When Microsoft launched the exciting new gaming generation with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, we knew it was only a matter of time before fresh and brilliant games came flooding down the pipeline. New home consoles means that a whole new world of technological capabilities is now opened, especially for fans that prefer to experience games co-operatively. That’s why, in honour of this exciting time, we’ve decided to collate together a list of the 10 best 2 player Xbox Series X|S games. It being fairly early in the generation does mean there’s a lot of crossover, so all the following work on the Xbox One as well (for now). If you're looking for more of the best Xbox games that aren't just for 2 players we've got you covered.
Xbox Series X|S owners don’t just have access to modern games, but an entirely library of titles from previous Xbox generations. That’s why our list of the 10 best 2 player Xbox Series X|S games has been designed to reflect that. Whether you’re seeking a regularly updated pirate simulator ideal for virtual sea-faring adventures, or want to lock and load as part of a blockbuster cover shooter, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles are stacked with 2 player releases primed to keep most co-op dedicated gaming duos busy.
10. Sea of Thieves
Is it on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? Yes
Originally launched back in 2017 for the Xbox One, Rare’s claymation-like pirate game is an online co-operative player’s dream, letting you and a bunch of friends set sail on the open sea to plunder some ancient treasure. It also plays just as great, if not better, on the Xbox Series X. Sea of Thieves has received several content updates in the years since its release, with big updates releasing every few months, it has slowly grown into one of the best 2 player games on Xbox.
On Xbox Series X|S, players can now enjoy the pirate experience at 60 fps at a full 4K resolution. Such crisp visuals and smooth performance previously weren’t possible on the Xbox One. Legendary adventures await teams of two with an Xbox Series X|S and a Game Pass subscription, as Sea of Thieves is the ultimate pirate simulator. Better still, it’s a game best played with friends online.
9. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Is it on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? Yes
What’s better than one Halo game? Four, of course. That’s what Xbox players quickly found out in 2015 when The Master Chief Collection released. Compiling Halo, Halo 2, Halo 3 and Halo 4 in one neat remastered packaged, the local split-screen multiplayer featured in all games successfully made the transition to the next-gen – and it has again for the Xbox Series X. Plus, co-op preferring FPS fans that play it here will benefit from several performance enhancements.
The Master Chief Collection packs a lot of value for just one game, hence why it’s an easy candidate for our list of the 10 best 2 player Xbox Series X games, even if it’s also playable on Xbox One. This package now includes Halo: Reach and Halo 3: ODST, bringing the total number of games to 6. As if playing through six of the most celebrated sci-fi first-person shooters wasn’t enough to entice you, on the Series X, co-op players will be able to enjoy them in 4K resolution at 60 fps. It’s the definitive way to experience Bungie’s original hexalogy.
8. Gears 5
Is it on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? Yes
Gears 5 released as one of the biggest cover-shooters from the past few years, delivering a pulse-pounding campaign and suite of multiplayer modes that can all be played in glorious local or online co-op. This alone would be enough for it to make this list of the best 2 player Xbox Series X games, but as you might expect it plays best on Microsoft’s latest console thanks to several performance updates that improve stability. Gunning down legions of Swarm enemies as Kait and the rest of her squad has never looked or played better – especially in co-op.
4K resolution at 60 fps is now standard in Gears 5, even for teams of two wanting to play in the same room via split-screen. The game actually supports up to three players simultaneously in the campaign, with two people able to play as Kait and a friend while the other takes on the role of their AI buddy Jack. Together they’ll explore all-new territory while trying to seek out Kait’s origins, venturing through snow and over sand in one of the best 2 player Xbox Series X games. Then, once you’re done, your friend group can keep up the cover-shooting fun in PvP and Horde mode.
7. It Takes Two
Is it on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? Yes
It Takes Two is an action-adventure game in which you and another player take on the role of estranged couple Cody and May who are suddenly transformed into dolls and shrunken down to size. It comes from Hazelight Studios, the developer who has seen great success in the co-op sphere with both A Way Out and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons before it.
The game takes place entirely in split-screen, forcing you and a co-operative friend to solve puzzles individually before coming together to advance the plot. It Takes Two even sports a whimsical art style to make it ideal for players of all ages, regardless of whether you typically play 2 player games or not. It Takes Two is worthy of its praise and definitely has all the makings of a modern co-operative delight.
6. Warhammer Chaosbane – Slayer Edition
Is it on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? No
Top-down dungeon crawlers are perfect for co-operative pairs that just want to chill out and relax without thinking too much. And sure, while Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition is the untouchable grandaddy of the genre, it’s actually Warhammer Chaosbane that has offered up a version unique to the Xbox Series X. It’s called Warhammer Chaosbane – Slayer Edition, which includes the Tomb Kings expansion, all previously released content, as well as the highly celebrated core campaign.
