The best multiplayer games on Xbox Series X
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By
Jesse Lennox
Multiplayer games are certainly at their best with the latest console releases. With the power of the Xbox Series X, we’re seeing online experiences that were never possible before. Killer graphics, smoother frame rates, and smooth loading screens make this the best time to jump into a game with your friends. The only question becomes: What game will you play?
Rather than being strapped for choices, you’ll find that there are way too many options for multiplayer experiences on the Series X. Rather than waste your time and money on a lackluster or half-baked title, check out this list of the best multiplayer games that you and your friends should jump into.
See more
- Best Xbox Series X games
- How to stream on an Xbox Series X
- Best Xbox Series X controllers
Halo Infinite
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
343 Industries
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 15, 2021
Halo multiplayer is back and better than ever. In a brilliant and exciting move, 343 and Microsoft decided to make Halo Infinite‘s multiplayer mode standalone and free-to-play for anyone with an Xbox or PC. This alone keeps the community full of players to make sure you can always get a match easily, but we’d guess that wouldn’t be a problem even if the game wasn’t free because it’s so good that it would be worth paying for. The game takes things back to the arena-style shooter of the original trilogy (more on those below) but modernizes it with tons of great features, new equipment, weapons, and maps that all just feel like classic Halo. This is one of the most polished and addictive multiplayer games out there, bar none, and is a welcome return to form for this classic FPS franchise.
Read our full Halo Infinite review
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
343 Industries
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 11, 2014
There’s no other game more associated with Xbox than the Halo franchise. This series launched with the original Xbox and played a large part in making it the success it is today. The series of influential FPS titles are essential playing for any fans of shooters, and the Halo: Master Chief Collection is far and away the best way to experience the series, either for the first time or for the 10th. Including every mainline game from the first up until Halo 4, including the spinoff games like ODST and Reach, plus giving them all the benefits of new hardware and robust online play, this could easily be the only game you need on your Xbox Series X for online fun. All the wrinkles from the launch have been ironed out, so now’s the best time to link back up with good old Master Chief.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection — Halo 2 Cinematic Trailer (Official)
Gears 5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
The Coalition
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
September 10, 2019
Alongside the Halo franchise, Gears of War is an iconic series most associated with the Xbox. Though the series did stumble a bit after it changed hands from the original developers, Gears 5 was a major return to form. It was originally released back in 2019 for the Xbox One but has been given a major enhancement on the Series X. While the campaign saw a nice bump in resolution and slight frame rate improvement, the multiplayer side of things is where the passion shows. Now running at a buttery-smooth 120 frames per second, the cover-based shooter has never felt more responsive and satisfying. Throw in the addictive game modes in ranked and classic playlists, plus the co-operative Horde and Escape modes, and you’ve got a game you and your friends can easily sink hundreds of hours into.
Read our full Gears 5 review
Gears 5 — Official E3 2018 Announce Trailer
Overwatch 2
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Strategy
Developer
Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher
Blizzard Entertainment
Release
October 04, 2022
The sequel to the biggest hero shooter on the market is updated and enhanced for modern consoles. Every single map and character from the first game is back, plus brand-new ones. This time, team sizes have been reduced to five per side, making the game far less hectic and easy to understand. Each character has a role, personality, and set of abilities, so you’re sure to find one you click with. With so many possible team compositions, counters, and a few new modes, this is one game you will never get tired of, especially when teamed up with a squad of friends. Plus, a new PvE mode is scheduled to be coming in a future update to add even more incentive to stick around.
