The Best Dark Fantasy Co-Op Games, Ranked
Ghoul-like creatures, Gothic structures, nightmarish bosses, and horrifying themes combine to create unforgettable dark fantasy games, a subgenre that is immensely popular due to both quality and limited quantity. The industry does not produce too many of these types of projects, and this supply becomes even smaller when co-op is thrown into the mix. Still, some of the greatest multiplayer releases ever are dark fantasy co-op games, and they cover a pretty wide spectrum of gameplay styles. We are talking Soulslikes, turn-based RPGs, first-person action fests, and many, many more.
The 10 Best Dark Fantasy Games Even Diehards Haven’t Played
From surreal landscapes to cult-controlled labyrinths, explore the depths of dark fantasy with these obscure and underappreciated games.
If you and your allies are looking to take a trip to a world drenched in oppressive darkness, vicious tyrants, and blood, these are the games that your group should prioritize. Let’s take a trip through history and highlight the definitive dark fantasy games to play with friends, and the focus is on relatively modern releases.
We are focusing on games that have come out in the last 10 years or so.
10
Nioh 3
Max Players: 3
We picked Nioh 3 due to recency bias, but Nioh 2 is just as valid an option.
Team Ninja has really nailed its Nioh formula, with these games arguably being the developer’s most consistently great. Nioh 2 set the bar extremely high and, for some, is still the standard-bearer; however, Nioh 3 does a few things better than its predecessor, while also going for some changes that can be a bit divisive. The switch from linear levels to open zones was surprisingly smooth, with the latter being self-contained and dense enough to be just as satisfying as the former. The incorporation of two combat styles not only rewards, but also demands that players frequently switch from Samurai to Ninja, even if limiting weapons to certain types wasn’t the most popular choice.
In terms of co-op, Nioh 3 mostly gets things right, although it comes with some limitations. While possible, it isn’t that straightforward to just start a campaign with two friends and play through it together, as these types of expeditions limit what visitors can do. However, you can also summon other players to help you in a specific mission or for a boss fight, so you don’t need to play through the whole game together. Just use co-op as another tool in your arsenal.
9
V Rising
Max Players: 10
V Rising is a settlement-building survival game where players take control of a newly awakened vampire. As they explore and survive a world of many dangers, players will be able to collect materials and upgrade their character. Players will need to consume blood regularly and avoid dangers like the sun.
The game can be played in various ways, with different servers offering PvP or PvE content. Players can team up with other vampires to hunt together, either by braving the public servers or hosting private games. For friends wanting to simply play without worrying about other players, PvE servers are the way to go, with a private game allowing up to 10 people to play.
8
Elden Ring Nightreign
Max Players: 3
FromSoftware has an extensive history of implementing co-op into its games, but Elden Ring Nightreign was the first project to 100% focus on this type of experience. The spin-off game is entirely built around co-op, with persistent team sessions, coordinated boss encounters, and shared survival progression. Co-op is also at the heart of its replay value, even though you can technically go solo. A pure dark fantasy game, Nightreign is drenched in an oppressively bleak atmosphere that incorporates cosmic horror, grotesque boss designs, and apocalyptic undertones. Even the high-risk gameplay fits the dark fantasy element.
All DLC Raids in Elden Ring Nightreign
There are three new raids in Elden Ring Nightreign DLC, and players can complete some of these quite easily for some great powers.
Honestly, this recommendation is dependent on what you are craving. If you want a traditional FromSoftware experience, go with either Dark Souls 3 or Elden Ring; however, co-op can be somewhat frustrating in both of those games. For all its flaws and frustrations, Nightreign is the developer’s definitive multiplayer game.
Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring easily qualify as well, but we wanted to limit things to just one FromSoftware game.
7
Path Of Exile
Max Players: 6
Considered the spiritual successor to Diablo 2, Path of Exile is a free-to-play game set within a dark fantasy world. Players can create unique character builds, allowing for many different play styles. Path of Exile also allows for 5 players to join together and fight through the various enemies of the game.
