
Join forces with other players to take on the creeping night and the dangers within featuring 3-player co-op.
Take command of uniquely skilled heroes, each possessing their own abilities and distinct flair.
While individually formidable, their skills create powerful synergies when they unite as a team.
Overcome a relentless environmental threat that sweeps through a land that changes between each game session and defeat the magnificent boss of that night!"
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Soulslike, Roguelite
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Play Guntouchables
Doomsday prepper-centered co-op Guntouchables made the news this week when it was released "free to keep" on Steam for the first 24 hours following launch. While Guntouchables is no longer free, it can be found on Steam for $4.99, with multiple discounted bundles also available. This weekend, try out Guntouchables, where 1–4 players take on the role of heavily armed preppers facing down a horde of constantly evolving mutants in fast-paced roguelike gameplay. Guntouchables is the perfect mix of hilarity and brutality for those players who simply want to spend their weekend mowing down enemy after enemy.
- Released
- August 7, 2025
- Developer(s)
- Game Swing
- Publisher(s)
- Ghost Ship Publishing
- Engine
- Unity
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
WHERE TO PLAY
The entire world has fallen and the surface has been overrun by a hostile and aggressively-evolving horde of mutants. Well, not entirely. A motley group of persevering preppers are seizing their moment of glory and holding out against the abominable threat lurking right outside the perimeter of their makeshift establishment.
Guntouchables is a 1-4 player co-op roguelike doomsday shooter where every second counts. Impeccable teamwork and wise decision-making will be key to beat the overwhelming odds when facing the ever-changing enemies of the wasteland.
No one could have foreseen the end of times, but anyone could have prepared for it.
You must choose your character and play your part as one of the Guntouchables - a ragtag group of irrepressible survivors who’s been spending years preparing for the direst scenarios imaginable. Now they are facing the disaster of their dreams!
Fortune Favors the Bold!
Complete mission objectives and collect UpCrates for Cash and Perks that will increase your chances of survival in the wasteland as difficulty gradually escalates. Every second counts, and every reward is associated with a risk. Success must be found in the delicate sweet spot between boldness and greed.
Evolving Enemies
Between each mission, players must vote between a random selection of mutations that will grant enemies new traits and abilities. Fortunately, this choice will also offer the players immediate or long-term benefits, making the decision less obvious but more critical.
- Genre(s)
- Action, Roguelike, Bullet Hell
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Play Wires and Whiskers
Players who are looking to sit down and play some couch co-op with local friends or roommates should try out Wires and Whiskers, a brand-new game currently available on Steam. In Wires and Whiskers, players team up for a classic 3D platforming adventure with one taking on the role of an enhanced gerbil and the other a powerful exosuit. Together, players will face both combat encounters and magnetism-themed puzzles as they navigate the dangers of a futuristic, irradiated world as this unlikely pair. Fans of It Takes Two and similar games should definitely check out this brand-new co-op title - and, best of all, it's currently completely free.