In the vast realm of gaming, few experiences compare to the heart-pounding excitement of facing hordes of the undead alongside friends. Co-op zombie games have carved out a special place in the hearts of gamers, providing an adrenaline-pumping cooperative experience.
PC gamers are spoilt for choice when it comes to zombie games. The platform offers a variety of titles, each with its unique take on the zombie apocalypse. Whether you prefer to explore post-apocalyptic landscapes, uncover sinister conspiracies, or simply indulge in mindless undead mayhem, there’s a game that caters to your preferences.
For Xbox players, the thrill of zombie hunting extends across platforms. The Xbox ecosystem seamlessly connects players, allowing them to join forces with friends, regardless of where they play. This cross-play functionality has brought new life to co-op zombie games on the console, creating a vibrant community of survivors.
List of the Best Co-Op Zombie Games for PC and Xbox
Whether you’re a PC enthusiast or an Xbox devotee, there are numerous titles that cater to your zombie-slaying cravings. Therefore, here on Naijaknowhow, we’ll explore some of the best ones that are available to play on both PC and Xbox gaming consoles. Let’s delve right in!
1. Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2 is a first-person shooter video game developed and published by Valve Corporation. It was released in 2009 as the sequel to the original Left 4 Dead and quickly gained a dedicated fanbase for its intense cooperative gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and dynamic AI-driven zombie hordes.
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by hordes of infected individuals who have turned into grotesque zombies due to a mysterious virus. Players assume the roles of four survivors who are immune to the infection, and they must work together to navigate through various environments and complete a series of objectives while fending off relentless waves of infected.
2. Back 4 Blood
Back 4 Blood is a cooperative FPS game that serves as a spiritual successor to the acclaimed Left 4 Dead series, which Turtle Rock Studios also created. The game brings a refreshing and modern take on the cooperative zombie survival genre, offering both nostalgic elements for fans of the original series and innovative gameplay.
This game excels in delivering a challenging cooperative experience. Players can team up with friends or AI-controlled teammates to tackle various missions and objectives. Communication and coordination are essential as you face hordes of Ridden, special infected variants, and massive boss encounters. Back 4 Blood is considered one of the best Co-Op Zombie games for PC and Xbox.
3. 7 Days to Die
7 Days to Die is a popular survival horror video game that combines elements of first-person shooting, crafting, building, and exploration. The game was initially released in 2013 and has since gained a dedicated following. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies and features an open-world environment with a variety of terrains, including forests, deserts, cities, and rural areas.
The player’s primary objective is to survive for as long as possible in this hostile world, and the title of the game refers to the recurring seven-day cycles, during which the zombie threat intensifies. The game’s day-night cycle is a central mechanic. Days are relatively safe for exploration and gathering resources, but as night falls, zombies become more aggressive and dangerous.
4. Dead Island 2
Dead Island 2 is an open-world action role-playing game (RPG) that serves as a sequel to the popular Dead Island and Dead Island: Riptide titles. Developed by Sumo Digital and published by Deep Silver, it was highly anticipated by fans of the series but experienced several delays in its development.
Set in a post-apocalyptic California, Dead Island 2 presents a world overrun by the zombie virus that has now spread beyond the confines of Banoi Island. Players are thrust into this chaotic and dangerous environment, taking on the role of a survivor trying to navigate the newly infected state. In essence, Dead Island 2 is definitely amongst the best Co-Op Zombie games you can play on both PC and Xbox.
5. Killing Floor 2
Killing Floor 2 is a first-person shooter (FPS) video game developed and published by Tripwire Interactive. Released in 2016 as the sequel to the popular “Killing Floor,” this game takes the core concept of its predecessor and ramps it up to deliver a thrilling and intense cooperative multiplayer experience.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where hordes of mutated and grotesque Zeds, the game’s term for its various enemy types, have overrun civilization, players take on the roles of mercenaries tasked with exterminating these nightmarish creatures. The game features several different classes, each with unique abilities and weapons, allowing players to choose a play-style that suits them best.
6. Zombie Army 4: Dead War
Zombie Army 4: Dead War is a thrilling and action-packed video game set in an alternate history, post-World War II era. Developed by Rebellion Developments, this game serves as the fourth installment in the popular Zombie Army series. It combines elements of both the horror and shooter genres to deliver a captivating gaming experience.
The game’s storyline unfolds in a world where Adolf Hitler’s plan to raise an undead army during World War II has come to fruition. Players find themselves in a desolate Europe overrun by hordes of reanimated Nazi soldiers, occult creatures, and, of course, zombies. This eerie and unsettling backdrop sets the stage for an intense and atmospheric gaming experience, making Zombie Army 4 one of the best Co-Op Zombie games to play.
7. Dying Light
Dying Light is an open-world survival horror game released in 2015. Set in a fictional city called Harran, the game plunges players into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies and infected humans. The game is renowned for blending the elements of first-person action, parkour, and survival horror into a thrilling and immersive experience.
Combat in this game is both brutal and realistic. Players can craft weapons, such as makeshift melee weapons or modified firearms, to fend off the infected and hostile human factions. The visceral melee combat system emphasizes precise timing and strategic attacks, rewarding players for well-executed strikes. The parkour mechanics are another highlight, allowing players to traverse the city with fluidity and speed.
Conclusion
Whether you’re on a quest for immersive storytelling on PC or craving the convenience of cross-platform play on Xbox, co-op zombie games offer various experiences. These games provide a thrilling ride for players who value teamwork, survival, and the thrill of battling the undead. So, grab your weapons, huddle with your friends, and embark on an epic journey through the apocalyptic landscapes of co-op zombie gaming.
