Screenshot: Ghost Town Games LTD, 343 Industries, Tribute Games Inc.
With the holidays around the corner, you (like me) probably have a lot more free time on your hands than usual. So, why not invest it in a game with a friend?
There are a lot of them out there, but the ones that follow on this list are what I think are the best of the best. On top of that, you only a need Game Pass subscription for PC and you’ll get access to them without spending more than your monthly subscription. So follow along with the top 6 co-op games on PC Game Pass
6 Best co-op games on Game Pass PC to play this holiday
This list is that it’s not ranked, so you can pick whichever one and I can promise you and your friends will have a good time.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredders Revenge
Jumping into this beat-em-up action game is as easy as breathing. The colorful 8-bit action game has an easy learning curve, which makes it easier for everyone to get into. While Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredders Revenge is a four-player game, you can still dominate with two people.
Each character has their own, unique playstyle, so you can experiment to find out what works best for you. Because of its simple yet deep mechanics, players of all skill levels can have a blast with this retro arcadey beat’em up.
Sea of Thieves
Playing as a pirate is great, but being able to create a crew with one or more players makes things even better. Sea of Thieves gives you the freedom to create your adventure but still helps you not get lost. The missions you get require everyone playing to put their heads together since it’s not straightforward. These types of games are also great for making content if you’re planning on launching a gaming TikTok or YouTube channel. Plus, the PVP element adds another sense of immersion where things are actually at stake. Additionally, being cross-play helps out a ton as well, this way your friends on PC and Xbox can join your crew.
A Way Out
If you want to get lost in a unique, story-driven experience that isn’t long and is very straightforward, check out A Way Out. Players take the roles of two prison escapees and have to navigate the world and make some painful choices. While A Way Out is linear, the story itself has a ton of weight to hold everything together. Every choice you make is felt and has dire consequences. Without giving anything away, the ending does make the narrative for the entire game worth it. So it’s a must-try for the holiday. However, keep Kleenex nearby, crying will be a normal thing as the game is emotionally charged.
Gear 5
One of the most iconic games for the Xbox is still alive and kicking. Gears 5 has a ton of classic elements such as the iconic cover system, the chainsaw melee attacks, and more. However, the game does add more such as light open-world mechanics and a few side bosses that you and your friends can attempt. Gunplay is a major factor in all the Gears of War games, and in Gears 5 it feels even better. Plus, you and your friends can take the fight online with the many modes. There’s a lot in this little package, so you may be busy for the holiday season.
Overcooked! 2
Before I go into this Overcooked! 2 is that this game requires a ton of patience. I’m not kidding. My friends and I would have a yelling match over where rice should go. So if you can get over that, you’re halfway there. However, the game does have a steep learning curve that thankfully helps you get used to it quickly. From having some over-the-top levels to being a game where communication is crucial, has made Overcooked! 2 stand out out hit for co-op games on PC.
Halo: Master Chief Collection
One thing I love about Game Pass is that I can play Master Chief’s best stories all in one place. Thanks to the Halo: Master Chief Collection, you and your friend can witness all the mainline games up to Halo 4. Plus, with it being cross-play, you can expand your party size to make going through the story even more fun. It’s just a shame that Halo Infinite does have the same co-op aspects of the other games which could have made things even more immersive. You also get Halo Reach and Halo 3 ODST, so you can have hours of play with this compilation.
If you want to game this holiday but don’t have time to invest in something super deep, we have some easy-going games that are a blast to get into.