5 best online games to play with friends; check out the list
In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming, the era of couch co-op may have faded into nostalgia, but in its wake, a new era of virtual connectivity has emerged. Today, players can team up and compete with friends and family from across the globe, breaking down geographic barriers through online multiplayer experiences.
Amidst this virtual playground, a selection of enduring online games continues to capture the attention and enthusiasm of players worldwide.
Amidst this virtual playground, a selection of enduring online games continues to capture the attention and enthusiasm of players worldwide.
Compiled by CNET, a trusted source in technology and entertainment, this curated list highlights games that have stood the test of time and continue to engage gamers of all ages.
Whether you're seeking cooperative camaraderie or intense competition, these online multiplayer games offer limitless possibilities for virtual socialisation and entertainment.
Best online games to play with friends
Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2, developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment in 2022, is a first-person shooter game that serves as a sequel and successor to the popular hero shooter Overwatch, initially released in 2016. The game was designed to emphasise player-versus-player (PvP) modes, with plans originally set to introduce persistent cooperative modes; however, these plans were later abandoned in 2023 to focus solely on enhancing the PvP elements. Notable changes in PvP included reducing team sizes from six players to five and implementing significant character reworks.
Whether you're seeking cooperative camaraderie or intense competition, these online multiplayer games offer limitless possibilities for virtual socialisation and entertainment.
Best online games to play with friends
Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2, developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment in 2022, is a first-person shooter game that serves as a sequel and successor to the popular hero shooter Overwatch, initially released in 2016. The game was designed to emphasise player-versus-player (PvP) modes, with plans originally set to introduce persistent cooperative modes; however, these plans were later abandoned in 2023 to focus solely on enhancing the PvP elements. Notable changes in PvP included reducing team sizes from six players to five and implementing significant character reworks.
Overwatch 2 is available as a free-to-play title on various platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, and it supports full cross-platform play. The game entered early access on October 4, 2022. Blizzard officially removed the early access label from the game on August 10, 2023, coinciding with the release of Overwatch 2's sixth season.
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 is a cooperative third-person shooter game developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2024. Serving as the direct sequel to the popular 2015 top-down shooter Helldivers, the game was launched for PlayStation 5 and Windows platforms on February 8, 2024.
Receiving acclaim from critics, Helldivers 2 achieved notable commercial success by selling over 8 million units within its first two months of release.
Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 is a role-playing video game developed and published by Larian Studios in 2023. Serving as the third main instalment in the Baldur's Gate series, the game draws inspiration from the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop fantasy role-playing system.
Initially released in October 2020 as an early access version for macOS and Windows, Baldur's Gate 3 underwent further development and refinements before its full release for Windows in August 2023. Subsequent versions for PlayStation 5, macOS, and Xbox Series X/S were launched later that year.
The game garnered widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its engaging gameplay mechanics, captivating narrative, and impressive production quality. Baldur's Gate 3 earned numerous Game of the Year awards and made history by becoming the first game to secure top honours at all five major ceremonies: the Golden Joystick Awards, The Game Awards, the D.I.C.E. Awards, the Game Developers Choice Awards, and the British Academy Games Awards.
Borderlands 3
Borderlands 3, released in 2019, is an action RPG first-person shooter developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K. It follows 2012's Borderlands 2 and is the fourth main instalment in the series. Initially launched on September 13, 2019, for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One, it later arrived on macOS (October 30, 2019) and Stadia (December 17, 2019). Enhanced versions for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, with free upgrades for existing users, were released on November 10 and November 12, 2020. A Nintendo Switch version came out on October 6, 2023.
In Borderlands 3, players engage in quests and side missions solo or multiplayer, choosing from four character classes. Defeated enemies drop loot, including weapons and gear. Players unlock new abilities as they gain experience. The game's story revolves around four Vault Hunters recruited by the Crimson Raiders to stop twins Troy and Tyreen Calypso and their cult followers from exploiting alien Vaults.
Despite generally favourable reviews praising gameplay, Borderlands 3 faced criticism for lacking innovation, technical issues, and writing. It achieved record-breaking sales for the series, selling over five million copies in its first five days after release.
Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV, a 2010 MMORPG by Square Enix for Windows, was the fourteenth instalment in the main Final Fantasy series and the second MMORPG after Final Fantasy XI. Set in the fantasy realm of Eorzea, players faced threats from the Garlean Empire and primals, the deities of beastmen tribes. Development began in 2005 under the codename "Rapture" and faced challenges leading to a negative launch reception in 2010. The game was eventually replaced by a successful reboot titled A Realm Reborn, led by producer and director Naoki Yoshida.
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