The Nintendo Switch is arguably the best console for co-op gaming, offering everything from AAA epics to indie gems that bring people together across the globe. Whether you’re teaming up to slay giant monsters or tending a virtual farm, the Switch’s online co-operative library has something for every kind of player. In this top 10, we’ve balanced big-budget blockbusters and creative indies, all actively played in 2025. Each title on this list shines in online co-op play (no local-only games here), ensuring you and your friends can connect and cooperate no matter where you are. Let’s dive in!
This article is part of our guide on the Best Nintendo Switch Co-Op Games
How did we pick these games?
To select the very best, we considered a blend of quality, community, and co-op features. Our criteria and weighting were as follows:
Criterion | Weight | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
Co-Op Gameplay Quality | 30% | How engaging and well-designed the cooperative mechanics are (team synergy, communication, fun factor). |
Active Community | 25% | Ongoing player base, regular updates or events, and ease of finding online matches in 2025. |
Cross-Play & Accessibility | 20% | Support for cross-platform play or friend invites, server stability, and how easy it is to jump into a session on Switch. |
Critical Acclaim | 15% | Overall reviews and reception, indicating a polished and enjoyable game. |
Replayability | 10% | Variety of content, progression, and incentives to keep playing co-op long-term. |
Each game below excels across these aspects, earning its spot as a top Switch online co-op experience. So lets dive right in, starting at number ten:
10. Diablo III: Eternal Collection
The definitive action-RPG loot crawl – polished to perfection on Switch and so much fun to play cooperatively with up to four friends.
4 players | ~20–40 min sessions | M (Mature) | $59.99 | NSO Required
Best For: Classic RPG fans & loot-driven teams
Full specs & why we picked it
Metacritic: 88 | Released: November 2, 2018
Setup: Local/online, flexible multiplayer options
Campaign: 15–20 hrs story, extensive Adventure mode
Difficulty: Adjustable; friendly reviving mechanics
Accessibility: Simple controls, scalable challenge
Diablo III remains an outstanding co-op RPG on Switch, delivering addictive loot-driven action for up to four players locally or online. Players select from diverse classes, combining unique abilities for devastating effect. Missions range from intense boss encounters to endless dungeon crawling. The seamless drop-in multiplayer, adaptable difficulty, and portable play make it an exceptional cooperative experience. Its engaging progression and rewarding loot system keep groups coming back repeatedly, making it an enduring favorite.
9. Risk of Rain 2
A thrilling roguelike shooter where four-player squads face escalating odds – teamwork turns the tide in this endlessly replayable adventure.
4 players | ~30+ min runs | T (Teen) | $29.99 | NSO Required
Best For: Coordinated squads & roguelike fans
Full specs & why we picked it
Metacritic: 85 | Released: August 30, 2019
Setup: Online multiplayer, drop-in friendly
Campaign: Run-based, escalating difficulty
Difficulty: Challenging; teamwork critical at higher stages
Accessibility: Ping system, adjustable controls
Risk of Rain 2 throws players onto a hostile alien world with relentless escalating challenges. Four-player teams combine distinct abilities, synergize equipment, and strategize on-the-fly during increasingly intense battles. With rising difficulty over time, cooperation and effective communication become essential for survival. Runs are thrilling, replayable, and unpredictable thanks to numerous stacking items and character combos. It’s ideal for groups seeking fast-paced, rewarding cooperative gameplay with endless replayability.
8. Among Us
The viral social-deduction game that turns friends into sleuths (and suspects) – perfect for party play with cross-platform ease.
15 players | ~5–10 min rounds | E10+ | $5.00 | No NSO Required
Best For: Party gamers & large groups
Full specs & why we picked it
Metacritic: 80 | Released: December 15, 2020
Setup: Online, public/private lobbies, simple controls
Campaign: Round-based
Difficulty: Easy; mind-games and deception
Accessibility: Quick-chat, intuitive mechanics
Among Us thrives on suspicion and deduction. Players collaboratively maintain their spaceship, but hidden impostors sabotage and eliminate crew members. Meetings trigger debates and accusations, leading to comical or dramatic reveals. Cross-play compatibility ensures broad player reach. Its simplicity makes it approachable, yet every round is different due to human unpredictability. Ideal for quick sessions and parties, Among Us provides constant entertainment, laughter, and unforgettable gaming moments.
