You shouldn't miss these upcoming co-op games

August 17, 2026 - 16:45

If you play mostly with friends, the next year and a half has a lot to offer. While big single-player titles grab headlines, the co-op space is quietly stacking up with some interesting releases across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the newly announced Nintendo Switch 2. Here is a look at what is heading your way in late 2026.

One of the more promising titles is "Deep Current," a two-player underwater survival game where you and a partner manage a small submarine, scavenge for parts, and deal with pressure leaks and unknown creatures. It is not just about shooting; the real tension comes from resource management and deciding who goes outside to fix the hull while the other stays at the controls. The developers have promised a full campaign with no matchmaking, meaning it is strictly designed for a friend.

On the lighter side, "Split Sky" is a puzzle platformer that uses a clever mechanic where one player controls gravity while the other controls time. You will need to coordinate perfectly to move through floating ruins, and the game includes a built-in "shout" button for quick communication. It is aiming for a relaxed pace, with no fail states, just trial and error.

For those who want something more chaotic, "Rust & Ruin" is a four-player co-op extraction shooter set in a post-apocalyptic city. Unlike other games in the genre, the focus here is on building makeshift vehicles and turrets before you go into a raid. You can assign roles, like a driver or a gunner, but the twist is that any player can take over any seat at any time, so plans often fall apart in a fun way.

Finally, "Echoes of the Forge" is a fantasy action RPG for up to three players. It uses a class system where your abilities combine with your teammates. For example, a mage can freeze an enemy, and a warrior can shatter it for extra damage. The game is built around a series of boss fights that require specific team combos, so you will need to experiment with different character builds.

All of these are scheduled for a release window between September and December 2026. No exact dates have been set yet, but demos are expected at summer gaming events. If you are planning your gaming calendar with friends, these are worth keeping on your radar.