Strategy games are generally slower and more complex than most other video game genres. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be enjoyed with other players. In fact, competing against other human players for strategic supremacy is one of the genre’s most exciting systems.

However, competitive multiplayer is not always the best way to play strategy games. Playing strategy games cooperatively, especially in a local game environment, can create dynamic alliances out of the chaos of strategic consequences.

9 Sid Meyer’s Civilization VI

A strategy giant that enables cooperative 4X fun

For more than 30 years Sid Meyer’s Civilization The series has taught players about historical societies, confronted them with diplomatic puzzles, and demonstrated the destruction caused by continental wars.

With a healthy dose of communication, the 4X world Civilization VI can be played between friendly local players. On PC and console, players can play in “Hot Seat” multiplayer on the same screen and tackle each era together. Players can trade, team up, and defend each other to achieve victory over the AI ​​and other human players.

8 Miners

A cult classic indie take on turn-based co-op combat

Although the name The Behemoth may not be familiar to all gamers, the influential indie titles from this development studio certainly are. When developing titles such as Alien Hominid, Castle CrashersAnd Battleblock Theaterthey have developed a unique style and aesthetic for their games.

Your turn-based strategy title from 2018Miners combined their wacky comedy with a pseudo-randomized combat system to create a unique experience. Players can battle a common enemy on the same screen – or each other, of course.

7 Tooth and tail

An anthropomorphic RTS with real-time cooperation

• Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4
• developer: Pocket Watch Games
• Genre(s): Real-time strategy
• Released: 12 September 2017

One genre that is not so easy to play cooperatively is real-time strategy titles. This is mainly due to the technical performance required to be able to play two instances of the game simultaneously.

However, Pocketwatch Games’ Game 2017 Tooth and tail creates his anthropomorphic interpretation of the genre with both local and online cooperative play. In this Animal Farm-like revolutionary story, players control specific commanders rather than taking direct control of each individual unit.

6 The Escapists 2

A tactical role-playing game with a cooperative multiplayer mode in the foreground

From all aspects of the original Escapists With the title, Team 17 wanted to incorporate a major update to their top-down RPG strategy game: multiplayer. However, since the 2015 game’s code prevented a multiplayer update, a full-fledged sequel was created with that focus.

This means that up to three players can play Escapists 2 through its convenient drop-in, drop-out multiplayer system. Players can work together to learn more about their prison’s architecture and loot more resources, making escaping an even smoother task than before.

5 Defense Grid 2

Tower defense with a focus on communication and cooperation

• Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
• Developer: Hidden Path Entertainment
• Genre(s): Tower defense
• Released: 23 September 2014

Defense Grid 2 The tower defense genre is unique in that it not only allows for cooperative play, but ultimately encourages a cooperative mindset.

As players continue to work together to defend a variety of space stations and intergalactic colonies from the alien horde, resources and buildable fields are shared between all participants, so when one player saves up for an ultimately better upgrade or unit, players must communicate and work together to facilitate a smooth gameplay experience.

4 For the King

A tabletop title that works particularly well in cooperative play

For the King The full release in 2018 not only brought a uniquely stylized tabletop strategy RPG experience, but also allowed players to share it with others.

While the title is also manageable in single-player mode, the classes, attributes and cosmetic elements ensure that each adventurer feels like a separate character. Splitting up the party to face opposing forces or to rest and trade goods is fun in single-player mode, but is strengthened by a local or online group of real companions.

3 Pikmin 3: Deluxe

A Nintendo re-release introducing Campaign Coop

• Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
• Developer: Nintendo EAD, Nintendo EPD, Eighting
• Genre(s): Real-time strategy, action
• Released: 30 October 2020

With Pikmin3 The focus is on splitting up the main cast of little explorers so they can cover more ground each day. The multiplayer elements of the popular Wii U title seemed specifically designed for a co-operative experience. However, despite a few co-operative challenge modes, the 2013 title ultimately didn’t feature story co-op.

However, with the improved port of the game to the Nintendo Switch console in 2020, a local campaign cooperation was introduced. Thus, the entirety of Pikmin3 Miniature multitasking became possible to play with a friend.

2 Worms 2: Armageddon

A return to the roots of the series that gives new impetus to cooperative play

• Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, iOS, Android
• Developer: Team17
• Genre(s): Artillery, Strategy
• Released: July 1, 2009

Originally released as an Xbox Live Arcade title before becoming available on iOS, Android and PlayStation 3, Worms 2: Armageddon The local co-op and PVP multiplayer mode “Hot Seat” is one of the most popular in the entire history of the franchise.

A sequel to Team 17’s Xbox Live Arcade from 2007 worms A title that returned to the series’ 2D roots, this turn-based 2D tactics title is just as explosive and extravagant as older titles in the series.

1 Kingdom: Two Crowns

A slow-paced strategy title that is best played with a companion

2018 Kingdom of Two Crownsexcels in so many genres. It is simultaneously a city management system, a tower defense game, and a strategy title. Raw Fury has also supported the game’s release by incorporating local and online multiplayer.

In this 2D side-scrolling strategy game, players must balance the distribution of resources between the two defensive sides of their settlements. However, while single players must manage both sides of an ever-growing city in detail, cooperative play allows for the sharing of the strenuous but rewarding workload.