Gaming alone is fun and all, but there’s nothing like having a bunch of strangers by your side to assist you in battle. The thing is, online strangers aren’t always the nicest of people, especially in the gaming community. Most days, I’m even forced to mute my team thanks to screaming kids, a couple of angry moms and deafening dubstep. With that said, gamers around the world can certainly surprise you with their epic team working and communication skills.
Today, there are so many new and upcoming multiplayer games on the market, that it can be difficult to know what to play. Luckily for you, we have picked out the top 5 best multiplayer games to play in 2019. Regardless of what genre you prefer—whether that’s MMO or FPS—we have you covered.
#1 Best MOBA: League of Legends
Developer(s): Riot Games
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, macOS, Macintosh operating systems
Initial Release Date: 27 October 2009
When League of Legends (LoL) was released back in 2009, it was one of the first huge free-to-play MOBAs on the market. Today, it remains as one of the most successful competitive multiplayer games with over 100 million registered users and counting.
Like every good MOBA, your primary goal in LoL is to work in a team of five to destroy the towers guarding the enemy base. Eventually, you’ll have to destroy the main structure, the Nexus, in order to win. Now, when I put it like that, it sounds very simple. When in reality, League of Legends is actually a very challenging game.
League of Legends Gameplay:
As we have briefly touched on, your main goal in League of Legends is to work together to destroy the enemy base. These matches typically last around 30-50 minutes, some may even exceed this depending on how good (or bad) the game is going.
I say this since game duration completely depends on how well your team works together at pulling down those pesky towers and obliterating enemies. One thing you don’t want to do as a noob is solo queue since premade teams have an advantage over those who go in alone. Therefore, like Ringo Starr, you could say you’ll get by with a little help from your friends.
I find that I play League of Legends much better with someone I know since I can communicate with them using a high-quality gaming headset. Albeit, the best way to communicate with your teammates is by using the Smart Ping menu. This radial menu includes four handy alerts (Danger, Enemy Missing, Assist Me and On My Way) used for speedy communication.
As you play, you should also look out for these Smart Pings on the mini map since they let you know where your enemies and teammates are moving. What makes League of Legends so entertaining is the ever-growing list of champions available. Every single one has its own unique set of abilities used to destroy enemies and push lanes.
I’m currently obsessed with Ezreal who can teleport to a nearby location before firing a powerful bolt of energy used to strike his enemies. If you want a specific champ, you’ll have to either unlock it or purchase it using real cash or in-game money. But before you blindly buy a new champ, we highly recommend testing it out in the Practice Tool made specifically for training champs.
League of Legends Graphics:
In terms of visuals, League of Legends looks absolutely stunning. Even though there are currently 144 champions in the game, every single one has been uniquely designed to stand out from the crowd. Furthermore, the skins for each champion look simply gorgeous—and don’t even get me started on the chromas for each skin, either.
Sure, you have to purchase skins using in-game currency (RP) that can take a while to accumulate. But sometimes, you just have to treat yourself to a bunch of colorful pixels using real money. When it comes to the map, the color scheme is fairly dark allowing the champs to stand out as you play.
League of Legends Overall Verdict:
Overall, League of Legends is a classic online multiplayer game that relies on excellent team working skills. Although the game itself takes some getting used to, the premise of LoL is very easy to comprehend. Recently, I even started playing LoL again in the hopes that I’d finally get good at it.
News flash, I’m still terrible and I can’t CS to save my life. Nevertheless, with enough time and practice, I’m sure that just like you, I too shall nail the game and become the MvP. Or, maybe that’s just a pipe dream…who knows? Only time (and patience) will tell.
#2 Best Battle Royale: Apex Legends
Developer(s): Respawn Entertainment
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One + Microsoft Windows
Initial Release Date: 4 February 2019
In February of this year, Respawn officially released their new battle royale game, Apex Legends. Even though the game was released without prior announcements, it somehow managed to reach 2.5 million players within just 24 hours—madness!