Overwatch 2 — Free to Play Trailer — Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022
Call of Duty: Warzone
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Infinity Ward
Publisher
Activision
Release
March 10, 2020
What list of multiplayer games would be complete without the latest in the biggest multiplayer shooter franchise of the past decade? If you’re a fan of FPS games, odds are you’ve played at least one Call of Duty game in the past, but there’s no denying how well the franchise has aged. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is the latest installment from the war shooter and has all the bells and whistles you’ve come to expect. There are a ton of competitive game modes to try out, with classics like Team Deathmatch, Kill Confirmed, and Domination all making a return. The light RPG and progression systems of leveling up weapons, unlocking new attachments and perks, and rising through the ranks are as compelling as ever. Then there’s the new iteration of the Zombies mode, which can easily consume dozens of hours if you want to go deep into it. Call of Duty: Warzone is technically not part of Vanguard and is instead a standalone download, but it’s essentially the series’ ongoing battle royale mode. You can pick it up for free and essentially add this massive new mode to your COD experience. Battle royales have become the most popular form of multiplayer gaming in the last few years, so it wasn’t a big surprise when Activision released its own spin on the genre. What was surprising was just how well they pulled it off. If you want the rock-solid gunplay of the COD series mixed with the fast and frenetic chaos of a massive battle royale, Warzone is the way to go.
Read our full Call of Duty: Warzone review
Call of Duty®: Warzone — Official Trailer
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Infinity Ward
Publisher
Activision Blizzard
Release
October 28, 2022
If you did want that traditional, fast-paced, and brutal Call of Duty experience, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is a strong return to form for the franchise. Just like its reboot prequel, this game returns to modern conflict with weapons and equipment grounded in modern military technology. There’s the campaign, which puts you back in the shoes of various operators from Task Force 141, including the anticipated return of Ghost. However, it’s the suite of multiplayer modes that you will end up sinking most of your time into. The gunplay is as tight as ever and feels the most balanced in multiple entries.
Read our full Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II review
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II — World Gameplay Reveal Trailer
Back 4 Blood
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Turtle Rock Studios
Publisher
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Release
October 12, 2021
Fans of the Left 4 Dead games, rejoice. The studio that brought us the seminal co-op zombie shooter has returned with a brand new game that looks to be the spiritual sequel to the incredibly addicting zombie titles. Back 4 Blood is everything you’d want from an evolved Left 4 Dead title, plus a handful of new mechanics to spice things up round after round. You and three pals will team up to shoot and smash your way through hoards of the undead with various weapons, but you also have to pay attention to the new card system. You will bring in cards to buff yourself, but other cards will also make things more difficult in a variety of ways, so you never know what’s around the next corner.
Read our full Back 4 Blood review
Back 4 Blood — Reveal Trailer
Mortal Kombat 11
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia, DUPLICATE Stadia
Genre
Fighting
Developer
NetherRealm Studios
Publisher
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Release
April 22, 2019
There’s no genre of game more ubiquitous with multiplayer than fighting games. And if you’re looking for the best playing fighter on the Series X, there’s no better choice than Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate. This updated version of the game is packed with content. You get the base game, which has a celebrated story mode that is actually fantastic, plus both Kombat packs and the Aftermath expansion with even more story content. All told, you’re jumping into a game with a roster of 37 total characters, including some awesome cameo characters. Plus, on your Series X, you can enjoy all the blood and gore at 4K dynamic resolution, 120 fps goodness, and cross-play support.
Read our full Mortal Kombat 11 review
Mortal Kombat 11 – Official Announce Trailer
Splitgate
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
1047 Games
Publisher
1047 Games
Release
May 22, 2019
For a free-to-play shooter, Splitgate has taken off in a way few other games could ever hope to. While it is technically still in beta, it is open for any and everyone to play. Don’t let that turn you off, though, because this space-bending shooter feels fully complete. The concept is simple: Add portals to a Halo-style FPS. Every player can create portals on designated walls in this arena-style shooter, leading to some of the most tactical and frenetic FPS action on the market. It’s still a little light on content, but for a free game that’s still being worked on, you could find far worse FPS games than this.
