GamingPCPC Games

What are the best free co-op PC games?

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Unturned vs Warframe vs Path of Exile

 vs Alien Swarm vs Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop vs Team Fortress 2: Mann vs. Machine vs Locked Bunker

Specs

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Genre

Survival

Co-Op

24, Recommended. 48, Max (Will not be shown on the server list)

Controller Support

No

OS

Windows 7, 10 32-Bit or 64-bit. Max OS X, High Sierra. Linux, Ubuntu.

RAM

4GB or Higher

Storage

4GB available space or Higher

Processor

2Ghz or Higher

Network (Optional)

Broadband Internet connection

Direct X Version (Windows)

Version 9.0c or Higher

Platforms

-

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

Graphic design

-

PvP

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Operating Systems

-

Platform

-

Steam Rating

-

Genre

Action

Co-Op

Yes

Controller Support

-

OS

-

RAM

-

Storage

-

Processor

-

Network (Optional)

-

Direct X Version (Windows)

-

Platforms

-

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

Graphic design

-

PvP

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Operating Systems

-

Platform

-

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Genre

Dungeon Crawler RPG

Co-Op

-

Controller Support

-

OS

-

RAM

-

Storage

-

Processor

-

Network (Optional)

-

Direct X Version (Windows)

-

Platforms

Windows, Mac

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

Graphic design

-

PvP

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Operating Systems

-

Platform

-

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Genre

shoot 'em up

Co-Op

yes

Controller Support

-

OS

-

RAM

-

Storage

-

Processor

-

Network (Optional)

-

Direct X Version (Windows)

-

Platforms

Windows

License

Freeware

Game engine

Source

Multiplayer

yes

Graphic design

3D

PvP

no

Singleplayer

Yes

PvE

Yes

Operating Systems

-

Platform

-

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Genre

-

Co-Op

-

Controller Support

-

OS

-

RAM

-

Storage

-

Processor

-

Network (Optional)

-

Direct X Version (Windows)

-

Platforms

-

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

Graphic design

-

PvP

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Operating Systems

Windows

Platform

-

Steam Rating

-

Genre

-

Co-Op

6 Player Online / 6 Player LAN

Controller Support

Partial

OS

-

RAM

-

Storage

-

Processor

-

Network (Optional)

-

Direct X Version (Windows)

-

Platforms

-

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

Graphic design

-

PvP

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Operating Systems

-

Platform

Win / Mac / Linux

Steam Rating

-

Genre

-

Co-Op

-

Controller Support

-

OS

-

RAM

-

Storage

-

Processor

-

Network (Optional)

-

Direct X Version (Windows)

-

Platforms

-

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

Graphic design

-

PvP

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Operating Systems

-

Platform

-

Pros + Cons

Con
 Childish community

Many of the community-run servers are managed by immature administrators who can make the game unbearable.
Comment

Pro
 PvP winds up being very tense as the resources in the game are very limited

Scarce resources lead players to compete ruthlessly. This creates a scenario where it is all of nothing, show no weakness, give no benefit.
Comment

Pro
 Fair F2P model where no single person has a false advantage over anyone else

The game’s free-to-play model allows anyone to play free of charge; those who are willing to spend $5 get access to a separate server that grants double experience. So while it is not pay-to-win, spending some money will increase how quickly you can advance in the game.
Comment

Pro
 Plenty of things to do in-game, including combat, crafting, and exploring

The game includes combat, a crafting system, a housing system, lots of items, and varied landscapes to explore. Taken together, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
Comment

Pro
 Selection of weapons allows anyone to find something they enjoy using

The game includes a number of guns and melee weapons, giving the player plenty of choice as to how they would like to attack.
Comment

Pro
 Easily mod or add custom maps through Steam Workshop

With Steam Workshop support players can create your own custom maps and mods as well as use others, thus giving the player never ending amounts of extras for the game.
Comment

Pro
 Works great on low-end hardware

The game runs well on older hardware because it does not have very advanced graphics. This makes it compatible with many low spec systems.
Comment

Pro
 Well made maps where each is designed with purpose

Unturned is slightly different from other open world survival games, because it doesn't use randomly generated worlds. This actually is a pro, because the existing maps are very well made, well thought out, and overall having better design choices for worlds than say, Minecraft, Terraria, or 7 Days to Die.
Comment

Pro
 Active developer who listens to their community

Unturned is developed by Nelson Sexton. He is very active and always listens to feedback from the player community. He is constantly updating the beta; check the community hub for more info.
Comment

Pro
 Fun and intuitive crafting system allows the player to explore tons of combinations of items

