Same-screen co-op
Everyone sits side by side looking at a shared or split screen. You can point instead of just talking, so this format is great for newcomers and families. All you need is enough controllers and comfortable seats.
Games
Game catalog
Two people on a couch in front of one screen and a dozen people in a voice channel play differently, even when their goal is similar. So instead of a list of titles, this is a catalog of formats: how roles are usually split in each, how much coordination it takes and who each format suits best.
A game's format sets the rules of conversation before anyone says a word. Sometimes, to make a team click, you don't need different people, just a different format.
How this section works: it's a catalog of co-op genres and formats, not a list of titles. We describe how many players a format usually needs, how duties are typically split and what teams run into most often. You won't find games, studios, devices or stores here.
Team play formats
Six ways to play together, from a shared couch to a large group.
Online co-op
Everyone plays at home and you talk through voice or text chat. You can't see your friends' faces, so short callouts, map pings and an agreement on who leads matter even more.
Team competition
Your group plays against another one. Roles are most pronounced here and mistakes feel more costly. A calm tone and a blame-free review after the match matter most in this format.
Asymmetric games
Players have different abilities and different goals: for example, one side hunts while the other hides. This format teaches you to understand someone else's role and suits groups with mixed experience.
Co-op puzzles
The challenge can only be solved together: one player sees the clue, another can act on it. The key skill here isn't reaction speed but describing what you see precisely and listening patiently.
Large groups and raids
Lots of players, a complex shared goal and a clear division of duties. Without a leader and voice chat rules, this format quickly turns into chaos, but a successful attempt is remembered for a long time.
How to choose for your team
Four questions worth discussing together before your first session.
Group size
How many people will usually play, and how many at best. A format built for a full squad is awkward if half the group often can't make it.
Mixed experience
Are there newcomers in the group, and how does the game treat them: can you adjust difficulty, help a teammate, start without a long tutorial? The gentler the learning curve, the closer the team.
Session length
How long one meaningful attempt takes and whether you can stop halfway. If someone only has an hour free, long runs without saves will frustrate everyone.
How you communicate
Will you sit together or talk online, is voice comfortable for everyone, or does someone prefer text and pings? The answer shows which format leaves nobody on the sidelines.
Read next
- Guides
Guides for teams: your first session with new people, roles, leading a group, coaching a newcomer and reviewing a failed attempt. Plus our article catalog.
- Reviews
What to look for when choosing a game for your team, and how to read reviews from a group's point of view rather than a solo player's.
- Mechanics
Mechanics that change team play: shared rewards, revives, friendly fire, pings, shared progress and matchmaking.
- Glossary
A team play dictionary: roles, communication and co-op formats in plain words.
What we draw on
- Game age rating systems (in general terms)
- Questthebest editorial materials
We describe general principles of team play. Voice, ping and matchmaking settings work differently in every game and change with updates, so look up the exact menu options in your game's official help pages.