Highlights

  • Co-op gaming is thriving with the rise of indie titles, offering players a plethora of options.
  • Local multiplayer games are not just limited to Xbox One, but the console offers full support for four players to enjoy hours of fun on the couch.
  • Titles like Runbow, Vampire Survivors, and Minecraft Dungeons showcase the excitement and engagement that comes with playing in multiplayer co-op mode.

Gaming has always worked better when people are playing together. Experiencing what the game has to offer with someone else in person has a certain, special quality to it that's hard to replicate online. There was a time when the option of playing with friends has been dwindling over the last few years, but the rise of indie gaming coupled with the massive success of an innovative console like the Switch has led to players being spoiled for choice when it comes to such titles.

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Of course, local multiplayer games are common on other consoles as well, and the Xbox One is no exception to this rule. The console has a ton of options in terms of local play so there's no shortage of fun. The good thing about local play on the Xbox One is that it's fully supported, so here are some of the best local games that can be played on the Xbox One (with a few even available on the next-gen Series X/S consoles). Players can easily pick up one of the many great multiplayer titles on this console and enjoy hours upon hours of fun with up to three other people from the comfort of their couch.

Updated February 24, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: Players who own an Xbox One shouldn't feel any pressure to upgrade their console anytime soon. As long as state-of-the-art hardware isn't a huge requirement, players can have a great time with their friends as they check out a wealth of games on this console that support co-op play. 2-player local co-op is pretty common, but players who want to enjoy a great time with a bigger group of friends can check out more 4-player games on the console that can be enjoyed offline.

1 Runbow

Metascore: 82

Players fighting in a purple-hued arena in Runbow. Source: Steam.
Runbow

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Switch , Wii U , Xbox One
Developer(s)
13AM Games
Genre(s)
Action , Platformer
Released
August 27, 2015

Runbow is a simple, fun party game that players can check out if they want to enjoy a fast-paced platformer where players must compete against each other to reach the goal at the end of each level. Each round takes place at a breakneck pace, with players doing everything in their power to rack up as many victories as possible.

This is easier said than done, especially with the numerous powers and hazards that are present at every stage. Once players get into the zone in Runbow, it's hard to not get competitive as friendships are pushed to their very limit.

2 Vampire Survivors

Metascore: 86

Just Vent and Four Seasons weapons In Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors

Developer(s)
Luca Galante
Genre(s)
Roguelike
Released
December 17, 2021

Vampire Survivors is a game that came out of nowhere and burst onto the scene as a title where players do very little, yet still manage to engage themselves as they attain powerups and position themselves to take out as many enemies as possible. Death is something that players will almost welcome, with each playthrough helping them understand how this game works.

This game is already fun when played solo, so players can only wonder how much more engaging Vampire Survivors is when played with a group of friends. Coordinating attacks and making sure that everyone is evenly capable of taking out waves of foes on their own is what makes this auto-battler such a blast to play through.

3 Minecraft Dungeons

Metascore: 70

Minecraft Dungeons Ultimate Edition
Minecraft Dungeons

Developer(s)
Mojang , Double Eleven
Genre(s)
Dungeon Crawler
Released
May 26, 2020

Minecraft is one of the biggest IPs around right now. It's only a given that Microsoft would want to capitalize on this IP as much as possible after spending a ton of money acquiring the rights to this popular video game.

One of the many Minecraft spinoff games to come out is Minecraft Dungeons, which is a pretty engaging dungeon crawler game that makes the most of Minecraft's IP. Just like the original game, players can enjoy this title in four-player co-op mode, which is a blast as players take out familiar foes with the wealth of techniques at their disposal.

4 Hunter: The Reckoning

Metascore: 79

Hunter The Reckoning
Hunter: The Reckoning

Platform(s)
GameCube , Xbox (Original)
Released
September 21, 2002
Developer(s)
High Voltage Software
Genre(s)
Hack and Slash

The great thing about Xbox One's backward compatibility feature is that a lot of old classics can be enjoyed on this console, and one such title is Hunter: The Reckoning. This title is set in the World of Darkness series and lets players engage in some old-school hack-and-slash action as they fight hordes of imposing enemies.

