TL;DR: If you’re tired of the "he's touching my side of the screen" or "she stole my loot" arguments, it's time to pivot from competitive to cooperative. The best PlayStation games for families right now are:
- Sackboy: A Big Adventure — The gold standard for "no-tears" family fun.
- Split Fiction — The newest must-play for older kids and parents to tackle together.
- Overcooked! All You Can Eat — High-energy teamwork that tests your communication.
- Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga — Perfect for a low-stakes Sunday afternoon.
If you’ve spent any time watching your kids play Fortnite or Roblox, you know that modern gaming is often built on a foundation of "me vs. the world." That’s fine for building reflexes, but it’s a disaster for sibling harmony. When the goal is to be the last one standing, someone is inevitably going to end up crying in the hallway because they got "sniped" by their own brother.
Couch co-op is different. It’s the digital equivalent of a three-legged race. You literally cannot move forward unless you work together. On the PlayStation 5, we’re seeing a massive resurgence of these games, and they are a godsend for intentional parents who want screen time to feel like a shared hobby rather than a solitary confinement sentence.
We talk a lot about "digital wellness," which often sounds like a fancy way of saying "put the phone down." But wellness is also about the quality of the interaction.
When kids play a game like Moving Out 2, they aren't just pushing buttons; they are practicing executive function. They have to plan, communicate ("Pivot!"), and handle the frustration of a shared failure. Research on gaming habits shows that about 70% of kids play with others, but the shift from online lobbies to the literal couch next to them changes the brain chemistry. It turns a "brain rot" session into a social bonding experience.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure (Ages 6+)
This is the game I recommend to every parent who just bought a PS5. It is visually stunning, the music is incredible (your kids will be humming Britney Spears and David Bowie), and most importantly, it is forgiving.
In many older games, if one player was "bad," they’d lose all the lives and the game would end. In Sackboy, the better player can carry the team, but the less experienced player still feels like they’re contributing. It’s pure, tactile joy.
Split Fiction (Ages 10+)
If your kids are a bit older and ready for a narrative, Split Fiction is the current heavyweight champion. Developed by Hazelight (the same geniuses behind It Takes Two), this game follows two writers trapped in their own stories.
The coolest part? One player might be playing a sci-fi shooter while the other is playing a fantasy platformer on the same screen. They have to use their unique mechanics to help each other. It’s a literal lesson in how different perspectives can solve a single problem. Just be aware: it’s rated T for Teen, so expect some "buddy movie" intensity and more complex themes.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat (Ages 7+)
This game is a stress test disguised as a cooking simulator. You have to chop, cook, and serve meals while the kitchen is literally falling apart or floating down a river.
It’s hilarious, but it can get loud. If your kids struggle with high-pressure situations, this might lead to some yelling. But if they can find their rhythm, it is the most rewarding "we did it!" feeling you can get from a controller.
Check out our guide on managing gaming frustration
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Ages 7+)
You really can’t go wrong with a Lego game. They are the "comfort food" of the gaming world. The humor is top-tier (lots of jokes for the parents), and the "drop-in, drop-out" co-op means you can jump in to help them beat a boss and then go back to folding laundry without interrupting their flow.
Not every game labeled "multiplayer" is good for families.
- Avoid: A Way Out. While it’s made by the same people as Split Fiction, it is a gritty prison break story with heavy violence and language. It’s a "parent-only" game for after the kids go to bed.
- Proceed with Caution: It Takes Two. This is a masterpiece, but the plot is about two parents going through a divorce. For some kids, that’s a heavy topic that hits too close to home. For others, it’s a great conversation starter. Know your kid before you hit "download."
When picking a game, don't just look at the ESRB rating (E, E10+, T). Look at the mechanical complexity.
- Ages 5-7: Stick to Minecraft (Creative Mode) or Sackboy. They need games where the "fail state" isn't devastating.
- Ages 8-11: This is the sweet spot for Overcooked and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. They have the coordination to handle multiple buttons at once.
- Ages 12+: They want a story. Split Fiction or even Stardew Valley (which has an excellent split-screen co-op mode now) will keep them engaged for hours.
Even with the best co-op games, the "just five more minutes" syndrome is real. PlayStation has some of the best parental controls in the business, allowing you to set hard limits on play time.
But beyond the clock, watch for posture and lighting. Couch co-op usually means two kids crammed onto one beanbag. Make sure they aren't straining their necks. And if they are playing Split Fiction, the screen is divided down the middle, which can lead to "gamer lean"—where they tilt their whole bodies to see their side better. Remind them to reset every 30 minutes.
The goal isn't just to play; it's to learn how to be a good teammate. After a session, ask questions that aren't "did you win?" (Since in co-op, you usually both win or both lose).
Try:
- "What was the hardest part to coordinate?"
- "Who was the better 'manager' in the kitchen during Overcooked?"
- "I noticed you guys didn't get frustrated when you fell off that ledge in Sackboy. How'd you stay so chill?"
Gaming doesn't have to be a source of conflict in your house. By choosing games like Sackboy: A Big Adventure or the brilliant new Split Fiction, you’re turning the PlayStation into a tool for connection.
You’re moving from "Stop playing that game!" to "I can’t believe you guys actually figured that puzzle out together." And in the world of digital parenting, that is a massive win.
- Check your library: If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, Sackboy is often included in the "Extra" tier.
- Trial the mechanics: Download the demo for Moving Out 2 to see if your kids can handle the chaos without a meltdown.
- Ask our chatbot: Not sure if a specific game is too violent or too hard? Ask our bot for a quick vibe check