Looking for the best multiplayer games to play solo or with friends? We’ve all been there, wasting the first hour scrolling through Steam, or Game Pass, searching for the right game.
With so many choices, you might need a spreadsheet to decide what to play next. Should you dive into Helldivers 2 for team-based chaos, or try something else entirely?
No worries. We’ve put together a list of multiplayer video games like Overwatch 2 to unite diverse player types. So let’s dive in!
Best Multiplayer Games
Here are some of the best multiplayer games you can play in 2025:
1. Counter-Strike 2
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
ZywOo and m0NESY. Two famous gamers who keep Counter-Strike 2 exciting. But what really makes it one of the best multiplayer games on PC today?
The game’s fast-paced action, strategic depth, and intense shootouts are addictive. Sharp reflexes, pinpoint aim, and solid teamwork. Yes, you need them all to stay on top.
As the round begins, you and your team spread out purposefully. You hold positions with your crosshair at head level and wait.
Then, a smoke grenade blocks the enemy’s view, forcing them to scramble. A teammate confirms their position. You peek, fire a quick burst, and score a headshot.
Reasons to play this multiplayer game: It’s all about showing off your skill in FPS games. No tricks, just quick aiming, good instincts, and economic strategy against the opponent’s.
2. Fortnite
- Genre: Battle Royale
Fortnite is a free-to-play battle royale where up to 100 gamers land on a shrinking map. They build forts, take out opponents, and chase that sweet Victory Royale.
It’s chaotic and fun, whether gaming with friends or strangers across platforms. Looking for a fun multiplayer game? Fortnite delivers.
Just like Ninja, Bugha or Tfue, you’ll leap from the Battle Bus into a vibrant world, gliding using the Cosmic Voyager glider from the Battle Pass to a currently active location like The Hive.
A fast-paced build battle unfolds as structures clash for high ground, ending with a precise shotgun shot from above. Whether you’re playing competitively or just for casual fun, the action is non-stop.
Reasons to play this multiplayer video game: Want a game that’s always fun and new? This game has a building system that’s advanced, making the battle royale even more creative and exciting.
Related: Best Games to Stream on Twitch and YouTube
3. Valorant
- Genre: Tactical FPS
When it comes to good multiplayer games, Valorant stays in your mind, right? Riot’s tactical shooter mixes CS:GO precision with hero abilities that shake things up.
You pick agents with unique powers, maybe a flash-and-entry Duelist like Reyna, or a tactical Controller like Omen. You then team up in 5v5 rounds, plant spikes, or defend sites.
It’s all about sharp aim and clever mind games. One clutch can change everything.
Valorant is the ultimate battleground where knowing your utility makes all the difference between pros and amateurs. And with the latest update, smurfing? Forget about it.
You’re holding a tight angle on Corrode’s B site. Your crosshair is already at head level. A quick, precise shot from your Vandal drops her instantly.
Reasons to play this multiplayer game: You’ll enjoy sharp shooting and seek a strategic challenge. Your gunplay matters just as much as how you master your agent’s skills.
4. World of Warcraft
- Genre: MMORPG
It’s been over 21 years since its 2004 launch, and it’s still one of the best multiplayer games out there. It evolves through updates, events, and a passionate community that keeps the vibe alive.
In this game, your character, in epic armor shimmering with energy, joins up with 20–25 heroes at a massive raid entrance. A giant sleeping dragon awaits inside.
Are you a brave Tank, charging in to draw the monster’s fire so your friends stay safe? Or a Healer, the one everyone depends on to keep their health up when things get intense?
Each role is a whole new world, and discovering the one that clicks with you is what makes it exciting. Once you find it, the adventures never stop.
Reasons to play this multiplayer game: You’ll dive into a vast, story-rich fantasy world filled with raiding, questing, and crafting. There’s always something new to discover.
5. League of Legends
- Genre: Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
180 million players every day. Can you believe that? At first, you might wonder why it’s such a good multiplayer game. But, once you try it, you’ll understand why so many people are hooked.
