co-op mode

Meaning

Short for 'cooperative mode.' It refers to a video game feature where players work together as teammates against computer-controlled enemies, rather than competing against each other. Metaphorically, it can mean working closely with someone in real life to solve a problem.

Examples

• Let's play this game in co-op mode so we can beat the final boss together.

  Let's play this game in co-op mode so we can beat the final boss together.

• This game doesn't have a split-screen co-op mode, which is a bit disappointing.

  This game doesn't have a split-screen co-op mode, which is a bit disappointing.

• We need to go into co-op mode if we want to finish this group project by tomorrow.

  We need to go into co-op mode if we want to finish this group project by tomorrow.

• I prefer co-op mode because I don't really like playing competitively against my friends.

  I prefer co-op mode because I don't really like playing competitively against my friends.

• My brother and I spent the whole weekend playing the campaign in co-op mode.

  My brother and I spent the whole weekend playing the campaign in co-op mode.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We played the game in coop mode.

  ✓ We played the game in co-op mode.

  While sometimes written without a hyphen, it is pronounced 'co-op' (/koʊ ɒp/). Writing or pronouncing it like 'coop' (a cage for chickens) is a common mistake.

• ✗ Let's play in cooperative mode of this game.

  ✓ Let's play this game in co-op mode.

  While 'cooperative mode' is grammatically correct, gamers almost exclusively use the casual abbreviation 'co-op mode' or simply 'co-op' in natural speech.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We can't play against each other, but we can team up in ___.

  💡 A game setting where players work together as a team.

  Show answer

  co-op mode

• To complete this difficult task, we need to switch to ___ and work together.

  💡 A cooperative way of playing or working.

  Show answer

  co-op mode