How to Play Co-op Games | Setup for Local and Online Play

For the full breakdown, see our best Cooperative Card Games guide.

Whether you want to share a couch with a friend or connect from different cities, co-op gaming is straightforward once you know the right setup for your platform. The core steps are always the same: confirm the game supports your preferred co-op mode, connect the required controllers or accounts, and then use the game’s menu or platform overlay to join or invite players. Below is how that works on each major platform.

Co-op on PC: Steam Remote Play Together

Steam’s Remote Play Together lets one player run a game and stream it to others over the internet. Only the host needs to own the game. To start, launch a game that supports Remote Play Together (check the Steam store page or game’s tags), then open the Steam Overlay with Shift + Tab. Open your Friends List, select Invite Anyone to Play or the specific friend invite option, and confirm the invitation. For the best experience, the host should use a wired Ethernet connection — Wi‑Fi may work but can introduce lag. Both players should also make sure their Steam client is updated to the latest version before starting.

Co-op on Nintendo Switch: Local and Online Options

For local co-op, go to Controllers from the Home Menu, then choose Change Grip/Order to assign input to each player. Detach the Joy‑Con from the console before using them individually — a single Joy‑Con works for many games, though some require a full Pro Controller. Launch the game and select local multiplayer or co-op from the title screen. For local wireless play (nearby Switch consoles connecting directly), players choose that option in-game and pair wirelessly. Online co-op uses internet connectivity and may require each player to own the game or have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, depending on the title.

Co-op on PlayStation and Xbox

On PlayStation, turn on a second controller and sign in with another account or select Add User/Guest when prompted. Launch a game that supports local co-op or split-screen, then join from the in-game prompt. Online play typically requires each player’s own PlayStation Network account and may need a PlayStation Plus subscription depending on the game.

On Xbox, turn on a second controller and assign a profile or guest account when prompted. Start a game that supports local multiplayer, then join through the game’s local co-op menu. Online co-op works the same way but usually requires each player to have an Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription plus their own account.

Choosing the Right Co-op Mode and Being a Good Partner

Before setting anything up, confirm the game explicitly supports your intended mode — a “multiplayer” tag does not guarantee co-op or split-screen. On Switch, do not confuse local wireless play (nearby devices) with online co-op, which works over the internet and has different ownership rules. Once you are playing, use in-game tools like pings, markers, and maps to communicate. Voice chat helps a great deal. Assign roles early, discuss a basic strategy before starting difficult sections, and adapt when conditions change. In couch co-op, reduce friction by agreeing on shared decisions and being willing to rotate roles or turns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming a game is co-op just because it is multiplayer — always verify the mode before starting setup.
• Forgetting to pair or assign controllers before launching the game on Switch, or failing to create a guest or second account on PlayStation and Xbox.
• Starting Steam Remote Play Together without checking your network quality or updating the Steam client first.
• Mixing up local wireless and online co-op on Switch — they use different connections and may have different ownership requirements.