Set on the ruined continent of Wraeclast, players will explore several dungeons and expansive outdoor areas and battle a wide variety of enemies. With seven different classes to choose from, players can build a party of friends who have different abilities and who can fulfill different roles in-game.
6
Diablo 4
Max Players: 4
The newest entry into the long-running Diablo franchise brings players back into the popular dark fantasy setting. Players can work together to explore ancient dungeons, defeat demonic beasts, and find all the good loot. There are five classes to choose from in the game and numerous abilities to learn and improve.
Diablo 4 is at its best with a good group of friends. With a maximum of 4 players in a party, the game offers a great co-op experience for players looking for a classic dark fantasy adventure. Diablo 2: Resurrected is also a fantastic option, particularly for groups who want a slightly slower and harder gameplay loop.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
5
Vermintide 2
Max Players: 4
Vermintide 2 is set within the Warhammer: Age of Sigmar universe. The game pits players against the unending hordes of Skaven and the grotesque worshipers of the chaos god of rot, Nurgle. Set over various levels, Vermintide 2 is a fun hack-and-slash game that offers a decent upgrade system and numerous collectibles to wear or use.
Vermintide 2 can be a challenging game. Players will quickly be overwhelmed by the numerous enemies if they don’t work together, especially on the harder difficulties, but overcoming the odds is a big part of the fun. With a good number of abilities and weapons to choose from, Vermintide 2 encourages co-op play and supplies hours of brutal fun.
4
Valheim
Max Players: 10
This open-world survival sandbox game is ideal for larger groups of friends looking to build a settlement and go out on adventures together. Valheim places players into a Viking afterlife where they need to prove their worthiness for entry into Valhalla. The goal is to defeat six bosses scattered around a large procedurally generated world.
Players can construct buildings, farm the land, forage or hunt, and level up their gear and characters as they work together in the game. Valheim is the perfect game for spending time with friends, going out on missions, or just simply hanging out.
3
Remnant 2
Max Players 3
This action dark fantasy game replaces swords with guns and plunges players into a post-apocalyptic environment to explore. In the game, players need to stop The Root from destroying the multiverse. The game is filled with randomly generated enemies and bosses, drawing inspiration from Soulslike games.
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Remnant 2 is a solo game, but it also allows up to 3 people to play in co-op. Players can choose from 11 different character classes, picking both a primary and a secondary. This allows for a lot of variety in gameplay styles, and the gameplay is largely created with 3-player teams in mind. Yes, solo runs are possible, but not all the classes are equally viable; in co-op, you can create a wide assortment of formations and experiment with different configurations.
2
Grim Dawn
Max Players: 4
Four is somewhat of a magic number when it comes to co-op, especially amidst games in the fantasy genre, and Grim Dawn is no different. Humanity is on the brink of complete and utter extinction as an apocalyptic scenario threatens to end everything. Iron has become the most valued currency, and no one knows who they can truly trust, as this dark world is filled with dark hearts.
This is the hopeless world of Grim Dawn that players are mercilessly thrown into, and they must learn to acclimate and develop their powers, or risk dying. However, by teaming up with friends, players can find some light in this dark world and face the threats and turmoils together. With up to four possible players together in one party, this epic dark fantasy ARPG can be shared and overcome.
1
Baldur’s Gate 3
Max Players: 4
Although an argument could be made that D&D is high fantasy, Baldur’s Gate 3 is an incredibly dark game, arguably more so than any other titles mentioned in this article. More importantly, it might just be the best co-op experience of the last few years, at least for groups interested in going on an extended journey through the Forgotten Realms.
The campaign is fully playable with up to 4 players online, while also supporting 2-player split-screen, which is absolutely perfect for couples, siblings, or just friends. Each person gets to control a protagonist who is truly theirs, and they get to make plenty of dialogue choices along the way. The game does a fantastic job of making everyone in the party feel important, and they are all free to disagree, betray, or even split up. In terms of “dark fantasy” content, BG3 goes to some pretty heavy places, touching upon body horror, moral corruption, and even psychological trauma.
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