We decided to compile a list of the 30 best multiplayer games to make friends in 2021.
Do you feel alone? It’s understandable. We all started social distancing almost a year ago.
Do you feel alone? It’s understandable. We all started social distancing almost a year ago.
Luckily, multiplayer games have given us the chance to socialize and make new friends online. A lot of players have even developed long-term relationships with others they met playing a match.
You can even create or join a gaming team, clan, or party!
This is also heavily promoted by the World Health Organization, with the #PlayApartTogether campaign, which encourages gaming to socialize and stay connected from home.
Multiplayer Games to Make Friends in 2021
#1 – Among Us
It’s very likely that you already know this online multiplayer social deduction indie game. Created by a 3-members team (InnerSloth), Among Us has been out for two years, but only got massive attention once social distancing started.
You play aboard a spaceship, along with 4 and up to 7 other crew members. The goal here is to keep the sky headquarters together and return to Earth.
The problem is, that one or two imposters have to do the opposite: killing other players while going undetected.
#2 – Jackbox Games
It consists of $25 packs, containing five games each, played by 2 to 8 players. They can go from trivia questions to funny drawing contests. The best of all? It’s dumb but dark humor.
First of all, they’re similar to other party games available out there, but any other has made me laugh like this one. Also, it contains clear instructions to pick up the game fast.
As a plus, no apps or consoles are needed.
More so, only the “Host” needs to own the game pack. Everyone plays on their phones, through a web browser, going to Jackbox.tv and inserting the room code to enter.
#3 – Animal Crossing: New Horizons
This game came out in March, just when the shelter-in-place orders started. So we could say it made social distancing a bit easier.
It is hard to describe why Animal Crossing is so good. It’s based on doing simple tasks in your town (planting trees, growing fruit, catching bugs, fishing, purchasing and designing your house) and meeting new anthropomorphic neighbors that move in.
While this was enjoyable before 2020, it’s now essential. And when played with other players, it makes it easy to socialize and make new friends.
#4 – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
Everything is fun and laughter until someone drops a blue shell over you in the last lap. That’s when a healthy friendship becomes a healthier rivalry.
Nintendo has sold more than 28 million copies so far, so you can be sure there’s plenty of people still playing it today. To play it online, you’ll need the Switch membership.
It costs $3.99 per month.
#5 – Super Mario Party
Now, talking about rivalry…This game can either help you make new friends or break long-lasting relationships. Even Nintendo Acknowledges it!
Mario Party’s 20-year-old franchise works as a digital board game in the Mario Universe. This time, with its latest release, they changed enough to improve the formula.
For example, Avatars (players) now have custom dice blocks, differently from the traditional 1-6 blocks. These can be unlocked by earning allies (secondary Mario Characters).
#6 – Fortnite (PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile)
Fortnite still holds its spot as one of the most popular Battle Royales out there.
This is the first one on the list (they’re all free to play and Crossplay compatible).
Don’t be fooled by its colorful aesthetics and building capacities. I can guarantee you that not only teens have fun playing it.
So far, there have been major interactive events, such as Astronomical (featuring Travis Scott) and the most recent Galactus event, which finished right before Chapter Season 5 started.
If you don’t like Battle Royale, you can also enter PvE (Save the World) or Creative modes.
#7 – Call of Duty: Warzone (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
This other battle royale possesses photorealistic graphics and more real-world tactical gameplay.
Warzone offers a much more mature take on the genre… Without sacrificing fun.
Weirdly, one of the funniest and social-friendly features this game has, it’s the post-mortem Gulag: A 1v1 match for redemption between you and another fallen soldier for a second chance to deploy on the battlefield.
#8 – Apex Legends
This is the middle point between a serious storyline and animated aesthetics. It also has a class-based characters system like Overwatch.
The 15 “Legends” cast is full of well-balanced personalities.
Apex Legends is a battle royale that takes place in the “Titanfall” universe. EA and Respawn took out the mechs and wall-running mechanics, but let in the rewarding, fast-flowing moves.
#9 – VRChat
Do you remember the 2003s Second Life?
