Updated: July 7, 2026 · AceGamer Editorial

TL;DR — The Steam Deck makes a great little co-op machine once you dock it to a TV or monitor and add a second controller, since its own controls are best for solo play. Standout local co-op games include Split Fiction, It Takes Two, Stardew Valley, Overcooked! 2, Baldur's Gate 3 and Cuphead. A pair of controllers — such as an AceGamer T50 2-Pack — gives both players proper controls. Here are the best Steam Deck games for a second controller, and how to set them up.

How Steam Deck co-op works

The Steam Deck is a single-screen handheld, so local co-op works best when you treat it as a small console: dock it to a TV or monitor for a shared screen, and connect a controller for each player. The Deck's own built-in controls are ideal for solo play, but for two people sharing a session, external controllers are far more comfortable, and for two-player games you will generally want two of them. Connecting is straightforward — Bluetooth controllers pair through the Deck's settings, and Steam Input lets you configure them per game if needed. A pair of matched controllers, such as a T50 2-Pack, is a tidy, affordable way to get both players set up. It is worth noting that lighter co-op games run best on the Deck's hardware, and some demanding split-screen titles may tax it, so check performance for heavier games. With the Deck docked and two controllers ready, though, it becomes a capable couch co-op machine that fits in a bag. Controller setup is covered in how to use a controller with a Steam Deck. Here are the games worth gathering a second player for.

A little more detail on the setup helps, since it is the one thing that trips people up. The Steam Deck outputs to a TV or monitor through its USB-C port, either with the official dock or a compatible USB-C hub, giving you a full-size shared screen — far better for two people than crowding around the handheld's display. Once connected to a screen, the Deck behaves much like a small console: you add controllers and play. For local co-op specifically, it is usually cleanest to give both players an external controller rather than have one use the Deck's built-in controls, since holding the whole Deck while a partner uses a separate pad is awkward; two matched controllers put both players on equal, comfortable footing. Bluetooth is the simplest way to connect them, and most co-op games detect controllers automatically, with Steam Input available for any that need manual mapping. None of this is complicated, and once configured it is remembered, so the setup is a one-time task. With a screen, two controllers and a co-op game installed, the Deck turns any room into a couch co-op space.

1. Split Fiction

Split Fiction is the premier local co-op game to play on a Steam Deck with a second controller, from Hazelight, the studio behind It Takes Two. It is a two-player-only adventure that casts a pair of writers into a series of sci-fi and fantasy worlds, blending inventive mechanics, constant surprises and set-pieces built entirely around cooperation. Because it is designed exclusively for two players in split-screen, it demands a second controller — there is no solo option — making it the definitive pick for this list. Its varied gameplay keeps both players engaged throughout, switching genres and abilities so neither is ever a passenger. Widely acclaimed as one of the best co-op experiences in years, Split Fiction is the game to reach for when you want a memorable session with a friend or partner. Docked to a screen with two controllers, it showcases exactly why the Steam Deck plus a second pad makes such a rewarding couch co-op setup, and it is the first game we would recommend buying a second controller for.

What sets Split Fiction apart, and makes it such a good showcase for a two-controller setup, is how completely it is built around two people doing different things at once. Rather than both players performing the same actions side by side, it constantly gives each a distinct role, ability or perspective, so the two of you are solving each moment together rather than in parallel — one might manipulate the environment while the other navigates it, then the roles flip. That design only works with two controllers and two engaged players, which is exactly the experience a docked Deck with a pair of pads delivers. It also paces its ideas generously, rarely lingering on any one mechanic, so the session stays fresh across its whole length. For a first co-op night on a new setup, it is almost a demonstration of why local co-op is worth the second controller, turning two people and one screen into a truly shared adventure rather than two separate ones.

