Local multiplayer is enjoying a massive resurgence, and both the PS5 and Steam Deck have become go-to platforms for gathering friends and family around a single screen. The PS5 delivers raw power and a vast library of split-screen and shared-screen titles, while the Steam Deck offers the flexibility of a portable PC that can easily transform into a living room console. This guide brings together the best games for three to four players on PS5, top couch co-op picks for the Steam Deck, and the ideal controllers to keep everyone in the action.
Best Couch Co-Op Games for PS5 (3-4 Players)
When you have three or four players on the couch, you need games that balance chaos, accessibility, and pure fun. The PS5 library shines with titles designed for group play, whether you prefer frantic kitchen nightmares or epic adventures.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat
This remastered bundle includes both Overcooked games and all DLC, supporting up to four players locally. Teams must cooperate to prepare and serve orders in increasingly absurd kitchens. The simple controls make it easy for anyone to pick up, but the escalating difficulty guarantees plenty of laughter and friendly shouting. Cross-platform play also opens up options if a friend can’t make it in person.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
This 3D platformer offers a full campaign for up to four players locally. Each level is a colourful, creative playground filled with collectibles, hazards, and musical surprises. Sackboy’s move set is easy to learn, but later stages demand tight teamwork. The game takes full advantage of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback, though you can mix in older controllers for extra players.
Moving Out
Physics-based furniture moving sounds mundane, but Moving Out turns it into a hilarious test of coordination. Up to four players work as movers, tossing couches through windows and navigating tight corridors. Accessibility options allow you to tweak difficulty, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Borderlands 3
For something more involved, Borderlands 3 delivers four-player split-screen mayhem. Its looter-shooter gameplay, absurd humour, and deep skill trees keep sessions fresh for dozens of hours. The PS5 version runs at a smooth 60fps in split-screen, a significant upgrade over last-gen consoles. Performance remains solid even when explosions fill the screen.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
This retro-inspired beat ’em up supports up to six players locally on PS5 (with up to four simultaneously, though the full roster can tag in). Gorgeous pixel art, crunchy combat, and a fantastic soundtrack make it a perfect pick for quick bursts of co-op fun. Modern quality-of-life features, like online drop-in play, round out the package.
Gang Beasts
If you want pure slapstick, Gang Beasts pits gelatinous characters against each other in hazardous arenas. Up to four players can brawl locally. The intentionally clumsy controls and unpredictable physics create moments of genuine hilarity. Modes range from free-for-all to team battles, and the simple controls mean anyone can join in.
Best Couch Co-Op Games for Steam Deck
The Steam Deck’s versatility makes it a couch co-op champion. Docked to a TV or set up on a table with its own screen, it handles a wide range of local multiplayer games with ease. Here are the standouts that run beautifully on the Deck and support at least two players, with many scaling up to four.
Overcooked! 2 (or All You Can Eat)
Both versions run flawlessly on Steam Deck and support up to four players locally. The game is a natural fit for the Deck, either in handheld mode for passing around or docked for a bigger screen. Proton compatibility ensures smooth performance without tweaking.
Stardew Valley
This farming sim might seem solitary, but its co-op mode lets up to four players build a farm together on one screen. Split-screen is supported locally, and the game runs perfectly on the Deck. The low-intensity gameplay is ideal for relaxed sessions, and the controls adapt well to the Deck’s gamepad layout.
Castle Crashers
A beloved beat ’em up with a whimsical art style, supporting up to four players locally on Steam Deck. The game demands little hardware power and runs perfectly. Its simple hack-and-slash combat and quirky humour keep all ages engaged.
Broforce
Over-the-top action with destructible environments, Broforce supports up to four players in local co-op. The Steam Deck handles its explosive set pieces without a hitch. Each level is a short, intense burst of action, making it ideal for short play sessions or marathon evenings.
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
This cooperative space shooter requires up to four players to man stations inside a neon-pink spaceship. Communication is key as players juggle shields, weapons, and navigation. The game’s vibrant visuals look great on the Deck’s screen, and it supports mixed local and online play.
Best Controllers for Couch Co-Op on Steam Deck
Connecting extra controllers to the Steam Deck is straightforward, but some pads offer a better experience than others. Latency, battery life, and ease of pairing matter when you are hosting a game night. Here are the top recommendations.
Xbox Wireless Controller (Bluetooth Model)
The de facto standard for PC gaming. Xbox controllers pair quickly over Bluetooth, offer excellent ergonomics, and have long battery life with AA cells or a rechargeable pack. The Deck recognizes them instantly, and button prompts match the Deck’s own layout. Up to eight can connect simultaneously, though for couch co-op four is usually the practical limit.
DualSense Wireless Controller
Sony’s PS5 controller connects via Bluetooth and works well with the Steam Deck, complete with Steam Input support. The adaptive triggers and haptic feedback are not always fully utilized in every game, but the controller feels premium and comfortable. Pairing is reliable, and you can use the touchpad as a mouse input on the desktop, which is handy for launching games.
8BitDo Pro 2
For a more retro feel, the 8BitDo Pro 2 offers a SNES-inspired design with modern features like back paddles and custom profiles. It connects via Bluetooth and wakes up quickly. The D-pad excels in 2D games, and the compact size makes it portable. Battery life is exceptional, easily lasting through marathon sessions.
Steam Controller (Discontinued)
Though no longer sold, the Steam Controller is still a unique choice for Deck owners who have one. Its dual trackpads and extensive customization options can map complex keyboard controls to a gamepad. Bluetooth connectivity works fine, and it is a conversation starter. Finding one second-hand can be worthwhile for tinkerers.
Wired USB Controllers
Don’t overlook simple wired controllers. They eliminate pairing hassles and battery concerns. The Steam Deck’s USB-C port, via a hub, can connect several controllers simultaneously. Inexpensive options from PowerA or Horii work well, though cable management becomes a consideration. Latency is practically zero, making them ideal for competitive play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best 3-player couch co-op games on PS5?
Many great PS5 games support three players locally. Top picks include Overcooked! All You Can Eat, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Moving Out, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. These games balance fun and accessibility, making them ideal for groups of three.
Can the Steam Deck handle 4-player couch co-op?
Absolutely. The Steam Deck is powerful enough for most local multiplayer games, especially indie titles. Even demanding games like Borderlands 3 can run well with adjusted settings. Connecting four controllers via Bluetooth or a USB hub works smoothly. Just ensure the game itself supports four-player splitscreen or shared-screen play.
Which controllers work best with the Steam Deck for local multiplayer?
Xbox Wireless Controllers and DualSense controllers are top choices for their reliability and comfort. 8BitDo models offer great D-pads for retro games. All connect via Bluetooth without issues. For zero lag, wired USB controllers are also a solid option.
Are there any free couch co-op games on PS5?
Yes, several free-to-play titles on PS5 support local co-op. Brawlhalla offers up to four-player local brawls, while Rocket League supports split-screen. These games provide hours of fun without spending a dime, though cosmetic microtransactions are present.
How do I connect multiple controllers to the Steam Deck for couch co-op?
Put your external controllers in pairing mode, then go to the Steam Deck’s Quick Access Menu (the three-dot button), select the gear icon, and navigate to Bluetooth settings. Once paired, the Deck remembers them. For wired controllers, use a USB-C hub with multiple ports. Steam Input automatically handles most configurations.
