The 23 Best Multiplayer PC Games // ONE37pm
gaming
Bungie
By: Akaash Sharma
Published Sep 14, 2021 2:00pm
It felt like during the pandemic, more people started both gaming and streaming more than ever. Those who were already streaming saw their available hours triple while they couldn’t leave the house and the period was perfect for growth.
A few different games boomed during the pandemic too, Fall Guys and Among Us to name a couple of them. For a while, multiplayer games were one of the ways we kept in contact.
As PC gaming continues to become more popular, so does the need for a selection of multiplayer games to play. As a result, we’ve made a list of the best multiplayer games that you can play on PC right now. Check them out below.
1. Among Us
Developed and published by Innersloth, Among Us has actually been out since June of 2018 on iOS and Android and November of 2018 on Windows. It only had its surge last year as people were inside. Inspired by Mafia, the concept of the game is that you and the people you’re playing with are the crew on a spaceship. However, one of you is the Imposter and is trying to kill the other members of the crew. Every so often, meetings take place where crew members can discuss who they think the Imposter is and vote for people to be kicked off the ship. The game lost some momentum but was helped along by mods and there’s likely to be a big surge when the sequel gets released.
Buy now, $4.99
2. Apex Legends
During the time that Apex Legends launched, it felt like there was a new battle royale coming out every month, but this one stuck with people, hence the 100 million players that the game had in April of this year. The unique selling point of the game is having different characters, called Legends, for people to choose from. They all have different abilities, which makes for a fun aspect of the game before the action even starts.
At the time of writing, the game is in its tenth season which kicked off at the top of August. A new Legend, a new gun, a new battle pass, and a ranked version of Arenas were all introduced. It’s still free to play too.
Free-to-play
3. Call of Duty: Warzone
Warzone launched right at the top of the pandemic and it couldn’t have happened better for the developers or gamers. While the game is currently facing a lot of criticism about not having a solid anti-cheat system, it’s looking like there might be a change coming with the launch of Call of Duty: Vanguard this November. Also coming before the end of the year is a brand-new map, one that’s set during World War II. We’re not sure what that means for Verdansk, or whether or not Modern Warfare or Cold War guns will still be available, but it’s worth hopping on for the ride regardless. The game will also continue to be free to play.
Free-to-play
4.
Cuphead
Released in 2017 and developed and published by Studio MDHR, Cuphead is a game that can be played solo, but is far more fun with a friend. One of you controls the title character Cuphead and the other takes control of their brother, Mugman. The concept of the game is that the brothers must play through different levels and fight bosses to pay their debt to the devil, but that makes the game sound far darker than it actually is. In reality, it’s a great run and gun platformer.
Buy now, $19.99
5. Dead By Daylight
A great game for when you have a group of friends. Dead By Daylight makes one player the killer, whose goal is to kill other players, known as Survivors before they can escape. As well as escaping, Survivors have various tasks to complete, making it all the more likely that they put themselves in danger of being killed.
Buy now, $9.99
6. Destiny 2
A free-to-play online multiplayer game, Destiny 2 sees players take on the role of Guardians, protectors of Earth.
You pick a class, learn the combat and take on game modes like Crucibles, Strikes, Gambits, and Raids, the latter of which is perfect for a group of six.
Free-to-play
7. Don’t Starve Together
Don’t Starve Together is the multiplayer expansion for Don’t Starve, the 2013 game developed by Klei Entertainment. Although, it basically functions as its own game. As you might have guessed from the name, it’s all about survival. You and your group must work together to stay full, hydrated, warm, and dry. If that wasn’t hard enough, the creepy environment is filled with deadly creatures.
Buy now, $14.99
8. Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
Fall Guys, as we mentioned in the article’s intro, is one of the games that boomed in the pandemic, right when it launched and became a free download. The general consensus was that while the game was fun, updates full of new levels with season two came too late and many people had fallen out of love with it as quickly as they fell in love with it.
However, the game has definitely seen a rise in popularity since, with the team aspect being catered to. The concept of the game, like a battle royale, is to be the last person standing, all the while going through obstacle courses to try to qualify for the next round.
Buy now, $19.99
9. Fortnite
Fortnite isn’t the game that kicked off the battle royale craze in gaming, but it is the one that popularised it. It also gave developers the key to making money with the battle pass and having different seasons in-game. While you might think the game isn’t as popular as when it first came out, the numbers would prove you wrong. In April of last year, 12.3 million concurrent players participated in the Travis Scott event. Eight months later, that record was beaten by 3 million, when 15.3 concurrent players tuned in for the Galactus event. Despite the many things added to the game since its launch in 2017, the concept is still the same and great for playing online with friends or strangers.
