Nothing beats the chaos, teamwork, and occasional betrayal of a great multiplayer game. Whether you’re strategizing with friends, throwing hands in a competitive match, or just causing absolute mayhem together, the best multiplayer games offer endless fun (and probably some heated arguments).
If you’re looking for the best games to play with friends, you’re in the right place. This list covers everything from intense co-op adventures to party games that will have you crying with laughter (or rage-quitting spectacularly). Whether you’re into shooters, survival games, or something a little more casual, there’s something here for every kind of player.
Some of these games require solid teamwork, while others are all about friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition. Either way, they’ll keep you and your friends entertained for hours. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best multiplayer games to add to your rotation, let’s dive in!
Helldivers 2
If you love chaotic co-op shooters where teamwork is essential—and friendly fire is always a risk—then Helldivers 2 is a must-play. This game throws you and your squad into intense battles against alien swarms, with fast-paced combat, high-stakes missions, and plenty of explosions (some intentional, some… not so much).
Like its predecessor, Helldivers 2 is all about tactical shooting, completing objectives, and calling down powerful stratagems (airstrikes, turrets, supply drops) to turn the tide of battle. Just be careful—because in true Helldivers fashion, your own team is just as vulnerable as the enemies. Accidentally dropping a supply pod on your friend? Classic. Wiping out your squad with a misfired grenade? Happens to the best of us.
Victory in Helldivers 2 isn’t just about firepower; it’s about coordination, quick thinking, and not panicking when a horde of aliens rushes you. If you and your friends enjoy intense action, ridiculous moments, and a game that rewards teamwork (and punishes recklessness), this is one of the best games to play with friends. Just remember: check your fire. Or don’t—chaos is part of the fun.
Fallout 76
Fallout 76 had a rough start—there’s no sugarcoating it. Buggy, empty, and missing a lot of what made Fallout great, its launch was… not ideal. But fast forward a few years, and it’s quietly become one of the best multiplayer games out there, thanks to consistent updates and one of the friendliest gaming communities around. Yes, really.
Set in a massive, post-apocalyptic version of West Virginia, Fallout 76 lets you explore, build, and survive with (or against) other players. There’s plenty of classic Fallout charm—mutants, wacky side quests, questionable moral choices—but now with multiplayer. Whether you’re teaming up to take down Scorchbeasts, trading supplies with strangers, or just building the perfect wasteland base, there’s always something to do.
Surprisingly, the real highlight is the players themselves. Unlike in most online games where you half-expect to be trolled, Fallout 76 has an unusually welcoming community. Need supplies? Someone will probably drop them for free. Lost? Expect a friendly guide. It’s a refreshing twist for an online game and makes exploring the wasteland way more fun.
Deep Rock Galactic
If you’ve ever wanted to be a space dwarf mining for riches while fighting off waves of alien bugs, Deep Rock Galactic is your game. It’s a perfect mix of teamwork, chaos, and humor—because nothing builds camaraderie like barely surviving an underground swarm while your friend insists on collecting “just one more” mineral.
Each mission drops you and your squad into procedurally generated caves, where you’ll mine valuable resources, complete objectives, and—most importantly—try to make it out alive. The game’s four unique classes (Gunner, Engineer, Scout, and Driller) encourage teamwork, and the destructible environments make every run feel different. Oh, and don’t forget to call in resupplies before you run out of ammo—because fighting off hordes of space bugs with a pickaxe is not ideal.
Beyond the intense action, Deep Rock Galactic is packed with charm. From the silly one-liners to the ability to chug beers and dance in the space rig before missions, it never takes itself too seriously. Whether you’re strategizing or just embracing the chaos, this game is a guaranteed good time with friends. Rock and stone!
Monster Hunter: Rise
Hunting giant monsters is fun. Hunting giant monsters with friends? Even better. Monster Hunter: Rise takes the classic formula of tracking, fighting, and crafting your way to better gear and makes it smoother, faster, and more fun than ever—especially in co-op.
With a huge arsenal of weapons and playstyles, every hunt feels different. Want to swing a massive greatsword? Go for it. Prefer a nimble dual blade setup? That works too. And thanks to the new Wirebug mechanic, movement is more fluid than ever, letting you zip around the battlefield like a monster-slaying ninja.