Warhammer Chaosbane – Slayer Edition is one of the best 2 player Xbox Series X|S games because it allows for local co-op up to four players, letting each of you take on the role of an ancient warrior who must defend a world being ravaged by dark magic. If you’re into high fantasy and want to enjoy gameplay that is simple and satisfying, you can’t do much better than playing Chaosbane with a friend (or three).
5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands
Is it on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? No
Gearbox took a new direction for the Borderlands series with Tiny Tina's Wonderlands. The usual 4-player looter shooter co-op manic action is here, but now with a new feel due to the more fantasy-based setting. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands pits players into a DND-inspired world with your Dungeon Master Tiny Tina. The Xbox Series X|S version of the game known as the Next Level Edition boasts 4K framerates with a smooth 60 frames per second, which can all be enjoyed in local 2-player split-screen meaning you can enjoy some couch co-op action.
With a new world comes all new classes to enjoy, and as it's a Borderlands spin-off, there are absolutely tonnes of weapons, however now there's also a lot more magic and melee focus! There's plenty of space for character build diversity in this game with the addition of multiclassing, allowing for you and your friends to design your own roles within your party. So jump into Tiny Tina's Wonderlands with some friends for one of the best 2 player Xbox Series X|S games available.
4. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Is it on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? Yes
The LEGO license has been used to transform all manner of pop culture IPs into playable platformers for the past 10+ years, but the franchise that started it all was Star Wars. And just when you thought TT Games had done all they could within George Lucas’ galaxy far, far away, they recently returned with the 2 player Xbox Series X dream of a game that is LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. For the very first time all nine of the mainline movies are playable from start to finish in video game form, with updates levels, hub environments, and combat mechanics ready to be enjoyed by co-op preferring players on Xbox everywhere.
Of course, the biggest appeal with LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is the ability to play both The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker for the very first time. Never before has either movie been included in a LEGO game, but now you and a friend can take on Supreme Leader Snoke and The First Order in loveable, brick-based form. The new switch to a behind-the-shoulder perspective helps you experience these iconic locations, characters, and events from a ground level like never before. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a great ride to play on Xbox with a friend.
3. Diablo IV
Is it on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? No
The latest entry in this article is Blizzard Activision's latest big release Diablo IV. The demon-slaying ARPG has made a triumphant return with this latest release this time with a focus on a more open world and plenty of features that make it far more suitable to play on a console than its predecessors. Plays very well on the controller with the UI feeling like this was the intended way to play. With 5 classes to choose from and a tonne of build variability, this is a game with a tonne of replayability and with seasonal content promised to be added at a pretty rapid rate.
When it comes to the 2-player aspects of this game it's super easy to jump into a party with friends as you destroy hordes of fiendish foes as they attempt to take out the will of our new antagonist Lilith. Oh and also there's a couch co-op mode available here for 2 players. Diablo IV's scaling system means that regardless of progress there's no reason not to play with a friend and is actually incentivised with increased XP as you journey together. Diablo IV is already one of the best 2-player Xbox Series X | S games available today and it should only improve with time as it seems the developers are keen to make this the king of the ARPG genre.
2. Overcooked! All you can Eat
Is it on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? No
Culinary chaos is always on the menu in the Overcooked! games, so we can’t imagine not giving it the top spot when discussing the very best 2 player Xbox Series X games. Luckily, on this new generation of consoles, you can play both the first game and its sequel in a neat package known as Overcooked! All You Can Eat, which blends the two games together alongside every piece of DLC released thus far and the all-new “Peckish Rises” adventure.
All this you can enjoy in beautiful 4K thanks to the power of the Xbox Series X. You’ll still have to navigate increasingly chaotic stages while trying to complete the required level of kitchen orders, but now you can do so alongside friends in the ultimate food frenzy. Just be prepared for the odd dispute, as the co-op platform offered in Overcooked! All You Can Eat is perfectly primed to see the plates and dishes fly. Yum!
1. Baldur's Gate 3
Is it on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? No
Game of the Year winner Baldur's Gate 3 uses systems similar to DND and gives players many ways to solve problems which is only enhanced by doing it with friends. The hijinks you get into and the disputes about morality are so unique with so much player choice and potential character arcs and ways for the story to go. Baldur's Gate 3 is only enhanced by playing with a buddy as you put your heads together to make decisions only to end up causing an absolute catastrophe in the process.
With 12 classes and multiclassing, the amount of customisation you have with building your character is unmatched, I spent over 2 hours just making my character on my first playthrough. This is truly one of the greatest RPG games ever made and I cannot recommend it enough this is why I have to put it in the top spot of our list. I don't want to give too much away so just grab some friends, build your party and explore another magnificent adventure from Larian Studios.
