Finding a game that your entire friend group agrees on is harder than it should be. Here are the best multiplayer experiences right now sorted by group size.
2 players (co-op):
- It Takes Two — Still the gold standard for co-op. Every level has a different gameplay mechanic. Won Game of the Year 2021 for a reason. Source: The Game Awards.
- Baldur's Gate 3 (co-op campaign) — 100+ hours of D&D-style RPG with a friend. The choices you make together create stories you will talk about for years.
- Portal 2 (co-op campaign) — The best puzzle co-op ever made. 13 years old and still unmatched.
3-4 players:
- Helldivers 2 — Squad-based shooter where you fight alien bugs. The friendly fire creates chaos and laughter in equal measure. Best played with voice chat.
- Lethal Company — Horror exploration game. Your squad explores abandoned moons to collect scrap while avoiding monsters. The fear and comedy balance is perfect.
- Deep Rock Galactic — Space dwarves mining in procedurally generated caves. "Rock and Stone" is a lifestyle, not a catchphrase.
5+ players:
- Among Us — The social deduction game that refuses to die. Still excellent with a full lobby of friends.
- Fortnite (Zero Build) — Removing building made Fortnite accessible again. The no-build mode is genuinely fun.
- Jackbox Party Packs — Not a traditional game but the best party game for large groups. Quiplash alone justifies the purchase.
MMO/ongoing:
- Final Fantasy XIV — The best MMO on the market. The Dawntrail expansion continues the story. Free trial includes hundreds of hours of content.
- Destiny 2 — The gunplay is still the best in the FPS genre. The new player experience is confusing but the endgame raids are unmatched.
Sources: The Game Awards, Steam concurrent player data, personal play experience
Helldivers 2 with friends on voice chat is the most fun I have had gaming in years. Nothing beats calling in an orbital strike that accidentally kills your entire squad and everyone laughing about it.