With Gamescom 2025 happening this week, everyone's got games on the brain - making it the perfect weekend to grab some friends or family members (or match up with random online strangers) and enjoy a few hours of co-op gaming. This week's list of the best co-op games to play this weekend includes a mix of new releases and ongoing games which released major updates, and includes some high-intensity action battles, a little bit of strategic survival, and just a dash of pure chaos.
Marvel Rivals
The popular hero shooter Marvel Rivals recently released a major update, which debuted on August 21. The update adds a plethora of content for players, including a new map, the new Resource Rumble gameplay mode, new free rewards to claim, items to purchase from the in-game store, and more. In particular, the "Ancient Powers Awaken" event allows players to unlock costumes for Dr. Strange, Iron Fist, and more. Getting these rewards requires a good bit of XP, and the event is only around for a limited time (until September 12, when Season 4 kicks off), so this weekend is the perfect time to get into a match - or several - of Marvel Rivals with friends.
Marvel Rivals
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
- Released
- December 6, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence
- Developer(s)
- NetEase Games
- Publisher(s)
- NetEase Games
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
Valheim
Plenty of existing games got updates and new content revealed at Gamescom 2025, and the early access survival sandbox game Valheim is no exception. The Call to Arms update, which is currently only available via Valheim's Public Test Branch, introduces a new type of equipment called Trinkets, a brand-new Adrenaline mechanic, Wooden Weapons for practicing combat against friends, the new skill Perfect Dodge Roll, and a number of new clothing, furniture, and cosmetic items. Unlike the previous Ashlands update, Call to Arms does not require players to start a new world to access its content, so they can jump into Valheim this weekend to collect Trinkets, duel friends with wooden weapons, and more.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 85 /100 Critics Rec: 83%
- Released
- February 2, 2021
- ESRB
- r
- Developer(s)
- Iron Gate AB
- Publisher(s)
- Coffee Stain Studios
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unity
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
BAPBAP
Players who want to try out a new co-op game this weekend but don't have the money to drop on anything can check out BAPBAP, a free co-op MOBA game added to Steam this week. In BAPBAP, players battle against each other in a constantly shrinking arena, gaining access to new skills as the game goes on. It currently has primarily positive reviews on Steam, with players praising the game's chaotic nature and fast-paced, action-heavy gameplay. Given how heavily RNG factors into every battle in BAPBAP, it's perfect for playing several rounds over the coming weekend, as no two matches will ever be exactly the same.
Grounded 2
Recently released in Early Access, Grounded 2 is a survival game that shrinks players down to a tiny size and challenges them to deal with their new situation with very few resources at their disposal. In co-op mode, players can team up to craft weapons and armor, face down "giant" obstacles, build bases, ride "Buggies," and perhaps even ultimately learn the secrets of the strange playground that has reluctantly become their home. School is starting soon, so why not spend a little bit more time on the playground in Grounded 2?
- Released
- July 29, 2025
- ESRB
- Teen / Violence, Blood
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
WHERE TO PLAY
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2
Players can enter the world of the popular manga and anime Demon Slayer in Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2. This arena fighter features a story mode that covers multiple arcs from the original Demon Slayer story, with plenty of animated cutscenes along the way. Players can match up with each other online and battle it out as characters from the game's large roster, including participating in team battles where two players work together to take their opponent down. Both local and online multiplayer options are available in this title.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Action