Summary
- Communication is key in long-distance relationships, with online gaming offering a way to bridge the gap and connect.
- Video games like Magicka 2 and Don't Starve Together create opportunities for teamwork and shared experiences.
- Building, surviving, and exploring together in games like Divinity: Original Sin 2 can strengthen connections between couples.
Long-distance relationships have their own perks and unique challenges. Couples may struggle with the lack of physical intimacy, but there are other ways for couples to stay connected. Video game date nights are an amazing way for a gamer and their significant other to connect and grow closer together by completing puzzles and increasing their communication skills.
In fact, online video games and long-distance relationships go hand-in-hand, making the distance simply melt away thanks to communication mediums like Discord and remote play on modern platforms like the PS5, Xbox Series X, or Steam. Players can still feel as though they are sitting next to each other, even when miles apart. Here are some of the best games that are perfect for long-distance couples to play together.
Updated on February 11, 2025 by Mark Sammut: Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so this is the ideal time to try out some of the best co-op games for long-distance couples. In celebration of this day, a 2024 action RPG has been added as a recommendation. Furthermore, a section dedicated to upcoming releases has been created, just to provide an idea of what the co-op landscape looks like.
Upcoming Co-Op Games That Couples Might Enjoy
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Monster Hunter Wilds Split Fiction Killing Floor 3 Platform(s) PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PC Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PC PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PC Released 2025-02-28 2025-03-06 2025-07-24 Developer(s) Capcom Hazelight Studios Tripwire Interactive Genre(s) Action, Adventure Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, Fantasy FPS, Action, Horror
2025 is still building up a head of steam. While most of the year's games have yet to be announced or to confirm release dates, certain projects have slotted their names into the calendar for the first few months. These titles might not focus on romance, but couples might enjoy them.
- Monster Hunter Wilds – Capcom's franchise is making its big return, and Wilds looks set to be the most impressive entry to date. Monster Hunter is intrinsically associated with co-op, and that will not change with the upcoming release. PC players can check out Wilds' benchmark to make sure their systems can run the game.
- Split Fiction – Arguably the most exciting co-op game confirmed for 2025, Split Fiction is from the same developer responsible for It Takes Two and A Way Out. Once again, Hazelight has created a co-op-exclusive adventure that forces two people who do not like each other to co-exist. This time around, the protagonists are writers who specialize in sci-fi and fiction respectively, and they end up dragged into their worlds. They (and players) will need to work together to get out.
- Killing Floor 3 – Honestly, nothing about Tripwire's FPS series screams "date night," but that does not mean couples cannot have an absolute blast destroying Zeds together. Killing Floor 3 has been a long time coming, and it looks incredibly fun.
19 Path Of Exile 2
A Really Fun Action RPG With A Lot Of Content (Despite Being In Early Access)
Path of Exile II
- Released
- December 6, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Grinding Gear Games
- Early Access Release
- December 6, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash, MMORPG
Ending 2024 on a high note, Path of Exile 2 garnered near-universal praise. While the full version will be free to play, the game is in early access and requires an initial payment. Consequently, the action RPG is currently mostly recommendable to die-hard fans who are looking for a challenging entry in the genre and do not mind dealing with some hiccups along the way. Also, POE2 is a fairly hardcore experience compared to other mainstream titles, so it might be a hard sell if both players are not really into these types of releases.
In terms of co-op, POE2 is pretty fantastic and supports both local and online. For the latter, six players can join the same game, and they even receive a few bonuses for being part of a party. With in-depth class and progression systems, the RPG allows players to create unique characters that are wholly their own, and co-op adds party synergy into the mix. Loot is shared, but they are tailor-made for specific builds, so most parties should be fine.
18 Monster Hunter Rise
Play Together, Hunt Together
Monster Hunter Rise
- Released
- March 26, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Platform(s)
- Switch, PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
Capcom's Monster Hunter is not specifically directed toward couples, but the franchise's newest entries are generally great for online co-op. Along with just being fantastic all-around games, they come packed with so much content that they could keep people busy for months, if not longer. As the stories are inconsequential, the focus is solely on the gameplay loop, which ultimately boils down to "hunt monsters, harvest their parts, build better equipment, and hunt bigger monsters." This formula has worked for decades, and Capcom has fine-tuned the opening hours to provide a pretty accessible introduction.
Monster Hunter Rise gets the nod due to being the most beginner-friendly project in the core series, with the village quests acting as a tutorial. That said, these missions are single-player only, which can be a bit frustrating if people are not on the same skill level. Still, the hub quests can be played in co-op, and they serve as the meat of the package. While a very long game in the grand scheme of things, MHR's quests are generally quite short, usually not requiring longer than 30 minutes; consequently, it is a good pick for short play sessions.
17 Magicka 2
Create Magic Together
Magicka 2
- Released
- May 26, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Magicka 2 is set in a medieval fantasy world where the players are members of a group of wizards that have suffered great losses in past wars, and take on a quest to restore the balance in the world. Players will face numerous enemies each with their own weaknesses and strengths, which requires the players to come up with new approaches and play styles.
The game revolves around using elements to create deadly combinations of spells to use in the encounters they will have in their journey. Although it is not a relatively new game, it also features a humorous narrator which, when combined with the playful nature of the game, will surely make players have a good time. There is only the matter of learning how the spells work and the controls to get used to, that maybe would be the only thing to deter the players.