Oh, and it doesn’t cost a penny to play.
Free-to-play
10. Forza Horizon 4
Released in 2018 was Forza Horizon 4, the eleventh installment in the Forza series. For us, this is must-play co-op content. Racing game fans will already know about how much respect Forza gets and we can only agree that they consistently make the best and most realistic driving games around. Horizon 4 on PC is no different.
Buy now, $59.99
11. Grand Theft Auto: V
Of course, since this article is about multiplayer games, we’re referring to the online version of the game here. It’s incredible that GTA: V has been around this long, but it’s managed to still be one of the most popular games in the world because of the constant online updates. It doesn’t look like the game is going anywhere anytime soon either because the launch for the PlayStation 5 version of the game is still yet to happen.
So despite the game launching in 2013, it’s definitely not too late to jump on and kick things off with some heists and races.
Buy now, $14.99
12. It Takes Two
Much like the name suggests, It Takes Two requires two players to work. You can either play with a friend or someone online. Either way, the game is a split-screen co-op game. You and your partner take on the role of two parents who are about to get divorced until your child pretends everything is fine with their dolls. You end up becoming the dolls and must work together to try to reach your child, to get them to turn you back into humans. The game features some great spots where timing and communication are key.
Buy now, $39.99
13. Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes
Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes is an incredibly fun co-op game where you and your partner must work with each other to defuse a bomb. One of you is the Defuser, staring at the bomb which has multiple modules.
The other is called the Expert and must help the Defuser through each module. Some examples of the modules are morse code and wire cutting (in which the wire you need to cut varies greatly based on random circumstances).
Buy now, $14.99
14. Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2 includes various game modes, most of which support multiplayer. The Campaign allows you to play with up to three people, although any untaken spots will be filled with the CPU. Survival is basically a gauntlet where you must survive waves of Infected. Then there’s Versus, where you can take control of Infected.
Buy now, $9.99
15. Minecraft
If you’ve only heard of Minecraft and never dived in, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s a game where you just gather materials and build things. Although that’s a big aspect of it, there’s so much more that you can do. There’s a Hardcore mode where the aim of the game is survival.
There’s Creative mode where you have access to nearly all resources. Multiplayer could see you competing against other players with friends or having build battles. Of course, you could always team up to fight the Ender Dragon too.
Buy now, $26.99
16. Monster Hunter World
Developed and published by Capcom, Monster Hunter World was released in 2018. Although the single-player portion of the game is a massive part of it, the game does offer great multiplayer support. Players join servers of up to sixteen people and go on quests, many of which are the same as you can do solo.
Buy now, $29.99
17. Overcooked! 2
Overcooked! 2 puts you and your team in the kitchen of a busy restaurant. You’ll be tasked with gathering, chopping, and cooking ingredients, putting food on plates, serving dishes, and then washing dishes. If all of that sounds like it would be chaotic… that’s because it is.
That’s what’s fun about it. Communication is key here.
Buy now, $24.99
18. Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia essentially puts you and your friends in the role of ghost hunters, completing contracts. This is a great one for you to play with a group of people over voice chat because of the game’s speech recognition feature, which means that enemies can hear you speak and even react to certain keywords. You also might need some friends to help you get through the horrors that await.
Buy now, $13.99
19. Portal 2
The first game in the Portal series was a big hit and the sequel only took things up a level. Portal 2 was released in 2011 and features not only portals but lasers, tractor beams, and more resources which add many more dynamics to the gameplay. Despite all of the additions, the goal is still the same – solve puzzles however you can.
Buy now, $9.
99
20. Rocket League
The best way to describe Rocket League is that it is soccer in cars that can jump and damn near fly with enough boost. If that doesn’t make you want to play it, nothing will. The game has always been popular, even since its predecessor was called Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars. Ever since Epic Games took over this game, made it free-to-play, and added a battle pass, it has seen more and more players trying it out for the first time. There’s never really a bad time to play this one and it can be played solo, but it’s especially great to team up with a couple of friends against another trio.
Free-to-play
21. Sea Of Thieves
Sea Of Thieves has been described as a “shared-world adventure game”, which means that you and the group of people that you’re playing with will often encounter other players in the same environment, which can either mean you form an alliance or you make an enemy.
In general, the game sees you using a pirate ship to traverse the vast open world, completing voyages or just roaming.
Buy now, $39.99
22. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
Siege is a tactical shooter with an emphasis on destructive environments and communication, making it perfect for this list. Different operators have access to different gadgets. The tactical aspect of the game comes in because teams can choose where to spawn and attack the enemy team from, adding an extra layer that most multiplayer FPS games don’t have.