That’s a lot of random internet gamers you could (and should) be playing with in order to beat the competition. In fact, since Apex Legends only features a team-based game mode, it’s quite literally one of the best multiplayer games to play. Set in the Titanfall universe, Apex focuses on fast communication using a polished ping system, but what else is so good about this game?
Apex Legends Gameplay:
Just like every other superb battle royale game, Apex Legends is a team-based shooter that requires fantastic communication skills. As seen in League of Legends, you can communicate via Respawn’s fantastic ping system using a single click of a button.
By using this system, you can let your allies know that you’re looting a building, watching a specific area or where your team should head next. I could even tell my teammates that an enemy was close by without having to say a single word. This ping system makes communication fast and simple, especially for those who don’t speak the same language as you.
Before the game begins, you have to choose from one of ten unique characters with distinctive abilities and skills—three of which must be purchased using in-game currency. As seen in Overwatch, these characters are then split into four different classes: Offensive, Defensive, Recon and Support.
Before you enter a squad match, we highly recommend looking into what each character does in order to decide which is best for you. Right now, I’m hooked on playing Bangalore, a bad-ass character whose ultimate allows you to call rockets onto a large area—boom! If you’re playing with someone you know, it’s best to decide beforehand who you’ll play as since you’ll want characters that compliment each other, such as Support, Recon and Offensive.
I have to specifically mention Lifeline, a brilliant combat medic I’ve relied on many times mid-game. If you’re in trouble, she can use her tactical ability to call out a D.O.C. Heal Drone that automatically heals nearby allies. In terms of gameplay, Apex Legends is textbook battle royale: you jump from a plane, land, loot weapons and items before your opponents, and attempt to be the last team standing.
Apex Legends Graphics:
One thing that initially drew me in to Apex Legends was its bright and colorful graphics. Every single character, costume, weapon and location has been uniquely designed in a very playful way. Apex isn’t as childish as Fortnite, though it’s certainly quirky in its own way.
If you’re worried about being unable to run this game on your gaming laptop, don’t worry. Since you can tweak multiple visual settings, you won’t require a GPU as expensive as a 1080 Ti card. Instead, you could get away with using a quality budget graphics card to play Apex Legends on PC.
Apex Legends Overall Verdict:
At its core, Apex Legends is a team-based game that requires a high amount of patience and great communication skills. As this multiplayer game only features Squad mode alongside Ranked and limited-time game-modes, it’s best to team up with your friends in order to win.
This way, you’ll be able to decide which unique hero you’ll all be using to race for the winning title. With that said, Apex Legends is a brilliant free-to-play multiplayer game, so why not give it a quick try?
Related:Â Best Apex Legends Settings
#3 Best FPS: Overwatch
Developer(s): Blizzard Entertainment
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch + Microsoft Windows
Initial Release Date: 24 May 2016
Overwatch is an excellent example of a quality multiplayer game that you should definitely be playing in 2019. It’s one of the best hero-based shooters with the best variety of heroes we’ve seen in a video game.
As there are so many characters with different unique abilities and backstories, you get to play how you want to. Whether you prefer to play as a Tank, Damage or Support character, Overwatch has you covered. There’s even a hamster named Hammond who, as a result of a failed experiment, is very intelligent and powerful.
Overwatch Gameplay:
To put it simply, Overwatch is a 6v6 multiplayer shooter that’s accessible, fun and quirky. Much like League of Legends—or any MOBA for that matter—every character in Overwatch has a unique set of abilities and strengths. Of course, this isn’t a MOBA itself, rather a character-based shooter that features 31 different heroes.
You could also label Overwatch as a class-based shooter since heroes are split up into Tank, Damage and Support classes. Albeit, every single character works differently. I agree that the classes themselves aren’t exactly unique, yet the way the heroes move and look makes Overwatch so fun to play.
