The Flood of It Takes Two-like Local Co-Op Games is happening

Co-op games have been around for ages, but Hazelight Studios has only emerged as a leader in the genre relatively recently. Building his formula using games like Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and The way outHazelight eventually created his magnum opus It takes twowhose clever co-op puzzles, ever-evolving gameplay loop and imaginative level design captivated audiences in 2022.

It didn't happen to me until I played Split Fiction that I remembered how much the world needs more games like It takes twogames where cooperation is not only possible, but necessary for success. Playing It takes two The first time with my partner all those years ago, it proved to be a uniquely fun and engaging experience as the game constantly forced us to work together and communicate; moreover, it rewarded us for it. Simply put, It takes two (and probably Split Fiction) sets the gold standard for co-op games, and if you're looking for a similarly fantastic experience, then you're in luck because there's a tsunami of impressive and original co-op titles on the way. Here are just a few of the most promising.

Hello

Hello release date: TBA 2026

“Playing and having fun in a beautiful world” is what Hello is the most, according to developer Windup, and one look at this whimsical game is strong evidence of that claim. You and up to four other players control a famous forest witch who has fallen ill and needs help with the mouse. As these tiny rodents, players can climb, jump, slide with a magical backpack, and use the lasso to create bridges and rope swings.

The forest sandpit is the most promising aspect Helloas it provides ample opportunity to experiment with cooperative multiplayer game systems. For example, the aforementioned lasso can be thrown to another player across a gap, creating a bridge that can be crossed. Gamer backpacks also double as trampolines, making getting stronger or avoiding treacherous terrain easy with a friend. These system-based loose co-op mechanics look incredibly charming, so here's hoping it all comes together in the end.

Released: 2026
ESRB: teenage
Developers: Windup
Publishers: Knights Peak
Multiplayer: Online Co-Op

WheelMates

WheelMates release date: TBA 2026

WheelMates is basically a video game representation of what most kids think RC car racing is. My wildest third-grade imagination might imagine RC weaving deftly through my entire house, making improbable leaps through the air, climbing walls, and generally behaving more like a housefly than a mini motor vehicle. That's pretty much it WheelMateswhich sees you and your partner play as disembodied RC cars and complete platforming and puzzle challenges.

Its multiplayer systems include cooperative puzzle solving (eg one player presses a button to open a door for another player) and exploration, which apparently includes areas that can only be reached with the help of another player. WheelMates has any real Baby, I shrunk the kids and Hot Wheels energy and it looks inviting.

Orbitals

Orbitals release date: summer 2026

Strikingly similar It takes two and Split Fiction on the surface Orbitals boasts a mesmerizing 90s anime aesthetic and a high-stakes sci-fi action story. Like the Hazelight games, Orbitals it is designed with multiplayer rather than single player in mind can play in two people. In other words, puzzles, platformers, and the like are built around two people working together.

The game follows Omura and Maki, two space explorers whose station gets caught up in a “supernatural space storm” and is on the verge of total collapse. Together, they must travel through deep space in search of a solution and face countless dangers. This more dramatic—if still Saturday morning cartoon—promises to be Orbitals a thrilling and fun co-op adventure.

Systems

Released: 2026
ESRB: T for Teens
Developers: Shapefarm KK
Publishers: Interactive Kepler
Multiplayer: Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op

IKUMA – The Frozen Compass

IKUMA – The Frozen Compass release date: TBA 2026

If you are looking for a relaxing and atmospheric game to share with a friend, then IKUMA – The Frozen Compass may be right up your alley. It comes from Mooneye Studios, whose previous work is defined by relaxed exploration and satisfying movement far more than challenge or tension. IKUMA looks very much cut from the same cloth.

Players take on the role of a young boy, Sam, and his dog, Ellie, who brave the inhospitable Arctic to find their way home. As you might have guessed, you can play as both Sam and Ellie, which is where the co-op multiplayer elements come into play. Knowing the history of the studio, it will be interesting to see how deep the human and canine game mechanics go and how different they are from each other.

IKUMA - The Frozen Compass Tag Page Cover Art

Released: 2026
Developers: Mooneye Studios
Publishers: Mooneye Studios
Multiplayer: Local cooperative
Number of players: 1-2 players

Scary paws

Scary paws release date: TBA

Scary paws it may not even have a release window yet, but I guess I just couldn't resist adding one more dog-type co-op game. In this cute horror adventure title, two players create their own puppies and embark on a treacherous journey through the haunted mansion where their “human best friend” is imprisoned. To free them, the puppies must solve various puzzles and face terrifying creatures, rely on themselves and use their dog abilities. It's a game that tries to strike a balance between the heartfelt and the creepy,

and for one, I will watch it with great interest.