Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| It Takes Two | Best Overall | ~$30-40 | 4.7/5 |
| Overcooked All You Can Eat | Best Budget | ~$20-30 | 4.6/5 |
| A Way Out | Best Premium | ~$25-40 | 4.7/5 |
| Moving Out 2 | Best for Families | ~$20-30 | 4.5/5 |
| Unravel Two | Best Compact | ~$15-20 | 4.6/5 |
PS5 Raises the Bar for Living Room Co-op
The PS5 is one of the most powerful home consoles ever made, and its couch co-op library is growing into something genuinely impressive. The combination of near-instant load times (no more staring at loading screens between deaths), fluid 60fps gameplay, and the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback system creates a local multiplayer experience that feels distinctly next-generation.
What makes the PS5 co-op landscape particularly exciting is the variety. Sony’s first-party studios have leaned into co-op design in ways they hadn’t before, and the platform’s backward compatibility with the entire PS4 library means you’re not starting from scratch. you have access to hundreds of already-great co-op games from day one.
Here are the five best couch co-op games built for or best experienced on PS5.
Top 5 Couch Co-op Games for PS5
1. It Takes Two (PS5 version). Still the greatest co-op game ever made, now running at a locked 60fps on PS5 with faster loading. If you haven’t played it, start here. If you played it on PS4, the PS5 upgrade is free and the performance improvements are genuinely noticeable. Two players, one unforgettable experience.
2. Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Sony’s platformer gem finally gets the recognition it deserves. Built from the ground up as a PS5 title, Sackboy supports up to four players in local co-op with DualSense haptics that feel genuinely charming. you feel raindrops, textures, and collisions through the controller. Accessible to all ages while offering real platforming challenge for experienced players.
3. Gran Turismo 7 (Arcade Mode). For a completely different co-op experience, GT7’s split-screen arcade mode delivers one of the best local racing experiences on any console. The PS5 version runs at 60fps with stunning fidelity, and the DualSense adaptive triggers simulate real braking and acceleration resistance. Perfect for competitive co-op racing sessions.
4. Astro’s Playroom. Pre-installed on every PS5, this is the console’s showcase for DualSense features and it supports two-player local co-op. The haptic feedback in Astro’s Playroom remains the most impressive demonstration of what DualSense can do, and the game itself is a warm, clever celebration of PlayStation history. A must-play before anything else.
5. Baldur’s Gate 3. The most ambitious co-op RPG on PS5. Two-player split-screen co-op through a full 80-100 hour role-playing adventure with real choices, consequences, and moral complexity. The PS5 version runs smoothly and the split-screen implementation is among the best in the genre. An extraordinary achievement for fans of deep, narrative gaming.
What to Look for in PS5 Couch Co-op Games
Native PS5 vs. PS4 backward-compatible. Native PS5 titles offer DualSense features, faster loading, and better performance. Backward-compatible PS4 games still work well but don’t access PS5-specific hardware features.
DualSense integration. The best PS5 co-op games use haptic feedback and adaptive triggers differently for each player, enhancing immersion. This is a meaningful differentiator over PS4 gaming.
Frame rate. PS5 targets 60fps for most games, making fast-action co-op games like Sackboy and It Takes Two significantly smoother than their PS4 counterparts.
Content length. Match game length to your play style. Astro’s Playroom is a few hours; Baldur’s Gate 3 is 80+. Having a range of lengths in your library means you can match the game to the evening.
PEGI/ESRB rating. For mixed-age households, Sackboy and Astro’s Playroom are E-rated and completely family-friendly. Gran Turismo 7 and It Takes Two are E10+. Baldur’s Gate 3 is M-rated for mature content.
Final Thoughts
If you own a PS5 and haven’t played It Takes Two, that’s your starting point. it remains the benchmark for co-op game design. For demonstrating what makes the PS5 hardware special, Sackboy and Astro’s Playroom are the strongest showcases. Build your couch co-op library around these titles and you’ll have an exceptional range of experiences for any occasion.
Frequently asked questions
Does PS5 couch co-op require two DualSense controllers?+
Yes, most PS5 couch co-op games require a DualSense controller for each player. DualSense controllers are sold separately and can be costly, so factor this into your budget if you only have one. For games that support it, a PS4 DualShock 4 can substitute for the second player, though you won't get the DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers for that player.
What makes PS5 couch co-op better than PS4 couch co-op?+
PS5 delivers near-instant load times, higher frame rates, and DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that can be different for each player. In co-op games designed for PS5, each player's controller can provide different tactile feedback. one player's trigger resistance may differ from another's based on their in-game actions, adding a new layer of immersion to local multiplayer.
Are PS5 couch co-op games worth buying physically or digitally?+
Either format works well. Physical copies can be resold or shared, which is useful if you want to try before committing. Digital copies are more convenient. no disc swapping. and often go on sale during PlayStation Store promotions. If your PS5 is a Digital Edition (no disc drive), digital is your only option. Sales on the PlayStation Store frequently bring major titles to significant discounts.