Summary
- Some open-world games offer squad-based gameplay without the complexity of RPGs.
- Metal Gear Solid 5 has one of the best "party" systems outside RPGs with unique buddies.
- Games like Assassin's Creed Brotherhood and Far Cry 5 allow players to recruit allies with unique abilities for dynamic combat.
While bringing along a party of loyal companions might sound like a mechanic reserved for sprawling RPGs with stat sheets and skill trees, some open-world games manage to deliver that squad-based feel without the complexity. These titles let players build a team, explore massive maps, and wreak havoc (or justice) as a unit, all without worrying about gear upgrades, deep dialogue trees, or micromanaging character builds.
Best Co-Op Open-World Games
Here are a variety of options for the best co-op games that can be experienced in an open world setting.
There's a charm to wandering a huge world alone, but sometimes there is strength in numbers, and riding with the gang is its own form of wild glory. Whether it's summoning gang members, commanding assassins, or riding into battle with a sniper in the tall grass with an eye on the battlefield, these open-world games offer that satisfying party dynamic in a streamlined, action-first package.
6 Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Buddying Up Without The Chatter
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
- Released
- September 1, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action, Open-World
Metal Gear Solid 5 may be a tactical stealth sandbox at heart, but it quietly features one of the best "party" systems outside of an RPG. Players can recruit and deploy specialized Buddies, like the sharpshooter Quiet or the scouting, eye-patched hound, D-Dog. The bond Snake has with his buddies grows stronger with each successful mission.
Only one buddy can join per mission, but each of their unique abilities significantly changes how Snake can approach objectives, more so with higher bond levels. It's a slick, minimalist take on party dynamics in an innovative stealth sandbox where even a little chatter can be deadly.
5 The Sims 3
Group Or Household Member Outings
The Sims 3
- Released
- June 2, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
It may not be a party system in the conventional sense of the word, but The Sims 3 allows the player to set families, roommates, and even partygoers out into the open world neighborhood. With the "World Adventures" expansion, these groups can even tackle dungeons of a sort in the form of tombs and treasure-packed ruins, exploring secret passageways, solving puzzles, and collecting loot.
Recruiting members full time means convincing someone to move in, but wining and dining kooky (and somewhat overpowered) supernatural Sims like vampires, werewolves, aliens, or just highly-skilled individuals to win them over and get them to share their lives (and household funds) is all part of the fun, and makes for some sitcom-esque brain candy scenarios.
4 Hogwarts Legacy
Making Magical Memories With School Chums
The Sims 3
- Released
- June 2, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
Fond school memories rarely involve the sight of homework papers or empty libraries. Hogwarts Legacy understood that all the best school memories, especially those concerned with the education of witches and wizards, should involve teaming up with classroom chums.
Sebastian, Natty, Professor Fig, or Poppy may not be permanent party members, but they provide magical backup, unique abilities, and story flavor during quests. It's a light, scripted take on the party mechanic, but enough for that squad feel during adventures in magical mischief.
3 Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
Taking Assassin Recruits Out On The Prowl
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
- Released
- November 16, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M // Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action, Stealth
True to its name, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood introduced one of the coolest systems in the AC franchise: the ability to win over, recruit, and train unique citizens of Rome and call them in anywhere in the open world. Their skills can be put to use in the background, where missions test their skill and give them a chance to level up their abilities (if they didn't perish in the effort).
When mobilized out in the streets, recruits can be called to slip from the shadows to aid Ezio in direct combat, or, with some preparation, take out enemies in one shot from a distance. Rather than hang around in broad daylight, recruits will vanish until their next signal for attack, or at least until the next cooldown.
2 Saints Row 4
Homies, Wannabies, And Followers
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
- Released
- November 16, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M // Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action, Stealth
For a game that turns the open-world formula into a superhero sandbox full of chaos, lasers, and dubstep guns, Saints Row 4 still remembers its roots: rolling deep with the crew. A game about gangs and gangsters naturally has a way to call for backup when things get out of hand. Just like its predecessor, SR4 offers plenty of ways to add soldiers to the player's ranks. Homies can be unlocked by doing story and side missions and called into play via the player's cellphone.
As well as capping and busting ass, homies will share chit-chat with one another, which changes depending on the lineup. As well as special followers, the player can pull generic Saints fans into joining their crew. Once a territory has been well and truly claimed in the name of the Third Street Saints, wannabes will begin to populate the area, which the player can then approach to recruit.
1 Far Cry 5
Making The Most Of Guns-For-Hire
Far Cry 5
- Released
- March 27, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Open-World
Set in the sprawling, chaotic open world of yee-haw Hope County, Montana, Far Cry 5 puts a heavy emphasis on player freedom, and that includes freedom to bring allies (human, animal, or human animals) along for the ride. Through the Guns-for-Hire system, players can recruit up to two companions to fight alongside them, each with unique weapons, abilities, and personalities.
Named specialists like the loyal dog Boomer, the stealth archer Jess Black, or the explosive-toting Hurk Drubman Jr. Bring distinct tactical advantages. Generic recruits with a spread of archetypes can be picked up in a pinch and offer reliable backup. Companions will revive downed players, drive vehicles, attack enemies on command, and often comment on the outright chaos around them.