When I was 10, I used to spend every weekend over at my buddy’s house playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater on the 64, trying desperately to get all the tapes. As I look back, I can’t truly remember if we ever did. What I do remember are the laughs we had, the highs of triumph and the lows of defeat. I look back and I see a friendship that was forged behind a joystick, a friendship that endures to this day. So I thought about some other good games to play with friends, and I’ve compiled a list of my top twenty-five, in no particular order.
1. Mario Kart Series
First released: 1992
Hands down one of the top games to play with friends, Mario Kart is a staple on any multiplayer list. It’s simple, addictive, and arguably provides the most bragging rights of any game on this list. Fair warning, however, it’s also the most likely game to make you want to punch your best friend after YET ANOTHER LIGHTNING?! HOW’S THAT POSSIBLE COME ON!
2. Halo Series
First Released: 2001
Halo, a major reason people started buying Xbox, is a commercial hit and fun co-op game. The first Halo game came out on November 15, 2001. It’s a first-person shooter that involves the human race taking on an alliance of aliens known as the Covenant. From the very start, you are involved in an interstellar war, shooting and blowing up aliens all around the universe. The best part is that you can enjoy shooting down aliens with a friend in a split-screen co-op mode. Halo also has a multiplayer mode which can be played online through Xbox Live, or simply with four players in a split-screen classic Deathmatch. A great co-op adventure game you can’t miss.
3. Rocket League
First released: 2015
Sticking with the car theme, Rocket League burst onto the multiplayer scene in 2015, and instantly became one of the most fun video games to play with friends. Getting a friend or two to team up and take down the opposition while sporting matching Vault Boy toppers on your all pink vans is a rush that’s nearly unparalleled.
4. Left 4 Dead 2
First Released: 2009
The sequel in the series turned out to be even better. Left 4 Dead 2 is considered one of the best co-op PC games of all time. I still remember playing this epic game with my friends, screaming at the top of my lungs for help. With various storylines to play through, you’ll never get bored of it. If you think you have what it takes to take down an army of powerful zombies, gather a team of four and start spilling some zombie blood.
5. DOTA 2
First Released: 2013
If you’re a MOBA game fan, DOTA 2 is a title you can’t miss! The fierce PC game is played online with either random players from around the world or your friends in a contest to determine the best. People of all nations are currently playing this popular PC game. You can even compete in international tournaments and bag thousands of dollars with your team. The 5-on-5 battle will glue your minds and eyes to the game for hours. It is listed as one of the best games to play with friends on PC. Do your friends play DOTA 2? Start preparing with them to see your names listed with DOTA 2 greats.
6. Smash Bros Melee
First released: 1999
I don’t know how many arguments in my group of friends have been settled by playing Smash Bros. Melee. But I do know that if you’re looking for a tourney game, Smash Bros is a clear winner. Round robin, double elimination, grab some friends and a white board and go until someone’s declared champion.
7. Payday 2
First Released: 2013
If you get a chance to take part in a heist and shoot cops without the fear of going to jail, would you take it? I definitely would! However, there’s only one way to do that, gather a team of friends, grab a controller, and start playing Payday 2. This FPS multiplayer game revolves around planning heists and initiating them. If you get caught or are shot dead, you can always TRY AGAIN! This epic shooting game can also be played online with random players, all fighting for the same prize: MONEY!
8. NBA 2K Series
First released: 1999
When it comes to good two player video games, NBA 2K is one of my favorites. Between the next gen graphics and the wide selection of current and historical teams, this is great way to spend a night competing with your buddies. 2K supremacy carries a lot of weight amongst friends, and trying to take down the reigning champ is always a good time.
9. WWE 2K Series
First Released: 2000
Since the year 2000, a new and updated WWE game gets launched every year for wrestling fans. The latest version that was released in 2017, WWE 2K18, lets you take control of the WWE Universe by controlling your favorite superstar. If you’re looking for a top game to play with your friends, WWE 2K series is a perfect example. You and your friends can play on the same console and pick any WWE stipulation to determine who the champion is. With awesome and realistic graphics, you’ll feel the pain of getting choke slammed through a table.
10. Minecraft
First released: 2009
Switching gears from intense competition to a mellow co-op, Minecraft checks in as one of the top games to play with your friends. Your only limitation is your imagination, and possibly a couple creepers. While Minecraft is an excellent solo adventure, you can learn a lot about your friends by watching them build something. Are they a careful planner, or more slapdash? Finding out can be awesomely fun.
11. Fuzion Frenzy
First Released: 2001
One of the first games launched by Microsoft for its introductory console Xbox, Fuzion Frenzy is a commercial hit earning more than $16 million. In this party game, four players can play and compete against each other in different types of rounds and arenas. Mini-games are played in which you perform different tasks. Winner of the most rounds is the true champion. Fusion Frenzy 2 is now available for XBOX 360 and most recently launched for Xbox One. Bring it on!
12. Call of Duty Series
First released: 2003
Lock and load! Choose your weapons and take on the enemy as a single, cohesive unit with your friends, going carefully from objective to objective. Just kidding, that’s probably not going to happen. There’s always one guy running around aimlessly with just a throwing knife while everyone else groans. But if you’re looking for an engaging, objective driven competitive video game to play with friends, the Call of Duty Series is near the top of the leaderboard.
