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Those two examples are perfect because they can be made easier by grinding through levels. It takes a lot of time and dedication, but the grind can help lessen the difficulty of any RPG. Friends can also help with challenges which is why co-op options are always a blessing to see. These are some of the best modern and classic Japanese RPGs with co-op out there.
8 Tales Of Berseria
Tales of Berseria is the last main entry to feature co-op. Most games in this series usually have it but the latest game, Tales of Arise, bucked the trend. Players can have three other friends take over the AI-driven party members in battle. Outside of battle, the co-op session ends. It’s good to have friends play during battles as this lessens the challenge but it is a shame the co-op gameplay is limited. That might be why it was eliminated from the last game.
7 Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is part of the Dynasty Warriors series as one of many anime and gaming spinoffs. Out of them all, this is the best co-op experience to play on the Switch as it is exclusive. It’s a bonafide prequel to Breath of the Wild with tons of quests to tackle alongside the main bombastic battles. Two players can join up together via couch co-op. It’s a mindless hack-and-slash experience that is best enjoyed with a friend.
6 Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is a three-player co-op game with online functionality. This spinoff from the main series is like a retelling of the first game with a few twists along the way. Saying anything more would spoil things.
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It’s also a bit of a Soulslike experience but one that is accessible to newcomers thanks to difficulty options and the easiness of setting up multiplayer. It’s far from the best action entry in the series, but the co-op gameplay heightens it a bit.
5 Dragon’s Crown
Dragon’s Crown is a 2D dungeon crawler that is reminiscent of the old Dungeons & Dragons arcade games. Players can choose one of several classes to tackle and invite up to three friends to join in on the grind. It’s one of Vanillaware’s best titles that didn’t make a huge splash.
However, it does have a dedicated following and is relatively easy to play on PlayStation systems at least. A port to other consoles would be nice along with a sequel, but this original should do for now.
4 Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2
Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2 was a phenomenon on all systems it released on. It was not quite an MMO but was pretty close to one thanks to the online functionality. It also featured couch co-op which was a bit harder to play back in the day with tiny cubes representing multiple characters. It was a setback but the game was so good that players ignored the inconvenience. It’s difficult to play this classic now with emulation, but the newest entry via Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis is worth looking into as well.
3 Secret Of Mana
Secret of Mana is one of the best SNES RPGs of all time. Most may not have known this but the game featured three-player co-op. Players needed to buy an extra accessory to gain this third port on the console but it was an investment well worth it for this action RPG.
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The sequel, Trials of Mana, also had co-op in the original SNES version. The remake of it took this functionality out which is a shame for Trials of Mana. Both SNES games still work with co-op though and should be sought after.
2 Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies
Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies was the first main entry in the series to feature co-op and character customization. Players could team up with friends wirelessly to create parties of up to four.
Players could wander around in the main group or split off and do quests elsewhere. The combat remained turn-based which is still a unique concept for a co-op game. Thanks to the DS’ communication functions, this game became a must-have for convention goers in the summer of 2010.
1 Elden Ring
Elden Ring is the latest challenging action RPG FromSoftware put out. It needs no introduction at this point since it has taken 2022 by storm ever since it launched in March. People are still playing it alone or in co-op parties.
The Soulslike games before this were celebrated but Elden Ring is on a whole other level. Open-world RPGs tend to do that for people since there is so much content to console. With DLC rumored to be on the way, Elden Ring will continue to have its grasp on RPG fans around the world for another year or two.
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