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Overview: The best and best multiplayer video games

Video games are simply fun! There's nothing better than completing a mission, clearing a level, or taking first place in a car race. There's joy when you finally figure out the puzzle or pattern that will take you to the next stage. But playing with a friend sitting next to you or on the other side of the world provides a different kind of excitement that brings out the best in you.

A good multiplayer game can be competitive or cooperative, but it can also introduce you to a whole new community that shares the same passion for video games. You can also break the console loyalty barrier, as some multiplayer games are cross-platform with Xbox, PS5, and PC.

We've rounded up some of our favorite multiplayer games, including games we've played and games that have received 4-star+ ratings from gamers using Amazon, Xbox.com, and the Humble Bundle digital distribution platform. . Below are some recommended games to play with friends and family.

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What are the best multiplayer video games?

Ahead, you'll find some of the best multiplayer games to play in 2024. All of the games we've selected are sold by reputable retailers, have high critic scores and reviews, and have at least 4/5 star ratings from gamers. .

1. “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe”

One of the best games available on Nintendo Switch, mario kart 8 deluxe It features hours of entertainment in single-player mode. However, thanks to Nintendo Switch Online, you can really put your drifting skills to the test in online multiplayer.

Once logged in, you can select your favorite characters, favorite karts, wheels, gliders, and courses, including trusted favorites like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Waluigi, Wario, Dry Bones, Shy Guy, Bowser, and more. Randomized rooms for up to 12 players from around the world. Winners earn bragging rights by climbing up the world leaderboard, and losers can try again to improve even further in their kart racing.

In our test, mario kart 8 deluxe It serves as a great entry point into the wider world of Nintendo Switch and is the perfect first game to play on the console. Suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, there's always a new challenge to understand and master the nearly 100 courses thanks to DLC (downloadable content) booster course passes.

Expected customer feedback: “Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch has been a real treat for me. There's a strong sense of nostalgia for the familiar characters, and the thrill of racing through imaginative courses never gets old.” The game's seamless blend of classic charm and modern sophistication keeps you coming back for more, whether you're sharing Joy-Cons for chaotic multiplayer gameplay. This is more than just a game. It's a fun escape into the vibrant competitive world of Mario Kart, and it always brings a smile to my face.” — Amazon Customer

2. “Helldivers 2”

One of the most anticipated games of 2024, helldiver 2 This game for Sony PlayStation 5 and PC is also one of the best co-op games of the year. The game had server issues when it was first released in February (because Sony didn't think it would be that popular after the first game was only a moderate success) helldiver 2 became hugely popular for its stable and reliable online multiplayer, thanks to its fun pick-and-go and online multiplayer mechanics.

part-space warrior And some-terminator, helldiver 2 A group of elite soldiers known as the Helldivers offer up a “delicious cup of Liberty” for the fascist super-Earth as they “spread controlled democracy across the galaxy.” Your job is to defeat giant alien bugs and defeat robots with a squad of up to four players.

Expected customer feedback: “This game is a moving target, so if you're willing to put in a little time and effort, it's a lot of fun. Track Genre space warrior 1997 movie. Players travel through a limited galaxy and fight bugs and robots.it gives you terminator It gives you the feeling of fighting robots, which will help you refresh the challenge and content if you're tired of blasting through bugs. The game itself is a bit buggy, but with weekly updates it reaches a 5 in terms of fun and multiplayer frenzy. Microphones can help your team perform even better. ” —Rick

3. “Diablo IV”

Now available on Xbox Game Pass. Diablo IV For Xbox Series X/S, it's a dynamic isometric action RPG (ARPG) that pits angels and demons against each other as demonic forces return to the realm of Sanctuary. Players can create and customize their own characters such as Barbarian, Druid, Necromancer, Rogue, Sorcerer and his classes and utilize their combat and strategy skills in a fantasy world. Meanwhile, players can play online and join parties (up to 4 people) with other players to complete quests together.

