For multiplayer on one PC, the best pick depends on whether you want a two-player story, a group party game, or a puzzle or platforming challenge. This list covers ten local co-op choices, including shared-screen and split-screen games. “Local multiplayer” describes playing together on the same PC; it does not guarantee that a game will launch without an internet connection. If you need to play while fully offline, check the current store listing and the game’s offline authentication requirements first.
What “offline multiplayer” means here
This guide focuses on local multiplayer: people playing together on one PC, rather than joining an online co-op session. Local play may use split-screen, with separate views for each player, or shared-screen play, where everyone stays in one camera view. The terms are related, but the formats feel different; check the game’s current PC listing to confirm its local player count and setup.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Sid Meier's Civilization VI - PC | $13.73 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist - PC | $14.85 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Free Friends pc game | $26.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - PC | $41.54 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Call of Duty Deluxe Edition - PC | $27.69 | Buy on Amazon |
Local multiplayer support also does not establish whether a game can start without internet access. Offline authentication and DRM requirements vary, and they have not been verified title by title here. If you expect to play disconnected, check those requirements for the game and store you use.
10 local multiplayer games for PC to consider
These are curated picks, not a measured ranking. The order is practical rather than an objective score: choose by group size, play style, and whether you want a campaign or shorter party sessions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- EXPANSIVE EMPIRES: See the marvels of your empire spread across the map like never before.
- ACTIVE RESEARCH: Unlock boosts that speed your civilization's progress through history.
- DYNAMIC DIPLOMACY: Interactions with other civilizations change over the course of the game.
- COMBINED ARMS: Expanding on the “one unit per tile” design, support units can now be embedded with other units.
-
Split Fiction — a two-player story campaign
From the studio behind It Takes Two, this co-op adventure pairs fantasy and science-fiction settings. It suits two people looking for a campaign built around playing together, rather than a larger group looking for party rounds. The 2026 guides describe it as a split-screen choice.
-
It Takes Two — a story-led adventure for two
This co-op adventure is designed around two players. Pick it for a pair who want a dedicated narrative campaign; it is not the choice for a bigger couch group.
-
A Way Out — a cinematic prison-break story
A Way Out is a two-player, split-screen prison-break adventure. Its appeal is a directed, cinematic story, not a repeatable party-game format.
Rank #2
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist - PC- OWN YOUR PLAY STYLE: Splinter Cell Blacklist builds on the stealth roots of the franchise, while exploring new directions to embrace the realms of action and adventure. Players can define their personal play styles and be rewarded for those choices.
- TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Fans of stealth will be happy to make the most of Sam's sneaking abilities to abduct and carry enemies, while Killing in Motion allows the player to strike with surgical precision by marking and executing multiple enemies in one fluid motion.
- SPIES VS. MERCS RETURNS: Spies vs. Mercs is back with a new take on asymmetrical gameplay. Players will be able to face off in teams of 4 while creating their very own Spy or Merc according to their playstyles via thorough customization elements. The original Classic Spies vs. Mercs experience also makes its long awaited comeback for the fans.
- COOP: Co-Op is back and bigger than ever with 14 maps & 4 mission types. While you play you also earn in-game currency and unlock additional weapons or gadgets via specialized missions assigned by Grim, Briggs, Charlie and Kobin.
-
Overcooked! All You Can Eat — chaotic cooperative cooking
This is the group-friendly option for players who enjoy communicating under pressure. Steam’s official Overcooked! All You Can Eat listing documents local co-op and recommends gamepads. Confirm the supported local player count on the current listing before planning a group session.
Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →Recommended: Fix Windows Errors and Clear Junk Files in Minutes - Free Scan →Recommended: Update Every Outdated Driver on Your PC in One Scan - Free →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Moving Out — slapstick coordination
Moving Out turns moving furniture into physics-driven co-op chaos. The 2026 guide groups it among party games for two to four players; check the game’s current listing for the supported local setup.
-
PlateUp! — restaurant management with progression
Choose PlateUp! if you want more planning and ongoing progression than a short party round. The 2026 guide describes it as a blend of restaurant management and roguelite structure.
Rank #3
-
Cuphead — demanding run-and-gun action
Cuphead offers local co-op for two in a run-and-gun game styled after 1930s cartoons. Its demanding difficulty is part of the experience, so it is a better fit for players who actively want a challenge than for a relaxed group session.
-
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga — family-friendly Star Wars co-op
This action-adventure is a family-friendly local co-op pick for Star Wars fans. Check the current PC listing for local player support and input details before setting up.
DriversOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownPerformancePC Slower Than It Used to Be?DriversCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Unravel Two — thoughtful platforming for a pair
Two linked yarn characters anchor this cooperative platformer. It suits a pair looking for thoughtful platforming rather than a fast party game.
Rank #4
Sale
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - PC- A unique array of attacks specific to each Transformer ranging from powerful missile attacks and rapid-fire chain guns to explosive energy blasts and visceral melee strikes.
-
Portal 2 — a two-player puzzle campaign
Portal 2 has a co-op puzzle campaign for two. Do not assume that getting couch play working on PC is as simple as connecting a second controller: the reviewed PC guide cautions that split-screen access can be fiddly. Check the current store listing and setup instructions before relying on it for an easy local session.
How to choose the right game for your group
Start with the number of players
Story-focused choices such as Split Fiction, It Takes Two, and A Way Out are built for two. Party or shared-screen games may suit more people, but the supported number varies by title. Confirm local player count on each current PC listing rather than assuming a game supports your whole group.
Check whether you want split-screen or shared-screen play
Split-screen gives each player a separate viewport. Shared-screen local co-op keeps everyone in one camera view, which can work well when players stay near each other. “Couch co-op” does not, on its own, tell you which format a PC version uses.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
Match the game to the session
- For a story campaign: consider Split Fiction, It Takes Two, or A Way Out.
- For hectic party play: consider Overcooked! All You Can Eat or Moving Out.
- For planning and progression: consider PlateUp!.
- For platforming or action: consider Unravel Two or Cuphead, keeping the latter’s high difficulty in mind.
- For puzzles or a family-friendly themed adventure: consider Portal 2 or LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, respectively.
Plan your controllers and inputs
PC local co-op input requirements differ by game. Some titles expect player two to use a gamepad; Steam recommends gamepads for Overcooked! All You Can Eat. Check the store listing and setup details for your chosen game, and connect controllers before launching if its instructions require that. Do not assume every game needs two controllers.
Sources and what to verify
The selections and format guidance draw on Press Start Co’s 2026 guide to best split-screen games on PC and SteamSage’s guide, best couch co-op (local multiplayer) PC games in 2026, published July 3, 2026. Steam’s Overcooked! All You Can Eat store page identifies local co-op and recommends gamepads. PC Gamer’s July 2026 co-op guide distinguishes local and online play for Overcooked! 2; that is useful context, but it does not establish every title’s offline startup behavior.
Store pages and compatibility details can change. Before buying or organizing a disconnected session, confirm the PC version’s local player count, display format, controller support, and offline launch requirements on the current listing and with the relevant store.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
