The right game for you is right here!
Multiplayer games can be called the heart of our hobby. Through them, a sense of community is built, promoting teamwork and competition alike.
Sometimes a local co-op game doesn’t do the trick; maybe none of your friends are available to hang out at the moment, maybe you all have different taste in games, or maybe you’re just looking for something bigger.
No matter what genre you’re craving, these online multiplayer games are perfect to play with other people. You will most definitely find something you want to check out on this list of games that are fun for everyone.
Roleplaying Games
1. Star Wars: The Old Republic
Launch trailer
Star Wars: The Old Republic is one of the most epic online RPGs of all time. In fact, it has been deemed the fastest growing MMO of all time.
The roleplaying is strong in this one! You can choose to align with the Galactic Republic or the Sith Empire, and also reserve yourself a fluid space on the light or dark spectrum. Additionally, there are detailed dialogue options so that you represent your character exactly the way you want to.
With the brand new Star Wars film on its way to being released, now is the perfect time to give The Old Republic a try!
2. World of Warcraft
Cinematic trailer for Legion
This one is a given; if you are looking for an online roleplaying game, World of Warcraft should be one of the first places you look.
They are always updating the game and adding new content, so if you are a veteran player, definitely go back for another visit. It is the epitome of fantasy, and some of the strongest multiplayer gameplay to ever exist. Dungeons and raids are an online player’s paradise!
3. Elder Scrolls Online
An extended cinematic experience
If you are looking for an online roleplaying game, you probably want to check out this extension of a fan favorite franchise. An online Skyrim is every roleplaying game fan’s dream. Now you can get close to that fantastical experience and more through the Elder Scrolls Online.
In ESO, you can play as any and all of your favorite races, customizing their abilities based on what how you want your play style to be. It is much like an offline Elder Scrolls game, but expanded!
4. Champions Online
Of all the online multiplayer roleplaying games, Champions Online is the most action-packed! In it, you can be a superhero of your choosing with many different powers, appearances, and even the ability to decide what a player’s movement will animate like.
The gameplay is fast-paced and determent on a character’s stats rather than those of armor or weapons. Champions Online was made by the developers of the popular game City of Heroes, which has since closed. So if you are missing City of Heroes or just want a fix of action to play with some friends, definitely check this game out!
5. Lord of the Rings Online
A classic trailer
Lord of the Rings never goes out of style. Whether you are a fan of the movies, the book, or any of the amazing video games based on the series, you know that it is one of the most important pieces of culture out there.
If you are looking to share your love of LOTR with one of the many other adoring fans out there, Lord of the Rings Online is right for you. You will never run out of things to do in Middle-earth!
First Person Shooters
1. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Official trailer
Counter-Strike is one of the most popular shooters of all time and is at the top of the most played games list on Steam. For that reason, it is an incredible multiplayer game with a thriving community you will never go bored of.
Players can choose to be on a Terrorist or Counter-Terrorist team, fighting for both their lives and their land. Based on how well they performed in the prior round, they can purchase certain armor and weapons – some of which have awesome-looking skins that can be earned or bought!
CS:GO is simple excitement. Be careful, you might lose track of time playing this addicting game!
2. ARMA 3
A cinematic trailer
Unlike Counter-Strike, ARMA 3 is an open-world shooter. Similarly, however, it is tactical and military-based…and very fun to play!
Its gorgeous open areas have been compared to Skyrim. It has been praised as one of the best simulation games of all time.
ARMA 3 leaves a lasting impression, taking time to perfect your play of and leaving you wishing you had more time to devote to it. Because it has no single player campaign, this game is made for exciting multiplayer play!
3. Team Fortress 2
Meet all the different classes
Team Fortress 2 is a classic shooter that is free to play on Steam. But its quality and replayability are far above any other game’s; it requires teamwork, skills in various classes including engineer and spy, as well as the exciting, tight shooting controls that all FPSs should have!
TF2 has a big personality, featuring several different modes of gameplay and all sorts of interesting weapons and accessories to gain through playing. This is a game you can’t forget.
4. Left 4 Dead 2
Official trailer
The Left 4 Dead series contributed to the setting of a modern industry standard for FPS games. Left 4 Dead 2 is the best example of this, because it features fun shooting controls in an interesting, dynamic landscape with substantive characters whose dialogue you cannot help but chuckle at.
Nobody can deny the appeal of Left 4 Dead 2. It is a true classic, allowing players to kill zombies and save themselves.
5. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
Bold reveal trailer
Advanced Warfare shocked the masses last year with its beautiful graphics and new mechanics.
For a long time, Call of Duty has been a favorite franchise for FPS fans. But it may have hit an awe-inspiring peak with Advanced Warfare, so even if you aren’t a typical CoD fan, it is worth checking out if you are in the mood to shoot with or against some friends.
Horror
1. Killing Floor 2
A scary trailer
Killing Floor 2 is like an amped up version of Left 4 Dead 2. It is gory, scary, and requires precise teamwork between six different players in order for everybody to survive.
Right now, it is on Steam in Early Access, so you can only expect the incredible gameplay to improve and blow our minds even more.
2. Dead Island
Hardcore trailer for Dead Island
On the subject of gruesome zombies, Dead Island is one you cannot miss out on. It helped jumpstart video games’ craze for zombies and is one of the best instances of it in a scary context.
