Few cooperative games have left a mark quite like Hazelight Studios' It Takes Two. Even in 2026, years after its 2021 release, Josef Fares' couch co-op masterpiece remains a benchmark for split-screen design, and its twenty-five collectible minigames are a big reason why. These optional diversions are not inventory upgrades or cosmetic rewards; they are playful palate cleansers that reward curiosity. Once discovered, each minigame can be replayed at will. The following ranking counts down the ten best minigames in It Takes Two, from chess with tiny dolls to the gloriously absurd Whack-a-Cody.

10. Chess

Chess may seem like an odd fit for a game about a fractured marriage and a magical book, but that is exactly what makes it charming. Players can sit down with miniature doll versions of May and Cody and play a full virtual match. It is not chaotic or flashy, yet the novelty of playing chess inside It Takes Two is a treat. The minigame is found in Chapter 7, Setting the Stage.

9. Plunger Dunger

Plunger Dunger turns first-person shooting into a bizarre contest. Competitors fire plungers at five targets; a direct hit sends a target toward the other player. Every target that reaches the end scores a point. It is the kind of wacky idea that could have flopped, but it lands with a satisfying thunk. Found in Chapter 2, Deeply Rooted.

8. Batting Team

Batting Team is all about timing. Two players stand on opposite sides and try to score the most consecutive baseball hits. The ball speeds up with each successful swing, making reactions trickier. A poorly timed swing gives the opponent a chance to build a lead. It is simple, rage-inducing, and impossible to play just once. Found in Chapter 3, Hopscotch.

7. Volleyball

Volleyball follows the real sport's rules but places the action in a heavenly arena. A golden gate acts as the net, and angelic or demon-like creatures serve as referees. The controls are responsive, the pace is pleasant, and the setting is easy on the eyes. Found in Chapter 7, Symphony.

6. Birdstar

Birdstar is a rhythm game with a hilarious twist: players squeeze a bird to make it sing. Three-button prompts fall from the top of the screen at increasing speeds, and timing is everything. Its punny name references Singstar, but the minigame stands on its own. It is a level playing field for casual and skilled players alike, which leads to many one-more-round requests. Found in Chapter 3, Once Upon a Time.

5. Space Walk

Space Walk is where the minigames begin to feel truly inventive. The low-gravity setting makes every jump floaty. Players leap from platform to platform, claiming blocks by landing on them. Landing on an opponent's block steals it. The result is a tense, playful tug-of-war that is harder than it looks. Found in Chapter 3, Spaced Out.

4. Snow Warfare

Snow Warfare is exactly what it sounds like: a one-on-one snowball fight. Two divorcees hurling snow at each other might sound odd on paper, but in practice it is a nostalgic blast. The platforming controls blend smoothly with dodging incoming snowballs. Found in Chapter 5, Winter Village.

3. Track Runner

Track Runner is a clear homage to Tron. Players sprint toward a finish line while a treadmill-like surface moves against them. Obstacles appear in growing numbers and speeds, from full-side blockers to low hurdles that must be jumped. It is colorful, challenging, and perfect for repeated attempts. Found in Chapter 7, Setting the Stage.

2. Laser Tennis

Laser Tennis might be the most innovative minigame in the entire collection. Players jump on tiles to send beams across to the opponent's side. Those beams must be dodged; taking a hit costs health. The goal is to keep jumping and firing while avoiding incoming lasers. There are no points, only survival, and the match ends when one player loses all health. It is addictive, frantic, and clever. Found in Chapter 3, Spaced Out.

1. Whack-a-Cody

Ironically, the very first minigame players encounter is also the best. Whack-a-Cody is a twist on whack-a-mole: one player controls the mole, while the other swings at them. The mole moves within a four-point area and earns points for staying exposed; the whacker earns points for landing a hit. It is a laugh-out-loud battle of nerves and timing. Found in Chapter 1, Depths.

Taken together, these collectible minigames show why It Takes Two has staying power. They do not bloat the experience with junk. Instead, they offer bite-sized bursts of joy, rivalry, and silliness. In 2026, with co-op games more plentiful than ever, Hazelight's design still stands head and shoulders above the crowd. Whether players are chess masters, laser dodgers, or just eager to whack a Cody, It Takes Two delivers the goods.