Local co-op gaming has been a staple of the gaming community for decades, allowing friends and family to play together in the same physical location. However, with the rise of online gaming, many official servers have disappeared, leaving gamers without a way to play together. Fortunately, there are several alternatives that can help gamers stay connected and keep playing together.
One of the most popular alternatives is split-screen gaming, which allows multiple players to play together on the same console or computer. This method is ideal for games that support local co-op, such as cooperative first-person shooters or local multiplayer games. Split-screen gaming is easy to set up and requires minimal equipment, making it a great option for gamers who want to play together without the need for official servers.
LAN Tunneling
Another alternative is LAN tunneling which allows gamers to play together over a local area network (LAN). This method is ideal for games that support LAN play, such as real-time strategy games or multiplayer online battle arena games. LAN tunneling requires a bit more setup than split-screen gaming, but it provides a more stable and secure connection. Gamers can use software such as Hamachi or Evolve to create a virtual LAN and play together.
Remote Play Apps
Remote play apps are another alternative that allows gamers to play together over the internet. These apps use cloud gaming technology to stream games from one console or computer to another, allowing gamers to play together in real-time. Remote play apps such as Parsec or Rainway are ideal for games that support online multiplayer, such as fighting games or sports games. These apps provide a seamless gaming experience and are easy to set up, making them a great option for gamers who want to play together without the need for official servers.
Genre-Specific Picks
When it comes to local co-op gaming, some genres are more suited than others. Cooperative first-person shooters such as Overkill’s The Walking Dead or Warframe are ideal for split-screen gaming, while real-time strategy games such as Starcraft II or Command & Conquer are better suited for LAN tunneling. Multiplayer online battle arena games such as League of Legends or Dota 2 are ideal for remote play apps.
In terms of input latency split-screen gaming typically has the lowest latency, followed by LAN tunneling, and then remote play apps. However, the latency of remote play apps has improved significantly in recent years, making them a viable option for gamers who want to play together without the need for official servers.
By using split-screen gaming, LAN tunneling, and remote play apps, gamers can stay connected and keep playing together. Whether you’re a fan of cooperative first-person shooters or multiplayer online battle arena games there’s a local co-op alternative that’s right for you.
