Good Two Player Games for Xbox: Top Picks for Co-op and Competitive Fun
Looking for good two player games for Xbox to enjoy with a friend or family member? Whether you prefer cooperative adventures, competitive battles, or split-screen action, the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One have plenty of fantastic options.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best two-player Xbox games across different genres, from shooters and racing games to RPGs and puzzle adventures. Let’s dive in!
Why Play Two-Player Games on Xbox?
Playing with a friend or partner makes gaming more engaging and fun. Xbox offers:
Local co-op (split-screen or shared-screen) – Play together on the same console.
Online multiplayer – Team up or compete from different locations.
Cross-platform support – Some games allow Xbox players to join friends on PC or other consoles.
Now, let’s explore the best two-player Xbox games you should try today!
Best Cooperative Two-Player Games for Xbox
1. It Takes Two (2021)
Genre: Action-Adventure, Puzzle
Play Modes: Local & Online Co-op
One of the best two-player Xbox games, It Takes Two is a must-play cooperative adventure. You and a partner control Cody and May, a couple turned into dolls, solving creative puzzles and overcoming challenges together.
Why Play It?
Unique co-op mechanics requiring teamwork
Engaging story with humor and emotion
Variety of gameplay styles (platforming, puzzles, mini-games)
2. Overcooked! 2 (2018)
Genre: Simulation, Party Game
Play Modes: Local & Online Co-op
A chaotic cooking simulator where teamwork is key! Overcooked! 2 tests your coordination as you prepare meals in absurd kitchens.
Why Play It?
Hilariously stressful gameplay
Great for casual and competitive players
Supports up to four players
3. A Way Out (2018)
Genre: Action-Adventure
Play Modes: Local & Online Co-op
A cinematic co-op experience where two players control prisoners breaking out of jail. The game requires constant teamwork, making it one of the best split-screen Xbox games.
Why Play It?
Story-driven gameplay with twists
Unique split-screen mechanics
Only one player needs to own the game for online play
4. Diablo IV (2023)
Genre: Action RPG
Play Modes: Local & Online Co-op
Team up in Blizzard’s dark fantasy RPG, slaying demons and collecting loot. Diablo IV supports couch co-op, making it a great choice for two-player action.
Why Play It?
Deep character customization
Addictive loot system
Engaging combat and exploration
5. Minecraft (2011-Present)
Genre: Sandbox, Survival
Play Modes: Local & Online Co-op
A timeless game where creativity and survival blend perfectly. Build, explore, and fight together in split-screen or online.
Why Play It?
Endless replayability
Great for all ages
Regular updates with new content
Best Competitive Two-Player Games for Xbox
6. FIFA 23 (2023)
Genre: Sports (Soccer)
Play Modes: Local & Online VS
Compete head-to-head in the latest FIFA installment, featuring realistic gameplay and updated teams.
Why Play It?
Great for sports fans
Smooth controls and mechanics
Multiple game modes (Career, Ultimate Team, Volta)
7. Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)
Genre: Fighting
Play Modes: Local & Online VS
A brutal and flashy fighting game where two players can battle it out with iconic characters.
Why Play It?
Deep combat system
Stunning visuals and fatalities
Regular DLC characters
8. Rocket League (2015)
Genre: Sports, Racing
Play Modes: Local & Online Co-op & VS
Soccer with rocket-powered cars—need we say more? Rocket League is fast-paced, fun, and perfect for competitive duos.
Why Play It?
Easy to learn, hard to master
Free-to-play with cross-platform support
Great for quick gaming sessions
9. Halo Infinite (2021)
Genre: FPS
Play Modes: Local & Online Co-op & VS
The latest Halo entry features thrilling multiplayer modes, including split-screen for classic couch battles.
Why Play It?
Iconic shooter gameplay
Free multiplayer mode
Great weapon sandbox
10. Street Fighter 6 (2023)
Genre: Fighting
Play Modes: Local & Online VS
Capcom’s legendary fighter returns with new mechanics and characters, perfect for competitive play.
Why Play It?
Accessible for beginners, deep for pros
Stunning visuals and animations
Robust online modes
Best Split-Screen Two-Player Games for Xbox
11. Gears 5 (2019)
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Play Modes: Local & Online Co-op
The Gears of War series is known for its intense co-op campaigns, and Gears 5 delivers with split-screen support.
Why Play It?
Gritty, action-packed gameplay
Great story and characters
Horde mode for endless fun
12. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Genre: Looter Shooter
Play Modes: Local & Online Co-op
A chaotic, humor-filled FPS with tons of guns and loot. Play split-screen or online with a friend.
Why Play It?
Massive weapon variety
Hilarious writing
Open-world exploration
13. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (2022)
Genre: Action-Adventure
Play Modes: Local Co-op
Relive all nine Star Wars films in LEGO form, with fun co-op gameplay.
Why Play It?
Charming LEGO humor
Huge open worlds to explore
Great for all ages
14. Cuphead (2017)
Genre: Run-and-Gun
Play Modes: Local Co-op
A brutally challenging but rewarding game with a unique 1930s cartoon art style.
Why Play It?
Gorgeous hand-drawn animation
Tough but fair boss battles
Great for masochistic duos
15. Stardew Valley (2016)
Genre: Farming Sim, RPG
Play Modes: Local & Online Co-op
Build a farm together, mine for resources, and enjoy the relaxing life simulator.
Why Play It?
Addictive and calming gameplay
Deep progression system
Great for long-term play
Final Thoughts: Best Two-Player Xbox Games
Whether you're looking for co-op adventures, competitive battles, or split-screen fun, Xbox has some of the best two player games available. From It Takes Two to Halo Infinite, there’s something for every type of gamer.
What’s your favorite two-player Xbox game? Let us know in the comments!
FAQ: Good Two Player Games for Xbox
Q: What are the best free two-player games on Xbox?
A: Rocket League, Fortnite, and Apex Legends offer great free multiplayer experiences.
Q: Does Xbox Series X|S support split-screen games?
A: Yes! Many games, like Halo Infinite and Borderlands 3, support split-screen.
Q: What’s the best couch co-op game for Xbox?
A: It Takes Two and Overcooked! 2 are fantastic for local co-op.
Q: Can two players play on one Xbox with one controller?
A: No, most two player games require two controllers.
Final Recommendations
Best Story-Driven Co-op: It Takes Two
Best Competitive Game: Street Fighter 6
Best Relaxing Co-op: Stardew Valley
Best Shooter Co-op: Halo Infinite
