Online multiplayer games offer the most fun when you’ve exhausted all the other games in your library. Through regular updates, the developers continue to innovate and add new content to keep the player base active. Over time, it’s normal for some titles (both indie and big budget) to lose some of their charm and population. Therefore, the strongest are determined by how long they have been “alive”. If you’re looking to get into multiplayer gaming and aren’t sure where to start, here’s a list that cuts across just about every genre.
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Minecraft
Although it’s been out for over a decade now, this popular block-building game saw a sudden surge in popularity when YouTubers tried to revisit it in 2016. Social features and limitless creative possibilities were part of it. integral to its success, although it is now purely piloted. by speedruns and multiplayer, where you can participate in custom game modes such as battle royale, bingo hunts, and parkour courses where the player is chased around the city by lava.
Minecraft recently surpassed 1 trillion views on YouTube. (Image credit: Mojang Studios)
Interactive features are limited to text chat, so make sure Discord is open when you need to talk to friends. There’s also a story mode, which puts you in a survival situation as you search for items, craft weapons, and fight explosive vines. Minecraft is available for purchase on Xbox and Windows PC through the Microsoft Store. Just be sure to purchase the Java edition.
League of Legends
Developer Riot Games has amassed perhaps the biggest fanbase in gaming, inspiring several fan art and cosplayers across the globe. Often placed among the most toxic playgrounds, League of Legends (LoL) is considered the backbone of competitive gaming, with college, pro and Twitch streamers occupying the networks with intense matches.
League of Legends is often placed among some of the most toxic playgrounds – hence the lack of a voice chat system. (Screenshot)
The team battle arena game pits 10 players (5 on each side) against each other on a virtual battlefield, home to a set of fortresses that must be destroyed or defended. Players can choose from a pool of champions with special abilities and battle opponents to increase their points and strength over time. LoL is quite similar to Dota 2, although the interaction with the community and the services offered are much better, especially for the free price.
World of Warcraft
Possibly the oldest game on this list, Blizzard’s World of Warcraft can easily be placed next to League of Legends when it comes to a popularity contest. The MMORPG (massively multiplayer online game) has managed to keep its player count alive for nearly two decades now. And that’s only increasing as each expansion pack comes out. Players can choose from a set of classes and create a custom avatar to explore an open world teeming with various monsters, complete quests, and interact with other characters (NPCs) or players online.
Blizzard’s World of Warcraft served as inspiration for Lost Ark in many ways. (Screenshot)
It encourages players to work together to complete objectives and explore dungeons to engage in PvP combat, although solo play is also a viable option. Similar to the surface recently lost ark, players can upgrade their character’s skills and weapons over time in a rewarding way. World of Warcraft is available to play on PC via a monthly subscription.
fortnite
Hate all you want, but for a battle royale, Fortnite from Epic Games has managed to maintain a good player base since its launch. Sure, some of that could be fueled by varied cosmetics and brand collaborations like virtual concerts, but it shows just how well the company knows about good marketing.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney recently confirmed that Fortnite will not be coming to the Steam Deck. (Image credit: Epic Games)
Similar to all other battle royales, 100 players are dropped on an abandoned island to search for weapons and supplies. Players race around town looking for targets to steal loot and engage in tactical shootouts to be the last man standing. Adding to the tension is an ever-closing circle that consists of killer storms, shrinking the playing area to a tiny radius. The title is free and also includes a story mode that can be purchased separately.
Foyer
Fans of the popular anime “Yu-Gi-Oh!” gonna love this one. Hearthstone is a turn-based card game between two opponents, as they throw a deck of 30 cards that represent a champion from their shared universe with other Blizzard projects. Players use their limited Mana Crystals to play abilities or summon minions to attack the opponent, with the goal of defeating the opposing hero.
Unlike most other digital card games, Hearthstone can be played for free. (Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment)
Winning matches and completing quests earns new cards or in-game gold, which can be used to purchase a new set to customize their collection. Unlike other games developed by the company, Hearthstone was an experimental project by a small team, simply based on the appreciation of collectible card games. The game was designed to avoid the shortcomings of other digital card games, by creating a realistic turn-based component. The game is available for free on PC and mobile.
Call of Duty: Warzone
There’s no denying that Warzone has found the right deal for Battle Royale games. Since its launch, Activision has refined the system with constant updates, new playlists and maps, all of which are provided for free. By default, the title features three BR squad modes – duos, trios and quads, pitting you against some 140 players as you search for supplies and fight to be the last survivor.
Call of Duty: Warzone is one of the few Battle Royale games that has maintained its active player count. (Image credit: Activision)
With the new Caldera update, you get access to a myriad of WW2 weapons and Resurgence mode, which adds a respawn mechanic while your teammates are alive. Activision has also announced a new version of Warzone, with an “all new play space” and a sandbox mode – which we assume will allow players to create custom maps. The title is available as a free download on current and last-gen consoles and Windows PCs.