Best Two-Player PC Games For Keyboard Or Controller

Are you looking for amazing games to play with a friend on your PC? Whether you prefer sharing a keyboard or battling it out with controllers, there's a vast world of two-player PC games waiting to be explored. In this article, we'll dive into some of the best titles across various genres, ensuring hours of fun and competition. From cooperative adventures to intense head-to-head battles, we’ve got you covered.

Cooperative Adventures

Cooperative games provide an excellent way to bond with a friend while tackling challenging objectives together. These games often require communication, strategy, and teamwork, making for a truly rewarding experience. Here are a few standout titles in the realm of cooperative PC gaming:

1. It Takes Two

It Takes Two is an award-winning cooperative adventure designed exclusively for two players. This game brilliantly blends various gameplay mechanics and genres, ensuring that players are constantly engaged and entertained. The story follows a couple on the brink of divorce who are magically transformed into dolls. To return to their human forms, they must navigate a series of imaginative and challenging levels, each presenting unique puzzles and obstacles. The game’s core strength lies in its ability to seamlessly switch between different gameplay styles, from platforming and shooting to puzzle-solving and even fighting game elements. This variety keeps the experience fresh and exciting, preventing it from becoming repetitive. The narrative is compelling, exploring themes of love, communication, and reconciliation, which adds emotional depth to the gameplay. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions feel genuine, making the journey all the more engaging. It Takes Two requires players to work together, solve puzzles collaboratively, and support each other, fostering a sense of teamwork and shared accomplishment. The game’s visual design is stunning, with vibrant and detailed environments that bring the story to life. Each level is meticulously crafted, offering a unique aesthetic and set of challenges. The attention to detail in the character animations and environmental design is remarkable, creating a visually immersive experience. The game’s soundtrack complements the gameplay perfectly, enhancing the emotional impact of the story and creating a sense of atmosphere. It Takes Two is a must-play for anyone looking for a cooperative gaming experience that is both fun and emotionally resonant. Its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and stunning visuals make it a true masterpiece of the genre.

2. A Way Out

A Way Out is another cooperative masterpiece from Hazelight Studios, the creators of It Takes Two. This game tells the story of two convicts, Vincent and Leo, who must escape prison and evade the authorities. Unlike many cooperative games, A Way Out is designed exclusively for two players, meaning you can’t play it solo. This focus on cooperative gameplay is central to the game’s design, as players must work together to overcome obstacles and progress through the story. The narrative is a gripping tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption, with plenty of twists and turns to keep players engaged. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations are complex, making it easy to invest in their journey. A Way Out features a variety of gameplay mechanics, including stealth, action, and puzzle-solving. Players must coordinate their actions, communicate effectively, and rely on each other’s strengths to succeed. The game often presents situations where players must split up and complete different tasks simultaneously, adding a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay. The visual design of A Way Out is gritty and realistic, reflecting the harsh world that the characters inhabit. The environments are detailed and immersive, from the claustrophobic prison corridors to the sprawling countryside. The game’s soundtrack complements the atmosphere perfectly, enhancing the tension and drama of the story. A Way Out is a fantastic choice for players looking for a cooperative game with a strong narrative and engaging gameplay. Its focus on teamwork and strategic coordination makes it a truly unique and rewarding experience. The game’s memorable characters and compelling story will stay with you long after the credits roll.

3. Portal 2

Portal 2 is a critically acclaimed puzzle-platformer that features an excellent cooperative campaign. This game builds upon the innovative portal mechanics of the original, adding new elements and challenges that are perfectly suited for two players. The cooperative campaign features a separate storyline from the single-player mode, with new characters and test chambers designed specifically for teamwork. Players must use their portal guns to create pathways, manipulate objects, and solve complex puzzles together. Communication and coordination are essential, as many puzzles require players to perform actions simultaneously or in a specific sequence. The game’s humor and witty dialogue are also a major draw, adding a layer of charm to the challenging gameplay. The characters, including the return of the iconic GLaDOS, are memorable and well-voiced, enhancing the overall experience. Portal 2’s cooperative mode encourages players to think creatively and work together, making it a highly rewarding experience. The sense of accomplishment after solving a particularly challenging puzzle is immense, and the shared experience of overcoming obstacles together strengthens the bond between players. The game’s visual design is clean and minimalist, allowing the focus to remain on the puzzles themselves. The environments are well-designed and visually interesting, and the portal effects are particularly impressive. Portal 2 is a must-play for fans of puzzle games and cooperative gameplay. Its innovative mechanics, clever puzzles, and humorous story make it a true classic of the genre.

