diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index 2882987..81ff6dd 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ set(TETRIS_SOURCES
     src/app/TetrisApp.cpp
     src/gameplay/core/Game.cpp
     src/gameplay/coop/CoopGame.cpp
+    src/gameplay/coop/CoopAIController.cpp
     src/core/GravityManager.cpp
     src/core/state/StateManager.cpp
     # New core architecture classes
diff --git a/assets/images/cooperate_info.png b/assets/images/cooperate_info.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4b586aa
Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/images/cooperate_info.png differ
diff --git a/settings.ini b/settings.ini
index 86008f0..7e2630a 100644
--- a/settings.ini
+++ b/settings.ini
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 Fullscreen=1
 
 [Audio]
-Music=0
+Music=1
 Sound=1
 
 [Gameplay]
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ SmoothScroll=1
 UpRotateClockwise=0
 
 [Player]
-Name=GREGOR
+Name=P2
 
 [Debug]
 Enabled=1
diff --git a/src/app/TetrisApp.cpp b/src/app/TetrisApp.cpp
index 594f979..0d9d0fc 100644
--- a/src/app/TetrisApp.cpp
+++ b/src/app/TetrisApp.cpp
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@
 
 #include "gameplay/core/Game.h"
 #include "gameplay/coop/CoopGame.h"
+#include "gameplay/coop/CoopAIController.h"
 #include "gameplay/effects/LineEffect.h"
 
 #include "graphics/effects/SpaceWarp.h"
@@ -239,6 +240,11 @@ struct TetrisApp::Impl {
     bool suppressLineVoiceForLevelUp = false;
     bool skipNextLevelUpJingle = false;
 
+    // COOPERATE option: when true, right player is AI-controlled.
+    bool coopVsAI = false;
+
+    CoopAIController coopAI;
+
     AppState state = AppState::Loading;
     double loadingProgress = 0.0;
     Uint64 loadStart = 0;
@@ -567,6 +573,7 @@ int TetrisApp::Impl::init()
     ctx.mainScreenW = mainScreenW;
     ctx.mainScreenH = mainScreenH;
     ctx.musicEnabled = &musicEnabled;
+    ctx.coopVsAI = &coopVsAI;
     ctx.startLevelSelection = &startLevelSelection;
     ctx.hoveredButton = &hoveredButton;
     ctx.showSettingsPopup = &showSettingsPopup;
@@ -628,10 +635,17 @@ int TetrisApp::Impl::init()
             return;
         }
         if (state != AppState::Menu) {
+            if (game && game->getMode() == GameMode::Cooperate && coopGame && coopVsAI) {
+                coopAI.reset();
+            }
             state = AppState::Playing;
             ctx.stateManager->setState(state);
             return;
         }
+
+        if (game && game->getMode() == GameMode::Cooperate && coopGame && coopVsAI) {
+            coopAI.reset();
+        }
         beginStateFade(AppState::Playing, true);
     };
     ctx.startPlayTransition = startMenuPlayTransition;
@@ -894,27 +908,45 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                 if (!showHelpOverlay && state == AppState::GameOver && e.type == SDL_EVENT_KEY_DOWN && !e.key.repeat) {
                     if (isNewHighScore) {
                         if (game && game->getMode() == GameMode::Cooperate && coopGame) {
-                            // Two-name entry flow
-                            if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_BACKSPACE) {
-                                if (highScoreEntryIndex == 0 && !playerName.empty()) playerName.pop_back();
-                                else if (highScoreEntryIndex == 1 && !player2Name.empty()) player2Name.pop_back();
-                            } else if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_RETURN || e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_KP_ENTER) {
-                                if (highScoreEntryIndex == 0) {
-                                    if (playerName.empty()) playerName = "P1";
-                                    highScoreEntryIndex = 1; // move to second name
-                                } else {
+                            if (coopVsAI) {
+                                // One-name entry flow (CPU is LEFT, human enters RIGHT name)
+                                if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_BACKSPACE) {
+                                    if (!player2Name.empty()) player2Name.pop_back();
+                                } else if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_RETURN || e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_KP_ENTER) {
                                     if (player2Name.empty()) player2Name = "P2";
-                                    // Submit combined name
-                                    std::string combined = playerName + " & " + player2Name;
+                                    std::string combined = std::string("CPU") + " & " + player2Name;
                                     int leftScore = coopGame->score(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left);
                                     int rightScore = coopGame->score(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right);
                                     int combinedScore = leftScore + rightScore;
                                     ensureScoresLoaded();
                                     scores.submit(combinedScore, coopGame->lines(), coopGame->level(), coopGame->elapsed(), combined, "cooperate");
-                                    Settings::instance().setPlayerName(playerName);
+                                    Settings::instance().setPlayerName(player2Name);
                                     isNewHighScore = false;
                                     SDL_StopTextInput(window);
                                 }
+                            } else {
+                                // Two-name entry flow
+                                if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_BACKSPACE) {
+                                    if (highScoreEntryIndex == 0 && !playerName.empty()) playerName.pop_back();
+                                    else if (highScoreEntryIndex == 1 && !player2Name.empty()) player2Name.pop_back();
+                                } else if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_RETURN || e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_KP_ENTER) {
+                                    if (highScoreEntryIndex == 0) {
+                                        if (playerName.empty()) playerName = "P1";
+                                        highScoreEntryIndex = 1; // move to second name
+                                    } else {
+                                        if (player2Name.empty()) player2Name = "P2";
+                                        // Submit combined name
+                                        std::string combined = playerName + " & " + player2Name;
+                                        int leftScore = coopGame->score(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left);
+                                        int rightScore = coopGame->score(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right);
+                                        int combinedScore = leftScore + rightScore;
+                                        ensureScoresLoaded();
+                                        scores.submit(combinedScore, coopGame->lines(), coopGame->level(), coopGame->elapsed(), combined, "cooperate");
+                                        Settings::instance().setPlayerName(playerName);
+                                        isNewHighScore = false;
+                                        SDL_StopTextInput(window);
+                                    }
+                                }
                             }
                         } else {
                             if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_BACKSPACE && !playerName.empty()) {
@@ -972,11 +1004,9 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                                             startMenuPlayTransition();
                                             break;
                                         case ui::BottomMenuItem::Cooperate:
-                                            if (game) {
-                                                game->setMode(GameMode::Cooperate);
-                                                game->reset(startLevelSelection);
+                                            if (menuState) {
+                                                menuState->showCoopSetupPanel(true);
                                             }
-                                            startMenuPlayTransition();
                                             break;
                                         case ui::BottomMenuItem::Challenge:
                                             if (game) {
@@ -1288,13 +1318,44 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                     p2LeftHeld = false;
                     p2RightHeld = false;
                 } else {
-                    handleSide(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left, p1LeftHeld, p1RightHeld, p1MoveTimerMs, SDL_SCANCODE_A, SDL_SCANCODE_D, SDL_SCANCODE_S);
-                    handleSide(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right, p2LeftHeld, p2RightHeld, p2MoveTimerMs, SDL_SCANCODE_LEFT, SDL_SCANCODE_RIGHT, SDL_SCANCODE_DOWN);
+                    // Define canonical key mappings for left and right players
+                    const SDL_Scancode leftLeftKey = SDL_SCANCODE_A;
+                    const SDL_Scancode leftRightKey = SDL_SCANCODE_D;
+                    const SDL_Scancode leftDownKey = SDL_SCANCODE_S;
 
