Best Nintendo Switch Story Co-op Games

“Family saga told through generations of roguelite dungeon crawling”

Children of Morta blends a family saga with roguelite runs, threading narrative moments between dungeons so both players witness the Bergsons’ story evolve. Distinct classes push you to coordinate in combat, and meta-progression means even failed runs move the tale forward. It places tenth because its storytelling is fragmented by design and the action can be demanding, though Switch performance is solid. If you want replayable co-op with meaningful, recurring story beats, this is a satisfying choice.

“Intimate relationship story perfect for couples to experience together”

Haven centers its narrative on a couple’s dynamic, and co-op lets both players inhabit that relationship in dialogue, exploration, and a lightweight combat system. The glide-based traversal and home-base routines create a relaxed rhythm suited to evening sessions. Its score is pulled down by modest replay appeal and some performance variances in busy scenes, but the writing and two-character focus make it a strong recommendation for pairs who value intimacy over spectacle. It’s a quiet, modern love story you genuinely play together.

“Wordless yarn-based storytelling through cooperative puzzle platforming”

Unravel Two tells a quiet story through environments and animation rather than long cutscenes, and its two-yarn mechanics reinforce partnership—tethering, catching, and boosting each other through hazards. On Switch, it’s a comfortable couch experience with generous assists, making it welcoming for families. It ranks lower because its narrative, while tender, is intentionally minimal and replay hinges on chasing collectibles or post-game trials. As tactile cooperative storytelling with smart accessibility options, it’s a lovely pick for short, shared sessions.

“Childhood adventure brought to life through imaginative co-op storytelling”

Knights and Bikes channels a heartfelt coming-of-age tale where co-op underlines friendship: each player gains complementary tools that solve environmental puzzles and gently paced combat. The nostalgia-laced presentation and approachable mechanics make it ideal for casual couch sessions, and the Switch port runs smoothly. It lands mid-list because replay appeal is modest and the arc is compact compared with heavier hitters. Still, as a cozy, character-focused journey that’s truly better with a second player, it earns its place.

“A beautiful meditation on death and friendship with gentle co-op support”

Spiritfarer’s story excels at intimate, character-led moments, and co-op supports that tone without overwhelming it. The second player acts as a helpful companion—gathering resources, platforming alongside you, and joining in small rituals—so both share in the emotional cadence. It’s approachable for mixed-skill pairs, short-session friendly, and performs well on Switch. The assistant role is less symmetrical than our top picks, which lowers its cooperative complexity score, but the writing, art direction, and gentle pacing make it a memorable shared narrative experience.

“Cinematic prison break that demands constant cooperation between two players”

A Way Out earns its spot for how the dynamic split-screen cinematography ties narrative tension directly to cooperation. Tasks often happen in parallel—one distracts, the other acts—making both players responsible for pacing and outcomes. The straightforward mechanics and clear direction make it welcoming, while the structure ensures you both witness key moments from different perspectives. It’s shorter and less replayable than others, and Switch performance is adequate rather than pristine, but as a tightly paced, cinematic co-op story, it remains a standout.

“The gold standard of story-driven cooperative puzzle solving”

Portal 2’s co-op campaign is authored specifically for two minds, with puzzles that demand communication, simultaneous inputs, and shared timing—ideal for story co-op where collaboration should shape the experience. The writing lands even in brief scenes, and GLaDOS’s commentary frames progress with narrative purpose. It’s shorter than some entries and less replayable once solved, but its clarity, performance stability on Switch, and tight integration between narrative beats and mechanics keep it near the top. Few puzzle games feel this much like a co-authored story of ingenuity.

“Build a farm and community together while uncovering character stories”

Stardew Valley’s story is quieter but persistent: relationships, letters, festivals, and character quests stitch a shared narrative over time. Co-op doesn’t just mean shared chores—players divide roles, pursue different social arcs, and still rejoin for key beats. It shines for replay because each farm plan and social path creates a different tone, and the Switch version runs smoothly in both handheld and docked. While it lacks a singular, cinematic plot, the town’s personal stories and long-tail goals make it a rewarding co-authored saga for small groups.

“The ultimate relationship therapy disguised as a magical co-op adventure”

Every level in It Takes Two retools its mechanics around collaboration, so story progress literally depends on shared problem-solving. That tight mechanical pairing with narrative themes about partnership elevates it in our ranking. The campaign is focused, varied, and rarely repeats ideas, making it accessible to non-regular players. Performance on Switch is serviceable, and the staging makes co-op communication essential without becoming stressful. It’s shorter and less replay-driven than our No. 1, but as a directed, story-first two-player experience with constant interaction, it’s exceptional.

“The deepest story co-op RPG where every choice matters for both players”

Divinity: Original Sin 2 leads because its story and systems actively acknowledge having more than one protagonist. Conversations can split, companions react to both players’ choices, and battles reward true cooperation rather than parallel play. The branching narrative and origin stories create meaningful replay paths, while the Switch port holds steady enough to sustain long sessions, especially docked. It’s less immediately approachable than lighter picks, yet difficulty options and clear combat readability help newcomers. Few games let two players co-author a tale at this depth, which is why it ranks first.