Feeling an itch for some hack-and-slash or shooting action, but wanna do it with friends? We're compiled a list of the best Co-Op Action games to play on the Nintendo Switch, so read on to see which one is the best for you.
The Best Co-Op Action Games on the Nintendo Switch
15. Minecraft Dungeons
Take on the villainous Arch Illager and save the world from his evil grasp in Minecraft Dungeons - a fun-filled Action RPG from Mojang. Join forces with up to three other players, locally or online, to battle hordes of both classic and unique Minecraft mobs across canyons, swamps, mines. You'll grow stronger as you gain more powerful weapons and special items.
What really sets this game apart is its innovative enchantment system, which allows you to further enhance your attacks with unique abilities. Round up your buddies for an action-packed afternoon of dungeon-crawling in this exciting adventure.
Minecraft Dungeons on the Nintendo eShop
14. Luigi’s Mansion 3
Attention all ghost hunters and co-op enthusiasts! Grab your Poltergust vacuum cleaner and join Luigi on the adventure of a lifetime as he has to save his friends who have been kidnapped by the perfidious phantasms at the Last Resort hotel. But fear not, because Luigi won't have to fight alone.
Team up with a friend in either local or online co-op mode and take control of both Luigi and his gooey companion Gooigi for twice the fun and twice the scares! If that's still not enough for your ghost-busting appetite, grab up to seven friends and hit up ScareScraper mode, where you can all work together to rescue trapped Toads while busting ghosts before time runs out.
Luigi’s Mansion 3 on the Nintendo eShop
13. River City Girls
Get ready for some intense beatdown action in River City Girls as you take on the roles of either Kyoko or Misako, the badass girlfriends of Kunio and Riki from the original 1989 classic, River City Ransom. Your mission: rescue your boyfriends from their captors by unleashing an array of special moves, weapons, and throwables upon unsuspecting gangsters. Join forces with a friend by splitting up the Switch’s Joy-Cons and take down enemies together for double the fun.
In addition to its crisp 16-bit graphics, River City Girls also boasts an impressive soundtrack, featuring talented content creators such as Megan McDuffee, Chipzel, and NateWantsToBattle. Come on over to the couch for some jam-packed action!
River City Girls on the Nintendo eShop
12. Streets of Rage 4
Streets of Rage 4 is a classic side-scrolling beat-em-up game that brings us back to the days of Streets of Rage 3, way back in 1994. The legacy of Mr. X lives on as his heirs take over where he left off, and once again it falls upon Axel, Blaze, and Adam to stop them. This time around, however, the player can also team up with Adam’s daughter, Cherry, as well as the cybernetic grappler, Floyd, in this new installment which offers both two-player online brawling action or up to three other friends via local co-op.
In addition to the classic beat-em-up gameplay, Streets of Rage 4 lets players throw enemies off-screen and recoup health lost during special moves. With its addictive gameplay and classic retro feel, this game offers old school nostalgia combined with modern features.
Streets of Rage 4 on the Nintendo eShop
11. Broforce
Get ready to spread freedom and democracy by obliterating terrorists with overwhelming firepower in the thrilling action-packed game, Broforce! Choose from an array of characters resembling iconic 80s action stars and team up with up to three other players for some Bro-op mayhem, either locally or online. If you're feeling extra competitive, you can also duke it out against each other in Deathmatch mode.
Broforce is all about delivering shock and awe through explosive gameplay, featuring an assortment of guns and other weapons. You'll also have access to unique special attacks exclusive to your character, which will add even more excitement to each round of play. So what are you waiting for? Grab those controllers, join forces with your fellow bros, and get ready for some non-stop thrills and laughs. Freedom isn’t going to spread itself.
Broforce on the Nintendo eShop
10. Children of Morta
Children of Morta is an incredible Action RPG that follows the journey of the Bergson Family - a fearless and valiant clan of heroes entrusted with guarding Mount Morta from the ruthless forces of evil. As vile corruption descends upon the world and overwhelms everything in its path, this brave family must rally together to defend their home from destruction. If battling alone is too much for you, no worries! You can team up with a friend via local co-op play to take down your enemies side by side!
So grab your controller and prepare for an immersive adventure filled with intense action combat gameplay and a tale of valor, sacrifice, and, of course, family.
Children of Morta on the Nintendo eShop
9. Enter the Gungeon
The beloved roguelike bullet hell dungeon crawler Enter the Gungeon is on the Nintendo Switch! To add even more excitement to the mix, players can enjoy local co-op mode and play with a friend! In this thrilling game, shoot, loot, dodge, and roll your way through an ever-changing labyrinth of Gundead enemies and fierce Gungeon bosses in search of the ultimate prize - a gun that can kill the past.
