The 13 best co-op games for building, managing, and surviving

The management and base building simulator games satisfy a certain itch. There’s that perfect gameplay loop that comes from doing menial tasks and then, later, building systems to help automate those chores. But these games are often more fun with others, letting you create abominations together or ruthlessly mess with each other’s work.

So we’ve created a list of some of our favorites that support cooperative play; mostly online multiplayer with a few entries that support couch co-op. These games include base-building and survival as well certain crafting types. What they share in common is a particular game loop, with resource gathering and crafting complementary to other goals — from exploration and fighting to growing a city to managing a successful amusement park or farm.

This is a list of official multiplayer modes that have been developed by the developers. Even if your favorite doesn’t make an appearance, many popular colony management sims (like RimworldFor example, a multiplayer mod is available in.

Some classics first

Terraria

Image: Re-Logic

TerrariaThis is 2D sandbox survival video game that will change the way you think about sandbox survival. You could easily burn hundreds of hours simply exploring and building, even without explicitly attempting to fight the game’s numerous enemies. The game has it all: vast procedurally generated maps, exploration, crafting, base-building and more. SoMany bats. Build your base, seek upgrades, and fight bosses to advance the game’s story.

Online multiplayer can support up to eight players. Older console editions offer split-screen cooperative play for four. Developer Re-Logic released the game for PC on 11/11/2011. It has since been port to many other platforms. Nintendo Switch also allows two-player couch coop. TerrariaFor beginners it can be difficult to learn, so multiplayer is an excellent way to get a head start.

TerrariaAvailable on Windows PC and Linux via Steam and GOG. Also available on PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360. Xbox One. Xbox Series X. Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo Switch. Android. Cross-platform play cannot be done.

Minecraft

Image: Mojang/Xbox Game Studios

Although the sandbox game is already a global phenomenon, it’s still necessary to mention that it exists in this article. It’s the second-most popular video game (in order of popularity).Tetris holds the top spot), and Polygon has called it “among the most influential games of the 2010s.” In MinecraftThere is no upper limit to your imagination, and there is an entire community that has developed around this game. You can play around with your friends or create meticulous works of fan art with the game’s signature mix of exploring, mining, and crafting.

The game is more than 10 years old so multiplayer can differ between those who own the Java Edition or Bedrock Edition. You’ll need to have the same edition of the game to play online multiplayer. For more information, see our guide. MinecraftMore details can be found at multiplayer

MinecraftAvailable on Windows PC and Linux. Minecraft’s websiteA comprehensive chart that shows console compatibility across platforms is available.

If agriculture is your thing,

Stardew Valley

Image: ConcernedApe/Chucklefish

Your grandfather will give you the land and farm of his father in Pelican Town. This is your chance to escape from your miserable JojaMart job. The farming sim and lifestyle simulation is an old classic. There’s lots to do, and you can tackle it at your own pace: Till the land, sell crops, raise farm animals, mine, fish, and socialize with the townspeople — or lean into one of these activities if you find any of the others onerous. It’s soothing and rewarding, and the game’s storytelling and characters are delightfully memorable.

You can build up to 4 cabins and invite your friends online to play multiplayer. You can choose to either pool your income or manage separate balances — useful for playthroughs when others might drop in or out of a session.

Stardew ValleyIt is accessible on Windows PC and Linux via Steam, GOG and Humble, as well on PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. There is no cross-platform play.

Farming Simulator 22

Giants Software

The first-person simulator lets you design a variety of farming projects, including a winery or potato farm. This franchise has existed for eons, and this entry builds upon its predecessors with a staggering number of tools and crops — all in the name of immersion. You can drive the tractor all over your land and reap those wheat fields.

Multiplayer online is possible for up to 16 people on PC, and six players on console. You will have a lot of fun running your farm with only a few people.

Farm Simulator 22Available on Windows PC and Mac via Steam. Also available for PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series X.