I hope you don’t. But if you do… Then this community-driven platform could be considered a modern version of it. Some compare it to a 3D Discord server.
Inside, gamers can create their worlds and avatars. And on them, you can play all kinds of games or just socialize with others through text or voice chat.
Its player base was declining until the covid lockdown began. Besides, being free, there’s nothing to lose trying.
#10 – Minecraft (PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile)
This game has been present in the life of many teenagers while growing up, so it’s impressive to see as it keeps a high position since it was first launched over ten years ago.
Probably, the reason behind this is, because there’s something for everyone.
You can choose between Survival, Adventure, and Creative modes. Whatever you choose, anyone can get into your Realms at any time (with full Crossplay compatibility)
Also, there are online public and private servers for anything that comes to mind.
#11 – LEGO Games
There’s probably a LEGO game for most of your favorite films.
DC Super-villains, Marvel Super Heroes, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Lord of the Rings, among many others.
And a good chunk of them supports multiplayer game mode.
While they have changed a bit throughout the years (let’s say, evolved), the latest games on the series are worth a try, without any age considerations.
#12 – Rocket League (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
Do you like cars? Right, who doesn’t?
Do you like soccer (or football)?
Then you’ll probably like Rocket League if you haven’t played it yet.
This physics-based fun supports multiple game modes for 1v1 to 4v4. Unfortunately, there’s no online multiplayer on the macOS at all, after being discontinued.
#13 – FIFA and Madden Series
I added these two as one because EA makes them both.
So far, It’s hard to not know about FIFA (soccer) and Madden (football) games. But they are being added to this list because not many people know that the PC version also supports online multiplayer mode.
There’s no need for a friend beside you playing split-screen to get annoyed every time any scores a goal and doesn’t skip the replay.
#14 – Overcooked 1, 2, or “All You Can Eat”
We could say that playing this is like being on Kitchen’s Nightmare (thankfully, without no G. Ramsey screaming at you).
There’s something “exquisite” about running around a kitchen with your friends, doing your best to achieve ridiculous amounts of challenges.
So, to be honest, you’ll end up laughing, screaming at, or getting screamed at by your friends for the inevitable mess.
#15 – Team Fortress 2
The longest-running game from this list still has a lot to offer.
According to SteamCharts, there’s still an average of 100.000 people playing every day. That’s quite impressive for a game launched in 2007.
Besides, the community is exactly what you would expect from an animated game like TF2. Maybe the word “team” in its name tells you something.
And most importantly, they have just announced one of the biggest Christmas (or what they call “Smismass”) updates up to date.
#16 – Worms W.M.D. (And any other from the series – Windows/Mac. Steam)
This modern-looking release of the classic turn-based battle game is one of the funniest you can pick up at any time.
The worm warfare can be played with up to eight players, whom you can now hurt with over 80 weapons on local or multiplayer, including ranked mode.
Nothing improves (or harms) more a new friendship than throwing a Holy Hand Grenade to their face.
#17 – Valorant
This is what you get if CS:GO and Overwatch had a child.
Riot’s competitive shooter somehow manages to get their best qualities and throw ice walls, fireballs, and drones into the mix.
The different “Agents” have their own set of abilities which makes it more fun to test new combinations with friends.
This middle-point detachment from reality is what makes Valorant unique.
#18 – Destiny 2
There are a ton of hour’s worth of quests and challenges awaiting on this always-online, ever-expanding SciFi first-person shooter. Oh, and I forgot free-to-play, as well.
They’re much more enjoyable when played cooperatively or with clans of up to 100 members. But if the “Raids” aren’t your thing, you can also choose to play PvP (Crucible).
#19 – Rainbow 6 Siege
As out of Tom Clancy’s head, this game is inspired by the original military espionage novel.
And Siege in particular focuses on teamwork, instead of global conflicts and politics.
Almost no storytelling is found in-game, but that is an advantage that allows players themselves to set the tone. You can imagine, the “tone” is better felt when played with friends.
#20 – Grand Theft Auto Online (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
Do you feel like playing cops and robbers? Or just exploring Los Santos is enough for you?