League of Legends is a fast-paced MOBA. Two teams of five clash on Summoner’s Rift, each aiming to break through enemy defenses and blow up their Nexus.
But getting there is exciting. With more than 140 champions, you can pick a character that matches your style, whether a sneaky assassin, a tank, or a mage.
You can learn from Faker or Caps on how to play like a pro. The game is free-to-play, but it has a massive esports scene, with professional leagues and tournaments offering millions in prize money.
It’s free to play, but the esports scene is huge, with pro leagues and tournaments that give out millions in prizes.
Reasons to play this multiplayer game: If you enjoy a challenge and mastering complex systems to top the leaderboards with strategy and skill, this multiplayer video game is for you.
6. Escape from Tarkov
- Genre: Hardcore First-Person Shooter
Battlestate Games released Escape from Tarkov in 2017. It blew up quickly and caught the attention of players like PewDiePie, Shroud, and many others.
You can bet there’s something special about it, right? Sure. You’ll enter a war-torn Russian city. As PMCs or scavs, you raid maps for loot, fight players, then race to extract or get wiped out.
Imagine you have a flash drive with valuable quest data in your backpack. The extraction point is 400 meters away, across an open field.
This isn’t just a multiplayer game to play on your PC. It’s your primal survival instinct put to the test.
Reasons to play this multiplayer game: Experience intense, realistic combat that keeps you on edge. Each raid is a high-stakes gamble with the risk of loss but the chance for big rewards.
7. Dota 2
- Genre: Multiplayer Online Battle Arena
The Radiant and the Dire fight in this game. The goal is to destroy the enemy’s big, glowing Ancient in their base. Looks simple, but it’s way more intense than it seems.
Yes, it’s free-to-play. And unlike other MOBAs, all 120+ heroes are unlocked from the start. No grinding, no paying, no hassle. The only thing you spend on are cosmetic upgrades for your heroes.
The first few minutes of a Dota 2 match seem almost calm. You land last hits on minions, deny your opponent gold and experience, and trade tiny hits of damage.
Boring? Not too fast. As the match heats up, expect precise hits and the chance to use your ultimate on teammates if needed. Your goal is to destroy enemy towers, and stay alert for sneaky ganks.
Reasons to play this multiplayer game: It’s one of the least noob-friendly games. But stick with it, and you’ll unlock layers of deep strategy that keep you hooked.
Related: Best Switch Games to Play
8. Rust
- Genre: Survival Sandbox
Rust is a multiplayer survival game where your main goal is to stay alive. Does that sound like the multiplayer video game you want to play?
This isn’t some scripted game. It’s a living social experiment. And the real threat isn’t a bear or a wolf. It’s the person right beside you.
In this game, you start naked on a beach with nothing but a rock and a torch. Yes, that’s all you begin with.
From there, it’s up to you to decide what to do. You might have built a small, simple wooden hut.
But will you be the one to spot a valuable monument, or will a fully armed player catch you off guard and send you straight back to the start with a single shot? No one knows.
Reasons to play this multiplayer video game: It’s one of the most intense survival experiences out there. As a player-driven multiplayer game, survival is the main challenge here.
9. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
- Genre: Battle Royale
With tons of players and a super active esports scene, including the 2025 Esports World Cup with a $2 million prize, PUBG is still one of the best multiplayer games.
Shroud, summit1g, you name it. All of them are playing it and make this game even more hype to watch and play.
It’s a pure battle royale. So, like, 100 players jump onto a huge island, rush to find weapons and gear, and try to be the last person standing.
And PUBG’s maps are massive and detailed. They draw inspiration from real-world spots like a fictional Russian island in the Black Sea, and a tropical paradise in Southeast Asia.
The gunplay is what makes PUBG stand out. It’s about hitting your mark. That iconic blue zone keeps shrinking, squeezing everyone into a smaller space.
You’re always weighing your options: stay hidden or jump into a vehicle and risk drawing attention.
Why play this multiplayer game? Because you want a realistic, strategic battle royale where winning depends on good positioning and accurate shooting, rather than special abilities.