-                    p1LeftHeld = ks[SDL_SCANCODE_A];
-                    p1RightHeld = ks[SDL_SCANCODE_D];
-                    p2LeftHeld = ks[SDL_SCANCODE_LEFT];
-                    p2RightHeld = ks[SDL_SCANCODE_RIGHT];
+                    const SDL_Scancode rightLeftKey = SDL_SCANCODE_LEFT;
+                    const SDL_Scancode rightRightKey = SDL_SCANCODE_RIGHT;
+                    const SDL_Scancode rightDownKey = SDL_SCANCODE_DOWN;
+
+                    if (!coopVsAI) {
+                        // Standard two-player: left uses WASD, right uses arrow keys
+                        handleSide(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left, p1LeftHeld, p1RightHeld, p1MoveTimerMs, leftLeftKey, leftRightKey, leftDownKey);
+                        handleSide(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right, p2LeftHeld, p2RightHeld, p2MoveTimerMs, rightLeftKey, rightRightKey, rightDownKey);
+
+                        p1LeftHeld = ks[leftLeftKey];
+                        p1RightHeld = ks[leftRightKey];
+                        p2LeftHeld = ks[rightLeftKey];
+                        p2RightHeld = ks[rightRightKey];
+                    } else {
+                        // Coop vs CPU: AI controls LEFT, human controls RIGHT (arrow keys).
+                        // Handle continuous input for the human on the right side.
+                        handleSide(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right, p2LeftHeld, p2RightHeld, p2MoveTimerMs, rightLeftKey, rightRightKey, rightDownKey);
+
+                        // Mirror the human soft-drop to the AI-controlled left board so both fall together.
+                        const bool pRightSoftDrop = ks[rightDownKey];
+                        coopGame->setSoftDropping(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left, pRightSoftDrop);
+
+                        // Reset left continuous timers/held flags (AI handles movement)
+                        p1MoveTimerMs = 0.0;
+                        p1LeftHeld = false;
+                        p1RightHeld = false;
+
+                        // Update AI for the left side
+                        coopAI.update(*coopGame, CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left, frameMs);
+                        // Update human-held flags for right-side controls so DAS/ARR state is tracked
+                        p2LeftHeld = ks[rightLeftKey];
+                        p2RightHeld = ks[rightRightKey];
+                    }
 