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Playing this game in four-person co-op is a blast, with players doing everything in their power to take out enemies using the wealth of techniques at their disposal. Once players get over the dated nature of this title, a group of friends can find themselves enjoying a power fantasy for the ages as their hunters take out the trash in style.

5 EA Sports FC 24

Metascore: 75

Jude Bellingham EA Sports FC 24
EA Sports FC 24

Platform(s)
PC , PS5 , PS4 , Switch , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One
Released
September 29, 2023
Developer(s)
EA Vancouver , EA Romania
Genre(s)
Sports

EA always makes it a point to release their sports games on as many consoles as possible, and their latest soccer game is no exception. EA Sports FC 24 is available on both current and last-gen consoles, letting players check out the first soccer game made by EA to drop the FIFA moniker.

The game is pretty much what most people would expect from an EA soccer game, featuring marginal improvements and updated squads. Four players can easily have a great time as they control various players in a team and try to beat either AI or human opponents in scintillating and nerve-wracking matches.

6 Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime

Metascore: 82

Lovers in a dangerous spacetime
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
Released
February 9, 2016
Developer
AsteroidBase
Genre(s)
Action

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is one of the more unique co-op titles that players can check out. Players have to coordinate their movements while steering a ship and taking care of any enemies along the way. Teamwork is essential in this game, with a single mistake leading to the spaceship either crashing or enemies getting too many hits in before any retaliation.

While this sounds somewhat stressful, the cute art style and charming gameplay of the title make it more relaxing than it has any right to be. Having up to four players on a ship makes for a chaotic time as players try to coordinate their movements and ensure that no base is left uncovered when going through the game's many levels.

7 SpeedRunners

Metascore: 84

SpeedRunners
SpeedRunners

Platform(s)
Microsoft Windows , Xbox One , PS4 , Nintendo Switch , Linux , iOS
Released
August 29, 2011
Developer
DoubleDutch Games, tinyBuild
Genre(s)
Platformer , Racing , Indie Games

SpeedRunners is a fun and unique multiplayer game where players are tasked with running around a map and leaving their friends behind as they try to cover as much ground as possible. This is easier said than done, with many powers either switching positions, slowing players down, or performing a bevy of debilitating moves that keep the action constant and engaging.

Staying ahead of the pack is critical to succeeding in this game, especially with the game's screen shrinking as players get eliminated. Trying to win becomes a challenging affair where a single misstep can lead to a player's doom, making SpeedRunners a fun party game that four players can easily play on the Xbox One without too many issues.

8 Boomerang Fu

Metascore: 78

creatures in Boomerang Fu
Boomerang Fu

Platform(s)
PS5 , PS4 , Xbox One , Nintendo Switch , Microsoft Windows
Released
August 13, 2020
Developer
Cranky Watermelon
Genre(s)
Fighting , Indie Games , casual , Shooter

At a glance, Boomerang Fu looks like the cutest game in the world. The characters are all anthropomorphized food items who look downright adorable, and it's hard to imagine this game being an action title where players have to slice and dice their opponents to bits. However, Boomerang Fu shows its true colors when players get into a match, with the frantic action leading to these characters being sliced up, chopped, and minced over and over again.

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The game is pretty action-packed, with players having to either aim their boomerang properly or come up close and personal to dish out a melee attack that can take enemies out in no time flat. Along with this, there are several powerups that players can use to augment the attacks of their boomerang or change the dynamic of the battle arena itself! The sheer amount of depth in what seems like a simple game is astounding, and it's a massive achievement that Boomerang Fu is easily one of the best couch multiplayer games anyone can check out for themselves.

9 MultiVersus

Metascore: 80

mutliversus Cropped one team attacking and another defending
MultiVersus

Platform(s)
PC , PS5 , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X
Released
May 28, 2024
Developer(s)
Player First Games
Genre(s)
Fighting

Borrowing the core gameplay from games like Smash Bros, but with its own spin. However, while MultiVersus, can be a local co-op game, it's not fully local. What this means is that if players want to go online, they can't play locally with their friends. However, with the expansive offline mode, four players can go up against each other. Even if players play offline, the game is still fun and competitive. Plus with the expanding roster and levels, MultiVersus has made itself one of the best multiplayer games of 2022.

