Must-Try Puzzle Games with Online Co-op

Puzzle games have long been a favorite among gamers for their ability to challenge the mind while providing satisfying moments of triumph. But when you add online co-op into the mix, these brain-teasing adventures become even more engaging—transforming solitary problem-solving into a shared experience filled with laughter, teamwork, and the occasional friendly rivalry.

Whether you’re looking to team up with friends or make new ones through collaborative gameplay, here are some must-try puzzle games with online co-op that will test your wits and strengthen your bonds.

1. Portal 2

No list of co-op puzzle games would be complete without Portal 2. Valve’s masterpiece takes the mind-bending portal mechanics of the original and expands them into a brilliantly designed cooperative campaign. You and a partner must work together to solve increasingly complex puzzles using portals, lasers, and gels—all while navigating the sarcastic commentary of GLaDOS. The game’s clever level design and seamless co-op integration make it a timeless choice for puzzle enthusiasts.

2. It Takes Two

Winner of multiple Game of the Year awards, It Takes Two is a delightful blend of platforming, puzzles, and heartfelt storytelling. Designed exclusively for two players, the game follows Cody and May, a couple magically transformed into dolls, as they navigate surreal environments filled with inventive puzzles. Each level introduces new mechanics, ensuring that gameplay stays fresh and engaging. The co-op aspect is central to the experience, requiring constant communication and teamwork—making it perfect for friends or partners.

3. We Were Here Series

If you enjoy escape-room-style challenges, the We Were Here series is a must-play. These asymmetric co-op games strand you and a partner in a mysterious, often eerie setting where you must solve puzzles by relaying information to each other. One player might have access to a map while the other deciphers clues, creating a thrilling dynamic that demands clear communication. The series includes We Were Here, We Were Here Too, We Were Here Together, and We Were Here Forever, each offering progressively more intricate puzzles.

4. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

For a high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping puzzle experience, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is unbeatable. One player is trapped in a room with a ticking time bomb, while the other (or a group) has access to a bomb-defusal manual—but no visual input. The frantic back-and-forth as you describe the bomb’s mechanisms and your teammates scramble to guide you through defusal makes for an unforgettable co-op experience. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and incredibly rewarding when you succeed.

5. Unravel Two

Unravel Two is a visually stunning puzzle-platformer that follows two Yarnys—adorable creatures made of yarn—as they traverse beautiful, handcrafted environments. The game’s puzzles revolve around using your interconnected yarn to swing, climb, and pull objects in sync with your partner. Its serene atmosphere and intuitive co-op mechanics make it a great choice for players who prefer a more relaxed yet still engaging puzzle experience.

6. Operation: Tango

A modern take on asymmetric co-op, Operation: Tango casts one player as a spy and the other as a hacker working together to complete high-tech missions. The spy navigates the field while the hacker accesses security systems, deciphers codes, and provides critical intel. The game thrives on communication, as neither player has full visibility of the challenges—making every successful mission a testament to teamwork.

Final Thoughts

Puzzle games with online co-op offer a unique blend of mental stimulation and social interaction, turning problem-solving into a shared adventure. Whether you prefer the dark humor of Portal 2, the emotional journey of It Takes Two, or the frantic teamwork of Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, there’s a co-op puzzle game out there to suit every taste.

Grab a friend, fire up one of these titles, and get ready to put your heads together—because the best puzzles are the ones you solve as a team.