2. It Takes Two

It Takes Two is Hazelight's earlier masterpiece and a co-op classic that remains one of the best two-player games available. Like Split Fiction, it is strictly a two-player experience with no solo mode, telling the story of a couple turned into dolls who must work together through a series of wildly inventive worlds. Every section introduces new cooperative mechanics, so the two players are constantly relying on each other, and its blend of platforming, puzzles and set-pieces rarely repeats itself. It won game of the year on release and is frequently recommended as the first co-op game a pair should play together. On a Steam Deck docked to a screen with two controllers, it is a superb way to spend an evening with a friend or partner, full of laughter and teamwork. If you have not played it and are setting up for co-op, It Takes Two is close to essential, and a perfect reason to have a second controller on hand.

3. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley, the beloved farming and life sim, supports local co-op for up to four players and is one of the most relaxing games to share on a Steam Deck. Players work the same farm together, splitting tasks like planting, mining, fishing and tending animals, at whatever pace suits you, making it ideal for a laid-back session rather than a frantic one. Its gentle, cozy nature means it suits players of all experience levels, and there is always something for each person to do. As a lightweight game, it also runs beautifully on the Deck's hardware, so performance is never a concern. Docked to a screen with a controller each, it becomes a calm, absorbing co-op experience you can return to over many sessions. For couples, friends or families who want a shared world to build together at their own pace, Stardew Valley is a wonderful pick, and a game that a second, third or fourth controller opens up to everyone at the table.

4. Overcooked! 2

Overcooked! 2 is the definitive chaotic couch co-op game, and a perfect fit for the Steam Deck with extra controllers. Up to four players run a kitchen together, chopping, cooking and plating dishes against the clock while the kitchens themselves throw obstacles at you — moving floors, splitting counters and more. It is frantic, hilarious and guaranteed to produce shouting and laughter in equal measure, testing your teamwork and communication under pressure. The simple controls make it accessible to anyone, while the escalating chaos keeps it challenging, so it works for both casual and experienced groups. As a lighter game, it runs well on the Deck docked to a screen. For a lively game night with two to four players, Overcooked! 2 is among the very best, and it is a prime example of a game where every extra controller adds another player to the mayhem. Grab a couple of pads and prepare for kitchen chaos.

Overcooked in particular scales beautifully with the number of controllers you have, which makes it a perfect showcase for why a spare pad or two is worth owning. With two players it is a tight test of coordination; with three or four it becomes gloriously chaotic, as everyone shouts orders, collides in the kitchen and scrambles to plate the next dish before time runs out. Each additional controller does not just add a player but changes the whole dynamic, so a household that keeps a few pads on hand can spin up a two-, three- or four-player session on a whim. It is also forgiving of skill differences — a less experienced player can handle simpler tasks like plating or washing while others cook — so it suits mixed groups and family game nights. Around a docked Steam Deck with a controller for each person, it is one of the most reliable ways to get a group laughing together, and a strong argument for having more than one spare controller in the drawer.

5. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3, the acclaimed role-playing epic, supports split-screen co-op for two players, letting you explore its vast world with a friend. This is a huge, story-rich RPG built around choice and consequence, and sharing the campaign in split-screen means two players can adventure through it together, each controlling their own character. While many will prefer to experience its deep story solo, playing it co-op with a second controller adds a social dimension to one of the most celebrated games in years. It is a more substantial commitment than the party games on this list — a long campaign rather than a quick session — so it suits two players who want a shared adventure to sink real time into. As a demanding game, it is worth checking performance on the Deck for your settings, but for two RPG fans wanting to journey together, Baldur's Gate 3 with two controllers is a remarkable co-op experience.

6. Cuphead

Cuphead is a gorgeous, punishing run-and-gun game with two-player local co-op that is a favourite for players who want a challenge to overcome together. Its hand-drawn, 1930s-cartoon art style is stunning, and its boss battles are famously tough, demanding precise timing and coordination between the two players. Playing co-op does not make it easier so much as more fun, as you and a friend learn each boss's patterns and celebrate hard-won victories together. It is a game about persistence and teamwork, and clearing a difficult boss with a partner is deeply satisfying. As a lighter title, it runs perfectly on the Deck docked to a screen. For two players who enjoy a real challenge and a game that looks like a playable cartoon, Cuphead is a standout co-op pick, and its demanding action is exactly the kind that benefits from each player having a proper controller in hand.