While Monster Hunter games have always been about preparation and patience, Rise makes it easier for newcomers to jump in while still offering deep mechanics for veterans. Teaming up with friends to take down towering beasts is endlessly satisfying, and nothing beats the feeling of finally toppling a monster that gave you trouble. Plus, you can bring along adorable Palamutes and Palicos, so even if your friends bail on you, at least you won’t be hunting alone.
Apex Legends
If you love fast-paced action, tight gunplay, and clutch moments that make you feel like a legend, Apex Legends is one of the best battle royale games out there. It takes the familiar last-team-standing formula and cranks it up with smooth movement, unique character abilities, and some of the best ping system mechanics in any multiplayer game.
Each match drops you and your squad into a massive map, where you’ll loot weapons, take on enemy squads, and use your Legend’s abilities to gain the upper hand. Whether you’re zipping across the battlefield as Octane, throwing up shields as Gibraltar, or sneaking around as Mirage, every character brings something different to the fight.
Unlike some battle royales, Apex Legends is built around teamwork. Revives are fast, respawning is possible, and even if you’re playing with randoms, the game’s intuitive ping system makes communication easy. Plus, with constant updates, new Legends, and limited-time events, there’s always something fresh to dive into.
Chivalry 2
If you’ve ever wanted to charge into battle screaming, swing a sword wildly, and somehow survive (or at least go down in hilarious fashion), Chivalry 2 is your game. It’s medieval warfare at its most chaotic, where 64-player battles turn into absolute mayhem—limbs flying, siege weapons crashing, and someone in the distance hurling a chicken as a last-ditch effort.
Combat is all about timing, positioning, and knowing when to parry instead of just panic-swinging (though, let’s be honest, we all panic-swing). You can fight as a knight, archer, or a variety of other medieval warriors, each with their own weapons and playstyles. Whether you’re storming a castle, defending a village, or just throwing whatever you can get your hands on, every match feels like a scene straight out of a chaotic medieval movie.
The best part? Chivalry 2 doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yes, there’s depth to the combat, but there’s also the option to battle with a lute. If you and your friends love games that are both skill-based and completely ridiculous, this one is an easy pick. Just be prepared for friendly fire—because in Chivalry 2, accidents (and betrayals) happen.
Destiny 2
If you love sci-fi, epic loot, and shooting aliens in the face with space magic, Destiny 2 is an easy recommendation. It’s a mix of tight FPS combat, deep RPG mechanics, and MMO-style world-building, meaning there’s always something to chase—whether it’s a god-roll weapon, a powerful new subclass build, or just the satisfaction of completing a raid without your fireteam falling apart.
The gunplay in Destiny 2 is some of the best in the genre, with every weapon feeling smooth and satisfying. But what really sets it apart is the variety of activities. Want to run a challenging raid that requires perfect coordination? Go for it. Prefer casual strikes and public events? Plenty of those. Love PvP? The Crucible is waiting to humble you.
While Destiny 2 can feel overwhelming at first (especially with its expansions and ever-evolving storylines), the community is full of helpful players willing to guide newbies. And once you find a solid fireteam, the game becomes even better. If you and your friends are looking for a shooter with deep mechanics, co-op raids, and endless loot grinding, Destiny 2 is worth diving into. Just be warned: once you start the grind, it’s hard to stop.
V Rising
Ever wanted to be a vampire lord, build your own gothic castle, and terrorize the living? V Rising lets you do exactly that—except instead of just lurking in the shadows, you’ll be hunting for blood, crafting powerful gear, and fighting both players and NPCs in a massive open world.
At its core, V Rising is a mix of survival, action RPG, and base-building. You start as a weakened vampire, scavenging for resources and avoiding sunlight (because yes, it will burn you alive). As you grow stronger, you’ll hunt powerful bosses, unlock new vampiric abilities, and expand your castle—because what’s a vampire without a dramatic, brooding fortress?
Whether you play solo or with friends, V Rising is packed with tense combat and strategic decision-making. Do you ally with other vampires or wage war for dominance? How do you balance gathering resources while avoiding stronger enemies? And most importantly—who in your group is going to be the first to forget about the sun and turn to ashes?
