While split-screen co-op games aren't as prevalent as they used to be, there are still many titles coming out that support this or are even built solely for couch co-op.

If you're someone who enjoys split-screen co-op games, either because of the social element they bring or nostalgia from memories you have of gaming when you were younger, you'll want to try out the best co-op split-screen games on Xbox One.

1. Diablo III

Despite its age, Diablo III is still a solid choice if you're looking for a split-screen co-op experience and are a fan of the hack 'n' slash genre. The camera complements couch co-op gameplay, using a single screen rather than splitting it.

You and your player two may need to stick fairly close together, but Diablo III does a good job of giving both players some freedom of movement.

2. FIFA (All Titles)

FIFA makes couch co-op a seamless experience, without the need to 'split' the screen as many other games require. This is because you and your friend will play the same game with the camera following whoever has the ball at the time.

FIFA has over 700 teams for you and your friend to choose between, giving you many match-up options to prevent gameplay from getting stale. Through the Tournament mode, you and your friend can take part in the Champions League, battling through the group and knockout stages against AI until finally meeting each other in the final.

3. A Way Out

While there are still a reasonable number of games that offer couch co-op as part of the experience, there are very few that are built entirely around it. A Way Out must be played with someone else either locally or online.

In A Way Out, you and your friend will attempt to escape from prison without being caught. The story and gaming experience is all built around the idea of collaboration, making it a perfect choice if you're searching for a couch co-op game.

4. Cuphead

A run-and-gun action game, Cuphead has a quaint art style inspired by 1930s cartoons that sets it apart from the other couch co-op games out there. Cuphead doesn't split the screen like a lot of other couch co-op games, making the experience more seamless and connected.

You won't be able to venture too far away from your partner, but this won't feel restrictive as, generally, you will want to be working together at all times.

5. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

The Master Chief Collection offers you all five of Bungie's Halo games as well as 343's first entry, Halo 4, for you and your partner to relive. The amount of content in this game can keep you tied over with couch co-op gaming for a while.

Despite being a six-game extravaganza with an active multiplayer base, The Master Chief Collection is fairly cheap and is included on Xbox Game Pass. If you'd rather try Halo without paying, Halo Infinite is one of the best free FPS games available.

6. Star Wars Battlefront II

While many fans prefer the original Battlefront II (2005), DICE's sequel to its Battlefront reboot offers a (canon) compelling campaign, expansive multiplayer experience, and even co-op challenges.

The campaign and online multiplayer, unfortunately, do not have co-op compatibility. However, there are specific co-op challenges and Battle Scenarios designed for split-screen co-op. You can play as regular troopers, special troopers, or even as heroes and villains like Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader, amongst many others, offering replayability.

7. Call of Duty (All Titles)

Call of Duty features split-screen on all titles, with some titles even offering up to four-player split-screen for when you have a group over. The Zombies mode featured on most Call of Duty games can be played on split-screen co-op easily, as can Spec Ops (Modern Warfare) and Extinction (Ghosts).

Only a couple of titles allow you to play the campaign on split-screen co-op, but the Zombies/ Spec Ops mode and local multiplayer offer a lot of content themselves. You can also head into online multiplayer on split-screen. Older CODs can be picked up cheaply, but newer ones such as Modern Warfare (2019) and Black Ops: Cold War (2020) are probably your best bet for finding online matches.

8. Minecraft: Xbox One Edition

Minecraft has been around for over a decade now, and being a global phenomenon for many years means you've almost definitely heard of it. A bit of a reprieve from fighting against each other, you and player two can work together to build up a world that gives you a sense of pride and feels rewarding. There are multiple ways to play Minecraft with friends, and the Realms feature allows you to play across any platform.

Minecraft is fairly easy-going, while Survival does incorporate hunger and dying mechanics with various mobs you'll have to fight against to gather resources, Creative can be a great choice if you and your gaming partner just want to build something and relax while hanging out.

9. Rocket League

Rocket League is a fast-paced, often hilarious game that sees you playing a football match in a car. The football is massive compared to the cars, so even on split-screen, you won't have any trouble seeing what's going on.

A light-hearted game that you and your friend can drop in and out of at any time, Rocket League offers fun, responsive mechanics with a balanced learning curve.

10. Borderlands 3

The most recent entry in the Borderlands franchise, the whole game is built upon co-op, and it handles split-screen seamlessly. The differing skill trees of characters based on class allow for many co-op builds and the ease of being right next to your player two will make communication easier.

The Shared XP and Money feature offer a matched rate of progression, meaning that regardless of skill difference you'll both be at the same point in the game at all times. The instanced loot means that weapons and equipment found don't need to be split between players, preventing any arguments or constant need to coordinate who has which items.

11. It Takes Two

A plucky, charming action adventure co-op game, It Takes Two has been universally praised and won many awards since its release in 2021. As with Hazelight's previous title, A Way Out, It Takes Two cannot be played solo. You can play it on the couch with a friend or significant other, or can play online with friends.

With a narrative involving the two playable characters attempting to fix their marriage for the sake of their daughter, you and your gaming bud will have to work together to get through the levels. With various abilities given to either character such as rewinding time, self-replication, and more, the gameplay feels fresh as you progress.

The forced cooperative elements play to the strengths of what couch co-op can be, leading to an experience you'll likely enjoy, even if some levels can be a little frustrating if working with a less-than-competent player two.

12. Castle Crashers

While not as recent as other games listed, Castle Crashers remains one of the best examples of a fun couch co-op game. Castle Crashers' cutesy art style complements fun mechanics, four-player co-op, and surprising freedom in what each player can get up to. While progression is linked, some areas are locked until all players have reached it.

And if you and player two enjoy RPG games, you'll love the elements of it that Castle Crashers makes use of. You can upgrade different skills on-the-fly, leading to more powerful attacks and abilities that make it easier to get through the various levels. While combat doesn't change from dungeon to dungeon, you can expect a lot of variation in the scenery and character models.

Enjoy These Xbox One Games With Your Friends

While split-screen gaming does seem to be on the decline, there are plenty of great couch co-op games for you to try. A lot of the best couch co-op games offer you the chance to play against each other as well as on the same side, allowing for a lot of variety in what you play.

If you and your gaming partner still aren't able to find a game to play together, you may want to try mobile games that can be played regardless of any platform differences.