Buy now, $4.99
23. VALORANT
VALORANT, released last year, is a team-based FPS, a hero shooter, specifically. As more game modes get added, the game becomes more and more popular. It’s already been a hit with streamers. There’s Escalation, which is similar to Call of Duty’s Gun Game mode. There’s also Spike Rush, which is basically TDM, but best of seven.
Free-to-play
Best Online Open-World Games On PC, Ranked
The open-world subgenre refers to games with non-linear map designs, as opposed to a focused linear design. There are few borders in open-world games and virtually no loading times between regions. You can walk a unique path, completing quests in an idiosyncratic order.
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This listicle refers to online open-world games and not massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Online open-world games have the power to immerse players, bar none. For those who like exploration and realism, online open-world games are a close match. There are numerous PC open-world games out there, yet only a few are online without being massively multiplayer.
Updated on August 9, 2022 by Russ Boswell:Developers continue to push the envelope when it comes to Open-World games.
It seems that more and more franchises are looking to craft titles that fit into the explorative genre, with even Sonic the Hedgehog receiving his own grandiose open-world release in the near future. Some of these releases find their way to consoles exclusively, but PC gets it fair share of dynamite releases and usually sees the exclusives at some point later on down the road. To better showcase the best open-world games for PC, the following list has been updated and includes even more entries.
18/18 7 Days to Die
This is an online open-world game that has players banding together in a bid to survive the zombie apocalypse and fight through a weekly attack that might cause most people to rage quit. 7 Days to Die is an excellent game with deep mechanics that can keep players entertained for hours or end.
If anyone and their friends are looking out for a good time on Steam, then 7 Days to Die is a great title to check out. Scrounging together the supplies required to get through each and every harrowing day — especially the seventh one.
.. for obvious reasons — can prove to be quite entertaining indeed.
17/18 Sunset Overdrive
Those that are looking for something open-world and supremely chaotic should check out Sunset Overdrive. The release from Insomniac Games flew well under the radar for many gamers when it was released back in 2014, but developed its own cult-following thanks to critical acclaim. Now even more fans are getting their hands on the entertaining and wacky romp thanks to a re-release on PC.
Sunset Overdrive is pure chaos and acrobatic entertainment, thanks to its third-person run-and-gun gameplay. Players will find a variety of hilarious and explosive weapons, which they can use while hopping, grinding, and rolling all throughout an apocalyptic cityscape.
16/18 Final Fantasy 14
It’s hard to believe at this point that Final Fantasy 14 started as one of the biggest disasters in the franchise’s history. Nowadays, it is one of the best online open-world games of all time with hundreds of hours of engaging content.
The start of Final Fantasy 14 might be somewhat of a drag — as is the case with any MMORPG — but any player who sticks with this title with find themselves enjoying one of the richest and most rewarding gaming experiences of all time.
15/18 Terraria
It’s quite understandable for players to be turned off by the art style and general vibe of Terraria, which makes it seem like an experience tailored for a very niche audience that they might not be a part of. However, people who believe this to be the case are missing out on one of the most creative games of all time.
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Terraria is so much more than just 2D Minecraft. It’s one of the most detailed and enjoyable online open-world games of all time, featuring the perfect amalgamation of numerous genres to create something truly remarkable that will keep players entertained for hours on end.
14/18 Monster Hunter: World
For the longest time in the west, Monster Hunter was a niche franchise that most people chose to ignore, especially since the main series spent a decade on only Nintendo consoles.
However, Monster Hunter: World ended up showcasing exactly what these gamers had been missing out on.
The tactical and addictive gameplay of the Monster Hunter franchise has never felt better. Meanwhile, roaming around the vast worlds of Monster Hunter: World with friends is one the most entertaining experiences players can have with a video game.
In the conversation of MMORPGs, the praise for The Elder Scrolls Online was fairly muted early on. As time passed, people slowly started noticing the presence of this online open-world game as it grew into an excellent title with constant support and updates.
Roaming around the world of Tamriel with other players is nothing short of a blast, making The Elder Scrolls Online an excellent title for those seeking something to try out with their friends. This is especially the case if they want to learn more about a universe whose lore is truly immense.
12/18 Assassin’s Creed Unity
For an experience that is out of the norm for an Assassin’s Creed game, Unity is a must-play.
Although the gameplay mechanics are mostly the same, the cooperative play is an outstanding feature.