7. PlateUp!

PlateUp! blends the chaotic cooking of Overcooked with restaurant management and roguelite progression, making it a deep and rewarding local co-op game for up to four players. You and your partners run a restaurant, handling prep, cooking and serving while designing and upgrading your kitchen between days to become more efficient. It combines the frantic teamwork of a cooking game with strategic planning, so it rewards groups who want a little more depth than a pure party title. The shared goal of building a successful restaurant over many runs gives it real staying power beyond a single session. As a lighter game, it runs well on the Deck. For friends or a household who enjoyed Overcooked and want something with more progression, PlateUp! is an excellent choice, and its cooperative kitchen chaos is best enjoyed with a controller for each player around a docked Deck. It is one of the most replayable co-op games on this list.

8. Chained Together

Chained Together is a viral co-op sensation built on a brilliantly simple, frustrating and hilarious premise: the players are literally chained together and must climb ever higher through a series of tricky platforming challenges. Because you are bound to your partners, every jump requires coordination, and one person's mistake can send the whole group tumbling back down, which produces both groans and belly laughs in equal measure. It is a game about communication and shared perseverance, ideal for a group that enjoys a chaotic challenge and does not mind a bit of good-natured blame. Its climbing gameplay is easy to grasp but hard to master, giving it real replay value as you chase a higher ascent. As a lightweight title, it runs smoothly on the Deck. For a session full of tension, teamwork and laughter, Chained Together is a fantastic pick, and a game that only makes sense — and only entertains — with a controller for each chained player.

9. Streets of Rage 4

Streets of Rage 4 revives the classic side-scrolling beat 'em up with gorgeous hand-drawn visuals and supports local co-op, making it a brilliant pick-up-and-play game for a Steam Deck couch session. Up to two players locally (more in some modes) fight through waves of enemies down neon-lit streets, chaining combos and special moves in a game that captures the arcade spirit while feeling thoroughly modern. Beat 'em ups are among the most reliably fun couch co-op genres, and Streets of Rage 4 is one of the best, easy to jump into for a quick session yet satisfying to master. Its responsive combat rewards a proper controller with a good D-pad or stick for landing moves cleanly. As a lighter game, it runs perfectly on the Deck docked to a screen. For a fun, energetic co-op session that anyone can enjoy, Streets of Rage 4 is a superb choice, and a modern classic of the genre that a second controller brings to life.

10. Ultimate Chicken Horse

Ultimate Chicken Horse is a fiendishly clever party platformer for up to four players where you take turns building the very level you then have to complete. Each round, players add traps and obstacles to the stage, trying to create a route they can survive but their friends cannot, before everyone races through the results — a mix of platforming skill and gleeful sabotage. It is endlessly replayable, since the levels are made fresh each round by the players themselves, and it produces the kind of competitive laughter that defines a great party game. Simple to learn but full of strategy and mischief, it suits groups of all skill levels. As a light game, it runs well on the Deck. For a party of two to four wanting a competitive, creative and hilarious co-op session, Ultimate Chicken Horse is a gem, and another game where every extra controller adds a player to the fun around a docked Steam Deck. It is a perfect capstone to a game night.

Setting up co-op with two T50s

Getting set up for Steam Deck co-op is simple, and a pair of controllers is all you really need beyond the games. The AceGamer T50 comes in a 2-Pack of two foldable pads at a lower combined price than buying two singly, which makes an affordable, portable co-op kit for exactly these games. To play, dock your Steam Deck to a TV or monitor, then pair each T50 over Bluetooth through the Deck's settings — the process is the same as pairing any Bluetooth controller. If a game needs input configuration, Steam Input lets you set up each controller per title, adding remapping and gyro options. Because the T50 folds flat, two of them pack away neatly between sessions and travel easily for co-op at a friend's place or on a trip. For solo play you can still use the Deck's own controls, and bring out the pads when a second player joins. The T50 also works with your PC, Switch and phone, so the same co-op kit serves well beyond the Deck. Pairing help is in how to pair two controllers, and controller options for the Deck are compared in best controllers for Steam Deck.

