Survival Games With the Best Cooperative Multiplayer Experiences

10 June 2025

Let’s be honest, survival games are a blast. Whether you’re crafting tools out of sticks and stones or outrunning a horde of zombies, there’s an undeniable adrenaline rush that keeps us hooked. Now imagine adding some friends into the mix. Suddenly, it’s not just about surviving on your own but banding together, strategizing, and sharing laughs (and screams). If you're on the hunt for survival games that deliver the best cooperative multiplayer experiences, buckle up. This list has you covered.

Why Co-Op Survival Games Are So Addictive

There’s just something magical about tackling the chaos of survival with your buddies. You can thrive in a hostile world together, dividing up tasks like scavenging for resources, building epic bases, or taking down ferocious creatures. It’s teamwork at its finest, wrapped up in a package of tense situations and thrilling gameplay.

Multiplayer survival isn’t just about the grind—it’s about creating memories. Whether it’s the time your friend accidentally set your base on fire ("It was just supposed to be a torch!"), or the moment you narrowly avoided catastrophe as a group, these games are basically friendship-building machines. So, without further ado, let's dive into some of the best co-op survival games out there.

1. "Minecraft" – A Blocky Adventure Like No Other

Come on, you knew this one was going to be here. "Minecraft" is the OG when it comes to survival games—and for good reason! Whether you’re braving Creepers or crafting the fortress of your dreams, this blocky masterpiece is the epitome of co-op goodness.

What Makes It Special?

- Endless Creativity: You and your friends can build anything you can imagine, from a cozy cabin to a sprawling city.
- Survival Elements: Scour caves for diamonds, plant wheat for bread, and fend off hordes of skeletons as you build your empire.
- Customizable Gameplay: Mods, adventure maps, and different modes mean you can tweak the experience to fit your group’s vibe.

And let’s face it—there’s nothing like yelling “CREEPER!” as your friend panics and runs in circles.

2. "Don't Starve Together" – Quirky, Chaotic, and Oh-So Fun

Ever wanted to know what it’s like surviving in a Tim Burton-esque nightmare? “Don’t Starve Together” takes you into a beautifully twisted world where survival is both eerie and hilarious.

Why You'll Love It

- Challenging Gameplay: The struggle is real. Keep yourself fed, sane, and alive while managing monsters, weather, and random disasters.
- Teamwork is Key: Divvy up tasks like gathering food, chopping wood, or hunting in the dark. Pro tip: Watch out for the Beefalo during mating season. Seriously.
- Unique Aesthetic: Its hand-drawn, gothic art style is charming yet unsettling, making every moment feel surreal.

This game will test your teamwork and make you laugh at the absurdity of it all. Just be prepared for Wilson to starve. (Sorry, Wilson.)

3. "ARK: Survival Evolved" – Dinosaurs + Survival = Epic

Do you love dinosaurs? Do you also love tough-as-nails survival mechanics? Then do yourself a favor and check out “ARK: Survival Evolved.” In this game, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving, taming prehistoric beasts, and exploring a massive open world.

Why It’s a Standout

- Dinosaur Taming: Yes, you can tame a T-Rex and ride it into battle. Need I say more?
- Base Building: From small huts to massive fortresses, you and your friends can create incredible structures.
- Survival Mechanics: You’ll need to gather food, craft weapons, and stay safe from hostile dinos (and other players if you’re in PvP mode!).

While the learning curve can be steep, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel after taming your first Velociraptor? Totally worth it.

4. "The Forest" – Terrifying, Yet Thrilling

If horror and survival combined sounds like your thing, then “The Forest” is calling your name. Crash-land on an island, fend off creepy cannibals, and unravel the island’s dark mysteries—all while trying not to scream into your headset.

What Sets It Apart

- Atmosphere: The island is as beautiful as it is horrifying, with lush forests, dark caves, and ominous sounds that will keep you on edge.
- Base Building: Gather wood and resources to create defenses against nightly assaults from whatever is out there.
- Cooperative Exploration: Working with friends makes exploring the terrifying underground caves slightly more bearable.

This game is not for the faint-hearted, but if you love a good scare, it’s one of the best survival experiences to share with friends.

5. "Raft" – Surviving Together on the High Seas

Picture this: You’re stranded on a tiny raft in the middle of the ocean, just you, your pals, and a very persistent shark. Your goal? Expand your raft, scavenge resources, and uncover a mysterious story that unfolds along the way.

What Makes It a Splash?

- Resource Management: You'll need to grab floating debris, fish for food, and fend off that dang shark.
- Progressive Adventure: As you expand your raft, you’ll eventually reach islands and unlock new technologies.
- Co-Op Bliss: Divvy up tasks like gathering supplies, steering the raft, or cooking.

The teamwork needed in “Raft” makes every success feel well-earned. And hey, who knew battling a shark with a wooden spear could be so entertaining?

6. "7 Days to Die" – Zombies, Zombies, and More Zombies

When it comes to zombie survival, “7 Days to Die” goes above and beyond. This game blends survival, crafting, and base defense into one gut-wrenching package.

What Makes It Undeadly Fun?

- The Horde Mechanic: Every seven days, a massive zombie horde will attack your base. If your defenses aren’t up to par, you’re toast.
- Crafting Galore: Build everything from weapons to traps to survive the onslaught.
- Open-World Freedom: You’ll scavenge towns, loot buildings, and fight to survive another day.

It's like "The Walking Dead" meets Minecraft with a sprinkle of chaos. Pro tip: Always fortify your base with spikes. Thank me later.

7. "Valheim" – Vikings and Survival, A Match Made in Heaven

“Valheim” takes you to a mystical Viking afterlife where you and your crew must survive, build, and conquer mythical foes. If pillaging and crafting sound like a good time, this Norse-inspired masterpiece is for you.

Why It’s Worth Playing

- Balanced Gameplay: Combines survival, exploration, and combat seamlessly.
- Base Building: Construct Viking halls, fortresses, and even longships to traverse its beautiful world.
- Co-Op Combat: Team up to take on terrifying bosses that will truly test your coordination.

The best part? You get to feel like a Viking legend, one raid at a time.

Final Thoughts: Survival’s Better With Friends

Survival games have come a long way, and the best ones shine when you can share the adventure with others. Whether you’re braving the wilderness of “Minecraft” or trying to outsmart prehistoric predators in “ARK,” these games are proof that surviving together is more fun than going it alone.

So, grab your squad, pick a game, and get ready for some unforgettable co-op moments. And hey, if you accidentally hit your friend with a tree in "Valheim," just remember—it's all part of the charm.