This game was designed with cooperative gameplay as its primary focus. It was launched with a plethora of bugs, yet Assassin’s Creed Unity is worth playing for its unlockables, questing, and ranking system.
11/18 Rust
Rust is a game about survival. You start the game with almost nothing and must adapt to harsh environments to survive. In Rust, players have to make a fire, defend against attacks from animals and other players, and make a shelter.
There’s never a shortage of things to do, which is why it’s one of the best online open-world games. Rust has drastically improved since launch, and there’s never been a better time to play the game.
10/18 No Man’s Sky
The crown jewel of No Man’s Sky is undoubtedly its almost infinitely explorable universe. The game is now packed with content for players to relish alone or with friends.
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Since the rocky launch of No Man’s Sky, developer Hello Games has since done a turnaround. Unlike other online multiplayer games where players host servers, No Man’s Sky features a shared universe. Regardless of your hours logged or skill level, you can join any player’s adventure. Hello Games listened to the outcry in the community and adjusted accordingly.
9/18 Raft
It’s worth noting that Raft is still in the early access phase. At the same time, Raft offers an immersive experience that is playable with friends. You adventure from island to island as you make embark on a perilous oceanic adventure.
Raft is continuously throwing obstacles your way, such as a bear attack on an island, which is why this game is so popular. Even in its early access phase, Raft is a must-play.
8/18 Dying Light
During the day, Dying Light is your typical zombie survival game.
At dark, the nightcrawlers come out to wreak havoc. Techland’s Dying Light met divisive opinions from the community. The story was considered lackluster, but the gameplay worked.
In a four-player co-op survival game with robust item selection, the game wound up being a hit. Dying Light 2 and Dead Island 2 are in the works but don’t hold your breath as it could be a while.
7/18 Horizon Zero Dawn
Although God of War has partially dominated the PlayStation console line for quite some time thanks to its expansive adventures featuring Kratos and the many Gods of Mythology, it’s not the only franchise that has seen widespread success on the console. In 2017, developer Guerilla Games released Horizon Zero Dawn to absolute fanfare, with critical acclaim to back it up.
Now fans are enamored by the journey of Aloy, as she fights her way through massive machines and technologically-driven enemies. The latest release continued the story on PlayStation but the franchise’s beginnings can now be played on PC.
Consider it a must-experience for open-world enthusiasts.
6/18 Elden Ring
FromSoftware has developed a cult following over the years thanks to its incredible, dark, and punishingly-difficult adventures. There are many gamers out there that hold the Dark Souls series in high regard, but these games are fairly «Linear» in their design, forcing players on a path through specific zones to progress the story. Because of this, many players were absolutely taken back by the sheer scale and freedom of Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s latest release.
A truly open-world affair, Elden Ring sees players progressing through areas and tackling goals however they see fit, with multiple endings and tons of things to collect. Gamers can easily spend over 100 hours in the Lands Between.
5/18 Red Dead Online
Red Dead Online is surging in popularity now that the mode is out of its beta stage. The open-world design is on par with the single-player game. For new players, playing Red Dead Redemption 2‘s online component is worth it.
It contains a leveling system that keeps players engaged.Red Dead Online expands on the single-player game by bringing a unique adventure that is fun playing.
4/18 Sea Of Thieves
Sea of Thieves was fun since day one, but the game is vastly superior today. Among the features included in today’s Sea of Thieves are fishing, story quests, and online arena player versus player. It’s the type of game that relies on good help to make ends meet.
RELATED: 10 Best Fishing Games Of All Time, Ranked
The Cursed Sails and Forsaken Shores free updates added an abundance of content. The game is rife with the opportunity to become the dang best sailor to sail the seven seas.
3/18 Forza Horizon 4
Although the game can be criticized for not improving enough on Forza Horizon 3, Forza Horizon 4 is arguably the best arcade racer to date. It contains more cars, a more massive open-world, and is more user friendly.
The game had bugs at launch, but patches have since made the game nearly perfect. The DLC add-ons are spectacular. Even if you want to play offline, Forza Horizon 4 is a game to applaud.
2/18 Grand Theft Auto Online
Grand Theft Auto V is a complete package with a robust set of online missions and character progression. The game could be considered an RPG because of the amount of player customization. Its release inspired several clone games, but few live up to Grand Theft Auto V.
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Post-launch, Grand Theft Auto Online has added features like superyachts, casinos, and more liveable spaces. The game was released in 2013, but Rockstar Games is still adding updates. The next-gen re-release is bound to wow its player base.
1/18 Minecraft
Developer Mojang was bought out by Microsoft for an astounding $2.5 billion approximately six years ago.
