When done right, open-world games offer hundreds of hours of greatness, and the same can really be said about co-op. So, when you combine the two to create shared worlds designed to be played with friends, you get some of the most memorable long-term experiences. 2026's first few months are stacked with major releases that will attract attention and inspire discourse, and a select few of these projects will attempt to marry cooperative multiplayer with sandboxes to create something truly special.
Although open-world co-op games sound like they should be extremely rare, that is not really the case, as each month seems to produce at least one or two titles that fit the theme. However, truly fantastic projects are hard to come by, and they need to be celebrated when they come together. Hopefully, 2026 will hit the ground running and deliver some real gems. Therefore, let's go over a few upcoming open-world co-op games that, on paper, sound incredible.
A few criteria and general notes:
- The intro makes this obvious, but only PC and console games that are coming out in 2026 will be listed.
- We are prioritizing games with confirmed release dates, even if they will be entering early access.
- At the end of the article, an honorable mentions section listing other games currently in development that are targeting 2026 will be included.
- Only open-world and sandbox games, so no open-area titles like Nioh 3.
- All the upcoming games can be played solo, but they support drop-in, drop-out co-op.
StarRupture
The First Big Open-World Co-Op Games Of 2026, And One For Friends Who Want To Survive And Build Together
StarRupture
- Released
- January 6, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
Entering early access in the first week of 2026, StarRupture looks and sounds absolutely incredible. Set in a vast world with diverse evolving biomes, the game challenges you and your allies to explore, survive, gather, discover, build, and ultimately prosper. While it is not clear if a traditional story is included, StarRupture's progression seems to revolve around expanding an industrial complex, sort of like Satisfactory. So, yeah, prepare to mine all of this planet's resources as your team gradually puts together vast factory systems that allow you to mine even more resources.
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In all likelihood, StarRupture will cater to a relatively laid-back and slow tempo, as survival base-building games tend not to prioritize action. However, the marketing also emphasizes that this is also a first-person shooter, as you will have to defend your home from the entities that live in this world. Although caution should always be exercised when it comes to early access games, StarRupture has already staged playtests, including one dedicated to co-op; at the very least, it is real. Still, you might want to wait for initial impressions before deciding whether you and your friends want to get in from the first floor or later.
The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin
Best Upcoming Game For People Craving A Free Open-World RPG With 4-Player Co-Op
The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin
- Released
- January 28, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
If you are not familiar with The Seven Deadly Sins, it is a manga and anime that has enjoyed inconsistent success. While the story has its issues, Britannia is one of the show's biggest strengths, due to its gorgeous architecture, vibrant vistas, and fascinating mythology. For all its flaws, the franchise's world is arguably perfect for a colorful adventure that blends hack and slash action, adventure, and slice-of-life content like fishing. The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin will seek to tap into that potential, all the while telling an original story that brings in the main characters from the source material.
Now, this game seems to be primarily single-player, at least when it comes to the campaign. The story has an established protagonist in Tristan, even if there will likely be other playable characters. However, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin will come with a co-op mode that lets up to 4 players tackle dungeon raids together, and they will be able to play as a plethora of characters who have their own nuances.
Vampires: Bloodlord Rising
The Best Upcoming Co-Op Games Vamps Looking For A Castle To Lay Their Coffin In
Vampires: Bloodlord Rising
- Released
- January 30, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Mehuman Games
- Publisher(s)
- Toplitz Productions
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5
Originally scheduled to come out around the same time as Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, Vampires: Bloodlord Rising was ultimately pushed back to the end of January 2026, when it will enter early access. Mehuman Games is a fairly young team with not too much pedigree behind them, but the game's publisher, Toplitz Productions, has a solid track record, so there is some reason to be excited about the upcoming release. Bloodlord Rising lets you start on a journey to become a vampire legend, as you look to spread your metaphorical shadow over Sangavia. Although starting from humble roots as a recently turned vamp, you might eventually be able to build a massive Gothic castle that puts Dracula's home to shame.
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In a vast world with forests, dungeons, swamps, and mountains, you and your friends can explore together in search of secrets, mysteries, and strong enemies. More importantly, every vampire lord needs an army of followers, and you will have the freedom to decide who gets to join your ranks. Bloodlord Rising's co-op should allow the group to play together and share responsibilities as co-castle owners.
Starsand Island
Best Upcoming Sandbox Co-Op Game For Players Who Want To Live The Quiet Life
Starsand Island
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Seed Lab
- Publisher(s)
- Seed Lab
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Genre(s)
- Farming, Life Simulation, RPG, Casual
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
Every year, we get roughly half a dozen life sims that just take the gaming world by storm, and 2026 already has a few prime contenders. While we will get to the biggest one soon, Starsand Island has the potential to be the ultimate escape from reality, one that teleports players to a gorgeous island so they can enjoy the iyashikei life.
Now, as far as I can tell, Starsand Island will have a story that is tailored around single-player, and you will have to progress through its beats solo. However, 4 players will be able to exist on the same island, as they explore, engage in leisure activities, do a bit of farming, or just waste time. Although its graphics will probably not push the envelope too much, Starsand Island simply looks beautiful, with the environments being lush and bolstered by warm colors. All featuring combat in the form of dungeon-esque runs, this seems to be a relatively small part of the game.
Pokemon Pokopia
Upcoming Co-Op Farming Sim For People Who, Well, Love Pokemon
Pokémon Pokopia
- Released
- March 5, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation, Simulation
Pokemon Pokopia feels unreal. Firstly, it is just weird to see a farming sim that just happens to feature Pokemon, even though the concept makes all the sense in the world. Secondly, Omega Force is creating the game; yes, the developer known for Dynasty Warriors. I love most of Omega Force's releases, but this project is a strange operation for them. Nevertheless, Pokopia looks promising so far, and it should be the Nintendo Switch 2's biggest debut of early 2026. If done right, this could be the most refreshing Pokemon game in years, despite diving into a genre that has been done to death.
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Although its size remains to be seen, Pokopia will have an open-world sandbox that can be explored relatively freely, and progress will be marked through expansion. Players start with a fairly small farm, which they gradually grow as they attract more Pokemon. T he multiplayer seems to involve inviting other players to visit, so sort of similar to Animal Crossing. Well, if it works, why fix it?
Honorable Mentions
Upcoming Open-World Co-Op Games That Might Come Out In 2026
The following games might come out in the first few months of 2026, but they have yet to announce a release date.
- Everwind
- Kingmakers
- Kyora
- Outbound
- Solarpunk
- Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions
- Streets of Rogue 2
- Subnautica 2
- Witchbrook
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