Summary
Co-op games are a great way to share the magic of gaming with friends and strangers as you come together as a team to achieve a common goal. Of course, playing a co-op game with other people is stipulated on the fact that there are other people to play with… which isn’t always as easy as it seems.
Thankfully, some co-op games are just as fun to play by yourself as they are with other people. Whether you prefer gaming solo or just want to get some practice in before you jump in with friends, these co-op games remain a good time even if there is only a single controller connected.
8Gunstar Heroes
Only One Hero Needed
Gunstar Heroes is rightfully considered a classic on the Sega Genesis and one of thebest retro co-op games. With that said, there’s nothing stopping you from playing this run-and-gun shooter by yourself and still enjoying a really fun time.
Gunstar Heroes’ weapon-combining system and creative level and boss design are simply too well-implemented to feel any less spectacular if you don’t play co-op. If anything, the lack of a second player on screen can make the chaotic action slightly more readable, which may be your preferred way to experience Gunstar Heroes.
7Super Mario Bros. Wonder
The Flower Of One
Super Mario Bros Wonder may not make as big a deal about its co-operative multiplayer as some of the console New Super Mario Bros games, but it’s still a big part of the experience. Notably, this 2D Mario games finally lets you play with up to three other friends online - something that felt long overdue for the series.
And yet, if you decide to play through Super Mario Bros Wonder by yourself, you may not even notice that the game is also designed with co-op in mind. The level of creativity and fresh ideas on display is simply so dazzling that, solo or multiplayer, there isn’t a wrong way to experience it.
6Cuphead
Dealing With The Devil Alone
This indie darling lets you fight against 1930s-style cartoon villains as either Cuphead or his brother Mugman. While both characters can be played with a friend on your side, the game is equally entertaining if you go at it alone.
Cuphead is a tightly designed run-and-gun shooter that amazes with its truly unique art style and hard-as-nails difficulty. Depending on your play style, you may prefer tackling the game’s boss fights without another player taking up valuable screen real estate so you can line up a clear shot.
5Sea Of Thieves
A Lone Sailor
While Sea of Thieves is designed around teamwork and exploring the oceans with friends at your side, that doesn’t mean the game can’t be enjoyed solo. Thisaction-packed pirate gamefrom Rare lets you sail the seven seas, all the while avoiding deadly underwater monsters, battling other pirate ships, and, of course, finding lots and lots of treasure.
The game is certainly more difficult without a crew of other players helping out, but that extra challenge may be alluring for certain people. Playing Sea of Thieves solo certainly is a unique experience, but one that certainly adds a new layer of intrigue and adventure to the game.
4Secret Of Mana
A Secretly Excellent Single-Player Game
Secret of Mana turned heads back on the Super Nintendo by being an RPG from Square that you could play with up to three players. It was an absolute thrill getting to run around as either Randi, Primm, or Popoi while your buddies controlled the other characters, but that doesn’t mean that Secret of Mana doesn’t also work as a single-player experience.
Truth is, Secret of Mana is just as fun if you play it as a solo adventure. The game’s limited screen size can feel a bit too boxed-in for seamless multiplayer, and if you wanted to make use of the three-player mode on the original SNES, you would have had to pick up a Super Multitap. Secret of Mana remains a highlight during a golden age of JRPGs regardless of how many people you have playing.
3Streets Of Rage 4
Taking On The Streets Solo
Streets of Rage 4 was the glorious return of this beloved beat ‘em up series, bringing back the world of gritty urban brawls, thumping electronic soundtracks, and of course, cooperative multiplayer. However, Streets of Rage 4 doesn’t lose much of its lustre if you play it by yourself.
Even if you go it alone, Streets of Rage 4 is still one of thebest beat ‘em ups of all time. The game’s vibrant art style, large character roster, and engaging enemy design make it a blast to play through in single-player.
2Monster Hunter: World
The Lone Hunter
Monster Hunter: World is a thrilling action RPG that offers some of the best co-op gameplay of the last decade. But if you may’t manage to organise some friends to go on the monster hunts with you, then the game is still very much worth a playthrough.
The satisfying gameplay loop of Monster Hunter: World makes it so easy to get swept away in this… well… world, regardless of how you decide to play. There’s something especially special about taking down a big monster with no one but you taking on the challenge.
1Borderlands 2
A Hidden Singleplayer Gem
Borderlands 2 is most well known for its frenetic co-op shooting gameplay which helped elevate the game as one of the most beloved multiplayer titles of all time. And yet, kept secret from many is that Borderlands 2 works just as well as a singleplayer venture as it does with friends.
The excellent level design, sharp writing, and giant arsenal of Borderlands 2 help the game shine whether you play it yourself or in co-op. It’s an all-time classic FPS and doesn’t suffer much at all if you decide to play it alone.
