Multiplayer video gaming with your friends used to be a huge hassle involving LAN cables and external connectors for extra controllers. Once internet speeds started to increase, playing online games with friends in different places became much easier, and as game developers realised this was one of the most popular way to play games, they began to increase the number of multiplayer titles on offer. Even solo games started to get in on the act, with series like Assassin’s Creed and Grand Theft Auto offering multiplayer modes in parallel to the solo story quests.

The arrival of the mobile gaming market, and the rapid way it grew, further spurred the demand for online multiplayer games. Even casual gamers love to pit their skills against their friends, and games such as Words with Friends 2 and Draw Something remain incredibly popular years after their releases.

The problem is, with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Even just looking for word games with friends throws up dozens of options. So, if you and your mates are looking for something new to try, here are our top picks guaranteed to keep you entertained.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The most popular series on Nintendo Switch is back with its newest iteration. Add you friend’s unique codes to invite them to your island and you can play together. There’s no end goal in this social game, but there are lots of secrets to explore and you can build and develop your island however you like. Decorate your house, leave presents for your friends, or spend the day fishing and crafting together. A major benefit to Animal Crossing: New Horizons is that you can only play with people you invite, making it safe for children.

Online Casinos

If you’d rather play against your mates than alongside them, you need games with a more competitive edge, and casino games offer the perfect opportunity to show off your skills. A top casino like Rainbow Riches offers multiplayer games including roulette, baccarat, video poker and blackjack. The beauty of these games is that you and your friends are never in direct competition, rather you’re all pitched against the dealer. So, if you win, you’re not taking their money, something that can rather contentious in friendship groups. But you still get the bragging rights for pulling off better hands or landing the perfect spin.

Among Us

This excellent little game took the mobile markets by storm and has since branched out onto PC and console, because players just can’t get enough of this social deduction game. You can play with random people, use codes to add friends, or a mixture of both, but even if you play with friends, you can guarantee you’ll end up on the same side. 

You’ll be randomly assigned the role of crew or imposter. Crew have tasks to achieve in order to win the game, but the imposter can sabotage those tasks and even kill other crew members. You’ll have to keep your wits about you to work out which of the identical little figures has been up to mischief before you find yourself adding to the body count.

Destiny 2

There are a number of big-name console games for the multiplayer market, but Destiny 2 stands out as one of the best. This all-action RPG lets you design and customise your unique character to explore the galaxy with. Get involved in raids, PvP combat, or work your way through the story missions, either on your own or in groups of up to 6. Destiny 2 is free to play but contains in-game purchases for exclusive weapons and skins, following the model of other hugely successful multiplayer games like Fortnite and PUBG. This is another reason why it’s great to play with friends, as you don’t all need to purchase an expensive game to have fun.

Overcooked: All You Can Eat 

This deluxe edition features the first two games and all their additional content, neatly packaged in one cross-platform multiplayer. Play in teams of up to four as you race against the clock to cook food and fulfil orders in increasingly weird and wacky situations. The game relies on true teamwork and has cleverly made it impossible for one player to dominate, because chefs are separated into their own areas with their own tasks to do. For example, one player might have to cook burgers but a different player will be in charge of adding the salad, and yet another is the only player who can deliver them to the table. If one of you slips up, you’re going to find burgers and angry customers piling up!

In Summary

Playing games online with your mates is a great way to relax and have some fun. It also helps you to stay in touch with friends who live too far away to see on a regular basis. Whether you want to cooperate towards a shared goal or fancy a bit of healthy competition, there are plenty of online multiplayer games to choose from for every budget.