Honourable Mentions
Monster Hunter: World
Monster Hunter: World is a four-player co-operative romp that plays great on the Xbox Series X. A steady 60 fps and enhanced visuals make Microsoft’s latest console the premiere way to slash iconic monsters alongside friends, hunting down the best armour pieces and improving your weapons to complete amazing feats of action. It already looked great on the Xbox One, but if you want to take down giant beasts as part of a squad and have fun doing it, look no further than Monster Hunter: World.
Unravel Two
The first Unravel proved that traversing a harsh world as a woollen figure could be simultaneously fun and challenging. If only you could so with a friend, right? Well, Unravel Two finally makes that possible, tasking you and a partner to play as a Red and Blue Yarnie, swinging through such areas as attics, factories, and islands in the attempt to find safety. It narrowly misses our list of the 10 best 2 player Xbox Series X games, but is a good one for all family members to try.
State of Decay 2
The survival game genre is usually a solo affair, but Xbox exclusive State of Decay 2 changes that by challenging teams of four to manage the undead hordes while trying to defend their own post-apocalyptic base. Not knowing what challenges lie around the corner is part of what keeps you on your toes, as you and friends try to scavenge food, gear and more while finding increasingly creative ways to keep the flesh-eating hordes at bay. It’s a different style of 2 player Series X game, but one worth playing with a buddy.
Zombie Army 4: Dead War
Rebellion’s alternate-history shooter series returned not too long ago, giving players on Xbox Series X the opportunity to team up and gun down hordes of undead Nazis. Zombie Army 4: Dead War harkens back to the days of Left 4 Dead, placing you and up to four others in several crazy scenarios where blasting your way out is the best course of action. The X-Ray vision also returns here for this fourth outing, deliciously presenting the best kills in grizzly and gory detail.
Tetris Effect: Connected
Tetris Effect rolled out the red carpet for its release on Xbox Series X, packing in all the great block-dropping content players on other platforms had enjoyed but with one special extra feature: multiplayer. That’s right. Only on the Xbox Series X version are you able to compete or work side-by-side with other players. Tetris Effect plays like many other takes on the concept, only now any tile slotting and matches you make can now affect the scenery and soundscapes around you.
The all-new co-operative multiplayer mode is what sees Tetris Effect: Connected worth mentioning as one of the best 2 player games on Xbox Series X, acting as a cosmic-fuelled delight in which you and an online friend engage in various game types. Tetris Effect actually can support up to three players simultaneously, connecting all three of their playfields into one while taking down a series of boss battles that get increasingly more challenging.
Borderlands 3
How do you follow up one of the most celebrated and chaotic co-op player first-person shooters ever made? That’s the question Gearbox asked themselves when developing Borderlands 3, which for all intents and purposes expanded the cell-shaded universe by adding new planets, even more guns and buttery smooth co-operative multiplayer. The Xbox Series X version received a 4K patch known as the Next Level Edition, which also maintains 60 fps even in local 2-player splitscreen.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
This 16-bit style beat-em-up based on everyone’s favourite anthropomorphic turtles looks and plays like a dream, reminiscent of the classic arcade games in which it pays excellent tribute to. You and up to three other friends on Xbox can take on the foot clan as Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael, gaining power-ups and expanding their skill sets as you go. It’s a short but sweet side-scrolling adventure that just barely misses our main list.
Deep Rock Galactic
While most people associate dwarves with a high-fantasy setting, Deep Rock Galactic transports the squat, bearded warriors to an intergalactic setting, fighting through various procedurally generated levels to harvest fuel for the titular corporation. The game sports a polygonal aesthetic which gives it a certain classic charm. This, combined with the funny dialogue exchanges between the in-game characters, makes fending off legions of spiders fun when doing so in a tight team of four.
Back 4 Blood
Xbox players have been crying out for another entry into the much-beloved Left 4 Dead series for over 10 years now. Valve, however, don’t seem to be too forthcoming in wanting to meet people’s demands. Luckily, original developer Turtle Rock has parted ways with the franchise’s publisher and released their own spiritual successor. It’s called Back 4 Blood and, as you may expect, has you and three others blasting through zombie hordes in glorious online co-op.
There are some big differences between Left 4 Dead and Back 4 Blood, the main one being a new card system that provides online matches with certain mechanical tweaks. This helps give the game much better replay value, as gameplay modifiers like increased enemy health and mutated boss types offer up a fresh spin every time. Back 4 Blood is one of the best zombie-slaying 2 player Xbox Series X games out there. The price of this has also dropped significantly since release with you now being able to pick it up for around the £5 mark.
Do you have any recommendations for our list? Let us know in the comments below.
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