What online co-op games should I play with young people?

Dear Mother,

I moved to a new state to be with my sweetheart. Unfortunately, my beloved nieces and nephews are now halfway across the country from me. I'd love to maintain a relationship with them via online video games. What are some good games I can play with kids ranging from 7 to 18, either as a group or during one-on-one time?

I have access to all platforms. They have Xbox and Nintendo. I tend to prefer cooperative games and a bit of a slower pace. My reflexes aren't what they used to be!

Thank you!

— Long Distance Uncle

Hi Long Distance Uncle,

I love to hear that you're using games to stay in touch with young loved ones — way to meet them where they're at. It's also nice to hear you both have Nintendo Switch consoles, which make gaming online with each other pretty simple and kid-friendly (though both parties will have to purchase a Switch Online Membership). Importantly, there are copious fun, age-appropriate online co-op games on the Switch.

For the younger of your nieces and nephews, I'd recommend the relatively new title Outbound, a cozy foraging co-op game that doesn't require a lot of complicated controls or quick-response actions. You and three other players explore the landscape in your camper van, foraging resources to craft furniture and infrastructure for your home. It's casual, so you can probably catch up on voice chat about other things while you chop wood or search for mushrooms.

I also like Fortnite for a family hang with slightly older kids, though I know some parents would be surprised to hear it. There are a lot of valid critiques about the toy-like designs of the weapons and how addicting the gameplay can be. Alas, it's a fun and crucially free game that takes 20 minutes per round at most, and you can use private voice chat to talk just the two of you (or play with a group!).

Mothership contributor Ana Diaz is always quick to recommend co-op mode in Powerwash Simulator for long-distance hangs. The game is somewhat mindless, so it leaves plenty of space for talking about things besides the game while you play — or you can min-max your gear and try to beat your record for fastest clean.

Dear Mother: Can games help me stay in touch after I move away from my family?

“I’m about to make a big life move away from my family into a completely different, opposite time zone...”

MothershipAna Diaz

For the Xbox or Switch, No Man's Sky is a solid pick for the older crowd. There's a lot to do in this procedurally generated galaxy, like fly around and fight sentinels or mine deep into planets for resources. The Switch version is reported to be subpar by some players, but the Switch 2 upgrade should run much smoother, or you can find this game on pretty much any other console. Crossplay is supported with this game, too. Subnautica falls in a similar bucket, but I could see its endless dark corners and spooky (aggressive!) sea monsters being a bit too scary for young ones.