The best multiplayer games for PS5 | Digital Trends (2024)

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Baldur's Gate 3

If you love the classic pen-and-paper tabletop RPGs of old, then Baldur’s Gate 3 will be your ideal game. Somehow, this game manages to allow for essentially any crazy, obtuse, and even game-breaking ideas you have actually to work. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the fact that you can play the entire thing in co-op, either split screen or online, almost feels like real magic. You can both create new characters to go on this massive journey together. Or you can split up, and each do your own thing on opposite ends of the map. You’re free to role-play however you want, and the world, characters, and mechanics make every second a blast.

It Takes Two

Serving as one of the most inventive cooperative games of the past decade, It Takes Two is not playable solo. Designed with co-op multiplayer in mind, this game is about two parents on the brink of divorce. While the story itself might leave a little to be desired, the gameplay is outstanding, offering smart puzzles and obstacles that must be overcome through jolly cooperation. The setpieces are wild, the gameplay is varied, and the sheer imaginative design is unlike anything we’ve seen in recent memory. This game is true to its name, too, as it drives home the idea of working together. This theme is presented in the gameplay, as well as in the story, as the two still have to be there for their daughter. The best thing is that you only need one copy to play — each one comes with a pass, so you can enjoy it with a friend without having to purchase two.

Helldivers 2

No one saw this sequel to the humble isometric shooter exploding in popularity like it did, but we’re still loving every second spent in Helldivers 2. This game nails the chaotic mayhem of dropping into a warzone with some friends and frantically running, shooting, and diving as endless hordes of bugs and robots attack. You technically can play this game alone, but you won’t get very far. Gathering up a group and launching into a mission leads to unpredictable excitement every single time.

Remnant II

We’ve got proper souls games coming later on, but we had to highlight one of the more unique soulslikes out there. Remnant 2 is a soulslike with guns, and it’s a complete blast. Each zone is randomly generated for you and your team of unique classes to fight through, with tons of secrets, bosses, and extra challenges to keep you coming back. Even if you’re not convinced a soulslike can work with guns, this game deserves a shot to prove you wrong.

Destiny 2

There’s never been a better time to dive into Destiny 2, a game that has come a long way since its launch in 2017. It’s even better on PS5, running at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. While you can definitely play Destiny 2 solo, much of it is designed with multiplayer in mind — whether you join friends to take on a raid or fight against them in the game’s PvP mode, The Crucible. Destiny 2‘s greatest selling point is its gameplay loop, which constantly encourages you to grind to collect more loot. Beyond that, it simply feels incredible — we’d expect nothing less from Bungie, the creators of Halo. Though Destiny 2 was available for $60 at launch, it has since been converted to a free-to-play game, with paid expansions available periodically. But that means you can dive in and try it out without spending a dime.

Mortal Kombat 1

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands

What if you like the gameplay and overall style of Borderlands but not the post-apocalyptic themes? If so, you might be interested in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, a spinoff game set in the Borderlands universe, but with a greater emphasis on dragons, wizards, and dungeons instead of the Mad Max-inspired themes from Borderlands. This game plays almost exactly like its predecessors, though, with first-person shooter mechanics, a robust RPG system full of upgrades, tons of loot, bosses to defeat, and large open levels to explore. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands also has an all-star cast of characters with appearances by Andy Samberg, Wanda Sykes, Will Arnet, and Ashly Burch as Tiny Tina herself. These characters tie the package together, with funny, memorable performances that make the game hard to put down. And of course, the entire experience is playable cooperatively, just like the other Borderlands games.

Gran Turismo 7

PlayStation’s longest-running franchise may surprise some; it’s the hit racing title Gran Turismo. The seventh entry is the latest, flashiest, and most satisfying yet. Not only is this game worth it just for the visual spectacle that shows off just what the PS5 can do, but there are over 150 cars that each handle and perform differently across dozens of tracks set all over the globe. It takes a little bit to learn the deeper mechanics, but once you get your racing legs, you will be hooked on the adrenaline rush of nailing corners, overtaking rivals, and flooring it across the finish line in online races.

Fortnite

Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny the importance of Fortnite, and on PS5, it will be playable in 4K at up to 60 fps across all game modes. You’ll also find better textures and improved performance thanks to the PS5’s solid-state drive — whether you play online or in split-screen multiplayer. Fortnite is one of those comfort food games that always feels great to jump back into. You don’t always need to stay on top of the latest updates to have fun, but if you do, you’ll be rewarded handsomely. It’s a great game to boot up, play a couple of matches with friends, and then move onto something else. Even if you don’t secure a victory, it’s still a load of fun to see how long you and your squad can survive. Plus, it’s free, so there isn’t much of a downside to downloading it.