10. Street Fighter 6
- Genre: Fighting
In Street Fighter, it’s you against them. You pick your fighter, face your opponent, and get ready to fight. It’s simple. But there’s more to it that makes it one of the best multiplayer games of all time.
The game is all about the Drive Gauge, a system that powers every move. It starts each round with 6 bars of Drive Gauge and fuels five key actions:
- Drive Impact: a strong, armored attack that absorbs hits
- Drive Parry: a defensive stance that blocks everything
- Overdrive: boosts your special moves
- Drive Rush: a fast dash to extend combos
- Drive Reversal: a counter to push your opponent away
In this game, you’ll be in a crowded city stadium. The crowd will be cheering, and vibrant graffiti visuals will be moving to a hip-hop beat.
Then, with a quick flick and a press on keyboard, you use your Drive Gauge to unleash a powerful combo. Your character glows with blue energy as they land a final blow that shatters everything.
Reasons to play this multiplayer game? Heroes like Ryu and Sagat bring back old memories. With modes like Fighting Ground, Battle Hub, and World Tour, there’s always something fun to do.
11. Diablo 4
- Genre: Action Role-Playing Game
If you love diving into a dark, gothic world where you battle demonic forces, Diablo 4 might just be your new obsession. It’s a fresh multiplayer game for anyone craving something different.
You can start by choosing from five classes: Barbarian, Druid, Necromancer, Rogue, and Sorcerer, each with its own style and skills. Then, head into the grim world of Sanctuary and get ready to fight.
The world is a mess. And it’s your job to fight off demon hordes, explore randomly generated dungeons, and collect the best, brightest loot you can find.
The gameplay is simple, though. Kill monsters, level up, customize your skills and look, and chase that epic gear.
Multiplaying adds to the fun. Up to four players can team up to face tough enemies. Couch co-op is available on consoles, but limited to two players.
Here’s why you should try this multiplayer game: Its rewarding cycle of battling enemies and earning better loot. Plus, regular updates with new classes like Spiritborn and challenges like the boss Duriel
12. Helldivers 2
- Genre: Third-Person Shooter
In this game, you jump right into the action of Starship Troopers. It’s a team-based shooting game, and you play as a Helldiver, an elite soldier fighting for Super Earth.
Is this a multiplayer game to play with friends? Yes. Get up to three friends and go to dangerous planets to do missions like helping scientists or just blasting everything that gets in your way.
The moment you drop from your Super Destroyer, the mission begins. The game features two main enemy factions: the Termites, the Automatons, and the Illuminate. Your job is to fight against them.
The ground shakes as a giant Bile Titan comes over the hill. You and your team quickly hide just in time as it sprays a stream of dangerous acid.
You’ll get up, covered in black goo, and see two of your teammates accidentally killed by the blast. During the chaos and laughter, you call in a reinforcement pod to bring them back into the fight.
Reasons to dive into this multiplayer game? If you like chaotic multiplayer battles, then Helldivers 2 is a must try. It’s one of the most fun multiplayer games out there.
13. Overwatch 2
- Genre: Hero Shooter
If you’re looking for a free-to-play multiplayer game, Overwatch 2 should be on your list. It features two teams of five players, a change from the original’s six-player format.
In this game, you choose a hero from over 40 unique characters. A time-traveling hero, a gorilla scientist, or a hamster piloting a giant mech?
And the teams are built around three roles: Tanks who lead the charge and absorb damage, Damage heroes who focus on eliminating opponents, and Supports who heal and boost their allies.
While some reviews have been negative, Overwatch 2 has adopted a seasonal battle-pass system, replacing the old loot box model.
Season 16 adds Stadium Mode, a competitive, round-based mode where the first team to win seven rounds wins the match. A new hero, Freja, is also available, along with an optional third-person view.
Why play this game: It’s a game where you pick a character with special abilities and work with your team to win. Returning players will find a deeper, different game than the one they left.
14. Hearthstone
- Genre: Card Game
Not into FPS, battle royale, or RPGs? Give Hearthstone a shot. It’s a multiplayer card game that hooks many players.
