Summary
- Co-op games can enhance gameplay, but some titles like Vagante & Ravenswatch offer enjoyable experiences even in single-player.
- For The King & Streets Of Rogue provide diverse experiences that are rewarding in co-op, but enjoyable when played solo too.
- Terraria & Shredder's Revenge are relaxing and fun in single-player, with optional co-op offering a more chaotic experience.
While there are plenty of single-player experiences to be had, there's no doubt that many games are improved by the addition of cooperative play. However, certain co-op games are built with a singular focus on multiplayer, leaving the gameplay rather dull when playing alone.
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That said, there are a great many games that are fun in both co-op and single-player, ensuring that there's still value to be had when groups can't get together to play. For fans of co-op games who still want the option to play single-player, these titles might be the way to go.
8 Vagante
Atmospheric Exploration & Challenging Gameplay
Vagante
- Released
- December 16, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- Roguelite, Metroidvania
Vagante is a deeply atmospheric fantasy roguelike that tasks players with delving into dangerous caverns and defeating a variety of enemies and bosses in real-time combat. This indie title is unique not only for its somber atmosphere and melancholic fantasy setting but also for its brutal difficulty.
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By mixing unforgiving gameplay with satisfying RPG character progression and a generous amount of loot, Vagante manages to be a rewarding experience. While the harsh gameplay is likely to be more palatable when playing with friends, this rewarding loop ensures it remains fun even in single-player.
7 Ravenswatch
Skill-Based Action & A Rich Atmosphere
Ravenswatch
- Released
- September 26, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Ravenswatch is a unique action roguelike with a distinctive dark fairy tale setting. The game is particularly unique for putting players under constant time pressure and tasking them with exploring each map as efficiently as possible, leveling up, and acquiring powerful boons before they're forced into a climactic boss fight.
Ravenswatch is no doubt designed with co-op in mind. However, the skill-based action of its combat system and the variety of expressive playable characters ensures that this ARPG-inspired title remains fun when playing alone.
6 For The King
Squad-Based Strategy That Offers Variable Control
For The King
- Released
- April 19, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ironoak Games
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- RPG
For The King is a strategy RPG with a roguelike structure, tasking players with exploring an overworld map with a small party of adventurers. In the game, players must take on a variety of enemies and bosses as they attempt to complete objectives and level up their characters in a gameplay loop that combines elements of dungeon-crawling, questing, and tabletop games.
When playing in co-op, For The King allows each player to take control of a certain number of party members, divvying up the management of the squad. While this is certainly fun, and more accessible, playing in single-player provides a different experience by giving players full control.
5 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Colorful & Accessible Beat 'Em Up Action
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
Fans of colorful pixel-art graphics and classic beat 'em up action are sure to get a kick out of Shredder's Revenge, alone or in cooperative play. As with many beat 'em ups, TMNT: Shredder's Revenge certainly excels in co-op, but its single-player action remains fun thanks to its brisk pace and accessible gameplay.
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Despite its approachable design, Shredder's Revenge also offers optional challenges with its arcade mode and variety of difficulties. This is more difficult to approach in co-op, where the screen is typically busier and the action much messier, but in single-player players can expect a more methodical experience.
4 Spelunky 2
A Methodical & Brutal Roguelike
Spelunky 2
- Released
- September 15, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Mossmouth, BlitWorks
- Platform(s)
- Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike, Platformer
Spelunky 2 is an action roguelike with accessible controls and lighthearted cartoon violence that makes it relatively accessible to a wide audience. It can also be brutally unforgiving, packed with deadly hazards and dangerous creatures that can end a run in mere seconds.
This unforgiving gameplay is arguably less frustrating in co-op, where shenanigans are more likely to lead to hysterics than they are exasperation. However, cooperative play also makes Spelunky 2 a great deal more chaotic, and players who enjoy a more methodical, skill-based experience might prefer playing in single-player.
3 Risk Of Rain 2
A Careful Balance Of Skill & Strategy
Risk of Rain 2
- Released
- September 11, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Hopoo Games
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Roguelike
Risk Of Rain 2 is an action roguelike that carefully balances skill with strategy, tasking players with making the most of their abilities and managing cooldowns as they battle large numbers of enemies. All the while, players are expected to develop a strong build that scales with the game's difficulty, resulting in an experience that's tremendously rewarding.
Though Risk Of Rain 2 excels in co-op play with the addition of teamwork and shared atmosphere, the skill-based nature of its action is certainly enjoyable in single-player. Furthermore, playing in single-player typically results in players having more control over their build.
2 Terraria
Sandbox Survival That Champions Creativity
Terraria
- Released
- May 16, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Re-Logic
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Vita, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, 3DS, Stadia, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Terraria's soothing soundtrack, colorful pixel art, and focus on creativity make it a tremendously relaxing experience that's likely to appeal to many. The laid-back atmosphere and intuitive controls result in a survival sandbox that's incredibly easy to play, and this relaxed atmosphere makes Terraria perfect for co-op. However, it's just as good for winding down in single-player.
The game does feature a variety of bosses that players can seek out and defeat, and this is certainly more fun to tackle in co-op. However, by allowing players to consistently express their creativity, Terraria manages to be fun at a variety of player counts.
1 Streets Of Rogue
A Dynamic & Immersive Action Roguelike
Streets of Rogue
- Released
- March 10, 2017
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Matt Dabrowski
This unique indie title combines elements of immersive sims and action sandbox games to great effect, providing players with a diverse playground in which to approach objectives in creative ways. The sandbox nature of the game and its roguelike structure make it perfect for co-op, but Streets Of Rogue remains fun in single-player thanks to its immersive-sim gameplay.
The variety of playable characters and unique items allow for a great number of strategies, offering players a myriad of ways to approach each objective. While it can be fun to work as a team in co-op, these objectives provide unique challenges when working alone. Furthermore, the chaotic gameplay can make co-op play somewhat more difficult, resulting in a single-player experience that tends to be a little more methodical.
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