                     coopGame->tickGravity(frameMs);
                     coopGame->updateVisualEffects(frameMs);
@@ -1307,14 +1368,22 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                     int combinedScore = leftScore + rightScore;
                     if (combinedScore > 0) {
                         isNewHighScore = true;
-                        playerName.clear();
-                        player2Name.clear();
-                        highScoreEntryIndex = 0;
+                        if (coopVsAI) {
+                            // AI is left, prompt human (right) for name
+                            playerName = "CPU";
+                            player2Name.clear();
+                            highScoreEntryIndex = 1; // enter P2 (human)
+                        } else {
+                            playerName.clear();
+                            player2Name.clear();
+                            highScoreEntryIndex = 0;
+                        }
                         SDL_StartTextInput(window);
                     } else {
                         isNewHighScore = false;
                         ensureScoresLoaded();
-                        scores.submit(combinedScore, coopGame->lines(), coopGame->level(), coopGame->elapsed(), "P1 & P2", "cooperate");
+                        // When AI is present, label should indicate CPU left and human right
+                        scores.submit(combinedScore, coopGame->lines(), coopGame->level(), coopGame->elapsed(), coopVsAI ? "CPU & P2" : "P1 & P2", "cooperate");
                     }
                     state = AppState::GameOver;
                     stateMgr->setState(state);
diff --git a/src/gameplay/coop/CoopAIController.cpp b/src/gameplay/coop/CoopAIController.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..956fe9a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/gameplay/coop/CoopAIController.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,317 @@
+#include "CoopAIController.h"
+
+#include "CoopGame.h"
+
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <array>
+#include <cmath>
+#include <limits>
+
+namespace {
+
+static bool canPlacePieceForSide(const std::array<CoopGame::Cell, CoopGame::COLS * CoopGame::ROWS>& board,
+                                 const CoopGame::Piece& p,
+                                 CoopGame::PlayerSide side) {
+    for (int cy = 0; cy < 4; ++cy) {
+        for (int cx = 0; cx < 4; ++cx) {
+            if (!CoopGame::cellFilled(p, cx, cy)) {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            const int bx = p.x + cx;
+            const int by = p.y + cy;
+
+            // Keep the AI strictly in the correct half.
+            if (side == CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right) {
+                if (bx < 10 || bx >= CoopGame::COLS) {
+                    return false;
+                }
+            } else {
+                if (bx < 0 || bx >= 10) {
+                    return false;
+                }
+            }
+
+            // Above the visible board is allowed.
+            if (by < 0) {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            if (by >= CoopGame::ROWS) {
+                return false;
+            }
+
+            if (board[by * CoopGame::COLS + bx].occupied) {
+                return false;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    return true;
+}
+
+static int dropYFor(const std::array<CoopGame::Cell, CoopGame::COLS * CoopGame::ROWS>& board,
+                    CoopGame::Piece p,
+                    CoopGame::PlayerSide side) {
+    // Assumes p is currently placeable.
+    while (true) {
+        CoopGame::Piece next = p;
+        next.y += 1;
+        if (!canPlacePieceForSide(board, next, side)) {
+            return p.y;
+        }
+        p = next;
+        if (p.y > CoopGame::ROWS) {
+            return p.y;
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+static void applyPiece(std::array<uint8_t, CoopGame::COLS * CoopGame::ROWS>& occ,
+                      const CoopGame::Piece& p) {
+    for (int cy = 0; cy < 4; ++cy) {
+        for (int cx = 0; cx < 4; ++cx) {
+            if (!CoopGame::cellFilled(p, cx, cy)) {
+                continue;
+            }
+            const int bx = p.x + cx;
+            const int by = p.y + cy;
+            if (by < 0 || by >= CoopGame::ROWS || bx < 0 || bx >= CoopGame::COLS) {
+                continue;
+            }
+            occ[by * CoopGame::COLS + bx] = 1;
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+struct Eval {
+    double score = -std::numeric_limits<double>::infinity();
+    int rot = 0;
+    int x = 10;
+};
+
+static Eval evaluateBestPlacementForSide(const CoopGame& game, CoopGame::PlayerSide side) {
+    const auto& board = game.boardRef();
+
+    std::array<uint8_t, CoopGame::COLS * CoopGame::ROWS> occ{};
+    for (int i = 0; i < CoopGame::COLS * CoopGame::ROWS; ++i) {
+        occ[i] = board[i].occupied ? 1 : 0;
+    }
+
+    const CoopGame::Piece cur = game.current(side);
+
+    Eval best{};
+
+    // Iterate rotations and x positions. IMPORTANT: allow x to go slightly out of bounds
+    // because our pieces are represented in a 4x4 mask and many rotations have leading
+    // empty columns. For example, placing a vertical I/J/L into column 0 often requires
+    // p.x == -1 or p.x == -2 so the filled cells land at bx==0.
+    // canPlacePieceForSide() enforces the actual half-board bounds.
+    for (int rot = 0; rot < 4; ++rot) {
+        int xmin = (side == CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right) ? 6 : -3;
+        int xmax = (side == CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right) ? 22 : 13;
+        for (int x = xmin; x <= xmax; ++x) {
+            CoopGame::Piece p = cur;
+            p.rot = rot;
+            p.x = x;
+
+            // If this rotation/x is illegal at the current y, try near the top spawn band.
+            if (!canPlacePieceForSide(board, p, side)) {
+                p.y = -2;
+                if (!canPlacePieceForSide(board, p, side)) {
+                    continue;
+                }
+            }
+
+            p.y = dropYFor(board, p, side);
+
+            auto occ2 = occ;
+            applyPiece(occ2, p);
+
+            // Count completed full rows (all 20 cols) after placement.
+            int fullRows = 0;
+            for (int y = 0; y < CoopGame::ROWS; ++y) {
+                bool full = true;
+                for (int cx = 0; cx < CoopGame::COLS; ++cx) {
+                    if (!occ2[y * CoopGame::COLS + cx]) {
+                        full = false;
+                        break;
+                    }
+                }
+                if (full) {
+                    ++fullRows;
+                }
+            }
+
+            // Right-half column heights + holes + bumpiness.
+            std::array<int, 10> heights{};
+            int aggregateHeight = 0;
+            int holes = 0;
+
+            for (int c = 0; c < 10; ++c) {
+                const int bx = (side == CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right) ? (10 + c) : c;
+                int h = 0;
+                bool found = false;
+                for (int y = 0; y < CoopGame::ROWS; ++y) {
+                    if (occ2[y * CoopGame::COLS + bx]) {
+                        h = CoopGame::ROWS - y;
+                        found = true;
+                        // Count holes below the first filled cell.
+                        for (int yy = y + 1; yy < CoopGame::ROWS; ++yy) {
+                            if (!occ2[yy * CoopGame::COLS + bx]) {
+                                ++holes;
+                            }
+                        }
+                        break;
+                    }
+                }
+                heights[c] = found ? h : 0;
+                aggregateHeight += heights[c];
+            }
+
+            int bump = 0;
+            for (int i = 0; i < 9; ++i) {
+                bump += std::abs(heights[i] - heights[i + 1]);
+            }
+
+            // Reward sync potential: rows where the right half is full (10..19).
+            int sideHalfFullRows = 0;
+            for (int y = 0; y < CoopGame::ROWS; ++y) {
+                bool full = true;
+                int start = (side == CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right) ? 10 : 0;
+                int end = (side == CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right) ? 20 : 10;
+                for (int bx = start; bx < end; ++bx) {
+                    if (!occ2[y * CoopGame::COLS + bx]) {
+                        full = false;
+                        break;
+                    }
+                }
+                if (full) {
+                    ++sideHalfFullRows;
+                }
+            }
+
+            // Simple heuristic:
+            // - Strongly prefer completed full rows
+            // - Prefer making the right half complete (helps cooperative clears)
+            // - Penalize holes and excessive height/bumpiness
+            double s = 0.0;
+            // Strongly prefer full-line clears across the whole board (rare but best).
+            s += static_cast<double>(fullRows) * 12000.0;
+            // Heavily prefer completing the player's half — make this a primary objective.
+            s += static_cast<double>(sideHalfFullRows) * 6000.0;
+            // Penalize holes and height less aggressively so completing half-rows is prioritized.
+            s -= static_cast<double>(holes) * 180.0;
+            s -= static_cast<double>(aggregateHeight) * 4.0;
+            s -= static_cast<double>(bump) * 10.0;
+
+            // Reduce center bias so edge placements to complete rows are not punished.
+            double centerTarget = (side == CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right) ? 15.0 : 4.5;
+            const double centerBias = -std::abs((x + 1.5) - centerTarget) * 1.0;
+            s += centerBias;
+
+            if (s > best.score) {
+                best.score = s;
+                best.rot = rot;
+                best.x = x;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    return best;
+}
+
+} // namespace
+
+void CoopAIController::reset() {
+    m_lastPieceSeq = 0;
+    m_hasPlan = false;
+    m_targetRot = 0;
+    m_targetX = 10;
+    m_moveTimerMs = 0.0;
+    m_moveDir = 0;
+    m_rotateTimerMs = 0.0;
+}
+
+void CoopAIController::computePlan(const CoopGame& game, CoopGame::PlayerSide side) {
+    const Eval best = evaluateBestPlacementForSide(game, side);
+    m_targetRot = best.rot;
+    m_targetX = best.x;
+    m_hasPlan = true;
+    m_moveTimerMs = 0.0;
+    m_moveDir = 0;
+    m_rotateTimerMs = 0.0;
+}
+
+void CoopAIController::update(CoopGame& game, CoopGame::PlayerSide side, double frameMs) {
+    const uint64_t seq = game.currentPieceSequence(side);
+    if (seq != m_lastPieceSeq) {
+        m_lastPieceSeq = seq;
+        m_hasPlan = false;
+        m_moveTimerMs = 0.0;
+        m_moveDir = 0;
+        m_rotateTimerMs = 0.0;
+    }
+
+    if (!m_hasPlan) {
+        computePlan(game, side);
+    }
+
+    const CoopGame::Piece cur = game.current(side);
+
+    // Clamp negative deltas (defensive; callers should pass >= 0).
+    const double dt = std::max(0.0, frameMs);
+
+    // Update timers.
+    if (m_moveTimerMs > 0.0) {
+        m_moveTimerMs -= dt;
+        if (m_moveTimerMs < 0.0) m_moveTimerMs = 0.0;
+    }
+    if (m_rotateTimerMs > 0.0) {
+        m_rotateTimerMs -= dt;
+        if (m_rotateTimerMs < 0.0) m_rotateTimerMs = 0.0;
+    }
+
+    // Rotate toward target first.
+    const int curRot = ((cur.rot % 4) + 4) % 4;
+    const int tgtRot = ((m_targetRot % 4) + 4) % 4;
+    int diff = (tgtRot - curRot + 4) % 4;
+    if (diff != 0) {
+        // Human-ish rotation rate limiting.
+        if (m_rotateTimerMs <= 0.0) {
+            const int dir = (diff == 3) ? -1 : 1;
+            game.rotate(side, dir);
+            m_rotateTimerMs = m_rotateIntervalMs;
+        }
+        // While rotating, do not also slide horizontally in the same frame.
+        m_moveDir = 0;
+        m_moveTimerMs = 0.0;
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // Move horizontally toward target.
+    int desiredDir = 0;
+    if (cur.x < m_targetX) desiredDir = +1;
+    else if (cur.x > m_targetX) desiredDir = -1;
+
+    if (desiredDir == 0) {
+        // Aligned: do nothing. Gravity controls fall speed (no AI hard drops).
+        m_moveDir = 0;
+        m_moveTimerMs = 0.0;
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // DAS/ARR-style horizontal movement pacing.
+    if (m_moveDir != desiredDir) {
+        // New direction / initial press: move immediately, then wait DAS.
+        game.move(side, desiredDir);
+        m_moveDir = desiredDir;
+        m_moveTimerMs = m_dasMs;
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // Holding direction: repeat every ARR once DAS has elapsed.
+    if (m_moveTimerMs <= 0.0) {
+        game.move(side, desiredDir);
+        m_moveTimerMs = m_arrMs;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/gameplay/coop/CoopAIController.h b/src/gameplay/coop/CoopAIController.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2379e08
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/gameplay/coop/CoopAIController.h
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <cstdint>
+#include "CoopGame.h"
+
+// Minimal, lightweight AI driver for a CoopGame player side (left or right).
+// It chooses a target rotation/x placement using a simple board heuristic,
+// then steers the active piece toward that target at a human-like input rate.
+class CoopAIController {
+public:
+    CoopAIController() = default;
+
+    void reset();
+
+    // frameMs is the frame delta in milliseconds (same unit used across the gameplay loop).
+    void update(CoopGame& game, CoopGame::PlayerSide side, double frameMs);
+
+private:
+    uint64_t m_lastPieceSeq = 0;
+    bool m_hasPlan = false;
+
+    int m_targetRot = 0;
+    int m_targetX = 10;
+
+    // Input pacing (ms). These intentionally mirror the defaults used for human input.
+    double m_dasMs = 170.0;
+    double m_arrMs = 40.0;
+    double m_rotateIntervalMs = 110.0;
+
+    // Internal timers/state for rate limiting.
+    double m_moveTimerMs = 0.0;
+    int m_moveDir = 0; // -1, 0, +1
+    double m_rotateTimerMs = 0.0;
+
+    void computePlan(const CoopGame& game, CoopGame::PlayerSide side);
+};
diff --git a/src/gameplay/coop/CoopGame.cpp b/src/gameplay/coop/CoopGame.cpp
index aad5d23..e6676bc 100644
--- a/src/gameplay/coop/CoopGame.cpp
+++ b/src/gameplay/coop/CoopGame.cpp
@@ -307,9 +307,8 @@ void CoopGame::spawn(PlayerState& ps) {
     pieceSequence++;
     if (collides(ps, ps.cur)) {
         ps.toppedOut = true;
-        if (left.toppedOut && right.toppedOut) {
-            gameOver = true;
-        }
+        // Cooperative mode: game ends when any player tops out.
+        gameOver = true;
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/states/MenuState.cpp b/src/states/MenuState.cpp
index fc63209..bdcd0fa 100644
--- a/src/states/MenuState.cpp
+++ b/src/states/MenuState.cpp
@@ -9,6 +9,8 @@
 #include "../audio/Audio.h"
 #include "../audio/SoundEffect.h"
 #include <SDL3/SDL.h>
+#include <SDL3/SDL_render.h>
+#include <SDL3/SDL_surface.h>
 #include <cstdio>
 #include <algorithm>
 #include <array>
@@ -110,6 +112,54 @@ static void renderBackdropBlur(SDL_Renderer* renderer, const SDL_Rect& logicalVP
 
