Best Games Like Mass Effect 3 With Co-Op
The top pick for a game like Mass Effect 3 with co-op is Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. It nails the same third-person, squad-based, horde-combat loop that made Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer so addictive, while adding a grim sci-fi setting, deep class builds, and tight gunplay that rewards teamwork.
What to Look For
When hunting for a Mass Effect 3 co-op substitute, focus on these criteria:
- Co-op Campaign or Dedicated Mode: Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer was a separate horde mode, not the story. Decide if you want a full co-op campaign (like Gears 5) or a standalone wave-based mode (like Darktide).
- Third-Person or First-Person: ME3 is third-person with a cover system. If that’s essential, prioritize third-person shooters. If you’re open to first-person, your options expand significantly.
- Squad Roles & Abilities: The best part of ME3 co-op was the synergy between different classes—biotics, tech, and weapons. Look for games with distinct classes or loadouts that encourage team combos.
- Progression & Loot: ME3’s co-op had a satisfying loop of unlocking new characters and weapons. A game with a similar progression system will keep you coming back.
- Matchmaking & Community: A healthy player base means you can find matches quickly. Check if the game is still actively supported or has a dedicated community.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Strengths: Darktide is the closest spiritual successor to ME3’s co-op in terms of intense, mission-based combat with a strong sci-fi flavor. You choose from four classes (Veteran, Zealot, Psyker, Ogryn), each with unique abilities and weapons. The horde combat is relentless, and the difficulty scaling rewards coordination and careful positioning. The progression system—unlocking weapons, feats, and cosmetics—provides a long-term grind that mirrors ME3’s loot boxes.
Trade-offs: It’s first-person, not third-person. There’s no cover system; instead, you rely on dodging, blocking, and crowd control. The story is thin, and the mission variety can feel repetitive after dozens of hours.
Best for: Players who loved the frantic, co-op firefights of ME3 and want a more modern, challenging take with a grimdark aesthetic.
Gears 5
Strengths: Gears 5 offers a full 3-player co-op campaign, which is a departure from ME3’s separate multiplayer. The third-person cover shooting is superb, and the “Horde” mode is a direct descendant of ME3’s co-op—wave-based, with classes and fortifications. The game also has “Escape” mode, a 3-player co-op gauntlet. The visuals are stunning, and the gunplay is weighty and satisfying.
Trade-offs: The campaign is linear and not as story-driven as Mass Effect. The multiplayer modes are more competitive than cooperative, and the player base has thinned over time. The sci-fi setting is more “military” than “space opera.”
Best for: Fans who want a cinematic co-op campaign and a robust horde mode, with a focus on cover-based shooting.
Anthem
Strengths: Anthem gets a lot of flak, but its core co-op gameplay is the closest to Mass Effect in terms of abilities and teamwork. You pilot Javelin exosuits (like a mix of a biotic and a tech class), and the combat is all about combining elemental effects and detonating combos. The flying mechanics are exhilarating, and the 4-player missions are fun when they work. The progression is loot-driven, similar to ME3’s weapon and mod unlocks.
Trade-offs: The endgame is shallow, and the story is forgettable. The game was largely abandoned by the developer, so no new content is coming. Matchmaking can be sparse, and the technical issues (load times, bugs) are well-documented.
Best for: Die-hard Mass Effect fans who want that exact blend of sci-fi, abilities, and co-op, and are willing to overlook a flawed package.
Deep Rock Galactic
Strengths: This is a 4-player co-op FPS where you play as space dwarves mining on alien planets. It’s not a cover shooter, but the class-based teamwork (Driller, Engineer, Gunner, Scout) is excellent, and the procedural missions keep things fresh. The difficulty scales well, and the community is one of the friendliest in gaming. It’s a pure co-op experience with no PvP, which is a plus if you want a stress-free environment.
Trade-offs: The setting is more comedic and less serious than Mass Effect. There’s no story to speak of, and the first-person perspective might be a dealbreaker for some.
Best for: Players who want a deep, cooperative, and replayable experience with a focus on teamwork and mission variety, without the grim tone.
Mass Effect: Andromeda (Multiplayer)
Strengths: If you want more of the exact same, Andromeda’s multiplayer is a direct evolution of ME3’s. It’s still third-person, has the same class/ability system, and the horde mode is nearly identical. You can play as multiple races and classes, and the gunplay feels slightly better than ME3. It’s the easiest transition for a Mass Effect fan.
Trade-offs: The game was poorly received at launch, and the multiplayer community is small but dedicated. The loot system is grindier, and the game is no longer updated. You’ll need to find a group or play with friends.
Best for: Players who want a direct continuation of ME3’s multiplayer without learning a new game.
Outriders
Strengths: Outriders is a 3-player co-op third-person shooter with a heavy focus on abilities and class builds. The four classes (Trickster, Pyromancer, Devastator, Technomancer) each have distinct playstyles, and the “mod” system lets you customize your gear extensively. The campaign is fully playable in co-op, and the endgame expeditions are challenging and rewarding. It’s a solid, if not groundbreaking, looter-shooter.
Trade-offs: The story is clichéd, and the world is drab. The multiplayer can have connection issues, and the endgame can become repetitive. It’s not as polished as ME3, but it’s a competent alternative.
Best for: Players who want a third-person co-op shooter with deep build customization and a more traditional campaign structure.
How to Choose
Your choice depends on your priorities:
- Budget: If you want a free option, Warframe is a great co-op third-person shooter with a sci-fi setting (though it’s not listed above due to its unique movement). If you’re willing to pay, Darktide and Gears 5 are premium experiences. Andromeda is often on sale for cheap.
- Perspective: If you must have third-person, go with Andromeda, Outriders, or Gears 5. If you’re okay with first-person, Darktide and Deep Rock are excellent.
- Story vs. Gameplay: If you want a story-driven co-op campaign, Gears 5 or Outriders are better. If you just want to drop in for 20-minute missions, Darktide or Deep Rock are better.
- Longevity: Darktide and Deep Rock have active communities and ongoing support. Andromeda and Anthem are dead games—you’ll need friends to play with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer still active?
On PC, the multiplayer is still playable, but the community is small. You can find matches at peak times, but it’s not as populated as it was. On consoles, it’s mostly dead.
Can I play Mass Effect 3 co-op with friends?
Yes, you can play the multiplayer mode with up to 3 friends, and it supports matchmaking. The campaign is single-player only.
Are there any free alternatives?
Yes, Warframe is a free-to-play co-op third-person shooter with a sci-fi setting. It’s not exactly like ME3, but it’s a solid alternative. Also, Destiny 2 has a free-to-play version with co-op activities.
Which game has the most similar class system?
Anthem and Andromeda have the most similar class/ability systems, with combos and detonations. Darktide also has a strong class system but with a different feel.
Do any of these games have a good story like Mass Effect?
None of them match Mass Effect’s story depth. Gears 5 has a decent story, and Outriders has a serviceable one, but they’re not on the same level.
Can I play these games solo if my friends aren’t online?
Most of them have matchmaking, so you can play with random players. Deep Rock Galactic and Darktide have robust matchmaking. Anthem and Andromeda are more difficult to find matches for.
Bottom Line
For the best overall experience that captures the spirit of Mass Effect 3’s co-op, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is the top choice. It offers intense, class-based combat, a strong progression loop, and an active community. If you absolutely need third-person, go with Gears 5 for its polished Horde mode and campaign, or Mass Effect: Andromeda if you want the exact same formula. Avoid Anthem unless you’re a die-hard fan willing to overlook its flaws.
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