Are you planning a video gaming date night? We have pulled together our top 8 co-op games to play with your date. Whether your date is a complete noob or an avid gamer, we have something here for every occasion. This is not about "romantic games" with some bullshit love story, or some card games or board games to fill 20 lackluster minutes. We have video games to spend hours battling through or casual games and races to break the ice. Each game will test your teamwork, as you work towards a common goal and coordination abilities. Be warned: playing a video game together will bring out their competitive side and reflect their true colours when going from single-player to multiplayer games. Are you prepared to learn the truth?
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii
Mario Kart is a classic couch co-op game for all experience levels. Compete in Grand Prix, Time Trials, and Battles as your favourite Super Mario Characters. For experienced players, increase your difficulty to 200cc and see who comes out on top or add 'smart steering' to help out the noobs. Mario Kart will test the boundaries between fun and rage. It is all fun and games until someone throws the fearful equalizer, more commonly known as a blue shell. Your friendly Grand Prix can quickly turn into a savage war.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch
Another classic game with a wholesome feel is Rayman Legends. Run, jump and battle through each mythical world. The game is designed to not aggravate the players, but you will face some seriously frustrating ad punishing sections. Play in co-op mode and share the screen. We advise avid gamers not to rush on and leave behind their player 2. Co-op mode can make some sections more frantic than they once seemed. Work together and save the day.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Strategise and work together to prepare delicious meals together for the 'unbread' zombies. The concept seems simple but, it will quickly unravel into the chaotic kitchen from hell as time runs down. Overcooked takes a ridiculous amount of communication and coordination between players. To conquer the game tasks must be clearly delegated and swiftly executed. Unless you and your date have ninja-level coordination, the game will likely end in a comical meltdown. Discover if you are dating Gordon Ramsey.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Play as two cutesy yarn creatures tethered together. Unravel 2 is a lighthearted choice of video game that will test your ability to work together. Another video game option if your date is not an avid gamer. Using the classic side-scrolling action to navigate through the game. This game takes equal levels of effort to complete. Using your powerful bond, swing and climb through various terrains and complete the trickiest puzzles. Unravel 2 creates a relaxed atmosphere from start to finish. This one shouldn't end in disaster.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Work together to battle the forces of Anti-Love that threaten the earth. In this space-based game, play as LOVERS (League of Very Empathetic Rescue Spacenauts) to save the universe. Together you have full control of the ship. Player 1 will steer the ship and navigate through the mazes of the galaxy. Player 2 will defend using turrets, lasers and shields. The game can quickly become hectic and will again test your communication skills. But, ultimately, you will both have a blast!!
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
One of the most innovative co-op games ever released, A Way Out is perfect for a gamer date night. Play as Leo and Vincent, two convicts on their harrowing journey to break from prison and run from the authorities. A Way Out is a video game for more experienced gamers. At times you will be working together and sharing the screen, and at other times it will change to a split-screen, and work independently. Work together as your actions will massively impact the ending. Spend hours together battling through the game.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Classic Mac OS
Gamers new to RPGs might find this current version of Diablo III overwhelming. However, ultimately you will discover it is actually more forgiving than other games of this type. Again, a game for more experienced gamers to sink their claws into. Hack down enemies, slaughter monsters, and engage in passionate battles for the loot. It is best for one player to get in on the action and the other to play the supportive ranged character. Find someone to play your witch doctor.
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Classic Mac OS
Although this particular game was created over a decade ago, it has aged gracefully. Couples playing Portal 2 will have a great time playing with guns to beat the demanding levels of the game. Portal 2 is perfect to play with your partner, looking to solve intelligently layered puzzles together. You will need problem-solving and communication skills to work out the portal placements and sequences of the puzzle rooms. Use your strengths and flex your geek muscles (your brain). Time to start playing games together and bring out the best in you both (while playing games and in real life)