Best Alternative Games Like It Takes Two in 2026

If you loved It Takes Two, then you already know how special that game is. It blends emotional storytelling, imaginative world-building, puzzle-solving, platforming, and pure co-operative teamwork into a one-of-a-kind experience. Finding games that offer the same heart, chemistry, creativity, and two-player focus can be challenging—because not every co-op title is actually built for co-op in the same way.

But don’t worry!

In 2025, there are several incredible games that deliver similar feelings—whether you want heartfelt storytelling, clever puzzle-solving, couch or online co-op, or adventure gameplay designed around teamwork.

This article covers the best alternative games like It Takes Two, along with their gameplay style, co-op experience, platforms, and why they’re must-plays.

1. A Way Out

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Co-op: Mandatory two-player (local or online)

It would be impossible not to start this list with A Way Out, because it was created by the same studio Hazelight Studios. Just like It Takes Two, this game is fully built around playing with a partner. You cannot play it alone.

Why It's Similar to It Takes Two

• Split-screen co-op at all times

• Strong emotional storytelling

• Unique mechanics for both players

• Teamwork is crucial

• Multiple mini-games and interactive scenes

What Makes the Game Special

The game follows two prisoners, Leo and Vincent, who plan an escape from jail. But what starts as a prison break turns into a journey about trust, loss, and redemption. The narrative is gripping—and the gameplay is cinematic and immersive.

This is one of the closest alternatives if you want something with:
✔ Emotional weight
✔ Cinematic moments
✔ Character-driven scenes
✔ Bonding through teamwork

2. Unravel Two

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Co-op: Local co-op (two-player)

Unravel Two is a heartwarming puzzle-platformer featuring two adorable yarn creatures known as “Yarnys.”

Why It's Similar

• Pure teamwork-based puzzles

• Emotional storytelling without any dialogue

• Creative platforming

• Beautiful and artistic levels

What Makes It Stand Out

Unlike It Takes Two, which is more story-heavy, Unravel Two uses environmental storytelling. The scenes reflect human emotions and memories while you solve puzzles using the yarn connecting both characters.

It’s a perfect choice for couples, friends, and kids who want a calm, emotional, and beautifully designed adventure.

3. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (Remake 2024)

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Co-op: Yes (remake adds official co-op)

The 2024 remake of Brothers brings stunning new visuals, refreshed controls, and—most importantly—a proper two-player mode.

Why It's Similar

• Emotional story about family

• Requires deep cooperation

• Unique mechanics like carrying, climbing, and solving puzzles together

• Made by Josef Fares (the creator of It Takes Two)

Gameplay Experience

You control two brothers searching for the “Water of Life” to cure their dying father. The game has quiet moments, emotional highs, and a powerful ending that players never forget.

If you love story-driven emotional co-op games, Brothers is a must-play.

4. Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC
Co-op: Local + online

This charming 3D platformer from PlayStation offers a joyful and colorful world similar to the imaginative levels of It Takes Two.

Why It's Similar

• Cute characters

• Fun co-op platforming

• Creative puzzle levels

• Great for families and casual players

Gameplay Style

You and your partner explore whimsical worlds, collect bubbles, unlock costumes, and take on fun challenges. It may not be as emotional or story-heavy as It Takes Two, but the creative platforming and teamwork-based gameplay make it a great alternative.

5. Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Co-op: Up to 4 players

The Trine series combines platforming, combat, and magical puzzle-solving. Each player controls a character with unique abilities.

Why It's Similar

• Co-op puzzle-solving

• Beautiful fantasy art style

• Teamwork required to manipulate objects, magic, and physics

What Makes It Special

Players choose between:

• Amadeus the Wizard (moves objects with magic)

• Zoya the Thief (grappling hook, ranged attacks)

• Pontius the Knight (combat and heavy lifting)

The puzzles are imaginative and emphasize collaboration. Trine 4 is also beginner-friendly and has a magical charm similar to It Takes Two’s fantasy elements.

6. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Co-op: Local

Lego games remain some of the best couch co-op experiences—and the Skywalker Saga is their biggest game yet.

