BYOBlankets And Hot Cocoa
It’s getting colder, and the thought of piling on more and more sweaters just to go out is exhausting. Why not stay in, invite some friends over, and play some cool couch co-ops? Below are some of my favorite (and most hated) co-ops in descending order of least to most stressful. If you’re in the mood to stress test your relationships, jump down to number two and one, but be warned, I will not be available to help you move.
Avoid the snow! Stay in and play a nice video game!
9. ibb & obb
Available on: PS3, PC, Mac, Linux
A bit about it: A puzzler that proves two little alien blob monsters are better than one. Work together to solve puzzles from your unique worldview. A gorgeous game with a soothing soundtrack, and a sweet reminder that working together gets more done.
Stress level: Chill Vibes Only🏝
8. JackBox Party Pack 1-6
Available on: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, Mac, Linux
A bit about it: I don’t remember the last time I went to a party that didn’t evolve into a Jackbox party. Maybe that says a lot about Seattle, but I choose to believe it shows how well Jackbox Games knows the modern gamer. Use your phone as a controller, or to hang out in the audience. I own all six Jackbox Party Packs, and while not every mini game is great, I’ve never regretted a purchase. Pro tip: Learn to read the room.
Stress Level: 🔥
7. BattleBlock Theater
Available on: Xbox 360, PC, Mac, Linux
A bit about it: A funny “the floor is lava” puzzle platformer, and a game that commits to the bit. Play an immortal blob performing for your cat overlords in order to secretly free your friends! This game is ridiculous, and dare I say “zany” at times, but it’s fun to play after a dull day of adulting. Death has never looked so cute.
Stress Level:🔥
6. Guacamelee!
Available on: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Nintendo Switch PC, Mac, Linux
A bit about it: Did you want to be a Luchador when you were a kid? Of course you did! Now you and a friend can become world-saving Luchadors and occasionally, the legendary Pollo Luchador. A fun single player, but better when playing with a friend — your combos get more ridiculous and hilarious the longer you can sustain them as a duo. With its witty story, gorgeous art, and great music, this is one of my favorite games to come out in the last five years.
Stress Level: 🔥🔥
5. Party Hard
Available on: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Xbox One, PC, Mac, Linux
A bit about it: You’re out of patience and have just come to terms with the fact that you’ll need to kill your noisy neighbors to get a good night’s sleep. Now you have a taste for blood, and want to stop all raging parties across America—you won’t sleep until they’re all dead! An ultra-violent stealth game. The gore is somewhat softened due to the pixel art, but the point of each level is to kill EVERYONE. Why is this hyper- violent game so fun to cuddle up and play with a loved one? Because you have to be ride or die for your co-op! They’ve got to have your six, while you figure out the perfect time to cause a stampede, and rack up those murders. It’s nearly romantic, in a hyper violent, unnerving sort of way.
Stress Level:🔥🔥
4. Nidhogg 2
Available on: PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac
A bit about it: You are an immortal being, fighting for the sweet release of death that can only be delivered by your god, the Nidhogg. A tug of war style fighter, you’re either racing towards your death, or trying to temporarily kill your opponent to give yourself momentum. The matches can range from a few hilarious minutes to a hellish hour. All Hail Nidhogg. May your death be everlasting.
Stress Level: 🔥🔥🔥
3. Ultimate Chicken Horse
Available on: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, Mac, Linux
A bit about it: A great game going seamlessly from teamwork to sabotage. Build a level piece by piece to help you get to the flag, all while tripping up your opponents with traps. You’ll need to work together to build a bridge, but if everyone gets to the flag, no one wins. So, work together, but be ready to stab some backs. Et tu, Racoon?
Stress Level: 🔥🔥🔥
2. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Available on: Oculus Quest, Oculus Go, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Playstation VR, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, Mac, Linux
A bit about it: The perfect—and worst—stress game for groups. One of you is trying to disarm a bomb, while the rest are reading through the manual, and shouting instructions. Including lots of mini puzzles per bomb, you’ll need to learn how to communicate under pressure and accurately describe what you’re seeing. Play any VR version if you love consensual and nonsexual sadomasochism.
“I’m sorry for what I said while the bomb was going off.”
Stress Level:🔥🔥🔥🔥
1 . Think of the Children
Available on: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC
A bit about it: I hate this game. That’s not to say it isn’t a good game, but it stresses me out to no end. Play as 1-4 adults trying to keep a gaggle of children from killing themselves, while doing mundane chores. And guess what? THE KIDS ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO KILL THEMSELVES! DANGER IS ALL AROUND US! THE WORLD IS A CRUEL AND DEADLY PLACE! How on earth are we expected to start a fire when our children are trying to pet bears? Why were we asked to watch so many children! Where are the other adults in this hellscape of a grocery store?
Good luck players! I do not envy you.
Stress Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
1 Comment
I would add Heave Ho (Nintendo Switch) to this list! It’s a fun couch co-op that my partner and I love to play, and it stresses me the hell out! You’re essentially a potato with long arms (no legs) trying to free climb across an obstacle course to the flag at the end. If you’re ambitious, you also need to work together to get a coin to the end between the two of you. Sometimes you need each other simply to make it across. It’s 🔥🔥 the more levels you clear 😂