You won’t need lightning-fast reflexes here. Most of the time, your hand will rest on your forehead or chin. Looks simple at first, but the strategy runs deep.
Hearthstone sticks to classic card play but offers many ways to jump in. Battlegrounds is a fan favorite. Eight players summon minions and build a warband until only one survives.
Or you can dive into Arena. Pick one card at a time from a random pool and see how many wins you can rack up before hitting three losses.
Is it a free-to-play game? It’s freemium. It means you can earn new card packs and content through gameplay or buy them with real money.
Reasons to play this multiplayer video game: You love quick, tactical card battles that are simple to pick up but tough to master. It’s your go-to for fast-paced, strategic fun on PC or mobile.
15. Minecraft
- Genre: Sandbox / Survival
You probably know Minecraft, and it totally deserves its spot on this list. It’s the best-selling video game ever, and you can play it on literally every modern device—from PC to consoles.
So, if you’re looking for the best multiplayer games of 2025, you can’t skip Minecraft.
It’s basically a giant sandbox where you can build anything you want with blocks, like an endless digital LEGO set. That’s why it’s perfect for having fun with your friends online.
What’s new? Have you checked out the Trial Chambers yet? They’re these underground mazes full of traps and challenges that are super rewarding.
Or have you heard about the Breeze? It’s this sneaky new mob that uses wind to mess with players. If not, you’re seriously missing out. Try these new features and see what you’ve been missing.
Reasons to play this multiplayer video game: You want a game that can be whatever you want it to be. It can be a chill creative outlet or a tough survival adventure with your squad.
Related: Best PS2 Games of All Time
16. Fall Guys
- Genre: Platformer
xQc has mixed feelings about this multiplayer game. Sometimes he calls himself “the king of Fall Guys” and jumps in all the time. Other times, he’s furious and yelling, “I’M DONE WITH THIS GAME!”
That was three years ago. So, what’s the deal now? The game’s still a hit. It’s free-to-play, multiplayer battle royale games on all major platforms.
Think Takeshi’s Castle with cute, bean-shaped characters. You race through goofy obstacle courses, trying to come out on top.
Up to 60 players, all beans, scramble through random mini-games. One round might be a sprint across swinging platforms, dodging spinning mallets, and fighting for first place.
Reasons to play this multiplayer video game: If you want a fun multiplayer game you can jump into for a few quick rounds, Fall Guys is your answer. It’s a game for everyone.
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17. Age of Empires IV
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
Age of Empires IV is one of the best multiplayer games for 2025. It offers classic real-time strategy gameplay, where you build bases and clash with armies, but with a modern feel.
You start with a town center and a few villagers. Gather resources like wood and gold, develop your city, progress through four ages, and build a large army to defeat your enemies.
Every civilization, whether French, English, or Mongols, hits differently. They each bring unique routes to victory, pushing you to switch up your strategy every time.
The game’s historical accuracy is a major selling point that will make you feel like you’re truly in the medieval era. Its detailed visuals bring the past to life.
Reasons to play this multiplayer game: A balanced, competitive RTS multiplayer game. Easy for newcomers to learn and rich in strategic depth for veterans.
18. Abiotic Factor
- Genre: Sci-Fi Horror
If you like games like Silent Hill 2 or Dead by Daylight, give this sci-fi horror multiplayer game a shot.
Forget tough soldiers and heroic figures. Abiotic Factor puts you in the shoes of a scientist, just trying to survive at your desk.
Most survival games drop you anywhere. Here, everyone starts in the same spot, the cafeteria. It’s your first safe zone.
This is a first-person survival crafting game for 1-6 players set deep underground in a secret research facility. Teamwork is vital to overcome challenges and uncover the story.
What sets Abiotic Factor apart is its dedication to the theme. The slow, careful pace feels more like a tactical survival test than a fast-paced shooter.
Reasons to play this multiplayer video game: This multiplayer game is smart, funny, and engaging. It rewards creativity and teamwork, making it one of the top multiplayer games to play with friends.