Competitive Battles

For those who enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry, competitive games offer an exciting way to test your skills against a friend. These games range from fighting games and racing games to strategy games and sports games, providing a diverse range of options for competitive play. Here are some top competitive games for PC:

1. Street Fighter V

Street Fighter V is a flagship title in the fighting game genre, offering intense head-to-head battles between a diverse cast of characters. This game is known for its deep and complex fighting mechanics, requiring players to master combos, special moves, and strategic decision-making. The roster includes both returning favorites and new challengers, each with their unique fighting styles and abilities. This variety allows players to find a character that suits their preferences and playstyle. Street Fighter V features several game modes, including a robust training mode, a story mode, and online multiplayer. However, the local versus mode is where the game truly shines, allowing players to battle it out face-to-face. The game’s visual design is vibrant and stylized, with detailed character models and backgrounds. The animations are fluid and impactful, making each move and attack feel satisfying. The soundtrack is energetic and upbeat, adding to the excitement of the battles. Street Fighter V is a great choice for players who enjoy competitive fighting games and are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. Its deep mechanics, diverse roster, and engaging gameplay make it a standout title in the genre.

2. Rocket League

Rocket League is a unique and addictive sports game that combines soccer with cars. This game is easy to pick up but difficult to master, offering endless hours of fun and competitive gameplay. Players control rocket-powered cars and must work together to score goals in a soccer-style arena. The physics-based gameplay allows for incredible aerial maneuvers, strategic passing, and exciting last-second saves. Rocket League features several game modes, including standard soccer matches, hockey, and basketball variations. The game also supports both local and online multiplayer, allowing players to compete with friends and strangers alike. The local split-screen mode is particularly well-implemented, making it easy to play with a friend on the same PC. The game’s visual design is bright and colorful, with a variety of arenas to choose from. The car customization options are extensive, allowing players to personalize their vehicles with different paint jobs, decals, and accessories. Rocket League is a fantastic choice for players looking for a fast-paced and competitive sports game with a unique twist. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, combined with its robust multiplayer options, makes it a must-have for any PC gamer.

3. Overcooked! 2

Overcooked! 2 might seem like a cooperative game at first glance, but it can quickly turn into a hilariously chaotic competitive experience. This game puts players in the roles of chefs who must prepare and serve meals in a variety of bizarre and challenging kitchens. Players must work together to chop ingredients, cook food, and plate dishes, all while avoiding obstacles and dealing with increasingly complex orders. However, the game’s chaotic nature and tight time limits often lead to miscommunication and mistakes, resulting in comical arguments and frantic scrambling. Overcooked! 2 supports both cooperative and competitive game modes, allowing players to either work together to achieve a high score or compete against each other to see who can complete the most orders. The game’s visual design is charming and cartoonish, with colorful characters and environments. The gameplay is fast-paced and frantic, requiring players to think on their feet and adapt to changing circumstances. Overcooked! 2 is a great choice for players who enjoy cooperative games but are also looking for a bit of competitive fun. Its chaotic gameplay and humorous scenarios make it a perfect party game.

Sharing the Keyboard

While many two-player games are designed for controllers, there are still some great options for those who prefer to share a keyboard. These games often feature turn-based gameplay or mechanics that allow players to take turns using the keyboard. Here are a few standout titles for shared keyboard play:

1. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a critically acclaimed role-playing game (RPG) that features a deep and engaging story, complex characters, and strategic turn-based combat. This game is known for its player freedom, allowing players to make choices that have a significant impact on the story and the world around them. The cooperative mode in Divinity: Original Sin 2 is particularly well-implemented, allowing two players to embark on the adventure together, each controlling their own character. The turn-based combat system is perfectly suited for shared keyboard play, as players can take turns planning their moves and executing their strategies. The game’s story is rich and immersive, with a vast world to explore and plenty of secrets to uncover. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions feel natural and engaging. Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a great choice for players who enjoy RPGs and are looking for a cooperative experience with depth and complexity. Its strategic combat, engaging story, and player freedom make it a true masterpiece of the genre.

2. Civilization VI

Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game where players build and manage their own civilizations, competing against other civilizations for world domination. This game is known for its deep and strategic gameplay, requiring players to make careful decisions about city planning, resource management, diplomacy, and warfare. The hotseat multiplayer mode in Civilization VI allows two players to compete against each other on the same PC, taking turns managing their civilizations. The turn-based nature of the game makes it perfectly suited for shared keyboard play, as players can take their time planning their moves and strategizing their next actions. Civilization VI offers endless replayability, as each game is unique and the possibilities for strategic decision-making are vast. The game’s visual design is detailed and immersive, with a beautiful world map and detailed city models. Civilization VI is a fantastic choice for players who enjoy strategy games and are looking for a competitive experience with depth and complexity.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer cooperative adventures, competitive battles, or shared keyboard play, there are plenty of amazing two-player games available on PC. From the innovative gameplay of It Takes Two to the strategic depth of Divinity: Original Sin 2, there’s a game out there for every pair of players. So gather your friend, grab your controllers or share a keyboard, and dive into the world of two-player PC gaming!