7. Don’t Starve Together
A uniquely challenging survival adventure where teamwork is your best hope against a dark wilderness.
4 players | ~1–2 hr survival runs | T (Teen) | $14.99 | NSO Required
Best For: Survival enthusiasts & tightly-knit teams
Full specs & why we picked it
Metacritic: 79 | Released: April 12, 2022
Setup: 1–4 players online; private/public lobbies
Campaign: Open-ended survival
Difficulty: Challenging; high-stakes cooperation
Accessibility: High-contrast visuals, adjustable harshness
Don’t Starve Together challenges teams to survive in a quirky and dangerous world. Players coordinate gathering resources, crafting, and fending off threats. Each character brings unique skills, encouraging strategic division of roles. Communication is vital, creating engaging tension and memorable teamwork. Though challenging, surviving together feels rewarding and significantly extends survival times. This title is perfect for dedicated groups that relish intense collaboration and creative problem-solving in a stylishly unforgiving environment.
6. Overcooked! 2
Chaotic culinary co-op at its finest – the perfect recipe for hilarity with friends (now playable online).
4 players | ~10–15 min rounds | E (Everyone) | $24.99 | NSO Required
Best For: Parties & casual gatherings
Full specs & why we picked it
Metacritic: 81 | Released: August 7, 2018
Setup: Online/local multiplayer
Campaign: ~8 hrs; highly replayable
Difficulty: Moderate; fast-paced coordination
Accessibility: Assist mode, simple controls
Overcooked! 2 turns kitchen chaos into cooperative joy. Players must work together preparing and serving dishes amid quirky hazards. Communication and role assignment are essential, often resulting in humorous mishaps. It supports online play and local multiplayer combinations. Accessible yet challenging, Overcooked! 2 is perfect for party environments or quick, fun sessions, guaranteeing laughs and lively teamwork for all ages and skill levels.
Also featured in our Top 10 Best Switch Couch & Split-Screen Co-Op Games (2025)
5. Warframe
A fast, fluid free-to-play action shooter that’s built for four-player co-op mayhem across the solar system.
4 players | ~15–30 min missions | M (Mature) | Free-to-Play | No NSO Required
Best For: Action enthusiasts & loot-driven teams
Full specs & why we picked it
Metacritic: 86 | Released: November 20, 2018
Setup: Online, cross-platform
Campaign: 100+ hrs of content
Difficulty: Moderate; team coordination vital
Accessibility: Auto-aim, scalable UI, frequent updates
Warframe delivers rapid, fluid four-player co-op battles across numerous missions, highlighting synergy and communication. Each Warframe offers unique abilities, rewarding coordinated teamwork. As a free-to-play title, it's accessible and continually updated, providing endless replayability. Despite intense action, performance remains solid on Switch. Its blend of dynamic combat, character progression, and endless missions makes it ideal for groups seeking a high-energy, rewarding co-op experience.
4. Stardew Valley
A relaxing farming RPG that’s even better with friends – build your farm and life together at your own pace.
4 players | ~30–60 min sessions | E10+ | $14.99 | NSO Required
Best For: Chill groups & life-sim enthusiasts
Full specs & why we picked it
Metacritic: 87 | Released: October 5, 2017
Setup: Online/split-screen (local)
Campaign: 50+ hrs (open-ended)
Difficulty: Easy; no fail states
Accessibility: Simple controls, low-pressure gameplay
Stardew Valley offers gentle, cooperative farming adventures perfect for relaxing sessions. Up to four players can share farming responsibilities, manage resources, and build their ideal community. The game thrives on collaboration and communication, transforming routine chores into enjoyable teamwork. Accessible gameplay mechanics make it inviting for all ages, perfect for laid-back sessions with friends or family, ensuring hundreds of peaceful hours spent together.
3. It Takes Two
An award-winning co-op adventure built entirely for two – pure split-duty gameplay magic.
2 players | ~60–90 min chapters | T (Teen) | $39.99 | NSO Required
Best For: Couples, siblings, best friends
Full specs & why we picked it
Metacritic: 88 | Released: November 4, 2022
Setup: Online/local split-screen; Friend’s Pass supported
Campaign: ~12 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate; forgiving checkpoints
Accessibility: Clear visual cues, adjustable mini-game difficulty
It Takes Two is built entirely around cooperative gameplay, with each inventive level requiring synchronized teamwork. Players face puzzles, platforming, and boss battles in tandem, fostering continuous communication. Its creativity, heartfelt narrative, and humor received universal acclaim. The Friend’s Pass lets friends join online at no extra cost. While visually compromised on Switch, its innovative gameplay and portable co-op ensure a delightful shared experience.
