When it comes to passing time with friends, multiplayer games are some of the best ways to pass the time. Regardless of what sort of interests your friends have, and whether they’re experienced with gaming, there’s a title on the market just for your group. Whether looking to play on mobile, console, or PC, you have plenty of options.
If you want to shake up your weekends and try out something new with friends, then we suggest starting with one of the games below. Each touches on a unique gaming genre and interests.
Poker
Poker variations like Texas Hold’em are some of the most popular in the world. In fact, online poker is just as commonplace as multiplayer online video games—so you don’t need to gather the squad together for an in-person game (although that’s always an option). To get started, you may need a refresher on the basics, but from there getting started is incredibly easy. Simply figure out whether you want to set up a virtual home game or get everyone back together for a classic basement tournament, then get started calling and bluffing your way to the top.
Mario Kart 8
Anyone who has played Mario Kart before has had some type of core memory associated with the game. That’s because is infinitely playable and includes just the right amount of challenges and obstacles to keep you glued to your seat—and arguing with your friends. This game is particularly good for those who don’t have a background in gaming, as its mechanics are fairly straightforward and the difficulty level is adjustable.
Among Us
This game has both entranced and enraged players around the world. That’s because in Among Us, players must either fly under the radar as the Imposter or band together with other Crewmates to uncover them. Even when playing with random players online, it’s a wholly immersive and amusing game. There are few rules, which means every player gets a chance to flex their ingenuity and cunning—two skills that aren’t necessarily vital in video games. But when played with friends, it becomes even more nuanced, as it’s much harder (or, in other cases, much easier) to deceive those close to you.
Rust
Compared to other titles on this list, Rust might not be as well-known. This survivor royale game sees players spawn naked onto an island with the sole goal of survival. Using all the odd ends and bits on this island, players can create forts, take on enemies, and loot. For those with a Discord setup, you can also join your friends and attempt to survive the mad adventures of Rust. However, this PC game is a bit more advanced, meaning your friends might need a background in gaming to fully get into the swing of things.
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge
Similar to Mario Kart, many games that were active back in the 1990s remember the magic of the side-scrolling arcade game, TMNT: Turtle’s in Time. Last year, Konami rebooted this successful franchise with a nostalgic side-scroller that retains all the magic of the original. Additionally, the soundtrack includes performances by huge names like Ghostface Killah and Raekwon. However, this game only allows up to four players to take on the mean streets of NYC at a time, which means it might not be quite as expansive for your friend group.
Forza Horizon 5
You might be wondering why there are two racing games on this list. While Mario Kart is certainly a racing game, it doesn’t deliver the realism that makes Forza Horizon 5 stand out from the crowd. The latter is better for friends who want to have fun while gaming, but Forza Horizon is a better match for those who are interested in actual driving mechanics and physics. In other words, it adds a huge dash of realism to driving. Plus, developers zeroed in on its multiplayer features, allowing players to tackle multiple game modes together.