Games Like A Way Out: 12 Co-Op Titles

If you’re looking for games like A Way Out, you want a co-op experience built around two players working together through a story-driven campaign. This list covers 12 titles that share its split-screen, narrative-focused, or teamwork-heavy DNA, from pure story games to puzzle and action co-op. Below you’ll find a breakdown of what makes each game similar, how to choose, and what to expect.

What Makes a Game Like A Way Out?

A Way Out (2018) is a co-op-only action-adventure from Hazelight Studios, directed by Josef Fares. The entire game is played in split-screen, even online, and it requires two players—there is no single-player mode. The story follows Leo and Vincent, two convicts who escape prison together and then go on the run, with gameplay alternating between stealth, driving, shooting, and quick-time events. The defining traits are: mandatory two-player co-op, a strong narrative focus, and a mix of gameplay genres. Games that share these traits—especially those that force cooperation rather than just allowing it—are the closest matches.

The 12 Best Co-Op Games Like A Way Out

These titles were chosen because they emphasize cooperative play, story, or both. They are listed roughly in order of similarity to A Way Out.

1. It Takes Two (2021) – Also by Hazelight, this is the closest spiritual successor. It’s a co-op-only action-platformer where a couple turned into dolls must work together through wildly varied levels. It has split-screen, a strong story, and constant genre shifts.
2. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013) – Directed by Josef Fares before Hazelight. It’s a single-player game where you control two brothers simultaneously with one controller, but it’s designed to be played by two people sharing the same pad. It’s a short, emotional adventure with puzzle-solving.
3. The Dark Pictures Anthology (2019–ongoing) – Supermassive Games’ horror series. Each entry supports 2-5 players online or couch co-op, where players control different characters and make choices that affect the story. The “Movie Night” mode passes the controller between players, but the online co-op is closer to A Way Out’s shared narrative.
4. Until Dawn (2015) – Also Supermassive. While it’s single-player, it has a local pass-the-controller mode. It’s a cinematic horror game where choices matter, so it appeals to fans of A Way Out’s story-first approach.
5. Man of Medan (2019) – Part of The Dark Pictures Anthology. It’s the first entry and shares the same co-op structure as the others. Good if you want a shorter, horror-tinged co-op story.
6. Resident Evil 5 (2009) – A co-op action-horror shooter. It’s not split-screen online (it is split-screen locally), but it forces two players to work together through a campaign. The story is less serious, but the co-op dependency is similar.
7. Resident Evil 6 (2012) – Has multiple campaigns, each playable in co-op. It’s more action-heavy than RE5, but the co-op is integral.
8. Gears of War series (2006–2019) – Specifically Gears 5 (2019) has a co-op campaign with split-screen on console. It’s a cover-based shooter, but the buddy dynamics and mandatory teamwork echo A Way Out.
9. A Way Out’s predecessor: Brothers – Already listed, but worth noting it’s the direct ancestor.
10. Unravel Two (2018) – A co-op puzzle-platformer where two yarn creatures work together. It’s family-friendly and has a gentle story, but the co-op is mandatory and the puzzles require communication.
11. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (2010) – A co-op action-puzzle game. It’s not split-screen (it uses a fixed camera), but it’s designed for two players to solve puzzles and fight together.
12. Portal 2 (2011) – The co-op campaign is a separate mode from the single-player. It’s pure puzzle-solving, but it’s one of the best two-player experiences ever made, requiring constant communication.

How to Choose the Right One for You

Consider what you liked most about A Way Out:

• Story and drama – Choose It Takes Two or Brothers.
• Horror and choices – Choose The Dark Pictures games or Until Dawn (if you don’t mind pass-the-controller).
• Action and shooting – Choose Resident Evil 5 or Gears 5.
• Puzzles and teamwork – Choose Portal 2 or Unravel Two.
• Split-screen specifically – It Takes Two and A Way Out are the only modern ones that force split-screen online. Others use a shared screen or full-screen co-op.

Common Problems When Searching for Similar Games

One common issue is that many games advertised as “co-op” allow one player to drop out or play alone. A Way Out is unique in that it cannot be played solo. If you want that strict requirement, stick to Hazelight’s titles. Another problem is platform availability: It Takes Two and Brothers are on most platforms, but Resident Evil 5’s split-screen is not available on PC. Always check the co-op specifics before buying.

Comparisons: Split-Screen vs. Online vs. Couch Co-Op

A Way Out uses forced split-screen even online. It Takes Two does the same. Most other games use a single shared screen (like Portal 2) or full-screen each player (like Resident Evil 5 online). If the split-screen aesthetic is important, you have only two options. If you just want to play together, the others are fine.

Costs and Availability

Most of these games are older and often go on sale. It Takes Two has a “Friend’s Pass” that lets one player own the game and invite a friend for free—similar to A Way Out’s “Friend Pass.” Brothers is often very cheap. The Dark Pictures games are episodic and can be bought individually. No need to pay full price for most of these if you wait for a sale.

Safety and Comfort Notes

Some of these games contain violence, gore, or horror elements. Resident Evil and Until Dawn are rated M for Mature. It Takes Two is rated T, and Brothers is T. If you’re playing with a younger sibling, check the ESRB rating first. Also, if you experience motion sickness, split-screen can be more disorienting than full-screen. Take breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a game exactly like A Way Out?

Yes, It Takes Two is the closest. It’s made by the same studio, uses the same forced split-screen co-op, and has a similar mix of genres and a strong story.

Can I play A Way Out alone?

No. A Way Out is strictly two-player. There is no single-player mode, and you cannot control both characters alone. You need a friend, either locally or online.

What does the Friend Pass do?

The Friend Pass lets one player who owns the game invite a friend to play the full game online for free. The friend doesn’t need to buy it. This applies to both A Way Out and It Takes Two.

Are there any free games like A Way Out?

No major free game replicates the exact formula. However, Destiny 2 has co-op missions, and Warframe is co-op, but they are not story-driven in the same way. The closest free option might be Path of Exile if you want co-op action, but it’s not narrative-focused.

Is A Way Out split-screen on PC?

Yes, the PC version also uses split-screen when playing online. It’s a deliberate design choice, not a technical limitation.

What if my friend doesn’t have a powerful PC?

Most of these games are not demanding. Brothers and Portal 2 run on almost anything. It Takes Two has modest requirements. Check the minimum specs on the store page before buying.

Related

• Best Games Like Path of Exile 2 for Loot-Focused RPG Fans
• AI-Generated Propaganda in Your Music: What to Do
• Playwright MCP Clear: What It Resets and What It Can’t