Online multiplayer may be all the rage these days, but there are still plenty of great 2-player PS5 games that can be enjoyed on the couch with a friend or loved one. These popular titles range fromhigh-octane first-person shootersto colorful cozy games, ensuring that there’s something for just about everyone on the platform.
The best 2-player games on the PS5 are enjoyed by millions of people all over the world, with their split or shared-screen functionality helping to bring friends and families closer together. Some of them are relatively new titles, while others have been around sincethe previous console generation, yet remain popular to this day.
12Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake
OpenCritic Rating: 81
Although the original release did technically support co-op, it wasn’t until the game’s 2024 remake thatBrothers: A Tale of Two Sonsreceived proper two-player support. Some will perhaps argue that the narrative doesn’t hit quite as hard when experienced this way, but most would probably be in agreement that the actual gameplay becomes a lot more enjoyable with two people.
Players will need to work together to progress through thischarming indie titleand will experience plenty of heartfelt and exciting moments along the way. It may lack the same level of polish that some bigger budget titles are able to offer, but it more than makes up for this in charm and interesting ideas; both of which it delivers in spades.
11Sackboy: A Big Adventure
OpenCritic Rating: 80
There were only a couple of console exclusives amongthe PS5’s launch titles, one of which wasSackboy: A Big Adventure. Aiming to capitalize on the success of theLittleBigPlanetseries, this charming 3D puzzle platformer proved to be very popular with younger gamers and those looking for something that they could play together with their kids.
The new powerups that can be found throughout the game help to keep the experience feeling fresh, while the puzzles are challenging enough to get player’s brains working a little without ever leaving them truly stumped. Finding all of the Dreamer Orbs is fairly manageable as well, so players should never find themselves getting frustrated as they explore.
10Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
OpenCritic Rating: 58
When it comes to first-person shooters, theCall of Dutyfranchise still leads the way, even if standards have dropped off a little in recent years. Like pretty much all of its predecessors,Modern Warfare IIIsupports split-screen co-op, allowing two buddies to hunker down on the couch and take on a team of bots or other players elsewhere in the world.
Sadly,the game’s campaign can only be experienced solo, which may come as a disappointment to some players. The same is true of certain game modes like Zombies, Free-for-All, and Ground War, but just about everything else that the game has to offer can be enjoyed locally with a friend. It’s one of the best 2-player PS5 games when it comes to gunplay and a must-play for fans of the genre.
9Diablo 4
OpenCritic Rating: 88
Diablo Immortalleft an indelible stain ontheDiablofranchise, with some long-term fans turning their back on the series for good due to the game’s manipulative monetization. Thankfully,Diablo 4shares very little in common with the 2022 mobile title, instead offering players a timely reminder of why so many people fell in love with the franchise in the first place.
Diablo 4is everything that amodern dungeon crawlershould be, offering exciting action and near-infinite replayability in equal measures. Grinding for better gear and upgrades never really feels too tedious, particularly when the load is lightened by the presence of a friend, and each new season provides players with plenty of new content to consume.
8Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2
OpenCritic Rating: 89
The nineties was a great time to be alive, especially for those who enjoyed gaming. Some of the very best video games of all time were released throughout the decade, including the first of what would prove to be manyTony Hawk’sgames. Several decades later, both it and its sequel were remade for modern consoles; much to the the delight of many.
The team behind the remakes did a fantastic job of recapturing the essence of the original games while also adding a few major quality-of-life updates. It certainly helps that the games' fantastic soundtracks remain largely unchanged, with only a handful of songs missing across the two titles. The multiplayer mode is fantastic too, with split-screen support available in several game modes.
7Human: Fall Flat
OpenCritic Rating: 68
It may surprise some people to learn thatHuman: Fall Flatis one ofthe best-selling video games of all time. For those who’ve actually played the 2016 title, though, it’s easy to see how this popular physics-based puzzle platformer could achieve such an impressive feat, such is the addictive nature of its chaotic yet fun-filled multiplayer gameplay.
Each level features a vast selection of unique puzzles, many of which can be solved in a number of different ways. No matter how much time players spend attempting to master Bob’s movement and mechanics, things will never quite go according to plan, though rather than being frustrating, this unpredictability is arguably one of the game’s biggest appeals.
6Borderlands 3
The humor may not be to everybody’s taste, but the gameplay that’s on offer inBorderlands 3is really quite impressive. It builds expertly off of the strong foundations laid by previous series installments, with new vault hunters and weapons helping to keep things feeling fresh. The resulting game is one ofthe best looter shooters ever madeand an excellent option for those on the lookout for a fantastic 2-player PS5 game.
Much likeall of the otherBorderlandsgames that came before it,Borderlands 3is at its best when played with friends; whether that be locally through split-screen co-op or online with PSN. There’s a ridiculous amount of end-game content and DLC available too, so players should definitely come away from the experience feeling satisfied; assuming, that is, that they can drag themselves away at all.
5Tekken 8
OpenCritic Rating: 90
There are somefantastic fighting games on the PS5, butTekken 8is arguably the most well-rounded. Granted, its post-launch monetization may have angered some players, but the fighting experience that’s on offer here is second to none and should appeal to those looking for a more grounded and beginner-friendly fighting game with fewer projectiles.
In terms of game modes, players are limited to classic 1v1 showdowns or the returningTekken Ball mode. The latter can appear quite shallow to begin with but boasts a surprising amount of depth for those who take the time to truly master it. The fighting remains the main attraction, though, and helps to make this one of the best PS5 2-player games.
4Gran Turismo 7
OpenCritic Rating: 87
Following a somewhat bumpy launch that was marred by the game’s aggressive monetization,Gran Turismo 7has really come into its own. A series of regular updates has ensured that players keep coming back, whilethe addition of VR supporthelped to introduce both the game and the genre to a whole new audience. Sadly, VR can’t be used in multiplayer, but the experience remains highly enjoyable nonetheless.
Afterunlocking multiplayer inGran Turismo 7, players will be treated to one of the best 2-player racing games of all time. The mechanics have been meticulously tweaked and dialed in for realism, with each of the game’s 300+ cars behaving almost identically to its real-world counterpart. Online multiplayer probably won’t suit casuals and beginners, but local 2-player split-screen can be fun regardless of one’s skill level.
3Chicory: A Colorful Tale
Chicory: A Colorful Taleis afamily-friendly adventure gamewith a story that unfolds across the pages of a coloring book. Using their magical paintbrush, players will need to add color to the world around them, which will in turn help them to solve puzzles, beat bosses, and uncover secrets. It can be experienced solo, but is much more enjoyable with two players.
Although it started life as aPlayStation exclusive,Chicoryhas since been ported to Switch and Xbox, which has helped to bring this magical adventure to a much wider audience. It remains one of the best 2-player PS5 games, though, and, thanks to its skippable boss fights, is the perfect title for those looking for something that can be enjoyed with kids.