4. “Minecraft”

15 years later, Mine Craft Thanks to its open-world sandbox and large online community, it remains one of the most popular online multiplayer games of all time. Although it is essentially a survival game, over the years it has grown into a broader art form in which players create whatever their imagination can hold from a series of blocks during the day. But at night, you will create weapons, resources, shelter and try to survive from the environment and monsters. Other than that, the only limit is your imagination.

5. “Forza Horizon 5”

Set in a fictional Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 For Xbox Series X/S is a racing game that can be played locally or online. This is a rare racing game that's also open-world, so you're free to explore and race as you please. The purpose is simple. To expand Horizon Festival throughout Mexico.

The game also has the largest map with active volcanoes, jungles and beaches, ancient Mayan temples, towns and cities. Forza Horizon This game has approximately 50% more locations, destinations, and overall map compared to its predecessor in the game series.

Forza Horizon 5 Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers online multiplayer for up to 12 racers at the same time.

6. “Halo Infinite”

The game series that made Xbox famous around the world. halo infinite The sixth main release in the series and one of the most fun first-person shooters with online multiplayer options for Xbox Series X/S and PC. Before the Internet, multiplayer Halo was played by physically connecting your Xbox console to your TV with a cable, but now all you need is an Internet connection and a subscription to Xbox Game Pass. You can enjoy playing with your friends.

The game follows Master Chief's campaign against the Banished, an evil mercenary group from Installation 07, also known as Zeta Halo. In our test, halo infinite Controls are smooth and precise, with precision targeting and gameplay. Combat, on the other hand, is dynamic and fun to play both in the chaos of online multiplayer (up to four players in Coco mode) and in quiet moments to catch your breath.

7. “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate”

Nintendo is at its best when its popular characters share in all the fun.very similar mario kart 8 deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Switch features some of the best characters from many Nintendo series, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Little Mac from Punch-Out!, Isabelle from Animal Crossing, and Samus from Metroid.

The objective of the game is to defeat your opponent through a series of attacks and strategies, or simply knock them off the platform. While online multiplayer is fun and exciting, playing locally with friends and family in the same room (up to 8 players) is the way to go in this fighting game.

I found Super Smash Bros. Ultimate It's just as thrilling and exciting to play as more mature fighting games like. Street Fighter and mortal kombatbut it's more fun for the whole family.

Expected customer feedback: “Best game ever! I love this game so much and it features every character that has ever appeared. I also listen to music when I carry my Nintendo Switch around. This game is great for playing multiplayer modes. Perfect. It's great!” —Andrew Patton

8. “EA Sports FC '24”

EA Sports FC '24 is realistically immersive and features teams and players from Major League Soccer, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Women's Champions League, Premier League, National Women's Soccer League, and more. Meanwhile, gameplay is enhanced by EA's 'HyperMotionV' technology, giving matches more rhythm and fluidity for authenticity. This soccer game also has cross-platform online multiplayer between PS5, Xbox, and PC. This means you can play against anyone online on almost any console in the world.

Expected customer feedback: “This is one of the best games I've ever played, it's a lot of fun and a lot of fun to play. It has a great graphics engine.” —Lewis

Buying guide; how to choose the best multiplayer video game

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best multiplayer game to play. Below are some of the key points we considered when putting together this roundup.

Storage space: Currently, games are downloaded over the web as huge files. Before choosing a game to play, you should consider how much free storage you have on your console or PC. Games range from smaller titles such as: mario kart 8 deluxe A small file size of 7 GB supports a wide range of detailed games, including: Diablo IV The file size is huge at 90GB. You may also need to consider additional storage options, as storage space can run out quickly.

Internet connection: When playing multiplayer games online, you need to make sure you have a fast internet connection so you don't experience any lag, especially when playing cooperative or racing games. On the battlefield, even the slightest delay can cost lives. helldiver 2or like a racetrack, mario kart 8 deluxe. A good and reliable internet connection with a download speed of at least 100Mbps (megabytes per second) and an upload speed of 25Mbps.

Fun factor: The most important thing to consider when choosing a multiplayer game is whether it looks fun to play, especially with a group of friends or strangers on the Internet. If you're going to spend your valuable time playing a game, it needs to be an immersive and rewarding experience.