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Best Free 2 Player Fighting PS4 Games in 2024

Published: Wed Sep 04 2024

What are the best free two player games available on the PlayStation in 2024?

Welcome to our guide on the best free 2 player games on PS4! In this post, we’ll highlight top titles that offer engaging experiences for you and a friend. We’ve chosen to evaluate these games based on key metrics such as variety of game modes, skill ceiling, co-op accessibility, combat, and overall free-to-play content. These factors are essential for ensuring that you enjoy a balanced and entertaining experience, whether you’re diving into intense 2 player split screen PS4 games or exploring more casual cooperative adventures. Get ready to discover some fantastic free two player games for PS4 that will keep you and your buddy entertained for hours!

Variety of Game Modes Skill Ceiling Co-op accessibility Combat
Free to Play

Brawlhalla
4.8

Ratings (Out of 5)

  • Variety of Game Modes: Outstanding
  • Skill Ceiling: Outstanding 5
  • Co-op Accessibility: Outstanding 5
  • Combat: Great 4
  • Free to Play: Outstanding 5
  • Players: Up to 4
  • Cross-Platform Play: Yes

Available On:

  • PS4
  • PS5
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X/S
  • Microsoft Windows (Via Steam)

Game Features

  • Online/Local 2v2
  • Coop Game Modes
  • Up to 8 players online or locally
  • Weekly Legend Rotation
  • Ranked matches
a screenshot of gameplay showing three characters fighting with weapons

Brawlhalla is a free-to-play platform fighter that provides an accessible and enjoyable split screen experience, perfect for casual gaming sessions with friends and family.

Variety of Game Modes

Brawlhalla boasts an impressive array of game modes, justifying its perfect 5/5 rating. The game offers classic stock matches and timed battles for those seeking traditional fighting game experiences. However, Brawlhalla truly shines with its innovative party games like Brawlball and Bombsketball, which inject a dose of whimsy into the platform fighter genre. This diverse selection caters to both competitive and casual players, ensuring there’s always a fresh experience awaiting. The inclusion of both online and local multiplayer options, alongside single-player content, creates a well-rounded package that keeps players engaged for hours on end.

Skill Ceiling

Brawlhalla’s skill ceiling earns an outstanding 5/5 rating, reflecting its balanced approach to player progression. The game’s mechanics are designed to be approachable, allowing newcomers to quickly grasp the basics. As players invest more time, they can uncover advanced techniques such as gravity cancels and weapon throws, adding depth to their gameplay. This moderate learning curve ensures that casual players can enjoy matches without feeling overwhelmed, while still providing enough complexity for dedicated fighters to hone their skills. The result is a game that remains engaging across various skill levels, fostering a diverse and active community.

Co-op Accessibility

In terms of co-op accessibility, Brawlhalla achieves a perfect 5/5 score. The game’s intuitive controls and forgiving mechanics create a welcoming environment for players of all experience levels. Team-based modes are particularly noteworthy, encouraging collaborative play and strategic thinking. The split-screen functionality shines in local multiplayer sessions, making Brawlhalla an ideal choice for social gaming gatherings. Furthermore, the cross-platform play feature breaks down barriers between different gaming ecosystems, allowing friends to team up regardless of their chosen device. This inclusive approach to multiplayer gaming sets Brawlhalla apart in the crowded fighting game market.

Combat

Brawlhalla’s combat system earns a commendable 4/5 rating. The game’s battles are characterized by swift, agile movements and a unique weapon pickup mechanic that adds an element of unpredictability to each match. Characters wield two distinct weapons, enabling players to adapt their strategies on the fly and keeping opponents guessing. The lighter, more aerial-focused combat style contributes to the game’s accessibility while also creating opportunities for spectacular, gravity-defying exchanges. While this floaty feel might not resonate with all players, particularly those accustomed to more grounded fighters, it undeniably gives Brawlhalla a distinctive flavor in the platform fighting genre.

Free to Play

Brawlhalla’s free-to-play model deserves its outstanding 5/5 rating. The game sets a high standard for fairness and accessibility in the free-to-play market. All characters can be unlocked through regular gameplay, ensuring that dedicated players can access the entire roster without opening their wallets. The rotating selection of free characters keeps the experience fresh for new players and those still building their collection. Monetization is handled tastefully, focusing on cosmetic items and expedited character unlocks without introducing any pay-to-win elements. This approach maintains a level playing field while still offering support options for enthusiastic fans. Brawlhalla’s commitment to a truly free and fair experience cements its position as a standout title in the free-to-play fighting game landscape.


