Top Multiplayer Games to Play Now

We love video games. In 2019, PC and console gaming revenue reached $45 billion, surpassing that year’s global box office of $42.5 billion. That’s a huge market, and like movies, games are often more enjoyable with friends.

There are countless cooperative and player-versus-player (PvP) titles—new indie releases, long-running favorites, and blockbuster hits that have earned billions. Whether you want multiplayer games for PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Linux, or Xbox One, there’s something for every taste. Below are some of the best multiplayer games to play now.

50. Battlefield V

Developer: EA DICE

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PS4, Xbox One

Genre: First-person shooter, battle royale

Multiplayer: PvP

Price: $39.99

Game Details: Battlefield V

Bottom Line: Battlefield V

Battlefield V received criticism at launch and underperformed compared to expectations, but it remains a strong multiplayer title for players who enjoy high-intensity, large-scale warfare with accessible, arcade-like mechanics. The game features multiple modes, including Firestorm—a battle royale variant—yet much of the experience centers on choosing a class and battling across land, sea, and air in World War II–era settings.

49. Project Zomboid

Developer: The Indie Stone

Publisher: The Indie Stone

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux

Genre: Survival

Multiplayer: Cooperative

Price: $14.99

Game Details: Project Zomboid

Bottom Line: Project Zomboid

Project Zomboid is one of the most realistic zombie-survival sims available. There’s no predefined narrative: you control a survivor and try to last as long as possible in a world filled with the undead. The game uses an isometric view and limits what you can see to your character’s line of sight, adding tension and realism. Survival requires managing food, water, and mental state—one bite can lead to a slow and irreversible decline. Project Zomboid supports solo play and cooperative multiplayer, and the active modding community adds depth and replayability.

48. Far Cry 5

Developer: Ubisoft Toronto and Ubisoft Montreal

Publisher: Ubisoft

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PS4, Xbox One

Genre: First-person shooter

Multiplayer: Cooperative

Price: $59.99

Game Details: Far Cry 5

Bottom Line: Far Cry 5

The Far Cry series is known for over-the-top plots and colorful characters—traits that many players find part of the franchise’s charm. Far Cry 5 sets players against a cult leader who controls part of Montana. The game offers beautiful open environments, strong visuals, and full cooperative play for the campaign, letting two players experience the chaotic action together.

47. Pulsar: Lost Colony

Developer: Leafy Games

Publisher: Leafy Games

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux

Genre: Space, adventure, first-person shooter

Multiplayer: Cooperative

Price: $24.99

Game Details: Pulsar: Lost Colony

Bottom Line: Pulsar: Lost Colony

Pulsar: Lost Colony is a cooperative spaceship simulator designed for teamwork. A crew of up to five players fills distinct roles—pilot, captain, weapons, engineer, and scientist—each responsible for different systems and tasks. The game rewards coordination: groups that communicate and cooperate thrive, while disorganized teams struggle. The title is reminiscent of classic space-faring TV and offers exploration, boarding derelict ships, trading, ship upgrades, and procedural missions. Pulsar has evolved through early development with regular updates and offers many hours of content, but the small player base means it’s best enjoyed with friends.

46. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands

Developer: Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft Milan

Publisher: Ubisoft

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PS4

Genre: Third-person shooter

Multiplayer: Cooperative, PvP

Price: $49.99

Game Details: Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands

Bottom Line: Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands

Ghost Recon: Wildlands is a departure from the stealthy Tom Clancy formula and leans heavily into action. The open-world design supports cooperative play, large-scale takedown missions, and vehicle combat. It has its flaws—AI quirks, weak stealth systems, and clumsy driving—but as a multiplayer spectacle with friends it’s highly enjoyable.

45. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Developer: Steel Crate Games

Publisher: Steel Crate Games

Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Linux, Android, macOS, iOS

Genre: Puzzle

Multiplayer: Cooperative

Price: $14.99

Game Details: Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Bottom Line: Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

This puzzle party game excels at local or remote cooperative play. One player sees a ticking bomb and must defuse it using instructions from teammates who hold a printed or digital manual but cannot see the bomb. Communication is the core mechanic, making it an accessible and endlessly replayable group experience—plus only one person needs to own the game to play locally.

44. SWAT 4

Developer: Irrational Games

Publisher: Activision

Platforms: Microsoft Windows

Genre: Tactical shooter

Multiplayer: Cooperative

Price: $9.99

Game Details: SWAT 4

Bottom Line: SWAT 4

Although SWAT 4 is older, it remains one of the most realistic tactical shooters. Playing as a SWAT team, you’re tasked with resolving hostage situations while minimizing lethal force, using stun options and careful coordination. The game has an active modding scene and remains a rewarding experience for small cooperative groups.

43. Space Station 13

Developer: Exadv1 and community contributors

Publisher: Community-driven, free

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux

Genre: Action-adventure, role-playing, space

Multiplayer: Cooperative

Price: Free

Game Details: Space Station 13

Bottom Line: Space Station 13

Space Station 13 is a uniquely chaotic, community-driven 2D role-playing experience set on a space station. Players take on a wide variety of jobs—from surgeons to engineers—while unexpected events, antagonists, and emergent role-play create unpredictable and memorable rounds. The visuals are simple, but the depth of interaction and the many specialized servers make this a long-standing cult favorite.

42. Dota 2

Developer: Valve

Publisher: Valve

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux

Genre: MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena)

Multiplayer: Competitive MOBA

Price: Free

Game Details: Dota 2

Bottom Line: Dota 2

Dota 2 is a free-to-play, team-based MOBA with a massive global player base and an extensive competitive esports scene. The game is deep, highly strategic, and can be addictive for competitive players. Its steep learning curve and sometimes toxic community can be off-putting, but for those who invest the time, Dota 2 offers unparalleled depth and long-term engagement.

41. Warframe

Developer: Digital Extremes

Publisher: Digital Extremes

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch

Genre: Action RPG

Multiplayer: Cooperative, PvP

Price: Free

Game Details: Warframe

Bottom Line: Warframe

Warframe is a free-to-play third-person action RPG centered on customizable Warframes—armored suits with unique abilities. Years of content updates have created a vast game with cooperative missions, PvP modes, crafting systems, and extensive progression. Players who enjoy looter-style progression and fast-paced combat will find abundant content and a continuously expanding experience.

40. World of Warcraft

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS

Genre: MMORPG

Multiplayer: Cooperative, PvP

Price: $14.99 per month (subscription)

Game Details: World of Warcraft

Bottom Line: World of Warcraft

Launched in 2004, World of Warcraft remains one of the longest-running MMOs. Blizzard revitalized interest by releasing WoW Classic alongside contemporary servers, letting players choose between the original, slower-paced experience and the modern, faster game. With a massive world, diverse activities, and regular expansions, WoW continues to attract a dedicated audience.