If you're a fan of co-op gaming on the Nintendo Switch, it's essential to not only choose the best games but also protect your online privacy. The Nintendo Switch has revolutionized both couch co-op and online multiplayer gaming, with titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Animal Crossing lighting up living rooms worldwide. However, as more players join online, hackers increasingly target unsecured gaming sessions. Did you know that 37% of Switch users have faced lag spikes or privacy breaches during online play? This guide dives into the top 10 co-op games for 2024, reveals how to dodge cyber threats, and explains why pairing your Switch with UFO VPN is the ultimate power-up for privacy.
The 10 Must-Play Co-op Games on Switch
Explore a range of titles that redefine multiplayer magic, from chaotic party games to story-driven adventures.
1. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Type: Local & Online (2-4 players)
- Gameplay & Plot: In Super Mario Bros. Wonder, players navigate colorful, gravity-defying levels filled with creative challenges. The game introduces innovative mechanics such as gravity flips and unique power-ups, including the ability to transform into an elephant, which adds an extra twist to classic Mario platforming. The plot is lighthearted and imaginative—Mario and his friends embark on a quest to rescue the Mushroom Kingdom from an unexpected threat that causes chaotic transformations across the land.
- Why Play?
Flip gravity, morph into elephants, and tackle chaotic levels with friends. - Safety Tip:
Use Best free Vpn to encrypt voice chat and avoid IP leaks during online play.
2. It Takes Two
- Type: Local & Online (2 players)
- Gameplay & Plot: It Takes Two is a co-op adventure that combines platforming, puzzles, and action in a beautifully crafted split-screen experience. Players control a couple who, magically transformed into dolls, must navigate a fantastical world to mend their fractured relationship. The game’s narrative is both humorous and heartwarming, filled with creative challenges that require teamwork.
- Why Play?
A split-screen masterpiece blending puzzles and emotional storytelling. - Safety Tip:
Avoid public Wi-Fi for co-op—UFO VPN secures connections on hotspots.
3. Splatoon 3
- Type: Online (8 players)
- Gameplay & Plot: In Splatoon 3, players dive into vibrant, ink-splatting battles where teams compete to cover the arena with their color. The gameplay is fast-paced and strategic, demanding quick reflexes and coordinated team efforts. The game’s plot, while secondary to the gameplay, centers on a fun and quirky world where ink is the currency of battle—a whimsical setting that underpins the competitive multiplayer action.
- Why Play?
Engage in ink-splatting battles with team-based objectives. - Risk:
DDoS attacks plague competitive modes. - Safety Tip:
UFO VPN hides your IP to prevent targeting.
4. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
- Type: Local (1-4 players)
- Gameplay & Plot: Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a chaotic kitchen simulation game where players work together to prepare and serve dishes under intense time pressure. The gameplay requires precise coordination and communication as players face absurd kitchen challenges. The plot is simple yet entertaining: you and your friends must save the culinary world from a series of whimsical disasters, turning every meal into a high-stakes adventure.
- Why Play?
Enjoy frantic kitchen chaos perfect for couch co-op.
5. Stardew Valley
- Type: Online & Local (1-4 players)
- Gameplay & Plot: In Stardew Valley, players inherit a run-down farm and work together to transform it into a thriving paradise. The gameplay involves farming, mining, fishing, and engaging with the local community. The story is immersive and relaxing, focusing on building relationships, restoring the community center, and uncovering hidden secrets of the valley.
- Why Play?
Farm, mine, and build relationships in this cozy sandbox.
6. Luigi’s Mansion 3
- Type: Local & Online (2-8 players)
- Gameplay & Plot: Luigi’s Mansion 3 combines ghost-catching adventures with puzzle-solving elements. In this game, Luigi and his friends explore a haunted hotel filled with quirky ghosts and hidden treasures. The gameplay is a blend of exploration, combat, and clever puzzles, while the plot follows Luigi’s quest to rescue his friends and uncover the mysteries behind the eerie mansion.
- Why Play?
Experience ghost-busting teamwork in a haunted hotel.
7. Minecraft
- Type: Online & Local (8 players)
- Gameplay & Plot: Minecraft is the ultimate sandbox game where players can build, explore, and create virtually anything they imagine. The gameplay is open-ended, with cooperative modes that allow friends to work together on massive building projects or survive against hostile mobs. The game’s plot is largely player-driven, allowing for countless stories and adventures to unfold within its blocky world.
- Risk:
Public servers expose IP addresses. - Safety Tip:
UFO VPN masks your location.
8. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Type: Local (2 players)
- Gameplay & Plot: In Kirby and the Forgotten Land, players explore a post-apocalyptic world filled with lush, vibrant landscapes and challenging platforming sections. Kirby’s unique ability to copy powers adds a dynamic twist to the gameplay, making it both fun and engaging. The plot follows Kirby as he embarks on a quest to save a mysterious, forgotten world from looming threats, combining whimsical storytelling with adventurous exploration.
- Why Play?
