Summary
First-person shooters are always a blast to play with friends, whether fighting against one another or working together to accomplish the same goal.The fun that comesfrom using all the tools the game provides to successfully execute a teamfight or to take down that tricky boss that’s been preventing progress is pretty hard to match, especially when the whole group gets to contribute.
Oftentimes, games will allow players to work together on the same team, but not directly allow them to combine abilities or coordinate in a way that is actually meaningful. But for players looking for that real additional level of cooperation, there are more than a few games that scratch that itch and put the co-op first above all else.
Payday 3builds on the tactical co-op chaos of the previous titles and brings coordination to the center of every heist. Players each assume a specialized role to complete multi-staged missions that can contain anything from hacking security cameras to cracking high-security vaults. Every move needs to be communicated, as one mistimed move can spell the end for the whole group.
The beauty of the game is how it forces players to plan and improvise together. Brute-force never works, and instead, players need to usemilitary-level teamworkand split-second decision-making in order to successfully pull off the elaborate tasks ahead of them. Everyone contributes in their own way, and the game simply feels amazing when all the pieces of the puzzle coalesce perfectly.
Apex Legendsis a fast-paced, futuristic take on the battle-royale genre that sees players assuming the role of several different characters as opposed to dropping in as a blank slate. Each Legend has their own tools and abilities that can be used both offensively and defensively, and the key to success on the battlefield is careful coordination with the other two members in the squad.
Zip-lining across structures in unison, teleporting across large stretches of the map, or sharing resources in a fair manner — teamplay is at the very heart of the game, and aside from the actual mechanics built in, shot-calling and focus-fire become integral parts to any game and can lead the team to victory on communication alone.
An update that deserved a rename,Overwatch 2takes the existing formula andgameplay of the classic titleand brings in a whole new set of mechanics and heroes to usher in a new age and a whole new set of players. On a basic level, the game allows players to consistently heal and peel for their teammates, with intuitive abilities that are as powerful as they are flashy.
But the more time players spend with the game, the more combos that open up, and the level of depth is seemingly endless. Whether teleporting a full team behind enemy lines or pulling off the coveted nano-blade, teamwork really makes the dream work, and the incentive to work together is directly tied to the overall success of the game.
The classic class shooter that still holds up today,Team Fortress 2has so much to offer, from satisfying gunplay to insane character depth that goes far beyond the surface. Choosing between one of the nine distinct classes, players work together, pushing payloads and capturing objectives, all while combining their individual skills to succeed in the most efficient way possible.
There are plenty of times when pushing into the final choke point is virtually impossible without a well-timed Ubercharge, and the satisfaction that comes from fully executing a push with all the coordination of an action movie is unmatched. There are also plenty of weapon choices that alter how a character functions in a team, like Soldier’s ability to trade the shotgun for powerful aura buffs that aid the team and lead to some wacky possibilities (if used correctly).
Left 4 Dead 2stands out as a pure co-op experience, where up to four players must survive zombie onslaughts across insanely dynamic, AI-driven campaigns. There’s no room for lone wolves here, as players need to cover flanks, revive each other, and manage resources carefully as the relentless infected constantly attempt to isolate and overwhelm them.
The game’s brilliance lies in its demand for real-time coordination. Players need to move as a unit, call out enemy types, and adapt on the fly, and the unique enemy design and behavior keep each run unpredictable. Even over a decade later,Left 4 Dead 2remains one of the tightest and most rewarding co-op shooters ever made.
3Valorant
Timed Ability Usage That Can Turn A Round Instantly
Valoranttakes the tactical shooter formula that has over a decade of lineage behind it and gives it a modernized look and a whole new universe full of interesting characters to explore. Every map has its own setups and tactics for both offense and defense, and choosing the right set of Agents for the job requires a good understanding of the kinds of tools that each can bring to the team.
Some characters are self-sufficient dualists who can take fights on their own, while others prefer to support the team with heals and crowd-control abilities, providing crucial intel for the team and requiring clear communication to fully benefit. There is a good amount of extra depth as well, with things like Sage wall boosts and sneaky Cypher cameras to add an extra level to the teamplay and co-operative gameplay.
Deep Rock Galacticisn’t just about mining space rocks and shooting bugs. It’s about each dwarf class fulfilling a vital team role that’s integral to the success of the mission. The Gunner lays down cover fire, the Scout lights up the caverns, the Driller clears paths, and the Engineer builds the bridges, each having their own playstyle and set of tools to really carve out an identity in the caves below.
What makes the co-op shine is how naturally the game pushes players to work together. Missions are procedurally generated, filled with hazards and objectives that require creative team solutions, and in the midst of collapsing tunnels and waves of giant alien bugs, the only way of making it out alive is to trust the team and combine every tool possible to make it through the storm.It’s accessible and easy to jumpin, even for players with a mild case of arachnophobia.
Destiny 2offers some of the most complex andsatisfying co-op FPS contentin all of gaming. The six-man raids are the center of attention when it comes to the apex tier of accomplishments, and the encounters go far beyond just shooting mobs, requiring players to memorize symbols, time abilities, and divide into sub-teams in order to execute strategies to perfection.
Each mission demands coordination not just in the combat but in the player’s movements around the area. Communication and coordination are key to success, and players are heavily incentivized to use their supportive skills to protect their allies and make it through as a group, as even one mistep can wipe the whole team in a matter of seconds.
