Best co-op beat 'em up games
Beat 'em ups thrive in co-op. Whether you're battling monsters through a ghost town, fighting horror creatures in pixel-art nightmares, or performing theatrical takedowns on a grand stage, these games are designed around the rhythm of shared combat. You'll find side-scrolling brawlers where timing your attacks with a partner leads to devastating combos, top-down fighters that reward coordination and environmental awareness, and action-platformers that blend martial arts with waves of enemies. Some lean into nostalgic arcade energy with four-player chaos, while others focus on tight two-player coordination and brutal close-quarters combat. The best co-op beat 'em ups let you feel the weight of every punch, the satisfaction of a well-timed reversal, and the escalating intensity of fighting back-to-back through relentless enemy waves.
Total games70
Content updatedJuly 28, 2026
Top TCG scores in this hub
MADNESS: Project Nexus
A third-person run-and-gun brawler mixing arcade shooting and brutal melee combat across a story campaign and endless arena mode.
#2
#3
Players, modes and platforms
2–4P means two to four players. The icons show the listed play modes and platforms; open a game to check the details for your setup.
- Local Couch, Remote Play Together
- Steam
- Online
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
More games in this hub
Upcoming and TBD games in this hub
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How we picked these games
This collection focuses on games where melee combat and brawling form the core co-op experience. We include side-scrolling beat 'em ups, top-down brawlers, and action-platformers that emphasize fighting through waves of enemies together. Games here typically feature combo systems, crowd control, and direct combat as the primary mode of interaction. We look for titles where co-op enhances the combat rhythm, whether through shared takedowns, coordinated attacks, or simply the chaos of clearing rooms together. Games that mix brawling with heavy puzzle-solving, extended platforming challenges, or primarily ranged combat usually belong in other categories. If the game is fundamentally about punching, kicking, or smashing your way through enemies with a partner, it fits here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I find in this hub?
Side-scrolling brawlers and action fighters built for punching, kicking, and smashing through waves of enemies with a friend at your side. Open a game to check its player count, modes and platforms.
How are games ranked in this hub?
Released games are ordered by TCG score, using IGDB and Steam rating signals. Upcoming games appear separately. The score helps compare games; the best fit also depends on your group and preferences.
How do I know if a game supports online or local co-op?
Check the icons beside the player count. Expand Players, modes and platforms below the featured games for their meanings. Open a game for platform-specific details, including Remote Play Together where listed.
Do all players need to own the game?
It depends on the game and how you play. Local play may use one copy; online play may require a copy for each player. Check the game page for any friend pass or Remote Play Together support and confirm the requirements on its store page.
Can I open these results in the Game Browser?
Yes. The button below the game list opens this hub in the Game Browser, where you can filter by player count, platform and play mode.
When was this hub updated?
Hub content updated: July 28, 2026. Game data updated: September 24, 2026. Game details and scores can change independently of the hub text.