 MenuState::MenuState(StateContext& ctx) : State(ctx) {}
 
+void MenuState::showCoopSetupPanel(bool show, bool resumeMusic) {
+    if (show) {
+        if (!coopSetupVisible && !coopSetupAnimating) {
+            // Avoid overlapping panels
+            if (aboutPanelVisible && !aboutPanelAnimating) {
+                aboutPanelAnimating = true;
+                aboutDirection = -1;
+            }
+            if (helpPanelVisible && !helpPanelAnimating) {
+                helpPanelAnimating = true;
+                helpDirection = -1;
+            }
+            if (optionsVisible && !optionsAnimating) {
+                optionsAnimating = true;
+                optionsDirection = -1;
+            }
+            if (levelPanelVisible && !levelPanelAnimating) {
+                levelPanelAnimating = true;
+                levelDirection = -1;
+            }
+            if (exitPanelVisible && !exitPanelAnimating) {
+                exitPanelAnimating = true;
+                exitDirection = -1;
+                if (ctx.showExitConfirmPopup) *ctx.showExitConfirmPopup = false;
+            }
+
+            coopSetupAnimating = true;
+            coopSetupDirection = 1;
+            coopSetupSelected = (ctx.coopVsAI && *ctx.coopVsAI) ? 1 : 0;
+            coopSetupRectsValid = false;
+            selectedButton = static_cast<int>(ui::BottomMenuItem::Cooperate);
+            // Ensure the transition value is non-zero so render code can show
+            // the inline choice buttons immediately on the same frame.
+            if (coopSetupTransition <= 0.0) coopSetupTransition = 0.001;
+        }
+    } else {
+        if (coopSetupVisible && !coopSetupAnimating) {
+            coopSetupAnimating = true;
+            coopSetupDirection = -1;
+            coopSetupRectsValid = false;
+            // Resume menu music only when requested (ESC should pass resumeMusic=false)
+            if (resumeMusic && ctx.musicEnabled && *ctx.musicEnabled) {
+                Audio::instance().playMenuMusic();
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 void MenuState::showHelpPanel(bool show) {
     if (show) {
         if (!helpPanelVisible && !helpPanelAnimating) {
@@ -204,10 +254,11 @@ void MenuState::renderMainButtonTop(SDL_Renderer* renderer, float logicalScale,
     };
 
     int startLevel = ctx.startLevelSelection ? *ctx.startLevelSelection : 0;
-    ui::BottomMenu menu = ui::buildBottomMenu(params, startLevel);
+    const bool coopVsAI = ctx.coopVsAI ? *ctx.coopVsAI : false;
+    ui::BottomMenu menu = ui::buildBottomMenu(params, startLevel, coopVsAI);
 
     const int hovered = (ctx.hoveredButton ? *ctx.hoveredButton : -1);
-    const double baseAlpha = 1.0;
+        const double baseAlpha = 1.0; // Base alpha for button rendering
     // Pulse is encoded as a signed delta so PLAY can dim/brighten while focused.
     const double pulseDelta = (buttonPulseAlpha - 1.0);
     const double flashDelta = buttonFlash * buttonFlashAmount;
@@ -225,9 +276,113 @@ void MenuState::onExit() {
     if (optionsIcon) { SDL_DestroyTexture(optionsIcon); optionsIcon = nullptr; }
     if (exitIcon) { SDL_DestroyTexture(exitIcon); exitIcon = nullptr; }
     if (helpIcon) { SDL_DestroyTexture(helpIcon); helpIcon = nullptr; }
+    if (coopInfoTexture) { SDL_DestroyTexture(coopInfoTexture); coopInfoTexture = nullptr; }
 }
 