If you’re nostalgic for RollerCoaster Tycoon

Parkitect

Image by Texel Raptor

However Planet CoasterA great descendant for single-players RollerCoaster Ticoon 3, ParkitectA multiplayer mode is currently available in beta. The theme park management simulation is now much closer. RollerCoaster Tycoon IIThe franchise had previously changed from isometric pixels to more fluid, 3D graphic designs. Parkitect takes that classic toolkit — the pathing, coaster building, and terraforming tools are Very similar — and expands ride types, decorative options, and support staff management. You can also upload your ride design online and build it in your park.

Up to eight players can build a park together cooperatively through online play, but I like to play it “competitively” by seeing who can build the more popular ride — or by slapping weird decor onto a ride my partner has created.

ParkitectIt is accessible on Windows PC and Linux via Steam, Epic Games and GOG.

Automation is what you will love if it’s all that interests you.

Factorio

Wube Software

Factorio is the champion of the automation management sim space — it’s also the champion of making a factory so complicated you don’t understand how it works anymore. Get resources, and get to work. ManyYou build a rocket to send a satellite into space. Or, you could play it as I did and make complex designs to fix a specific problem, kill bugs, build railways, adapt electrical grids to accommodate upgrades, kill bugs, etc. Every new discovery will open doors to endless possibilities. I’m an engineer now.

Players can play cooperatively (or PvP, if you’re feeling antagonistic) by joining a server. Though it’s best around two to eight players, streamers have shoved hundreds of people into theirs for maximum chaos.

FactorioIt is now available for Windows PC and Linux via Steam, GOG and Mac via Steam, GOG and Cross-Platform Play. The app will be available on Nintendo Switch Oct. 28.

Satisfactory

Coffee Stain Studios

SatisfyingTakes the assembly line vibes FactorioThey are viewed from a third-person viewpoint, complete with 3D graphics. There’s a focus on exploration and base-building, but instead of having oxygen as a limiting factor, you face enemy threats, much more in line with something like Valheim Despite the fact that foes can be difficult to defeat, Valheim’s big bosses). Although the game is in its early stages, multiplayer is well-developed enough that it is enjoyable. It is extremely satisfying to build an assembly line. Elements can either be assembled in a chaotic fashion or can be snapped together on a grid. Each upgrade increases your base. Once everything is connected, you are able to run and stand around the factory.

SatisfactoryOfficially supports 4 players online co-op. A higher upper limit technically is possible. There’s no plan at the moment for PvP. It’s a chill experience unless you play it like I do: like a jerk who runs around stabbing multiplayer partners until they die, allowing you to steal all their stuff.

SatisfactoryIt is available for early access via Steam and Epic Games on Windows PC and Linux.

Astroneer

Image: System Era Softworks

Astroneer sets you on a large planet full of mineable resources with a special “deformer” gun that sucks up and spits out the low-poly environment. As long as you build tethers back to an oxygen line, you can freely explore the planet, using that gun to burrow deep into its depths (and even make a tunnel through the planet’s center). It is possible to research, build and explore technology on seven of the planets within our solar system. But it’s also a compelling sandbox game that lets you goof around by making smooth paths which you can snowboard down.

Online multiplayer supports four players. I enjoy working with others to create large oxygen grids and to compete in snowboarding events to the core planet. Just be careful not to snowboard straight into a cavern — to your death. Not that we’ve done that.

AstroneerIt is also available for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One and Windows PC via Steam. There is no cross-platform play.

Base-building and boss fighting are your favorite pastimes

Valheim

Photo: Iron Gate Studio/Coffee Stain Publishing via Polygon

Valheim broke the survival sim mold by eschewing many of the genre’s grindiest elements. This game places players in an open-world inspired by Norse mythology where they have to gather resources and build shelter. You aren’t forced to keep yourself from starving or fret over other traditional survival sim concerns. To avoid getting locked out from larger areas, fight smaller enemies, and work towards defeating terrifying bosses in your region. (It’s also entirely possible to die in stupid ways, like getting trapped in a poorly ventilated home filled with poisonous fumes.)

