These Are The Best Co-Op Survival Games Of All Time

Summary

Delve into the world of co-op survival games, where you and your friends will test your resource management, instincts, and crafting skills.
From cozy games like Astroneer to spooky titles like 7 Days to Die, there’s something for people of all tastes.

Surviving in the wild doesn’t exactly sound like fun, but video games managed to turn it into a thriving genre with countless must-play titles. Survival games are known for their captivating sandbox worlds, engaging crafting mechanics, and strategic gameplay about keeping your character alive for as long as possible. It’s a versatile genre capable of producing both cozy and blood-curdling experiences.

A background image showing an underwater base in Subnautica with a circle PNG on top showing a player from Don't Starve.

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Think you can survive anything thrown your way? Here, you can check out the best survival games available on PC.

Much like anything else, survival games are best enjoyed with friends. Thankfully, there’s a wide variety of outstanding multiplayer offerings to choose from, especially if you want to play co-op. Whether you prefer playing locally or online, the following games are the very best survival titles to play with your buddies.

8

7 Days To Die

Survival Horror At Its Finest

7 Days to Die

Released: December 13, 2013
ESRB: M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence
Developer(s): The Fun Pimps
Engine: Unity
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
Number of Players: 8 (PC), 4 (Consoles)

Looking for something scary? 7 Days to Die takes place after a nuclear war has destroyed the world, leaving behind a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested nightmare. You and your friends control a group of survivors who must explore Navezgane, Arizona, and survive for as long as possible.

As a sandbox game, you’re free to do whatever is necessary to stay alive. Will you hunt for food and risk encountering the undead? Or will you build a shelter, craft some cleverly hidden traps, and lock yourself inside? There are endless strategies catering to different play styles. Just remember to keep an eye on your friends since they’re able to betray you.

7

Vampire Survivors

Take On The Demon Army

Vampire Survivors

Released: December 17, 2021
ESRB: T For Teen // Blood, Violence
Developer(s): Luca Galante
Publisher(s): Luca Galante
Engine: unity
Multiplayer: Local Co-Op
Franchise: Vampire Survivors
Number of Players: 1-4

At its core, Vampire Survivors is all about surviving. You and a buddy are dropped in a randomly generated world filled with countless monsters. The goal is to stay alive for as long as possible by dodging bullet hell attacks, upgrading your abilities, and collecting weapons.

The gameplay is particularly great for newcomers. Your character attacks automatically, so all you have to do is move around. It’s simple yet incredibly fun, endlessly replayable, and surprisingly challenging. The nostalgic pixel graphics, outstanding soundtrack, and Castlevania DLC are the cherries on top.

6

Astroneer

Explore The Universe

Astroneer

Released: February 6, 2019
ESRB: E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
Engine: Unreal Engine 4
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer

Not all survival games are doom and gloom. Astroneer provides a more colorful and casual twist to the genre. You and up to three others traverse a vast galaxy with many eye-catching planets to explore. The goal is to establish a tiny colony and turn it into a prosperous society.

Game art from SOMA, Resident Evil 3 and Dead Space.

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The gameplay features all the survival elements you’d expect, including crafting, resource management, and open-world exploration. What makes it unique is its accessibility and wonderfully vibrant art style. This is a great entry point if you’re new to the genre.

5

Content Warning

The Things We Do For Views

Content Warning

Systems

Released: April 1, 2024
ESRB: t
Publisher(s): Landfall Publishing
Engine: Unity
Multiplayer: Online Co-Op
Number of Players: 1-4

Survival and horror go together like ghosts and graveyards, and Content Warning is an excellent blend of both genres. You and up to three pals are SpookTube influencers who explore a haunted, underground city called The Old World. Equipped with your trusty video camera, you must film the various monsters and upload your footage to get that sweet, sweet cash.

However, surviving The Old World is no easy task. Many dangers lurk in the darkness, and you have a limited oxygen supply. Speed, stealth, and quick thinking are key to making it out alive. Despite its spooky premise, the game features plenty of silly humor to keep you smiling.

4

The Forest

Can You Survive The Cannibals?

The Forest

Systems

Released: April 30, 2018
ESRB: M For Mature 17+ Due To Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity
Developer(s): Endnight Games
Publisher(s): Endnight Games
Engine: Unity
Multiplayer: Online Co-Op
Number of Players: 8 (PC), 4 (PS4)

The Forest is a spooky, thought-provoking survival game with a fascinating twist. You and up to seven buddies are survivors of a plane crash trapped in an eerie forest home to a tribe of mutated cannibals. The catch? The enemies are complex beings with a surprising amount of humanity. They might attack, try to communicate with you, or simply watch you from a distance. Whether to instigate combat is up to you.

There’s a lot to love about the game. The visuals are gorgeous, the atmosphere is creepy, and the dynamic between you and the enemies is truly unique. It’s a thrilling co-op experience that’s sure to stick with you long after you stop playing.

3

Terraria

A Legendary Side-Scroller

Terraria

Released: May 16, 2011
ESRB: T for Teen: Blood and Gore, Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol
Developer(s): Re-Logic
Engine: Proprietary
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer
Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified

Often considered the 2D equivalent of Minecraft, Terraria places you and up to seven friends in a procedurally generated world brimming with exciting secrets. Team up with your pals to explore, build houses, fight bosses, and discover all kinds of goodies.

4:08

Best Survival Games On Xbox Game Pass

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The game launched in 2011 and is still going strong, largely thanks to its excellent blend of immersive sandbox exploration, cozy crafting mechanics, and strategic survival elements. It’s easy to pour countless hours into this charming pixelated world, especially with a good group of buddies.

2

Don’t Starve Together

Can’t Beat The Classics

Don’t Starve Together

Released: December 15, 2014
ESRB: T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Crude Humor
Developer(s): Klei Entertainment
Publisher(s): Klei Entertainment
Engine: Lua

Don’t Starve Together is an all-time classic that all survival fans should try at least once. This top-down adventure puts you in a macabre, Tim Burton-style world filled with bizarre creatures of the night. You and up to five others must manage your health, sanity, and hunger to stay alive for as long as you can.

During the day, you spend your time farming crops, collecting resources, and making all necessary preparations. When night falls, the monsters come out. Stay alert, protect your team, and always keep a light nearby. The fate of your crew is in your hands.

1

Minecraft

A Game That Needs No Introduction

Minecraft

Released: November 18, 2011
ESRB: E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
Engine: LWJGL, PROPRIETARY ENGINE
Multiplayer: Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer

Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time, and it’s easy to see why. Its blend of accessible gameplay, iconic blocky visuals, and enthralling open-world exploration make it a joy to revisit time and time again. In Survival mode, you and up to seven friends must endure hoards of enemies by mining resources, building shelter, and attacking when necessary. Don’t forget to manage your hunger meter, too.

Despite initially launching in 2011, Minecraft still has an active community. The easy-to-learn gameplay, accessibility options, and extremely satisfying gameplay loop ensure both beginners and long-time survival fans can have a blast. Simply put, some video games are timeless. Minecraft is one of them.