Before there was online multiplayer, the only way to play video games together was by inviting a friend over or going to their house after school. The sound of a system booting up and the anticipation building towards playing split-screen games was a rush like no other. Today, we’re seeing a trending revival of the co-op scene, complete with split-screen collaborative gameplay.
What We Love About A Way Out and Games like It
The finest example of co-op games today is A Way Out, and that shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone because the level of ingenuity by its lead creator, Mr. Josef Fares, is unparalleled. The split-screen point-of-view integration into the gameplay creates such a visually marvelous spectacle that you can’t help but be impressed.
Playing A Way Out is an incredibly satisfying experience. It’s a game of collaboration and cooperation, challenging its players to work together to progress through the narrative.
The puzzles have unique solutions that require creative thinking, providing a rewarding feeling when you figure out what to do next.
Plus, its stunning graphics and captivating story draw players in like no other game. With thrilling platforming sequences and intense action, it’s a heart-racing adventure every step of the way.
Whatever your gaming preference, A Way Out has something for everyone – making it one of the most popular games on the market today.
If you like games like A Way Out, settle in because we have a few recommendations for you to scratch the split-screen co-op itch.
1. Tony Hawk 1+2 (Remastered)
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Platforms: XBox One, X-Box Series X|S, Playstation 4 Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
Kicking things off with the nostalgic beat, we can’t stress enough how fun and addictive the Tony Hawk series has been overall. Not only has the series shaped our taste in music with its collection of chart-topping soundtracks that you can jam to, but it has also set the standard for how to do a co-op game properly with its fun and adrenaline-pumping skating gameplay.
The recently released remastered collection has the series’ first two games upscaled to modern-day graphics. The gameplay is so timeless that everything still holds up; from rail grinding, doing flips and tricks from vert ramps, and combining them during hangtime, everything is solid.
Why We Recommend Tony Hawk to Players Looking for Games like A Way Out
As for how Tony Hawk’s Remastered compares to A Way Out? Well, it’s the fun and addictive gameplay that is common between the two titles.
The co-op component is where the game truly shines, from the standard score competition to the king of the hill mode, where you need to hit your opponent to obtain the crown and then avoid getting hit back until the timer runs out.
The game has endless replay value, and there is no chance of fatigue as you can create your own customized stages for a more enjoyable experience.
2. (Borderlands) Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
Release Date: March 25th, 2022
Platforms: XBox One, X-Box Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows.
Any entry from the infamous Borderlands series can fit the bill for the split-screen co-op gameplay genre. However, since we are going by the current generation of consoles, we have picked out the latest entry in the franchise; it is also a spin-off from the mainline Borderlands games.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderland is a brilliant game with enough innovation and charm to hook you from start to finish. The primary form of gameplay is a first-person shooter with skill tree upgrade paths.
Instead of pre-built Vault Hunters, each with their own voice and personality, you get to create a nameless adventurer and play out their story. You can even mix different classes to create a hybrid combination of your favorites in Tiny Tina’s Wonderland.
The co-op of Tiny Tina’s Wonderland is excellent, which means it is a fun and enjoyable time. The series’s signature witty dialogue from the titular character Tiny Tina, combined with the over-the-top zany enemies, makes it a memorable entry that is definitely worth checking out.
Related Article: The 5 Best Looter Shooter Games like Borderlands
Comparing Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands to Other Games like A Way Out
The similarities between Tiny Tina’s Wonderland and A Way Out come from a collaborative experience. The games are tough and require cooperation.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderland has many sections where you need help from your partner to make life easier and clear the difficult areas with numerous dangerous enemies. In contrast, A Way Out cannot be played alone; you need someone to play it with you.
If this seems like the right game for you and your friends, you may want to give our comprehensive review of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands a look.
Note: Local, split-screen coop gameplay is only available in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands on console. On PC, you will only be able to play online or LAN based coop with friends.
3. Minecraft
Release Date: November 18th 2011
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch, Android.
Okay, I know, but hear me out. The practical theme of helping another player is prevalent in both A Way Out and Minecraft. Minecraft is a household name that millions of people still actively play to this day; the sense of community that has brought them together is an astounding feat.
A Way Out hits you with the feels by having the two leads face adversity and overcome different situations. A similar yet different experience is what Minecraft offers.
You start out in the pixelated world with nothing, but as you work together with your friends to create your own safe space, go on exploration expeditions, and hunt down creatures, the bonds of camaraderie you forge are parallels to the dynamic of the main leads of A Way Out.
Minecraft is still going strong and releasing new content regularly; if you are not one of the millions playing this game, you can jump in anytime and experience firsthand what has gotten everyone talking.
4. Destroy All Humans 2: Reprobed
Release Date: August 30th 2022
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
You don’t get games anymore that have the humor and absurd concepts like Destroy All Humans! 2 Reprobed. The remake of the sequel to Destroy All Humans is a blast from start to finish.
The premise is simple: you play an alien who is a clone of the first game’s protagonist. You must use the tools at your disposal to capture, enslave, and brainwash humanity to conquer the Earth, but first, you need to save it from other aliens.
It’s a very complicated yet silly and over-the-top premise. You’ll be delighted by the time you finish the campaign.
Oh, and don’t forget that Destroy All Humans 2: ReProbed has a split-screen co-op mode for the story mode and free roam. This part of the game is very similar to A Way Out.
The mini-games, in particular, are fun little diversions that call back to the QTE and collaborative mechanics of A Way Out.
5. Darksiders: Genesis
Release Date: December 5th, 2019
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia
Okay, so a bit about me: Darksiders is my number one all-time favorite franchise ever! Fight me! But anyway, if you liked the banter and the dynamic between Leo and Vincent from A Way Out, then you’ll love the back-and-forth exchange between War and Strife.
War, who returns in Darksiders Genesis, is the playable character from the first Darksiders game and one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
Strife, the final horseman introduced at the end of Darksiders 3, is making his first outing for players. The gameplay perspective is isometric; however, you will also enjoy the split-screen view if you collaborate locally.
At its core, the gameplay is a hack-and-slash adventure game; however, the two brothers’ character interactions, dialogues, and personality clashes make it stand out. Moreover, the emotional core this title delves into later makes it a great game like A Way Out.
Closing Thoughts on the Best Split Screen Coop Games like A Way Out
Well, there you have it. Our list of 5 split-screen games that have the essence of A Way Out, without outright copying it. Also, we realize we must have left a bunch of fan favorites off this list.
You can put away the pitchforks and torches. That’s because it would have been obvious. Second, we wanted to provide great games like A Way Out that also can cater to a few different tastes.
You can us out in the comments below and talk about how we’re wrong for not including ‘It Takes Two,’ ‘Call of Duty,’ or ‘Unravel.’ Honestly, you’d be a hundred percent right for doing so, but since it’s our list, we feel we have the final say on what goes in it.
In either case, we hope you have found a great new title to play from our consolidated list of the best local coop games like A Way Out.
For another great gaming list, check out our recommendations for the best extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov.
Good luck, and have fun!
