Summary
It’s difficult to describe what a phenomenon the PS2 was if you weren’t there to experience it yourself. It had something for everyone. Even non-gamers were pleased with its function as a DVD player, something that surely helped boost sales early in its run.
With its multi-media utility making it perfect for families, there definitely needed to be some great cooperative experiences on it as well. The games listed below only scratch the surface, but they are a great starting point for cooperative gameplay on the console if you ever feel like diving into the past with a friend.
Updated on June 22, 2025, by Alfredo Robelo:The PS2 holds too many classics for a single article to contain, although there were some notable titles missing from the definitive co-op experience. We’ve updated this article to add even more multiplayer goodness across several genres.
11TimeSplitters: Future Perfect
Hectic FPS Mayhem
Picking just one TimeSplitters game is difficult since the entire series has co-op; TimeSplitters 3 represents the most refined evolution of the zany aesthetic and also updates the shooting mechanics to feel more modern. The campaign is funny and features a lot of mission variety, from sci-fi spectacles to intimate zombie encounters.
After beating the main story, you and a friend can tackle some of the bonus content together. The game’s main draw is its beefy multiplayer component, whether that be in the competitive space or the cooperative modes.
10Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance
A Simple Action RPG With Just Enough Depth
No, Dark Alliance is not an epic RPG on the same scale as the main series; instead, it is an action RPG where you go through a specific main quest, leveling up your character as you go along. It’s simple enough to be enjoyed by everyone with enough customization to make you feel in control of your build.
The cooperative mode drops another player into the action with you. You don’t split experience down the middle, so the other player has to pull their weight in the many dungeons and cannot just rely on you.
9Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks
A Brawler Set In The Mortal Kombat Universe
Most Mortal Kombat games aretraditional one-on-one fighting games, and the ones that aren’t are mostly reviled by critics and fans alike, such as Mythologies: Sub-Zero and Special Forces. The one major exception is Shaolin Monks, a beat ‘em up that takes you through the events of Mortal Kombat 2 with Liu Kang and Kung Lao as the leads.
It is still refreshing to be able to experience the world of Mortal Kombat as a brawler, freely moving around the interconnected map instead of just through cutscenes like in the newer game. Though the genre shifts for this game, there are still plenty of fatalities and brutal deaths.
The PS2 port of Half-Life contains Decay, a unique two-player cooperative mode that was never officially brought over to the PC versions. This version sees you and a friend control two other scientists during the events of the original Half-Life, andpuzzles are more prominent here, with many of them specifically taking advantage of the cooperative gameplay.
This mode also splits its campaign into distinct levels that can be replayed easily from the menu. Along with Opposing Force and Blue Shift, it is yet another way to experience Black Mesa and relive the accident that kickstarted the series.
This wouldn’t be the last time co-op featured prominently in a game taking place in the Half-Life Canon. Portal 2 also features a separate co-op campaign where you control two robots in the aperture science labs.
Ico is probably one of the best cases for a co-op game on this list to play with someone inept at the medium. The second player controls Yorda, the princess that Ico escorts through the game, and she has very few abilities other than simply being able to walk around.
Additionally, you have to beat the game once already to even unlock this mode. All that being said, it is a great way to introduce someone to games by letting them control a simple character, as the game’s art direction and unique story help people see the potential of video games as well.
6Lego Star Wars
A Lego Adaptation Of The Prequel Trilogy
The Lego series has been pumping out action-adventure games for decades now, but it all started with Lego Star Wars: The Video Game. This game took you and a friend through the events of the prequel trilogy with a slightly comedic bent.
The cutscenes were faithful to the story of the films, only without dialogue and with additional physical humor. The combat is simple and deaths are only punished by losing some currency, making it a great casual option for friends, and the numerous playable characters in the campaign make it a real treat for longtime fans.
5The Warriors
A Cult Classic Film From The 1970s Turned Into A Game
Rockstar was busy during this generation, putting out more than just thelegendary Grand Theft Auto games (3, Vice City, and San Andreas). They also released an adaptation of the cult New York film The Warriors, turning the events of the movie into a brawler.
You go through each level, fighting your way through the gritty 1970s New York setting in a single night, trying to make it back to Coney Island. Being a brawler, it only makes sense for cooperative play to be a part of the picture, and you’re able to go through the whole game together with a friend.
4Contra: Shattered Soldier
It’s A Side-Scrolling Shooter, Of Course There’s Co-op
As games got bigger and more complex, it became more difficult to update some classic genres like side-scrolling shooters. However, Contra still had some juice in it for the PS2 when Contra: Shattered Soldier came out.
It took the classic action and used the PS2’s power to make it as sleek and refined as possible while filling each level with magnificent setpieces. All of these can be experienced with a friend, as one would expect from the genre, and even though the game is short, it encourages replays to get the highest rank in each level.
As survival horror games go, the PS2 is filled with classics, so the Obscure series doesn’t stand out much. Their cheesy storylines can get predictable, even if they have some twists and turns, but the real appeal of the series is being able to play the whole game with a co-op partner.
That makes combat a strategic dance of managing resources, having a designated healer, and splitting between who gets the melee weapon and who gets the rare bullets. These games aren’t about being scary but about exploring a spooky area with a friend and having a blast while doing so.
Champions of Norrath is very similar to Baldru’s Gate: Dark Alliance, going as far as using a similar game engine. Much like that game, you may play with up to 4 players in the same session, but this time in a universe set within the EverQuest timeline.
If you and your friends finish Champions of Norrath, but are still hungry for more, Champions: Return to Arms is a direct sequel. While not as widely loved as its predecessor, it is still considered a classic nowadays, particularly since not that many games come out set in the EverQuest world.
