I’m looking to set up a co-op video game night with my friends and I’m looking for suggestions for a cozy game we can all play together virtually. We all enjoy Stardew Valley but we’ve all played it and I’d like to start something new with them. Looking for ideas that would allow me to walk away from the computer if I need to take care of my kids but still allows my friends to continue playing.

Here’s some parameters to narrow down the list:

  • switch, Steam, or GOG availability
  • can walk away and not die without having to pause for my friends
  • preferably affordable
  • lower graphics requirements, we all have older hardware
  • game controller compatible
  • fun to play over multiple short sessions
  • either 2 player or up to 4 players

Thanks everyone in advance!

Edit: I’m so excited with all the suggestions! I realized I should put co-op in the title and add the number of players. Might be anywhere between 2 and 4. Even the single player suggestions I’ve been getting are so up my alley I’m excited to check them out. This was my first post on this platform and it’s been amazing thank you!

  • solarvector@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    11·
    1 month ago

    Edit - I somehow missed the multiplayer part. For that, try Torchlight 2, it willl run fine on a laptop from 2005.

    Single player:

    Tactical Breach Wizards

    Brilliant writing, awesome characters, and overall extremely well done turn based game. Has a rewind feature that is integrated into gameplay in a way that both makes it more fun and even less stress.

    Well done graphics with slightly more than potatoe requirements.

    https://store.steampowered.com/app/1043810/Tactical_Breach_Wizards/

    • Purpsle@sh.itjust.worksOP
      2·
      1 month ago

      Definitely adding Tactical Breach Wizards to my Steam wishlist, it looks like a fun time. Thanks for your suggestions!

  • CultLeader4Hire@lemmy.world
    8·
    1 month ago

    Raft, but you will die if you walk away too long but there might be settings where this isn’t the case. I have no idea about the controller since I never tried to play that way.

  • kender242@lemmy.worldEnglish
    7·
    1 month ago

    Lovers in Dangerous space time and Pico Park come to mind. Sort of couch co-op vibes but can be online.

  • Zahille7@lemmy.world
    6·
    1 month ago

    Palworld can be kinda cozy/chill, but there are no real NPCs to hang out with.

    I was going to suggest Paleo Pines because it’s basically Stardew/Animal Crossing with dinosaurs, but it’s singleplayer only.

  • jacksilver@lemmy.world
    5·
    29 days ago

    Escape Academy or similar type of escape room/puzzle games might work.

    Slay the Spire 2 has a good co-op option. And technically any digital boardgame (ticket to ride for example) would meet your vibes.

    Maybe a little more intense, but Rayman Legends/Origins are pretty cozy.

    Any of the Lego games would probably work.

    Peak has an “easy” setting that just makes it a goofy teamwork based game.

  • Leax@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    4·
    1 month ago

    Tiny Bookshop! Stardew valley vibe but the core gameplay is more relax as you decide the kind of books you store on your shelves and give book recommendations to your client. Very chill

  • Taokan@sh.itjust.works
    3·
    1 month ago

    Go Go Town on steam came out recently, co-op available local or online, controller compatible, up to 4 players (aside: you didn’t tell us how many players needed, but stardew is 4 so I’m going to assume a 4 max isn’t a problem). Not sure on system requirements, might be a little heavier than stardew but it’s not all that graphically intense. Had a blast playing it local co-op with the kids.

    Gameplay loop is familiar: extract resources to grow your town, unlock higher tiered buildings, eventually automating most of the logistics such that it runs itself like a little town simulator. The game is very casual friendly and forgiving, for example, you can freely just pick up and move a building, no reconstruction or lost costs, you can’t really “die”, and if you need to step away, shops might run out of inventory and stop producing but they won’t death spiral or anything.

  • med@sh.itjust.works
    1·
    10 days ago

    Lovers in a dangerous space time has been suggested already, so I’ll just mention it as a second vote!

    Magicka and Magicka 2 are excellent, and hilarious. Might be a bit hectic later on, but early on both are pretty low stakes and paced slowly.

    My other recommendation is Octodad. You control independent limbs of an octopus, pretending to be a man. Multiplayer is couch co-op. Remote play would be tougher, but still very funny!