Many multi-player games only require players to cooperate on the most basic level to achieve a stated objective. For those that desire an added level of difficulty, modern co-op video games are designed differently for players that want to challenge seemingly unbeatable odds with one or more friends.
Co-op video games require every player to perform tasks and work together toward a common goal to win the game. Cooperative games can be more frustrating to engage in than other types of activities, even with a group of very good friends. Just keep a sense of humor and everyone will emerge unscathed from their foray into cooperative play. Some of the best games for co-op play include the following, in no particular order.

Available for the Nintendo Switch, up to four friends can play and additional challenges are offered in the New Super Luigi U expansion pack. Toadette and Nabbit have enhanced abilities in the game as players set out to save the Mushroom Kingdom. It has enough creativity to keep experienced players interested and it’s an ideal way to introduce novices to the many fantastical worlds of Mario Brothers.

Available for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, and PC, the game follows Jess and Sophie, twin daughters of the well-known Nazi-killing B.J. Blazkowicz of the franchise’s previous incarnations. Intense battles, lots of weapons, unlockable skills, and banter abound as the girls display what they’ve learned as they search for their famous father. The Deluxe edition of the game comes with a Buddy Pass that enables a player to invite a friend to play online, even if they didn’t buy the game themselves.

No co-op game would be complete with a Tom Clancy title featuring some of the most difficult challenges to date that can be shared with three friends as the team seeks to save the U.S. from utter collapse. Players have their primary campaign, along with side missions, lots of loot, and endgame content just for fun. It’s available for the Xbox One, PC and PS4.

The epic fantasy is no lightweight, just-for-fun game. It features tactical combat in a variety of landscapes, deceit and betrayal. A myriad of choices are offered throughout the game, each of which comes with its own set of consequences that will ultimately affect game play. While it’s a co-op game, players can function as a team or even actively work against each other. It’s offered for the PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.

Rather than trading predictable blows with an opponent, this game requires players to use patience and skill to take down gigantic monsters in their natural habitats during battles of epic proportions. Gamers can use anything at their disposal to craft armor and weapons. Players are part of the Research Commission, charged with the task of unraveling the mystery of the migration known as the Elder Crossing. It’s offered for PS4, Xbox One and PC.