Since then, Microsoft has made minimal changes to this global phenomenon.
Perhaps Microsoft will take the opportunity to leverage against competitors, but for now, Minecraft is a multi-platform masterpiece. It’s not all about the graphics, but it doesn’t hurt that the game received ray tracing support on PC.
NEXT: The 15 Best Offline PC Games To Play Right Now
TOP 10 best games for PC
Multiplayer games allow you to explore the virtual world together with friends, which is why they are so in demand. It’s fun to play alone, but it’s even more fun with friends. The list of the best online multiplayer games will help you choose one of them.
Important: rating is built in order of release date, from newest to lowest projects.
Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds
Survival sim and third person shooter released in 2017. Several players are fighting against each other. Only one soldier remains alive. The whole interest is that at the very beginning of the round, players are thrown out at different points on the map, without weapons and ammunition.
Everything you will fight with, you need to find yourself within the location.
Battlefield 1
The 2016 World War I shooter is the 14th entry in the entire Battlefield series. The game has become even better in terms of graphics, multiplayer and single player company. There are 4 classes of soldiers available for selection:
- Stormtrooper
- Medic
- Scout
- Support Soldier
Each of them can only take weapons and equipment specific to their class. Weather conditions change throughout the battle. This is one of those cases where it’s better to play than to read the description.
Dead by Daylight
Action horror for up to 5 people. One plays as a serial killer, and the rest as survivors. The killer plays in the first person, the survivors — in the third. The task of all survivors is to escape from the location, and the maniac must prevent this. Victims can work together or independently.
Each level is randomly generated, which increases the interest in the game.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
First Person Shooter was released in 2015. The main emphasis is on the interaction of gamers and the destructibility of objects and objects. This gives a special effect and atmosphere. Skills and rating are earned only in multiplayer mode. The «Antiterror» mode includes confrontation between special forces and terrorists. Real people play for special forces, and AI plays on the side of the enemy.
Verdun
This 2015 shooter represents the period of the First World War. Verdun is characterized by good graphics, drawing weapons, a wide selection of units. There are four game modes available. The gameplay conveys all the realism of the atmosphere of hostilities. There is no crosshair marker, which makes shooting more difficult, thereby increasing the level of realism. Only teamwork can complete tasks.
Miscreated
An open world with zombies and survival mode, that’s what Miscreated came out in 2014.
Miscreated has many details that are important in the survival process. On the location, an area of 64 square kilometers, cities, towns and individual buildings are scattered, which are teeming with zombies. Among the enemies there are marauders, bandits and just aggressive players. The only task is to survive at any cost.
Rust
The project is a survival simulator. You will face danger from wildlife, predators, and local residents who live in the game location. Man is the main enemy. Rust includes crafting, hunting, building. Beginners will have a hard time, especially when experienced players confront them.
Arma 3
Released in 2013, the first-person shooter is a huge open-world action game. At your disposal is a territory of about 300 square kilometers. The ability to create squads with other users and complete story missions. If you are tired of the usual missions, the game has an editor that allows you to create your own task scenarios.
PAYDAY 2
PAYDAY 2 is a first-person shooter designed for a team of four. The creator of the robber squad chooses the difficulty of the task and the conditions for completing it. The amount of time that is given for the robbery depends on the conditions. At the end of the term, the police arrive and begin the assault. Experience points and money are spent on developing skills and improving equipment. Locations are created randomly, and game situations can be up to 60 options.
Chivalry: Medieval Warfare
This is a medieval action game about knights, with several large maps. In combat mode, everyone determines for himself the style of combat. There are several classes of knights and factions to choose from. In battle, you will besiege castles and capture them. In addition to a huge number of weapons, there are siege weapons. The bloody battles are very close to reality.
Free Multiplayer Games
Among the free multiplayer games, there are several fresh projects that may interest you and your friends to spend time together in one of them.
War Thunder
Tank simulator 2012 is updated regularly, and these updates apply to all areas. To date, the game looks realistic in terms of graphics, mechanics, combat mode and atmosphere. In addition to tanks, you can choose an aircraft. Battles are fought in various modes. Each nation has several types of tanks. All of them represent the period of the Second World War and the post-war years.
FOR HONOR
The FOR HONOR third-person fighting game was released in 2017. The player takes part in the battle, controlling a samurai, a knight or a viking. Battles are fought in several modes. Experience points are used to upgrade the hero and increase his rating, on which the set of skills and abilities depends.
Warhammer: Vermintide 1 and 2
In 2018, players saw first-person action with RPG elements Warhammer: Vermintide. Events take place on the territory of two cities — Helmgart and Uberscheik. The player, along with four heroes, goes to protect cities from the invasion of mutants (rat people).