As mentioned before, it brings its own spin to the genre. If players and their friends do 2 v 2, they can equip many powerups, and each is different for the character they pick. So every fight will be different, and that's when skills matter. Because of that, they won't miss the online section of MultiVersus because the 4 player multiplayer is still jam-packed on its own.

10 TMNT: Shredder's Revenge

Metascore: 85

TMNT Shredders Revenge all the turtles fighting many ninjas
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Released
June 16, 2022
Developer(s)
Tribute Games Inc.
Genre(s)
Beat 'Em Up

This classic beat-em-up game has everything for 4 players. Each character can be any of the turtles, all with different play styles this makes gameplay rather fun for all. The reason why TMNT: Shredder's Revenge is a great game to play, is that every player can feel like they're the main character. This helps them fight more aggressively. On top of that, all 4 turtles are available at the start, so all 4 players can pick their favorite right off the bat without feeling left out.

Also, TMNT: Shredder's Revenge has a six-player co-op, where things can even get more chaotic, however, a four-player local co-op feels right. The balance of each turtle is way more impactful, each player is doing something, and when each player is in sync, all character's strengths come out. This makes TMNT: Shredder's Revenge immersive and fun to play.

11 Diablo 3

Metascore: 88

diablo 3 players fighting enemies
Diablo 3

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , PS3 , Switch
Released
September 3, 2013
Developer(s)
Blizzard
Genre(s)
Action RPG

Players can engage in a full 4-player co-op experience full of complete customizations for everyone. Already having a rich and fully fleshed-out story, game design, and combat mechanics it has something for all that are involved.

On top of all that, being an RPG-based game, Diablo 3 offers a different experience for all, from the classes each character can pick to the upgrade points being spent it gives a different feel for everyone. Also while playing with 4 players, they can level up a lot quicker because of the bonuses they get. Diablo 3 also offers a PVP section if players want to play against each other and test their skills.

12 The Ascent

Metascore: 74

the ascent players overlooking a tunnel Cropped
The Ascent

Platform(s)
Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PS4 , PS5 , PC
Released
July 29, 2021
Developer(s)
Neon Giant
Genre(s)
Action , RPG

The Ascent plays a lot like Diablo 3 but with guns and is a shooter rather than a hack-and-slash type of game. Both games share a handful of similarities like the RPG mechanics, but both are still pretty different. The abilities give each player a sense of uniqueness, something, not a lot of games can do.

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While The Ascent can be quite difficult, having the other players in the same room can make a big difference, especially in taking down the many bosses. Having players make something their own is quite rewarding, The Ascent offers just that from gameplay upgrades to cosmetic upgrades. Everything gives players a feeling that it's their own game and adventure.

13 Overcooked 2

Metascore: 81

overcooked 2 players getting orders ready Cropped
Overcooked 2

Released
August 7, 2018
Developer(s)
Team17 , Ghost Town Games
Genre(s)
Simulation

Now, this is a pretty unique game and can be a party game, but the whole point of the game is that players have a recipe and have them get the ingredients, cook, and serve customers. Overcooked 2 is pretty hard on its own, it can get harder with more players because each player is yelling at one another about what they're doing.

Communication is kind of key in Overcooked 2 because players will need to get the ingredients, prep them, and send them to another player who needs them. It's all about timing and being ready when other players need ingredients, otherwise, it becomes a yelling match. Overcooked 2 is a great couch co-op game that challenges players in a one-in-a-kind way and has hours of fun.

14 Rare Replay

Metascore: 84

Perfect Dark Sniper Reader
Rare Replay

Platform(s)
Xbox One
Released
August 4, 2015
Developer(s)
Rare
Genre(s)
Various

Gaming compilations aren't as in vogue as they once were, but Rare Replay is a collection worth buying. It comes packed in with a large handful of the developer's greatest classic titles, from Banjo-Kazooie to Perfect Dark.