The crafting system can be used to easily and intuitively make hundreds of items. Combine two sheets of metal to make a saw, combine two sticks and a nail to make an arrow. Basically you can play around and test what kind of combination make what items, which is fun in and of itself.
Comment

Con
 In early access

The game is not yet officially completed, which means that it may still contain bugs, and that features may change or be removed before final publishing.
Comment

Con
 Can be a bit of a grind

Warframe requires farming certain levels and bosses to get blueprints for other Warframes. This can become quite time-consuming if you get unlucky.
Comment

Pro
 Fast-paced, space ninja action

Warframes are essentially space ninjas. You'll be moving lightning fast through missions, slaughtering everything in your way. Until you get to a boss, that is, which generally require teamwork or just being incredibly powerful.
Comment

Pro
 You can play with a huge array of weaponry

Warframe boasts well over 50 weapons, all of which have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, which can be further improved through by empowering your weapons. You can do this simply by completing missions and collecting your loot, which can then be used to upgrade your character.
Comment

Con
 Pay to win

You can buy warframes and upgrades or spend thousands of hours grinding for it.
Comment

Pro
 Contact physics make the game feel like a single player title over that this is an MMO

Many MMOs feature combat with poor contact physics; Warframe does not have this issue. Add in the amount of guns and great melee weapons and there is plenty for every type of play style.
Comment

Pro
 Great selection of classes

In Warframe, you're able to play as one of the many Warframes, which are essentially character classes. You start off by choosing one of the three basic frames. Excalibur who specializes in swords and has an ability to equip an energy sword and shoot beams of energy. Volt who uses electricity to boost his damage, movement speed and attack speed. Or Mag, a frame specializing in magnetism and controlling the enemy. After that you can run missions to find plans for new ones, or purchase them with platinum (the real-money currency). There are currently more than 30 basic Warframes and their "Prime" variants, which are superior versions of the basic frames.
Comment

Pro
 You can choose your own play style

In Warframe, there are tons of weapons, both ranged and melee, that will let you fight however you like. Maybe you want to be a long-range sniper, or a massive melee beast with a huge hammer, or maybe you want to stick closer to the ninja tradition and use a sword and a bow. Whatever you prefer to play, Warframe has an option.
Comment

Pro
 Several different archetypes to play as

In Warframe, you're able to play as several different character types (called "Warframes"). You start off with a couple of basic frames, but are able to run missions to find plans for new ones, or purchase them with credits (the real-money currency). There are currently 31 basic Warframes, plus several "Prime" Warframes which are stronger than their regular counterparts.
Comment

Pro
 A huge array of weaponry

Warframe boasts over 300 weapons, split into 3 classes: Primary, Secondary, and Melee. Primary weapons are the big guns such as assault rifles, shotguns, bows, and grenade launchers. Secondary weapons are the sidearms, usually handguns, machine pistols, and thrown weapons. The melee weapons consist of swords (even katanas), hammers, fist weapons, scythes, and others. Most of the weapons have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. For example, the Simulor is a weapon which creates small balls similar to black holes, which pull in and kill enemies. Unfortunately, the range is very short, so you'll have to predict enemy movements and place the shots carefully. Another example is the Zarr, a massive canon, which has two firing modes, allowing you to use it as a canon or a shotgun. The downside is that you'll get damaged by your own explosions, so you have to always keep distance. The weapons can also be upgraded, adding various elemental damage types such as radiation or corrosion. You can also improve other stats such as rate of fire, crit or reload speed.
Comment

Pro
 Great contact physics

Many online titles and MMOs feature combat with poor contact physics, so it often feels like you're not actually hitting the enemies. In Warframe, hitting an enemy with a hammer will make them fly and sliding at their legs will make them trip. This makes it feel more like a single player game than an online co-op game.
Comment

Pro
 A LOT of content

The game has a very large number of missions and an even larger number of miscellaneous content, which only adds to the immersive experience.
Comment

Con
 Can be a resource hog

There are a few abilites, levels, and weapons that may cause your frame rate to lower if you're running a lower-end PC.
Comment

Con
 Pay to not wait

The crafting system in Warframe involves very long wait times (36 hours) which can be skipped via microtransactions.
Comment

Pro
 Not pay to win

The developers have a strict "no pay to win" mindset on this game. Which is GREAT since everyone has a fair chance at winning. The only in-game purchases are decorative, extra stash slots, non combat pets and better graphics for your weapons.
Comment

Pro
 Hundreds of possible character builds

There's a staggering amount of builds and skills you can try out in Path of Exile. There are 7 classes, 19 subclasses, 194 active skill gems, 107 support gems, and over 1000 skill nodes on the expansive skill tree. As a result, there are hundreds of possible combinations, allowing you to spend hours theory-crafting just to create the perfect build. Even if you don't feel like planning out a build from scratch, you can just look up one of the many guides online and get straight into the action.
Comment