Splitgate — Official Console Release Date Trailer | Summer of Gaming 2021
Forza Horizon 5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Racing, Sport
Developer
Playground Games
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 09, 2021
Racing games often get sidelined a bit when it comes to multiplayer games, especially next to behemoth-sized FPS titles, but Forza Horizon 5 is a perfect mix of simulation and accessibility. It doesn’t quite go as extreme as the pure arcade experiences like a Burnout game might, but the single-player mode is a force to be reckoned with, not to mention how much it shines as a multiplayer experience. One of the most notable features is that Forza Horizon 5 features a giant open world with tons of activities. There are dozens of races and events all the time, and “drivatars” can make the world feel full even when your friends can’t be there at the same time. Throw in the option to run at 120 fps and nearly instant loading times on the Series X, and this racer is pure adrenaline.
Read our full Forza Horizon 5 review
Forza Horizon 5 Official Announce Trailer
NBA 2K23
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
Visual Concepts
Publisher
2K Games
Release
September 08, 2022
The NBA 2k series is basically the basketball equivalent of the Call of Duty series. It may not evolve a ton from year to year, but you can’t deny how solid they’ve nailed the presentation and feel of their respective genres. NBA 2K23 is the latest and most complete entry to date and the second in a row to feature a WNBA player on one of the six possible covers. This game takes the series a bit further into the simulation aspect of the sport, making it a little more difficult but all the more satisfying to master. There was some controversy regarding how much of the in-game currency you need to make a decent player, but if you enjoy the core gameplay, this is still the best basketball game on the market.
NBA 2K23: First Look Trailer
Fortnite
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy
Developer
Epic Games
Publisher
Epic Games
Release
July 25, 2017
Everyone knows Fortnite. It’s been the most popular battle royale game ever since it hit the scene and has only continued to expand and surprise players. For a free-to-play game, there’s no other title that can match how much new stuff Fortnite throws at you. From crossover events and challenges to seasonal game types, it’s easy to see why this is the multiplayer game for an entire generation of gamers. So long as you can get to grips with the building mechanics or are willing to learn, it’s hard to deny that this isn’t one of the most fun times you can have online, whether you win or lose a match.
Destiny 2
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Tactical, Adventure
Developer
Bungie
Publisher
Activision
Release
September 06, 2017
Bungie put Xbox — and console FPS games in general — on the map with their Halo series way back in 2001. Now that they’ve moved on, their focus is squarely on their innovative, shared-world looter shooter Destiny 2. Mixing light MMORPG elements with tight gunplay, evolving narratives, and robust PvP modes, Destiny 2 has become a massively addicting game among hardcore gamers. Being a shared-world experience, you can team up to play all the normal story missions, plus other content to grind for new weapons and gear like strikes, or even take on the most difficult content in the game’s raids. Whether you want to team up or take on other Guardians, this FPS is a massive package you can jump into for free.
Apex Legends
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Respawn Entertainment
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
February 04, 2019
One of the newer battle royale games on the market, Apex Legends came out of nowhere, almost literally, and immediately established itself as one of the heavy hitters for online games. Aside from also being free, which is always a huge bonus, Apex Legends carved out its own space in the genre by focusing on squads of three distinct characters working together with tight, tactical gunplay. Each character feels like they come from a hero shooter like Overwatch, but the game feel is something of a mix between the fluid movement of Titanfall 2 and the snappy responsiveness of a Call of Duty game, which all makes perfect sense considering the developers.
Read our full Apex Legends review
Sea of Thieves
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Adventure
Developer
Rare
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
March 20, 2018
Sea of Thieves didn’t have the best launch — it was one of the first major titles Microsoft added to its Game Pass service, but at the time was dinged for a lack of content. People liked the concept of leading a crew of your friends on quests on the high seas, but there just wasn’t enough variety to keep players coming back. That was three years ago. Rare has been able to right the ship with tons of updates and content drops that continue to this day. Between the random events, other players interfering, and the chaos of trying to manage your ship with your crew, Sea of Thieves becomes a game you’ll walk away from with dozens of stories to tell. Add in an extremely successful Steam release and seamless cross-play, and this pirate adventure is a joy for all ages.
Sea of Thieves — E3 Announce Trailer (Official)
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The best Xbox multiplayer games
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The best Xbox multiplayer games honor a 19-year-old legacy. Back when the Xbox debuted, online gaming was generally reserved for PCs, and often required cumbersome IP-swapping or resource-heavy third-party programs. In 2002, Xbox Live changed that forever by introducing simple multiplayer options in the console space.
