This was the week of two things: updates and free games. Several popular co-op games received major weekly updates that players can enjoy with friends and family this weekend – be it on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, or other platforms. In addition, a number of other interesting new co-op games were temporarily or permanently available for free via platforms such as Steam. Here are five co-op games to try out this weekend – as always, featuring a mix of old classic standbys and new titles that players should definitely not miss out on. Every weekend is the perfect weekend for some co-op gaming, and this one is no exception.
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Play Schedule 1
Early access crime simulator Schedule 1 released its Big Cartel update, which debuts in its beta branch following previous delays. The Big Cartel update introduces the Benzies family, a powerful rival group that will stop at nothing to take down the player’s drug empire. To defeat the Benzies, Schedule 1 players will need to try out new features, including ambushes, dealer robbery, dead drop theft, and even possibly truce negotiation. Players can team up against the Benzies in the beta version of Schedule 1 this weekend; the update will likely be added to the full version of Schedule 1 in the near future.
Another co-op game that received a major update this week is Phasmophobia, the spooky ghost-hunting phenomenon. Following July 2025’s improvement to video evidence, the game’s August 12 update sees a big rework of Phasmophobia‘s Grafton Farmhouse map. These changes bring Grafton in line with the previously reworked maps, such as Point Hope Lighthouse, making it more detailed and adding new spooky elements, like potential lighting failures. One to four players can team up and have a “Halloween in August” weekend in the all-new Grafton Farmhouse.
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Play Elden Ring Nightreign
Elden Ring Nightreign received an August 2025 update, and as the first full-fledged co-op Soulslike set in the Lands Between, it’s worth a try. The August update is a smaller patch focused on balance and quality of life improvements, and does not add any new content, but it’s still the perfect excuse for groups of players to boot up Nightreign this weekend. The biggest change was a re-balancing of the “Storm Ruler” skill, which now features a shorter countdown; in addition, a number of previously reported bugs were fixed, including crashes reported specifically on the PlayStation 5.
Doomsday prepper-centered co-op Guntouchables made the news this week when it was released “free to keep” on Steam for the first 24 hours following launch. While Guntouchables is no longer free, it can be found on Steam for $4.99, with multiple discounted bundles also available. This weekend, try out Guntouchables, where 1–4 players take on the role of heavily armed preppers facing down a horde of constantly evolving mutants in fast-paced roguelike gameplay. Guntouchables is the perfect mix of hilarity and brutality for those players who simply want to spend their weekend mowing down enemy after enemy.
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Play Wires and Whiskers
Players who are looking to sit down and play some couch co-op with local friends or roommates should try out Wires and Whiskers, a brand-new game currently available on Steam. In Wires and Whiskers, players team up for a classic 3D platforming adventure with one taking on the role of an enhanced gerbil and the other a powerful exosuit. Together, players will face both combat encounters and magnetism-themed puzzles as they navigate the dangers of a futuristic, irradiated world as this unlikely pair. Fans of It Takes Two and similar games should definitely check out this brand-new co-op title – and, best of all, it’s currently completely free.