The appeal of a foldable 2-pack for Deck co-op is that it keeps a whole multiplayer setup compact and ready. The Steam Deck is already a portable machine, so pairing it with controllers that also fold flat keeps the spirit of the thing — you can slip the Deck, a small dock and two folded pads into a bag and have a couch co-op console you can set up at a friend's house, a family gathering or a hotel room. Two of the games above, Split Fiction and It Takes Two, cannot be played at all without a second controller, so having a spare pad is what unlocks them; the rest simply become more fun with a player per pad. Because the T50 is inexpensive, adding a second controller does not add much to the cost of your Deck setup, and a 2-pack is cheaper still than two separate pads. And since the same controllers work with your PC, Switch and phone, they are not single-purpose Deck accessories but a co-op kit for your whole gaming life. For a Deck owner who wants to game with others, a pair of affordable, foldable controllers is one of the most useful additions you can make.

View the AceGamer T50 2-Pack → · Best Steam Deck controllers →

Frequently asked questions

Can you play local co-op on a Steam Deck?
Yes. Dock the Steam Deck to a TV or monitor for a shared screen and connect a controller for each player. Many Steam games support local co-op or split-screen, and the Deck plays them well, especially lighter co-op titles.

Do I need two controllers for Steam Deck co-op?
For two-player local games, generally yes. The Deck's built-in controls suit solo play, but for comfortable couch co-op each player needs their own pad. A 2-pack of controllers, like the T50 2-Pack, is an easy, affordable way to set up.

What are the best Steam Deck co-op games?
Split Fiction and It Takes Two are the top two-player picks, while Stardew Valley, Overcooked! 2, PlateUp! and Ultimate Chicken Horse are great for up to four players. Baldur's Gate 3 offers a deep split-screen RPG, and Cuphead a tough challenge.

How do I connect a controller to a Steam Deck for co-op?
Pair each Bluetooth controller, such as a T50, through the Steam Deck's Bluetooth settings, then use Steam Input to configure it per game if needed. Dock the Deck to a screen first so both players share a comfortable display.

Can the Steam Deck run split-screen games well?
It runs lighter co-op games excellently, but demanding split-screen titles can tax its hardware, so performance varies. Check a game's performance on the Deck for your settings; most of the party and co-op games here run smoothly.

Is a 2-pack of controllers good for Steam Deck co-op?
Yes. A 2-pack gives two matched controllers at a lower combined price, ideal for the two-player games here, and if the pads fold flat like the T50, they pack away and travel easily for co-op anywhere.

Do Steam Deck co-op games work docked to a TV?
Yes, and docking is the recommended way to play local co-op, since a TV or monitor gives both players a comfortable shared screen. Connect a controller each, and the docked Deck functions much like a compact console for couch co-op.

What are the best two-player only co-op games for Steam Deck?
Split Fiction and It Takes Two, both from Hazelight, are the standout two-player-only co-op games, with no solo option and gameplay built entirely around cooperation. Both require a second controller and are among the best co-op experiences available.

Can I play Steam Deck co-op on the go?
Yes. Dock the Deck to a hotel TV or a portable monitor, or use it in tabletop mode, and pair two controllers. Foldable pads like a T50 2-Pack pack down small, so you can carry a full co-op setup while travelling.

What co-op games are best for a family on Steam Deck?
Stardew Valley, Overcooked! 2, Ultimate Chicken Horse and PlateUp! suit families and mixed-skill groups, being accessible and supporting up to four players. Each is best with a controller per player around a docked Deck, so a 2-pack or two helps.

Sources & methodology

This guide reflects the local co-op support of the games listed at the time of writing, drawn from Steam listings and co-op gaming coverage, alongside AceGamer's finalized specifications for the T50. Game features and performance vary and change over time, so confirm co-op support and Steam Deck performance for your setup.

• Local co-op game coverage — Game Rant.
• Steam Deck controller setup — best controllers for Steam Deck.
• AceGamer T50 details — T50 specs & price.