Related: Best Game Streaming Platforms
19. Unravel 2
- Genre: Puzzle Platformer
This game takes the single-player experience and adds a second Yarny. It turns into a cooperative puzzle-platformer that’s both charming and challenging.
So yeah. You start with two tiny yarn creatures, one red, one blue, connected by a single thread. You can play alone or with a friend on the couch, switching between Yarnys whenever you like.
Use the yarn link to solve puzzles, swing across gaps, and overcome obstacles in this game. Many puzzles are open-ended, so you can approach them in different ways with your tether.
There’s no online multiplayer. Instead, the game focuses on local co-op, encouraging players to connect face-to-face.
Reasons to play this multiplayer video game: If you’re looking for a fun multiplayer game that’s more about cooperation than competition, Unravel Two is a perfect choice.
20. Hunt: Showdown
- Genre: PvPvE Hunting FPS
Hunt: Showdown is a tense, competitive first-person shooter set in a dark, gothic world of monster hunting. It mixes PvP combat with PvE dangers in a late-19th-century swamp.
Your goal is to find clues to locate and kill a boss. Then, claim the reward, and escape. Simple, right?
From the moment you spawn, the world feels alive. You’re not just fighting other hunters. You’re also dodging zombies, hellhounds, and monstrous bosses.
Every mistake can cost you your hunter and all their gear, making each match feel intense and real.
While there’s a solo mode called Soul Survivor or Quickplay, Hunt: Showdown is best known as one of the best multiplayer games that keeps players on edge.
Reasons to play this multiplayer video game: If you want a shooter that values patience, smart strategy, and a sharp ear over quick reflexes, this is your game.
| No | Name | Genre | Reason to Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Counter-Strike 2 | First-Person Shooter | The definitive tactical shooter with deep, competitive gameplay and strong community. |
| 2 | Fortnite | Battle Royale | Constantly evolving with new content, events, and unique building mechanics. |
| 3 | Valorant | Tactical Shooter | A blend of precise gunplay and unique agent abilities for team strategy. |
| 4 | World of Warcraft | MMORPG | Explore a massive fantasy world with rich lore and endless quests. |
| 5 | League of Legends | MOBA | A highly competitive team game with a huge roster of unique champions. |
| 7 | Dota 2 | MOBA | Incredibly complex and rewarding strategy game with a high skill ceiling. |
| 8 | Rust | Survival | A brutal open-world survival game with endless player-driven interactions. |
| 9 | PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS | Battle Royale | The original battle royale experience with a focus on realistic gunplay. |
| 10 | Street Fighter 6 | Fighting | Accessible for new players while offering incredible depth for veterans. |
| 11 | Diablo 4 | Action RPG | A dark, epic fantasy world with a focus on loot and demon slaying. |
| 13 | Overwatch 2 | Hero Shooter | Fast-paced, objective-based teamwork with a diverse cast of heroes. |
| 14 | Hearthstone | Card Game | A fun and easy-to-learn collectible card game set in the Warcraft universe. |
| 15 | Minecraft | Sandbox Survival | Build, create, and explore a blocky world with friends and endless possibilities. |
| 16 | Fall Guys | Platformer | A chaotic and hilarious obstacle course race to be the last one standing. |
| 17 | Age of Empires IV | Real-Time Strategy | Command historical civilizations and build empires to dominate the battlefield. |
| 18 | Abiotic Factor | Sci-Fi Horror | Survive a science experiment gone wrong with friends in a 90s-style lab. |
| 19 | Unravel 2 | Puzzle Platformer | A charming co-op adventure with beautiful visuals and clever puzzles. |
| 20 | Hunt: Showdown | PvPvE Hunting FPS | Intense, atmospheric hunting of mythical creatures with high-risk PvP. |
Wrap Up
We’ve checked out the best multiplayer games out there, from intense shooters like Rainbow Six Siege to epic co-op quests in Diablo 4.
Our list of the 20 best multiplayer games has something for every squad and vibe. No more guesswork. You can just pick what fits your preferences.
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