Must-Try Indie Games with Online Co-op

In the vast landscape of indie games, there’s something uniquely magical about titles that blend creativity, heart, and multiplayer fun. Whether you’re looking to team up with friends or make new ones across the globe, indie co-op games offer unforgettable experiences—often with charming aesthetics, innovative mechanics, and heartfelt storytelling. Here’s a curated list of must-try indie games featuring online co-op to dive into with your favorite gaming buddies.

1. Overcooked! 2 – Culinary Chaos at Its Finest

Developer: Ghost Town Games, Team17

If you thrive under pressure (and enjoy a bit of friendly shouting), Overcooked! 2 is the perfect co-op experience. This chaotic cooking simulator tasks you and up to three friends with preparing meals in increasingly absurd kitchens—from food trucks to haunted houses. Coordination is key, and the frantic energy makes every session a hilarious, high-stakes adventure.

2. Stardew Valley – Farm, Fish, and Forge Friendships

Developer: ConcernedApe

What starts as a simple farming sim quickly evolves into a deep, relaxing, and endlessly engaging multiplayer experience. Stardew Valley lets you and up to three friends cultivate a shared farm, explore mines, attend festivals, and build relationships with the game’s quirky villagers. Its wholesome charm and open-ended gameplay make it a timeless co-op gem.

3. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime – A Cosmic Co-op Adventure

Developer: Asteroid Base

This neon-drenched, spaceship-management roguelike requires tight teamwork as you and up to three players control different stations of a single ship—piloting, manning shields, and firing weapons against hostile forces. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a delightful blend of strategy and chaos, perfect for players who love coordination-based challenges.

4. PlateUp! – Restaurant Roguelike Madness

Developer: It’s Happening

A mix of Overcooked! and roguelike progression, PlateUp! tasks you with running a restaurant that evolves between shifts. Customize your kitchen, automate processes, and strategize with friends to keep your culinary empire afloat. The procedural upgrades and frantic gameplay ensure no two playthroughs are the same.

5. Deep Rock Galactic – Dwarven Mining Mayhem

Developer: Ghost Ship Games

For those who love a mix of teamwork, exploration, and combat, Deep Rock Galactic delivers an exceptional co-op experience. Play as space-faring dwarves mining precious resources on hostile alien planets, fending off swarms of creatures with an arsenal of weapons and gadgets. The game’s procedural caves and class-based teamwork make every mission a fresh thrill.

6. It Takes Two – A Story-Driven Co-op Masterpiece

Developer: Hazelight Studios

Though technically from a larger indie-adjacent studio, It Takes Two deserves a spot for its inventive co-op-only gameplay. The story follows Cody and May, a couple magically turned into dolls, as they navigate surreal worlds filled with puzzles and mini-games. Each level introduces new mechanics, ensuring the adventure stays fresh from start to finish.

7. Don’t Starve Together – Survival of the Friendliest

Developer: Klei Entertainment

The multiplayer expansion of Don’t Starve turns its punishing survival gameplay into a shared struggle against darkness, hunger, and eldritch horrors. With a Tim Burton-esque art style and deep crafting systems, Don’t Starve Together rewards teamwork and creativity—just try not to accidentally set your friend on fire.

Final Thoughts

Indie co-op games prove that some of the best multiplayer experiences come from small teams with big ideas. Whether you’re cooking under pressure, farming under the sun, or surviving in the depths of space, these titles offer unforgettable moments when shared with friends. So grab a headset, rally your squad, and dive into one of these fantastic indie adventures!

What’s your favorite indie co-op game? Share your picks in the comments!