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Video games have become social hubs where you're bound to find someone to hang out with while you save digital worlds from extinction-level threats or engage in a few rounds of fisticuffs. A lot of games feature some form of co-op fun, but out of all of 2024's new releases, which titles offered the best online modes? GameSpot's sister site Metacritic tracks the top-scoring games of the year, and we've culled the list for the best games that fostered teamwork and competition between players, with a wide number of genres being represented in the entries below. These ranged from brutal survival games to real-time strategy titles, each one featuring a special kind of co-op magic that made them better to play with friends. You can see the full list below for the standout titles in this category, and for more of the best games of 2024, you can also check out why Metaphor: ReFantazio is GameSpot's game of the year, and several other lists covering the standout games on PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. And if you're less concerned with playing games specifically released in 2024, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best co-op games to play right now (whether or not they released this year). More Best Of 2024:
UFO 50
A fair number of UFO 50's games feature a co-op function, and much like the bulk of this retro-inspired collection, you're getting quite a few gems here to check out with a pal. Just like the classic games of yesteryear, these are weaponized nostalgia, beautifully crafted dopamine hits that'll remind you of simpler times. Metascore: 91 | Read our UFO 50 review
Satisfactory
Set on an alien planet, Satisfactory is a first-person factory-building game where you're given free reign to conquer nature by constructing multi-story factories. Space-capitalism is naturally better with friends, and with several pioneers joining you, it's astounding to see just what a dedicated team can build as they bring industrialization to an alien world. Metascore: 91
Sons of the Forest
Washing up on a hellish island populated with cannibals and mutated creatures makes for a grim scenario, but at least you aren't the only lost soul in Sons of the Forest. Survival is easier said than done, but with allies by your side, the odds are slightly less worse as you work to scavenge, fortify, and explore this hostile environment. Metascore: 86
Core Keeper
Stardew Valley meets Valheim, Core Keeper is a delightful top-down game full of survival-crafting fun. With a co-op mode that supports up to eight players, Core Keeper's subterranean world feels even more lively as you gather resources, build cozy homes, and try to avoid getting on the bad side of Titans looking to turn you into their next meal. Metascore: 85
World of Goo 2
The original World of Goo was a charming game of physics and viscous problem-solving, and while the sequel builds on that foundation, it also has a few new tricks up its sleeve to keep the experience challenging but rewarding. The co-op in World of Goo 2 allows you to combine mental resources as several players can build and destroy structures on the fly, giving you an outsider perspective that works surprisingly well when you're attempting to complete a level. Metascore: 85
Ravenswatch
What would Hades look like with a heavy emphasis on multiplayer? A lot like Ravenswatch, we'd bet, as this colorful roguelike is clearly inspired by Supermassive's award-winning masterpiece. While you can play it solo, the co-op foundation is where the game shines, especially when players synergize their skills against armies of deadly enemies. Metascore: 84
Black Ops 6
This year's Call of Duty is at its social best when you hop into its Zombies mode, as this part of the package is a thrilling return to the round-based format of older games in the series. Combined with the new omnimovement system and fantastic maps to explore, Zombies is a blast when you join a group or rope in some friends to help you keep the undead hordes at bay. Metascore: 83 | Read our Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies review
Age of Mythology Retold
A visual overhaul makes a massive difference to this classic real-time strategy game, and when it comes to multiplayer, a good, old-fashioned showdown against mythical forces with allied armies by your side is still a thrill. If you feel like a real challenge, Age of Mythology Retold also has a new mode where you can embody a legendary hero and battle through dozens of missions, letting a friend join you for a titanic struggle against the gods. Metascore: 83
V Rising
V Rising is essentially Castlevania from a vampire's perspective, a challenging game of survival where you'll work to establish yourself as a lord of darkness. Fortunately, you don't have to take on this ambitious quest by yourself, as V Rising gives you the opportunity to fight side-by-side with other vampires. Or if you feel like being a pain in the neck, you can challenge them to a fight in this game's well-crafted co-op modes. Metascore: 83
Helldivers 2
Death is a constant companion in Helldivers 2, and with trigger-happy friends calling in thermonuclear airstrikes or orbital laser bombardments, it's often the result of some gung-ho friendly fire. Still, it's easy to laugh off being turned into a patriotic pancake in Helldivers 2, especially when solid teamwork, gratifying gunplay, and an arsenal of lethal toys makes the whole experience that much more fun. Metascore: 82 | Read our Helldivers 2 review
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
One of the best single-player games of the year, Space Marine 2 is also a superb power-fantasy once you have a few battle-brothers by your side. Developer Saber Interactive has been polishing the post-campaign operations and PvE mode of Space Marine 2, drawing in legions of Ultramarines to continue the fight. Metascore: 82 | Read our Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review
Samurai Warriors 4 DX