MultiVersus
4.4

Ratings (Out of 5)

  • Variety of Game Modes: Great 4
  • Skill Ceiling: Great 4
  • Co-op Accessibility: Outstanding 5
  • Combat: Outstanding 5
  • Free to Play: Outstanding 5
  • Players: Up to 4
  • Cross-Platform Play: Yes

Available on:

  • PS4
  • PS5
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X/S
  • Microsoft Windows (Via Steam)

Game Features

  • Crossover Characters
  • 1v1
  • 2v2
  • Perk System
  • Rifts Mode
  • Battle Pass System
  • Cosmetics
a screenshot of gameplay showing the characters Velma and Shaggy from Scooby Doo, cowering from Batman

MultiVersus is another free-to-play platform fighter that brings together characters from various Warner Bros. franchises, offering an exciting split screen experience for players of all skill levels.

Variety of Game Modes

MultiVersus offers a strong variety of game modes, earning a 4/5 rating. The game features 1v1, 2v2, and free-for-all battles, catering to different player preferences. The 2v2 mode stands out as particularly well-suited for split screen play, allowing two local players to team up against online opponents or AI. This feature enhances the social aspect of the game, making it ideal for couch co-op sessions. Additionally, the game introduces rotating limited-time modes, which keep the experience fresh and engaging for regular players. The inclusion of both competitive and casual modes ensures that players of all skill levels can find enjoyable content.

Skill Ceiling

MultiVersus achieves a 4/5 rating for its skill ceiling, striking a balance between accessibility and depth. While the game is easy to pick up for newcomers, it offers a surprisingly high skill ceiling for dedicated players. Each character in the roster boasts unique abilities and playstyles, requiring time and practice to master. The game incorporates advanced techniques such as air dodging, wall jumping, and complex combo strings, providing depth for competitive players. This combination of approachable basics and advanced mechanics ensures that players can continually improve and discover new strategies, keeping the gameplay engaging over time.

Co-op Accessibility

MultiVersus excels in co-op accessibility, earning a perfect 5/5 rating. The game’s simple controls and intuitive mechanics allow newcomers to jump in and have fun immediately, reducing the barrier to entry for casual players. The team-based 2v2 mode is particularly noteworthy, as it encourages cooperation and communication between players. This fosters a positive co-op experience, making it easy for friends of different skill levels to enjoy playing together. The game’s design promotes teamwork and synergy between characters, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the co-op experience.

Combat

The combat system in MultiVersus is outstanding, deserving its 5/5 rating. The fast-paced, fluid, and satisfying combat keeps players engaged throughout matches. Each character feels distinct and well-balanced, with movesets that cleverly reflect their personalities and source material. This attention to detail adds depth to the fighting experience and appeals to fans of the various franchises represented. The game’s emphasis on aerial combat and ring-outs creates dynamic and exciting matches, encouraging players to master positioning and timing. The combat system’s depth allows for creative play and strategic decision-making, ensuring that fights remain interesting even after many hours of play.

Free to Play

MultiVersus’s free-to-play model is exemplary, earning a 5/5 rating. The game offers exceptional value by providing access to a rotating selection of free characters, allowing players to experience a variety of playstyles without any upfront cost. Players have the option to purchase or earn additional fighters through gameplay, providing a sense of progression and achievement. The monetization model is notably fair, focusing primarily on cosmetic items and character unlocks without impacting gameplay balance. This approach ensures that players can enjoy the full competitive experience without feeling pressured to spend money, while still offering enticing options for those who wish to support the game or customize their experience.


Fantasy Strike
4

Ratings (Out of 5)

  • Variety of Game Modes: Good 3
  • Skill Ceiling: Great 4
  • Co-op Accessibility: Oustanding 5
  • Combat: Great 4
  • Free to Play: Great 4
  • Players: Up to 2
  • Cross-Platform Play: Yes

Available On:

  • PS4
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Microsoft Windows (Via Steam)

Game Features

  • Arcade Mode
  • Survival Modes
  • Daily Challenge
  • Boss Rush
  • Local and online multiplayer
  • Ranked Mode
  • Team Battle Format
  • Single player content
  • Cosmetics
a screenshot of gameplay showing two characters fighting with weapons

Fantasy Strike is a unique fighting game designed to be accessible to newcomers while still offering depth for experienced players. Its split screen mode makes it a great choice for local multiplayer.