Each completed task is rewarded with experience points, money and other nice bonuses.
Hunt Showdown
2018 multiplayer horror Hunt Showdown is all about survival at 19century. All maps are randomly generated, and teams are formed up to four people. The task is to hunt down and kill monsters, receiving experience points for this. The difficulty is that there will be other teams in the competitors who want to get the same thing as you. There are no revivals in the game, so you should be careful not to lose everything that you have been pumping or collecting for so long.
Best multiplayer games on PC
What are the best multiplayer games on PC? We have collected shooters, MOBAs, and indies, from PUBG to Overwatch.
Sometimes it’s not the game that shines, but the players. Challenging gameplay and brilliant visuals have gone so far in creating an outstanding multiplayer experience; it is people who can bring surprises and schemes that make a gladiator fight or a joint crusade out of an ordinary shooter or puzzle.
This is the secret behind the best multiplayer games on PC.
Fast and furious or intense and calculated, the best PvP games come in all shapes and sizes. But they are all connected with the simple pleasure of communicating with other people. Whether it’s support and damage class characters trying to pull off a complex flanking maneuver in Overwatch, or an intense battle against terrorists in Rainbow Six Siege, these games wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for a bunch of people running around killing, maiming, or sometimes helping each other out.
So forget about the bots, call all your friends, put on the most social face and get ready to meet the best PC multiplayer games.
Fortnite
Epic’s shooter first appeared as an intriguing mixture of construction, sandbox and survival. The original Fortnite: Save the World mode, in which you build fortresses to fight against a serious zombie threat, was long forgotten after the world-conquering Fortnite Battle Royale.
Thanks to Fortnite’s phenomenal player count, as well as being much more polished than PUBG, Epic’s Battle Royale is one of the best multiplayer games on PC.
Who you stand for in the great Fortnite vs PUBG debate depends on personal preference. Both games are strong representatives of the battle royale genre with dedicated communities, but Fortnite’s compelling Pixar Sheen, whose availability has been vastly improved thanks to the free distribution model, and the building mechanics give Fortnite some advantages over PUBG’s more detailed and in-depth military simulation. However, we have no doubt that Epic’s game of customization is much stronger: the sheer number of Fortnite skins and Fortnite Wraps (weapon and vehicle skins) is overwhelming.
League of Legends
League of Legends gives you everything you could want from a MOBA. You can go solo to prove your dominance over others, try to master the best LOL champions, or hone your skills in whatever role you prefer.
Or you can make it your regular multiplayer home with friends in either the standard 5v5 mode or one of several other modes. Whether you want to be the best in the world or just play a well-designed game, you can get it here.
For hardcore gamers, League of Legends is a lifestyle choice, and with regular updates, the game is constantly improving. A big industry, professional scenes and huge tournaments have sprung up around the game, with millions of people playing to the max. The League community has created entire ecosystems of player support, team management, match watching, and game commentary. And, if you want, you will always find something new to discuss, try or improve. Some readily extol the virtues of their Valve rival, Dota 2, but for us, League of Legends’ player base and more clearly defined roles and rules make League not only the best MOBA, but also one of the best multiplayer games on PC.
Team Fortress 2
If you weren’t there when Team Fortress 2 launched, it’s hard to describe what a crazy and unexpected pleasure it was in 2007.
In a development that took longer than Pangea’s, TF2 dazzled everyone when it finally came out in its fun and vibrant colors. Instead of the expected fusion of biceps and military attire that we expected, its line-up is a brigade of cheap comedians whose interaction has generated frequent, energetic, and genuine jokes.
Each had skills and abilities that intertwined beautifully. Heavy mows down the Soldier. The Engineer builds turrets to mow down the Heavy. The spy destroys the turrets. Pyro burns the spy. The sniper kills Pyro. The Scout kicks the Sniper in the leg and runs away. The Demoman destroys the Scout with his sticky bombs and then continues to wink. No not like this. The Medic watches the Über charge build up and licks his lips.
Today it is a completely different game, absolutely confusing for seasoned players. However, the rich visual design, the sheer strength of the cast, and the interplay between classes make TF2 one of the best multiplayer games out there.
Enduring classic… even though the arrival of Fortnite resulted in Team Fortress 2’s biggest drop in player count.0003
Overwatch
A perfect blend of Team Fortress 2 and League of Legends, Overwatch remains a phenomenon and easily ranks among the best multiplayer games ever made. A multiplayer shooter with a class system that owes a lot to TF2’s art style, payload maps, and asymmetric combat, Overwatch also owes a lot to LoL’s diverse cast and importance of team play.
