Hidden Gems in Local Multiplayer Games

11 December 2025

Remember the good ol’ days of couch co-op gaming? When you’d grab a second controller, call over a friend, and dive into hours of laughter, trash talk, and game-induced chaos? Yeah, me too. While online multiplayer is great and all, there’s just something magical about sharing a screen that online lobbies can never really replace.

Surprisingly, there are still loads of local multiplayer games that deserve more spotlight but often get overshadowed by the big guys like Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. That’s where we come in today—shine a light on some incredible hidden gems in local multiplayer games that might just become your next go-to game night staples.

So grab those controllers, call up your squad, and let’s get into these underrated bangers.

Why Local Multiplayer Games Still Matter

Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why local multiplayer still hits different.

Ever tried screaming at your buddy through a headset only to realize your mic was off the whole time? Or dealt with lag that turns your precise moves into a glitchy mess? Yeah, not fun. Local multiplayer removes all that noise—literally. It keeps things personal, immediate, and in-your-face (sometimes too in-your-face, especially during a heated match).

Local multiplayer breeds a different kind of fun. Whether it’s the joy of coordinating a team play sitting side-by-side or the absolute chaos of turning on your best friend in a game of betrayal—those shared moments are priceless.

Alright, now that we’ve established couch co-op is still king in its own right, let's talk about those hidden gems you probably haven’t played yet.

1. Crawl – Be the Hero or the Monster

Ever wonder what it’s like to be the dungeon boss in an RPG? Crawl flips the script in a brilliant way. One player controls the hero, while up to three others possess traps and monsters in the dungeon—trying to kill the hero and take their place.

Why It's A Gem:

- Rapid-fire gameplay that keeps everyone engaged
- Unique concept of switching roles between hero and monsters
- Perfect balance of competitiveness and strategy

It’s chaotic, it’s fast-paced, and it’s the kind of game that ends in equal parts laughter and yelling. Highly recommended for gamers who love a little dungeon crawl spiced up with betrayal.

2. Overcooked! (and Overcooked 2) – Cooking Under Fire... Literally

Okay, so these aren’t exactly buried underground, but they still don’t get the credit they deserve. Take a group of friends, toss them into a kitchen, and then set it on metaphorical fire—that’s Overcooked.

Why It’s A Classic Gem:

- Teaches (or breaks) teamwork in hilarious ways
- Ridiculous kitchen layouts (like moving trucks or icebergs)
- Encourages frantic communication and multitasking

It’s like Hell’s Kitchen if Gordon Ramsay was replaced with a cartoon onion. Whether you're screaming “WHERE’S THE RICE?!” or laughing because your whole team fell off a moving platform—this game is gold.

3. TowerFall Ascension – Archery Meets Mayhem

This one’s a few years old but still holds up brilliantly. TowerFall is a 2D pixel-art archery brawler where up to four players battle it out in tight arenas.

Why It's a Hidden Gem:

- Intense, skill-based gameplay
- Just enough randomness to keep it fresh
- Arrows are precious, and that makes things intense

Ever been down to your last arrow, miss your shot, and get taken out by a friend who caught it mid-air? That’s the kind of moment TowerFall delivers regularly. Simple to pick up, hard to master—and endlessly entertaining.

4. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime – Space Has Never Been This Cute... or Stressful

Don’t let the artsy visuals and pastel colors fool you—this game will test your friendship. You and up to three players are inside a neon spaceship, each manning different stations like weapons, shields, and navigation.

What Makes It Special:

- Requires real-time cooperation and job-swapping
- Gorgeous art and design
- Feels like being in charge of your own Millennium Falcon

You’ll be frantically shouting things like "Someone get on the shield!” or “Who’s steering?!" while dodging meteor showers and battling space frogs. It’s chaos—but the fun kind.

5. Nidhogg & Nidhogg 2 – Dueling As an Art Form (Or Full-On Comedy)

Nidhogg is one of those games that looks minimalist until you play it. It’s a 1v1 fencing game where every pixel counts. The goal? Run to the end of your opponent’s side after besting them in battle.