No Man's Sky

You’ve probably seen us praise No Man’s Sky ad nauseam, but the PS5 version, titled The Next Generation, is worthy of even more praise. The next-gen version features more assets spread out across the terrain to make for a thicker, more realistic-looking environment, the ability to build larger bases, cross-play, transferrable saves, 4K visuals at 60 fps, and most importantly, 32-player multiplayer. The large-scale multiplayer functionality is huge, making No Man’s Sky feel even more populated than ever before. To be frank, there isn’t anything like No Man’s Sky. Being able to explore 18 quintillion (that’s 18 with 18 more zeroes after it) procedurally-generated planets that mostly feel unique is a wild experience — whether you play solo or with friends. But really, you’ll probably have a better time if you’ve got some buddies to help you stay safe from the harsh, hazardous weather found on many planets you’ll come across. The PS5 upgrade is free to all who own the PS4 game. No Man’s Sky goes beyond an open-world game — it’s an open universe adventure, instead!

Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Games like Mario Party and Monopoly always have been known for destroying friendships, but those pale in comparison to Overcooked! All You Can Eat. This definitive version of Overcooked! features both games and all their DLC, along with new content, such as 4K visuals, updated accessibility options, and cross-platform play. This package is ripe with content and is great for the whole family — provided you don’t kill each other in the process. Overcooked! is a game about — wait for it — cooking. In it, you need to effectively prepare and serve orders while making sure they’re made accurately. You can play it with up to three other players in local multiplayer and online modes. It’s a cooking game that will likely make you laugh throughout, even if you’re losing because it’s so much chaotic fun.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

If you’d like a family-friendly game that’s less chaotic but still playable in co-op, then you should check out Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Built on the foundation of LittleBig Planet, Sackboy: A Big Adventureis a 3D platformer, similar to the beloved Mario games. It features gorgeous, vibrant visuals, light puzzles, and all the quirkiness you could hope for. An online multiplayer mode will be available later this year. But for now, you can play the game in couch co-op with up to four players. If you want a fun platformer to enjoy solo or with friends, or if you’ve got younger gamers at home, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is worth checking out.

Demon's Souls

Demon’s Souls might not be the first game people think about when talking about multiplayer, but online play is at this game’s core. Playing Demon’s Souls is most enjoyable when taking advantage of multiplayer. You’ll be invaded by enemy players, get help from friends, and utilize the community to manipulate the game’s World Tendency. And trust us, you’re going to need the help when it’s time to take on the game’s toughest bosses. The Souls games are notoriously difficult, as you probably already know, and Demon’s Souls for PS5 is no different. Remember, though, that the bosses gain extra health when you bring in real players to help, so keep that in mind before you go on a summoning spree. Typically, you’ll only ever need one additional player to take down a challenging foe. Make sure to be on the lookout for enemy invaders, though, as they can easily take you down from behind if you aren’t paying attention. Demon’s Souls is iconic for a reason, so do yourself a favor and check it out if you like RPG gaming.

Apex Legends

Maybe you’d like to try a battle royale that doesn’t include a building system like Fortnite. Perhaps you might like Apex Legends, a battle royale that blends class-based characters with the popular last-person-standing formula. Each character or “legend” has their own identity, and it shines through, not just in gameplay, but in story and lore as well. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another FPS game that feels and plays as fluidly as Apex Legends. In fact, this game is based in the Titanfall universe, and with that in mind, you can clearly see the connections (though you won’t find any Titans in Apex). It’s a game that continues to evolve over time, and we’re excited to see how it changes with each update. Best of all is that it’s free!

Rocket League

Rocket League is yet another free-to-play game that has captivated its audience thanks to its tight gameplay and satisfying loop. The premise? Soccer with cars. And if that sounds absolutely bonkers, it is. What’s great about Rocket League is that it appeals to the general player since it’s so easy to pick up and play. It’s got an easy concept to grasp: Put the ball through the goal. However, things get out of hand since steering your car while pushing a ball isn’t as easy as it seems. Still, it’s something you can quickly get the hang of after a few games. Skilled competitors will also find value in it, as matches can get heated very quickly, especially if the contestants are of equal experience levels. Beyond that, you can earn in-game currency to spend on what feels like thousands of different cosmetics, giving you even more reason to keep playing. It’s a game that you can quickly jump into and play a few rounds before bed, making it super appealing to a wide install base.

