Updated on July 20, 2026, by Mark Sammut: We’ve added two new online co-op games that were added to Game Pass in the last month: Abyssus and Palworld 1.0.
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass is gaming’s definitive subscription service and the perfect option for friends looking for online co-op games in 2026. Part of that reputation stems from the company’s willingness to allow most major exclusives to debut directly on Game Pass, along with a fairly impressive range of third-party Day One arrivals. However, one thing that cannot be overstated is the platform’s variety, offering something for just about every preference or situation. Along with fantastic single-player options, many of the best Xbox co-op games are also on Game Pass.
While local co-op dates back decades and will, hopefully, remain part of the gaming landscape, the online variant is undoubtedly the most common and popular today. Naturally, Microsoft acknowledges that, but what are the best co-op games on Game Pass?
The selection will be (mostly) limited to games that support only online co-op since local co-op is covered in another article. That said, a few major exceptions that everyone should play will be included, especially if their online support allows for way more players to join in.
1
New Game Pass Game: Palworld 1.0
Pokemon With Guns And Friends
OK, I know Palworld isn’t a new Game Pass game, but Pocket Pair released version 1.0 on July 10, adding so much content that it is genuinely ridiculous. Like so many online open-world games, Palworld‘s co-op mostly consists of friends existing in the same world, and they decide what they want to do together. Although catering well to solo players, the game has plenty of content that shines in co-op, be it raids or tower bosses.
The 1.0 update raised the level cap from 65 to 80 and added two massive, highly anticipated late-game regions: Sunreach (a floating sky archipelago) and the long-teased, finally accessible World Tree. 72 new Pals were also added, bringing the total to an impressive 287. Pocker Pair even introduced brand-new mechanics like mutation and awakening, along with overhauling the guild system and improving server stability. 4-player co-op should be more consistent now.
2
New Game Pass Game: Abyssus
A Multiplayer Roguelite Underwater Shooter
Multiplayer shooters are a dime-a-dozen, and the same can be said for roguelikes; however, when they come together, they tend to be rather addictive! Although not the most well-known co-op game in the genre, Abyssus is a pretty great representative, offering fast-paced arena shooting action and a fairly impressive assortment of character builds through weapons, mods, upgrades, and blessings. Also, it is part of the brinepunk genre, which I didn’t know existed until now.
Runs typically last 45 to 60 minutes, moving through over 70 hand-crafted levels that are procedurally sequenced, so no two descents feel identical. Like every roguelike, your team’s chances are partially dependent on Lady Luck’s willingness to smile in your direction, but Abyssus is also very skill-based. Pulling all the greatest blessings means nothing if that player doesn’t master the gunplay.
3
Remnant 2
The Best Co-Op Soulslike Game
Remnant 2 might be the greatest co-op Souls-like of all time, if someone considers it part of the genre. Compared to the first entry, Gunfire Games did a better job of ensuring the sequel would be viable solo, particularly if you go with the Handler class. However, Remnant 2 still feels like a game designed with 3-player co-op in mind, with build synergy between the group being very important.
So, what is Remnant 2? Well, it is basically a Soulslike with guns. Rather than being set in a continuous, interconnected world, your group uses World Stones to travel to biomes in a random order, all with their own vibe, aesthetic, and enemies. The core loop mostly involves fighting aggressive enemies, relying on dodge rolls and weapon management.
Remnant 2 mostly nails its co-op implementation, though a few caveats can hurt the experience for some folks. Firstly, friendly fire is active, so be careful when shooting. Secondly, and more importantly, only the host’s world progresses. While guests keep every piece of gear and XP they earn, their own world state at Ward 13 won’t change.
4
Forza Horizon 6
Join A Convoy And Enjoy Japan Together
To be honest, I don’t usually think “co-op” when it comes to Forza Horizon, as I consider them to be multiplayer sandboxes. However, Forza Horizon 6 has the best implementation of co-op in the series. With one player acting as the leader, up to 12 drivers can join a Convoy, and most of the campaign can be played in co-op, with progression and credits carrying over to everyone. The leader simply picks co-op when selecting an event, and they will face off against AI teams. As much as we all love high-octane, stressful games, sometimes all you want is to drive through beautiful Japan with a few friends. Forza Horizon 6 is the ultimate “let’s just chill” game on Game Pass.
I have to say, Forza Horizon 6 doesn’t make it easy to find other players/groups to play against.
5
Subnautica 2
The Biggest New Co-Op Game Of May 2026
Subnautica is one of the best exploration-driven open-world games of all time, and its popularity has barely faded over the last decade. Although not held in as high esteem, Below Zero is a respectable spin-off that gives fans another way to interact with this universe. People have been waiting for a proper sequel since, well, 2018, and Subnautica 2 is just that. On May 14, Unknown Worlds entered the project into Xbox’s Game Preview, which is just early access. Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play the current version without having to pay anything extra, making it very easy to take advantage of Subnautica 2‘s biggest selling point: 4-player online co-op.