Today, the Xbox (either Xbox One, the Xbox Series X, or the Xbox Series S — take your pick, the library is nearly identical) is still one of the very best places to indulge in multiplayer fun. Whether you want to play with strangers online or with friends and family on your couch, there’s a game to suit every taste and genre preference.
We’ve put together 10 of our very favorite Xbox multiplayer games; you’re almost sure to find something you like in this list. If not, though, simply visit the Xbox Games Catalog , and activate a filter for either Online Multiplayer or Local Multiplayer.
Call of Duty: Warzone
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It’s probably not shocking that a Call of Duty game wound up on an Xbox multiplayer list. After all, Call of Duty was one of the series that helped spark the growth of competitive first-person shooters on consoles. Still, Call of Duty: Warzone is a deep, challenging FPS — and it’s completely free, too. You and up to 149 players compete in a huge battle royale, outfitting your soldier with all sorts of weapons, perks and cosmetic items. Winning matches earns you currency, which you can use to further refine your character. When you want a lot of action and not much else, Call of Duty: Warzone fits the bill.
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Cuphead
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Cuphead is an enormously difficult game, but grabbing a co-op partner can make the whole experience much more manageable. In this retro platformer, you and a partner take control of Cuphead and Mugman, two animated heroes who have to fight off a series of colorful, challenging foes, culminating in a battle with the devil himself. Cuphead looks like a classic Disney cartoon, complete with fluid animation and a slightly muted color palette. It’s also a pretty punishing experience, which is where having a second player can really come in handy. Just be aware that your second player has to be local; there’s no online play.
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Dark Souls: Remastered
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For the most part, Dark Souls: Remastered is a single-player game. But it has just enough multiplayer capabilities to keep things interesting — and you can optimize a character for either co-op or player-versus-player combat, if you prefer. Dark Souls is an ultra-difficult action/RPG that casts you as an undead warrior, slowly losing their humanity as they face off against the eldritch horrors in the dying fantasy realm of Lodran. The twist is that you can briefly reclaim your humanity, which lets you summon a co-op partner for boss fights — and which lets other players invade your world, attempting to claim your humanity for themselves.
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Divinity: Original Sin 2
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Turn-based RPGs don’t often offer co-op play, which makes Divinity: Original Sin 2 something special. This long, involved game lets you create your own character and journey through the fantasy realm of Rivellon, fighting off a variety of foes both mundane and magical. What’s interesting is that up to three other players can do exactly the same thing, making Divinity: Original Sin 2 arguably the next-best thing to playing through a tabletop RPG with your friends. Granted, the game is long — at least 50 hours — so you’re all in for a long haul. But it beats sitting around and arguing over who should run the next D&D game.
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Forza Horizon 4
(Image credit: Playground Games)
No list of the best Xbox multiplayer games would be complete without a racing game, and Forza Horizon 4 is arguably one of the Xbox One’s flagship titles. This expansive racing game takes place across a good chunk of the United Kingdom, from Edinburgh to Ambleside. You can compete in races, build up your stash of cars, customize your avatar’s clothing and accessories or simply drive from place to place, taking in the huge open world. If you play online, each server supports up to 72 players. There’s no local multiplayer, though, so if you want to play with your friends, they’ll need their own copies of the game.
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Gears 5
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Gears of War is one of the most recognizable multiplayer shooters on Xbox, and Gears 5 is where you’ll find most of the player base these days. Gears 5 has ongoing Operations, which let players compete in various multiplayer scenarios and maps. There are plenty of challenges to undertake, from cooperative Horde modes to competitive Team Deathmatch modes. You can even play the story campaign cooperatively, either locally or online. At its core, Gears 5 is a fairly simple third-person shooter, but it’s also a refined third-person shooter with a lot of potential strategies to employ. Give it a try, if you haven’t.
