Summary
One of the most satisfying experiences players can have in astealth gameis executing the perfect takedown. Whether it involves lining up the perfect shot inHitmanor knocking someone out with Snake’s bare hands inMetal Gear Solid, the feeling is great. This feeling can become even more satisfying if players team up with friends.
There aren’t a lot of purely definedco-opexperiences out there that take multiple players through one campaign. For example,Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklistis a well-reviewed game that has a separate mode wherein two players can complete missions together, but that’s it. The following examples have more involved co-op modes, including local and online features across multiple consoles.
Untitled Goose Gamedid not initially have co-op when it launched. This was a feature later added in a free update, which allowed another friend to join in on the mischief. The core game is a bit more of a linear chaos simulator, unlikeGoat Simulator,which is more open.
As the titular Goose, players can honk at NPCs and take all their goods to move on. It was tricky to get these puzzles right, which is why co-op made things easier. It’s just more fun with two players honking and scaring the life out of NPCs.
This series is one of those quiet titles that keeps coming out with solid sequels that a lot of players tend to miss. As the name suggests, they do value sniping as the number one gameplay mechanic. However, there’s a lot more involved in the action, and it’s not just a linear shooter on rails like a light gun game.
Players can get up and move around inSniper Elite 5, take out enemies up close and personal, or go to town with non-sniper weapons. However, it’s more satisfying to sneakily get that perfect shot on an enemy and to see the zoomed-in, slow-mo kill. Lining up shots and getting through enemy bases can be more fun with a buddy and there are other co-op modes to get into besides the main campaign.
Party Hardlooks and plays similar to a gamelikeHotline Miami. Players assume the role of a killer who has to infiltrate parties and take out specific targets. They can get bonuses based on how they kill enemies, like if someone drowns in a punch bowl, hypothetically.
Killing in the open is possible, but it will attract a lot of attention on missions. It’s hard to play alone, but a friend can help with distracting guards or other partygoers. It’s one of those games that takes a few tries to get right and is deeply satisfying when a plan comes together flawlessly.
Let’s increase the player count withMonaco: What’s Yours Is Mine,which offers four players a sneaky co-op experience. The graphics and gameplay mechanics are simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s not engaging. There are several classes of characters to choose from, including The Lockpick, who obviously excels at unlocking doors or other contraptions. The Pickpocket can steal things, and the list goes on.
Even though the game is set up to be a multiplayer experience with all classes working together seamlessly to get a job done, it can be enjoyed alone. Players who get through a particularly tough mission by themselves could prove more rewarding mentally.
The first game in this series focused on players trying toget out of prison. That’s whatThe Escapists 2is about as well, except this time, co-op was added. It just made sense to include it, as prison breaks in real life (or in the movies) are rarely a solo effort.
It’s another game with simple pixel graphics, but surprisingly, there’s a lot to work with mechanically. From taking down guards to hiding supplies in closets, there are many ways to get the upper hand in the game. Breaking out of prison is one of the easiest concepts for players to wrap their heads around and, surprisingly, there aren’t many other games like this.
A Way Outis actually another game that starts as a prison break experience, but it goes far beyond that idea. Unlike the other games on this list that have optional co-op, this game cannot be played without another person involved. This forced co-op mechanic is something the developer, Hazelight, is known for, as they used it inIt Takes Twoas well.
To rewind,A Way Outfollows two prisoners who break out of prison and have to make it out into the real world while still dodging cops. There are a lot of genres blended into this one, but it’s definitely a game where stealth is a must. It also has one of the most mind-blowing endings in perhaps the last decade, but no spoilers will be had here. It’s best to play it in one or two sessions with a buddy as well, since it isn’t a long one.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlandsis not only a stealth game, it’s an open-world game too. This game gives players a lot to work with in the field when they engage enemy hideouts. More mechanics would unlock as players progressed through the game, from gadgets like drones to deadlier weapons.
Stealth isn’t a must, as a team of four could easily take down hideouts with guns blazing. Keeping things quiet just feels right in aTom Clancygame though, from this toSplinter Cell. The sequel,Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, is good now even though it initially launched in a rough state. For players looking for a good stealth game to enjoy with friends, one can’t go wrong with any of theGhost Recongames really, butTom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlandsexceeded expectations thanks to its gameplay variety.