The latter, along with several other games, offers four-player support. Perfect Dark is an especially welcome addition since it is the spiritual successor to GoldenEye on the Nintendo 64. With a new game in the franchise announced, now is as good a time as ever to play Rare's classic first-person shooter.

15 Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

Metascore: 82

Handsome Jack from Borderlands 2 looking at the player
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
Released
March 24, 2015
Developer(s)
Gearbox Software
Genre(s)
FPS , RPG

Playing any Borderlands game split-screen in its original incarnation can be rough, slowing down the frame rate and graphical fidelity. The Handsome Collection, which packages in Borderlands 2, all the DLC, and The Pre-sequel, lets players play a four-player split-screen.

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The frame rate still takes a hit, but it is a worthy sacrifice for some local mayhem. The first game in the franchise was also remastered for modern consoles, so the whole series is now playable on Xbox One.

16 Streets Of Rage 4

Metascore: 84

Streets of Rage 4 players fighting enemies
Streets of Rage 4

Platform(s)
Switch , Xbox One , PS4 , PC
Released
April 30, 2020
Developer(s)
Dotemu , Guard Crush Games , Lizardcube
Genre(s)
Beat 'Em Up

People expect to wait anywhere between two and four years for a sequel, but fans of beat 'em ups had to wait about 26 years to receive a sequel to Streets of Rage 3. By all accounts, it was well worth the wait.

The combat of Streets Of Rage 4 retains the intuitive feel of the classics, being easy to understand while giving players constant room to improve. The aesthetic is also a delight to behold, exploding with personality on every level.

17 Castle Crashers

Metascore: 82

castle crashers characters being overrunned
Castle Crashers

Platform(s)
PC , PS3 , Xbox 360
Released
August 27, 2008
Genre(s)
Hack and Slash
Developer
The Behemoth

This isn't a new game since it was first out on the Xbox 360, but Castle Crashers deserves to be on the list. This 2D button-smashing game has very deep, and rich elements with a fully fleshed-out story. Not a lot of local play games offer each player a sense of individualism in the way Castle Crashers does.

For up to four players, each player's character has their attributes and weapons. It's also hard to confuse who is who since each character has its own color that matches the gameplay for the characters.

18 Rocket League

Metascore: 85

rocket league player about to hit the ball with another trying to hit the ball
Rocket League

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Xbox One , macOS , Linux , Switch
Released
July 7, 2015
Developer(s)
Psyonix
Genre(s)
Sports

While Rocket League can be played online, it works well on the local level as well. The car and sports mashup ones are the types of games where anything can happen. The craziness of playing two-on-two with friends while playing soccer, basketball, or even hockey is unique to Rocket League.

Full customization, with licensed vehicles like the Batmobile, adds hours on top of hours of a good time. It's no wonder why Rocket League is one of the better co-op games. The challenge also adds to the fun, though that should not deter newcomers from checking it out.

19 Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4

Metascore: 83

call of duty black ops characters walking towards the camera
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Released
October 12, 2018
Developer(s)
Treyarch
Genre(s)
FPS

Usually, triple-A games force players to buy the game if they want to play with friends. Call of Duty continues offering split-screen options, however. Given how Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4 is considered to be one of the best multiplayer games of 2018, it does make sense.

With the absence of a campaign, it's the Zombies mode that offers replay value. While going online and playing the battle royal mode Blackout or the typical online section are options as well. Having four players together in Zombies mode certainly makes things a little more manageable.

20 Rayman Legends

Metascore: 92

rayman legends rayman playing the gutair with enemies running towards him
Rayman Legends

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS3 , PS Vita , Xbox One , Xbox 360 , Switch , Wii U , PC , Stadia
Released
August 30, 2013
Developer(s)
Ubisoft Montpellier
Genre(s)
Platformer

This 2D side scroller is fun especially when more people are helping out. The platformer offers a pretty fun story and an addictive play style that can be fun for everyone.

It's even easy to learn since it only uses some of the buttons. With four players it can be a chaotic mess, but Rayman Legends isn't like that at all. It's a calm peaceful time with very fun challenges and puzzles that everyone will like.