As you progress through the depths of the Gungeon's various levels, gather precious loot along the way and trade with merchants who can offer powerful items that will give you an edge against increasingly difficult foes. The intense gameplay mixed with the cute pixel graphics offers endless fun for fans of action-packed roguelike games.
Enter the Gungeon on the Nintendo eShop
8. Metal Slug 3
Get ready to team up and face off against the rebel army commanded by General Morden in Metal Slug 3 on the Switch! This port of the classic side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter game from the early 2000s delivers an explosive experience packed with non-stop action, as you battle soldiers, zombies, and even aliens. So share your Joy-Con with a friend and get ready for hours of chaotic, adrenaline-fueled fun that will have you hooked until the very end.
Metal Slug 3 on the Nintendo eShop
7. Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5, one of the most popular games in the series, has made its way onto the Nintendo Switch. Join Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar as they venture into Africa to investigate an outbreak of bioterrorism. With both single-player and four-player co-op both local and online, this game is sure to satisfy your (multiplayer) horror cravings.
This port includes all previously released DLC content such as story expansions and additional modes like Versus so you can duke it out with friends. It also includes 'The Mercenaries United' mode, which has you and a friend have to kill as many enemies as possible within the time limit.
Resident Evil 5 on the Nintendo eShop
6. Borderlands Legendary Collection
Get three epic games for the price of one with Borderlands Legendary Collection on the Nintendo Switch! Battle through the iconic campaigns of Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel with friends locally via two-player split-screen or online with up to three other players. All the titles have been visually revamped and loaded with bonus add-on content, so you’ll be sure to have one hell of a time.
Borderlands Legendary Collection on the Nintendo eShop
5. Cuphead
Cuphead is a unique and challenging local co-op run-and-gun action game, where you'll face off against an array of formidable bosses in beautifully crafted worlds inspired by 1930s cartoons. Whether you play solo as Cuphead or with a friend as Mugman, you'll need to master lightning-fast reflexes, strategic boss patterns, and powerful super moves if you hope to repay your debt to the devil.
With hand-drawn visuals and an original jazz soundtrack, Cuphead offers a truly immersive gaming and animation experience like no other.
4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is an action side-scrolling beat-em-up experience that combines the timeless appeal of classic arcade-style brawlers with modern pixel art graphics and gameplay mechanics. Created by the same team behind Streets of Rage 4, this game will have you take on hordes of enemies as you navigate through beautifully rendered environments, loaded with tense combat sequences. Each playthrough presents tons of opportunities for combos as you utilize each Turtle's outstanding abilities while fighting against Shredder and his loyal Foot Clan.
Whether alone or alongside up to five other players either online or locally, TMNT: Shredder's Revenge delivers a thrilling gaming experience that will keep you and your friends coming back for more.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge on the Nintendo eShop
3. Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
In Fire Emblem Heroes: Three Hopes, you'll fight alongside the Houses of either Edelgard, Dimitri, or Claude to secure the future of Fódlan. Take on the role of Shez and lead your allies into epic real-time 1 vs. 100-man battles, reminiscent of classic Dynasty Warriors gameplay, and witness multiple storylines unique to your chosen House.
But wait, this is a list for the best co-op games! Fret not, as from Chapter 4 onwards, players can enjoy split-screen co-op mode where they can team up with a friend and battle together! So don't hesitate any longer - grab your friends and prepare to fight through waves upon waves of enemies in this thrilling action-packed adventure.
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes on the Nintendo eShop
2. Monster Hunter: Rise
Kamura Village is in grave danger and it's up to the brave Hunters to save it from certain doom. In Monster Hunter: Rise, you won't have to fight alone as you can team up with up to three other friends, either locally or online, to put an end to the crazed beasts' rampages. Utilize the Wirebug, a powerful tool that allows you to quickly and gracefully maneuver across any terrain, and craft various weapons and armor sets, so you'll always be prepared for whatever these mighty monsters throw at you.
With both thrilling solo play and multiplayer options available, come together with your fellow hunters, gear up, concoct winning strategies, and face some of the most monstrous beasts the franchise has to offer.
Monster Hunter: Rise on the Nintendo eShop
1. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity may not have online co-op, but that doesn't mean you can't team up with a pal! With local split-screen co-op available, you and your friend can take control of either Link, Princess Zelda, Impa, or one of the four Champions of Hyrule as you battle against hundreds of onscreen foes in epic battles.
Prepare the Kingdom of Hyrule for the overwhelming might of Calamity Ganon's attack in this prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Only through your fierce determination and skill of beating hordes of Bokoblins, Lynels, and other monsters, will your efforts save Hyrule from its ultimate fate.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity on the Nintendo eShop