As our review of Overwatch PC attests, the recipe for its multiplayer greatness is a blend of popular styles ripened with features that have captured the imagination and evenings of the masses. This becomes apparent even after a cursory visit to Overwatch’s fantastically busy Reddit, where you’re sure to never go hungry for a variety of GIFs.
Blizzard is constantly updating the game and adding new heroes to its diverse and colorful cast of characters. Want to become the master of the best Overwatch heroes? Get ready to spend months on this colorful shooting game.
Somehow Overwatch manages to get better while maintaining a good balance in competitive play.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has an amazing origin story. An update to the Half-Life mod, CS:GO was intended to be something more ambitious than a console port; experiment to see if PlayStation and Xbox gamers would interact with the Counter-Strike title. And if PC players want to play too, what’s the harm? As it turns out, we’ve got one of the best multiplayer games on PC.
With regular updates, this shooter sensation is one of the most popular games on Steam. His weapon skins support an entire marketplace industry. This is an ultra-competitive esports representative with high prize pools. People literally can’t stop streaming CS:GO on Twitch.
CS:GO’s popularity is obvious, but its quality requires a deeper understanding of its appeal, both as a nostalgic journey and as a well-maintained, fast-paced shooter with modern spectator tools.
Valve’s masterpiece is ripe for tactical exploitation, so you should check out our CS:GO tips if you want to succeed. Ripe with razor-sharp weapon responsiveness, this FPS is more comforting than mom’s homemade apple pie.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
Brendan ‘PlayerUnknown’ is the father of the battle royale genre in its current form, and, you guessed it, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is its child. In PUBG, the genre’s premise is represented by only the bare necessities: 100 players enter a giant map with a shrinking safe zone, scouring the map for weapons and gear to make sure they’re the only ones left alive. Surviving everyone is, of course, very difficult, so you’d better read our PUBG tips on how to win in this game.
Launched after nine months in Early Access, and that’s for the best. PUBG’s arsenal of weapons you can shoot with feels great, PUBG’s expansive cosmetic wardrobe will help you look your best, and the revamped UI and minimap are much clearer.
Also, massive new PUBG maps are popping up all the time that keep things from becoming more durable than the corpses outside the circle. The fact that PlayerUnknown Battlegrounds is one of the best multiplayer games, but not necessarily the best battle royale game Fortnite fans have to say about it, shows just how huge the genre is.
Rocket League
The moment someone at Psyonix said “what about football…but with cars?” one of the best multiplayer games on PC was born. Despite a failed first try, Rocket League’s success comes down to its design: you simply push the ball across the field in a car. The concept is hard to understand only for hardcore car fans.
Don’t confuse simplicity with lack of depth, though. As we noted in our Rocket League PC review, mastering all the key Rocket League tips and honing your driving, shooting and scoring skills is an exciting learning curve. This leads to a career not only for new musical talent of a thousand misses and ‘almost!’ moments where your body slowly leans forward as the tension builds.
Headshots in shooters are fun, but a goal in Rocket League is something special.
As an exceptionally action-packed online game, Rocket League is great for both online multiplayer and split-screen multiplayer. Everyone in the room will groan and scream as the ball travels from one end of the field to the other, elbowing each other’s ribs to prevent the inevitable goal.
Rainbow Six Siege
Despite the surface-level similarity to an FPS, expensive CS:GO, Ubisoft has made fortifying a wall or laying barbed wire as heroic as killing an enemy without aiming from two rooftops away. Perhaps even more than the best multiplayer games, Rainbow Six Siege is all about planning, communicating, and executing team strategy.
Rainbow Six made its name by taking a calmer, more thoughtful approach than the bombastic shooters it debuted against in the late nineties, while still making you feel like a highly skilled, bespectacled MP5 specialist. The latest game in the series still evokes the same feeling, despite the meta changes introduced by many Rainbow Six Siege operators, with more new ones arriving in regular post-launch updates.
If that sounds intimidating, Ubi is offering the Rainbow Six Siege Starter Edition so you can try the game for a lower price.
And of course there is destruction. Large chunks that can kick up fine concrete dust every round. Also make sure you don’t get distracted by all those cosmetic items. To be a ‘good’ Siege player, you need to know each map well and coordinate your team accordingly. The depth, incredible tension and tactical potential of Rainbow Six Siege provide an unforgettable cat and mouse experience. No wonder the future of Siege is bright. Being an esports game, it becomes more global, and at the same time, an inexperienced high school student has a chance to become the main tournament place.
