Best Co-Op Games Like Split Fiction to Try Now
If you and your partner just finished Split Fiction and are hungry for more, the top pick is It Takes Two—it’s made by the same studio, Hazelight, and delivers the same genre-hopping, laugh-out-loud cooperative adventure with even more minigames and emotional weight. It’s the closest thing to a guaranteed hit for two players, and it’s won Game of the Year for good reason.
What to Look For
Not every co-op game scratches the same itch as Split Fiction. Here’s what actually matters when choosing your next duo adventure:
- True co-op design: Look for games where both players have unique abilities that must be combined to solve puzzles. Avoid titles where one player is just a sidekick or a floating camera.
- Story and pacing: Split Fiction shines because the story keeps you moving. A good co-op game should have a narrative that motivates you to keep playing, not just a series of disconnected challenges.
- Variety of gameplay: The best co-op games constantly introduce new mechanics—platforming, racing, stealth, combat—so you never get bored. Check for that variety in reviews or gameplay clips.
- Two-player focus: Some games support co-op but are clearly designed for solo or four-player. For the Split Fiction experience, you want a game built exclusively for two.
- Accessibility: Consider difficulty settings, whether you can play online or only local, and if there’s a friend pass (one person buys, the other plays free).
It Takes Two
Strengths: The spiritual successor to Split Fiction—same developer, same DNA. Every level introduces a new ability for each character, from tree sap guns to time-bending gadgets. The story about a couple on the verge of divorce is surprisingly heartfelt, and the minigames (like a competitive squirrel battle) are pure fun.
Trade-offs: It’s not a shooter; combat is light and mostly puzzle-based. The story’s emotional beats can feel heavy if you’re just looking for mindless fun. Also, you need a friend who’s willing to play the whole thing—it’s not drop-in/drop-out.
Who it suits: Any duo that loved Split Fiction for its creativity and co-op mechanics. It’s the safest bet.
A Way Out
Strengths: Another Hazelight title, this one is a gritty prison-break drama. It’s entirely co-op, with each player controlling one of two convicts. The gameplay is more grounded—stealth, quick-time events, and occasional action—but the split-screen (even online) is used brilliantly to create tension and shared moments.
Trade-offs: It’s shorter (about 6-8 hours) and less whimsical than Split Fiction. The story is serious and linear, so there’s less replay value. Also, the controls can feel dated.
Who it suits: Players who want a cinematic, story-driven experience with a darker tone. If you enjoy movies like The Shawshank Redemption, this is for you.
Unravel Two
Strengths: A beautiful, physics-based puzzle platformer where you play as two yarn creatures (Yarnys) connected by a thread. The co-op is seamless—you can play alone or with a friend, and the puzzles require you to use each other’s weight and momentum. It’s calm, atmospheric, and perfect for relaxing evenings.
Trade-offs: It’s much slower-paced than Split Fiction; there’s no combat or high-octane action. The difficulty curve is gentle, so hardcore gamers might find it too easy. Also, the story is told through environments, not dialogue.
Who it suits: Couples or friends who prefer a chill, cooperative puzzle experience with gorgeous visuals. Great for non-gamers too.
Portal 2 (Co-op Mode)
Strengths: The gold standard of puzzle co-op. You and your partner play as robots, each with a portal gun, and you must solve increasingly complex spatial puzzles that require perfect coordination. The writing is hilarious, and the sense of accomplishment when you crack a tough chamber is unmatched.
Trade-offs: It’s not a new game—graphics and mechanics are from 2011. There’s no story in co-op mode beyond the test-chamber framing. And it can be frustrating if you and your partner have very different puzzle-solving speeds.
Who it suits: Puzzle lovers who enjoy a mental challenge. If you liked the puzzle sections of Split Fiction more than the action, this is a must.
Overcooked! 2
Strengths: The ultimate test of teamwork and communication. You run chaotic kitchens, chopping, cooking, and serving dishes while navigating moving platforms and fire hazards. It’s frantic, hilarious, and will either make or break your friendship. The DLC adds even more absurd levels.
Trade-offs: It’s not an adventure—there’s no story or exploration. The difficulty can spike sharply, and it requires quick reflexes. Also, it’s best played locally, though online works.
Who it suits: Pairs who want a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud party game. Perfect for a shorter session when you don’t want to commit to a 10-hour campaign.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Strengths: A classic that defined emotional co-op storytelling. You control two brothers simultaneously (on one controller) or with a friend, guiding them through a fairy-tale world to save their father. The puzzles are simple but touching, and the story is devastatingly good.
Trade-offs: It’s very short (about 3 hours) and has no dialogue. The control scheme is unusual—each player controls one stick and one trigger—so it takes getting used to. Also, it’s not a happy-go-lucky game; it deals with grief.
Who it suits: Players who value narrative over gameplay. If you want a co-op game that will make you cry, this is it.
How to Choose
Your budget and play style matter. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Budget: It Takes Two and A Way Out both have a “Friend’s Pass�—only one person needs to buy the game, and the other can play for free. That’s a huge saving. Portal 2 and Brothers are often on sale for under $10. Unravel Two and Overcooked! 2 are mid-priced.
- Use case: If you want a long, story-driven adventure, pick It Takes Two or A Way Out. If you want a relaxed puzzle night, go with Unravel Two or Portal 2. For a party atmosphere, Overcooked! 2 wins.
- Common trade-offs: Story-rich games often have less replay value. Puzzle games can cause frustration if you’re not on the same wavelength. Fast-paced games (like Overcooked!) are great for short bursts but exhausting for long sessions. Consider whether you want to play online or locally—some games (like Brothers) are best on the same couch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Takes Two similar to Split Fiction?
Yes, it’s made by the same studio and shares the same core design: two players with unique abilities, a mix of genres, and a heartfelt story. It’s the closest experience you’ll find.
Can I play these games online with a friend?
Most of them support online co-op. It Takes Two, A Way Out, Portal 2, and Overcooked! 2 have online modes. Unravel Two and Brothers are local-only (though Unravel Two can be played online via share-play on some platforms).
Which game is best for a non-gamer partner?
Unravel Two is the most accessible—simple controls, no fail states, and a gentle pace. It Takes Two is also beginner-friendly because it introduces mechanics gradually.
Are there any free co-op games like Split Fiction?
Not exactly, but It Takes Two and A Way Out offer a free Friend’s Pass, so only one person pays. Portal 2 sometimes goes free on Epic Games Store, but that’s a limited-time offer.
Which game has the most replay value?
Overcooked! 2 has high replay value due to its score-based levels and DLC. Portal 2 also has community-created maps that add endless content.
What if we’ve already played all these?
Try Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (couch co-op, chaotic), Streets of Rage 4 (action brawler), or Stardew Valley (relaxing farm sim with co-op). They offer different flavors but still require teamwork.
Bottom Line
If you want the closest experience to Split Fiction, get It Takes Two—it’s the same formula, refined, and with a Friend’s Pass it’s a steal. For a more serious story, A Way Out is a great follow-up. For something lighter, Unravel Two or Portal 2 are excellent. And if you want to laugh until you cry, Overcooked! 2 is the wild card. Pick based on your mood, and you can’t go wrong.
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