10 Best 2-Player Games to Enjoy With Friends

Remember those days huddled around a screen with a friend, controller in hand, ready to conquer worlds or challenge each other to a friendly duel? Gaming is often fantastic solo, but sharing the experience takes it to a whole new level. Whether you're strategizing together to overcome impossible odds or battling it out for ultimate bragging rights, 2-player games create unforgettable moments.

But with so many options out there, finding the truly great co-op or versus experiences on PC can feel like a quest in itself. What makes a two-player game stand out? Is it the seamless teamwork it demands? The hilarious chaos that ensues? Or the sheer competitive thrill?

What You'll Discover Inside

This list is your ultimate guide to the best 2-player games available on PC right now. We've journeyed through different genres, from heartwarming cooperative adventures and mind-bending puzzlers to intense fighting showdowns. You'll find games that:

• Demand Teamwork: Experiences built from the ground up for cooperative play.
• Offer Competitive Fun: Perfect titles to challenge your friends and test your skills.
• Deliver Unique Gameplay: Games with innovative mechanics and unforgettable styles.
• Tell Engaging Stories: Adventures that pull you and your partner into their world.

Get ready to grab a friend, partner, or family member, because it's time to explore the top PC games that prove two heads (and controllers) are better than one!

1. It Takes Two

A masterpiece of cooperative game design, It Takes Two is an action-adventure platformer playable only in co-op (local or online). You play as Cody and May, a clashing couple turned into dolls by a magic spell. Trapped in a fantastical world, they must reluctantly work together to overcome challenges representing their fractured relationship. Each level introduces unique, complementary abilities for each player, forcing constant communication and teamwork. The sheer creativity in gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, heartfelt story, and genuinely fun puzzles make this an essential 2-player PC experience.

2. A Way Out

Another co-op only gem from the makers of It Takes Two, A Way Out is a narrative-driven adventure designed exclusively for split-screen play (local or online, with a free Friend Pass). You and a partner control Leo and Vincent, two convicts who must break out of prison and stay on the run. The game seamlessly blends exploration, puzzles, stealth, chase sequences, and shooting, always presenting both players' perspectives simultaneously. The dynamic split-screen presentation and the need for coordinated actions make this a unique and gripping cinematic co-op experience.

3. Portal 2

While its single-player campaign is legendary, Portal 2's dedicated two-player co-op mode is a stroke of genius in its own right. Playing as the charming robots Atlas and P-Body, you and a partner tackle a separate set of increasingly complex test chambers designed specifically for cooperative portal-flinging. Solving these puzzles requires not just acting together, but thinking together, often leading to hilarious 'aha!' moments and frantic coordination. It's a brilliant blend of puzzle-solving, physics manipulation, and dark humor that remains one of the best co-op experiences on PC.

4. Cuphead

Don't let the charming 1930s cartoon aesthetic fool you; Cuphead is a notoriously challenging run-and-gun action game with a heavy emphasis on boss battles. While playable solo, the chaos truly shines in local 2-player co-op (online is possible via Steam Remote Play Together). As Cuphead and Mugman, you battle massive, creatively designed bosses, each with complex attack patterns. Surviving requires tight controls, quick reflexes, and maybe a little bit of luck. It's tough but incredibly rewarding, and sharing the victories (and many defeats) with a friend makes it even more memorable.

5. Unravel Two

A visually stunning and heartwarming puzzle-platformer, Unravel Two is built entirely around local co-op. You and a partner control two small, adorable creatures made of yarn, called Yarnys, who are physically connected by a thread. This connection is the core mechanic; you'll need to swing each other across gaps, form bridges, pull objects, and combine your abilities to navigate the beautiful, nature-inspired environments and solve physics-based puzzles. It’s a charming, relaxed, and thoughtful co-op adventure perfect for playing together on the couch.

6. Rayman Legends

This vibrant and energetic 2D platformer is pure joy, especially in multiplayer. Supporting up to four players locally, it's a fantastic 2-player experience. The controls are incredibly fluid, the hand-drawn art style is gorgeous, and the level design is bursting with creativity. You'll run, jump, punch, and glide through incredibly varied worlds, including the fan-favorite musical levels that sync platforming action to catchy tunes. It's accessible, chaotic fun for all skill levels, offering tons of content and collectibles to keep you and your partner busy.

7. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Originally a unique single-player game where you controlled both brothers simultaneously, the Remake adds a dedicated local 2-player co-op mode. This BAFTA-winning adventure tells the emotional story of two brothers on a quest to save their ailing father. Playing together, each controlling one brother, you must cooperate to solve environmental puzzles, navigate dangers, and interact with the world. The puzzles cleverly utilize the strengths and weaknesses of each brother, fostering teamwork. It's a relatively short but deeply impactful and beautifully realized narrative experience, now even better shared.

8. Mortal Kombat 11

For those who prefer friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition, Mortal Kombat 11 delivers brutal, polished fighting game action. With its refined combat mechanics, stunning (and gory) visuals, extensive character customization via the Variation system, and iconic Fatalities, MK11 offers deep and satisfying 1v1 gameplay. The addition of Fatal Blows (comeback mechanics) and Krushing Blows (cinematic hits under specific conditions) adds layers of strategy. It's perfect for local couch battles, testing your skills and combos against a friend on PC.

9. Street Fighter V

A cornerstone of the fighting game genre, Street Fighter V offers deep, strategic 1v1 combat perfect for 2-player versus action on PC. With a diverse roster of iconic characters, each with unique movesets and playstyles, there's someone for everyone. The V-System (V-Skills, V-Triggers, V-Reversals) adds a layer of complexity and customization to the classic Street Fighter formula. It boasts a large online community but truly shines in local play where you can go head-to-head with a friend, learning matchups and perfecting combos.

10. Tekken 7

Bringing the legendary 3D fighting series to PC, Tekken 7 offers intense and flashy 1v1 battles. Known for its complex movement system, huge roster of diverse characters, and emphasis on combos and juggles, Tekken 7 provides endless depth for competitive players. Features like Rage Arts (super moves when low on health) and Power Crushes (moves that absorb hits) create dramatic moments. It's an excellent choice for local versus play, allowing you and a friend to dive into its intricate mechanics and stylish combat.

And there you have it - a roundup of some of the absolute best 2-player games you can fire up on your PC today! From intricately designed cooperative adventures that test your bond, like It Takes Two and A Way Out, to frantic platforming fun in Rayman Legends and Cuphead, and the competitive thrill of fighting masters like Mortal Kombat 11 and Tekken 7, there's something here for every duo.

Your Next Gaming Session Awaits

Playing together transforms gaming from a solitary hobby into a shared experience filled with laughter, high-fives, and maybe a little friendly rivalry. These games offer more than just gameplay; they offer connection.

So, what are you waiting for?

• Choose Your Adventure: Pick a game from the list that sparks your interest.
• Grab a Friend: Find your player two!
• Start Playing: Dive into hours of shared fun.

We hope this list helps you find your next favorite 2-player PC game. Did we miss any of your top picks? Let us know in the comments below – we'd love to hear about the games you enjoy playing together!