For couples who love a good challenge, teamwork, and a sprinkle of laughter, co-op games are a fantastic way to bond. The following list features some of the best games to play with your girlfriend, whether you’re gamer or just looking for a fun new activity to share. With immersive storylines, quirky puzzles, and cooperative gameplay, each game offers a unique experience tailored to connect and entertain.
1. It Takes Two
Game Overview
It Takes Two is a cooperative action-adventure game that revolves around a couple, Cody and May, who are going through a rough patch in their marriage. Through a twist of fate, they’re turned into tiny dolls, and the only way they can return to their human bodies is by working together to overcome the challenges that come their way. The gameplay is packed with creative puzzles, platforming sections, and thrilling environments that change from level to level.
Interesting Facts
- Developed by Hazelight Studios, It Takes Two was directed by Josef Fares, who is known for his focus on cooperative storytelling.
- The game is exclusively co-op, meaning there’s no single-player mode, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
- It Takes Two received multiple Game of the Year awards in 2021 for its innovative gameplay and heartfelt narrative.
Personal Opinion and Experience
Playing It Takes Two with my girlfriend was an absolute delight. The game does an amazing job of creating a storyline that pulls both players in, and the puzzles require true teamwork, which is both challenging and rewarding. The gameplay felt like a journey, not only for the characters but also for us, as we navigated communication and trust in each level. It’s a must-play for couples looking to laugh, strategize, and tackle a heartfelt story together.
2. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Game Overview
Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a cooperative cooking simulation game where players must work together to prepare, cook, and serve orders in increasingly chaotic kitchens. With time limits, shifting kitchen layouts, and a multitude of recipes, this game puts your multitasking and coordination skills to the test. The goal is to work as a team to keep up with orders and earn as many points as possible.
Interesting Facts
- Overcooked! All You Can Eat combines both Overcooked and Overcooked 2, remastered for next-gen consoles with new content and enhanced graphics.
- The game’s kitchens range from normal restaurant settings to wild, improbable places like icebergs and haunted mansions.
- Overcooked has become a popular choice for parties and gatherings because of its accessible yet challenging gameplay.
Personal Opinion and Experience
Playing Overcooked with my girlfriend was intense and hilarious. The game requires constant communication and cooperation, and we quickly learned that effective teamwork was the only way to succeed in the chaos of the kitchen. The stress of trying to deliver orders on time made us laugh (and occasionally yell!) but ultimately brought us closer as we figured out each level. It’s a fantastic game for couples who enjoy a good challenge and can laugh at the chaos together.
3. Stardew Valley
Game Overview
In Stardew Valley, players inherit an old, rundown farm and must work together to restore it to its former glory. The game combines farming, crafting, fishing, and even dungeon exploring, allowing players to build and maintain a farm together while also making friends with NPCs in the nearby village. While it’s not strictly a co-op game, the multiplayer option lets couples build a life together in a peaceful and relaxing virtual world.
Interesting Facts
- Stardew Valley was created by a single developer, Eric Barone, who spent over four years designing, programming, and creating the art for the game.
- The game includes seasonal festivals and events, giving players a sense of community and connection with the in-game world.
- Stardew Valley allows same-sex marriages, giving players complete freedom over their virtual relationships.
Personal Opinion and Experience
Playing Stardew Valley with my girlfriend was a relaxing, enjoyable experience that let us work together on our little farm. We divided tasks—she handled farming and animals while I took care of mining and crafting. The game’s slow pace was refreshing, and it felt like we were building something meaningful together, even if it was virtual. This game is perfect for couples who enjoy a slower pace and want a game that encourages collaboration without the stress of a ticking clock.
4. Moving Out
Game Overview
Moving Out is a quirky, physics-based moving simulator that puts players in the role of Furniture Arrangement & Relocation Technicians (or F.A.R.T.s for short). The objective is simple but hilariously chaotic: move furniture and other items out of various buildings in record time. The catch is that the controls are purposely challenging, and each item requires teamwork to lift, move, and navigate through obstacles like narrow doorways or bouncing furniture.
Interesting Facts
- The game’s art style and humor are inspired by ’80s aesthetics, giving it a nostalgic and fun vibe.
- Moving Out includes a mode for those new to video games, with accessibility features that make it easier to pick up and play.
- The game was nominated for several awards, including Best Family Game, for its humorous approach to co-op gameplay.
Personal Opinion and Experience
Playing Moving Out with my girlfriend led to so many laugh-out-loud moments. The game’s controls are intentionally clunky, which adds to the hilarity as we tried to squeeze couches through impossible doorways or navigate obstacles. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself seriously, and we had a blast (despite some accidental “drops”). This is a perfect choice for couples looking to laugh and have a good time without worrying too much about strategy.
5. A Way Out
Game Overview
A Way Out is a story-driven, split-screen cooperative game that follows two prison inmates, Leo and Vincent, as they work together to escape prison and stay ahead of the law. The game requires cooperation and trust as both players control one character, each with their own distinct personality and background. Together, they face challenges that range from stealth missions to high-stakes car chases, forcing players to strategize and communicate.
Interesting Facts
- The game was directed by Josef Fares, the same visionary behind It Takes Two.
- A Way Out is one of the few games that requires two players, and its split-screen design allows for real-time perspective shifts between characters.
- The game’s storyline and character arcs add a layer of emotional depth that elevates the gameplay experience.
Personal Opinion and Experience
A Way Out provided an immersive experience that had my girlfriend and me fully invested in the story. Each mission required us to rely on each other, and the game’s emotional storyline created a sense of connection between us and the characters. This game is ideal for couples who enjoy a good story and don’t mind taking their time to explore a deeper, more cinematic experience.
Conclusion
Whether you’re solving puzzles in It Takes Two, keeping calm in Overcooked, or navigating the story-rich environment of A Way Out, these games offer a variety of ways for couples to connect and share some laughs. Each of these best games to play with your girlfriend brings a unique style of cooperative gameplay, ensuring there’s something for every kind of couple to enjoy.