Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass is firmly established as a staple of the gaming landscape. While not the only subscription platform on the market, Game Pass is unquestionably the most popular and, many would argue, the best. The service provides subscribers launch day access to every first-party Xbox game, along with the occasional third-party release.

While that is a crucial selling point for the service, Game Pass' success can arguably be credited to its diverse lineup of games. From horror single-player titles to online-only PvP projects, there should be something for everyone on Microsoft's service. Naturally, that includes online cooperative titles, but which are the best co-op games on Game Pass?

Updated May 5, 2024 by Mark Sammut: In March and April 2024, Xbox Game Pass welcomed quite a few games that support both online and local co-op. Diablo 4 was the biggest addition, and as much criticism as Blizzard's RPG has received, it is a solid co-op hack and slash option. ARK: Survival Ascended has dinosaurs, which is always a selling point. Meanwhile, The Quarry is an easy recommendation for horror fans. Finally, two major sports games are now available on Game Pass: NBA 2K24 and MLB The Show 24.

The selection will be limited to games that support only online co-op since local co-op is covered in another article. Also, in case someone wishes to pick up a physical copy, a link to a game's Amazon page will be included if it exists.

Remnant 2

Metascore: 85

Both Remnant games are on Xbox Game Pass, and they are fantastic co-op experiences. The Soulslike genre is no stranger to multiplayer, but it tends to be a fairly small part of the overall package; however, Remnant: From the Ashes and its successor are exceptions. While solo is a viable option in both entries, the games are undeniably designed with co-op in mind, particularly the sequel. Although garnering criticism for some technical issues at launch, especially on PC, Remnant 2 is generally superior to its predecessor, and newcomers can just jump into the 2023 release without worrying too much about feeling lost.

Remnant 2 is, essentially, a third-person shooter Soulslike, although melee weapons are also available. Still, the gameplay prioritizes ranged combat above everything else, and it is generally weighty and satisfying. At the start of a playthrough, players build a character and pick an archetype, which acts as a class. These options are all designed around specific roles, and most of them are intended to be complementary to each other. The only exception is Handler since that archetype is tailored for solo play.

Using procedural-generation technology and featuring a wide assortment of worlds that each come with unique esthetics, Remnant 2 is ambitious and addictive.

Palworld

Ambitious Blend Of Genres

Palworld took the gaming world by storm when it launched into early access (or Game Preview on Xbox) on January 19, 2024. On paper, an open-world survival game where players catch Pokemon-esque creatures and engage in third-person shooter action sounds like a recipe for both success and disaster. Surely, such an ambitious title cannot conceivably come together to create a cohesive whole; yet, Palworld kind of clicks. Now, it is important to remember that Pocket Pair is still working on this project, and the current version is not only subject to change but also has plenty of room to grow. Technical issues are also normal, although Palworld is not a broken mess either.

Set on the Palpagos Islands, Palworld challenges players to survive and thrive. The former involves stocking up on necessities and building a base, while the latter requires exploring the impressive world in search of resources and Pals to catch. Monster-taming goes beyond battles as well, as Pals come with special abilities that allow them to be useful at bases or when traveling the map. While not the most complex survival project ever, Palworld's success lies in its clever incorporation of various genres and mechanics that are typically not associated with each other.

Although suitable for solo adventurers, Palworld is also designed with online co-op in mind, with players having the option to jump into 32-user servers or to team up with three of their friends. While its implementation comes with a few wrinkles that can be frustrating, this feature brings a whole new dimension to the experience that can help keep the gameplay loop engaging once players start to feel like they have seen almost everything currently in the game.

Dead Island 2

Metascore: 76

Although garnering largely positive reviews at launch, Dead Island 2 got a second lease on life when it debuted on Xbox Game Pass. The long-overdue sequel does not sound that impressive on paper, and if someone was not a big fan of the original, they might struggle to justify dropping cash to just have another opportunity to kill a few zombies in a good but seemingly not great game. However, Dead Island 2 just feels incredible to play, which is something that might not come across via gameplay footage or screenshots. Featuring a visceral gore system that makes dissecting the undead a deeply satisfying experience, Dead Island 2 focuses on getting the basics right, and it nails them.

Primarily known for its single-player, the 2023 release is a fantastic solo option, and an argument could be made that new players should start with this mode before trying co-op. That said, Dambuster implemented the latter feature well, ensuring that both hosts and guests are on an even footing. Co-op becomes available early in the campaign too, so players won't have to wait long before they can play together. That said, players need to be on the same missions to join forces, otherwise, the person who is further along in the campaign will need to join as a guest and help their friends in their earlier quests.

Warhammer 40000: Darktide

Metascore: 74 (PC)