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Although Christmas and New Year might be an old story now, playing multiplayer games with your friends never gets old.
Since the early 90s, multiplayer games were a huge part of our lives and many of our happiest memories are associated with playing games with our friends and family.
In the last decade, multiplayer gaming has evolved and we’ve had some excellent online multiplayer games that left us in awe.
The likes of Dota 2 and World of Warcraft encouraged us to spend countless hours playing such titles with our friends but, there are innumerable other online multiplayer games out there that you should absolutely play with your friends.
And because we care about our readers, we’ve compiled a list of the 23 best online multiplayer games that you can play with your friends right now.
Now, without any further ado, let’s get started.
Best Online Multiplayer Games In 2021
23. Medal Of Honor: Allied Assault
There was a time when Medal of Honor: Allied Assault was the most popular multiplayer shooting game from the early 2000s. In its prime, MOHAA had thousands of real-time players trying their luck in finely crafted settings of World War 2.
Everywhere from Stalingrad to customized-bunker, you could spend countless hours in this game to get your name on the top of the list once.
The biggest perk of MOHAA was that it had many multiplayer mods that could be applied to any map but, one of my favorites was surely the ‘Capture the Flag’ and Freeze/Anti-Freeze Mods.
If you’re looking to have a great time with your friends then we really recommend testing your tactical skills in MOHAA.
- Release Date – January 20, 2002
- Genre – Action/First-person Shooter
- Developer – 2015 Games, LLC., icculus.org
22. Minecraft
If you call yourself a gamer then you’ve probably heard of the most popular multiplayer game of our time, Minecraft.
This game brought 3D designing to a whole different level and customizing your farm was never this much fun. Unlike other farming gamers, Minecraft is very unique in its own way because it offers separate Minecraft game mods that depend on your mood.
If you’re looking for a challenge then Survival mode will pose a threat but for a fun time with your friends, the creative mode is ideal.
Minecraft was developed by a single person back in the day but a few years later, Microsoft took over Minecraft and regularly updated its content.
Furthermore, the custom mods have made it even more fun and for a game night, Minecraft is also recommended.
- Release Date – August 16, 2011
- Genre – SandBox
- Developer – Mojang Studios, Telltale Games, Xbox Game Studios, Double Eleven
21. Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2 is a tactical first-person shooter that deserves all the praises it has received over the years. The 3D-designed world offers challenging gameplay with team deathmatches and free-for-all modes.
The biggest perk of Team Fortress 2 is that it is completely free and readily available on Steam. Furthermore, Team Fortress 2 is also available for macOS.
As for the gameplay, the graphics are pretty outdated but with regular updates, you’ll get to see many different features compared to the original version of the game.
Lastly, if you and your friends enjoy competitive games then you should give Team Fortress 2 a shot.
- Release Date – October 7, 2007
- Genre – Action/Shooter
- Developer – Valve
20. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
One of the most popular AAA titles of the last decade, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege from Ubisoft is an excellent 3rd-person shooter game with the most sophisticated mechanics. The gameplay and the graphics are absolutely breathtaking and even while taking a beating from your friends, you’ll surely appreciate the finely crafted 3D elements.
Even after 5 years of its release, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is still very active and you’ll find thousands of real-time players.
Although the server support from Ubisoft is quite disappointing with random crashes and high ping, you’ll still enjoy it with your friends.
- Release Date – April 7, 2015
- Genre – Action/First-person Shooter
- Developer – Ubisoft
19. Call of Duty: Mobile
After witnessing the success of PUBG Mobile, Infinity Ward stepped up and developed their own version of Battle Royale that became the most played mobile game of 2020.
And after spending countless hours on it myself, I could advocate that Call of Duty: Mobile is an fps shooter that you could not afford to miss.
Like any other COD game, it features numerous multiplayer modes and maps from the Modern Warfare franchise which includes Crossroads, Rust, and many more.
Moreover, aside from battle royal mode, you could team up with your friends in TDM, FFA, Pistol Only, and many other modes.
