Summary
The PlayStation 2 console was not only a success during its release but continues to be highly regarded among existing consoles. With a diverse library of games filled with innovative gameplay and creative narratives, the PlayStation 2 is marked by the many iconic installments released throughout its long-lasting lifetime.
When looking at its vast catalog, the console seems to have released a plethora of popular games every year, some of which are still used as a reference point within the gaming community. Thus, from 2000 to 2013, the console ruled the market with every type of game, with some titles standing out due to the extra layer of immersion that came with their innovative multiplayer or co-op modes.
Updated on July 30, 2025, by Ana Scheidemantel: While the end of the PS2’s life had very few game releases due to the rise of the PS3, the console’s start was filled with a variety of fun games to play alone or with friends. Thus, this list was updated to include some honorable mentions that deserve to be recognized as great releases in the early years of the PlayStation 2. From 2000 until 2006, the console released a range of great games that came with a co-op option to enhance the gaming experience.
Even though the PlayStation 2 game library wasn’t filled with the best titles in its first year, it still managed to have some solid co-op choices, likeTekken Tag TournamentandTimeSplitters. However,Gauntlet Dark Legacywon over the audience as it allowed the player to join up to three friends to embark on a quest, collecting mythic rune stones and fantastical battles.
As part of theGauntlet Legendsfranchise,Dark Legacyimmerses the players in a fantasy world where they can choose a character with distinct combat styles to explore the world. Its multiplayer version provides players with:
RPG Less Focused On Narrative And More Focused On Co-Op Gameplay
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance
A NEW LEGACY BEGINS…Experience the massively popular world of Baldur’s Gate as never before. Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance thrusts you into an epic Dungeons & Dragons adventure filled with intense action, intricate puzzles and sinister intrigue, where your mastery of cold steel and devastating spells is the only thing between you and ultimate evil.• A ground-breaking adventure, featuring the 3rd Edition Dungeons & Dragons® rule set.• Explosive spell effects and incredibly detailed creatures and environments deliver a more realistic gaming experience.• Three customizable characters, each with distinctive powers, appearances and abilities that develop throughout the game.• Battle alone or join a friend in two-player cooperative mode.• Explore Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance all over again, experiencing newfound adventures with a different customized character or replaying in Extreme mode for ten times the difficulty and fun.• Dolby Surround sound, real-time sound effect mixing, Hollywood voice talent and an original soundtrack by acclaimed composer Jeremy Soule.
This RPG franchise cannot be left out of any co-op list as it offers so many installments riddled with variety in gameplay, narrative, and multiplayer mechanics.
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliancemight slip away from the D&D elements and decision-making elements, yet it makes up with a riveting co-op mode and fast-paced combat. Having a friend through the intricate puzzles and epic fights, the game offers:
While the first installment was already a contender for best co-op game, its sequel definitely improved on the game, making it one of thebest PS2 multiplayer games. This time-traveling shooter sends players through a rift in time and space.
With funny remarks and impressive multiplayer feats,TimeSplitters 2offers an immersive FPS, fast-paced missions, and one of the best co-op modes on the PlayStation 2 console. Balanced and engaging, the cooperative version of the game includes:
TheTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesfranchise expanded in so many formats throughout the 2000s, including through agreat local co-op PS2 gamebased on the 2003 cartoon show. Although the later games of the franchise accommodated more players,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtleshad its own flair.
With a cel-shaded art style, this action game was the perfect adventure to embark on with a friend, offering the best co-op mode out of the franchise and of that year. With iconic characters,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesincludes:
It’s no secret that thisfranchise has been making its name for a while andGTA San Andreasshows why it deserves recognition. Although the game is mostly known for its single-player gameplay, it features a mode for cooperative mayhem.
In thisGTAinstallment, players can have a friend join them in time-sensitive missions to kill targets or to create chaos as they roam the streets of Los Santos.GTA San Andreasincludes:
Gladiator-Like Arenas With Weird Weapons And Robot-Friendly Support
Ratchet: Deadlocked
In this battle… only one will survive.Command Ratchet and his allies through strategic battles as he fights to take down a deranged media mogul’s evil empire.Team-Based Gameplay - Command Ratchet’s allied bots to distract, deter, and destroy enemies.Tournament-Based Combat - Fight for survival through a deadly combat sport.All-New Weapons Mod System - Customize your weapons arsenal with virtually limitless combinations.New Playable Vehicles - Pilot vehicles like the all-terrain Land Stalker, speedy Hoverbike, and the devastating Hovership.Multiplayer - Thrilling co-op and online battles.
The Ratchet & Clankseries does not have a shortage of great installments despite some misses in a 15+ game collection. It might not rank the highest among thegames in the franchise, yetRatchet: Deadlockedoffers a unique experience.
As the first spin-off of the series with a couch co-op mode, the game serves as a survival game of sorts where players fight their way through arenas. The action-packed version gives Ratchet some well-deserved support, as it incorporates:
TheGuitar Herofranchise made a rock-y impact in the gaming world, allowing players to become rock stars. With over 40 songs,Guitar Hero 2has an amazing soundtrackwith intense solos, nostalgic notes, and lively gameplay.
Players can invite their friends to play the best rock tracks using their controllers as instruments.Guitar Hero 2started to embrace multiplayer gameplay, including cooperative options with:
With sixCrash Bandicootgames on the PS2, it is hard to pinpoint the best installments as each brings forth an engaging narrative with simple gameplay. As one of theeasiest games of the series, however,Crash of the Titans, players can feel indestructible as the protagonist.
Not only that,Crash of the Titanswas also the first installment in the franchise that allowed players to enjoy the game through a cooperative mode. This version allowed for:
AlthoughGuitar Hero 2might have planted the co-op seed in the rock games' genre,Rock Band 2perfected the multiplayer musical experience in so many ways. While the premise of both games is very similar,Rock Bandreally embraced how the different instruments work together.
While a single-player mode is available, the game is the epitome of a great group title with its customizable characters, different instruments, and diverse playlist. With the game, players get access to:
There are a plethora of superhero games out there, but not all of them make it in the gaming world. When it comes to installments inspired by Marvel Comics,Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2rises above the multitude as one of themost faithful adaptationsout there.
What makes this super-hero team-up conflict game even more authentic is the fact that players can call on their friends to help out. This includes:
