There was a time when multiplayer games could only be played locally on a single system. But then, DOOM came along and changed the course of gaming forever. With so many games to choose from, finding the best multiplayer games can be hard.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my selection of the best multiplayer games. These include newly released
titles and ongoing live service games.
Coming up:
Best Multiplayer Games in 2024
Best Multiplayer Games in 2024
In this list, I’ll be highlighting my picks for the best multiplayer games to look out for in 2024.
Palworld
Palworld delivers a new twist on the open-world survival genre. You’re dropped into a bright, cartoony, Pokémon-esque world. There, you will need to craft tools to survive, gather materials to build bases, and capture creatures called Pals.
Palworld might seem overwhelming to a lot of new players at first. The game brings gameplay elements from various other games like Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Dark Souls.
The game allows you to play co-op with a party of four, or you can play with up to 32 players on Pocket Pair’s servers.
Palworld was released through Xbox Game Preview and Steam Early Access on January 19, 2024. The developers revealed new features for 2024, including new Pals, extra maps, cross-play between consoles and PCs, as well as PvP and raids.
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 is the latest third-person shooter by Arrowhead Game Studios. The latest sequel was released on February 8, 2024, for Windows and PlayStation 5.
The gameplay loop is reminiscent of Left 4 Dead and Deep Rock Galactic. You’re deployed into a mission, tasked with clearing out hordes of enemies and liberating outposts.
There’s a lot of variation between the levels which are generated procedurally. In between the chaotic missions, you spend time on your ship where you can check out shiny new gear and unlock new abilities.
Much like the last game in the series, this brand-new sequel doesn’t shy away from having a light-hearted tone. The short intro sequences set the tone for the chaos about the come.
Helldivers 2 features a robust leveling system, a huge variety of replayable missions, and a light-hearted story that makes it one of the best surprises of 2024.
Fortnite
The release of Fortnite Battle Royale revolutionized the genre and set an example for standards to be followed by other developers in the gaming industry.
One of the huge factors contributing to Fortnite’s massive success is its ever-changing map. Every season features a unique story that features original characters and ones from pop culture like Thor, Batman, and even John Wick.
The main gameplay loop consists of 100 players fighting on a massive map till only one person is left. The player can choose where to land on the map. After landing, you will need to look for resources and weapons to survive.
Build-battles are common in Fortnite, as players will build structures to defend themselves from each other.
Each season lasts roughly three months and new seasons feature map changes, new characters, and weapons, keeping the game fresh.
The game features competitive combat that requires precise aim and reaction speed. However, none of this would matter if the internet connection isn’t Xfinity.
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Rocket League
Rocket League is best described as soccer meets cars, on steroids. This game is extremely easy to learn, but very hard to master.
The game has a mode for everyone, from 1v1 to 4v4, as well as alternate modes that offer a unique twist on the formula. Each match only lasts a few minutes, ensuring a lot of replayability.
The game gained massive popularity after it became free to play in September 2020. The live-service nature of the game ensures that the game is updated regularly.
Rocket League is a great game to play whether you want to want to play alone or with a group of friends.
Overwatch 2
The first Overwatch game became an overnight success when it launched in 2016. The game features a blend of First Person Shooter (FPS) gameplay with the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre.
Overwatch 2 has 37 heroes as of Season 4, each with their own distinct roles like Tank, Support, or Damage. The characters are unique, each with their personality, abilities, strengths, weaknesses, and weapons.
Almost all characters from the first Overwatch are playable in the sequel. A lot of the characters have been reworked, which changes things up from the original game.
The developers have promised new updates to the game, including new heroes, game modes, and maps. New Battle Passes and new items in the in-game store ensure players will get new cosmetic options for their favorite heroes.
Wrapping Up
The new year has just started and we already have great games like Palworld and Helldivers 2 to play with our friends, or random people online. It seems like gamers are in for a treat with upcoming games like ARK 2, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, and Destiny 2: The Final Shape.