Multiplayer Games That Are Better with Friends

31 May 2025

If there’s one thing that can turn an already fun pastime into an unforgettable experience, it's sharing it with friends. Multiplayer games have come a long way, and while they’re perfectly fine solo, there’s just something magical about throwing your headset on, hopping into a lobby, and scheming (or maybe failing spectacularly) together with your buddies. Whether you’re conquering dungeons, building empires, or just trying not to fall off a map, having friends along for the ride takes the fun to a whole new level.

Let’s dive into some of the best multiplayer games out there that truly shine when you’re playing with your crew. Warning: by the time you're done reading, you might feel an itch to text your friends and schedule a game night.

1. Among Us

Remember when we couldn’t stop accusing each other of being “sus”? Among Us exploded onto the gaming scene as the ultimate betrayal simulator. While it’s technically a simple game about completing tasks, let’s be real—this game is all about trust…and breaking it.

When played with friends, the intensity dials up. You'll find yourself questioning everything. “Why were they near the reactor?” or “Did they really go to fix the lights, or are they lurking in the shadows?” The mix of laughter and suspicion is an unmatched combo, and playing with people you know makes every accusation all the more hilarious.

Pro Tip:

Use Discord for voice chats. Silence during tasks and heated debates after an "emergency meeting" make it all the more entertaining!

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Few games can make or break friendships like this one. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is gorgeous, chaotic, and—to be blunt—infuriatingly fun. Playing solo is fine, but throwing banana peels at your bestie or stealing their win with a last-minute blue shell? Priceless.

"Rubberbanding" mechanics keep everyone in the running, so even if you’re having a brutal race, you’re never completely out of the game. Trust me, there’s no better feeling than snatching victory from the jaws of defeat while hearing your friends' groans over the chat.

Pro Tip:

Have snacks and drinks ready for this one because you will be playing longer than you planned.

3. Minecraft

You could spend hours building a solo masterpiece in Minecraft, but adding friends into the mix? That’s where the magic happens. Whether you’re teaming up to create the ultimate castle or trolling your bestie by hiding TNT under their base (we've all been there), Minecraft’s open-ended nature makes it a playground for creativity and camaraderie.

Want to battle mobs together? Done. Create an economy with a trading system? Sure! Minecraft isn’t just a game—it’s a canvas, and the best artwork is made with a group.

Pro Tip:

Try out custom mods or adventure maps for a fresh twist. Think dungeon crawlers, parkour challenges, or even replicas of pop culture worlds!

4. Overcooked! 2

If you haven’t played Overcooked! 2 yet, let me paint the picture: you and your friends are chefs in a chaotic kitchen with orders flying in. Simple, right? Nope. The levels are designed to ruin your life. You’ll be dodging fiery obstacles, sliding across icy platforms, and shouting (lovingly, we hope) at each other to “chop the tomatoes faster!”

This game is pure chaos. Playing with friends is the sweet spot between frustration and hilarity as you figure out how to coordinate in the middle of madness. One thing’s for sure—surviving a particularly tricky level together feels like conquering Mount Everest.

Pro Tip:

Don’t take it personally if someone yells at you for forgetting to plate a dish. It’s all part of the fun...mostly.

5. Call of Duty: Warzone

Want to channel your inner action hero with your squad? Call of Duty: Warzone delivers adrenaline-packed moments that are just plain better when shared. Whether you're plotting strategies in Battle Royale or laughing hysterically because someone keeps falling off buildings (we’ve all got that friend), the camaraderie is unmatched.

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of being revived by a teammate and tagging back in for the win. It’s a mix of skill, strategy, and sheer luck that keeps things exciting.

Pro Tip:

Coordination is key. Use in-game pinging or voice chat to call out enemy locations and strategize like a well-oiled machine.

6. Fortnite

Sure, Fortnite has its fair share of flashy moves and chaotic moments, but playing with friends amplifies the fun tenfold. Maybe you’re going for an aggressive approach and taking everybody down, or perhaps you’re just building the most absurd structures imaginable—it’s all fair game.

The best part? Those goofy, unforgettable moments. Like when your buddy tries to show off a fancy emote mid-fight only to get eliminated. It’s a mix of serious competition and lighthearted fun, making it perfect for playing with friends.

Pro Tip:

Don’t forget to communicate during intense endgame moments. The last thing you want is for your squad to be on different pages when there are five players left.

7. Rocket League

Think of it as soccer…if soccer involved rocket-powered cars and your entire team screaming as you accidentally score an own goal. Rocket League is hilariously addictive and a perfect pick for anyone who loves competitive multiplayer.

The controls are easy to pick up, but the skill ceiling is high, meaning there’s always room for improvement with your friends. Feeling ambitious? Try pulling off an aerial shot or a bicycle kick. Regardless of your skill level, it’s always a blast—but be prepared for some friendly trash talk.

Pro Tip:

Practice your positioning and rotations. It’s a fancy way of saying, “Don’t just chase the ball aimlessly.”

8. Phasmophobia

Hear me out: ghost hunting is scary, but it’s way less terrifying when you’ve got your friends screaming right alongside you. Phasmophobia is a cooperative horror game that tasks you with exploring haunted locations, identifying the ghost type, and surviving with your wits (and sanity) intact.

The catch? Each ghost is unique, and your tools sometimes feel more useless than helpful. Throw in some terrifying jump scares and your friends irrationally daring each other to go back into a room alone, and you’ve got a perfect storm of laughter and fear.

Pro Tip:

Play in the dark with headphones for peak immersion. Just make sure you’re not prone to throwing your controller when terrified.

9. It Takes Two

If you’re looking for a game that’s literally designed for playing with a friend, look no further. It Takes Two is a heartwarming (and hilarious) cooperative platformer that’s packed with puzzles, action sequences, and a charming story.

The mechanics require constant teamwork, which means you’ll both be learning to trust each other more as the story unfolds. Think of it like couples therapy, but way more fun—and not limited to just romantic partners.

Pro Tip:

Play with someone you genuinely enjoy spending time with. This game’s storyline and teamwork-heavy design will strengthen your bond (or test your patience).

10. Fall Guys

Imagine running through an obstacle course while wearing a goofy costume, bumping into everything—and everyone—along the way. That’s Fall Guys in a nutshell. This game is utter chaos, and paired with friends, it’s a laugh-out-loud riot.

From grabbing golden eggs to desperately trying to stay on a spinning platform, every round is a new test of skill and (more often than not) luck. Even if you don’t win, you’ll leave with some hilarious memories.

Pro Tip:

Be a good sport—even when your buddy sabotages you. Revenge can always come in the next round!

Friendship: The Ultimate Power-Up

At the end of the day, it’s not really about winning or losing in these games (although, you know, winning is nice). It’s about the shared memories—the inside jokes, the accidental fails, the perfect teamwork moments. Multiplayer games are a reminder that sometimes, the best part of gaming isn’t the game itself, but the people you share it with.

So, whether you’re teaming up for an epic battle or just trying to navigate a kitchen without burning it down, grab a few friends, pick a game, and let the chaos begin. After all, gaming is always better when you’re laughing—and occasionally yelling—together.