Why It's Similar

• Relaxed, joyful co-op

• Tons of puzzles

• A large world full of creativity

• Smooth teamwork mechanics

Why You’ll Love It

With over 300 playable characters, fun combat, puzzle solving, and charming humor, the game offers endless replay value. It’s not as emotional as It Takes Two, but it delivers pure co-op fun.

7. Haven

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Co-op: Optional two-player co-op

Haven blends adventure, exploration, romance, and RPG mechanics.

Why It’s Similar

• Focus on a couple’s relationship

• Strong emotional storytelling

• Co-op exploration

• Combat requires synchronized moves

What Makes It Stand Out

You play as Yu and Kay, two lovers who escape to a beautiful alien planet. The game focuses on:

• Relationship growth

• Shared decisions

• Rhythm-based combat

• Cozy storytelling

If you enjoyed the relationship-driven narrative of It Takes Two, you’ll appreciate Haven’s romantic tone.

8. Portal 2 (Co-op Campaign)

Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360 (via backward compatibility)
Co-op: Two-player, local or online

Even in 2025, Portal 2 remains one of the best co-op puzzle games of all time.

Why It’s Similar

• Smart co-op puzzle design

• Requires communication and coordination

• Hilarious characters

• Creative levels

What You Get

The co-op campaign is completely separate from the main story and built around two robot characters:

• Atlas

• P-body

Every puzzle depends on teamwork using portals, timing, physics, and clever planning—very similar to the brain-teasing sections of It Takes Two.

9. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S
Co-op: Up to 4 players

A colorful, chaotic co-op space adventure where you control a spaceship together.

Why It's Similar

• Requires communication

• Every action needs teamwork

• Fast, fun, and chaotic gameplay

• Cute art style

Gameplay Loop

You and your partner must manage:

• Shields

• Weapons

• Engines

• Navigation

• Map scanning

It’s a perfect pick if you enjoy games that challenge your coordination and strategy as a team.

10. Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox
Co-op: Local + online

While not similar in storytelling, Overcooked perfectly captures the spirit of teamwork under pressure.

Why It’s Similar

• Co-op chaos

• Requires communication

• Fun, goofy challenges

• Light-hearted and joyful

Why It Works

You and your partner must prepare dishes, avoid kitchen hazards, and deliver orders as fast as possible. Overcooked is ideal for couples or friends looking for fast-paced fun.

11. We Were Here Forever

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Co-op: Two-player ONLY

A perfect choice if you like puzzle-heavy co-op games.

Why It's Similar

• Two-player exclusive

• Deep puzzle-solving

• Requires constant communication

• Mystery-filled narrative

Gameplay Style

You and your partner explore a frozen castle world, solving detailed puzzles that depend on:

• Descriptions

• Symbol matching

• Logic

• Communication

It is more puzzle-focused than It Takes Two, but equally rewarding.

12. Rayman Legends

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch
Co-op: Local co-op

Rayman Legends is still one of the best platformers ever made.

Why It's Similar

• Creative platforming

• Four-player co-op

• Highly imaginative world

• Music levels that feel magical

Why It’s Loved

Its colorful art, tight controls, and joyful energy make it a great pick for people who enjoy It Takes Two’s lighthearted approach.

13. Cuphead (With DLC: The Delicious Last Course)

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox, Switch
Co-op: Local

Cuphead is known for its challenge—but in co-op, the game becomes incredibly fun and rewarding.

Why It’s Similar

• Cooperative boss battles

• Gorgeous art style

• Deep teamwork

Note:

This game is more difficult than It Takes Two, but the satisfaction of beating bosses together is unmatched.

Conclusion: Which Game Should You Play First?

If you want something that feels closest to It Takes Two in design and heart, choose:

Best Overall Alternative:

✔ A Way Out

Best Emotional Experience:

✔ Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (Remake)

Best Puzzle-Focused Co-op:

✔ Portal 2 Co-op
✔ We Were Here Forever

Best Cute/Family-Friendly Picks:

✔ Unravel Two
✔ Sackboy: A Big Adventure
✔ Rayman Legends

Best for Couples:

✔ Haven

Best Fun & Chaos:

✔ Overcooked! All You Can Eat
✔ Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Each of these games offers a rich, fun, and memorable co-op experience perfect for friends, couples, or gamers who love teamwork.