PS5

Helldivers 2

Best for: A squad split across PS5, PC, and Xbox that wants chaotic 4-player co-op.

1-4 players online co-op · Co-op shooter

Four-player co-op with crossplay between PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, so the classic 'I'm on PlayStation, they're on Xbox' problem just goes away. Friendly fire is always on, which is a feature. There is still no Switch version, so a Switch friend gets left out.

Facts verified via Steam store page.

Also a top pick in Best Games to Play With Friends and Online.

It Takes Two

Best for: Two people who want one story built entirely around working together.

2 players, online or split-screen · Co-op action-adventure

The gold standard for two-player co-op: every mechanic is designed for two, and the Friend's Pass lets a second player join free. Split-screen the whole way through. Skip it if you're a group of three or more - it is strictly two.

Facts verified via EA official page.

Also a top pick in Best Games to Play With Friends and Co-op.

Diablo IV

Best for: A group across different consoles that wants a shared long-haul RPG.

1-4 co-op, online · Action RPG

Full crossplay and cross-progression, so your group can play together regardless of platform and even swap devices mid-season. Split-screen exists on console too. It is a live-service grind, so best for a crew that plays regularly, not a one-off.

Facts verified via Blizzard official site.

Also a top pick in Best Games to Play With Friends and Online.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

Best for: A competitive group across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

Up to 40 online · Shooter

The current Call of Duty, and still full crossplay across all three big platforms - plus a co-op campaign and round-based Zombies if you would rather team up than compete. It is a big install and a big commitment, so it is overkill for a casual one-night session and ideal for a regular crew. Amazon carries the Xbox and PC digital code; PS5 players buy it on the PlayStation Store.

Facts verified via Call of Duty official site.

Also a top pick in Online and Crossplay.

Grand Theft Auto V (Online)

Best for: A group on the same platform that wants an open-world sandbox to mess around in.

Up to 30 online · Open-world online

GTA Online is still the go-to open-world playground for a group that just wants to cause chaos together. No crossplay, so everyone has to be on the same platform family. Cheap and enormous.

Facts verified via Rockstar official site.

Also a top pick in Online and For Adults.

EA Sports FC 26

Best for: Two football fans who want head-to-head matches.

1-2 local, online · Sports

The football pick for a versus night or an online season with friends. Crossplay is limited to same-generation platforms, so check before assuming PS5-vs-Xbox works. It is an annual release, so buy the current edition and expect the crowd to move on when the next one lands.

Facts verified via EA official page.

Split Fiction

Best for: Two players on different consoles who loved It Takes Two and want more.

2 players, online or split-screen · Co-op action-adventure

The follow-up from the It Takes Two team, and this time crossplay is in - one of you on PS5, the other on PC, no problem. Friend's Pass again means only one copy is needed. Two-player only, so it is not a party game.

Facts verified via EA official page.

Also a top pick in Co-op and Split-Screen.

Mortal Kombat 1

Best for: Two players who want a headline 1v1 fighter tonight.

1-2 versus, online · Fighting

A gorgeous, brutal 1v1 fighter with a deep roster. Best as a two-player versus night. Crossplay support is limited and mode-dependent, so don't count on it to bridge different consoles reliably.

Facts verified via Mortal Kombat official site.

Also a top pick in For Adults and Smash Ultimate Review.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Best for: A group of 2-4 that wants controlled chaos and a lot of yelling.

1-4 players, online + local · Party co-op

Both Overcooked games remastered with full crossplay across every platform - genuinely the easiest way to get four friends on four different systems cooking together. Local and online. It will test friendships; that's the point.

Facts verified via Steam store page.

Also a top pick in Best Games to Play With Friends and Party.

Borderlands 3

Best for: A group that likes loot grinding and can play on the same platform.

1-4 co-op, online + split-screen · Looter-shooter

Four-player looter-shooter co-op with split-screen for couch play - a lot of game for the money, especially the Ultimate Edition. No crossplay, so line up your platforms first. Great for a crew that wants a long shared campaign.

Facts verified via 2K official site.

Also a top pick in Co-op and Split-Screen.

Elden Ring Nightreign

Best for: Three friends who want tough, run-based co-op souls action.

1-3 online co-op · Co-op action RPG

A standalone three-player co-op spin on Elden Ring built around short, intense runs - great if your group wants a challenge, not a chill night. No crossplay, so match your platforms. Not for anyone who bounces off difficulty.

Facts verified via Bandai Namco official site.

Also a top pick in Co-op and Co-op RPGs.