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Halo: The Master Chief Collection
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“Halo” is nearly synonymous with “Xbox multiplayer,” and you can play every Halo game on modern Xbox consoles. Halo 5 has a bigger competitive multiplayer scene, but Halo: The Master Chief Collection is where you’ll want to go for cooperative multiplayer. That’s because The Master Chief Collection gathers the first six games in the Halo series, complete with cooperative campaign gameplay, either online or locally. Halo veterans know that campaign co-op is one of the most memorable aspects of the series, combining challenging combat, impressive set pieces and a surprisingly decent ongoing story. It’s also a great way to get ready for Halo Infinite later this year.
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Minecraft
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Multiplayer games don’t have to be all about combat. Minecraft isn’t. At this point, you’ve almost certainly heard of Minecraft, the creative sandbox that’s the digital equivalent of playing with an instruction-less Lego set. You explore a randomly generated environment (rendered in a signature blocky, pixelated art style), collecting resources as you go. You can then use these resources to craft whatever you desire, from enchanted swords to towering castles. You can play with up to four players locally, or up to 10 players online. You can also save your favorite randomly generated worlds and share them with friends.
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Sea of Thieves
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When you’ve had your fill of competitive shooters, you can always try being a pirate instead. In Sea of Thieves, you and up to three partners take command of your very own pirate ship. From there, you prowl the high seas for treasure to hoard, adventures to discover and enemies to fight — both computer-controlled monsters and other players. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock cosmetic items, but the only way to build your skills is to play the game and learn its ins and outs. Sea of Thieves strikes a beautiful balance between directed and emergent gameplay, encouraging players to pursue their own goals, and cooperate with whoever’s available.
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Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017)
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Star Wars: Battlefront II (the 2017 version; not the one from 2005) isn’t the most inventive game on this list, but it does accomplish exactly what it sets out to do. You take control of a soldier in the Star Wars universe, participating in battles from the prequels, the original trilogy and the Disney sequels. You can fight on foot, in ground vehicles or in starships, traversing huge levels and completing optional objectives as you go. You can also play as recognizable heroes and villains, such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Boba Fett. It’s pure fanservice — but it’s well-executed pure fanservice.
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Marshall Honorof is a senior editor for Tom’s Guide, overseeing the site’s coverage of gaming hardware and software. He comes from a science writing background, having studied paleomammalogy, biological anthropology, and the history of science and technology. After hours, you can find him practicing taekwondo or doing deep dives on classic sci-fi.
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Best Xbox One Multiplayer Games
As the Xbox One nears the end of its life cycle, one thing is clear: while there are some great single-player games on Xbox One, the console is defined by its multiplayer games. Games like Halo 5 and Sea of Thieves solidify Xbox One as the place to play with friends. Including the two previously mentioned games, here are the best multiplayer games currently available on Xbox One.
For this list, we’ve been looking for multiplayer games that work best on Xbox One. This includes Xbox One exclusives, of course, but also games enhanced for Xbox One X. Most of the best Xbox One multiplayer games are available on the Game Pass, too. If you need a few more options, be sure to check out our guide to the best multiplayer games on PC. nine0007
further reading
Gears 5
Gears 5 is the best Gears of War game in recent memory that takes full advantage of the Xbox One and Xbox One X to provide beautiful graphics and multiple open world sections in the campaign. Given the past few Gears of War games, it’s tempting to jump right into the multiplayer modes while completely ignoring the story. Gears 5 has a campaign worth trying. It supports co-op play with up to three other players, whether they’re online or near you. nine0007
It doesn’t detract Gears 5′ Great multiplayer, just to complement it. Standard multiplayer modes are present, from the Arcade Quick Play playlist to Ranked Team Deathmatch. Gears 5 stands out for its Horde and Escape modes. The Horde has been around since Gears of War 2, and it’s just as good in Gears 5. Survive 50 waves of enemies with four friends and victory is yours. Escape mode is new in this series. It’s a three-player co-op mode where your squad must escape a locust hive before a poison bomb goes off. Escape is very different from Horde, with limited resources and an overwhelming number of enemies. Half the battle is knowing when to shoot and when to run. nine0007
Read our Gears 5 review
Halo 5
Even with the upcoming Xbox Series X launch, it’s still many months away. Halo Infinite finally arrives. At this time, Halo 5 is the most modern and polished Halo game. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best — The Master Chief Collection could easily fill that spot, but if you’re new to the series, Halo 5 is the best place to start. Campaign is decent — not at level Halo 3, but passable — and supports co-op play for up to four players. However, as any Halo fan knows, multiplayer is the way to go.
