Although gaming can be a solitary experience, there has always been a proportion of titles that put the emphasis on multiplayer. Whether it is competitive versus modes in online shooters or co-op fun in party games, there are lots of options. That means that a huge number of games are actually social experiences, meant to be enjoyed with friends and family. There has also been a resurgence in local multiplayer titles in recent times. With plenty of local multiplayer games available, there has never been a better time to get your partner involved. Just be prepared for them taking over your favorite hobby after they play these games with you.
Rayman Legends
Ubisoft revived its classic platform series in 2011 with the release of Rayman: Origins. Yet, it is the sequel that is an ideal game to play with your partner. That’s chiefly because it contains so much content, including the entire first title. Other aspects that make it a good choice include a simple control system, intuitive gameplay, and short levels. The fact that it has a nice difficulty curve also means that players won’t get suddenly overwhelmed. Thankfully, there is also a drop-in and drop-out feature, so players can come and go as they please.
Don’t Starve Together
Don’t Starve Together immediately jumps out because of its stylized, almost film noir visuals. Once you jump into the action, you will immediately realize that this is no easy game to play. It’s tough, challenging, and unforgiving, tasking players with surviving a harsh environment. Utilizing teamwork is essential to lasting as long as possible, making it ideal for playing with a trusted partner. Together, you’ll have to harvest food, craft essential supplies, and fight off enemies in a game that demands teamwork.
Jackbox Party Pack
Now in its sixth iteration, the Jackbox Party Pack is a unique gaming experience. Rather than using a traditional controller, users play the game using a smartphone or tablet. This allows anyone to pick up and play any of the games as the interface and controls are so familiar. It also allows the developers to come up with ideas that would not be possible with a normal gamepad. There are dozens of different titles, with each new pack containing around five or six games. These include quizzes, lying and deception parlor games, and even drawing challenges. They make the perfect introduction for a partner with no experience in gaming.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is the clear favorite if you want a game to just chill out and relax with. The simulation RPG tasks players with building up their own farms. You can plant crops, fish, herd cattle, or even mine for ore. There’s no frantic action or burning need to complete quests. That makes it perfect for you and your significant other to play, especially if they prefer a more peaceful experience. The only main downside of Stardew Valley is that it does not support local multiplayer. Instead, both players will have to have their own copy of the game so that they can play online together.
Rocket League
Rocket League is not easy to play and requires a lot of skill if you want to be successful. While that might put off some people it also makes it ideal for couples who are both regular gamers. The game is essentially soccer played using customized cars rather than athletes. There’s a wide array of different modes, including 2v2 game types. So you can ensure you are only on a team with your loved one as you take on other twosomes.
Nidhogg
Even if your partner is not a big gamer, there’s a good chance they will have played a fighting game. Yet, the small minority who have not will still be able to grasp the simple objective presented in them. After all, almost every fighter in existence essentially just tasks the player with beating their opponent. Nidhogg takes that idea and distills it further. There are no flashy moves or complicated combos. In this indie title, you just have to fight your opponent and make your way to the far side of the screen. This makes it super easy to pick-up-and-play and ensures newcomers don’t get overwhelmed by experienced players.
Towerfall: Ascension
There are lots of appealing things about Towerfall: Ascension that make it great for couples. For starters, the pixelated graphics, stylish visuals, and quick-paced gameplay make it appealing to a wide audience. Players basically just have to shoot their opponents with a bow and arrow. The action takes place across quick levels that may only last a few seconds. Easy to learn thanks to simple controls, it is chaotic and frantic at all times but an absolute ton of fun to play.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Of all the fighting games available on the market, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is probably the best choice for couples. After all, it is fairly easy to learn and doesn’t feature insane combos like many other fighters. It’s also bright, colorful, and downright cute, meaning partners who aren’t used to gaming might find it more appealing. Moreover, Super Smash Bros.Ultimate has a huge range of characters. These include many that are well known outside of video games, such as Pokémon and Mario. So everyone should be able to pick a favorite fighter from the roster.
Until Dawn
Couples love to sit down in front of the TV and enjoy an engrossing movie together. Until Dawn takes that feeling and attempts to transfer it to a video game setting. Although it is technically a single-player experience, it is designed in such a way to allow input from multiple people. There’s very little traditional gameplay, with the game instead relying on a choice system. Every decision can affect the narrative and future actions, allowing you and your partner to decide each action together. With each choice being important and mistakes being permanent, it is a thrilling and tense game to experience.
Portal 2
Portal might have been an innovative and imaginative game but the sequel expanded upon the idea significantly. Most important was the addition of a co-op multiplayer campaign. Playing as two cute robots, users join together to solve a wide array of puzzles. Sure, there are bound to be a few disagreements in the more challenging areas. However, playing with your significant other means you should be able to forgive any mistakes and get on with the game. The ultimate pay-off when you finally come up with a difficult solution is also worth any arguments along the way.
What is your favorite game to play with your partner? Tell us in the comments below!
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