Even the holiest corrupt on this game. And I can guarantee you, that it’s more enjoyable to do so with others to help you drive and fly vehicles, or just shoot and punch strangers.
We can still play GTA Online, while there’s no VI printed on the name.
#21 – Payday 2
The previous on the list is just a beautiful mix of unorganized mess. This one, instead, involves very organized high-tension heists (which can start stealthy and end up on intense gunbattles).
Payday 2 is meant to be played as a four-player co-op and its mechanics and metas deliver excitement when matched with your partners in crime.
Just hook into Crime.Net and choose your next mission from the interactive city map.
#22 – Borderlands 3
We thought that a game couldn’t contain one billion different weapons… But Gearbox’s “Algorithm” made it possible.
What does this have to do with socializing and making friends online?
Well, it makes this looter shooter more entertaining than what it was before (have you heard the character’s dialogue?)
There are four new Vault Hunters that all four co-op players can choose from.
#23 – Divinity: Original Sin 2 (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC/Mac)
RPGs are where looting comes from and the second Divinity game (Original Sin 2) takes the best from looting classics like Diablo and pushes it brilliantly.
For example, every player can interact with all in-game NPCs, so no-one takes the lead (not even the Host). This is useful to let everyone have an immersive role in the story.
And for those who like to have the biggest role of them all, there’s the Game Master mode (basically, a D&D campaign maker).
#24 – Dark Souls
Don’t let the “Dark” part and the “YOU ARE DEAD” death screen fool you.
All of the Dark Souls series (including Demon Souls and Bloodborne), has one of the most loyal and friendliest communities.
That is true, while you aren’t invading someone, or while someone isn’t invading you.
#25 – League of Legends
Now, speaking of dark subjects… This is the game I’ve undoubtedly invested most of my time playing. Which is something I’m grateful for and also regretful about.
The real fandom is great… When trolls are not around in Summoner’s Rift.
Considered the biggest Esports game on the planet; the only MOBA from this list is a must-try if you want to make friends (or foes) while social-distancing.
#26 – Elder Scrolls Online
Everyone wished once that Skyrim could be played co-op someday, somehow.
With the release of the “ESO,” that wish came true.
If you have enjoyed the lore of the franchise’s releases, then it will be good news for you to say that they’re all in there.
Tamriel is now playable online (even, for free NOW until December 10th).
#27 – Civilization V or VI Windows/Mac (Steam)
Ruling the world is a hell of fun if real players are part of the experience.
As you can notice by the title, I added them both because of Civ. V still is a game worth trying.
And for most parts, Civilization VI follows the exact formula: choose a civilization and start from literal scratch. Go from Stone Age to the Digital Era we’re currently living on.
#28 – Dead by Daylight
DBD lets you play Hide and Seeks but on a whole other level of creepiness.
Are you that friend who loves to scare others? Then you’ll love to pick among +20 different killers available, including Executioner (Pyramid Head), Demogorgon, and Nightmare (Freddy Krueger).
Or do you prefer it to get scared? You’re a weird person. But sure, you can also choose to be any of the 24 survivors.
#29 – Don’t Starve Together (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Nothing joins people more as going through life-or-death situations, together.
This one shows what would happen if you’re let alone in the hostile woods: you’ll have to survive as long as possible, gathering resources to make fire, cook food with it, and craft weapons to fight the unfriendly wildlife.
If you like Tim Burton’s gothic art style, then you’ll love this game.
#30 – Rust
This game is many things. But in short terms: it’s real-life Minecraft.
The online multiplayer survival game caters to many audience’s tastes: PvP (running around and killing with fresh-crafted guns) or PvE (high-stress clan wars. You start naked and try to evolve enough to form your clan).
Getting friends in Rust isn’t optional… It’s NEEDED to stand a chance against these clans.
Too Long; Don’t Read (TL;DR)
In my personal opinion, even a game that sucks can be enjoyable if you have a friend to make fun of it with.
So hopefully, the 30 games enlisted today work to find the one that best suits you.
Besides, what better way is there to stay in touch and socialize during a period of isolation than video games?
