Alright, listen up. We’ve all been there: you’re hyped to game with your friends, but the matchmaking is a mess, the lag’s killing you, and half of your squad’s on a different console. If you’re tired of running into those problems and want to get your gaming crew together for some smooth, fun sessions, then this list is for you. Whether you’re looking to dive into a co-op adventure or square off in a competitive match, these multiplayer games have you covered.
I’m talking about games that offer buttery-smooth gameplay, minimal lag, and most importantly, no one gets left behind. So, grab your snacks, kick back, and let’s talk about the best multiplayer games to play with friends, no matter what platform you’re on.
1. Fortnite
Why It’s the Perfect Group Play Game:
- Cross-Platform Madness: Fortnite is pretty much the king when it comes to cross-platform play. You and your friends can jump in, whether they’re on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, or PC. It’s the ultimate test of building, shooting, and surviving, and every match feels fresh with its frequent updates and in-game events.
- Free to Play: Oh, and did I mention it’s free? No entry fee to battle it out in this epic battle royale.
Pro Tip:
- Building Like a Pro: Building is what separates the good from the great. Learn to build quick walls and ramps to get the upper hand in those close-quarter battles. Practice makes perfect, so get some solo matches in first.
2. Apex Legends
Why It’s Perfect for the Competitive Crew:
- Hero-Based Combat: Apex Legends is a battle royale with a twist. You play as one of several Legends, each with their own unique abilities. Whether you’re laying down heavy artillery or creating escape routes for your squad, each Legend feels totally different. It’s fast-paced, strategic, and way more than just running around shooting people.
- Zero Lag, High Action: It’s available on PC, PS4, Xbox, and Switch, and the cross-play works seamlessly. You’ll feel like you’re on the same team, even if your buddies are rocking different systems.
Pro Tip:
- Communicate: In Apex, teamwork is key. Use the in-game pings to communicate with your squad—mark enemies, items, and locations. It’s a life-saver, trust me. Did you like our article? Read also about how to win in Dota 2.
3. Rocket League
Why It’s All About the Chaos:
- Soccer with Rocket-Powered Cars: If you haven’t played Rocket League yet, what are you even doing with your life? Picture soccer—but with rocket cars and way more explosive action. You can team up with your friends for some wild matches, and it works smoothly across all platforms.
- Super Easy to Jump In: Whether you’re playing on PC, PS4, Xbox, or Switch, getting into a match takes no time at all. The fun never stops, and each match is a rollercoaster ride of epic goals and crazy saves.
Pro Tip:
- Boost Control: The boost mechanic is vital. Master how to use it effectively for aerial shots or quick defensive plays. It’s all about the perfect timing!
4. Minecraft
Why It’s Perfect for Creativity:
- Endless Possibilities: Sure, you can spend hours in Minecraft just mining and crafting, but the real magic happens when you play with friends. You can build massive fortresses, design complex redstone machines, or go on epic survival adventures. It’s a sandbox game that truly lets you make it whatever you want.
- Cross-Platform: Minecraft’s Bedrock Edition allows cross-play between consoles, PC, and mobile. No matter where your friends are playing, you can all get together and create your own world.
Pro Tip:
- Set Up a Server: If you’re feeling adventurous, try setting up a private server for you and your friends. You can run mods, create custom adventures, and turn your server into something truly unique.
Learn more: Minecraft on Wikipedia
5. Among Us
Why It’s All About Deception:
- The Ultimate Social Deduction Game: Okay, so this one’s a bit different. Among Us isn’t your typical multiplayer game. It’s all about lying, accusing, and working together—or trying to throw your friends under the bus. You and your crew are working to complete tasks on a spaceship, but one (or more) of you is secretly sabotaging the group. Trust no one.
- Easy to Play: Whether you’re on mobile, PC, or Nintendo Switch, Among Us runs on basically anything, and you can hop into games quickly. Plus, it’s a blast to play with your crew, especially if you’re looking for a game with a good mix of tension and laughs.
Pro Tip:
- Master the Art of Deception: If you’re the Impostor, stay cool under pressure. Keep track of what others are doing, and use sabotage to your advantage. It’s all about playing mind games!
6. Phasmophobia
Why It’s the Ultimate Horror Coop:
- Haunt Your Friends (Literally): Phasmophobia is a co-op horror game where you and your friends are ghost hunters investigating haunted locations. You’ll have to use various tools to gather evidence and figure out what type of ghost is haunting the place—but it’s not as simple as that. Ghosts will try to hunt you, and it’s up to you to survive.
- Cross-Platform Support: Available on PC and VR, and it lets you team up across platforms for an even creepier experience.
Pro Tip:
- Use the Voice Chat: This game has voice recognition, so you can ask the ghost questions, but watch out—too much talking could get you killed. Stay calm, and use the walkie-talkies to communicate when things go sideways.
7. Destiny 2
Why It’s Perfect for Grinding:
- Epic Sci-Fi Battles: Destiny 2 combines the thrill of first-person shooters with a deep, ever-expanding universe. Whether you’re grinding out new gear, tackling raids, or going head-to-head in PvP, this game’s got endless content for you and your crew to dive into.
- Cross-Play Support: PC, PS4, Xbox—if you’re into Destiny, you can now team up with anyone. Bungie nailed it with cross-play, and it’s smooth as butter.
Pro Tip:
- Focus on Your Build: Destiny’s customization options are insane. Whether you’re a Warlock, Titan, or Hunter, make sure to level up your abilities and gear to fit your playstyle. Raid encounters will make or break you, so prepare accordingly.
8. Overcooked! 2
Why It’s Chaos with Friends:
- Cooking Under Pressure: If you’re looking for a hilarious, fast-paced multiplayer game, Overcooked! 2 is the one. You and your friends are chefs trying to cook and serve meals in increasingly chaotic kitchens. It sounds simple, but trust me—when you throw in moving platforms, fires, and strange kitchen layouts, it’s anything but.
- Perfect for Friends: It’s one of those games where you can’t help but laugh at how disastrous everything becomes, but the best part is how it brings everyone together.
Pro Tip:
- Plan Ahead: Communication is key in Overcooked! 2. Figure out your roles early on—who’s chopping, who’s serving, who’s cleaning—and stick to it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with burned food and frustrated friends.
Whether you’re battling it out in Apex Legends, building epic worlds in Minecraft, or cooking up chaos in Overcooked! 2, multiplayer games offer a chance to get together with your friends and experience something unforgettable. The best part? These games are available across multiple platforms, meaning no one gets left out. So, pick your squad, fire up the console or PC, and dive into one of these titles for your next gaming session. You’ll thank me later when you’re all in a squad, building, battling, and laughing together.