Pro
 Completely free to download and play

Just install steam and download the game. No purchase required and the only thing locked behind paywalls is cosmetic accessories and inventory slots of which you can waste money on cosmetics, but you won't fall behind if you don't want to spend money.
Comment

Pro
 Expansive skill tree

While it may be difficult to take in at first the skill tree in Path of Exile is quite expansive allowing for many areas of the characters skills to be customized. The tree is so large there are numerous guides online on how to build specific optimized characters as well as an unofficial companion app for Android.
Comment

Pro
 Feels exhilarating to play

While the gameplay might feel a little slow and clunky in the beginning, it gradually picks up speed as you progress, allowing you to swiftly destroy large groups of monsters with any skills you choose. Whether you're shooting ice arrows with your bow, freezing and shattering every enemy on-screen, or if you're cleaving enemies with a massive axe, causing them to bleed and explode on death, it just feels incredibly satisfying.
Comment

Pro
 Co-op friendly

Easy to hop in and out with friends no matter level or skills.
Comment

Pro
 Completely free without pay to win mechanics

You can just download and install the game without any purchases. On top of that, there are no pay-to-win mechanics and the only things locked behind paywalls are cosmetic effects, pets, and additional storage space. You can easily play the game for hundreds of hours without spending a dime.
Comment

Pro
 Fast paced

Leveling from start to end arc is fast.
Comment

Pro
 As good as Diablo

Comment

Con
 Bad trading system

No auction house or gold/item mail, requires direct trade ingame; orb and recipes are not intuitive
Comment

Pro
 Great setting

Path of Exile is set in a dark fantasy world where everything is gradually becoming worse. At the foreground, you have the massive continent of Wraeclast that once was the home to a flourishing empire, but now is a place filled with the undead, evil spirits, ruins, and echoes of the past. To make matters worse, malicious entities from another dimension seek to corrupt the world and its inhabitants, giving birth to disfigured monstrosities that seek to end you. The end result is an immersive setting with dark motifs, body horror, loads of gore, and a very tense atmosphere, which is refreshing in an era dominated by family friendly content.
Comment

Pro
 Regularly updated

Every 4 months or so, Path of Exile has major updates, adding new interesting mechanics, skills, items, and various other content. As a result, every time you come back to Path of Exile after taking a break, it feels like a new game.
Comment

Con
 Graphics are a bit ho-hum

While not the worst, the graphics do not really stand out as polished and look somewhat dated. While it does fit within theme of being a grimy universe with many foul creatures, it does not compare to many AAA dungeon crawlers out there such as Diablo III.
Comment

Pro
 As good or even better than Diablo

Comment

Con
 Endgame can get really repetitive

It takes an exceptionally long time to get any wealth, useful items, or access to endgame bosses in this game. You endlessly farm the same maps, hoping you'll get lucky with a few good items, but that usually won't be the case, which can be really discouraging to keep playing. This is made worse by the fact that your character progression comes to a grinding halt near the upper 80s of character levels, requiring you to buy insanely expensive items to feel any progression at all. If you don't like grinding, you'll get quickly bored of Path of Exile.
Comment

Con
 Very high learning curve

There's quite a lot to learn when starting to play Path of Exile. There are the mechanics, the crafting system, and the skill gem system. However, the most intimidating factor is the massive skill tree with over 1000 skill nodes, 6 classes and 19 subclasses, allowing you to create hundreds of unique builds. Unfortunately, creating a functional build is really difficult, taking hours of theorycrafting, so it might be better to stick to guides as you're starting out, unless you're fine with possibly messing up.
Comment

Con
 As any ARPG worth mentioning, you'll eventually have to invest time into character builds

Comment

Con
 Very tough theorycrafting required

Creating a functional build is really difficult. Better to stick to good guides.
Comment

Con
 Some aspects of the graphics look dated

While the graphics have received updates over time, a lot of the visuals still lack polish you'd see in most AAA games. Some textures are fairly low res, certain character models look weird when they have armor on, and the animations feel somewhat stiff and clunky. You probably won't notice this during active gameplay, but when you stop for a moment to look around it becomes painfully obvious.
Comment

Con
 Clunky trading system

The western PC version of Path of Exile currently requires using an external site to find deals or sifting through scam attempts in the trade chat. After you find an item you want to buy, you need to message the seller, and if they respond, enter the same area as them to make a direct trade. There is no auction house, no mail, no automated trading posts, and to sell stuff you have to buy a premium stash tab via a microtransaction.
Comment

