For a coordinated story, try Split Fiction; for a family-friendly adventure, choose LEGO Horizon Adventures; for party chaos, Overcooked! All You Can Eat is the pick. The right choice depends on whether you want to cooperate or compete, and whether you prefer split-screen or a shared display. The player counts and features below are reported by PlayStation, not the result of comparative hands-on testing.
Best PS5 local multiplayer games by play style
PlayStation’s [local multiplayer guide] is a curated catalog, not an independent ranking. These picks are organized by the kind of game night you want. “Local” means players are together on one PS5; the display may be split or shared, depending on the game.
| Game | Best for | Local players and play | Display |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split Fiction | Coordinated story adventure | 2; cooperative | Split-screen |
| LEGO Horizon Adventures | Family-friendly couch co-op | 2; cooperative | Shared screen; no split-screen required |
| Overcooked! All You Can Eat | Party chaos | 2–4; cooperative or competitive | PlayStation guide does not specify |
| Gran Turismo 7 | Competitive racing | 2; competitive | Split-screen |
| EA SPORTS FC 26 | Sports matchup | 2–4; competitive or cooperative | PlayStation guide does not specify |
| Diablo IV | Shared-screen action RPG | 2 locally; cooperative, with online players able to join the party | Single shared screen |
| My First Gran Turismo | Free-to-download introduction to racing | Local player count and mode not stated in PlayStation’s guide | Not stated |
Player counts and play modes in this table are from PlayStation’s [guide]. Where its descriptions do not establish a display style or local count, that detail is identified as not stated rather than inferred.
For a two-player story you solve together: Split Fiction
PlayStation lists Split Fiction as two-player local co-op. Players coordinate through levels that alternate between fantasy and science-fiction worlds, and the local mode uses split-screen. Choose it when communication and working through a story together matter more than competing for a score.
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- 👉️【Usage Notes】When using the gamepad for the first time, it needs to be connected to the PS5 console via a USB-C cable（It must be the data cable included in the package or the original data cable）, and then press the Home button to activate it. If your controller has any functional issues, please use this url to update the firmware: we.tl/t-yAwofXJL9YOyyq3K !!! The gamepad is only compatible with PS5 series consoles and Windows PCs, and it is not compatible with PS4.
- 👋【Quick Connection & One - click Wake - up】 You can connect to the PS5 console by pressing the HOME button on the controller. When connecting to the console for the first time, you need to use a data cable. It also supports use on computers with Windows operating systems.
- 🎮️【Controller with Sound】 The controller is capable of producing sound, providing an immersive gaming experience. Please note that the controller is only equipped with a speaker and has no microphone. If you want to use the microphone fuacnction, please use an external headset. It is equipped with a 3.5mm TRRS headphone jack（not compatible with Apple headphones.）
- 🌈【Customizable Colors】Press the Lighting button to switch colors and light effect modes with one click. It features a color memory function, ensuring that the next time you use it, it will still be the color you prefer.
- 🕹️【High - Precision Joysticks】Equipped with upgraded joysticks, these effectively reduce the joystick dead zone and extend the controller's service life.
For approachable couch co-op: LEGO Horizon Adventures
The game supports two players locally and is described on its [official game page] as designed for players of all ages. Couch play does not require split-screen, which can make it easier to follow together on one display.
For a lively group: Overcooked! All You Can Eat
This edition combines the first two Overcooked! games and their DLC packs. PlayStation lists local co-op and competitive play for two to four players. Its Assist Mode can slow timers and skip levels, useful if the kitchen rush is more stressful than fun.
Rank #2
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
For head-to-head racing: Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7 supports two-player local competition in split-screen. PlayStation lists Arcade, GT Campaign, and Driving School modes, and describes a collection of over 420 cars. That car count is PlayStation’s published figure, not an independently audited count.
For a sports contest: EA SPORTS FC 26
PlayStation lists two to four local players and both competitive and cooperative modes. Its guide describes the game as featuring 20,000+ players from 750+ authentic clubs; those figures are publisher-reported.
Rank #3
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
For shared-screen action: Diablo IV
PlayStation lists two-player local co-op on a single screen. The guide also says online players can join the party, so this is a fit when two people want to play locally while including others online.
