Local co-op on PS5 brings friends together in the same room, turning living rooms into shared playgrounds. These games emphasize face-to-face teamwork, quick communication, and split-screen or single-screen cooperation without relying on online infrastructure.
Below is a quick reference that compares popular local co-op PS5 titles by split-screen support, online co-op options, player count, and price to help you choose fast.
| Game | Split-Screen | Online Co-op | Max Local Players | Typical Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| It Takes Two | Yes | Online optional | 2 | ~40 |
| Overcooked! All You Can Eat | Yes | Online | 4 | ~35 |
| Unpacking | No | Online | 2 (alternating) | ~20 |
| Moving Out | Yes | Online | 4 | ~20 |
| Helldivers 2 | Yes | Online | 4 | ~40 |
Popular Local Co-op PS5 Games and Gameplay Styles
Family-Friendly Co-op Experiences
Family-friendly titles like It Takes Two are designed specifically for local co-op on PS5, using split-screen to keep both players in the same whimsical world. The game alternates control between partners, requiring constant communication to solve physics-based puzzles and defeat creative obstacles.
Chaotic Kitchen Action
Overcooked! All You Can Eat brings frantic kitchen coordination to your couch, supporting split-screen and online co-op across a variety of chaotic stages. Success depends on precise task delegation, timing, and adaptability, making it ideal for groups that enjoy lively cooperation.
Setup and Controller Options for Local Play
Console and Display Configuration
To enable local co-op on PS5, connect one or two controllers via USB or Bluetooth and select the Co-op or Shared Screen mode in the game settings. Most split-screen titles automatically assign Player 1 and Player 2 when a second controller is detected, while some games let you choose single-screen or split-screen from the main menu.
Audio and Comfort Tips
For comfortable couch co-op, use headsets with share chat features or adjust voice chat levels so teammates can hear each other without drowning out commentary. Arrange seating so both players have clear sightlines if you are using split-screen, and consider controller assignments to reduce accidental button presses during intense moments.
Performance and Technical Considerations
Frame Rate and Resolution Trade-offs
Split-screen local co-op on PS5 typically locks the resolution per player to maintain stable performance, which can reduce visual clarity compared to solo play. Performance-heavy segments may introduce slight dips in frame rate, so check each title’s confirmed features to understand what to expect on your hardware setup.
Save Progress and Profiles
Most PS5 games support multiple user profiles and shared save data, allowing different friends to pick up their progress seamlessly. When playing local co-op, remember that shared sessions usually write one combined save file, so coordinate story decisions and item management to avoid overwriting important choices.
Tips for Smooth Local Co-op Sessions
- Test split-screen visibility and controls before a long play session.
- Assign roles clearly to avoid confusion, especially in fast-paced games.
- Use mix of headsets and external speakers for balanced audio awareness.
- Keep a second controller charged or wired to prevent interruptions.
- Check game-specific settings for vertical split, camera controls, and text scaling.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do I need PlayStation Plus for local co-op games on PS5?
You do not need PlayStation Plus to play local co-op in the same room, but online features, cross-play invites, and cloud saves often require an active subscription.
Can two people play the same controller in local co-op? Two players cannot share one physical controller, but you can plug in a second controller or let players alternate using the same controller in turn-based or alternating-design games. Will split-screen reduce performance on PS5 compared to solo mode?
Yes, split-screen usually divides rendering resources, which can lower resolution or frame rate, so performance varies by game and scene complexity.
How do I switch between local and online co-op in a game?
Access the game’s session or lobby menu, look for a Play Mode option, and select Local or Online before starting a session; some games let you switch between modes from the pause menu.