Diablo IV
If you love slaying demons, hoarding loot, and watching numbers go up, Diablo IV is your kind of game. It takes everything great about the series—dark gothic vibes, addictive combat, and endless loot grinding—and cranks it up with a massive open world and a more sinister tone.
The gameplay is classic Diablo: pick a class, hack and slash your way through hordes of enemies, and collect increasingly ridiculous weapons and armor. Each class feels distinct, whether you’re summoning undead as a Necromancer, smashing through demons as a Barbarian, or turning enemies into pincushions as a Rogue. And with Diablo IV’s shared open world, you’ll see other players battling their own demons (literally) as you explore, take on world bosses, and clear out dungeons.
Co-op is where Diablo IV shines. Whether you’re teaming up for tough fights or just speed-running dungeons for loot, playing with friends makes everything more fun. Plus, the endgame is packed with challenges—so if you’re the type who loves optimizing builds and theorycrafting the perfect character, Diablo IV will keep you hooked for a long time.
Rocket League
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if soccer and cars had a baby, Rocket League is the answer—and it’s surprisingly fantastic. The concept is simple: rocket-powered cars playing soccer. But don’t let the quirky premise fool you; Rocket League is fast, intense, and surprisingly strategic.
The controls are easy to pick up, but mastering them? That’s where the fun—and chaos—begins. Whether you’re flipping your car to hit the ball just right or soaring through the air to score an impossible goal, there’s a learning curve that keeps you coming back for more. And the adrenaline of scoring that last-second game-winning goal or making a perfect save? Pure magic.
What really makes Rocket League shine is the multiplayer. It’s perfect for playing with friends, whether you’re rolling as a team or competing against each other in 1v1s, 2v2s, or 3v3s. The matches are fast, the stakes are high, and the moments of brilliance (or total fails) will keep you laughing for hours.
Honorable Mentions: More Fun Multiplayer Games to Play With Friends
Not every multiplayer game needs to be a high-stakes, competitive experience. Some games are perfect for a laid-back game night with friends, offering light-hearted fun and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re teaming up to complete quirky challenges or simply goofing around, these titles are great choices for a chill, fun-filled gaming session with friends.
Among Us
Sometimes, the best multiplayer games are the ones that make you question your friends’ loyalty. Among Us is a great example—if you’ve never tried to convince a group that you aren’t the imposter while they’re all pointing fingers at you, are you even living?
The premise is simple: you and your friends are crewmates on a spaceship, but one of you is secretly sabotaging everything and trying to kill everyone. The real fun kicks in during the discussions, where you lie, deceive, and point blame to survive. Trust no one.
It’s a perfect game for light-hearted deception, and while the rounds are short, the chaos that unfolds is endlessly entertaining. Even if you’re bad at lying, the unpredictability of the game—and the laughter from your friends—make it a great option for a casual gaming session. Just, you know, don’t play with anyone who holds grudges.
Mortal Kombat
When it comes to multiplayer brawlers, Mortal Kombat is a classic for a reason. The game is fast, brutal, and packed with over-the-top finishers that let you literally rip your opponent apart—sometimes quite literally.
The gameplay is a mix of precise combos, perfect timing, and that one button you press by accident but somehow works every time (you know which one). Whether you’re playing casual matches with friends or diving into the intense ranked fights, the heart-pumping action never gets old.
And, of course, the fatalities are iconic. If you and your friends are looking for a game where you can settle scores (and maybe make some new ones), Mortal Kombat is the ultimate choice. Just remember: no one likes a button masher. But everyone loves a good “FINISH HIM!” moment.
Tekken 8
For fans of fighting games that reward skill, precision, and a good bit of strategy, Tekken 8 is a must-try. The series has always been known for its deep combat system, and Tekken 8 takes it up a notch with new characters, jaw-dropping visuals, and some seriously satisfying mechanics.
Whether you’re mashing buttons or pulling off complex combos, there’s something about the feeling of landing that perfect hit that keeps you coming back. It’s a great game for both casual players and those who want to dive deep into competitive play.
What Are The Best Multiplayer Games for Beginners?
Let’s face it, jumping into multiplayer games can feel like a baptism by fire, especially if you’re not a seasoned pro. But hey, it doesn’t have to be that way! There are plenty of multiplayer games that welcome newcomers with open arms and teach you the ropes without throwing you into the deep end. Whether you’re looking for something casual or a game that offers gentle guidance, I’ve got you covered.