Similar to Team Fortress 2, Overwatch features defined objectives in every multiplayer match. One of the best game modes is Capture the Flag in which you must fittingly have to capture the enemy team’s flag. As a matter of fact, most game modes in Overwatch are based on you and your team capturing or defending something.
Of course, you still get to kill the crap out of your opponents, but since you have objectives, Overwatch super engaging. As a consequence, teamwork is absolutely necessary. If you prefer to play over at a friend’s house, it’s also the perfect multiplayer game to play on your high-grade gaming laptop.
Depending on what character you choose, you’ll have to heal, shield, defend and generally protect your team as you gun down enemies. We highly recommend pairing up with some friends to play Overwatch since you can create the perfect team with characters that work well together.
This way, you’ll be able to gain the highest score before the 10-minute timer runs out in Deathmatch. Unlike the previous two games on our list, you will have to pay for this one, but in all honesty, it’s totally worth it.
Overwatch Graphics:
For a game that’s so chaotic, Overwatch consists of bright, fun and cartoony heroes for you to play as. Just like Apex Legends, every hero in Overwatch looks simply stunning and the game itself generally has a unique look. Furthermore, if you’re into cosmetic items, you’ll love the range of colorful skins that you can either earn or purchase.
On top of that, all of the maps in the game are visually intriguing and full of interesting details. Since each map is set in a different locations, you’ll never get bored of your surroundings, either.
Overwatch Overall Verdict:
Overwatch is without a doubt one of the best multiplayer shooter games we’ve ever played. Much like Apex Legends and League of Legends, this game features a diverse range of heroes with unique abilities and personalities.
As a team, you’ll be able to use these abilities to work together for the winning title, making playing beside your friends so entertaining. Over time, Overwatch is only going to get better and we’re excited to see what the future of the game holds.
#4 Best Vehicular Soccer: Rocket League
Developer(s): Psyonix, Panic Button Games
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS + Linux
Initial Release Date: 7 July 2015
After four years, a bunch of new features and councless updates, Rocket League is exactly how we want it. If you aren’t familiar with the game, the basics are simple: 1-4 players team up, drive cars super fast around an arena and ram a gigantic ball into a goal.
It’s essentially football but with miniature cars (or giant balls?). With a bunch of different game modes with team sizes from 1- to 4-players, Rocket League is an excellent choice multiplayer game. Let’s get into the specifics of gameplay.
Rocket League Gameplay:
On paper, Rocket League sounds like a very simple game: you control a car and attempt to ram a massive ball into a goal. However, in reality, it’s actually fairly difficult. When I first played Rocket League on the Nintendo Switch, I felt absolutely useless.
I couldn’t for the life of me control the car or even get close to the ball. I admit that it was my first time using the Switch or even playing the game, but that’s besides the point. Nevertheless, playing with friends in TV Mode was extremely entertaining, mostly because I sucked.
Today, Rocket League features a whole host of different game modes for online and even offline play. The classic game mode in Rocket League, Soccar, is exactly as we previously described: you team up with 1-4 players and use a car to attempt to hit a giant ball into your opponent’s goal.
The team with the most goals after 5 minutes is the winner. If you and your opponents tie, you’ll have to play what’s known as a golden goal with some extra time. On the topic of time, timing in Rocket League is everything. Perfectly timing a spin into a ball to send it flying towards your opponents goal undoubtedly takes a lot of skills. As a consequence, if you aren’t playing with friends, you may end up raging.
Which is why we highly recommend finding a teammate. With a reliable driver on your team, you will learn how to play side-by-side to increase your chances of winning. If they are good enough, you could even learn a thing or two from them. Once you get good, you’ll be able to join some ranked matches to climb your way up the tier table.
Rocket League Graphics:
Visually, Rocket League is a very good looking multiplayer racing/football game. Everything from the colorful cars to the bright arenas looks simply stunning, especially across a curved gaming monitor. Of course, like most of the games on our list, cosmetic items are huge in Rocket League.
