Summary
Gaming has always worked better when people are playing together. Experiencing what the game has to offer with someone else in person has a certain, special quality to it that’s hard to replicate online. There was a time when the option of playing with friends has been dwindling over the last few years, but the rise of indie gaming coupled with the massive success of an innovative console like the Switch has led to players being spoiled for choice when it comes to such titles.
Of course, local multiplayer games are common on other consoles as well, and theXbox Oneis no exception to this rule. The console has a ton of options in terms of local play, so there’s no shortage of fun. The good thing about local play on the Xbox One is that it’s fully supported, so here are some ofthe best local games that can be played on the Xbox One(with a few even available on the next-gen Series X/S consoles). Gamers can easily pick up one of the many great multiplayer titles on this console and enjoy hours upon hours of fun with up to three other people from the comfort of their couch.
Updated on July 26, 2025, by Gerardo Molina:The Xbox One was, without a doubt, one of the most iconic consoles of its time, as it not only had great graphics for the period and interesting exclusives that many players enjoyed, but it also opened up a ton of possibilities for those who liked to play various games solo or with friends on the couch. While online multiplayer is also great fun, many veteran players miss that feeling of sitting at home with their friends and taking on various challenges together. After all, nothing beats human connection and interaction. Some of the games on this list can be played on local co-op without too many difficulties, whereas others will require some tweaking to get them going in this configuration.
As far as Metroidvanias with interesting concepts go,Guacamelee! 2is definitely among the top contenders on the list. Players take control of Juan Aguacate, a luchador who can fight by throwing various wrestling grapples, kicks and punches. Some of the move sets of various characters are not only meant to be used in combat, but can also be used to reach great heights and move throughout the platforms available.
This is the kind of game that would work in any configuration. However, while playing with strangers online would be entertaining, it can’t beat the human experience of sitting with a friend on the couch and playing locally. While other titles restrict the Co-op experience to a maximum of two players,Guacamelee! 2allows for up to four, making everything much more fun.
Diablo 4is the latest addition to the long-standingDiablofranchise, which has provided players with decades of unending fun around its medieval fantasy RPG setting. When people talk about patience, they should use the fans of theDiablofranchise as an example, as there was an 11-year gap betweenDiablo 3andDiablo 4. Luckily, the wait was well worth it, as this new release features new and improved game mechanics, weapons, armor sets and enemies to take on, as well as interesting levels to progress through.
Unfortunately, unlike games likeGuacamelee! 2,Diablo 4does not allow for four-player couch co-op and is restricted to a maximum of two players. This is a considerable downgrade from its predecessors’ maximum of four local players, and many players agree that it was a lot more fun to be able to play with more people in the same room. The decision to cut the maximum amount of local players in half was probably made due to modern standards and the ease of online matches in gaming.
Trine 4: The Nightmare Princeis great fun and has a strong focus on physics puzzles. It builds on many of the elements that made its predecessors popular and implements a few of its own that provide a fresh and entertaining experience.
Although puzzles take the spotlight in this game, there’s also a ton of combat, which makes the game feel fast-paced and varied. One of the greatest things about this game is that it sticks to the tradition of older games and allows for up to four players to be in the same room and play together locally, which is something most veteran players are thankful for, as it reminds them of a simpler time.
Allowing up to 8 players in either online or local multiplayer,Pummel Partylets players compete against one another or AI while using a wide variety of items in many different situations.
Similar to theMario Partygames,Pummel Partyfeatures various mini-games that will put players' skills and friendships to the test and make for a very fun afternoon of conversation when playing with others locally. All in all, this title has a lot to offer players who love party games and want to compete against their friends.
Moving Outis set in the town of Packmore, where players take on the role of a furniture mover, who must transport furniture from different houses through several obstacles they’ll encounter along the way.
This fun title requires players to communicate effectively in order to navigate the spaces available to them and do the move properly.Moving Outis a great game to play locally with friends, as it presents players with exciting moments and pleasant feelings of satisfaction when a move is completed. Players who’ve already completed this game should also tryMoving Out 2for a similar experience with additional obstacles and elements that keep things interesting.
Ultimate Chicken Horseis chaotic and extremely entertaining. Players can build the levels they’ll play in and compete against one another. The game allows for the setting of traps, platforms, and a large variety of other obstacles designed to make other players have a hard time completing a course.
One of the strongest aspects of this game (if not the strongest) is its fun multiplayer that allows up to 4-player local co-op, ideal for playing with friends on the couch during a get-together. Players can both cooperate and sabotage each other depending on their needs by using simple, user-friendly controls.
Everyone loves a good roguelike, and when the concept is combined with cave exploration, masterpieces likeSpelunky 2are created. The game has procedurally generated caves that change with each playthrough and are filled with enemies, traps, and treasures. Multiplayer mode allows for up to 4 players to cooperate locally and work together to reach the cave’s treasures, while avoiding the many hidden dangers in the area.
The Permadeath feature that ends players' journey if they die raises the stakes and makes everything feel more serious. However, the possibility to work with friends to advance through the game takes away from that, keeping things light and entertaining.
Set in theMarveluniverse,LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2features a wide roster of characters and gameplay focused on combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving across various famous locations in the franchise.Like in other LEGO games, cooperation with others is key to progressing through this title and overcoming the various obstacles that arise.
Players can take on this game’s challenges with up to another 3 friends locally, which allows for tons of fun and easy in-person communication. Similar to other entries on this list, the game is family-friendly and simple enough that even younger gamers can have a blast.
Players who love the breakneck chaos in titles likeSuper Smash Bros.will love whatTowerFall Ascensionbrings to the table. In this title,gamers control four archerswith a limited number of arrows that can be resupplied from various corners of the map. Players can either shoot others or land on their heads to finish them off.
What follows is a chaotic affair, with four players scrambling to refill their arrows and avoid damage by any means necessary. Skilled players can catch arrows, while others can rely on the many skills scattered across the map to make things easier for themselves. Regardless of what a player’s familiarity with such titles can be, jumping into TowerFall Ascension is pretty simple and hooks players once they get into the competitive flow of things.
Most people even remotely familiar withOvercookedknow just how engaging this title really is. Players must band together and split tasks to fulfill as many customer orders as possible, but this is easier said than done. Even on the easiest levels,Overcookedcan become chaotic in no time if players don’t prioritize teamwork over everything else.
The best part ofOvercookedis that it only takes a few games for players to get into the flow of things, and there’s no stopping them once players reach this point. It’s easy to see why this title is perfect for players who want to check out four-player games that are entertaining and challenging at the same time.
