Top Multiplayer PC Games You Need to Play Right Now

We at GameCritics love a good multiplayer game. There's something special about competing with others online that adds an extra layer of excitement to gaming. Whether it's the thrill of competition or the camaraderie of teaming up with friends, multiplayer games offer an experience like no other. To help you dive into this world, we’ve curated a list of the best multiplayer games on PC for you to enjoy.

The Best Multiplayer Games on PC

Most of the games listed here are geared towards competitive play, but there are also plenty of cooperative options. If you prefer working together rather than battling each other, check out our list of the best co-op games on PC. For now, let’s dive into our top multiplayer picks!

25. Regular Human Basketball

Developer: Powerhoof
Release Date: 2018
Platforms: Steam, Itch

Just some regular humans here, nothing to see. Nope, no giant robots with jetpacks playing basketball. This game requires four players to control mechs, each frantically running inside the machine to reach the controls. The coordination—or lack thereof—between teammates makes for a hilariously chaotic experience.

What else should I be playing? Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime, for similar co-op piloting fun.

24. Mount Your Friends

Developer: Stegersaurus Software Inc.
Release Date: 2013
Platforms: Steam

Imagine QWOP as a multiplayer game involving an orgy atop a goat. You and your friends overcome awkward controls to climb a mountain composed of your teammates, cheering both for impressive feats and spectacular failures.

What else should I be playing? QWOP, GIRP, and Getting Over It, for more frustratingly fun control schemes.

23. Golf With Your Friends

Developers: Blacklight Interactive, Team17
Release Date: 2020
Platforms: Steam, Humble Bundle

This mini-golf game is a hoot with wacky courses, customizable balls, and plenty of opportunities to mess with your friends. It’s fun, chaotic, and a perfect game to both bond and bicker over.

What else should I be playing? Turbo Golf Racing, for more fast-paced golf antics.

22. Sea Of Thieves

Developer: Rare
Release Date: 2020
Platforms: Steam, Xbox Game Pass For PC

Don your pirate garb and set sail in this swashbuckling adventure. The act of sailing, combined with intense battles against other players or AI enemies, makes for an unforgettable multiplayer experience.

What else should I be playing? Valheim, for more boating and adventure with friends.

21. Mortal Kombat X

Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Release Date: 2015
Platforms: Steam

This fighting game is known for its outlandish characters and gratuitous gore. With smooth combos and responsive movement, Mortal Kombat X offers a punchfest that’s as entertaining as it is brutal.

What else should I be playing? Injustice: Gods Among Us, for a similar fighting game experience with DC characters.

20. Northgard

Developer: Shiro Games
Release Date: 2018
Platforms: Steam, Humble

An elegant RTS where winter is as dangerous as any enemy. Northgard’s slow pace and relative simplicity make it accessible, while the dynamic multiplayer matches keep it engaging.

What else should I be playing? Other accessible RTS games like those in Brendy’s roundup.

19. Hearthstone

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Release Date: 2014
Platforms: Free

This competitive card game based on Blizzard’s back-catalogue is accessible yet deep, catering to both casual players and strategic masterminds.

What else should I be playing? Legends of Runeterra, for a similarly engaging card game experience.

18. Fall Guys

Developer: Mediatonic
Release Date: 2020
Platforms: Epic Games Store (Free)

Compete against 60 other players in various gauntlets and team challenges in this survival of the fittest game. Its bite-sized nature makes it perfect for quick sessions or long gaming marathons with friends.

What else should I be playing? Fortnite, for a similar fun and chaotic multiplayer experience.

17. Towerfall Ascension

Developer: Extremely OK Games
Release Date: 2014
Platforms: Steam

My favorite local multiplayer game, Towerfall Ascension, features archery duels where the last archer standing wins. With simple mechanics that create engrossing stories, this game is a must-play for multiplayer fans.

What else should I be playing? Samurai Gunn, for a similar blend of action and strategy.

16. Fortnite

Developer: Epic Games
Release Date: 2017
Platforms: Epic Games Store (Free)

A battle royale game that’s become a metaverse of its own. Whether you prefer the building-focused classic mode or the simpler No Build mode, Fortnite offers a complex yet accessible shooter experience.

What else should I be playing? Apex Legends and Warzone, for other top-tier battle royale experiences.

15. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Developer: Valve
Release Date: 2012
Platforms: Steam

A genre-defining team shooter with a simple premise: terrorists and counter-terrorists battle it out in refined, tension-filled matches. CS is one of the most stimulating FPS games out there. What else should I be playing? Valorant, for a similar experience with additional abilities.

14. Rainbow Six Siege

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Release Date: 2015
Platforms: Ubisoft Store

This tactical shooter focuses on planning and strategy, with destructible environments and diverse operator abilities. Coordination and quick thinking are key to success in Rainbow Six Siege.

What else should I be playing? Counter-Strike, for a step back to more straightforward tactical gameplay.