Obviously, multiplayer isn’t the sequel’s only cool new addition, but it is the easiest one to market and get hyped over. Not every type of game should be played with friends, but survival open-world games that emphasize player-driven discovery are perfect fits for co-op. Unknown Worlds has a history of working on multiplayer games thanks to Natural Selection 2 and Moonbreaker, but those are widely different experiences from Subnautica. Still, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about this sequel, even with all the rough edges found in early access releases.
6
PowerWash Simulator 2
You And A Few Friends Can Relax And Clean Freely
OK, we are starting with a game that also supports local co-op, with PowerWash Simulator 2‘s campaign allowing for 2 people to clean as a team. However, FuturLab’s relaxing sim also has a free play mode that expands the scope to 6 players, and this is only available online. While the career is arguably the main selling point, free play elevates the watery madness to absurd levels, making for a really fun and chaotic time. Play through the story jobs and then try them again with a few more cleaners.
Whether played solo, locally, or online, PowerWash Simulator 2 is one of the best games on Game Pass, particularly in the simulation genre. For the uninitiated, the idea of cleaning for entertainment might sound really dull, but this series not only makes it work, but also makes it incredibly satisfying.
7
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
Everything Else Aside, COD Zombies Is Still A Blast
I know that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 isn’t the most beloved shooter ever, even compared to the franchise’s divisive recent entries… HOWEVER, COD Zombies is COD Zombies. Yeah, Black Ops 3‘s version is probably better, but the Black Ops 7 mode is still a great deal of fun that can keep a group of friends entertained for a long time. Along with being great fixtures that can be played daily or weekly, Zombies is also fantastic as a pick-up-and-play local option. Admittedly, BO7‘s 2-player local limitation is disappointing, but online co-op is typically a 4-player affair.
Zombies is arguably the main attraction, but the campaign also supports 4-player online co-op, something only a handful of entries provide. Short as it might be at roughly 5 hours, BO7‘s story mode delivers the typical high-octane set pieces associated with Call of Duty, and it contains more than enough quality to justify dedicating a weekend to it. Still, play Zombies.
8
Marvel Cosmic Invasion
A Super Online Co-Op Game
Despite also supporting local multiplayer, I wanted to still mention Marvel Cosmic Invasion, as it is one of the best co-op games on Game Pass. Beat ’em ups are pretty much the perfect “play with friends” games, and Tribute has kept the genre’s traditions alive in recent years. Similar to TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, Marvel Cosmic Invasion features way faster combat than classics like Streets of Rage 2, instead almost playing like a hack-and-slash title at times. Offering 15 playable characters who have unique movesets, this game is the definition of replayable, and the campaign is relatively long for a beat ’em up.
You can and should play Marvel Cosmic Invasion solo if that is your only option; however, if you can bring somebody along for the ride, do so. The combat goes from strength to strength as the number of players increases, leading to a symphony of marvelous mayhem that is a joy to behold and execute. Although not brain-dead easy, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is relatively accessible and not overly hard, making it a great option for a group of folks with different skill levels.
9
Escape the Backrooms
A Creepypasta Best Enjoyed Among Friends
Added to Game Pass at the end of May in celebration of A-24’s Backrooms movie, Escape the Backrooms is one of the most famous games inspired by the legendary creepypasta. In addition to supporting 4-player co-op, Fancy Games’ title comes with full crossplay enabled, allowing Xbox Series players to enter the Backrooms alongside PC and PS5 owners.
Should you bother playing this game if you couldn’t care less about the creepypasta? Well, yes and no. An appreciation for the Backrooms universe heightens the experience, but Escape the Backrooms can simply be enjoyed as a level-by-level horror campaign. The gameplay loop is simple: Try to figure out how to reach the next level while surviving what’s inside. You and your friends spawn into a creepy environment, and then you have to work together to solve puzzles and open exits. Naturally, the levels come packed with creatures that require different reactions, and you also have to keep an eye on your Stamina and Sanity meters.
10
Abiotic Factor
An Awesome Co-Op Survival Game
After a solid run in early access, Abiotic Factor wisely made its full launch in conjunction with its Game Pass and PS Plus Extra debuts. This ensured Deep Field’s game had access to a large player base right out of the gate, allowing it to capitalize on the early positive attention it received.
While playable solo or on public servers with random players, Abiotic Factor is at its best when experienced with friends, especially since campaigns last dozens upon dozens of hours. Incorporating a few nods to Valve’s Half-Life, the game is set in an underground facility called GATE that has become home to creatures from another dimension. You and your friends are scientists trapped in this surprisingly large world, and you not only have to try to escape but also make the most of your current situation.
At its core, Abiotic Factor is an exploration survival game with base management. Your team will spend their time meeting their basic needs, maintaining and improving their home, and venturing into the unknown to complete missions and discover items. Combat is part of the equation, but it is a fairly minor element in the grand scheme of things. Abiotic Factor does a fantastic job of emphasizing and promoting teamwork and coordination.
