Top Games Like It Takes Two: Cooperative Adventures for Every Duo

Since its release in 2021, "It Takes Two" has set a new standard for cooperative gaming experiences. This innovative title from Hazelight Studios captivated players with its charming story, diverse gameplay mechanics, and emphasis on teamwork. For those who have completed this adventure and are hungry for more, we've compiled a list of games that capture the spirit of "It Takes Two" while offering their own unique twists on cooperative play. Whether you're looking for puzzle-solving challenges, emotional narratives, or just plain fun with a friend, these games are sure to satisfy your craving for quality co-op experiences.

Split Fiction: The New Co-op Sensation

At the top of our list is the recently released "Split Fiction," the latest masterpiece from Hazelight Studios. Building on the foundation laid by "It Takes Two," this game takes cooperative storytelling to new heights. Players embody two authors trapped within their own creations, navigating through a blend of science fiction and fantasy worlds. With its constantly evolving gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, "Split Fiction" has quickly become a must-play for fans of cooperative adventures.

What sets "Split Fiction" apart is its commentary on creativity in the digital age, challenging players to consider the value of human imagination in a world increasingly dominated by AI and corporate interests. The game's success, selling over 2 million copies in its first week, proves that there's a strong appetite for innovative, story-driven cooperative experiences.

A Way Out: From the Creators of It Takes Two

For those who enjoyed the narrative-driven aspect of "It Takes Two," "A Way Out" is an essential play. Created by the same team at Hazelight Studios, this game focuses on two convicts escaping from prison and evading the law. Like its successor, "A Way Out" is designed exclusively for cooperative play, forcing players to work together to overcome challenges and progress the story.

While "A Way Out" tackles more mature themes than "It Takes Two," it shares the same commitment to innovative co-op gameplay and emotional storytelling. The game's split-screen mechanics and varied gameplay scenarios ensure that both players remain engaged throughout the adventure, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a more grounded, dramatic experience.

Portal 2: The Gold Standard of Co-op Puzzling

No list of cooperative games would be complete without mentioning "Portal 2." While it may be older than some entries on this list, its co-op campaign remains one of the best examples of puzzle-solving teamwork in gaming. Players must work together to navigate through a series of test chambers, using portals to overcome obstacles and outsmart the AI antagonist GLaDOS.

What makes "Portal 2" stand out is its perfect balance of challenging puzzles and humorous storytelling. The co-op campaign features its own unique story, separate from the single-player experience, ensuring that even those who have completed the game solo will find fresh content to enjoy with a friend.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure - Charming Platforming Fun

For those who loved the whimsical visuals and platforming elements of "It Takes Two," "Sackboy: A Big Adventure" offers a delightful cooperative experience. This spin-off from the "LittleBigPlanet" series features adorable characters, creative level design, and a variety of gameplay styles that keep things fresh throughout the adventure.

Up to four players can join in, making it a great choice for family game nights or larger groups of friends. The game's recent updates have also added online multiplayer and cross-play functionality, allowing players to connect and enjoy the adventure together regardless of their physical location or gaming platform.

Unravel Two: A Tale of Two Yarny Friends

For a more intimate cooperative experience, "Unravel Two" offers a beautiful, physics-based platformer that can be enjoyed by two players. Controlling small creatures made of yarn, players must work together to solve environmental puzzles and navigate through stunning, naturalistic levels.

The game's emphasis on teamwork and its emotional storytelling make it a spiritual cousin to "It Takes Two." While it may not have the same variety of gameplay mechanics, "Unravel Two" compensates with its charming aesthetics and heartwarming narrative, making it a perfect choice for couples or close friends looking for a more relaxed cooperative adventure.

We Were Here Series: Communication is Key

For those who enjoyed the puzzle-solving aspects of "It Takes Two," the "We Were Here" series offers a unique take on cooperative problem-solving. These games place two players in separate locations, forcing them to communicate and share information to progress through a series of increasingly complex puzzles.

With five games currently in the series, there's plenty of content for puzzle enthusiasts to enjoy. Each entry builds upon the last, introducing new mechanics and expanding the mysterious story surrounding Castle Rock. The emphasis on communication and teamwork makes these games particularly rewarding for pairs who enjoy working together to overcome challenges.

Snipperclips: Cut it Out, Together!

For a more lighthearted and accessible cooperative experience, "Snipperclips" on the Nintendo Switch offers charming puzzle-solving fun. Players control paper characters that can cut each other into different shapes to solve a variety of creative puzzles.

While it may not have the narrative depth of "It Takes Two," "Snipperclips" excels in its simplicity and creativity. The game's puzzles require genuine cooperation and often result in hilarious moments of trial and error. It's an excellent choice for casual gaming sessions or for introducing younger players to the joys of cooperative play.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Although originally designed as a single-player experience, the recent remake of "Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons" now includes a cooperative mode, allowing two players to control the titular brothers simultaneously. This emotional journey tells a touching story of sibling bond and sacrifice, with gameplay that requires coordinated efforts to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles.

While it may lack the variety of gameplay styles found in "It Takes Two," "Brothers" compensates with its powerful narrative and innovative control scheme. The game's beautiful environments and emotional storytelling make it a must-play for those who appreciate games as an art form.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Cooperative Gaming

The success of games like "It Takes Two" and "Split Fiction" demonstrates a growing appetite for high-quality cooperative experiences in the gaming community. These titles prove that there's more to multiplayer gaming than competitive shooters or massive online worlds. By focusing on shared experiences, emotional storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics, developers are creating games that bring people together in meaningful ways.

As we look to the future, it's clear that cooperative gaming will continue to evolve and surprise us. Whether you're solving puzzles, platforming through fantastical worlds, or unraveling complex narratives, there's never been a better time to grab a friend and dive into a cooperative adventure. So why wait? Pick up one of these games, call your gaming partner, and prepare for hours of shared fun and unforgettable moments. After all, as "It Takes Two" and its spiritual successors have shown us, some of the best gaming experiences are those we share with others.