Multiplayer online can be used to support up to 10 users on one server. Although you can always play by yourself, it’s much more enjoyable with your friends. It’s a necessity to have an additional player on your team in order to maintain your base and defeat bosses.

ValheimIt is available for early access via Steam and Windows PC. It’s coming to Sep. 29: Game Pass available on PC Xbox spring 2023It will also support cross-platform play.

The Core Keeper

Image: Pugstorm/Fireshine Games via Polygon

You can find games such as Forager, The Core KeeperKeeps the grind interesting while providing challenges via exploration, crafting, fighting. Players will be placed in a cave procedurally created with grid-like walls. They must navigate the wall to reveal resources, areas, and enemies. The blocky, huge sandboxes of MinecraftYou will be a boss fighter and keep up with the pace of Valheim. Because each area is under the control of its boss, it’s a play loop that involves exploring and gathering, base-management, crafting, and then going out on your own to face the big bad boss.

You can play with up to eight players online at once. The Core Keeper, which is for the best, given the game’s resource management and exploration challenges.

The Core KeeperIt is available for early access via Steam and Windows PC.

If you’d prefer to focus more specifically on surviving

Rust

Image: Double Eleven

“Everything wants you to die” is how developer Facepunch Studios describes Rust — a statement that is incredibly and objectively correct. Admittedly, this game’s difficulty leads me to watch Twitch streamers play it instead of personally playing it. You are thrown into the wild with little, even clothing. The only thing worse than the game’s cruel environs are the assholes who make everything feel horrible. It’s comically bleak, and an entertaining time with friends (though it’s a bit difficult to meet up with them.)

Rust server can house up to 100 players, though there are massive servers with more — and of course smaller parties as well. Unless you’re prepared to die repeatedly, you might not want to hop into an enormous server on your first go of it. However, who are you to judge me?

Rust It is accessible on Windows PC, Linux and Mac via Steam and on PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X.

Don’t Starve Together

Image: Klei Entertainment

This is how we aim to Don’t StarveIt is not starving to death, but it does exist. It’s not boring to say that the game has dozens of hilarious and bleak ways players can die. This game’s Gothic themes are well matched by the Edward Gorey-esque style. Play as a character whose dead twin sister can be spawned as a friendly ghost, or one who turns into a beaver after chopping a certain amount of wood, or another who’s a pyromaniac with a beloved lighter. You can build bases for winter food and fur vests by shaving beefalo. Don’t let the Deerclops get you, or the kilt-wearing walruses with blow darts.

The game supports up to six online players, but a co-op of two is just as fun — fewer mouths to feed, but enough players to make base-building more grand. Also, there’s someone there to revive you when you (inevitably) kick the bucket. Developer Klei also hosts larger servers where you can dip in and out — just remember to empty your pockets before leaving.

Don’t Starve TogetherAvailable on Windows PC, Linux and Mac via Steam as well on PS4 or Xbox One. Cross-platform play cannot be done.

Best of the Rest

Spiritfarer

Thunder Lotus Image

Developer Thunder Lotus bills Spiritfarer as a “cozy management sim about dying,” which sounds at odds with itself. However, the game allows you to build your own little boat and coast down the River Styx. The dead can help you with any unfinished business so that you can move on. A combination of seafaring across the world’s map of varied islands melds with its cozy management sim play, which includes farming, crafting, cooking, and making a precarious stack of buildings on your ship. Every character is unique and it can be difficult to say goodbye.

This rare entry is from a couch co-op. Stella assumes Charon’s famous duties as player 1. ThisCharon) while Daffodil, the second participant plays her cat. Daffodil is able to do the majority of management tasks, unlike other games that have one person as second fiddle. Only thing that the cat cannot do is to eat it. can’tTalking to spirits is a great way to communicate with them.

SpiritfarerIt is now available for Windows PC, Linux and Mac via Steam and Epic Games and GOG, as well as on PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.