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

Is there a comeback story better than Final Fantasy XIV? When the game first launched in 2010, it was in terrible shape, but following 2013’s A Realm Reborn expansion, things started to turn around. Now, following the launch of the Endwalker expansion, Final Fantasy XIV is one of the highest-rated MMORPGs of all time. In fact, the game has become so popular that Square Enix had to temporarily stop all sales of new copies to help prevent the servers from being overloaded over the 2021 holiday season. Critics and fans have praised Final Fantasy XIV‘s gameplay, progression, and story, with each expansion improving upon nearly all aspects of the game. After the launch of Endwalker, it was revealed that Final Fantasy XIV has over 24 million registered users, making it one of the most successful MMOs of all time.

Deep Rock Galactic

Back in the Xbox 360 era, a little game called Left 4 Dead captivated a wide audience. A sequel launched in 2009, but fans have been starving for a cooperative zombie shooter since then. When we got Back 4 Blood, we realized it wasn’t the zombies we wanted but just a great co-op shooter like Deep Rock Galactic. Controlling a team of dwarves, you set off on missions to mine valuable resources from bug-invested planets as various classes with unique roles and abilities. If you’ve got a squad, this game will be one you can come back to for one run or a dozen.

WWE 2K22

After taking a year off and changing lead developers from Yuke’s to Visual Concepts, WWE 2K22 had a lot riding on its success. And thankfully, it was a great return to the series, with fewer bugs than previous installments, a fantastic roster, and some of the best visuals and animations the series has ever had. The coolest thing about this game is the Rey Mysterio showcase mode, which allows you to relive many of the high flyer’s most iconic matches — down to the exact spots that occurred within them. Beyond that, the redefined control scheme is simultaneously easier for newcomers to learn, while still feeling challenging for expert players to master. There’s also a major multiplayer component, with competitive battles online, the ability to create and share superstars, and even the ability to play myFACTION mode with others. If you’re a pro wrestling fan but have skipped recent entires, this one could be enough to bring you back.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

Most Call of Duty games are fun solo, but they’re even better with friends. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is no exception, as it features a slew of multiplayer maps and modes to enjoy. The game was rightfully lambasted for its campaign, but the trifecta of multiplayer, Warzone, and Zombies mode are all as fun and addictive as ever. This is an especially appealing game if you were a fan of the original 2009 Modern Warfare 2 since every map from that classic title was remade for this entry.

Overwatch 2

Serving as a major change from its predecessor, Overwatch 2 introduces new mechanics that keep things fresh. This free-to-play sequel has a tremendous roster of over 35 characters, each with unique move sets and abilities. In this game, team sizes are only five instead of six, making each member far more valuable than before. It’s still just as fast-paced as the first game, but with many quality-of-life improvements such as a refined pinging system. Overall, this game is a blast, despite having a few wrinkles that need to be ironed out.

Elden Ring

One of 2022’s best games is Elden Ring, a massive action RPG that will no doubt test your skills. While it’s best-known for its fluid gameplay, satisfying progression system, and epic battles, the game also includes a robust multiplayer mode. It offers a cooperative mode that allows players to take down the game’s bosses. But if you’d rather go against your friends, you might enjoy Elden Ring’s PvP mode. In it, you can battle it out against other users online, which is one of the most exciting parts of this sprawling adventure.

Minecraft: Legends

You’ve never seen Minecraft like this. Minecraft Legends is a real-time action-strategy game that plays like a mix of Pikmin and Age of Empires. In it, players explore a large open world while commanding various allies to defeat the piglins. In typical Minecraft fashion, players can explore, gather resources, and battle enemies solo or in co-op. Though, playing with friends makes this one much more fun, as you can tackle objectives together. It’s a welcome spin on the Minecraft formula that doesn’t get enough credit.

Street Fighter 6

Fighting games aren’t for everyone, but Street Fighter 6 succeeds at appealing to a wider audience than ever before. It does so without sacrificing its deep mechanics, which experts will undoubtedly appreciate with this installment. But it also includes a rich story mode, with tons of other ways to enjoy it, especially online against friends. Once you master the art of combat in this entry, taking your battles online is the height of the experience, rewarding you for learning the game’s intricacies. Street Fighter 6 is full of style and is easily the most appealing fighting game in recent memory.

Diablo IV

Diablo 4 is a game with so much to do, it’s almost overwhelming. You can explore a wide variety of dungeons while leveling up your character to become a powerful demon slayer, which is easier with friends. As you progress through the game, you earn more abilities and become stronger, but so do your enemies. This makes it almost essential to play alongside other Diablo 4 players, especially when battling powerful bosses. Diablo 4 is easily one of 2023’s best games and it’s even better with a full party.

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