Best co-op games for winter nights: sofa and online picks for 2026

Winter (in the northern hemisphere, at least) is basically designed for co-op games. It’s dark by late afternoon, nobody wants to go out, and there’s always someone on the sofa (or on Discord) who’d rather play something together than scroll their phone. The trick is picking the right game for the right group – a game that works for two committed partners won’t work for six people after a Christmas dinner.

So we’ve split this list by situation. Dates are worldwide unless noted, and every platform and player count below was checked against the publisher or store, and two of these games launch in the next few weeks.

Best for two people

It Takes Two – now including Switch 2 (from 15 October)

Hazelight’s beloved co-op adventure about a couple shrunk down into dolls is built entirely for two players – you can’t play it solo. It’s on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch, and gets a Switch 2 version on 15 October, with a free upgrade for Switch owners and cross-platform play. If you’ve somehow not played it with your other half, housemate or sibling, this winter is the time.

Split Fiction

Hazelight’s follow-up – two writers trapped in their own sci-fi and fantasy stories – is on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Switch 2. Like It Takes Two, it’s strictly two-player, and the Friend’s Pass means only one of you needs to own it to play online together.

Best for a sofa full of people

Sonic Pico Park – from 12 November

The cult co-op puzzle series gets the Sonic treatment, for two to eight players locally or online, with cross-platform play. Pico Park games are gloriously simple – everyone has to cooperate to get through each level – and descend into shouting very quickly. Out on PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, Switch and PC.

The Jackbox Party Pack 12 – from 15 October

Five new party games played on everyone’s phones, so the non-gamers in the room can join in without picking up a controller. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and Switch 2, among others. Ideal for family gatherings where half the room has never held a controller.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Still the king of “friendships tested in a kitchen”. The definitive edition is on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Switch, and works on Switch 2. Best with three or four people who are comfortable yelling at each other about onions.

Best for a long winter project

Enshrouded – 1.0 from 15 October

The survival action RPG hits 1.0 on PC and arrives on PS5 on 15 October, with an Xbox version planned for spring 2027. Up to eight players can explore, build bases and farm together – a great “our group’s winter world” pick that you can dip in and out of for months.

Stardew Valley

The farming classic’s multiplayer turns it into a shared cosy project. Split the chores, argue over who gets the best field, and don’t forget to water anything.

Huglings

A newer, gentler option for one to four players on PC: restore a village together with farming, crafting, fishing and decorating. Very low stakes and very sweet.

Coming soon: wishlist now

Rekindled: Cozy Tavern Life – 24 November (PC)

Forage, farm and cook to run a tavern, solo or in co-op, with no timers. Lands just in time for the festive break.

Ratatan – from 15 October

The rhythm-action spiritual successor to Patapon reaches 1.0 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2 – and multiplayer is a big part of it. Note the developer said there’s no original Switch version because its multiplayer wasn’t ready for that hardware.

How to pick

• Two people, story lovers: It Takes Two or Split Fiction.
• Big group, mixed abilities: Jackbox or Sonic Pico Park.
• Chaos fans: Overcooked.
• A group chat that wants a shared hobby: Enshrouded or Stardew.
• Gentle evenings: Huglings or, from November, Rekindled.

Before your first session, it’s worth checking that everyone has the right online subscription for the platform you’re using – co-op night grinding to a halt over a lapsed membership is a tragedy in any language.

For more low-stakes picks, see our best cosy games this autumn, and if you’re upgrading the living-room setup for the season, our cosy gaming corner guide has ideas.