Halo 5′ Multiplayer offers everything a Halo multiplayer should have. It’s fast and responsive, but never goes beyond some non-standard game modes. This balance allows anyone to take part in the game, whether you want to climb the ranks or just shoot a little. Studio 343 is also constantly changing new multiplayer game modes. The standard competitive and casual Slayer and Swat modes are present, but you’ll also see Super Fiesta and Grifball from time to time. nine0007
Read our Halo 5: Guardians review
Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves is a free multiplayer experience. There are quests and those quests are tied to the player’s progress, but it’s between the map markers where Sea of Thieves shines. Whether you’re piloting a ship through roaring waters where every crew member plays a part, or exploring a small island in search of treasure: Sea of Thieves is the canvas for unforgettable gaming moments with friends. nine0007
The experience of cooperation is second to none, but that doesn’t mean the high seas are safe. Part Sea of Thieves Experience going toe-to-toe with other pirate fleets, trying to fire cannons over their sails without losing your ship. Sea of Thieves sits somewhere in between Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. It offers enough action to keep players without any strict structure. nine0007
Read our Sea of Thieves review
Cuphead
Cuphead ‘ The opening theme starts with “Cuphead and his pal, Mugman,” and for good reason. Cuphead has a single player mode, but its co-op mode stands out. It’s not a free pass — bosses have twice the health in co-op, so expect the same level of difficulty — but having a second player can make running and shooting levels much easier. Players can revive each other in co-op, meaning that a poorly timed parry doesn’t mean the game ends immediately. However, this one is for the sofa; nine0003 Cuphead does not currently support online play.
Read our Cuphead review
Red Dead Online
Red Dead Online is the multiplayer part of Red Dead Redemption II, which currently tops our list of the best games on Xbox Game Pass. That’s why we include it. If you prefer a more modern approach, Grand Theft Auto Online is just as interesting. like GTA Online, Red Dead Online just Red Dead Redemption II with friends. Instead of playing as Arthur Morgan, you can create your own character by completing quests and rewards in the Wild West with your own personalized band of outlaws.
It’s not just a rambunctious multiplayer mode. Red Dead Online has its own history. Set one year before Red Dead Redemption II, you play as a silent protagonist recently broken out of prison by a group of bandits. If you prefer a more open approach, Red Dead Online has many activities outside of the main story, from getting contracts with a squad to fighting other players in the Showdown series.
Read our Red Dead Redemption II review
Apex Legends
With the exception of Fortnite, Apex Legends may be the most popular battle royale game right now — it’s by far one of the best. Since Titanfall 2 has shown that Respawn can play a fast paced and fluid multiplayer game. nine0003 Apex Legends brings this to full screen. In terms of gameplay, Apex Legends doesn’t change the formula much. It introduced the possibility of a battle royale revival — something Activision expanded on in Call of Duty: Warzone — but beyond that, it’s all about looting and shooting.
Respawn got those two parts right. Loot is given away generously, and with the new crafting system, you can create any missing gear. When it comes to shooting, it all comes down to feel. The combination of graphics, sound design and animation creates a weapon that feels heavy yet responsive. In addition, there are a number of unique Legends, each bringing their own talents and abilities to Apex Games. nine0007
Read our Apex Legends review
Microsoft Store
Divinity: Original Sin II
Divinity: Original Sin II is an old-fashioned isometric RPG, and it’s great. If you’re looking for deep lore, tactical combat, and nearly endless story possibilities, Divinity: Original Sin II is for you. If you need a lot of action and don’t care too much about digging through dialogue trees, there are better options on this list. nine0003 Divinity: Original Sin II is not a game for everyone. However, for players who enjoy this style of play, there is nothing better. It’s a great single-player experience, but to get Divinity: Original Sin II, , it’s best to take three friends with you on the trip.
