I love playing video games, but I love playing video games more when it’s with my friends. So all of this “friendslop” discourse that's been circulating the internet over the last month or so doesn’t bother me in the slightest.
“Friendslop” is a new term that’s being used to describe multiplayer games that are cheap, cheerful and made to be played with friends. I hate it, it feels demeaning and an insult to up and coming developers who are pouring their heart and soul into fun projects you can play with friends.
Last year brought us some banger multiplayer titles like R.E.P.O. Peak, RV There Yet and more, and while many games failed to go viral like these examples, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re of a lesser quality.
Given the success of this genre in 2025 it was inevitable that 2026 would continue the trend, and a few games have already started to gain traction.
Friendslop is Just Co-Op Gaming, Right?
I don't know what the issue is. Sure, there's a bit of an oversaturation problem at the moment, which can’t be helped seeing as everyone wants to be the next viral sensation.
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To me, just because it's not 'ball' or 'gun' game, doesn't mean it means less fun to play with friends. What makes Battlefield 6 not 'friendslop'? To me, there's a classic sense of misplaced superiority from certain gamers, for playing 'true' games. I can't even begin to unpack how silly that is, or we'll be here all day.
Take YAPYAP for example. It’s an indie horror game that sees players commanded by a wizard to infiltrate their rival’s tower and cause chaos. Using the in-game voice chat you need to cast spells, not only cause destruction but also to fend off the rival wizard’s deadly creatures.
It’s very similar to R.E.P.O. In fact there are probably entire lists of games made by indie devs who played R.E.P.O and thought “I can do that too” but that doesn’t matter.
All of these games are united by one thing and one thing only, they’re fun to play with friends.
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Almost all of the “friendslop” games I saw last year were for PC only, and while many of them were playable on my Steam Deck it wasn’t the ideal way to play compared to mates who were on PCs.
I found myself wishing that more games like this would make their way over to consoles, but I appreciate that’s easier said than done when it comes to indie games.
5 Co-Op Recommendations to Play With Friends
I'd be remiss if I talked so much about co-op games to play with friends but didn't give my personal recommendations, I'd suggest checking these ones out below.
Lethal Company: This in my opinion is the that started it all and still holds up. You know a game has truly made it when it gets a Fortnite skin and an emote.
RV There Yet?: If you've ever wanted to go on a roadtrip with your mates, play this one first. You'll know if it's meant to be based on how well you work together in this game.
Peak: Arguably the best of the "friendslop" genre, I played this last year with two good friends and could not stop laughing. The proximity chat mixed with sheer drops and other environmental hazards make this game comedy gold.
Phasmophobia: Friendships will never be tested as harshly than with this game. You'll either work as a cohesive unit of ghost hunters or someone will use a demonic artifact to sabotage the group for a laugh.
Content Warning: One of my personal favourites. In this game you're basically vlogging your group's venture into dangerous spaces and uploading them to a fake YouTube site for clicks.
I just don’t get why so many gamers are opposed to these sorts of games. They’re not exactly ARC Raiders sure, but they're a damn good time. At the end of the day, isn't gaming meant to be fun?
Behind them are countless talented and enthusiastic indie devs that want to deliver compelling and enjoyable experiences right to your PC/consoles.
“Friendslop” as it exists is here to stay folks and I don’t have a problem with that, not even in the slightest.