
The Best Co-Op Games on Linux: Your Ultimate Steam Guide for 2025
Gaming is always better with friends. The shared victories, the chaotic moments, and the collaborative problem-solving create memories that last a lifetime. For a long time, Linux users felt left out of many mainstream multiplayer experiences. Thankfully, those days are long gone. Thanks to Valve’s continuous development of Steam and the Proton compatibility layer, the world of co-op gaming on Linux is not just viable—it’s thriving.
Whether you’re looking to squad up for a high-octane shooter or build a peaceful farm with a partner, there’s a co-op game waiting for you. This guide highlights the best co-op games you can play on Linux right now, running flawlessly through Steam.
Action-Packed Shooters & Brawlers
For those who love adrenaline and teamwork under fire, these titles deliver an exceptional co-op experience.
Helldivers 2
Join the fight for Super Earth in this smash-hit third-person shooter. Teamwork isn’t just recommended; it’s essential for survival. You and up to three friends will drop onto hostile alien planets, completing objectives and calling in powerful “stratagems” from orbit. The game is known for its chaotic, friendly-fire-on-by-default gameplay that leads to hilarious and heroic moments. Coordination is critical as you battle giant bugs and menacing robots to spread managed democracy across the galaxy. It runs beautifully on Linux via Proton, putting you right in the action.
Deep Rock Galactic
Rock and Stone! This game blends sci-fi mining and horde-based shooting into one of the most beloved co-op formulas available. As a team of four space-faring dwarves, you’ll choose a class—Driller, Engineer, Gunner, or Scout—and descend into procedurally generated, fully destructible caves. Each class has unique tools that are vital for the team’s success, encouraging communication and strategic play as you mine precious minerals and fend off waves of alien creatures.
Left 4 Dead 2
A timeless classic for a reason. This zombie survival shooter is the gold standard for four-player co-op. The gameplay is simple to grasp but has immense depth, thanks to the “AI Director” that dynamically changes enemy spawns and item locations based on your team’s performance. This ensures no two playthroughs are ever the same. It runs with a native Linux client, offering rock-solid performance for you and your friends as you fight your way to the safe room.
Immersive RPGs & Adventures
If you and your friends prefer epic stories, deep character progression, and shared worlds, these role-playing games are for you.
Baldur’s Gate 3
The undisputed Game of the Year for 2023 is also one of the greatest co-op RPGs ever made. You and up to three friends can experience the entire massive story together. Each player can create their own unique character and make decisions that impact the world and the narrative. You can stick together or split up to cover more ground. The freedom to collaboratively or sometimes chaotically shape a rich, reactive story is unparalleled. With a Platinum rating on ProtonDB, it’s a must-play for any RPG fan on Linux.
Valheim
Explore a vast, procedurally generated purgatory inspired by Norse mythology. In Valheim, you and your Viking friends will build shelters, craft powerful gear, sail the high seas, and challenge the forsaken beasts that rule the land. The game perfectly balances peaceful building and exploration with tense, challenging boss fights. Building a shared settlement and preparing for epic boss encounters creates a powerful sense of camaraderie and accomplishment. Its native Linux support is excellent.
Stardew Valley
For a more relaxed but equally engaging experience, Stardew Valley is the perfect co-op getaway. You and your friends can work together to build a thriving farm from the ground up. You can divide tasks—one person can tend to the crops while another goes mining or fishing. The game allows for shared money or separate wallets, giving you flexibility in how you collaborate. It’s a charming and deeply rewarding game about building something wonderful together.
Creative, Chaotic & Puzzle Fun
Sometimes you just want to solve a puzzle or cause some delightful mayhem with a friend.
Portal 2
Often cited as one of the best co-op games of all time, Portal 2‘s dedicated two-player campaign is a masterpiece of game design. You and a friend play as the robot duo Atlas and P-Body, navigating a series of mind-bending test chambers designed by the malevolent AI, GLaDOS. Solving these puzzles requires precise communication and perfectly timed portal placement, making it an incredible test of teamwork and logic.
It Takes Two
This game was built from the ground up exclusively for two-player co-op. You play as a clashing couple, Cody and May, who have been turned into dolls. To return to normal, you must work together through a fantastical world filled with unique, collaborative gameplay mechanics. In one level, one player might control a weapon made of sap while the other ignites it. Every stage introduces a new way to cooperate, ensuring the experience never gets stale.
Overcooked! 2
Prepare for chaos in the kitchen. In this frantic cooking simulator, you and your friends must work together to prep, cook, and serve dishes in increasingly absurd kitchens—from hot air balloons to moving trucks. Orders pile up, fires start, and communication breaks down in the most hilarious ways. It’s a true test of your team’s ability to stay organized and communicate under extreme pressure.
Pro Tips for the Best Linux Co-Op Experience
- Check ProtonDB First: Before buying a Windows-only game, search for it on ProtonDB.com. This community-driven site provides reports on how well games run on Linux through Proton, often including specific tweaks needed for optimal performance.
- Use a Good Communication App: Whether it’s Discord, Mumble, or Steam’s built-in voice chat, clear communication is the key to success in most co-op games. Ensure your preferred app is set up and working well on your Linux distribution.
- Keep Your System Updated: For the best performance and compatibility, always make sure your graphics drivers (Mesa for AMD/Intel, proprietary for NVIDIA) and your version of Proton are up to date. Steam makes updating Proton easy through the client settings.
The era of compromise for Linux gamers is over. The platform is now a first-class citizen in the world of PC gaming, offering a stable and powerful foundation for countless hours of co-op fun. So grab a friend, pick a game, and dive in.
Source: https://itsfoss.com/co-op-games-linux/