With Valentine’s Day coming up, date night doesn’t have to mean fighting for reservations or committing to a fixed menu. Sometimes the best way to spend time together is simpler: sitting down, picking up two controllers, and sharing an experience that actually feels collaborative.

Co-op games can be an amazing way to connect - if you choose the right ones. Some build communication and teamwork. Others… reveal things a little too quickly.

So get your Delta Handles ready, here are five co-op games we’ve enjoyed playing together, plus one infamous game that might test even the strongest relationships.

1. It Takes Two

What it is

A two-player-only adventure built entirely around cooperation. Each level introduces new mechanics, keeping the experience fresh from start to finish. The story centers on a couple navigating their relationship after major life changes.

Why we loved it

Before Split Fiction was even a concept, It Takes Two already stood out as a game that explored the dynamics of a relationship - especially when a new child enters your life.

It’s also extremely friendly for casual gamers. The respawn system is generous, and while there are difficult sections, they never feel punishing. You’re encouraged to try, fail, and try again together - which makes it ideal for couples with different experience levels.

2. Stardew Valley

What it is

A relaxed farming and life-sim game where players can build a shared farm, manage resources, explore, and progress at their own pace. Co-op allows responsibilities to be split naturally.

Why we loved it

There’s nothing that takes the stress away quite like building a farm together with a loved one.

Doubling up on farm duties makes everything feel less rushed. One person can focus on crops while the other explores, fishes, or decorates. And building a home together in this game is genuinely a pleasure - cozy, rewarding, and easy to lose hours in.

3. Portal 2

What it is

A cooperative puzzle game where each player has unique portals and abilities. Progress depends entirely on communication and shared problem-solving rather than reflexes.

Why we loved it

If you’re into escape rooms, Portal 2 is basically that - but at home.

Solving a tough puzzle with a loved one, getting stuck, talking it through, and finally cracking it together is incredibly satisfying. There’s nothing better than high-fiving after clearing a room you thought you’d never solve.

We still hope a Portal 3 is in the works, because this style of co-op design is hard to beat.

4. Unravel Two

What it is

A cooperative platformer with light puzzle elements, designed to be accessible and forgiving. The game is short, linear, and visually charming.

Why we loved it

This is one of the shorter games on the list, but it’s packed with charm.

The platforming mechanics are fun without being overly punishing, and the linear structure makes it a non-intimidating way to get started, especially if one partner isn’t very comfortable with games.

5. LittleBigPlanet

What it is

A creative platformer built around physics, customization, and experimentation. Levels can be played straight or treated as a sandbox.

Why we loved it

The charm here is hard to beat.

From the handmade visual style to the playful mechanics, LittleBigPlanet encourages experimentation. You can help each other through tricky sections, decorate endlessly, and discover that there’s rarely just one correct solution.

And yes - sometimes you’ll even smack each other around while impatiently waiting for your partner to stop checking their phone. Sackboy’s expressions are priceless. A lot of the joy comes from messing around and making the experience your own. There’s a couple sequels but the original is fantastic.

The One Co-Op Game That Might Test Your Relationship

Overcooked 2

What it is

A fast-paced cooking game where timing, communication, and coordination are critical. Mistakes compound quickly, and chaos is guaranteed.

Why it’s dangerous

This game leads to a lot of finger-pointing and blaming, which can make it stressful for some couples.

That said, if you can pull through and truly coordinate in Overcooked, you’re probably an indestructible couple. Just know that when you’re one dish away from winning, frustration can spike fast — and that’s usually when anger and resentment sneak in.

Bonus Pick - Snipperclips

What it is

A physics-based puzzle game designed specifically for two players using Joy-Cons. Each level allows multiple solutions.

Why we loved it

This is one of the best examples of true couch co-op design.

It makes fantastic use of Joy-Cons, encourages creativity over precision, and gives you countless ways to solve each puzzle. It feels genuinely designed for two people sitting next to each other.

Playing Co-Op Anywhere (Without Squinting)

One thing we’ve really enjoyed is playing these co-op games with a Genki ShadowCast connected to an iPad or laptop. It makes it easy to take co-op nights anywhere - hotel rooms, trips, or just different rooms in the house.

Tabletop mode works in a pinch, but for most co-op games the screen is simply too small. Having a proper display makes communication easier, especially when you’re solving puzzles or coordinating under pressure.

Final Thoughts

Playing games together is a genuinely lovely alternative to defaulting to Netflix and scrolling on your phones.

Co-op games give couples a shared goal, encourage communication, and create small moments of teamwork and laughter - all without the pressure of planning something elaborate. You’re present, focused on the same experience, and building memories together, whether you’re solving a puzzle or failing in a funny way.

It doesn’t always need to be Valentine’s Day, sometimes picking the right game and playing it together is all you need. Just choose wisely — some games bring you closer, and some are better saved for another night.