You’ll find 15 amazing co-op PS1 games to play with your best friends or family on this page. I’ve already played most of the games I’ve listed below with my buddies back then. Still, I did extra research to find other games to round up this number of good co-op games list to 15.
The thing is, PS1 was one of the first consoles that introduced co-op gaming to the world. Many cult classic co-op games emerged during that era. As an old gamer, I cherish the memories of past, and enjoy the nostalgia.
Now it’s your turn to enjoy PS1 co-op gaming. Here is the list of 15 best PS1 co-op games:
1. Diablo 1
Diablo is considered a cult classic for its newly introduced innovative gameplay, immersive atmosphere, loot, and skill system. It’s super fun to play solo. But in co-op that fun doubles!
I think it should be ranked number one on any PS1 game list, including co-op ones. Because it still holds up and playable even to this day. Besides, once you finish it, you can go straight to the second, and third Diablo games with your buddy.
PS1 GAMES LIKE DIABLO < Dark fantasy.
2. Fighting Force
One of the PS1 gems I’ll always remember is the Fighting Force. It’s the best fighting game of PS1 without a doubt.
The co-op mode is super enjoyable for those looking for a simple, mindless action game to play with a friend. Fighting side by side and covering each other’s back is so satisfying in this game.
The game offers four characters to choose at the start, each with unique combat style. Which is a plus for both combat variety and replayability.
3. Metal Slug X
Oh boy, I don’t even know how many coins I’ve inserted in the arcade machine back in the days for Metal Slug. It was a great game and still is. Especially when played with a friend.
Metal Slug X is the version that is ported to PlayStation classic. It’s basically the improved version of Metal Slug 2. Console version eliminated the slowing issues but has longer loading times. Honestly, I prefer longer times over in-game slowdown problems.
By the way, some versions of Metal Slug ported to gaming platform Steam and can be played with friends online. Just wanted to inform fellow Metal Slug fans.
4. Army Men
Army Men is where plastic toy soldiers come to life and engage in battles. I loved this game as a kid, and I still do. Even though the concept sound dumb, gameplay is great.
Multiplayer mode works in horizontal split screen which is pretty weird. But it works.
Overall, it’s a fun game to play with friends to blow off some steam in a quick fashion.
5. Twisted Metal 2
Twisted Metal 2 is a PS1 vehicular combat game. They don’t make games like that anymore. The game itself features a variety of different cars, each with their own unique weapons and special moves. So, it offers a good old car combat action.
As you can see in the image above, the game supports split-screen co-op. In that mode two players can team up and take on the game’s challenges together. The co-op mode is a lot of fun, as players can coordinate their attacks and strategies to take down their opponents. So, don’t look at it as a mindless action game alone.
6. Road Rash Jailbreak
Road Rash Jailbreak is a PS1 racing game with some combat elements. As a part of the Road Rash series, the game is known for its high-speed racing and combat.
It’s a motorcycle game. In co-op, second player does not ride a second motorcycle. Instead, second player hops into the sidecar. Second player on sidecar will be focused on combat while the rider focuses on driving. Quite a task distribution.
7. Crash Bash
Crash Bash is one of the most unique games of PS1. It’s actually a collection of 28 different mini games. Almost like an all-in-one game disc.
It features various mini games in which players take on each other, either alone or in teams. With PlayStation Multitap, up to 4 players can play Crash Bash multiplayer.
8 popular Crash Bandicoot characters with unique abilities are playable. Choose your character and one of the four modes: Battle, Tournament, Time Trial, and Polar Push. Then start enjoying yourselves!
8. Gauntlet Legends
Gauntlet Legends is an action RPG developed by Atari Games for the PlayStation Classic. Players can select from four different characters, each with unique abilities, and journey through a series of dungeons. It’s dungeon crawler just like Diablo.
The game is popular for its fast-paced gameplay, action, and challenging boss fights. I think you’ll love playing it co-op.
9. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
Here is a PlayStation Classic game based on the American skateboarder Tony Hawk himself. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is a fun sports action game.
Players take on the role of professional skateboarders and complete a variety of objectives. Such as performing tricks, doing challenges, and collecting items.
The game includes several modes like career mode, co-op mode, free mode, etc.
In multiplayer mode two players can play simultaneously. It allows players to compete against each other in skating skills.
10. Herc’s Adventure
Herc’s Adventure is a PS1 action-adventure game with co-op mode that takes place in Ancient Greece. In which, you try to defeat Hades and save Persephone.
If you don’t like the split screen, this is the game for you. Because Herc’s Adventure co-op mode uses shared-screen view. In which players control heroes and explore various locations, fight enemies, and solve puzzles.
The game has a cartoonish aesthetic which is cute in my opinion.
11. Return Fire
Return Fire is a PS1 game that mixes action and strategy. Actually, it reminds me of the tanks game on NES. Of course, Return Fire is improved 3D version of it and has better graphics.
So, in the game you control different military vehicles to complete levels. It uses split screen in multiplayer mode and is a blast.
12. Future Cop L.A.P.D.
Future Cop L.A.P.D. is a PS1 game about shooting and vehicle combat. It’s a futuristic game set in the year 2098 where everything become automatic in a machine world.
In game, players control a police force mech that can transform into a hovercraft. With that futuristic vehicle, you’ll be completing missions to stop a crime in Los Angeles.
Of course, the game has a split-screen co-op mode where you can team up with your buddy and fight criminals together.
13. Team Buddies
First of all, the game is called Team Buddies. Can you find a better name for a co-op game? I don’t think so.
Team Buddies is a top-down shooter game that combines strategy and action. The game allows you to choose characters called “buddies” that can be customized.
The gameplay involves buddies gathering resources, building structures, and engaging battles with enemies.
There is also a single player campaign mode, but the real fun is in the multiplayer section.
14. Rampage 1 & 2
Rampage franchise is basically Godzilla vs Kong video game where you can pick giant monsters to destroy cities.
Cooperative mode allows you to destroy cities together with your friends and compete against each other for the highest score.
There are variety of locations in game to destroy, power-ups to gain, and enemy types to fight. All in all, it’s a fun PS1 co-op game for all ages.
15. Loaded & Re-Loaded
Loaded released in 1995 and Re-Loaded released in 1996. They’re both sci-fi themed top-down shooter games that can be played co-op.
There are 6 playable characters in the sequel game Re-Loaded with all using different weapons to fight large number of enemies. You want to play a co-op top-down shooter with your friend or loved one? Then try Loaded & Re-Loaded games for a fast-paced action.