Also featured in our Top 10 Best Switch Couch & Split-Screen Co-Op Games (2025)
2. Monster Hunter Rise
Thrilling co-op battles against giant monsters – the epitome of team-based action on Switch.
4 players | ~20–30 min hunts | T (Teen) | $39.99 | NSO Required
Best For: Action fans seeking teamwork challenges
Full specs & why we picked it
Metacritic: 88 | Released: March 26, 2021
Setup: Individual Switch per player; online lobbies
Campaign: ~50+ hrs
Difficulty: Challenging; teamwork essential
Accessibility: Tutorials, scalable difficulty
Few co-op experiences match the thrill of Monster Hunter Rise. Four-player teams strategically battle massive creatures, using traps, weapons, and mounts. The game introduces innovative Wirebug mechanics and companions that add tactical depth. Communication is crucial; every hunt rewards precise coordination. Performance on Switch is smooth, with portable play ensuring you're always ready. Rise's satisfying gameplay loop of hunting, crafting, and upgrading makes it an exceptional co-op adventure for dedicated action fans.
1. Minecraft
The ultimate creative sandbox – build, explore, and survive together in an infinite world.
8 players | Open-ended sessions | E10+ | $29.99 | NSO Required
Best For: Creative builders & all-ages fun
Full specs & why we picked it
Metacritic: 90 | Released: June 21, 2018
Setup: cross-play (PC/mobile/consoles)
Campaign: Endless sandbox
Difficulty: Adaptive; optional survival
Accessibility: Adjustable difficulty, creative mode
Minecraft isn’t just a game—it’s a shared creative universe. On Switch, up to eight players collaborate on endless adventures, whether building, exploring, or battling monsters. Cross-play ensures seamless play with friends on PC, mobile, or other consoles. Performance on Switch is solid, portable, and accessible, ideal for players of all ages and skill levels. If you can dream it, you can build it together, making Minecraft the definitive cooperative sandbox experience.
FAQ - Switch online Co-Op
Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play these games online?
For most of these titles, yes – a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership is required to access online multiplayer. This applies to games like Minecraft, Monster Hunter Rise, Overcooked 2, Stardew Valley, etc. However, there are exceptions for free-to-play games. Notably, Warframe and *Among Us* do not require an NSO subscription for online play on Switch (Nintendo allows free-to-play titles to go online without the membership). Always check the game’s eShop info, but in general if a game is purchased (or a premium title), assume NSO is needed to play online with others.
Can Switch players join friends on other platforms (PC, Xbox, PlayStation) in these games?
Some games on this list support cross-play, others do not. The good news is Minecraft on Switch uses the Bedrock Edition, so you can play with friends on PC, mobile, or other consoles as long as you all sign in with Microsoft/Xbox Live. Warframe added full cross-platform play in late 2022, meaning Switch Tenno can squad up with players on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, etc. Among Us also supports cross-play across all devices by using room codes.
On the flip side, Monster Hunter Rise is not cross-play (Switch players can’t hunt with PC players, for example), and It Takes Two on Switch can only connect with other Switch players (it does offer Friend’s Pass for online). Overcooked 2 and Stardew Valley are confined to the Switch ecosystem as well. Always confirm within the game’s options, but as a rule: if cross-play is a priority, lean toward titles like Minecraft, Warframe, and Among Us.
How can we communicate during online co-op sessions? Does Switch have voice chat?
Communication can be a challenge on Switch if you’re not prepared. The Switch itself does not have built-in voice chat at the system level. Nintendo’s solution is the NSO smartphone app, which supports voice chat for a limited selection of games (like Monster Hunter Rise and Splatoon 3, for example). None of the games on this list have in-game voice chat on Switch directly.
So, practical options that many players use:
External apps: Using Discord or a phone call/Zoom while playing. This is popular for titles like Among Us (where discussing is the whole game) or coordinating in Monster Hunter.