13. Counter-Strike
First Released: 2000
A series of multiplayer first-person shooter video games, Counter-Strike (CS) is an all-time classic still being played all around the world. Many international tournaments are hosting this game with participants from different countries. You can choose to become either a terrorist or counter-terrorist. Team up with your friends to take on top sides and show them who the boss is! Fire in the Hole!
14. Blur
First Released: 2010
Blur is an arcade-style racing game that lets you compete in fast-paced races with special power-ups that help you throughout maps. Four players can play in split-screen mode, choose either racing mode or battle it out in a derby filled with power-ups. You can also play this epic racing game online, with up to 20 players. Blur is available for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. The action-packed racing game also lets you knockout out your opponents to take first place.
15. FIFA
First Released: 1993
FIFA has always been considered a top-class soccer game that lets you get virtually involved playing for your favorite side. Lead your nation to win the World Cup by shooting awesome goals. You can also select your favorite team and play a match with your friend on the same console. Up to four people can play at the same time. Practice all the hard-to-learn skills and techniques, and beat your friends in a head-to-head friendly match. The latest edition lets you build your own team called the Ultimate Team. You have the opportunity of making an unmatchable side to win all tournaments.
16. League of Legends
First released: 2009
No list of the best multiplayer would be complete without League of Legends. Since it’s release in 2009, it has become a worldwide phenomenon, becoming one of the most popular eSports in the gaming world. But you don’t have to be a professional to enjoy the intensely strategic team play. And with 100 million monthly users, it’s also a great game to get involved in a passionate, online gaming community, meet new friends, and play with the friends you already have.
17. Tekken Series
First Released: 1994
The classic fighting game is a great option when you have friends over. Tekken 7 is the latest release in which you can choose from a list of 40 characters. Challenge your friends on a one-on-one fist fight to see who plays better. This fast-paced multiplayer game takes only minutes to finish fights. If you have more than two people wanting to play, you can always follow the winner stays rule. Fight to become the champion of the Iron Fist Tournament and K.O every opponent.
18. Toribash
First released: 2006
When you ask yourself, “What game can I play with my friends that they haven’t already played?”, Toribash might be the answer. It’s 100% gory fun. Challenging yourself while dismembering your friends has never been more fun. With an endless combination of moves that you have to come up with on the fly, you and your friends will never have a fight that’s the same thing twice.
19. Madden NFL
First Released: 1988
EA has never failed to give the audience a perfect sports game with high-quality graphics and realistic gameplay. Madden NFL, is a treat for all American football fans who can’t go on the field themselves to play. Every kid dreams of being part of a Super Bowl game to score the winning touchdown. This dream will take years of hard work and determination. Instead, why not team up with your friends and take your favorite team to win the cup in Madden NFL. It saves you years of hard work and tackles that break your bones every now and then. Madden NFL is a great game to play over the weekend with your friends and lead your team to victory.
20. Gang Beasts
First Released: 2014
Gang Beasts is a multiplayer beat ’em up party game that will make you jump up and down until you beat your opponents. It’s a fun video game to play with friends that lets you enjoy punching and kicking non-stop weird cartoon characters. It’s a party game that can be enjoyed by a group of four friends. You can fight in various hazardous venues available in the game. Last one standing strong is determined the winner. It’s a fast-paced party game that you can never get bored of.
21. Team Fortress 2
First released: 2007
TF2 is one of the all-time top games to play with friends. Arguing over strategy and character selection is half the fun for my group. The game play itself is outstanding, boasting a variety of game modes for maximum replayability. This is a game that’s made by people who love playing video games, and if you’re looking for an easy way to burn a quick 8 hours with your friends, TF2 is an easy choice.
22. Wii Sports
First Released: 2006
The flagship game made for Nintendo Wii is one of the best games to play with friends. The game is so popular that a number of people have refused to purchase any other title for the console. Wii sports has all the popular sports games that are played with motion-sensor controls. If you’re not satisfied with the weather outside, you can continue to play sports in this game within your room. Challenge a friend anytime and see who is more athletic.
23. Resident Evil Series
First Released: 1996
If you’re looking for the best co-op games that let you team up with a friend against evil forces, Resident Evil is a one of a kind title to choose. This game is loaded with action which involves the use of guns, melee weapons and sometimes even your fists. Resident Evil is a good 2 player video game to play with your BFF whenever he stops by at your place. It’s considered as one of the best horror games with zombies and creatures trying to kill you.
24. Gears of War Series
First Released: 2006
Another gun-fighting game, that can be played co-op in split screen or everyone for themselves, four player split-screen. It’s a war between humanity and Locust Hordes. Your job is to lead a team against these creatures as the last hope of survival. Out of the lot, Gears of War 3 is my personal favorite with enhanced graphics and storyline. A new Gears of War game is expected to release soon. If you haven’t played this game yet, start now and get prepared for the next one. Choose your friend, pick up your weapons, and fight to the finish.
25. Tony Hawk Pro Skater
First released: 1999
You didn’t think I’d leave THIS off a list of the top video games to play with your friends, did you? This is the game that introduced my friends and I to true multiplayer action. Playing Graffiti with “Cyco Vision” screaming in the background will never get old.
At the end of the day, multiplayer is all about the people you play with. Even the worst game I’ve ever played was improved by having some of the best people I know play it with me. Finding good games to play with your friends doesn’t have to be a challenge. All you need are some friends and this list, and you’re well on your way.