 void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
+    // Coop setup panel navigation (modal within the menu)
+    // Handle this FIRST and consume key events so the main menu navigation doesn't interfere.
+    // Note: Do not require !repeat here; some keyboards/OS configs may emit Enter with repeat.
+    if ((coopSetupVisible || coopSetupAnimating) && coopSetupTransition > 0.0 && e.type == SDL_EVENT_KEY_DOWN) {
+        switch (e.key.scancode) {
+            case SDL_SCANCODE_LEFT:
+            case SDL_SCANCODE_A:
+                coopSetupSelected = 0;
+                buttonFlash = 1.0;
+                return;
+            case SDL_SCANCODE_RIGHT:
+            case SDL_SCANCODE_D:
+                coopSetupSelected = 1;
+                buttonFlash = 1.0;
+                return;
+            // Do NOT allow up/down to change anything
+            case SDL_SCANCODE_UP:
+            case SDL_SCANCODE_DOWN:
+                return;
+            case SDL_SCANCODE_ESCAPE:
+                showCoopSetupPanel(false, false);
+                return;
+            case SDL_SCANCODE_RETURN:
+            case SDL_SCANCODE_KP_ENTER:
+            case SDL_SCANCODE_SPACE:
+            {
+                const bool useAI = (coopSetupSelected == 1);
+                if (ctx.coopVsAI) {
+                    *ctx.coopVsAI = useAI;
+                }
+                if (ctx.game) {
+                    ctx.game->setMode(GameMode::Cooperate);
+                    ctx.game->reset(ctx.startLevelSelection ? *ctx.startLevelSelection : 0);
+                }
+                if (ctx.coopGame) {
+                    ctx.coopGame->reset(ctx.startLevelSelection ? *ctx.startLevelSelection : 0);
+                }
+
+                // Close the panel without restarting menu music; gameplay will take over.
+                showCoopSetupPanel(false, false);
+
+                SDL_LogInfo(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "MenuState: coop start via key, selected=%d, startPlayTransition_present=%d, stateManager=%p", coopSetupSelected, ctx.startPlayTransition ? 1 : 0, (void*)ctx.stateManager);
+
+                if (ctx.startPlayTransition) {
+                    ctx.startPlayTransition();
+                } else if (ctx.stateManager) {
+                    ctx.stateManager->setState(AppState::Playing);
+                }
+                return;
+            }
+            default:
+                // Allow all other keys to be pressed, but don't let them affect the main menu while coop is open.
+                return;
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Mouse input for COOP setup panel or inline coop buttons
+    if (e.type == SDL_EVENT_MOUSE_BUTTON_DOWN && e.button.button == SDL_BUTTON_LEFT) {
+        if (coopSetupRectsValid) {
+            // While the coop submenu is active (animating or visible) we disallow
+            // mouse interaction — only keyboard LEFT/RIGHT/ESC is permitted.
+            if (coopSetupAnimating || coopSetupVisible) {
+                return;
+            }
+            const float mx = static_cast<float>(e.button.x);
+            const float my = static_cast<float>(e.button.y);
+            if (mx >= lastLogicalVP.x && my >= lastLogicalVP.y && mx <= (lastLogicalVP.x + lastLogicalVP.w) && my <= (lastLogicalVP.y + lastLogicalVP.h)) {
+                const float lx = (mx - lastLogicalVP.x) / std::max(0.0001f, lastLogicalScale);
+                const float ly = (my - lastLogicalVP.y) / std::max(0.0001f, lastLogicalScale);
+
+                auto hit = [&](const SDL_FRect& r) {
+                    return lx >= r.x && lx <= (r.x + r.w) && ly >= r.y && ly <= (r.y + r.h);
+                };
+
+                int chosen = -1;
+                if (hit(coopSetupBtnRects[0])) chosen = 0;
+                else if (hit(coopSetupBtnRects[1])) chosen = 1;
+
+                if (chosen != -1) {
+                    coopSetupSelected = chosen;
+                    const bool useAI = (coopSetupSelected == 1);
+                    if (ctx.coopVsAI) {
+                        *ctx.coopVsAI = useAI;
+                    }
+                    if (ctx.game) {
+                        ctx.game->setMode(GameMode::Cooperate);
+                        ctx.game->reset(ctx.startLevelSelection ? *ctx.startLevelSelection : 0);
+                    }
+                    if (ctx.coopGame) {
+                        ctx.coopGame->reset(ctx.startLevelSelection ? *ctx.startLevelSelection : 0);
+                    }
+                    showCoopSetupPanel(false);
+                    if (ctx.startPlayTransition) {
+                        ctx.startPlayTransition();
+                    } else if (ctx.stateManager) {
+                        ctx.stateManager->setState(AppState::Playing);
+                    }
+                    return;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
     // Keyboard navigation for menu buttons
     if (e.type == SDL_EVENT_KEY_DOWN && !e.key.repeat) {
         // When the player uses the keyboard, don't let an old mouse hover keep focus on a button.
@@ -290,8 +445,21 @@ void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
                     }
                     return;
                 case SDL_SCANCODE_ESCAPE:
-                    // Close HUD
-                    exitPanelAnimating = true; exitDirection = -1;
+                    showCoopSetupPanel(false, true);
+                    // Cannot print std::function as a pointer; print presence (1/0) instead
+                    SDL_LogInfo(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "MenuState: coop ENTER pressed, selected=%d, startPlayTransition_present=%d, stateManager=%p", coopSetupSelected, ctx.startPlayTransition ? 1 : 0, (void*)ctx.stateManager);
+                    if (ctx.startPlayTransition) {
+                        SDL_LogInfo(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "MenuState: calling startPlayTransition");
+                        ctx.startPlayTransition();
+                    } else {
+                        SDL_LogInfo(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "MenuState: startPlayTransition is null");
+                    }
+                    if (ctx.stateManager) {
+                        SDL_LogInfo(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "MenuState: setting AppState::Playing on stateManager");
+                        ctx.stateManager->setState(AppState::Playing);
+                    } else {
+                        SDL_LogInfo(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "MenuState: stateManager is null");
+                    }
                     if (ctx.showExitConfirmPopup) *ctx.showExitConfirmPopup = false;
                     return;
                 case SDL_SCANCODE_PAGEDOWN:
@@ -457,6 +625,49 @@ void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
             return;
         }
 
+        // Coop setup panel navigation (modal within the menu)
+        if ((coopSetupVisible || coopSetupAnimating) && coopSetupTransition > 0.0) {
+            switch (e.key.scancode) {
+                case SDL_SCANCODE_LEFT:
+                    coopSetupSelected = 0;
+                    buttonFlash = 1.0;
+                    return;
+                case SDL_SCANCODE_RIGHT:
+                    coopSetupSelected = 1;
+                    buttonFlash = 1.0;
+                    return;
+                // Explicitly consume Up/Down so main menu navigation doesn't trigger
+                case SDL_SCANCODE_UP:
+                case SDL_SCANCODE_DOWN:
+                    return;
+                case SDL_SCANCODE_ESCAPE:
+                    // Close coop panel without restarting music
+                    showCoopSetupPanel(false, false);
+                    return;
+                case SDL_SCANCODE_RETURN:
+                case SDL_SCANCODE_KP_ENTER:
+                case SDL_SCANCODE_SPACE:
+                {
+                    const bool useAI = (coopSetupSelected == 1);
+                    if (ctx.coopVsAI) {
+                        *ctx.coopVsAI = useAI;
+                    }
+                    if (ctx.game) {
+                        ctx.game->setMode(GameMode::Cooperate);
+                        ctx.game->reset(ctx.startLevelSelection ? *ctx.startLevelSelection : 0);
+                    }
+                    if (ctx.coopGame) {
+                        ctx.coopGame->reset(ctx.startLevelSelection ? *ctx.startLevelSelection : 0);
+                    }
+                    showCoopSetupPanel(false, false);
+                    triggerPlay();
+                    return;
+                }
+                default:
+                    break;
+            }
+        }
+
         switch (e.key.scancode) {
             case SDL_SCANCODE_LEFT:
             case SDL_SCANCODE_UP:
@@ -489,15 +700,8 @@ void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
                         triggerPlay();
                         break;
                     case 1:
-                        // Cooperative play
-                        if (ctx.game) {
-                            ctx.game->setMode(GameMode::Cooperate);
-                            ctx.game->reset(ctx.startLevelSelection ? *ctx.startLevelSelection : 0);
-                        }
-                        if (ctx.coopGame) {
-                            ctx.coopGame->reset(ctx.startLevelSelection ? *ctx.startLevelSelection : 0);
-                        }
-                        triggerPlay();
+                        // Cooperative play: open setup panel (2P vs AI)
+                        showCoopSetupPanel(true);
                         break;
                     case 2:
                         // Start challenge run at level 1
@@ -566,6 +770,10 @@ void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
                 }
                 break;
             case SDL_SCANCODE_ESCAPE:
+                if (coopSetupVisible && !coopSetupAnimating) {
+                    showCoopSetupPanel(false, false);
+                    return;
+                }
                 // If options panel is visible, hide it first.
                 if (optionsVisible && !optionsAnimating) {
                     optionsAnimating = true;
@@ -665,6 +873,21 @@ void MenuState::update(double frameMs) {
         }
     }
 