Why You’ll Love It:

- Fast matches that are perfect for local tournaments
- Pure one-on-one competitive thrill
- The "WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!" factor is high

The sequel adds more absurd graphics and weapons and somehow makes it even more fun. Bonus points for the gut-busting animations in Nidhogg 2—it’s like fencing meets Looney Tunes.

6. Duck Game – Ducks, Guns, and Pure Insanity

There’s no story, no explanation. You're ducks. You have guns. Go. Duck Game is a 2D shooter where the only objective is out-quirk and out-shoot your friends.

Why It’s a Hidden Treasure:

- Extremely fast-paced arcade action
- Tons of unique weapons (like mind control rays and remote-controlled mines)
- Great for quick pick-up-and-play sessions

It’s absurd, unpredictable, and hilarious. Plus, the rounds are so quick that rematching becomes addictive.

7. SpeedRunners – Gotta Go Fast... And Sabotage Friends

Think competitive Mario Kart but on foot in a side-scrolling race that never stops moving. That's SpeedRunners. You’ll run, swing, slide, and sabotage your friends with crates and grappling hooks to be the last one left on screen.

Standout Features:

- Smooth, responsive controls
- A competitive edge that still feels fun
- Awesome level design that rewards skill

The grappling hook mechanic alone makes this one a standout—it’s part Spider-Man, part Road Runner, all adrenaline.

8. Samurai Gunn – One Shot, One Kill

This one is beautifully minimal and brutally short. With just a gun and a sword, each player only gets three bullets and one life per round. It’s a high-stakes showdown in pixel-art arenas filled with platforms and traps.

Why It Slices Through the Competition:

- Tense, fast-paced gameplay
- Every decision counts—blink and you're dead
- Incredible for quick duels and bragging rights

It’s like if Quentin Tarantino directed a pixelated fencing match.

9. Push Me Pull You – Weird, Wiggly, and Wonderful

Now we’re getting weird. Push Me Pull You is a sports-ish game where two players are connected in a human-centipede-like body, trying to control a ball against another giant sausage-human duo.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

- Bizarre concept that somehow works
- Encourages crazy coordination
- Laugh-out-loud ridiculous

It’s gross, hilarious, and oddly strategic. If you're into body horror and teamwork, this is your jam.

10. Heave Ho – Hanging On for Dear Life

Imagine swinging from your buddy's hand only to realize they let go on purpose. That’s Heave Ho in a nutshell.

What Makes It a Hilarious Gem:

- Cooperative gameplay that’s all about grip and gravity
- Hysterical ragdoll physics
- Perfect for causing trust issues (in a good way)

There’s something deeply satisfying about successfully flinging yourself (or a friend) across a cavern using only handholds and panic. It’s a brilliant blend of physics and friendship.

More Hidden Gems Worth Honorable Mentions

We could go on forever, but here are a few more underrated local multiplayer games you might want to check out:

- Move or Die – Colorful chaos with rules that constantly change.
- Ultimate Chicken Horse – Build the level as you go, sabotage included.
- Gang Beasts – Wobbly physics brawling with bizarre flair.
- Unspottable – Blend in with NPCs until it’s time to strike.
- Boomerang Fu – Food-themed violence with boomerangs. What’s not to love?

Final Thoughts

Local multiplayer gaming isn't dead—it’s just hiding in plain sight. While big-name titles often hog the spotlight, these hidden gems deliver just as much (if not more) fun, strategy, and chaos. Whether you’re into competitive dueling, co-op chaos, or outright absurdity, there’s something rewarding about reconnecting and laughing with friends on the same screen.

So next time you’ve got the crew over and everyone’s scrolling endlessly for what to play—introduce them to one of these gems. Chances are, it’ll turn into a night to remember.

And hey, worst case? Someone flips over the coffee table out of rage, and you’ll have an epic story to tell.