Con
 Anti-experimentation for new players

The game heavily punishes any experimentation for new players. Unless you have near perfect understanding of late game and the various viable build-options you are more or less unable to experiment your way into viable builds (and the options for correcting mistakes are limited at best). So, unless you are fine with having to scrap a bunch of characters for being sub-optimal, you are more or less forced into following player-made guides to learn the game rather than through engaging with the game itself. This may or may not be a problem for you.
Comment

Con
 Rubberbanding disrupts play

Online play with melee classes may lead to some "rubberbanding" when latency causes the player's computer to desync from the server.
Comment

Con
 Lots of farm/grind required

As any item-based online game, character development is extremely slow and requires time and effort.
Comment

Pro
 Graphics are good but not very demanding since is a 3rd person shooter.

Comment

Pro
 Easily play with up to 4-players in online co-op

Alien Swarm allows for up to 4-player online co-op, which makes for an easy way to play with a small group of friends or strangers.
Comment

Pro
 Easy to pick up and play, even for beginners

The game consists of tried-and-true top-down shooter mechanics that will be familiar to most players; it is reminiscent of older arcade and console shooters.
Comment

Pro
 Anyone can download and play the game as it is free-to-play and open-source

The game is completely free and has no microtransactions or ads. The source code is also free and accessible, so the game can be easily modded.
Comment

Con
 Can get a bit repetitive

The gameplay doesn't change much from mission to mission; you’re generally just shooting aliens over and over again.
Comment

Pro
 Convenient offline LAN support

Alien Swarm offers offline LAN (local area network) support, meaning that the game can be easily played locally with each machine connected together in the same place.
Comment

Con
 Gameplay is too short

The main story only takes about three or four hours to complete, which means you could beat the game in one sitting pretty easily.
Comment

Pro
 Has class system

The Officer - master of assault shotgun and explosives. Special Weapons - master of minigun and autogun. The 'Heavy' guy. Medic - heals the team, supports with stun weapons. Tech Marine - unlocks locked doors, hacks computers.
Comment

Pro
 It's free

Comment

Pro
 Various challenging campaigns and maps

Comment

Pro
 You can see your teammates all the time

Comment

Pro
 Highly customisable

Stating with difficulty, challenges and up to UI.
Comment

Pro
 Enforces aiming skills in order to avoid dealing damage to team members

Comment

Pro
 Doesn't require high performance machine to run it

Do you have a potato with download capabilities? Today is your lucky day!
Comment

Pro
 Promotes human interaction and teamplay

Discussing tactics with teammates in lobby prior to mission in order to get best results.
Comment

Pro
 It's funny when you're better than your friends

You can see your friends dying on easier difficulties and it's a blast.
Comment

Con
 The game itself is a bit clunky

Some mechanics feel a little clunky, such as the friendly fire mechanic.
Comment

Pro
 Offline LAN support for those that do not wish to play online

You can play local multiplayer matches even without an internet connection as long as you follow the proper steps to set it up. This way people can set up LAN battles without worry of internet connections or ping times.
Comment

Pro
 Free-to-play for everyone and anyone

Team Fortress 2 has been totally free-to-play since 2011. This means anyone can download and enjoy the title.
Comment

Pro
 The Mann vs. Machine co-op mode let’s players work together, a nice change of pace from the PvP modes

Mann vs. Machine is a co-op mode in Team Fortress 2 that places 6 players on a team with the objective of stopping robots from deploying a bomb. While not the central mode of the game, it allows for enjoyable cooperative play rather than competitive play.
Comment

Pro
 Easily play with friends on different OSes

The game runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux machines, which makes it easy to enjoy the game with friends no matter what OS any of you use.
Comment

Pro
 Free-to-play that does not require money to be at a competitive level

This game is mostly pay-to-gain, for example by unlocking new weapons, as opposed to pay-to-win. You can randomly earn or find things without having to purchase them, and some of those can be used to craft even more rare and powerful items.
Comment

Con
 cheaters

the game is filled with cheaters
Comment

Pro
 Great humor breaks up the monotony of repeated gaming sessions

Valve is known for its sense of humor, and Team Fortress 2 does not disappoint. Unlike other popular first-person shooters, this is a game that does not take itself too seriously. This is great for those that may find the gameplay getting stale after repeated plays, as there is still something to enjoy.
Comment

Con
 Free accounts are slightly limited

Free accounts do not get the same rare and cosmetic items as paid accounts, nor do they have as many storage slots for items.
Comment

Pro
 Not easy

The level of difficulty is pretty high making it challenging and exciting.
Comment

Pro
 Traitor

There may be a traitor in your crew, you're never sure.
Comment

Pro
 Great co-op game

Comment
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