Hazelight Studios has perfected co-op. A Way Out, It Takes Two, and Split Fiction are masterfully done 2-player games that take full advantage of the multiplayer formula. You cannot imagine these stories being told effectively without co-op, at least not in a way that would preserve their core themes and gameplay. Although all three are equally fantastic, It Takes Two was the release that really put Hazelight on the map, and it set the bar for modern co-op games in the process. A Way Out and Split Fiction exist in its shadow, even if they might be superior in some areas.
Frankly, games like It Takes Two do not come around often, and projects that are 100% identical do not exist. However, local co-op games have been gaining momentum recently, partially thanks to Hazelight's efforts and successes, so the future is bright and filled with adventures that experiment with storytelling, puzzles, and teamwork. As It Takes Two's biggest strength is its imagination, let's highlight a few upcoming 2026 co-op games that should also have unique identities that set them apart from the crowd.
Updated on December 14, 2025 by Mark Sammut: The year is almost at an end, but we will not have to wait long for 2026 to start producing great games. Co-op masterpieces like It Takes Two do not come around often, but I have added two new games (IKUMA and Orbitals) that seem tailor-made for fans of Hazelight's project.
Ikuma - The Frozen Compass
Best Co-Op Game For Players Who Loved The Emotional Journey Of It Takes Two
IKUMA - The Frozen Compass
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Mooneye Studios
- Multiplayer
- Local Co-Op
- Number of Players
- 1-2 players
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Exploration, Open-World, Survival
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
While IKUMA doesn’t yet have a locked release date, it’s one of the most promising co-op games to watch as we head toward 2026. While not mandating two players like It Takes Two, Mooneye's upcoming game is very much designed around a cooperative adventure, albeit not with two humans. The story revolves around Sam and his husky Ellie, who become stranded in the Arctic and need to find their way back home. So, yes, one of you will get to take charge of a dog, and Ellie seems to be a proper full-blown character rather than just existing to occasionally help out Sam. IKUMA even has split-screen, so the players will not be tied to each other at all times.
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Even though it does not involve multidimensional travel, IKUMA still brings to life an alien-like world, as the frozen tundra might as well exist on another planet. The story emphasizes a mystery element as well, as Sam and Ellie will be looking to figure out what exactly is happening in this strange land. Yeah, a curse is involved. As anyone who has had a pet knows, the relationship between owner and companion can be as thick as any familial bond, and IKUMA looks set to really build on this dynamic. In terms of gameplay, the project seems to be a pure adventure with a few survival mechanics, rather than a puzzle game like It Takes Two.
Reanimal
Best For Friends Who Want Narrative-Driven Puzzle Co-Op (With Horror)
Reanimal
- Released
- February 13, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Tarsier Studios
- Publisher(s)
- THQ Nordic
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Number of Players
- 1-2 players
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Admittedly, this is more of a personal pick, as I cannot wait to get my hands on Tarsier Studios' Reanimal. The developer's Little Nightmares entries are INCREDIBLE horror puzzle-platformers that shine in all three genres, which is far from an easy feat. Reanimal seems to be cut from the same cloth as those titles, albeit with one crucial alteration: Co-op. Unlike Little Nightmares 2's odd decision to feature dual protagonists but no multiplayer, Reanimal will allow two friends to team up for local or online support. The story's leads are also siblings, and their bond might be tested or strengthened, which would be somewhat similar to It Takes Two's married couple, Cody and May.
While not featuring multiversal traversal, Reanimal takes place in an otherworldly realm that looks like it is ripped right from a Lovecraftian hellscape, and the campaign should feature an array of unique locations. The protagonists have to survive a tense journey to try and save their friend, and they will stumble upon and meet entities that are anything but friendly. Tonally, Reanimal is very different from It Takes Two, and you probably need to be at least somewhat into horror to fully consider it. That said, the gameplay should focus primarily on puzzles and maybe some stealth.
Reanimal's demo is available! Give it a try if you like what you see.
Orbitals
A Space-Traveling Co-Op Adventure All About Two Explorers
Orbitals
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Shapefarm KK
- Publisher(s)
- Kepler Interactive
- Number of Players
- 2
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Puzzle, Sci-Fi
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
Well, this was a pleasant surprise at the Game Awards. Orbitals is an upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive that has a wicked art style and a love for co-op. As far as I can currently tell, the game seems to support co-op only; however, Orbitals is still mostly shrouded in mystery, so it might allow for solo runs as well. Nevertheless, its debut trailer clearly positioned the project as "two-player" first, as the story specifically revolves around two space explorers who are trying to save their home. Split-screen is part of the equation, and there will be sections where players will be taking on complementary but different tasks (like one controls the ship while the other fires its gun).
We will have to wait and see to learn more about Orbitals, but everything that has been shown is very encouraging. The visuals have a charming retro tone while still being modern, and the premise should serve as a good foundation to tell an adventure that goes to some wild places. The gameplay is, again, mostly unknown, but puzzles and platforming should be central.
Haunted Paws
Best Cozy Co-Op Option
Haunted Paws
- Developer(s)
- LazyFlock
WHERE TO PLAY
- Publisher(s)
- LazyFlock
- Multiplayer
- Local Co-Op, Online Co-Op
- Genre(s)
- Horror, Multiplayer, Casual
- Platform(s)
- PC
Not into nightmares? Then, how about a horror-ish game that is cozy and all breeds of adorable? Haunted Paws casts you and a partner as puppies. Yes, you heard that right, you play as dogs. OK, that is probably enough information to make anybody interested, but let's dive a bit deeper into this one.
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Haunted Paws sees these heroic dogs enter a haunted mansion in search of their missing owner, and they will meet quite a few spooky beings during their journey. They will need to explore, solve puzzles, and complete mysteries, all the while trying to avoid a grizzly end. Also, you play as puppies. Did I already mention that?
Awaysis
A Co-Op Physics Brawling Adventure
Awaysis
- Developer(s)
- 17-BIT
WHERE TO PLAY
- Publisher(s)
- CULT Games
- Multiplayer
- Local Co-Op, Local Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Genre(s)
- Hack and Slash, Platformer, Co-Op
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
It Takes Two tells a good story overall, but there are plenty of folks who love it mainly for the gameplay rather than Cody and May's emotional journey. Hazelight's brilliance lies in its ability to blend narrative and mechanics, creating a fully realized and complementary experience. Awaysis should have the gameplay element covered, along with hopefully featuring an entertaining "good vs evil" story.
Set on a floating mountain that looks stunning from the available footage, a group of animal-esque friends head out on a perilous mission to save their home, and they are ready to hack and slash their way through all sorts of enemies. Awaysis's combat is physics-based, which is unusual and should feel unique. Although action seems to be the main focus, the game will likely incorporate platforming and maybe even some puzzles, but do not quote me on that.
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