Minecraft
Minecraft is one of the most iconic games of all time, and for a good reason. It’s a blank canvas where you can explore, build, and create at your own pace. The beauty of Minecraft lies in its simplicity—there are no complicated mechanics to learn right away. You can join a server and start building with your friends or take it easy and play solo. Either way, the game is fun and endlessly rewarding.
Stardew Valley
If you’re more into laid-back experiences, Stardew Valley is your dream come true. In this farming simulator, you can raise crops, go fishing, and take care of your farm while chatting with your neighbors (who are surprisingly chill). The multiplayer aspect lets you and a group of friends take on the farm together. There’s no rush, no pressure—just good vibes all around.
Overcooked! 2
Ready for some pure, hilarious madness? Overcooked! 2 puts you and your friends in a virtual kitchen where the goal is to prepare food under crazy time limits. The catch? It’s all about coordination—prepare the ingredients, cook, plate, and serve… all while the kitchen falls apart around you. It’s a perfect game for beginners looking for something fun and lighthearted.
Rocket League
This game is seriously fun, and you don’t need to be a sports genius to enjoy it. You’ll start simple with just a few basic moves and can gradually improve your skills. The game also features a welcoming community and easy-to-pick-up mechanics, making it great for beginners.
Best Multiplayer Games for Competitive Players
Alright, for those who want to climb the ranks and prove their skills, these multiplayer games offer just the right amount of challenge and competition. Sure, you’ll get wrecked a few times along the way, but trust me, the satisfaction of hitting a new high rank makes it all worth it.
Apex Legends
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, Apex Legends is a must. The battle royale genre has been done to death, but Apex stands out thanks to its strategic depth and smooth mechanics. It’s all about team coordination, unique characters with special abilities, and constantly outsmarting your opponents. It’s perfect for players who want fast-paced combat with a bit of thinking involved.
Valorant
Valorant is like Counter-Strike’s lovechild with Overwatch. It’s a tactical shooter that combines precise gunplay with hero abilities. Every round counts, and one misstep could cost your team the game, so if you thrive on the pressure of tight, strategic gameplay, Valorant’s where it’s at. Competitive players love its skill-based nature and the constant thrill of outplaying your opponents.
League of Legends
It’s no secret that League of Legends is one of the most competitive games out there. The steep learning curve can be daunting, but the payoff is real once you get a handle on it. With hundreds of champions and countless strategies to explore, League is perfect for players who love mastering complex mechanics. Plus, the community (while sometimes a bit intense) is passionate, and the competition is fierce.
Best Cross-Platform Multiplayer Games
One of the most frustrating things about multiplayer gaming is when you can’t play with your friends because you’re on different platforms. Fortunately, there are plenty of games that have nailed cross-platform play. Here’s where you can game together no matter where you’re playing.
Fortnite
Fortnite was one of the first major games to truly embrace cross-platform play, and it’s been a hit ever since. Whether you’re on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch, you can team up with friends from all platforms and jump into the battle royale madness. Epic Games has made sure that no matter what system you’re playing on, you’re always just a button press away from jumping into a match with your friends.
Rocket League
Rocket League lets you and your friends enjoy some car-soccer mayhem across all platforms. Whether you’re on PS4, Xbox, PC, or even the Nintendo Switch, you can join the same game and make awesome plays together. It’s an excellent option for gamers who want quick and easy cross-platform fun.
Fall Guys
Fall Guys is a fun, chaotic battle royale with a twist. You and your friends can take part in wacky obstacle courses and mini-games without worrying about being on different platforms. Cross-play is enabled on all systems, making it a fantastic option for groups who want to compete (or just have fun) together.
Destiny 2
Destiny 2 has embraced cross-play in a big way, allowing Guardians to team up regardless of whether they’re on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. The game’s cooperative PvE missions, as well as its competitive PvP modes, are all available to cross-platform players. Whether you’re raiding or taking on Gambit, Destiny 2 ensures you’ll never have to miss out on teaming up with your friends.
Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla is a fast-paced, platform fighter where you can throw down with friends across different platforms. Whether you’re on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, or PC, you can join in the chaotic, fun action of smashing your friends in the arena.