+    // Advance coop setup panel animation if active
+    if (coopSetupAnimating) {
+        double delta = (frameMs / coopSetupTransitionDurationMs) * static_cast<double>(coopSetupDirection);
+        coopSetupTransition += delta;
+        if (coopSetupTransition >= 1.0) {
+            coopSetupTransition = 1.0;
+            coopSetupVisible = true;
+            coopSetupAnimating = false;
+        } else if (coopSetupTransition <= 0.0) {
+            coopSetupTransition = 0.0;
+            coopSetupVisible = false;
+            coopSetupAnimating = false;
+        }
+    }
+
     // Animate level selection highlight position toward the selected cell center
     if (levelTransition > 0.0 && (lastLogicalScale > 0.0f)) {
         // Recompute same grid geometry used in render to find target center
@@ -790,6 +1013,8 @@ void MenuState::render(SDL_Renderer* renderer, float logicalScale, SDL_Rect logi
     const float moveAmount = 420.0f; // increased so lower score rows slide further up
 
     // Compute eased transition and delta to shift highscores when either options, level, or exit HUD is shown.
+    // Exclude coopSetupTransition from the highscores slide so opening the
+    // COOPERATE setup does not shift the highscores panel upward.
     float combinedTransition = static_cast<float>(std::max(
         std::max(std::max(optionsTransition, levelTransition), exitTransition),
         std::max(helpTransition, aboutTransition)
@@ -823,8 +1048,8 @@ void MenuState::render(SDL_Renderer* renderer, float logicalScale, SDL_Rect logi
             }
         }
 
-        // Small TOP PLAYER label under the logo
-        const std::string smallTitle = "TOP PLAYER";
+        // Small label under the logo — show "COOPERATE" when coop setup is active
+        const std::string smallTitle = (coopSetupAnimating || coopSetupVisible) ? "COOPERATE" : "TOP PLAYER";
         float titleScale = 0.9f;
         int tW = 0, tH = 0;
         useFont->measure(smallTitle, titleScale, tW, tH);
@@ -848,7 +1073,9 @@ void MenuState::render(SDL_Renderer* renderer, float logicalScale, SDL_Rect logi
     size_t maxDisplay = std::min(filtered.size(), size_t(10)); // display only top 10
 
     // Draw highscores as an inline HUD-like panel (no opaque box), matching Options/Level/Exit style
-    if (useFont) {
+    // Keep highscores visible while the coop setup is animating; hide them only
+    // once the coop setup is fully visible so the buttons can appear afterward.
+    if (useFont && !coopSetupVisible) {
         const float panelW = (wantedType == "cooperate") ? std::min(920.0f, LOGICAL_W * 0.92f) : std::min(780.0f, LOGICAL_W * 0.85f);
         const float panelH = 36.0f + maxDisplay * 36.0f; // header + rows
         // Shift the entire highscores panel slightly left (~1.5% of logical width)
@@ -1112,6 +1339,154 @@ void MenuState::render(SDL_Renderer* renderer, float logicalScale, SDL_Rect logi
         }
     }
 
