Highlights
- Co-op gameplay is a great way for couples to bond over shared interests and enjoy quality time together in video games.
- While there aren't many games with direct romance mechanics, players can still find ways to show affection and build relationships in-game.
- Choosing the right game that suits both players' preferences is essential to ensuring a fun and joyful experience that brings couples closer.
Many couples enjoy spending quality time in video games, and nothing beats a great co-op title to kick back and enjoy with one’s significant other. Whether someone enjoys fantasy RPGs, shooters, or builders, there is no shortage of games that accommodate local and online multiplayer.
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But when it comes to actual in-game romance, things can get a little tricky. Roleplaying a couple while playing can be quite fun, but actually showing one’s affection in-game with intrinsic mechanics is something else altogether. When it comes to co-op, there aren’t that many titles that allow it, but a determined pair will always find the way.
Updated on February 29th, 2024, by Ivan Abadier: There is no shortage of couples looking to spend time together, and for many, games are a great option to have in mind. While there are countless co-op titles out there, the market for cooperative romance is much, much smaller.
Still, there are plenty of great games to choose from, many of which allow one or more ways to interact with each other in a flirty or outright romantic manner. It is important to remember that both players should be on board with the game and find a title that suits everyone involved. At the end of the day, the experience should bring joy and fun and not be a topic for discourse.
11 Borderlands 2
Finding love in a world that's gone insane
The romance storylines in Borderlands are… complicated. Oftentimes, actual relationships between playable characters begin in a sequel, appearing as very welcome cameos. Still, when it comes to the second installment, the unique dynamic between Krieg and Maya has been introduced with the very first Krieg trailer. His split personality makes for a great backstage to the whole relationship, as showcased in his latest DLC.
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While players have had mixed feelings about the way the story ended, it did intrigue a lot of people. Even if there isn’t much flirting or dialogue between the two in the second game, there are plenty of occasional remarks and mechanical interactions that the two players might have. After all, what could be more romantic than saving one’s partner from a horde of blood-hungry psychos?
10 Roots of Pacha
Stone Age farming with family planning
Many players compare the game to Stardew Valley, with it being another farming simulator. While there are certain similarities, the game still stands on its own with unique mechanics, a great art style, and a charming story. The unique setting also allows for a brand new perspective on the genre, bringing in interesting questions and problems.
As players explore and grow in the Stone Age, they will meet new characters along the way, some of whom are marriage candidates. But co-op players are also allowed to marry each other and begin a new life in a strange new world together, building houses and raising animals as a couple.
9 Final Fantasy 14
Grand weddings and perilous quests.
Final Fantasy 14 remains an incredibly popular title, still averaging more than 100,000 players daily, according to the Active Player website. With so many different professions and tons of end-game content, it’s no wonder that the game remains incredibly successful. With such a large player count, it is still incredibly easy to find companions to almost any activity in the game.
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On top of gathering for parties and guilds, players can also go through the Ceremony of Eternal Bonding, effectively marrying two players. There is a lot of planning that goes into the ceremony, from the venue to special items to so much more! It is a great and intricate process that feels quite special, marking an incredibly eventful day.
8 Wildermyth
A charming RPG for when the D&D night is canceled.
Wildermyth is a unique character-driven, procedurally-generated tactical RPG that really captures the spirit of tabletop RPGs. Players control an adventuring party, taking them through the all-too-familiar steps a true adventurer should take. From giant rats to legendary bosses, characters will need to grow, make decisions, and reach the heights of glory and riches.
Besides all that, characters can fall in love and start relationships with each other, much to the delight of everyone involved. In co-op, players can control separate adventurers and thus romance each other in the game, creating truly unbreakable bonds.
7 It Takes Two
A great exercise in communication and problem-solving.
It Takes Two
- Platform(s)
- PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC , Switch
- Developer(s)
- Hazelight Studios
- Genre(s)
- Action , Adventure
- Number of Players
- 1-2
- Metascore
- 88
It Takes Two is quite straightforward with its premise and approach. The story revolves around a married couple and their misadventures as they try to reverse their strange curse and maybe repair their relationship along the way.
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Initially, characters show little to no affection towards each other, and it does take quite a while before any kind of rekindling can occur. It is up to players to bring the two characters to the conclusion of their respective character arcs as they journey through the exaggerated areas of their house. While It Takes Two does not contain traditional romance mechanics as one would expect from a video game, this game's exclusion from this list would be inexcusable, as it's one of the best romantic couple stories in gaming and requires two players to work together efficiently and with care for one another.
6 Divinity: Original Sin
Partners in crime can try to be more than that.
Larian Studios have come quite far in their RPG-making prowess, yet the first Divinity game still holds a special place in many players’ hearts. It's the curious story of two chosen heroes as they try and bring some semblance of good and order to their turmoil-filled world.
Players will occasionally need to make cooperative choices, resolving different opinions with a quaint rock-paper-scissors system. Aside from that, players are free to flirt with each other during the numerous dialogue options that they get, and the game’s ending can include the players’ relationship.
5 Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
The clue is in the name.
This charming indie title lets up to four players do their best to defend the procedurally-generated galaxy from the dark forces of Anti-Love. The journey will require absolute cooperation and can really put a relationship to the test, both in and out of the game.
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The literal quest to save love is possibly one of the most fitting goals for a couple, and the game packs it all in a hectic, fun kaleidoscope of colors and great soundtracks. Players don’t need to be actual lovers, as clarified by the creators, but there is absolutely no reason they can’t be.
4 Fable 3
A surprising addition to a classic game.
Ever since the first game in the series, players were able to court and marry almost any character they fancied, but multiplayer was only added in the second installment. It took Fable 3 to finally bring together a good co-op experience, and with it was added the option to marry each other.
Besides hunting and adventuring together, players can funnel their gold into a common abode and even have children together. It is a great feature for an RPG, and many players would likely appreciate such representation for other similar titles.
3 The Elder Scrolls Online
The beloved RPG franchise that finally lets players journey together.
The Elder Scrolls Online
- Platform(s)
- PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC , macOS
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
- Number of Players
- 1-4 (Co-Op)
- Metascore
- 71
Many were positively ecstatic when Bethesda announced the multiplayer version of the fan-favorite Elder Scrolls series. It took some time for the game to properly find its footing and take off, but by now, more than 4 million players enjoy adventuring through Tamriel.
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As is typical for the series, players can engage in marriage with the blessing of the goddess Mara. The process itself is quite straightforward, and at the end of it, players get a nice bonus for their Restoration spellcasting. Overall, it is a great game for an RPG-enjoying couple, and many nights can be spent adventuring in matrimony.
2 Stardew Valley
Where couples can workshop their dream farm together.
Stardew Valley has always put some emphasis on the possibility of romance in the game, and its addition to the Co-Op was all but expected. However, players were still happy to find out that, should they wish to, they could court and marry each other.
The option is incredibly sweet, and countless players have gladly taken up the opportunity, going as far as proposing actual marriages in-game. Gamers all over the world can engage in the myriad of activities presented by the game, from collective crop-growing to dungeoneering and fishing. Just be sure to buy the recipe for the Wedding Ring from the Traveling Cart when possible.
1 Haven
The perfect game for star-crossed lovers.
Haven was clearly made with romantic partners in mind, as the story revolves around a lovely pair that has bravely left their own planet, trying to survive in a new and harsh world. Aside from engaging in exploration and crafting, players will enjoy charming evenings as they prepare their meals and have quiet pillow conversations.
It is quite a treat for anyone who enjoys playing with their partner, and the game has understandably gained the recognition of both players and critics alike. It is a touching story with incredible writing, guaranteed to leave no heart unturned.
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