16 Don’t Starve Together
Survive, Build, & Thrive As A Team
Don't Starve Together
- Released
- April 21, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Klei Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Survival, Adventure, Open-World, Crafting, Sandbox
Don't Starve is a great isometric survival game with an eye-catching art style and an enticing sense of discovery. Klei's original project is intended to be a single-player experience, which complements the harsh and isolating environment; however, the gameplay loop is also a seamless fit for multiplayer, which eventually arrived in the form of Don't Starve Together. Built on the base project's foundations, this expansion eliminates most of the story beats in favor of focusing heavily on group-based survival, crafting, and exploration. The appeal is largely the same: survive and discover.
13 Tips For Building The Best Base In Don’t Starve Together
Setting up a solid base is key to surviving and thriving in Don't Starve, and these ten tips will help you to accomplish just that.
Using permadeath as a source of constant tension, players must smartly work together as they gradually set up a base that can handle most of their fundamental needs, including things like food. Once they have a solid basis, Don't Starve Together begins to emphasize exploration, encouraging players to head into the darkness to see what things (and entities) they might discover. Supporting up to 6 players in online co-op, DST is a great option for friends, family, and couples, although they should know the game can get quite stressful at times.
15 Divinity: Original Sin 2
Go On An Epic Adventure
Divinity: Original Sin 2
- Released
- September 14, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
To say the least, this game is as close as possible anyone can get to Dungeons and Dragons if they want to experience that with an online partner-in-crime. Offering true free will to players, those who play this game together will see each other's parts that were not possible to see the daylight in the real world.
Did a partner bludgeon a goblin to death because it stole some bread just so it would not starve? Did they steal some old nanny's only belongings just because they could? While playing this game, hold onto the railing because the most evil of one's self tends to break free thanks to the possibilities the game provides. Just bear in mind that not all villains are pure evil, everybody has a secret "baddy" in them.
Baldur's Gate 3 is also a great co-op option.
14 Minecraft
That Game That Never Gets Old
Minecraft
- Released
- November 18, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Mojang
- Platform(s)
- 3DS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
Minecraft is an open-world sandbox game that allows players to build and explore a vast virtual world together. The game's co-op mode enables couples to team up to gather resources, build structures, and embark on amazing adventures.
The creative, open-ended nature of this title encourages players to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve together. This makes it an excellent game for couples who want to work together and build something meaningful in the game world.
While not exactly the same as Minecraft, Terraria is an easy general recommendation for co-op.
13 Stardew Valley
Farming With A Partner
Stardew Valley
- Released
- February 26, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
Stardew Valley is an indie darling that took the world by storm and still remains one of the most popular farming titles around. The game features a multiplayer mode allowing couples to share a farm, work together to tend to the crops, and explore the game world together.
The game's peaceful atmosphere and slow pace make it a relaxing, enjoyable experience for couples who are looking to unwind and spend time together. Long-distance couples struggling to figure out the best way possible to spend time with their partners will be well-serviced by this title.
12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Beat 'Em Up Teamwork Goodness
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
- Released
- June 16, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Tribute Games Inc.
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Beat 'Em Up
Beat 'em up games are not for everyone, and the genre can be intimidating to newcomers since many of its projects are quite difficult. Still, if a pair of players are looking for a colorful, charming, and polished title that can be completed within a few hours, they cannot do much better than Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. Inspired by beat 'em up masterpieces of the '90s, the 2022 release succeeds in embracing the past without becoming it. The result is a throwback with quality-of-life modern tweaks that combine to create something timeless.
Shredder's Revenge supports up to 6 players in co-op, and while the feature does not greatly alter the core gameplay loop, it does elevate the entire experience. For one, players can execute team-based combos that are always satisfying to pull off. Furthermore, the characters have plenty of tiny animations that highlight their camaraderie.
11 Overcooked 2
Take On The Challenges Of Running A Kitchen
Overcooked 2
- Released
- August 7, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Team17, Ghost Town Games
- Platform(s)
- Switch, PS4, PC, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Stadia, Amazon Luna
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
Overcooked 2 is one of the most chaotic video games that couples can play, testing the strength of their relationship and pushing them to new limits time and time again. This fast-paced cooking simulator game challenges players to work together, preparing and serving meals in a variety of hectic environments.
16 Best Co-Op Puzzles Games
Co-op games come in many shapes, sizes, and genres, and some of the best multiplayer offerings focus on puzzles.
Players need to communicate and coordinate their actions efficiently to nail the highest rank possible in the game's numerous challenging levels. The erratic nature of the gameplay, coupled with its colorful visuals, make it a fun and exciting game for couples...when they're not blaming each other for their mistakes, that is.
10 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Relaxing Life Sim
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Released
- March 20, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
Animal Crossing: New Horizons needs no introduction. This simulation game allows players to create their own island paradise, decorate their homes, and interact with a cast of adorable animal characters.
Two players can choose to build one island, with couples enjoying the calm gameplay of this series as they beautify their island. While many players were annoyed that one Switch system could only house one island, this did make working together as couples simpler and more efficient. New Horizons has been complete for a long time by this point, and a few missing features aside, it is a fun and relaxing escape from reality.