Together with three of your friends, you can save the world from the terror of Dead Island!
3. Left 4 Dead 2
Official trailer
L4D2 is such an incredible game that it is on the horror list as well. Seriously – if you are in the mood for multiplayer games of any sort, this one is an amazing option.
4. Dying Light
A powerful trailer
Survival is at its hardest in Dying Light. The stakes are high, particularly at night; you do not want to go outside alone in this gritty open world game. Make sure to save yourself and your friends too, or else you will all be zombie food.
5. Depth
Doesn’t this get your heart racing?
Depth is a quirky multiplayer horror game where you have to team up for or against sharks.
Yes, it takes place underwater – in a murky, deep marine world where everything is a threat. Your heart will be pounding as if begging for air. But underwater, in Depth, it is very unlikely you will be able to catch your breath.
Strategy
1. XCOM 2
Announcement trailer
Every XCOM game is worth playing, especially XCOM 2!
In this game, you can experience all the classic single player strategic play, or you can fight head-to-head with other people using mixed alien and human squads.
2. Warhammer 40,000: Regicide
Bold Warhammer trailer
Regicide is a brutal take on classic chess-like strategy games. It is vivid, boasting a unique style otherwise not seen in the genre.
You can play in a fifty mission single-player campaign or in local or online multiplayer games. Everything feels very high stakes, and the competitive nature will leave you coming back for more.
3. Company of Heroes 2
A launch trailer
World War 2 games are not unpopular, but this one does it best.
In it, you can experience intense multiplayer gameplay and work tactically against anyone on any map. Think before you act. Consider history, consider the future, and most of all, consider the present in Company of Heroes 2.
4. Divinity: Original Sin
Extended trailer
The level of depth in Divinity: Original Sin may be unparalleled for multiplayer strategy games. It surpasses the expectations of its genre by adding in strong RPG and adventure elements.
Both online and local co-op adds extra dimensionality in this freedom-based strategy game. Think about the story, your friend, and the amazing things that the environment offers.
5. Crusader Kings II
Beloved trailer
Set in Medieval Times, Crusader Kings gives you the opportunity to live like a king. The kingdom is yours to command over.
In many cases, you will want to defend that kingdom, including from other players. You can compete against up to 32 other players in order to protect what is nearest and dearest to your lineage.
Sports
1. Rocket League
An exciting look
Rocket League incorporates all the sports we know and love, like soccer, racing, chasing, and more. It is a charming indie title that is becoming a worldwide e-sports phenomenon. No wonder everybody loves it so much when it is both competitive and cooperative in nature, bringing teams together and putting them against one another.
Moreover, it is just super fun. The stages are bright and bold, the stakes are high. If you like multiplayer games, Rocket League is one of the best .
2. NBA 2K16
A momentous occasion
If you like basketball, the NBA games like the newest NBA 2K16, are right for you. You should definitely become acquainted with the series.
Your play with and against other players affects your single player in this newest installment, being an integral part of the gaming experience. Definitely check it out if you are a sports fan.
3. GRID 2
Gameplay trailer
GRID 2 is one of the best racing games of all time. It features an extended online campaign to make your driver renown worldwide. Every race feels monstrous and important, so the excitement never dulls!
4. TrackMania² Canyon
Launch trailer
Another racing game is TrackMania. This one has a more relaxed play style, but with just as much competition and enjoyment to be found!
For real, more than 100 players can challenge each other at once. If that is not multiplayer enough for you, no game will do the trick!
5. Blood Bowl 2
launch trailer
Blood Bowl 2 is what it sounds like – ultraviolence.
In this combination of fighting and football, multiplayer is a main focus. It also features elements of turn-based strategy games, making for a very unique experience no matter what part of the game you are playing.
MOBA
1. Dota 2
Gamescom trailer
Dota 2 is all about teamwork and competition. You can play for thousands of hours and never get bored of its complexitiy. There are always new things to learn.
You will make friends, you will make enemies. But you will most definitely never be the same after welcoming something as big as Dota in your life.
2. League of Legends
Cinematic trailer
League of Legends offers much of the same appeal as Dota 2. Two teams battle head-to-head, using extensive knowledge of the characters, their abilities, and the lay of the land to succeed.
At first, it can be a little overwhelming, but League is the place to start if you are interested in the large world of MOBAs.
3. Heroes of the Storm
Announcement trailer
Heroes of the Storm is the new kid on the block of MOBAs.
As a Blizzard game, it has all of your favorite characters from games such as World of Warcraft. You will feel more powerful than ever acting in the vein of your favorite characters. HotS adds a personal and familiar touch to the MOBA genre.
4. Smite
Very cinematic trailer
With its powerful name and free to play style, Smite is worth checking out if you are a fan of MOBAs. There are millions of players to connect with under an interesting mythological experience. It is one of the greatest MOBAs out there right now!
5. Awesomenauts
Release trailer for Awesomenauts
Awesomenauts is unlike any other MOBA to date. It is an indie game, in 2D, and actually plays like more of a platformer. On this smaller scale, you play three versus three.
There is loads of charm you will not find anywhere else. It is quirky, beautiful, and highly customizable. Try it out if you want a different multiplayer experience!