Musou games at their best are the type of experiences where you can switch off your higher brain functions and coast on autopilot as you wipe thousands of enemies off the map. Samurai Warriors 4 DX nails that sensation, and with multiplayer, the only part of your grey matter you'll want to leave active is the competitive bit as you track who gets the highest killcount in this old-school action game. Metascore: 82
Alaloth: Champions of The Four Kingdoms
Self described as the lovechild of Baldur's Gate and Dark Souls, Alaloth: Champions of the Four Kingdoms does a pretty great job at balancing its souls-like design within an isometric hack-and-slash world. It's also naturally challenging, but the good news is that you can always recruit friends to join you in your fights--or more likely--fall in battle with you during your exploration of the world of Plamen. Metascore: 81
WWE 2K24
Let's get ready to rumble! While WWE 2K games typically offer an engrossing trip down memory lane and an absurdly massive roster of talent, the real charm here is attempting to put on a five-star match with friends. From tag team to singles action, this year's WWE game is another fine entry in the series centered around chest slaps, superkicks, and hurricanranas off the top rope, and it feels even better when you team up with friends to unleash that pain in online competition. Do try this at home (on your gaming system of choice). Metascore: 81 | Read our WWE 2K24 review
Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2
There have been quite a few Earth Defense Force games over the years, but World Brothers does a superb job at streamlining the fun of these alien invasion adventures and making it more approachable. That's a fun setup bolstered by a focus on weird characters pulled from the mainline EDF series and over-the-top weapons, and with online co-op, the action gets even more exciting. Metascore: 81
MLB The Show 24
MLB: The Show 24 remains one of the best sports games on the market for a variety of reasons, ranging from its excellent on-field action to its Diamond Dynasty mode, which is much less dependent on microtransactions than equivalent modes in other major sports games. And while you can play it alone, The Show 24 comes with a cooperative mode so you and a friend or two can team up in 2v2 and 3v3 games. It's a neat approach to the sport and a great change of pace if you're tired of there having to be one winner and one loser whenever you go online to play with your pals. Metascore: 80 | Read our MLB The Show 24 review
Inkbound
The team behind Monster Train knows a thing or two about creating an engaging roguelike game, but for Inkbound, developer Shiny Shoe also shows how it can craft a cracking co-op mode. Inkbound has some refreshing twists on the turn-based battle formula, and in multiplayer, the game does a superb job at making everyone feel vital to the cause thanks to a varied set of character classes and flexible tactics. Metascore: 80
Nikoderiko: The Magical World
The team behind Monster Train knows a thing or two about creating an engaging roguelike game, but for Inkbound, developer Shiny Shoe also shows how it can craft a cracking co-op mode. Inkbound has some refreshing twists on the turn-based battle formula, and in multiplayer, the game does a superb job at making everyone feel vital to the cause thanks to a varied set of character classes and flexible tactics. Metascore: 80
Cat Quest 3
Cat Quest 3 isn't going to rewrite the book on action-RPG adventures, but with solid fundamentals, it's still a cozy and endearing game about pirate-kitties on the high seas. Set in a fantastical pirate-themed world called the Purribean--we swear we're not making that up--it's a fun little jaunt on the open seas when you play it solo or you can grab a friend to join you for some couch co-op buccaneering. Metascore: 80
Granblue Fantasy: Relink
One of the best JRPGs of the year, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is primarily a single-player game in which you take part in a grand adventure in the skies. While it has all the hallmarks you'd expect from this genre--magic, flashy attacks, and big boss battles--you can also form a party with other players in its online co-op for some fantasy fun, tackling quick quests and tough-as-nails boss fights as a crew. Metascore: 80
Lost Epoch
Dungeon-crawling fused with time travel and an impressive amount of character customization, Last Epoch is a fun Diablo-like game to pick up right now. While its online multiplayer needed some work after it launched earlier this year, the last couple of months have seen plenty of fine-tuning that has transformed the world of Eterra into a healthy hub of adventurers looking to join fellow warriors on a quest for epic loot. Metascore: 80
Ys X: Nordics
It won't be available right from the start, but once you unlock co-op in Ys X: Nordics, this action-RPG evolves into an exciting blend of teamwork and fast-paced combos. It makes an already thrilling fantasy adventure even better, as the Cross Action System allows protagonists Adol and Karja to seamlessly work together and combine their unique strengths and stylishly conquer even the toughest dungeons. Metascore: 80
MechWarrior 5: Clans
Go ahead, mech our day. MechWarrior 5: Clans brings the classic series of clunky skyscraper-sized robots back to its roots with a surprisingly strong single-player campaign, but the game is also pretty great when you team up with other players. Combined with the impressive amount of customization on offer, this is the best way to experience MechWarrior 5's grounded and thrilling campaign. Metascore: 79
NBA 2K25
NBA 2K25 is a dense game with countless hours of gameplay to sink your teeth into as a single player, but you can also team up with friends online to take on others with your respective created characters. That does subject you to the pay-to-win side of the game, which can be off-putting, but it still can be fun to live out the dream of being a basketball superstar alongside your friends. Metascore: 79 | Read our NBA 2K25 review
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