You play as a Source, someone who can develop a Source to cast spells. Rivellon, where all of the Divinity games take place, is under attack by the Abyssal Awakened, attracted by the power of the Well. To repel the invasion, the Divine Order begins to go after the Wells, supplying those who use magic with a collar that silences their Wells. Your journey begins on a ship filled to the brim with muted source characters on your way to Fort Joy, where the Divine Order cleanses the Sources from their Source. All this happens in the first 45 minutes of the game, and about 50 more hours are devoted only to the main quest. nine0003 Divinity: Original Sin II is a journey, and if you’re into RPGs at all, you and your friends should take this journey.
Minecraft
As one of the best selling games of all time, Minecraft needs little introduction. This is to Voxel building game where everything you can create is only limited by your imagination. It’s great with friends too. Minecraft supports cross play between Windows 10, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, VR, iOS and Android, so you can team up with friends no matter what platform they’re on. It’s also on Game Pass, so if you’re a subscriber you can download Minecraft for free.
Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition
It’s Easy to Forget Killer Instinct was released with Xbox One in 2013. The game has been actively developed for the last seven years. It has a decent cast of characters, but Killer Instinct is still nowhere near Tekken 7 on that front. Killer Instinct exudes feeling. Actions are responsive, with very little groovy frames. Once you master the character’s moveset, Killer Instinct reaches a state of flux that even the best fighting games can’t match. Plus, it runs at 60fps or higher even on the base Xbox One.
As its own name, Killer Instinct comes with the regular Xbox mode. It supports Play Anywhere so you can switch between PC and Xbox One and challenge players across platforms. Definitive Edition is also available on Game Pass. In addition to the free version, it includes a full list of characters, including Rush of Battletoads and Artbitor from Halo, as well as the first two Killer Instinct games scaled for Xbox One.
Borderlands 3
Borderlands 3 enhances every aspect of the games it was played in. The combat is more bombastic, the quests are more varied, and there are more weapons than in any other Borderlands game. If you haven’t switched to previous games, Borderlands 3 won’t change your mind. If you have, Borderlands 3 turns the dial to 11. Rare weapons and over-the-top combat, however, will get you far wrong. nine0003 Borderlands 3 is fun in single player mode, but the looting and shooting cycle can get old quickly depending on your tolerance. Like many other games on this list, Borderlands 3 shines in multiplayer.
Wiping the sweat off your forehead after an intense fight or hunting down rare legendary weapons is much more enjoyable with a group of Vault Hunters. Borderlands 3 adds some significant changes to the co-op mode compared to previous games. In particular, the game features instanced loot, where each player has access to their own loot, scaled to their level. If you’re after the classic Borderlands experience where players fight for everything on earth, that’s available too. nine0007
Read our Borderlands 3 hands-on review
Editorial note
Alexander is a die-hard Android fan, passionate blogger, obsessive editor, bug tracker and founder of China Phone.