Arma 3
Arma 3 comes very close to making you feel like you’re on a real battlefield, slurring how helicopters and tanks go by. Large-scale battles and ultra-realism aren’t the only scary things about Arma 3. Packed with an unwavering community of unrivaled knowledge, ARMA players know things they never even thought about.
When it comes to weapons, this is one of the best multiplayer games in the world — no wonder Arma 3 sells in the millions. Each battle is a breathtaking spectacle, laced with intricate team chat and ingenious tactical maneuvers (if you’re on a good server). The game is still rawer than a frozen steak, but it contributed to the creation of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. It’s enough.
Titanfall 2
Titanfall 2 boasts one of the best single-player FPS stories in recent memory. However, as if that weren’t enough, Respawn’s majestic, robot-based shooter is also one of the best multiplayer games in the world — be sure to read our Titanfall 2 class guide so you can meet your future robot friends.
The heady multiplayer component of Titanfall 2 is interaction. Think David vs. Goliath, except it could be Goliath vs. Goliath. Then, sometimes, David is inside Golia… it doesn’t really matter.
The opening stages of an online match are reminiscent of Call of Duty: you start out as one of five nimble pilots, using your grappling hook and other gadgets to jump on your opponent and get a couple of kills.
Then everything changes: massive 20-foot titans with various weapons and abilities fall to the ground and devastate the battlefield. By exchanging agility, dynamic movement as a pilot, you can take control of a slower but much more powerful titan that fills multiplayer rounds with an endlessly satisfying rhythm that refines the promising core of the original. If you missed Titanfall 2, fix it now with Origin Access.
Unreal Tournament
Unreal Tournament has made a huge contribution to the online FPS scene. The pursuit of power-ups, armors, and super-weapons may have fallen out of favor since 1999, but the pace, game modes, and map design ensure that Unreal Tournament remains one of the best multiplayer games you can play.
Of course, no one cared about anything at that time. We were too busy headshotting each other, hiding in opposing CTF_Face turrets with the best sniper rifles on offer today. Or they made fun of the Redeemer for a chance to turn the tide of a bad game.
It may have lost its original graphical flair, but its level layout and unique shooting experience shows that Unreal Tournament remains perfectly playable and has remained so all these years.
Overcooked
The best multiplayer games are all about having fun with friends and of course blowing heads off random people from the internet. However, Ghost Town Games’ Overcooked game will strain even the toughest of friends.
The real chaos of this co-op cooking game is not immediately revealed. Wrapped in a cute colorful aesthetic, you are most likely to take off! well, or have a nice roast through your first culinary challenge in the Onion Kingdom. Every dish you cook helps save the world from a giant meatball. However, after your first few kitchen adventures, you and your co-workers/ex-friends will be yelling at each other louder than Gordon Ramsay with LEGOs in his shoes.
If you don’t assign clear roles and communicate effectively, beef patties will burn, dirty dishes will pile up, and customers will be dissatisfied.
From rocking pirate ships to trucks that break in half in the middle of the highway, the kitchens you work in, your gastronomic magic will get more insidious as the dishes you prepare get more complex. With the addition of new chefs and cuisines to Overcooked, since release there has never been a better time to try this one of the best indie games on PC.
Towerfall Ascension
TowerFall Ascension is a platform game, with the exception of the ill-fated Ouya platform on which it was originally launched. With fun multiplayer for up to four people, think of Bomberman with a camera moving and bowing instead of exploding. The appeal of TowerFall Ascension is easy to see, as we found in our review of TowerFall Ascension for PC.
One of the best multiplayer games for couch co-op, simple in concept and controls to jump, move, shoot, which provides a complete understanding of the gameplay. You might as well play it after your friends are gone: the subtle moves and map design reward extra practice.
Worms
It’s easy to be cynical about Worms entering its third decade with a penchant for spreading the platform. Break Team17’s turn-based party game in half and two new groups of slick shooters will squirm out of his remains. But the concept of the game ensures that it remains one of the best multiplayer games on PC: 30 seconds in which you have to guide your pink avatar across a dappled landscape with the goal of blowing, shooting or launching a Super Sheep at an enemy to kill him before his turn starts .
Usually played with three or four players, Worms is a spectator sport, prone to grenade misses, misjudged jumps, and a host of other seconds errors. The nuance offered by the trajectory and wind speed, not to mention the elusive mastery of the ninja rope, means that there is room for high-level play as well. It may be disarmingly cute, but Worms is still one of the best strategy games on PC.
Some say that Worms Armageddon was a spiritual achievement.