- Release Date – October 1, 2019
- Genre – Action/Shooter
- Developer – Tencent Games
18. 8 Ball Pool
Looking for free multiplayer games to play with your friends? 8 Ball Pool is one of our top picks for the best free multiplayer pool games that you could play on your devices.
However, you won’t be able to team up with your mates and give your competitors a run for their money because there’s no double option yet.
Trending worldwide for nearly a decade, 8 Ball Pool has millions of pro players spending long hours, and you’ll never get bored with it. Furthermore, 8 Ball Pool is a Miniclip game, and you can easily access it with your browser.
- Release Date – October 2010
- Genre – Snooker/Pool Game
- Developer – Miniclip
17. League of Legends
With the most intense tactical gameplay, League of Legends offers a unique MOBA experience that we’ve never experienced before.
The mechanics and the vast arsenal of powerful heroes might resemble Dota 2 but, mastering the brutal combat in this free-to-play MOBA game is not a piece of cake.
Although launched almost a decade ago, League of Legends is still getting featured on the top charts and millions of players test their skills in this competitive game every month.
If you feel like you have the extraordinary skills to successfully raid your enemy then LoL will not disappoint you.
- Release Date – October 27, 2009
- Genre – MOBA
- Developer – Riot Games
16. No Man’s Sky
Probably the most sophisticated AAA title on our list, No Man’s Sky changes our imagination into reality with multi-dimension worlds filled with strange creatures.
Since its release in 2016, NMS has been one of the most played multiplayer games.
And even though the original versions were really crappy and full of bugs, the constant updates and new features added with each update seem to have significantly improved the mechanics of the game.
After the most recent update, players can play their characters in a 3rd-person perspective which really allowed the players to admire the detailed surrounding in the game.
If you’re tired of competitive multiplayer games then I’d really recommend No Man’s Sky to experience a different piece of the pie.
- Release Date – August 9, 2016
- Genre – Adventure/Survival
- Developer – Hello Games
15. DESTINY 2
Yet another fast-paced first-person shooter but, Destiny 2 offers intense gameplay that most competitive games lacked.
With teleportation portals and things from the outer worlds, the gameplay gets very interesting but the gunplay and the mechanics feel the same way as any other first-person shooter game.
The graphics left us in awe and the perfectly rendered 3D objects forced us to admire the hard work of the developers.
Moreover, there are many multiplayer shooting games out there but Destiny 2 is bringing a unique experience for the gamers and if you can spare a few hours then getting your hands on this game is recommended.
- Release Date – August 28, 2017
- Genre – Action/Shooter
- Developer – Bungie Inc
14. Paladins
And while we’re discussing sophisticated-looking multiplayer games with excellent gameplay, it wouldn’t be fair not to mention Paladins.
Heavily inspired by the Sci-fi universe, Paladins offers competitive gameplay with medieval soldiers laden with modern weaponry. Although the gameplay might seem a bit childish, the game is fun to play.
Paladins is a free-to-play shooter game but if you want to unlock the special perks of the game and unlock more characters then you’ll have to pay to decent sum to get it all.
However, if you’re just looking for a free multiplayer online game to play with your friends then Paladins is a decent option.
- Release Date – September 16, 2016
- Genre – Action/Shooter
- Developer – Evil Mojo Games
13. Second Life
There’s a solid chance that you’ve seen an advertisement for this game because it’s literally everywhere.
But, if you’ve been living under a rock, Second Life is a virtual online game where you could start off your new life, which has all the perks to help you escape the harsh reality.
Second Life is more fun when played with friends but, before you do anything, we should warn you that it is very addictive and you’ll be spending countless hours if you’ve hooked up.
It’s a pity that Second Life is not available on gaming consoles but, if you and your friends are a part of the PCMR family then you could all meet up in your backyard to have the time of your life.
- Release Date – June 23, 2003
- Genre – Virtual Box
- Developer – Linden Lab
12. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint
Ubisoft is not quite famous for making spectacular online multiplayer games but they truly outdid themselves with Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint.
It’s a 3rd-person shooter with excellent combat tactics and the co-op makes it even more fun. Although, I have to warn you that Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint is extremely difficult and if you’re not familiar with fast-paced multiplayer games then this one will pose a threat to your unmatched skills.
