Top 15 co-op video games about managing a ship: Sail the seas and explore the stars with friends!

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - October 4th 2024, 17:00 GMT+2

About this gallery:

To create this list, we decided to focus on all types of ships, whether futuristic or pirate. The important thing is having to manage a vessel with your friends, making sure teamwork keeps you afloat.

If you think we missed an important ship game, why not add it in the comments?

| © Hello Games

15. Abandon Ship (2019)

*Abandon Ship* lets you and your friends manage a vessel exploring a dark and dangerous ocean, facing off against mythical sea creatures and rival ships. Working together to keep the ship intact as enemies close in is key. You might feel heroic one moment, only to find yourself screaming "ABANDON SHIP!" the next—it’s all part of the fun! | © Fireblade Software

14. Blackwake (2017)

In *Blackwake*, you and your friends get to crew a pirate ship, firing cannons and keeping the vessel afloat amidst chaotic naval battles. It’s all about teamwork—or at least trying not to blame each other when the ship goes under. There's nothing quite like the panic of trying to reload a cannon while everything around you is on fire. | © Mastfire Studios

We Need To Go Deeper — 13. We Need to Go Deeper (2019)

In *We Need to Go Deeper*, you and your friends navigate a submarine through the uncharted waters of a Jules Verne-inspired world. It's a race to fix leaks, fend off sea monsters, and keep the ship running. It’s like being in a cramped underwater bus with your buddies—except the bus is sinking, and there are monsters outside. | © Deli Interactive

12. Guns of Icarus Online (2012)

Take to the skies in *Guns of Icarus Online*, where you and your friends crew a steampunk airship, managing engines, guns, and repairs. It’s frantic, it's fiery, and it's full of moments where you'll yell, "Why are we on fire again?!" It’s all about keeping your airship intact while blasting your enemies out of the sky—a real bonding experience! | © Muse Games

PULSAR Lost Colony — 11. Pulsar: Lost Colony (2020)

*Pulsar: Lost Colony* puts you and your friends on a spaceship, each with a specific job: captain, engineer, scientist, etc. It’s like trying to keep an old car running, except it’s a spaceship, and the breakdowns might involve pirates or alien infestations. Cooperation is crucial, especially when your "brilliant" captain decides to jump into hostile space. | © Leafy Games

Star Trek Bridge Crew — 10. Star Trek: Bridge Crew (2017)

Ever wanted to boldly go where no one has gone before, but with friends? *Star Trek: Bridge Crew* lets you do just that, with each player taking on roles like captain, engineer, or helm. Whether you're making life-or-death decisions or just yelling "warp speed!" into your mic, it’s an experience that’s sure to make you feel like you’re part of the iconic crew. | © Ubisoft

9. Space Engineers (2019)

Build, fly, and possibly destroy your very own spaceship with friends in *Space Engineers*. One person might be designing the ship while another is fixing that ever-so-convenient "minor" breach. The best part? When you realize that space engineering is mostly about patching up holes after your brilliant designs fall apart. | © Keen Software House

8. Elite Dangerous (2014)

In *Elite Dangerous*, you and your friends can crew multi-seat ships and explore the vast universe in style. One person flies, another handles the guns, and someone else manages systems. It’s a perfect recipe for cooperation… or chaos, depending on how many times you accidentally deploy the landing gear mid-battle. | © Frontier Developments

FTL Faster Than Light — 7. FTL: Faster Than Light (2012)

While originally single-player, *FTL* becomes a frantic co-op experience when you and your friends try to manage one ship together. Who's manning the weapons? Who’s putting out fires? Who's, uh, steering? If you survive without someone ejecting themselves out of frustration, you’ve probably got what it takes to handle a real spaceship. | © Subset Games

6. Starbound (2016)

*Starbound* lets you and your crew explore the galaxy, all while customizing your spaceship into a cozy little home. Your ship is the hub that takes you from one adventure-filled planet to the next, with everyone pitching in to upgrade, expand, and defend it. It’s like a space road trip with your friends, except with more lasers and alien invasions. | © Chucklefish

5. Raft (2018)

Imagine being stuck on a small piece of floating wood with your friends and trying to make it bigger while avoiding shark attacks—yup, that's *Raft*. It’s all about teamwork as you gather resources, build a floating home, and try not to lose each other overboard. Survival never felt so… wet, and it’s up to you to keep things afloat—literally! | © Redbeet Interactive

4. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (2015)

In *Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime*, you and your friends must work together to pilot a super cute spaceship through hostile space. It’s fast-paced chaos as you run between turrets, shields, and engines to keep the ship alive. It’s the kind of game that tests friendships in the best way possible—because nothing says love like shouting “GET ON THE LASERS!” when danger strikes. | © Asteroid Base

3. Sea of Thieves (2018)

Grab your eye patch and set sail! *Sea of Thieves* lets you and your friends live out your pirate fantasies—treasure, rum, and all. Each player takes on a role, whether it’s steering the ship, raising sails, or shooting cannons at other players' ships. Just try not to crash into that island... again. The sea's a wild place, and your crew’s coordination (or lack thereof) is the only thing keeping your ship afloat. | © Rare

2. Barotrauma (2019)

Think you and your friends can handle the pressure? In *Barotrauma*, you'll all be crammed into a submarine exploring the icy depths of Jupiter’s moon. It’s all fun and games until the hull breaches and someone has to stop the flooding, manage the reactor, and fend off alien sea monsters—all at once. Teamwork isn't optional; it's your only lifeline. | © FakeFish & Undertow Games

No Mans Sky — 1. No Man's Sky (2016)

In *No Man's Sky*, space is your playground, and your ship is the slightly clunky toy you share with friends. Whether you're exploring planets or fighting off space pirates, everyone’s got a job—from piloting to repairs. You'll bond over the joy of intergalactic discoveries and the occasional "uh-oh" moment when your ship catches fire mid-flight. | © Hello Games

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Grab your friends, pick a ship—any ship—and prepare for some chaos! Whether it's sailing the high seas, navigating the depths of space, or soaring through the skies in a steampunk contraption, managing a ship is always more fun (and disastrous) when you're not alone.

These 15 co-op games are all about working together, sharing responsibilities, and desperately trying to keep your vessel in one piece. From classic pirate ships and sci-fi spaceships to imaginative flying fortresses, each adventure will put your teamwork to the test. So rally the crew, because it's time to embark on some unforgettable ship-bound escapades!