While not known for couch co-op, Steam actually has plenty of great local co-op games.
Local co-op tends to be associated with consoles as the terms conjure images of friends playing Mario Party and Crash Team Racing on a TV, but PC owners have plenty of options as well. Nowadays, most major multiplayer releases make their way to Steam, and they typically offer online support to simplify the process of finding partners. LAN parties have generally transitioned to online connections, a decision that permits users to either play with friends or strangers.
Online is the standard in modern gaming, but that does not mean local co-op has gone extinct. In fact, some of the best couch co-op games on Steam let players share a screen. Even though PC gaming is not synonymous with local co-op or especially split-screen, there are plenty of games that demonstrate the potential of these multiplayer experiences.
Updated November 1, 2025 by Mark Sammut: The best local co-op Steam games list has been updated with two recent releases: PowerWash Simulator 2 and Absolum. Both are fantastic multiplayer options. 1
Split Fiction
Hazelight is back with another fantastic co-op experience. Similar to It Takes Two and A Way Out, Split Fiction only supports 2-player runs, so solo playthroughs are not an option. While that can be frustrating for people who prefer to game on their own, Hazelight’s dedication to co-op deserves praise, especially in an era when non-online-focused multiplayer projects are so rare. Due to this creative decision, Split Fiction is built to emphasize and bolster cooperative action, including a story revolving around two characters who are forced to work together after they are screwed over by a corporation. Zoe and Mio are both writers, with the former specializing in fantasy and the latter in sci-fi. Long story short, their ideas are not only stolen but also turned into worlds that Zoe and Mio have to play through to survive.
Like It Takes Two, Split Fiction constantly shakes up its locations and gameplay. Each level essentially takes place in a different world that falls under the general banner of fantasy or sci-fi, and the environments go through an impressive range of settings. The gameplay also evolves to match the situations, resulting in pretty constant surprises. Split Fiction could be described as a platformer, but that just reflects the core gameplay and not the game’s incredible scope. The story is pretty great too, with two fun protagonists and strong writing throughout. If two friends loved It Takes Two, they will probably adore Split Fiction. 2
Baldur’s Gate 3
After achieving near-perfection with Divinity: Original Sin 2, which is also a great co-op PC RPG, Larian Studios did the impossible and produced something arguably even better. After spending almost three years in early access, Baldur’s Gate 3 finally made its proper debut in August 2023, and to say the game was well-received would be an understatement. Hailed as a new benchmark in the CRPG genre, the long-awaited sequel is a deep and rewarding single-player experience that can easily keep somebody entertained for months on end. A big part of the game’s appeal is its flexible and reactive design that seeks to morph the world to complement a player’s choices.
While a fantastic solo experience, Baldur’s Gate 3’s local co-op feature is also not an afterthought. Players can join someone’s else campaign, or start a new one where they play together from the beginning. Thanks to the use of split-screen, adventurers are not tied to each other, and one party member can head out to explore on their own while their partner does something else. Even though they will likely stick together during most sessions, Baldur’s Gate 3 makes it possible for both players to feel in control. 3
It Takes Two
Hazelight is responsible for three of the best 2-player Steam games, including Split Fiction. A Way Out is also fantastic and an easy recommendation for any duos seeking a mature storyline, but 2021’s It Takes Two is generally regarded as the superior overall package.
