Open-World Games That Are Better With Co-Op

The best thing about an open-world game is when the adventure gives players the keys to the kingdom. Sometimes it can take a while, like in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, while other games like Fallout: New Vegas will throw players into the world quickly.

The point is, getting lost while exploring open-world games can be most rewarding when done alone. Some open-world games offer co-op, but not all of them are better when playing with friends or strangers. The following examples are better with others, and without multiplayer, they are a lesser experience. Let’s rank the best open-world games to play in co-op based on how good the multiplayer is, along with the overall quality of the game.

Cat Quest 3

Talk Like A Pirate Day

• Co-Op Support: Two Players Locally

Cat Quest 3 allows the least number of players of any game on this list, and it can only be played locally, but couch co-op never hurt anyone. The game is one of the coziest open-world games ever made, and it just makes sense to enjoy it with someone else on the couch.

It’s not so difficult that co-op is essential for success, but it is fun to sail around with another pirate cat and go on magical quests. As kid-friendly as it may seem, and it is, the RPG elements are actually pretty deep, which is what makes the game most impressive.

Gotham Knights

Become The Bat Family

• Co-Op Support: Four Players Online

Batman is out of commission in Gotham Knights, so it’s up to Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin to save the day. In terms of the story, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for one player to go out and do all the cool crime-fighting stuff while the rest of the team sits at home base.

As such, playing online with friends makes more sense in Gotham Knights, and as a looter brawler, it can be fun to brag to friends about who got the best gear. It’s not the greatest superhero game ever made, but it is more enjoyable with friends, that’s for sure.

Anthem

Play It Before It’s Gone

• Co-Op Support: Four Players Online

It was recently announced that BioWare and EA will be shutting down servers for Anthem in January 2026. The game got a bad rap when it was released in 2019 because of the lack of content for a live service game, and BioWare didn’t do the best job of providing a good road map for its post-launch content. Even the expected revamp, titled Anthem 2.0, was scrapped unceremoniously.

While it didn’t get much better with updates, the core gameplay experience was fleeting but fun for a BioWare game. Exploring the world while flying around like Iron Man is not an experience most open-world games can brag about. Don’t believe the negative, just grab some friends and enjoy Anthem before it’s too late.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands

Spy Ops

• Co-Op Support: Four Players Online

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands does not have a lot of fantastical things in its gameplay, like magic or flying suits, but it is a solid spy experience from the world of Tom Clancy. Explore deserts, map out terrain with drones, and then infiltrate bases with expert stealth.

With multiple friends all having their own jobs, players can role-play as real tactical ops officers in some of the most engaging gameplay sessions ever. If things go haywire on a mission, an all-out gunfight is an option, too, because the weapons are plentiful.

Borderlands 2

Loot Guns, Have Laughs

• Co-Op Support: Four Players Online/Two Local (Console Versions)

Borderlands 2 is still regarded by many as the best entry in the series, and it’s easy to see why, between the endless guns, multiple locations, unique classes, and more. One of the coolest features is how flexible the co-op is, on most of the console versions at least, since local and online multiplayer is supported.

As imaginative as the guns are, from acid bullets to explosive rounds, enemies do absorb a lot of damage. That’s why an extra pair of hands with co-op is always appreciated, especially in the late-game when boss health pools start getting ridiculously large.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Hunt Monsters, Become Legends

• Co-Op Support: Four Players Online

Monster Hunter was built with co-op in mind on the PS2, and Monster Hunter Wilds is keeping up with those multiplayer traditions as the latest addition in the series. There are new features too, like AI companions, which are great for those who prefer playing alone.

However, vibing with a trio of other Monster Hunters is the best feeling in the world, especially after conquering a massive beast or two. These monsters are tough, and the best way to survive is through cooperation.

Elden Ring

It’s Too Difficult To Go It Alone

• Co-Op Support: Three Players Online

The Soulslike games by FromSoftware are notoriously tough. Even though Elden Ring is open-world and gives players more opportunities to build their strength in multiple areas, the game is still frustratingly difficult alone. It’s doable, but co-op is almost necessary to get anywhere.

Playing with friends can make some of the challenges less stressful. Even in death, as long as the party is having a good time, beating up random goons or one of Elden Ring’s toughest bosses will always be enjoyable.

Final Fantasy 14

An Endless World Of Possibilities

• Co-Op Support: Four-Eight Players Online

Final Fantasy 14 is not as difficult as Elden Ring, technically, but MMOs are built differently. Playing alone is doable, but it will take twice or maybe even three times as long to progress without anyone else helping out.

MMOs are designed with multiplayer in mind, even if players don’t have any friends online. Final Fantasy 14’s grouping system between different quests and raids is easy enough to figure out, making the game one of the more inviting MMOs around. With months of content now available, players simply won’t need another game to play for at least a year once they get started.