In-game text/pings: Games like Diablo III and Warframe have on-screen ping systems or text chat that you can use with the controller – not the fastest, but useful for quick messages or marking locations/enemies. Among Us has a quickchat wheel for those who can’t type freely.
Local talk: If you’re in the same room (or on a platform like Discord), obviously this is best! For Overcooked 2 or Stardew Valley, sitting together or on a voice call enhances the experience a lot.
In summary, plan a communication method especially for strategy-heavy games. Many Switch co-op fans use a smartphone or PC for voice chat alongside playing.
What’s the maximum number of players supported in these co-op games?
It varies by title. In our top 10 list, player counts range from 2 up to 15:
2 players: It Takes Two is strictly two-player only (it’s the core design).
4 players: This is the most common. Monster Hunter Rise, Warframe, Overcooked 2, Stardew Valley, Diablo III, and Risk of Rain 2 all support up to 4-player co-op. Don’t Starve Together on Switch is 4 players max (though PC can do 6).
8 players: Minecraft (Bedrock on Switch) allows 8 players in a world by default (Realms can extend this further via subscription).
15 players: Among Us supports lobbies of up to 15 people now, which is great for big groups – though you can play with smaller numbers (the minimum is 4).
So whether you have just one friend or a large party, there’s a game on this list to accommodate your group size.
Are these games kid-friendly? What about content and difficulty for younger players?
We’ve noted the ESRB ratings above – they range from Everyone 10+ up to Mature. For instance, Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Overcooked 2 are generally kid-friendly (cartoon violence at most, very little reading required). Among Us is rated E10+ – it has cartoony violence and the concept of deception, so it depends on the child’s maturity if that’s appropriate. Monster Hunter Rise and Diablo III are Teen and Mature respectively, mainly due to fantasy violence (slaying monsters/demons) and some darker themes – those are better for older kids/teens. Warframe is also M (lots of shooting, though against aliens).
In terms of difficulty: Overcooked 2 can actually be tricky for young kids because of the time pressure, but it’s cooperative so parents/older siblings can help. Stardew Valley and Minecraft have adjustable difficulty (or creative modes) making them very accessible to young ones; they’re great family co-op titles. It Takes Two is Teen rated but often enjoyed by families – just note it does involve themes of divorce/reconciliation (handled in a Pixar-like way).
Can two players play online co-op on the same Switch (split-screen or shared screen)?
This is a common question for families/couples. The Switch does allow local multiplayer on the same console for some games, and a subset of those also let you go online together as a duo. From our list:
Diablo III supports 4-player local co-op on one Switch (shared screen) and those local players can together join online sessions. For example, two players on one Switch can team up with two players on another Switch online – a great feature.
Overcooked! 2 supports 4-player local, and you can mix local and online (e.g., 2 on one console + 2 on another).
Stardew Valley added split-screen for up to 2 on one Switch; however, going online with split-screen is not supported – you’d need separate Switches if both want to connect with others online.
Minecraft allows 2-player split-screen in docked mode on one Switch. If you have two Switch consoles locally, you could also do local wireless with up to 8. Online, each Switch counts as one player – you can’t have split-screen online due to NSO account requirements per player.
It Takes Two and Monster Hunter Rise are one player per Switch (no splitscreen option at all). Same for Warframe, Risk of Rain 2, etc. (they’re too performance-intensive for splitscreen).
Among Us is one per device (but since everyone likely has a phone or laptop that can run it, you could play together that way rather than splitscreen).
So, for couch co-op that also goes online, Diablo III and Overcooked 2 are the standouts on this list. Otherwise, if you want to play together online and only have one Switch, consider using an additional device (another console or even a PC for a cross-play game like Minecraft or Among Us). It’s a bit of a limitation of the Switch/most games – but the ones that do offer same-console co-op are a ton of fun.
Final Takeaway
Nintendo Switch's online co-op lineup ensures gaming truly is better together, with something for every group size and style. Dive in, connect with friends, and explore unforgettable co-op adventures today! In 2025, these ten games represent the best of what the platform’s co-op has to offer.
Ready to discover even more games tailor-made for you and your squad? Dive into our Game Recommendations Engine – an interactive guide that will match you with the perfect titles based on your preferences. From couch co-op classics to the latest online adventures, we’ve got you covered. Good luck, have fun, and happy co-op gaming!