+    // Inline COOP choice buttons: when COOPERATE is selected show two large
+    // choice buttons in the highscores panel area (top of the screen).
+    // coopSetupRectsValid is cleared each frame and set to true when buttons are drawn
+    coopSetupRectsValid = false;
+    // Draw the inline COOP choice buttons as soon as the coop setup starts
+    // animating or is visible. Highscores are no longer slid upward when
+    // the setup opens, so the buttons can show immediately.
+    if (coopSetupAnimating || coopSetupVisible) {
+        // Recompute panel geometry matching highscores layout above so buttons
+        // appear centered inside the same visual area.
+        const float panelW = std::min(920.0f, LOGICAL_W * 0.92f);
+        const float panelShift = LOGICAL_W * 0.015f;
+        const float panelBaseX = (LOGICAL_W - panelW) * 0.5f + contentOffsetX - panelShift;
+        const float panelH = 36.0f + maxDisplay * 36.0f; // same as highscores panel
+        // Highscores are animated upward by `panelDelta` while opening the coop setup.
+        // We want the choice buttons to appear *after* that scroll, in the original
+        // highscores area (not sliding offscreen with the scores).
+        const float panelBaseY = scoresStartY - 20.0f;
+
+        // Make the choice buttons smaller, add more spacing, and raise them higher
+        const float btnW2 = std::min(300.0f, panelW * 0.30f);
+        const float btnH2 = 60.0f;
+        const float gap = 96.0f;
+        // Shift the image and buttons to the right for layout balance (reduced)
+        const float shiftX = 20.0f; // move right by 30px (moved 20px left from previous)
+        const float bx = panelBaseX + (panelW - (btnW2 * 2.0f + gap)) * 0.5f + shiftX;
+        // Move the buttons up by ~80px to sit closer under the logo
+        const float by = panelBaseY + (panelH - btnH2) * 0.5f - 80.0f;
+
+        coopSetupBtnRects[0] = SDL_FRect{ bx, by, btnW2, btnH2 };
+        coopSetupBtnRects[1] = SDL_FRect{ bx + btnW2 + gap, by, btnW2, btnH2 };
+        coopSetupRectsValid = true;
+
+        SDL_Color bg{ 24, 36, 52, 220 };
+        SDL_Color border{ 110, 200, 255, 220 };
+
+        // Load coop info image once when the coop setup is first shown
+        if (!coopInfoTexture) {
+            const std::string resolved = AssetPath::resolveImagePath("assets/images/cooperate_info.png");
+            if (!resolved.empty()) {
+                SDL_Surface* surf = IMG_Load(resolved.c_str());
+                if (surf) {
+                    // Save dimensions from surface then create texture
+                    coopInfoTexW = surf->w;
+                    coopInfoTexH = surf->h;
+                    coopInfoTexture = SDL_CreateTextureFromSurface(renderer, surf);
+                    SDL_DestroySurface(surf);
+                } else {
+                    SDL_LogWarn(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "MenuState: failed to load %s: %s", resolved.c_str(), SDL_GetError());
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        // If the image loaded, render it centered above the two choice buttons
+        // Compute fade alpha from the coop transition so it can be used for image, text and buttons
+        float alphaFactor = static_cast<float>(coopSetupTransition);
+        if (alphaFactor < 0.0f) alphaFactor = 0.0f;
+        if (alphaFactor > 1.0f) alphaFactor = 1.0f;
+        if (coopInfoTexture && coopInfoTexW > 0 && coopInfoTexH > 0) {
+            float totalW = btnW2 * 2.0f + gap;
+            // Increase allowed image width by ~15% (was 0.75 of totalW)
+            const float scaleFactor = 0.75f * 1.25f; // ~0.8625
+            float maxImgW = totalW * scaleFactor;
+            float targetW = std::min(maxImgW, static_cast<float>(coopInfoTexW));
+            float scale = targetW / static_cast<float>(coopInfoTexW);
+            float targetH = static_cast<float>(coopInfoTexH) * scale;
+            float imgX = bx + (totalW - targetW) * 0.5f;
+            float imgY = by - targetH - 8.0f; // keep the small gap above buttons
+            float minY = panelBaseY + 6.0f;
+            if (imgY < minY) imgY = minY;
+            SDL_FRect dst{ imgX, imgY, targetW, targetH };
+            SDL_SetTextureBlendMode(coopInfoTexture, SDL_BLENDMODE_BLEND);
+            // Make the coop info image slightly transparent scaled by transition
+            SDL_SetTextureAlphaMod(coopInfoTexture, static_cast<Uint8>(std::round(200.0f * alphaFactor)));
+            SDL_RenderTexture(renderer, coopInfoTexture, nullptr, &dst);
+        
+            // Draw cooperative instructions inside the panel area (overlayed on the panel background)
+            FontAtlas* f = ctx.font ? ctx.font : ctx.pixelFont;
+            if (f) {
+                const float pad = 38.0f;
+                float textX = panelBaseX + pad;
+                // Position the text over the lower portion of the image (overlay)
+                // Move the block upward by ~150px to match UI request
+                float textY = imgY + targetH - std::min(80.0f, targetH * 0.35f) - 150.0f;
+
+                // Bulleted list (measure sample line height first)
+                const std::vector<std::string> bullets = {
+                    "The playfield is shared between two players",
+                    "Each player controls one half of the grid",
+                    "A line clears only when both halves are filled",
+                    "Timing and coordination are essential"
+                };
+                float bulletScale = 0.78f;
+                SDL_Color bulletCol{200,220,230,220};
+                bulletCol.a = static_cast<Uint8>(std::round(bulletCol.a * alphaFactor));
+                int sampleLW = 0, sampleLH = 0;
+                f->measure(bullets[0], bulletScale, sampleLW, sampleLH);
+
+                // Header: move it up by one sample row so it sits higher
+                const std::string header = "* HOW TO PLAY – COOPERATE MODE *";
+                float headerScale = 0.95f;
+                int hW=0, hH=0; f->measure(header, headerScale, hW, hH);
+                float hx = panelBaseX + (panelW - static_cast<float>(hW)) * 0.5f + 40.0f; // nudge header right by 40px
+                float headerY = textY - static_cast<float>(sampleLH);
+                SDL_Color headerCol = SDL_Color{220,240,255,230}; headerCol.a = static_cast<Uint8>(std::round(headerCol.a * alphaFactor));
+                f->draw(renderer, hx, headerY, header, headerScale, headerCol);
+                // Start body text slightly below header
+                textY = headerY + static_cast<float>(hH) + 8.0f;
+
+                // Shift non-header text to the right by 100px and down by 20px
+                float bulletX = textX + 200.0f;
+                textY += 20.0f;
+                for (const auto &line : bullets) {
+                    std::string withBullet = std::string("• ") + line;
+                    f->draw(renderer, bulletX, textY, withBullet, bulletScale, bulletCol);
+                    int lw=0, lH=0; f->measure(withBullet, bulletScale, lw, lH);
+                    textY += static_cast<float>(lH) + 6.0f;
+                }
+
+                // GOAL section (aligned with shifted bullets)
+                textY += 6.0f;
+                std::string goalTitle = "GOAL:";
+                SDL_Color goalTitleCol = SDL_Color{255,215,80,230}; goalTitleCol.a = static_cast<Uint8>(std::round(goalTitleCol.a * alphaFactor));
+                f->draw(renderer, bulletX, textY, goalTitle, 0.88f, goalTitleCol);
+                int gW=0, gH=0; f->measure(goalTitle, 0.88f, gW, gH);
+                float goalX = bulletX + static_cast<float>(gW) + 10.0f;
+                std::string goalText = "Clear lines together and achieve the highest TEAM SCORE";
+                SDL_Color goalTextCol = SDL_Color{220,240,255,220}; goalTextCol.a = static_cast<Uint8>(std::round(goalTextCol.a * alphaFactor));
+                f->draw(renderer, goalX, textY, goalText, 0.86f, goalTextCol);
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Delay + eased fade specifically for the two coop buttons so they appear after the image/text.
+        const float btnDelay = 0.25f; // fraction of transition to wait before buttons start fading
+        float rawBtn = (alphaFactor - btnDelay) / (1.0f - btnDelay);
+        rawBtn = std::clamp(rawBtn, 0.0f, 1.0f);
+        // ease-in (squared) for a slower, smoother fade
+        float buttonFade = rawBtn * rawBtn;
+        SDL_Color bgA = bg; bgA.a = static_cast<Uint8>(std::round(bgA.a * buttonFade));
+        SDL_Color borderA = border; borderA.a = static_cast<Uint8>(std::round(borderA.a * buttonFade));
+        UIRenderer::drawButton(renderer, ctx.pixelFont, coopSetupBtnRects[0].x + btnW2 * 0.5f, coopSetupBtnRects[0].y + btnH2 * 0.5f,
+              btnW2, btnH2, "2 PLAYERS", false, coopSetupSelected == 0, bgA, borderA, false, nullptr);
+        UIRenderer::drawButton(renderer, ctx.pixelFont, coopSetupBtnRects[1].x + btnW2 * 0.5f, coopSetupBtnRects[1].y + btnH2 * 0.5f,
+              btnW2, btnH2, "COMPUTER (AI)", false, coopSetupSelected == 1, bgA, borderA, false, nullptr);
+    }
+    // NOTE: slide-up COOP panel intentionally removed. Only the inline
+    // highscores-area choice buttons are shown when coop setup is active.
+
     // Inline exit HUD (no opaque background) - slides into the highscores area
     if (exitTransition > 0.0) {
         float easedE = static_cast<float>(exitTransition);
@@ -1466,3 +1841,5 @@ void MenuState::render(SDL_Renderer* renderer, float logicalScale, SDL_Rect logi
         FILE* f = fopen("spacetris_trace.log", "a"); if (f) { fprintf(f, "MenuState::render exit\n"); fclose(f); }
     }
 }
+
+
diff --git a/src/states/MenuState.h b/src/states/MenuState.h
index 2fa4f09..20d41ae 100644
--- a/src/states/MenuState.h
+++ b/src/states/MenuState.h
@@ -19,6 +19,10 @@ public:
     void showHelpPanel(bool show);
     // Show or hide the inline ABOUT panel (menu-style)
     void showAboutPanel(bool show);
+
+    // Show or hide the inline COOPERATE setup panel (2P vs AI).
+    // If `resumeMusic` is false when hiding, the menu music will not be restarted.
+    void showCoopSetupPanel(bool show, bool resumeMusic = true);
     