For a low-commitment racing introduction: My First Gran Turismo
PlayStation describes it as a streamlined, approachable, free-to-download introduction with selected challenges, vehicles, and circuits. The guide does not state a local multiplayer player count or mode for this title, so treat it as a way to try the racing series rather than a confirmed two-player couch game.
Rank #4
- ❗❗❗Tips：Due to a recent PS5 system update, vibration and controller speaker functions of our controllers may be temporarily unavailable.. No need to worry—your controller is not defective. This is a system compatibility issue that may be resolved through a future PS5 update
- 【Designed for PS5 Console Compatibility】Our PS5 wireless controller is specially designed to work seamlessly with the PS5 console. It pairs effortlessly and delivers stable performance across a wide range of PS5 games. Players can enjoy smooth gameplay with intuitive button layouts and responsive control functions, offering a true next-gen gaming experience
- 【Ergonomic Design with Immersive LED Light Effects】This PS5 controller is designed with player comfort in mind. It has a balanced weight and a comfortable grip, effectively reducing fatigue even during long gaming sessions. The built-in LED lighting system offers vibrant, customizable color effects that enhance the visual atmosphere and bring more excitement to your gaming setup
- 【Advanced Bluetooth Connection】Our PS5 wireless controller uses the latest Bluetooth technology to ensure a stable and fast wireless connection with your PS5 system.The setup process is quick and simple—just pair once and enjoy reliable communication without cables. The enhanced transmission performance minimizes interference and ensures consistent control, even during fast-paced action games
- 【Ultra-Low Latency and High-Precision Control】Built for accuracy and responsiveness, this controller features highly sensitive analog sticks and precision triggers for refined control. Every movement and command registers instantly with minimal delay, giving players a competitive edge in shooting, racing, or sports games. The optimized chip design helps maintain low input lag for a fluid, real-time response
How to choose between split-screen and shared-screen play
Split-screen gives each racer or player a separate view, as in Split Fiction and Gran Turismo 7. A shared-screen game keeps both players in one view; PlayStation specifically identifies LEGO Horizon Adventures as not requiring split-screen and Diablo IV as single-screen co-op. For the other titles here, the cited guide establishes local play but does not specify the display arrangement.
- Pick co-op if you want to solve levels, cook together, or progress through an adventure.
- Pick competitive modes for a direct racing or sports matchup.
- If you want more than two people on one console, the guide lists Overcooked! All You Can Eat and EA SPORTS FC 26 for up to four local players.
- For mixed ages or experience levels, consider LEGO Horizon Adventures; for a gentler way into Overcooked!, use Assist Mode.
What you need to play together locally
PlayStation recommends an extra DualSense wireless controller for local multiplayer. Check the chosen game’s requirements rather than assuming every title has the same controller setup.
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- 【Connection & Wake-up】When using the gamepad for the first time, it needs to be connected to the PS5 console via a USB-C cable（It must be the data cable included in the package or the original data cable）, and then press the Home button to activate it. After completing the first connection, you only need to press the HOME button to turn on the PS5 console. The gamepad is compatible with PS5 series consoles and Windows PCs, and it is not compatible with PS4.
- 【Controller with Sound】The controller is capable of producing sound, providing an immersive gaming experience. Please note that the controller is only equipped with a speaker and has no microphone. If you want to use the microphone function, please use an external headset. It is equipped with a 3.5mm TRRS headphone jack（not compatible with Apple headphones.）
- 【Customizable Colors】Press the Lighting button to switch colors and light effect modes with one click. It features a color memory function, ensuring that the next time you use it, it will still be the color you prefer.
- 【High - Precision Joysticks】Equipped with upgraded joysticks, these effectively reduce the joystick dead zone and extend the controller's service life.
- 【Multiple Functions】10 times/second Turbo function can be set, supporting up to 16 keys programming, making your gaming experience even better.
For LEGO Horizon Adventures, the official [FAQ] says couch co-op requires two controllers and does not require PlayStation Plus. The same FAQ says online co-op requires PlayStation Plus, and that cross-play between PS5, PC, and Switch is not supported: co-op players need to be on the same platform. These subscription details apply to LEGO Horizon Adventures; they should not be generalized to the other games.
PlayStation Direct also maintains a [Play Together: Couch Co-op] collection. It is another publisher-curated source for browsing games promoted for same-room play, not a ranking of quality.
Quick Recap
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