Enjoy whimsical platforming with unique copy abilities.
9. Diablo III: Eternal Collection
- Type: Local & Online (4 players)
- Gameplay & Plot: Diablo III: Eternal Collection is an action RPG where players team up to battle demonic forces and explore dark, immersive dungeons. The gameplay emphasizes loot-driven combat and cooperative play, while the plot revolves around the eternal battle between good and evil, with heroes rising to defeat the demonic hordes and save humanity.
- Why Play?
Dive into demon-slaying loot RPG adventures with cross-platform saves.
10. TowerFall Ascension
- Type: Local (2-6 players)
- Gameplay & Plot: TowerFall Ascension is a fast-paced archery combat game with retro pixel art. The gameplay is intensely competitive, as players engage in duels and team battles using precise aiming and quick reflexes. The plot is minimalistic, focusing on the thrill of competitive play in a fantastical arena where every arrow counts.
- Why Play?
Engage in competitive archery battles with retro pixel art.
Local vs. Online Co-op: Which Is Safer?
Understanding the difference between local and online co-op modes is crucial for safeguarding your gaming sessions.
| Feature | Local Co-op | Online Co-op |
| Privacy Risks | None | IP leaks, DDoS attacks |
| Setup | No internet needed | Requires stable Wi-Fi |
| Security Fix | N/A | UFO VPN encryption |
Key Insight:
While local co-op avoids cyber threats entirely, online play demands protection. UFO VPN’s 256-bit AES encryption shields your IP and data—even on peer-to-peer (P2P) connections used by games like Splatoon 3.
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How to Secure Your Switch for Online Co-op
Keeping your Nintendo Switch secure during online play is essential for a safe gaming experience.
1. Use a Gaming VPN
- Why UFO VPN?
- Free Plan: Enjoy 10 GB/month of secure, lag-free gaming.
- Kill Switch: Blocks data if the VPN drops, preventing IP exposure.
- Obfuscation: Disguises VPN traffic as regular browsing to bypass ISP throttling.
2. Avoid Public Wi-Fi 
- Risks:
Public hotspots in cafes or airports are prime targets for hackers. - Solution:
Use UFO VPN to encrypt your traffic, making it safe to play games like Minecraft on the go.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Tip:
Secure your Nintendo account with 2FA to prevent unauthorized purchases or bans.
Why Nintendo Switch Online Isn’t Enough
While Nintendo Switch Online provides basic security, it falls short in key areas:
Limitations:
- IP Masking:
Your IP address is still visible in P2P games, exposing you to potential DDoS attacks. - Encryption Gaps:
Voice chat and metadata are vulnerable without robust encryption. - Geo-Restrictions:
Some content is region-locked; UFO VPN can unlock these limitations.
Pro Tip:
Pair UFO VPN with a LAN adapter for stable, wired connections during tournaments like Super Smash Bros.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can a VPN reduce lag on Switch?
Yes! UFO VPN’s optimized servers route traffic efficiently, minimizing ping spikes in games like Splatoon 3 and ensuring a smoother online experience.
Q: Is using a VPN with Switch legal?
Absolutely. VPNs are legal in most countries and are a key tool for protecting privacy. Just avoid using VPNs for cheating or piracy.
Q: Does UFO VPN work with local co-op?
While local play itself doesn’t require a VPN, using UFO VPN secures online updates and eShop purchases, ensuring overall network safety.
Q: How do I set up UFO VPN on my Switch?
UFO VPN can be installed on your router or shared via a Windows/Mac hotspot. This way, all devices connected to the network benefit from the VPN’s encryption.
Q: Why is online co-op riskier than local co-op?
Online co-op involves data transmission over the internet, making it susceptible to IP leaks, DDoS attacks, and other cyber threats—risks that are absent in local co-op scenarios.
Q: Can I use a free VPN for gaming on my Switch?
Yes, UFO VPN offers a free plan that is ideal for casual gaming and secure browsing. However, for more intensive gaming, you might consider a premium plan for better performance.
Q: How frequently should I update my VPN and router settings?
Regular updates are essential. Check for firmware updates on your router every few months and ensure your VPN app is always up-to-date to benefit from the latest security patches.
Q: What other steps can I take to secure my Nintendo Switch?
Beyond using a VPN, enable two-factor authentication, avoid public Wi-Fi, and use strong, unique passwords for your accounts. Regularly monitor your network for unusual activity.
Final Thoughts
The best co-op games on the Nintendo Switch deliver unforgettable moments, but cyber threats can turn fun into frustration. By optimizing your network settings, understanding the differences between local and online co-op, and integrating robust security measures like UFO VPN, you can unlock faster gaming, secure your connection, and access global game libraries without worry. Whether you're farming in Stardew Valley or battling in Splatoon 3, these privacy-first tips will help you dodge DDoS attacks, reduce lag, and enjoy your gaming sessions with complete peace of mind.
Ready to play safe?
Download UFO VPN Free and game without limits—your ultimate privacy and performance power-up.