13. Valorant

Developer: Riot Games
Release Date: 2020
Platforms: Free

A tactical team-based shooter similar to CS but with unique agents and abilities. Valorant’s focus on coordination, precision, and strategic use of abilities makes it a standout multiplayer game. 
What else should I be playing? CS, for a similar tactical shooter experience.

12. Hunt: Showdown

Developer: Crytek
Release Date: 2019
Platforms: Steam

A high-stakes PvPvE game where you hunt down AI targets while competing against other players. Hunt: Showdown’s outstanding audio design and intense gameplay create a nerve-shredding experience.

What else should I be playing? Escape From Tarkov, for a similar high-stakes looting and shooting experience.

11. StarCraft 2

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Release Date: 2010
Platforms: Free

The holy grail of RTS design, StarCraft 2 is a polished unit-bosser that offers both deep strategy and intense competition. Playing with friends adds a layer of fun and unpredictability.

What else should I be playing? Other accessible RTS games, like those in Brendy’s guide.

10. Among Us

Developer: InnerSloth
Release Date: 2018
Platforms: Steam

A social deduction game where players prepare a spaceship for departure, but some are secretly out for blood. Among Us is all about calling emergency meetings, discussing suspicious behavior, and trying to stay alive.

What else should I be playing? Werewolf and Project Winter, for more social deduction fun.

9. Garry’s Mod

Developer: Facepunch Studios
Release Date: 2006
Platforms: Steam

A sandbox game that’s many things to many people. From building bobsleds to playing charades, Garry’s Mod offers endless home-brewed nonsense and creative fun.

What else should I be playing? Valheim, for more community-driven sandbox fun.

8. League Of Legends

Developer: Riot Games
Release Date: 2009
Platforms: Free

A MOBA that’s captivated millions, League Of Legends is about two teams of five battling to destroy each other’s Nexus. Its depth and complexity make it a game that’s easy to start but hard to master.

What else should I be playing? Dota 2, for a similarly challenging MOBA experience.

7. Grand Theft Auto Online

Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: 2013
Platforms: Steam, Microsoft Store

Linked to GTA V but very much its own universe, GTA Online offers a sandbox for up to 30 players to engage in heists, roleplaying, and wild races. It’s a theme park filled with excellent set-pieces and tons of silliness.

What else should I be playing? Saints Row or Sleeping Dogs, for similar open-world chaos.

6. Minecraft

Developer: Mojang Studios
Release Date: 2011
Platforms: Direct

A blocky multiverse of possibilities, Minecraft offers survival, creative building, and a plethora of custom modes. Whether you’re building with friends or competing in Bed Wars, Minecraft is endlessly entertaining.

What else should I be playing? Terraria, for a more directed survival experience.

5. Rocket League

Developer: Psyonix
Release Date: 2015
Platforms: Epic Games Store (Free)

Soccer with rocket-powered cars, Rocket League is as absurd as it is exciting. Its high skill ceiling and unique premise make for a multiplayer game that’s both challenging and fun.

What else should I be playing? Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, for more skill-based multiplayer action.

4. Apex Legends

Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Release Date: 2019
Platforms: Free

A battle royale game that stands out with its focus on team-based play, unique character abilities, and fast-paced combat. Apex Legends is a thrilling multiplayer experience that’s hard to put down.

What else should I be playing? Fortnite and Warzone, for more top-tier battle royale fun.

3. Dota 2

Developer: Valve
Release Date: 2013
Platforms: Free

A complex and competitive MOBA, Dota 2 is about strategic battles and deep team coordination. Its large hero pool and ever-evolving meta make it a game that’s both challenging and rewarding.

What else should I be playing? League Of Legends, for a similar yet distinct MOBA experience.

2. Warframe

Developer: Digital Extremes
Release Date: 2013
Platforms: Free

A free-to-play space ninja game with endless customization, Warframe combines fast-paced combat with deep RPG elements. Its cooperative gameplay and engaging universe make it a standout multiplayer experience.

What else should I be playing? Destiny 2, for another deep and engaging cooperative shooter.

1. Team Fortress 2

Developer: Valve
Release Date: 2007
Platforms: Free

A genre-defining team shooter with a focus on unique character classes and team-based objectives. Team Fortress 2’s blend of humor, strategy, and fast-paced action has kept it at the top of the multiplayer charts for years.

What else should I be playing? Overwatch, for a similar team-based shooter experience with unique heroes.

Honorable Mentions:

• Destiny 2: Bungie’s MMO shooter offers thrilling co-op gameplay and deep lore.

• PUBG: The original battle royale game that popularized the genre.

• Among Us: A social deduction game that’s taken the world by storm.

• Valorant: Riot’s tactical shooter combines precision shooting with unique abilities.

• Rainbow Six Siege: Tactical shooter with destructible environments and intense gameplay.

Multiplayer gaming offers a diverse array of experiences, from cooperative adventures to competitive battles. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the scene, these games provide hours of fun and excitement. So gather your friends, jump into these worlds, and enjoy the thrill of multiplayer gaming!