While the peak of co-op releases may have come and gone, games that can be played with a friend or two are still in demand. Just look at Lethal Company and those inspired by it as examples. It’s not a dead format, but the older generations are better known for their co-op experience.
The PlayStation 3 is just one example, and all of these games have been released on the classic console. Even better, these co-op games specifically reward exploration with interesting and hidden loot, resource management, and collectibles.
7
Castle Crashers
Local Co-Op Action with Hidden Loot
Bright colors, silly humor, and simple hack-and-slash combat are perhaps the biggest strengths of Castle Crashers. And, best of all, it can be enjoyed cooperatively with up to 4 players.
Castle Crashers is a side-scrolling puzzle game. As a result, it is not focused on testing; players are always moving forward. However, exploration is rewarded, as there are a variety of hidden weapons/pets that players can find if they do well.
6
Diablo 3
An ARPG With an Emphasis on Looting
Diablo 3 is the third installment in the beloved action RPG series and, while Diablo 2 may be looked back on with great fondness, it remains an important one. Diablo 3 was my first experience with the franchise, and as someone who enjoys both interacting and exploring video games, it certainly scratched that itch.
In Diablo 3, players spend most of their time crawling through dungeons and fighting hordes of enemies. The fun of the game comes down to building a structure, and the variety offered in this department. Therefore, it is understandable that loot becomes a very important part of the game. Also, since exploration often yields more loot, it’s perfect for those who want to explore.
5
Dead Island
Open-World Zombie Survival with Breakable Weapons
Although its gameplay can be somewhat repetitive and its narrative is full of fetch quests, Dead Island remains a strange experience for me. I spent hours running around the rest of the island, mostly the co-op. Dead Island is an open world game, so there’s a lot of exploring to be done. But, given its zombie-apocalypse setting, it’s appropriately risky to check out.
With that said, exploration is still very rewarding, as the game incorporates RPG elements; players can gain experience, level up, and earn valuable loot as they explore. In addition, the game features a robust weapon system, which encourages players to constantly look for new gear.
4
Resident Evil 5
A combination of Action and Survival-Horror that strains your resources
While some may consider Resident Evil 5 an ugly duckling for an otherwise esteemed franchise, especially upon release, it has become famous for its excellent co-op gameplay. In the game, players have to fight against a variety of crazy enemies with limited resources, working together to stay alive.
Resident Evil 5 is a personal favorite because it brings resource management from past games and uses it to test players’ skills and teamwork. This is especially on hard difficulty, which I would definitely recommend. Unfortunately for some, the game only supports two-player co-op.
3
Borderlands 2
Co-Op Looter Shooter
Borderlands 2 is an open world shooter that tasks players with pursuing the main storyline while completing as many side quests as possible. The game’s side quests are worth seeking out, not only for the extra weapons and experience they provide. Most of the side quests in Borderlands 2 are a lot of fun to complete.
Additionally, Borderlands 2 is designed for cooperative play. Exploring Pandora is undoubtedly more fun when done with a friend. Either way, though, Borderlands 2 always rewards exploration by giving players side quests and extra loot.
2
LEGO The Lord of the Rings
Lots of Hidden Collectables in an Open World
For fans of Middle Earth, open world exploration, and the accessible co-op gameplay of LEGO games, LEGO The Lord of the Rings is an excellent choice. Featuring a combination of classic LEGO gameplay and an open world to explore, LEGO The Lord of the Rings thrives on its focus on exploration.
And exploring LEGO The Lord of the Rings is a double reward because of its preparation; players not only get to explore the iconic world of Middle Earth, but are rewarded with tons of collectibles and side quests. For fans of the LEGO game formula and source material, it’s hard to go wrong.
1
Terraria
Open-World Survival-Craft Game of Exploration
Terraria is all about exploration. From the first moment, players need to go out into the world and explore resources. Not only that, but players will need to explore well in order to trap the game bosses and eventually win the game. Terraria can be played alone, but it is undoubtedly best enjoyed together.
Together, players can work as a team to build a thriving city, explore many underground caves, and fight game bosses. Exploration is almost always rewarding, as there are plenty of monsters and treasure chests in the world that reward players with loot. Not to mention the resources that can be found and collected through exploration.
