Co-Op Games Like It Takes Two: Puzzles, Laughs, Split-Screen

As someone who’s tested, reviewed, and yelled at co-op titles for over ten years, here’s my quick take: if you’re hunting for games similar to it takes two, you want smart two-player teamwork, split-screen comfort, and zero tolerance for boring fetch quests. In my experience, the best picks hit co-op puzzles hard, keep the story moving, and make you talk to your partner. Sometimes nicely. Sometimes not. Couch co-op. Online co-op. Puzzle-platformers. All in.

So, what should you play first?

I’ll keep it blunt. Start with fast, funny, puzzle-first games. Portal 2 for brain-melting teamwork. A Way Out for drama and split-screen trickery. Then look at Unravel Two, We Were Here, and Overcooked if you like chaos. That’s the core.

Quick picks (and what they’re actually good at)

• Portal 2 – Pure puzzle co-op. Funny. Sharp. No fluff.
• A Way Out – Story-first jailbreak with slick split-screen ideas.
• Unravel Two – Cozy platforming. Great for chill sessions.
• We Were Here (series) – Communication puzzles. No talking equals failure.
• Overcooked (1/2/All You Can Eat) – Kitchen chaos. You will scream.
• Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime – Neon co-op spaceship panic.
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure – Family-friendly platforming with solid co-op.

Why these hit the same co-op itch

What I think is simple: the magic is forced cooperation. Not optional help. Real “we only win if we both show up.” That’s why these work. They make you communicate. They punish hero runs. They reward timing and trust. It’s the same energy that makes games like It Takes Two sing.

My short table of “play this next”

“Give me more like It Takes Two, but different”

In my experience, some folks want new co-op ideas without losing that polished feel. I rounded up a detailed list of two-player co-op games like It Takes Two where I break down the vibe, difficulty, and the “do we yell or laugh?” factor. It’s the post I send to friends who text me at 11 PM asking what to download.

Story-first co-op that still plays tight

If you liked the “we’re in this together” story beats, try narrative-driven titles. I’ve always found that A Way Out is the closest in spirit: shared scenes, unique mechanics per character, and real stakes. It doesn’t waste your time. And the ending? Yeah. You’ll talk about it.

Puzzle teamwork without the drama dump

Some nights I just want brains, not tears. That’s when I boot Portal 2’s co-op. The design teaches without lectures, and the pacing is clean. It’s funny too, which helps when your friend forgets which portal color they placed. Again.

When cute platforming is the move

I keep recommending Unravel Two and Sackboy when people want softer, friendlier teamwork. Not every session needs boss fights and divorce metaphors. If you’re into retro charm, I also wrote about the pull of iconic 2D games that defined generations. Those roots show up in modern co-op design more than folks realize.

Indie vibes and pixel comfort

On quiet weekends, I drift toward indies. They’re smaller, cleaner, and often smarter with mechanics. If that’s your jam, I put together a tour of indie pixel games that mix nostalgia with modern co-op ideas. It’s like Saturday morning cartoons, if the cartoons required you to time jumps perfectly.

“We like chaos.” Okay. Here’s your chaos.

Overcooked turns nice people into line cooks who shout about onions. The trick is roles. One chops. One cooks. One plates. No freelancing. If your team likes controlled panic, you’ll love it. And if you want calmer comfort games after the kitchen fire, I also collected games like The Sims to play next for cooldown nights.

RPG co-op for long weekends

Sometimes you want a deeper grind with your co-op. I’ve sunk scary hours into Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Pathfinder co-op builds. That whole style scratches the “we plan together, we win together” itch. If that sounds right, here’s my guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 alternatives worth pairing up for.

How I choose co-op games (so I don’t regret my night)

• Do both players have meaningful jobs? If one person is “button holder #2,” hard pass.
• Is the learning curve short? I want to be playing, not reading a PDF.
• Are levels bite-sized? We all have lives. Mostly.
• Does it make us talk? Great co-op forces communication.
• Is there variety? New mechanics keep us awake.

Mini-rankings by mood

• Best for brainy puzzle nights: Portal 2
• Best for cinematic teamwork: A Way Out
• Best for chill platforming: Unravel Two
• Best for party chaos: Overcooked
• Best for asymmetric chatter: We Were Here
• Best for arcade energy: Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Is it actually like It Takes Two?

I get this a lot. Strictly, no. Few games hit that same “every chapter, new mechanic” rhythm. But if you want the co-op heartbeat—shared puzzles, timing, communication—then yes, these scratch it. They’re games similar to it takes two in the ways that matter: teamwork, variety, and “we did that” moments.

Retro roots matter more than you think

I’m a sucker for old-school design lessons hiding in modern games. Tight levels. Clear objectives. Real feedback. If you want a nostalgia refresher that explains why today’s co-op feels so good, peek at my breakdown of retro 2D classics that taught us timing, spacing, and patience. Yeah, patience. Looking at you, Battletoads bike.

When you want something small and clever

I’ve always found that smaller indie teams do co-op weird in a good way. Less filler, more ideas. If you’re digging that angle, I keep a running list of modern pixel gems that feel handcrafted. Some are single-player, some co-op, all are tight.

Two-player or bust

Here’s the part nobody likes to hear: not every “co-op” game is great for two people. Some are built for three or four and feel lopsided with two. In my experience, the sweet spot for couples or best friends is games built around pairs. That’s why I keep returning to Portal 2, A Way Out, and yes, a bunch of the games in my two-player co-op roundup. They’re designed for a duo, not a crowd.

One last thing before you download

Decide your roles. Are you the jumper or the lever-puller? The pilot or the gunner? The cook or the plate runner? Games run smoother when you split jobs. Then switch later so nobody turns into “Player 2, Professional Ladder Holder.” We’ve all been there.

If you still want more after that, I keep a softer list of comfort games like The Sims for wind-down nights. Not every session needs to end with a kitchen fire or a portal mishap.

FAQ

• What’s the closest thing to It Takes Two for two players?

  For me, it’s a toss-up between Portal 2 for puzzles and A Way Out for story-driven teamwork. Both hit that “we can’t solo this” design.

• Can I play these online, or do I need couch co-op?

  Most support online co-op. Portal 2, A Way Out, and the We Were Here series all work online. Couch is better if you can swing it.

• We’re new to co-op. What should we start with?

  Start with Unravel Two or Sackboy for gentle learning. Then try Portal 2. Save Overcooked until you trust each other again.

• Any longer games we can sink a weekend into?

  Yes—Divinity: Original Sin 2 or Pathfinder co-op. Big reads, big payoffs. I list options in my Baldur’s Gate 3 alternatives post.

• Do these work for people who don’t play much?

  Totally. Unravel Two, Overcooked (on easy maps), and Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime are very welcoming with a patient partner.

Henry Wright

Henry Wright: Celebrating the artistry of gaming. I cover Pixel Games, Indie Battles, Arcade Classics, Gaming Culture, and Visual Design. Let’s explore the pixels together!