List of Xbox 360 multiplayer games
Red Dead Redemption
Released: 2010
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
System requirements: unknown
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Genre: open world, action, shooter, action, adventure
From the creators of the iconic GTA-Rockstar Games series, comes a brand new open-world western game. You play as former thug John Marston, who is outlawed and forced to work for government agents to protect his family…
91 /100
Left 4 Dead
Released: 2008
Platforms: MacOS, PC, Xbox 360
System Requirements: Low
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Genre: horror, shooter, action
Left 4 Dead is a multiplayer survival horror and FPS game developed by Turtle Rock Studio. According to the plot, the United States became the focus of an epidemic of a previously unknown virus…
91 /100
Portal 2
Released: 2011
Platforms: MacOS, PlayStation 3, PC, Xbox 360
System Requirements: Low
Genre: quest, puzzle
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Portal 2 lets you re-live the fun gameplay of the original Portal with the exoskeleton female test subject Chell and the crazed artificial intelligence GLaDOS…
91 /100
Portal
Released: 2007
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PC, Xbox 360
System Requirements: Low
Genre: action, puzzle, rpg
Portal is a fantasy logic puzzle game developed by Valve Corporation in 2007. According to the plot of the game, a girl named Chell awakens in the glass dome of the research center of the Aperture Science Corporation…
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91 /100
Team Fortress 2
Released: 2007
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PC, Xbox 360
System Requirements: Low
Genre: thriller, shooter, action
Team Fortress 2 is a multiplayer team action game with great dynamics, game speed, first person view, unique animation, humor and graphics. In the game, you will have to choose between nine unique characters…
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91 /100
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Released: 2007
Platforms: MacOS, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Wii, PC, Xbox 360
System Requirements: Low
Genre: thriller, shooter, action
With Activision’s Modern Warfare series, the developers decided to focus on the present. This part contains modern weapons and equipment. Events cover not one territory, but the whole world …
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89 /100
Resident evil 4
Released: 2005
Platforms: iOS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, PC, Xbox 360
System Requirements: Low
Genre: horror, shooter, action, adventure, survival
Resident Evil 4 is a multi-platform survival horror action game, the fourth episode of the Resident Evil saga. In the story, six years have passed since the destruction of Raccoon City. Government agent Leon Kennedy is sent to Europe, where the president’s daughter, Ashley Graham, is held hostage by the Los Illuminados cult, who needs to be rescued. ..
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87 /100
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Released: 2013
Platforms: Android, iOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC, Windows Phone, Xbox 360, Xbox One
System Requirements: Medium
Genre: action, adventure, platformer, quest, puzzle, rpg
The video game Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is based on the story of two siblings who want to save their dying father at any cost. Only the magical «Water of Life» will help to cope with a terrible disease, which is not easy to find…
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86 /100
Rayman Legends
Released: 2013
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, WiiU, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One
System Requirements: Medium
Genre: action, adventure, platformer, arcade
Legends is the continuation of the Rayman series. Globox and Tinsis wandered through the enchanted forest and came across a mysterious tent in which they found interesting paintings. Having examined the images in the paintings carefully, the friends noticed that all the paintings tell about the stories of mythical worlds. ..
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85 /100
Forza Motorsport 2
Released: 2007
Platforms: Xbox 360
System requirements: unknown
Genre: Racing, Action, Sports
Forza Motorsport 2, designed for the XBOX 360, unlocking the console’s potential. Very high resolution, great speeds and special effects create an unsurpassed presence effect…
84 /100
Left 4 Dead 2
Released: 2009
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360
System Requirements: Low
Genre: action, shooter, action, survival
In the second part of the famous game, the plot is built on the basis of the actions of the four remaining people who lived during the zombie apocalypse. The game plot will be conditionally divided into 5 companies that are tightly connected by an exciting storyline…
84 /100
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009
Released: 2008
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Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Wii, PC, Xbox 360
System Requirements: Low
Genre: simulation
Fans of football simulations will definitely like the game Pro Evolution Soccer 2009. In this version, gamers will find excellent graphics, an incredible similarity of characters with real football players, as well as very realistic stadiums…
84 /100
Fallout: New Vegas
Released: 2010
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Platforms: PlayStation 3, PC, Xbox 360
System Requirements: Low
Genre: open world, shooter, action, rpg, adventure
Fallout: New Vegas is the next chapter in the beloved Fallout series. Although the game mechanics are borrowed from the third part of the game, which does not make it a continuation. And in general…
84 /100
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Released: 2012
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PC, Xbox 360
System Requirements: Medium
Genre: RPG
Aliens are attacking, the threat to enslave the Earth is real as never before! In the new XCOM: Enemy Unknown, a tactical strategy game published by 2K Games, you are provided with a variety of tools to protect the planet from invasion — under your command a squad of six elite fighters, ready to destroy even an unknown enemy.