Variety of Game Modes

Fantasy Strike offers a solid, if somewhat limited, selection of game modes, earning a 3/5 rating. The game provides the standard fare expected from fighting games, including Arcade, Versus, and Practice modes. The inclusion of Boss Rush adds a refreshing twist to the traditional lineup, offering players a unique challenge with power-ups and special opponents. However, the overall variety falls short of exceptional, with the game modes adhering closely to genre conventions. This conservative approach to game mode diversity may leave some players wanting more innovative options to explore beyond the standard fighting game experience.

Skill Ceiling

Fantasy Strike achieves a commendable 4/5 rating for its skill ceiling, showcasing a thoughtful balance between accessibility and depth. The game’s design philosophy prioritizes strategic decision-making over complex input execution, creating a rich competitive landscape. Players must master the nuances of positioning, timing, and opponent reading to excel, rather than focusing on intricate button combinations. This approach allows for a high skill ceiling that rewards game knowledge and tactical thinking. As players delve deeper into each character’s unique abilities and playstyles, they uncover layers of strategy that keep the game engaging for dedicated competitors.

Co-op Accessibility

In the realm of co-op accessibility, Fantasy Strike shines brilliantly, earning a perfect 5/5 score. The game’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its streamlined control scheme and crystal-clear visual feedback system. Newcomers can quickly grasp the fundamentals, thanks to intuitive controls that eliminate the need for complex inputs. The team battle mode fosters a collaborative environment, allowing players of varying skill levels to contribute meaningfully to matches. Fantasy Strike’s emphasis on core fighting game principles, rather than execution barriers, creates an even playing field where strategic teamwork takes center stage.

Combat

Fantasy Strike’s combat system merits a strong 4/5 rating, offering a refined and engaging fighting experience. The game strips away unnecessary complexity, focusing on the essential elements that make fighting games thrilling. Each character boasts a distinct moveset that’s easy to execute but challenging to master, promoting strategic depth through simplicity. The emphasis on spacing and timing creates tense, tactical battles where every decision carries weight. Fantasy Strike’s visual clarity is particularly noteworthy, with clear animations and effects that communicate important information at a glance, allowing players to focus on the strategic elements of combat rather than deciphering what’s happening on screen.

Free to Play

Fantasy Strike’s free-to-play model earns a commendable 4/5 rating, demonstrating a player-friendly approach to monetization. The game offers unprecedented value by providing access to the entire character roster at no cost, a rarity in the fighting game genre. Players can enjoy online casual and ranked play, as well as offline practice modes, without any financial investment. The monetization strategy focuses on optional purchases, such as additional game modes and cosmetic items, allowing players to support the game’s development without feeling pressured. While some features are locked behind a paywall, the core competitive experience remains fully accessible, making Fantasy Strike an excellent entry point for newcomers to the fighting game genre.


Capcom Arcade Stadium
3.8

Ratings (Out of 5)

  • Variety of Game Modes: Outstanding 5
  • Skill Ceiling: Great 4
  • Co-op Accessibility: Great 4
  • Combat: Great 4
  • Free to Play: Average 2
  • Players: Up to 2
  • Cross-Platform Play: No

Available On:

  • PS4
  • Xbox One
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Microsoft Windows (Via Steam)
  • Amazon Luna

Game Features

  • 32 classic arcade titles
  • Gameplay rewind feature
  • Local co-op and head-to-head multiplayer
  • Score and Timed Challenges
a screenshot of gameplay showing a retro gaming arcade

Variety of Game Modes

Capcom Arcade Stadium offers an impressive array of game modes, spanning multiple genres including shooters, action, fighting, and puzzle games. The collection features 32 titles from 1984 to 2004, providing a comprehensive arcade experience. In addition to the original arcade modes, the game includes Score and Timed Challenges, allowing players to compete on global leaderboards. Special Challenges add unique twists, such as playing with inverted screens, further expanding the gameplay variety.

Skill Ceiling

The collection caters to a wide range of skill levels, from newcomers to arcade veterans. Players can adjust difficulty levels and game speeds on the fly, allowing for personalized challenges. The “Rewind” feature enables players to retry difficult sections without starting over, perfect for practicing and improving skills. Advanced players can push their limits by increasing game speed or difficulty, providing a high skill ceiling for those seeking a greater challenge.

Co-op Accessibility

Capcom Arcade Stadium shines in its co-op offerings, allowing friends to play together locally on the same console. Many games in the collection support head-to-head or cooperative play, enhancing the social aspect of the arcade experience. The ability to adjust difficulty and game speed makes these titles more accessible to players of varying skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy the co-op experience.

