Online co-op gets all the attention, but there is a specific kind of fun that only happens on the same couch, same screen, same room, someone leaning over to point at the TV. Split-screen co-op has quietly become rare as more games push everyone onto separate online lobbies instead. Two titles in the catalogue are built entirely around sitting next to another person, not matchmaking with a stranger.
- Top Pick #1 (It Takes Two): Award-winning split-screen adventure requiring genuine cooperation; includes Friend's Pass so only one player needs to buy the game online.
- Top Pick #2 (Overcooked! All You Can Eat): Fast-paced culinary chaos for 2 to 4 players on a single shared screen.
- Series X|S Performance: Both run at locked 60fps with zero split-screen lag.
- Controller Setup: Requires two standard Xbox wireless controllers signed into local guest or alternate profiles.
A Way Out
A Way Out is not just co-op friendly, it is co-op only, there is no single-player mode at all. Two escaped convicts, two players, split-screen throughout the entire story regardless of whether you are on the same couch or playing separately online. The split-screen presentation is not a compromise here, it is the whole design, moments are staged specifically so both halves of the screen matter at once. If you want a genuine start-to-finish narrative built for two people in the same room, this is the one built for exactly that and nothing else.
Unravel Two
A co-op puzzle platformer starring two small yarn creatures connected by a literal thread, solvable solo by switching between both characters, but genuinely better with a second person on the couch working out the physics-based puzzles together. Gentler and more forgiving than A Way Out, and cheaper too, a reasonable pick if you want something two people can pick up without either having played much before.
Which one to start with
| A Way Out | Unravel Two | |
|---|---|---|
| Co-op requirement | Mandatory, no single-player mode | Optional, playable solo |
| Tone | Tense narrative thriller | Gentle physics puzzle platformer |
| Price | $20 | $12 |
| Best for | A dedicated co-op session, story focused | Casual, low-commitment two-player play |
If you have exactly one evening and want a complete story two people will both remember, A Way Out. If you want something lower stakes that works whether your second player shows up or not, Unravel Two.
Get either key
Both are genuine global Xbox digital keys, delivered by email and redeemable on any Microsoft account. A Way Out and Unravel Two are both available now, and our Xbox code redemption guide covers console, phone and browser methods if you have not redeemed a digital code before.
Browse more
See the rest of the game key catalogue, including our roundup of hidden gem indie titles under $15. If PC co-op is more your speed, see our roundup of PC co-op games worth building a squad for, or Terraria specifically, one of Steam's most enduring picks for playing with a friend online.
Frequently asked questions
Does A Way Out have a single-player mode?
No, A Way Out is co-op only, there is no way to play it alone. Two players are required throughout the entire story.
Can I play Unravel Two alone?
Yes, Unravel Two can be played solo by switching control between both yarn characters, though it is designed to be more enjoyable with a second player.
Do both games support split-screen on one console?
Yes, both are built around local split-screen co-op on the same console and screen, not just online multiplayer.
Which is better for a first co-op game with someone new to gaming?
Unravel Two is gentler and more forgiving, making it the easier entry point. A Way Out assumes both players are comfortable with a longer, more intense narrative experience.
Are these genuine Xbox keys?
Yes, both are genuine global, region-free Microsoft codes, delivered by email and redeemable on any Xbox account regardless of country.
