Looking to play the hottest co-op games with your squad on the Nintendo Switch? Check out Game8's list of the best co-op action games released so far in 2023!
The Best Co-Op Action Games on the Nintendo Switch in 2023
10. Tiny Troopers: Global Ops
Ten-hut, soldier! Tiny Troopers: Global Ops is an action-packed arcade-style twin-stick shooter where you and a squad of hardened (and tiny) soldiers shoot your way through a long campaign stretching across 40 missions and six theaters of war. Gear up with rocket launchers, flamethrowers, and assault shotguns to give the enemy hell. Obtain abilities, like air strikes, drones, and stim packs, to keep the fight going.
You won’t be alone though, because up to four players can frag the enemy together, either online or locally. If you want to get your pals together on a lazy afternoon, Tiny Troopers might be the game for you.
Tiny Troopers: Global Ops on the Nintendo eShop
9. Maximus 2
Maximus 2 is a charming side-scrolling beat-em-up that allows up to four players to fight against all manner of knights, wizards, and dragons in a zany medieval world. Assemble your own customized dungeon-busting party, with each player filling unique roles such as tank, wrestler, magician, outlaw, healer, and ninja.
Cooperate by healing or supporting one another with stat boosts while taking down particularly powerful enemies together. With the ability to combine forces through local or online co-op, you are sure to have an epic adventure fighting off hordes of foes while enjoying its enchantingly cute graphics.
Maximus 2 on the Nintendo eShop
8. Ragdoll Rage: Heroes Arena
Ragdoll Rage: Heroes Arena is a wacky and absurd multiplayer shooter/party game that has you controlling clumsy ragdoll figures in local and online PvP Co-Op matches. Whether you're breaking down walls or using teleportation to dodge attacks, each one of the game’s 20 arenas promises plenty of action-packed chaos, filled with traps and other nasty surprises.
But let's be real for a second - the true joy in playing Ragdoll Rage lies in seeing your opponents get blown up into tiny bits and pieces that flop onto the floor like a lifeless puppet. It's satisfying carnage at its finest. You can either team up with a friend or go on a free-for-all deathmatch. So go ahead and get Ragdoll Rage now so you too can experience the rush of battling it out with your friends!
Ragdoll Rage: Heroes Arena on the Nintendo eShop
7. AlphaLink
AlphaLink is a fast-paced 2D arena shooter that allows you to join forces with or go head-to-head against up to three other players in online and local battles, featuring a wide array of futuristic firearms and lasers.
What sets AlphaLink apart from other shooters on the Switch is its unique aiming system. To aim your weapon, you have to stay still and take careful aim before unleashing your deadly payload. This means that movement is more strategic and deliberate than in most twin-stick shooters, encouraging players to think critically about their every action rather than just spray and pray.
So if you fancy yourself a discerning marksman looking for an intense gunfight experience unlike any other on the Switch, AlphaLink may just be the perfect game for you.
AlphaLink on the Nintendo eShop
6. Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe
Are you ready for an interstellar adventure? Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe brings you to Planet Popstar, where you must help the cosmic traveler Magolor rebuild his spaceship! You and up to three of your friends can take control of iconic characters including Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight, or Bandana Waddle Dee as you explore a vibrant world filled with dazzling colors and whimsical landscapes.
In this engaging game designed for co-op play sessions, players can stack on top of each other to unleash powerful Team Attacks that will leave your enemies stunned. So what are you waiting for?! Embark on this magical journey today!
Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe on the Nintendo eShop
5. Rubber Bandits
Are you feeling sneaky? Do you think you have what it takes to be a successful thief? Then test your criminal prowess in Rubber Bandits - the action-packed heist game where up to four bandits can work together, or against each other, to complete local or online heists.
With fast-paced gameplay and thrilling heist scenarios, players must use their cunning skills to dodge traps, bash rival bandits, and evade the police in a race to the finish line, competing to escape with the most loot! And if things get messy, no need to worry because Rubber Bandits provides unique weapons like baguettes, leaf blowers, rocket launchers, and even freeze rays.
4. Trinity Trigger
Trinity Trigger is a thrilling old-school action RPG that transports you and three of your friends to the magical land of Trinitia. Take on the roles of Cyan, Elise, and Zantis as they embark on an epic quest to save their homeland from certain doom.
In this fast-paced action-packed local co-op game, players will learn how to utilize the unique abilities of each character, as well as their mysterious 'Triggers,' ancient transformative creatures capable of taking on different weapon forms. Strategize by kitting out your heroes properly and work together to eliminate various powerful monsters that threaten Trinitia's peace.