Combat

The combat in Capcom Arcade Stadium is diverse and engaging, reflecting the golden age of arcade gaming. Fighting games feature classic Capcom combat systems, while action and shooter titles offer varied gameplay mechanics. The ability to customize controls and use the “Rewind” feature allows players to perfect their combat techniques. The collection’s wide range of genres ensures that combat enthusiasts will find something to enjoy, from one-on-one fighters to cooperative beat ’em ups.

Free to Play

While the base game is free and includes one title (1943: The Battle of Midway), most content is locked behind paid DLC packs. This model offers some free content but requires purchase for full access. However, the ability to buy individual packs or the complete collection provides flexibility for players. The free version also includes features like display customization and online leaderboards, offering a taste of the full experience without initial cost.


Dead or Alive 5 Last Round: Core Fighters
3.6

Ratings (Out of 5)

  • Variety of Game Modes: Good 3
  • Skill Ceiling: Outstanding 5
  • Co-op Accessibility: Good 3
  • Combat: Outstanding 5
  • Free to Play: Average 2
  • Players: Up to 2
  • Cross-Platform Play: No

Available On:

  • PS3
  • PS4
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox 360
  • Microsoft Windows (Via Steam)

Game Features

  • Online multiplayer
  • Local multiplayer
  • Versus mode
  • Time Attack mode
  • Survival mode
  • Training mode
a screenshot of gameplay showing two characters fighting with their fists

Dead or Alive 5 is a classic 3D fighting game known for its fast-paced combat and visually impressive graphics, offering a great split screen experience for fans of traditional fighting games.

Variety of Game Modes

Dead or Alive 5 presents a solid, if somewhat conventional, array of game modes, earning a 3/5 rating. The title offers the staple options fighting game enthusiasts expect, such as Arcade, Versus, Time Attack, and Survival. The inclusion of Tag Team battles adds a layer of strategic depth, allowing mid-match character swaps. However, the overall selection adheres closely to genre norms, lacking truly innovative modes that might set it apart from its contemporaries. While competent, the game mode variety fails to push boundaries or offer groundbreaking experiences within the fighting game landscape.

Skill Ceiling

In terms of skill ceiling, Dead or Alive 5 achieves a perfect 5/5 score, showcasing a combat system that rewards dedication and mastery. The game’s Triangle System introduces a rock-paper-scissors dynamic to encounters, where strikes, throws, and holds interact in a complex dance of strategy. This core mechanic, combined with character-specific combo chains, intricate juggle systems, and stage hazards, creates a rich tapestry of gameplay possibilities. Dedicated players will find themselves constantly discovering new techniques and refining their approach, ensuring that the path to mastery is both challenging and rewarding.

Co-op Accessibility

Dead or Alive 5’s co-op accessibility earns a 3/5 rating, reflecting a mixed approach to collaborative play. The Tag Team mode offers a taste of cooperative action, allowing players to team up and switch characters mid-bout. However, the game’s intricate mechanics and high skill floor may prove daunting for casual players or those new to the fighting game genre. The lack of dedicated co-op modes beyond Tag Team limits options for players seeking a more relaxed, collaborative experience. While hardcore fans may appreciate the depth, the game’s complexity could alienate those looking for a pick-up-and-play co-op experience.

Combat

The combat system in Dead or Alive 5 merits an outstanding 5/5 rating, delivering a visceral and engaging fighting experience. Battles unfold with breakneck speed and fluidity, punctuated by impactful strikes and spectacular throws. The counter system adds a layer of mind games to each encounter, rewarding players who can read their opponents and react accordingly. Interactive stages elevate the combat beyond mere button mashing, allowing strategic use of the environment to gain an advantage. Each character boasts a distinct fighting style, complete with unique animations that not only look impressive but also provide crucial visual cues during matches.

Free to Play

Dead or Alive 5’s free-to-play model receives an average 2/5 rating, offering a taste of the full experience but with significant limitations. While players can access most game modes, including online play, the restricted character roster hampers the full breadth of gameplay possibilities. The absence of Story Mode in the free version further diminishes the value proposition. The model feels more like an extended demo than a truly comprehensive free-to-play offering, with key content locked behind paywalls. While it allows players to sample the game’s mechanics, the limited scope may leave many feeling that they’re missing out on the complete Dead or Alive 5 experience without additional purchases.


These five games offer a range of split screen experiences on GamePass, from frantic platform fighters to intense survival horror. Whether you’re looking for a casual gaming session with friends or a competitive showdown, there’s something for everyone in this lineup. Consider the metrics that matter most to you when choosing your next split screen adventure, and get ready for hours of couch co-op fun!