 private:
     int selectedButton = 0; // 0=PLAY,1=COOPERATE,2=CHALLENGE,3=LEVEL,4=OPTIONS,5=HELP,6=ABOUT,7=EXIT
@@ -94,4 +98,18 @@ private:
     double aboutTransition = 0.0; // 0..1
     double aboutTransitionDurationMs = 360.0;
     int aboutDirection = 1; // 1 show, -1 hide
+
+    // Coop setup panel (inline HUD like Exit/Help)
+    bool coopSetupVisible = false;
+    bool coopSetupAnimating = false;
+    double coopSetupTransition = 0.0; // 0..1
+    double coopSetupTransitionDurationMs = 320.0;
+    int coopSetupDirection = 1; // 1 show, -1 hide
+    int coopSetupSelected = 0; // 0 = 2 players, 1 = AI
+    SDL_FRect coopSetupBtnRects[2]{};
+    bool coopSetupRectsValid = false;
+    // Optional cooperative info image shown when coop setup panel is active
+    SDL_Texture* coopInfoTexture = nullptr;
+    int coopInfoTexW = 0;
+    int coopInfoTexH = 0;
 };
diff --git a/src/states/PlayingState.cpp b/src/states/PlayingState.cpp
index e5268d0..e6f0138 100644
--- a/src/states/PlayingState.cpp
+++ b/src/states/PlayingState.cpp
@@ -149,27 +149,33 @@ void PlayingState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
     }
 
     if (coopActive && ctx.coopGame) {
-        // Player 1 (left): A/D move via DAS in ApplicationManager; here handle rotations/hold/hard-drop
-        if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_W) {
-            ctx.coopGame->rotate(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left, 1);
-            return;
-        }
-        if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_Q) {
-            ctx.coopGame->rotate(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left, -1);
-            return;
-        }
-        // Hard drop (left): keep LSHIFT, also allow E for convenience.
-        if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_LSHIFT || e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_E) {
-            SoundEffectManager::instance().playSound("hard_drop", 0.7f);
-            ctx.coopGame->hardDrop(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left);
-            return;
-        }
-        if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_LCTRL) {
-            ctx.coopGame->holdCurrent(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left);
-            return;
-        }
+        const bool coopAIEnabled = (ctx.coopVsAI && *ctx.coopVsAI);
 
-        // Player 2 (right): arrow keys move via DAS; rotations/hold/hard-drop here
+        // Player 1 (left): when AI is enabled it controls the left side so
+        // ignore direct player input for the left board.
+        if (coopAIEnabled) {
+            // Left side controlled by AI; skip left-side input handling here.
+        } else {
+            // Player 1 manual controls (left side)
+            if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_W) {
+                ctx.coopGame->rotate(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left, 1);
+                return;
+            }
+            if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_Q) {
+                ctx.coopGame->rotate(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left, -1);
+                return;
+            }
+            // Hard drop (left): keep LSHIFT, also allow E for convenience.
+            if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_LSHIFT || e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_E) {
+                SoundEffectManager::instance().playSound("hard_drop", 0.7f);
+                ctx.coopGame->hardDrop(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left);
+                return;
+            }
+            if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_LCTRL) {
+                ctx.coopGame->holdCurrent(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left);
+                return;
+            }
+        }
         if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_UP) {
             bool upIsCW = Settings::instance().isUpRotateClockwise();
             ctx.coopGame->rotate(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right, upIsCW ? 1 : -1);
@@ -183,6 +189,10 @@ void PlayingState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
         if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_SPACE || e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_RSHIFT) {
             SoundEffectManager::instance().playSound("hard_drop", 0.7f);
             ctx.coopGame->hardDrop(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Right);
+            if (coopAIEnabled) {
+                // Mirror human-initiated hard-drop to AI on left
+                ctx.coopGame->hardDrop(CoopGame::PlayerSide::Left);
+            }
             return;
         }
         if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_RCTRL) {
diff --git a/src/states/State.h b/src/states/State.h
index 6775c4f..032c14f 100644
--- a/src/states/State.h
+++ b/src/states/State.h
@@ -79,6 +79,8 @@ struct StateContext {
     int* challengeStoryLevel = nullptr; // Cached level for the current story line
     float* challengeStoryAlpha = nullptr; // Current render alpha for story text fade
     std::string* playerName = nullptr; // Shared player name buffer for highscores/options
+    // Coop setting: when true, COOPERATE runs with a computer-controlled right player.
+    bool* coopVsAI = nullptr;
     bool* fullscreenFlag = nullptr; // Tracks current fullscreen state when available
     std::function<void(bool)> applyFullscreen; // Allows states to request fullscreen changes
     std::function<bool()> queryFullscreen; // Optional callback if fullscreenFlag is not reliable
diff --git a/src/ui/BottomMenu.cpp b/src/ui/BottomMenu.cpp
index 18a25e1..fa7b3cb 100644
--- a/src/ui/BottomMenu.cpp
+++ b/src/ui/BottomMenu.cpp
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ static bool pointInRect(const SDL_FRect& r, float x, float y) {
     return x >= r.x && x <= (r.x + r.w) && y >= r.y && y <= (r.y + r.h);
 }
 
-BottomMenu buildBottomMenu(const MenuLayoutParams& params, int startLevel) {
+BottomMenu buildBottomMenu(const MenuLayoutParams& params, int startLevel, bool coopVsAI) {
     BottomMenu menu{};
 
     auto rects = computeMenuButtonRects(params);
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ BottomMenu buildBottomMenu(const MenuLayoutParams& params, int startLevel) {
     std::snprintf(levelBtnText, sizeof(levelBtnText), "LEVEL %d", startLevel);
 
     menu.buttons[0] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Play, rects[0], "PLAY", false };
+    // Always show a neutral "COOPERATE" label (remove per-mode suffixes)
     menu.buttons[1] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Cooperate, rects[1], "COOPERATE", false };
     menu.buttons[2] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Challenge, rects[2], "CHALLENGE", false };
     menu.buttons[3] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Level, rects[3], levelBtnText, true };
diff --git a/src/ui/BottomMenu.h b/src/ui/BottomMenu.h
index 75695e5..6c0e3d7 100644
--- a/src/ui/BottomMenu.h
+++ b/src/ui/BottomMenu.h
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ struct BottomMenu {
     std::array<Button, MENU_BTN_COUNT> buttons{};
 };
 
-BottomMenu buildBottomMenu(const MenuLayoutParams& params, int startLevel);
+BottomMenu buildBottomMenu(const MenuLayoutParams& params, int startLevel, bool coopVsAI);
 
 // Draws the cockpit HUD menu (PLAY + 4 bottom items) using existing UIRenderer primitives.
 // hoveredIndex: -1..7