The market for cooperative video games set in space has seen significant growth, offering players shared experiences that range from intense combat to methodical exploration. This guide provides a detailed overview of ten leading titles available today, focusing on gameplay mechanics, developer information, and platform availability to help players find their next team-based adventure.
From large-scale galactic warfare to intricate starship management, the genre presents a diverse array of options. This selection highlights games designed with teamwork at their core, ensuring a compelling experience for groups of players, whether they are in the same room or connecting online from different parts of the world.
Key Takeaways
- The cooperative space game genre includes a wide variety of styles, from first-person shooters to exploration and simulation games.
- Popular titles like Helldivers 2 and Deep Rock Galactic emphasize intense, team-based combat scenarios.
- Games such as No Man's Sky and Astroneer offer vast, procedurally generated universes focused on exploration and creativity.
- Several titles, including Pulsar: Lost Colony and Void Crew, require players to assume specific roles to successfully operate a starship.
High-Octane Action and Team Shooters
For players seeking fast-paced combat and strategic teamwork, several titles stand out. These games test a squad's coordination and combat skills against overwhelming odds, making communication and tactical planning essential for success.
1. Helldivers 2
Released on February 8, 2024, by Arrowhead Game Studios, Helldivers 2 quickly became a dominant force in the cooperative shooter market. Available on PC and PlayStation 5, with an Xbox Series X/S version launched in August 2024, the game places players in the role of elite soldiers fighting for 'managed democracy' across a hostile galaxy.
The gameplay is a third-person shooter experience where teams of up to four players complete objectives while fighting off massive swarms of alien bugs and cyborgs. A key feature is the high potential for friendly fire, which adds a layer of chaotic humor and demands careful positioning. Its satirical tone, inspired by films like Starship Troopers, has been a significant part of its appeal.
2. Deep Rock Galactic
Developed by Ghost Ship Games and released on May 13, 2020, Deep Rock Galactic combines first-person shooting with mining and exploration. Players form a team of up to four space dwarves, each with a unique class: Gunner, Scout, Driller, or Engineer. The objective is to venture into procedurally generated, fully destructible caves to mine valuable minerals while fending off hordes of alien creatures.
Teamwork is critical, as each class has tools that benefit the entire group. For example, the Scout can illuminate large caverns, while the Driller can create direct paths to objectives. The game is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.
3. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Saber Interactive's Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, launched on September 9, 2024, offers a brutal third-person action experience. The game's main story campaign can be played solo or with up to three players in cooperative mode. Players take on the role of superhuman Space Marines battling against Tyranid alien swarms.
The game features multiple cooperative modes beyond the main story, including an 'Operations' mode that offers a separate narrative and a 'Siege' mode that pits players against endless waves of enemies.
Its gameplay is characterized by a mix of heavy melee and ranged combat. The game is a direct sequel to the 2011 original but is designed to be accessible to newcomers to the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It is available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
4. Borderlands Series
The Borderlands franchise, developed by Gearbox Software since its debut in 2009, is a foundational series in the 'looter-shooter' genre. It combines first-person shooting with extensive role-playing game elements, focusing on collecting vast quantities of procedurally generated weapons.
While playable solo, the series is designed around four-player cooperative gameplay. Its distinct cel-shaded art style, dark humor, and chaotic combat have made it a long-running success. With four main entries and several spinoffs, the series offers hundreds of hours of content across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platforms.
Expansive Universes for Exploration and Survival
Some cooperative games prioritize discovery, resource gathering, and base building over constant combat. These titles provide vast sandboxes where players can collaborate on creative projects and long-term survival goals.
5. No Man's Sky
Initially released in 2016 by developer Hello Games, No Man's Sky has evolved significantly through numerous free updates. The game features a procedurally generated universe with quintillions of unique planets to explore. Players can engage in various activities, including trading, bounty hunting, base building, and piloting starships.
The cooperative features allow players to team up and explore the galaxy together, build shared bases, and undertake missions. Its cross-platform support enables players on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch to connect in a shared, virtually endless universe.
A Remarkable Turnaround
No Man's Sky's launch in 2016 was met with criticism for not delivering on promised features. However, developer Hello Games committed to years of continuous, free updates that have added multiplayer, base-building, VR support, and much more, transforming it into one of the most praised comeback stories in gaming history.
6. Astroneer
System Era Softworks released Astroneer on February 6, 2019. This game offers a more relaxed and visually distinct space exploration experience. Players explore and reshape distant worlds, using a terrain tool to gather resources, build bases, and craft vehicles.
The game supports up to four-player online co-op, which enhances the base-building and exploration aspects. The focus is on creativity and discovery rather than combat, making it a welcoming experience for a broad audience. It is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Role-Playing and Simulation Experiences
A unique subgenre of cooperative space games focuses on the intricate management of a starship, where each player performs a specific job. These games demand strong communication and coordination to succeed.
7. Void Crew
Released in late 2024 by Hutlihut Games, Void Crew is a first-person space adventure for up to four players (though the original article states up to six, most sources confirm four). Each player takes on a role such as Pilot, Engineer, or Weapons Specialist aboard a spacecraft. The team must work together to navigate asteroid fields, battle hostile aliens, and manage the ship's systems.
The game incorporates roguelite elements, meaning each mission run is different. Its flexible role system allows players to switch jobs as needed, promoting dynamic and often chaotic gameplay. It is available on PC, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions also released.
8. Pulsar: Lost Colony
Pulsar: Lost Colony from Leafy Games, which saw its full release on June 22, 2021, is another title focused on multi-crew starship operation. It supports up to five players, each taking a specific role: Captain, Pilot, Scientist, Weapons Specialist, or Engineer. The game features an open, procedurally generated galaxy to explore.
Success depends on the crew's ability to coordinate tasks, from navigating the ship through space to managing power distribution during combat. The game can also be played in virtual reality (VR), offering a more immersive experience.
9. Destiny 2
Developed by Bungie, Destiny 2 is a massive online multiplayer game that blends first-person shooting with MMO and RPG elements. Released on September 6, 2017, it has a deep and continuously evolving narrative set in a sci-fi fantasy universe.
While much of the game can be played solo, its most challenging and rewarding content, such as six-player Raids and three-player Dungeons, requires tight-knit cooperative play. Players customize their characters, known as Guardians, with a vast arsenal of weapons and armor. The game is free-to-play and available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
10. Space Station 13
Space Station 13 is a unique and long-standing title that originated in 2003. It is a community-developed, top-down multiplayer role-playing game. Each round, players are assigned a job on a space station, ranging from Captain to Janitor or even Clown.
The gameplay is emergent and unpredictable, driven by player interactions. While some players perform their duties to keep the station running, others may have secret objectives to cause chaos. Its complexity and reliance on player-driven narratives have given it a dedicated community for over two decades. The game is free to play on PC.