Furthermore, the gameplay of Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint offers scenic surroundings but the chaos has left the people wondering about their survival. For a game night, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is one of our top picks.
- Release Date – July 26, 2019
- Genre – Action/Tactical Shooter
- Developer – Ubisoft
11. War Thunder
Not exactly WW2 vibes but, you’ll get the taste of how Tank battles felt like back then. Intense gameplay with real-time tactics and heavy machinery, War Thunder is a free-to-play multiplayer game that deserves all your attention.
The detailed war arsenal with realistic combat seems almost real and the fact that this game is free, War Thunder exceeded our expectations.
In War Thunder, you’ll be going up against fierce enemies in their bulky armed vehicles but the one with the bulletproof tactics would be the one that will come out the conqueror. If your friends are skilled at real-time action games then War Thunder wouldn’t be a bad choice.
- Release Date – November 1, 2012
- Genre – Action
- Developer – Gaijin Entertainment
10. Arma 3
Arma 3 is the most realistic online game that we’ve played in a long while and even though it came out in 2013, the game was ahead of its time.
If you’re tired of playing the same ol’ first-person shooter then getting your hands on Arma 3 would make a lot of sense.
It offers real-time tactical combat where you’ll only succeed if you have a good head on your shoulders.
Unlike other tactical shooting games in the market, Arma 3 offers a wide variety of customization and tactics that you could use to win the game. Furthermore, Arma 3 is for a mature audience only who knows their way around a tactical shooter game.
- Release Date – September 12, 2013
- Genre – Action/Shooter
- Developer – Bohemia Interactive
9. The Elder Scrolls Online
Since the release of Skyrim, the Elder Scrolls franchise has been very popular, and The Elder Scrolls Online further contributed to the success of this franchise.
This online RPG game from Bethesda is ruling the top-tiers for the best RPG multiplayer games out there and every RPG-lover agrees with it.
A wide world featuring the most brutal creatures and fire-breathing dragons, The Elder Scrolls Online is an RPG-fanatic’s dream, with just over a million RPG elements in the game.
The Elder Scrolls Online is a must-play title of the last decade.
- Release Date – April 4, 2014
- Genre – Online-RPG
- Developer – Bethesda Softworks
8. Rocket League
Rocket League is just a simple Football game but, instead of feet, you’ll be flying around in cars and knocking over the ball from one end of the stadium to the other. And the one with the most goals will be crowned the king of the hill.
Compared to FIFA and other soccer games out there, Rocket League offers a much more exciting experience and it’s even more fun when you’re playing against your frenemies.
Since its release, Rocket League has been one of the most played online multiplayer games on Epic Store and numerous tournaments were also arranged where gamers from all over the world competed for generous money prizes.
If you’re done with regularly playing FIFA with your friends and looking for a change of pace then Rocket League is highly recommended.
- Release Date – July 7, 2015
- Genre – Soccer
- Developer – Psyonix
7. FIFA 20
FIFA does not need any introduction because all of us have played this one with our friends during our vacations.
The latest addition to the FIFA franchise, FIFA 20 is one of the best online sports games that you could play with your friends and have the time of your life but, compared to its predecessors, there’s not much difference in the game because the mechanics and the graphics are pretty much the same.
From co-op to friendly matches against each other, FIFA 20 features many different modes where you could play with or against your friends and unlock the premium golden cards and unlock more players.
- Release Date – September 24, 2019
- Genre – Soccer
- Developer – Electronic Arts (EA)
6. Overwatch
Overwatch took the online first-person shooter games to the next level with its excellent combat tactics and heroes ability that left gamers in awe.
Overwatch is best defined as a sci-fi shooter that features different game modes where 2 teams consisting of 6 players will be going toe-to-toe to get the win for their team.
There are many heroes that you could choose from and each of them has its own abilities that let the players explore the wide spectrum of combat and tactics.
Before you buy this one, we must warn you that Overwatch is extremely competitive and its toxic community is up to no good either.