With its classic style reminiscent of Brave Fencer Musashi and other legendary action RPGs before it, Trinity Trigger promises to bring you an unforgettable blast-from-the-past gaming experience.
Trinity Trigger on the Nintendo eShop
3. Curse of the Sea Rats
Arrrrr mateys, get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure with Curse of the Sea Rats! In this unique game, you'll take on the role of swashbuckling pirates that have been cursed and transformed into mice by the wicked pirate sorceress Flora Burn. Your goal? To regain your lost humanity as you fight your way through an amazing "ratoidvania" style game, all set along the beautiful Irish coast .
But don't worry; you won't have to go it alone. With up to three other friends in local co-op mode, you can take control of four different playable mouse characters and explore a vast nonlinear map made up of over 300 rooms and passageways. So grab your swords (and cheese), and get ready for some high-seas fun with Curse of the Sea Rats!
Curse of the Sea Rats on the Nintendo eShop
2. Gunscape
Gunscape is a first-person shooter game that caters especially to fans of FPS games such as 'boomer shooters' like Quake and Doom. Players can enjoy both pre-made maps and access an array of player-created maps from the Gunscape community. The exciting part is that players can work together, with up to three other people locally or online, to build their own unique maps and test them on the fly.
With Gunscape, players have total control over everything in their custom maps, from the enemies and weapons available down to the traps, the teleporters, and the level's skybox. Players even have the freedom to give their maps an overarching story progression that immersively ties everything together. So if FPS gaming with a strong emphasis on customization is your cup of tea, be sure to check out Gunscape.
Gunscape on the Nintendo eShop
1. Glitch Busters: Stuck on You
Step into the virtual world of Glitch Busters, a thrilling action-packed game where players must team up to defeat a virus outbreak that threatens the internet! With unique maps that range from bustling urban cities to raging volcanoes, there is no shortage of adventure and excitement.
The best part about Glitch Busters is that you can work together with your teammates, using magnets to climb high places and solve challenging puzzles. And with magnet-based attacks at your disposal, taking down those pesky viruses has never been so satisfying! Don't miss out on the fun - play solo or team up with up to three other friends in this exciting new release.
Glitch Busters: Stuck on You on the Nintendo eShop
Upcoming Co-Op Action Games on the Nintendo Switch in 2023
Pikmin 4
Join the Rescue Corps and come to the aid of poor Captain Olimar, who has once again crash-landed on Planet Earth in Pikmin 4! This adorable game is filled with cute graphics and even cuter Pikmin creatures for you to interact with. With the additions of both the new Ice Pikmin and the loveable alien dog, Oatchi, get ready to guide your Pikmin and make them gather valuable resources.
For those wanting a multiplayer experience, local co-op play allows you to team up with a friend and fight enemies together. Your co-op partner can throw pebbles at foes and provide healing support items! So buckle up your space helmet and get ready for an adventure that's out of this world once the game releases on July 21, 2023.
Pikmin 4 on the Nintendo eShop
Ember Knights
If you love roguelike dungeon crawlers, you and your friends are in for a treat when Ember Knights comes to the Switch. In this game, up to four players can team up via local co-op to play as powerful warriors called the Ember Knights. Each character comes with their own unique set of weapons including swords, bows, staves, and hammers. Coordinate your attacks with the other players to unleash devastating combos capable of taking down even the toughest enemies lurking in Praxis.
Each enemy will have its own distinct attack patterns and behaviors, so sharp reflexes and strategizing will be the key skills needed to overcome each foe! Be smart, learn those patterns, and prepare yourselves for one helluva challenge on July 18, 2023!
Ember Knights Switch Release Date Trailer
Barony
Prepare yourself for an exciting and challenging dungeon-crawling experience on the Nintendo Switch with Barony! This first-person game is reminiscent of titles like Ultima Underworld. It features a party of four warriors navigating through the perilous lair of an undead lich known as Baron Herx. Barony offers a true roguelike experience complete with permadeath, massive labyrinthine corridors to explore, and absolutely no hand-holding whatsoever. So be warned: it's not for the faint-hearted!
With 13 unique classes to choose from including Barbarians, Healers, Rogues, or Wizards, you'll have to show what it takes to take on any challenge thrown your way. Connect with your friends either locally or online, and collect powerful spells and equipment as you dive deeper into the dungeon. The game comes out on August 2, 2023.
