Summary
- The Switch has a diverse library of third-person co-op shooters, including games like Resident Evil 5, Starlink: Battle for Atlas, and World War Z.
- The Nintendo Switch has played a vital role in Nintendo's resurgence in the gaming industry, with its extensive library of games from third-party publishers.
One of today’s most popular consoles, the Switch is now a gaming mainstay providing avid gamers and families with quality entertainment. Though it has an impressive roster of Nintendo exclusives such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the Switch also features several popular shooters that are designed to provide hours of quality fun on the Nintendo console.
Although offering the latest FPS games, there are several Switch third-person co-op shooters that can be played remotely or split-screen with friends and family. Gaming regulars will no doubt be able to recognize several of these titles, but surprises may be in store for those wanting a multiplayer third-person shooter to sink their teeth into. Regardless of what kind of co-op experience players are seeking out, the following titles should be right up their alley!
Updated on August 7, 2023, by Ritwik Mitra: The Nintendo Switch is a revolutionary console that has been out for quite some time. While questions about its dated hardware persist to this day, there's no denying that this console paved the way for Nintendo to return back on top of the gaming world once again after the massive failure of the Wii U. Part of the reason why is this game's extensive library, with the Switch allowing numerous third-party publishers to release their games on this console — a brilliant move that ended up paying huge dividends further down the line. Games that most people couldn't believe would ever come on a Nintendo console were released for this platform in droves, and fans of any genre would be more than happy with what the Switch had to offer. Even fans of third-person shooter games with co-op support had their full of great choices that they could check out on this console, with the best of the bunch being an absolute blast to play through.
12 Multiple Resident Evil Games
Capcom is one of the most legendary video game developers of all time, enjoying a modern resurgence that has led to the studio launching hit after hit, with the Resident Evil franchise becoming a massive name in the industry once again. The focus on pure action and spectacle was gone, with the high-profile remakes and the recent entries in the franchise proving that Capcom had what it takes to revive a legendary franchise that many people thought was toast.
However, despite this recent success, there's something to be said for the more divisive Resident Evil titles, which had several unique and enjoyable additions of its own. The fact that people could play through Resident Evil 5 and 6 in co-op was pretty massive, and players love the shenanigans that ensue in these bombastic titles when they play them with a friend. Both games, along with Resident Evil: Revelations (another title in the series that players can enjoy in co-op), are available on the Switch for anyone who wants to check them out.
11 Starlink: Battle For Atlas
One of the most unique space combat titles that no one talks about, Starlink: Battle for Atlas brought some pretty innovative features to the table that most people who played the game enjoyed quite a bit. While the players may technically control spaceships in this title, the combat is very much comparable to a third-person shooter with a few twists here and there.
The best part about this game is that it supports co-op, allowing players to explore the vast recesses of space and land on its many planets with their friends. People who are desperate for a good shooter game that is set in space will love what Starlink: Battle for Atlas brings to the table.
10 World War Z
Zombies and co-op gameplay make for a winning combination that has brought about several great titles. This includes World War Z as well, a title where players pick one of several classes and team up with others to fight against hordes of threatening zombies.
The title may not have the most innovative premise around, but it's the tight mechanics of this title that make World War Z such a joy to play through. Fans of co-op third-person shooters will love mowing down zombies with their friends in World War Z.
9 Plants Vs. Zombies: Battle For Neighborville
No one expected a series like Plants vs. Zombies to go down the third-person shooter route. The series attained its fame by being a pretty fun and straightforward tower defense title, and it's pretty impressive to see how far the series has come since that time.
Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville is a fun co-op third-person shooter where players form teams to fight with and against each other in a bunch of fun game modes. As is the norm in such titles, there are several classes that players can choose from to aid their party.
8 Zombie Army Trilogy
The idea of the Nazis using zombies as a last-ditch effort to win the war is easily one of the most ludicrous stories around. So, it's rather odd and pretty fun to see the Zombie Army series run with this concept while adding its fair share of tactical gameplay to the mix as well.
Players need to coordinate their movements in co-op to stand a chance of fighting the many undead enemies that come their way. The title features three games in one go, making for a great package that Switch players will have a great time with.
7 Earth Defense Force: World Brothers
The Earth Defense Force series has a cult following, with players teaming up as Earth's last line of defense against aliens that are hell-bent on taking over this planet. The game features online co-op on the Switch, supporting up to four players.
The game's pixelated graphics coupled with its more humorous tone makes for a light-hearted title that fans can have a great time with if they add some friends to the mix. EDF: World Brothers isn't an earth-shattering game by any stretch of the imagination, but fans who know precisely what they're in for will have a great time indeed.
6 Fortnite
The popular battle royale game is now available to play on the Switch. Featuring new content, skins, and trending collaborations, Fortnite remains one of the most popular games ever, boasting a player count of over 350 million people in 2022. Family and friends can form their squads to deploy into the battle arena to become the ultimate last team standing.
If players weren't a huge fan of all the building that this title was known for, then they can experience the ‘no-build’ mode and purely immerse themselves in pure good old-fashioned gun tactics and headshots. With multiple modes to try and endless customization options, Fortnite is a leading contender to become any player’s main staple on the Switch. The game is a great example of what the battle royale genre can achieve, and the multitude of collaborations in Fortnite make it a great celebration of pop culture in its own way!
5 Warframe
Warframe (or sci-fi ninja simulation) is a free-to-play, third-person, predominantly PVE shooter. Players take control of ninja-like Tenno, ancient warriors who have woken to find the solar system in tatters. As various factions vie for control and dominance, players will upgrade their Tenno, form alliances with other Tenno, and progress through a storyline to restore peace and balance to the system.
Players will be able to team up with another fellow Tenno as they complete various missions across the decaying solar system in Warframe. With multiple adversaries to overcome and opportunities to find better gear and loot, players will have a ball hacking and slashing their way to victory time and time again.
4 Splatoon 2
A Switch exclusive, Splatoon 2 is a team-based arena shooter where players attempt to cover the map in as much of their paint as possible before the timer runs out. As 2 teams will battle it out to cover the map in their respective team color, players must constantly fluctuate between covering more ground and taking out enemy targets.
The game is insanely addictive since it is so easy to understand and jump in. Players will be able to select various avatars, each with their unique abilities and playstyles before hopping into pure carnage. Fun, straightforward, and casual, the game is ideal for friends looking to jump into something easy and for families who want to enjoy their game night together.
3 Daemon X Machina
Fans of Mecha or the old-school Armored Core franchise will delight in its spiritual successor Daemon X Machina. The game is essentially a third-person shooter game where players will be able to pilot and control and Mech Warrior who must defend humanity from the Arms of Immortals (AIs). Players will be able to customize their mechs depending on their playstyle and tastes.
The game offers various missions that the player can undertake that range in difficulty. In combat, players can knock down and scavenge enemy mechs should foes sustain enough damage. These body parts and weapons can be scavenged by players and can be used as upgrades or temporary boons against the enemy. Daemon X Machina features a 4-player multiplayer mode where friends can team up in their mechs and face hordes of enemies head-on.