- Release Date – October 27, 2015
- Genre – Action/Shooter
- Developer – Blizzard Entertainment
5. Valorant
Very much inspired by Counter-Strike, Valorant is a multiplayer shooter that features many different game modes where the player will choose from various agents and each of them has its own individual abilities.
In the mainstream mode, one team will be tasked to plant the bomb to win the round while the other team must defend their land and eliminate all the enemies.
The graphics of Valorant are quite good, and the mechanics are very simple and easy to master but, each agent has its unique abilities, and mastering every ability would be a challenging task.
If you’re looking for an online shooter game to play with your friends then Valorant is another title that you must try.
- Release Date – June 2, 2020
- Genre – Action/Shooter
- Developer – Riot Games
4. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Although released in 2012, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is still one of the most popular online shooter games on the face of the earth.
Its competitive nature has brought in millions of gamers around the world and even in this new decade, CS: GO is still going strong with thousands of concurrent players.
Counter-Strike 1.6 was one of the first shooter games that gave online gaming a new face and many legendary gamers around the world have started their career from the Counter-Strike franchise.
If you and your friends aren’t worried about losing their dignity then go play CS: GO with them.
- Release Date – August 21, 2012
- Genre – Action/First-Person Shooter
- Developer – Valve Corporation
Buy Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
3. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, which is famously known as PUBG, is the most popular and one of the best multiplayer games of our time.
PUBG offers a battle royale gameplay with PvP modes as well but the reason behind the success of this game was its excellent battle royale mode.
Furthermore, PUBG Mobile is currently one of the most grossing games on the Play Store and if your friends don’t have gaming rigs then you could also play this one on your mobiles as well.
In the battle royale arena, you could either play with your friends or go solo and test your skills but, we strongly suggest going in with your full squads if you want to improve your chances of getting a chicken dinner.
- Release Date – July 30, 2016
- Genre – Battle Royale
- Developer – PUBG Corporation
2. Fortnite
Fortnite is known for its excellent battle royale mode that features a gigantic map where a hundred players will be competing against each other to win the round.
However, due to its immense popularity, Fortnite is extremely challenging, and getting your first victory would require you to spend countless hours.
However, you can increase your chances of winning a round by teaming up with your friends who know their way around a 3rd-person shooter game. A quick tip, do go gun blazing in there, form a strong strategy, and act accordingly.
- Release Date – July 21, 2017
- Genre – Battle Royale
- Developer – Epic Games
1. Call of Duty: Warzone
The most intense tactical shooter game of our time, Call of Duty: Warzone is a must-have online multiplayer game that you should play with your friends.
Warzone features a battle royale mode similar to Fortnite and PUBG but, the gameplay that Warzone offers are far beyond anything that we’ve experienced before.
The realism and tactics in Warzone left us in awe and the competitive nature of the game brought in millions of players around the world.
If you’re looking for a real challenge then we highly suggest teaming up with your friends in Warzone and go gun blazing to become the king of the hill.
- Release Date – March 10, 2020
- Genre – Battle Royale
- Developer – Activision
Honorable Mentions
1. A Way Out
A story-based Co-op game where two inmates try their luck to escape a high-security prison without getting detected. However, not everything goes according to their plan.
- Release Date – March 23, 2018
- Genre – Action/Adventure
- Developer – Hazelight
2. Grand Theft Auto: Online
Tired of playing the same story mode again and again? Start your journey in Grand Theft Auto Online and explore the innumerable opportunities and the regular updates are constantly adding more content in the game.
- Release Date – October 1, 2013
- Genre – Open-World/Adventure
- Developer – Rockstar
3. Among Us
An indie game that worked magic and got famous overnight, Among Us is a puzzle game where one imposter will be tasked to keep its identity hidden throughout the game. Also, Among Us is one of the most played games of 2020 and it is worthy of your time and money.
- Release Date – June 15, 2018
- Genre – Puzzle
- Developer – InnerSloth LLC
Conclusion
These were our picks for some of the best multiplayer co-op games that you should play with your friends. Let us know if you think we have missed out on something that is worth mentioning here.
That’s all folks!