All of the car decals look extremely sleek across the wide range of in-game vehicles. These decals can be unlocked when you receive an item unlock at the end of every match. Overall, Rocket League is graphically stunning.
Rocket League Overall Verdict:
If you love a challenge, Rocket League is definitely the game for you. It’s a colorful and fun multiplayer game that requires a good amount of patience and timing. Although we say it’s fairly challenging, Rocket League is welcoming for new players, so don’t be put off if you’re a casual gaming looking for some fun.
Once you’ve nailed casual mode, whether that’s 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 or 4v4, you’ll eventually be able to build up the confidence to play Competitive. Who knows, you may be the next big Rocket League champion.
#5 Best Nintendo Switch Exclusive: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Developer(s): Nintendo, Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Initial Release Date: 28 April 2017
We can probably all agree that Mario Kart is one of the best multiplayer games of all time. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, in particular, is an excellent Nintendo Switch exclusive suitable for the whole family.
Even if you’ve never played Mario Kart, it’s a very simple to pick up and play game. At times, it can be challenging due to the fact that long time players will know how to use in-game items to their advantage. Such as how to boost ahead and throw shells like an absolute boss. Regardless, it’s a multiplayer game that you should most definitely have in your Switch games library.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Gameplay:
As most of you may be aware, Mario Kart is a classic multiplayer racing game by Nintendo. If you’re unfamiliar with this game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a Nintendo Switch version of the 2014 Wii U game, Mario Kart 8. Essentially, Nintendo has taken everything good about its predecessor and included some fresh new content that we can’t get enough of.
That means with the Deluxe version you get more tracks, kart customizations and some fun new characters to play as. If you’re new to the franchise, first of all, where have you been? But most importantly, you won’t feel terrible thanks to the addition of Smart Steering.
This new mechanic known as Smart Steering was introduced to make gameplay easier for kids and newcomers. When turned on, Smart Steering puts your vehicle on auto-pilot so that you don’t run off the track. Pair this with auto-accelerate—removing the need to hold A to move forward—and you’ll be able to focus on throwing those bananas.
If you’re an experienced Mario Kart playing looking for a challenge, you’ll be happy to know that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features 200cc tournaments. Thanks to all of this new Switch content, you can play for hours on end without getting bored.
What’s more, since this is a Nintendo Switch game, you can enjoy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on your daily commute or anywhere you go for that matter. If you prefer a more traditional Mario Kart experience at home with your friends and family, Nintendo has you covered.
Simply place your Switch into the dock, hook it up to your TV and play with up to 4 players in 1080p. You may even want to use a 1080p monitor for gaming to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in TV Mode on the Switch.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Graphics:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is undeniably one of the best looking games for the Nintendo Switch. Actually, Mario Kart in general looks simply gorgeous. Mario Kart 8 looked stunning on the Wii U and it looks just as good on the Switch, too.
Every single course is bright, colorful and generally wacky, something we absolutely love about MK8 Deluxe. Regardless of whether you’re playing in handheld mode or TV mode, you’ll be happy to know that every single detail in the game is sharp.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Overall Verdict:
There’s no denying that Mario Kart is the perfect multiplayer game suitable for the whole family. As we have mentioned, this 2017 version of Mario Kart 8 takes everything from the Wii U version while adding some fun new content. This content will enable you to game for hours on end without getting bored.
Newcomers and children will also be able to enjoy the Deluxe version thanks to the new Smart Steering mechanic. Plus, as it’s a Nintendo Switch game, you’ll be able to play on-the-go.
Conclusion
Sometimes, all you need is an internet stranger (or friend) to assist you in battle. And with our list of the best multiplayer game for 2019, you’ll be able to play with gamers across the globe. If you think we’ve missed off a game or two from our list, feel free to let us know in the comments below!
Prefer to play beside your friends in person? We think you’ll like our list of the best split-screen PC games. If you’re in need of some alone time, you may even enjoy our guide to some of the best first-person shooters of all time.