Best Multiplayer Games For Beginners

Does this sound familiar? You’ve just downloaded your first-ever multiplayer game and eagerly enter the battlefield, only to be instantly ambushed by several players and lose immediately. Let’s face it: video games aren’t fun when they’re over in seconds, and the competitive gaming scene can be brutal to newcomers.

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If you’re new to multiplayer games, why not start with something more beginner-friendly? The following titles are a blast to play co-op or competitively. Even better, they feature accessible gameplay, easy-to-learn controls, and simple yet incredibly fun premises. You can even download many of them for under five dollars.

8

Webfishing

Catch Some Fish With Friends

Systems

Released

October 11, 2024

Developer(s)

Lamedeveloper

Publisher(s)

Lamedeveloper

Cozy games are a great entry point into multiplayer gaming, and Webfishing is as relaxing as it gets. Grab some friends, create your own cat or dog avatar, and explore a lush seaside forest. You can catch all kinds of sea life with your trusty fishing rod, ranging from a tiny goldfish to a gigantic whale.

If you need a break from fishing, you can scavenge for secrets, customize your character, draw pictures with chalk, or learn how to play guitar. The charming, low-poly visuals create a calming atmosphere, and the stress-free gameplay is perfect for newcomers. You can even talk to your friends through the in-game chat feature, but a group voice call makes for a better time.

7

Fall Guys

Race To The Finish Line

Battle Royale

Platformer

Action

Battle royales can be tricky to get the hang of, but Fall Guys is very accessible to beginners. You and up to three friends must navigate clumsy jelly bean characters through a series of colorful obstacle courses. Only the first ones to cross the finish line can advance to the next round.

The controls are as simple as it gets: you can run, jump, and grab things. The gameplay is straightforward yet endlessly fun and hilarious, especially when you and your buddies bump into everything and everyone in sight. Check it out if you want a silly, lighthearted co-op experience.

6

Gartic Phone

Try To Guess The Picture

Gartic Phone can best be described as a cross between Telephone and Pictionary. Here are the rules: one person writes a prompt, which a second person draws. A third person then sees the drawing and tries to guess what it depicts. Their guess becomes the next prompt, which a fourth person attempts to draw. Rinse and repeat.

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All drawings are revealed at the end of the game, and the results are usually hilarious and nothing like the original prompt. Overall, it’s a fantastic party game and perfect for groups of six to eight people. The best part? You can play it for free in your browser.

5

Splatoon

Third-Person Shooting Perfection

Systems

Platform(s)

Switch

Released

September 9, 2022

Developer(s)

Nintendo

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

As far as live service shooters go, the Splatoon series is the best choice for newbies. Two teams compete in fast-paced games of paintball, where the goal is to coat as much of the ground as possible in your team’s ink. Claim the most turf before time runs out, and you win.

True to Nintendo’s nature, the gameplay provides just enough challenge while also being accessible for those looking to dip their toes in competitive multiplayer. Either Splatoon 2 or 3 on Nintendo Switch will scratch that itch for high-speed, beginner-friendly action.

4

Vampire Survivors

Survive The Demon Army

Released

December 17, 2021

Developer(s)

Luca Galante

Publisher(s)

Luca Galante

Despite being a bullet-hell game, Vampire Survivors is a surprisingly casual co-op experience. You and a pal are dropped in a randomly generated world filled with hoards of monsters. The goal is to explore, collect power-ups, upgrade your weapons, and survive for as long as possible.

Your character attacks automatically, so all you have to do is move around and dodge enemies. It couldn’t be easier to control, and the epic soundtrack and nostalgic pixel graphics make it all the better. Be warned that once you start playing, it’s hard to put it down.

3

Among Us

Someone Here Is Sus…

The king of social deduction games, Among Us is a classic online multiplayer murder mystery. You and up to 14 others are astronauts with a series of tasks to complete. The catch? At least one of you is an alien impostor tasked with killing the group one person at a time.

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Your job is to look for suspicious behavior, hold round-table discussions, and vote on who you think the culprit is. The gameplay and controls are immediately understandable, allowing you to focus your energy on your detective work or lying skills. Make sure to play with friends for the best experience.

2

Stardew Valley

Raise A Farm Through Co-Op

Released

February 26, 2016

Developer(s)

ConcernedApe

Publisher(s)

ConcernedApe

Arguably the coziest co-op game ever made, Stardew Valley is a must-play if you want laid-back multiplayer gameplay. Up to eight people can explore the charming Pelican Town, where you can harvest crops, go fishing, explore the mines, and turn your tiny piece of land into a thriving farm.

The relaxing environment and stress-free gameplay ensure every second is serene and peaceful. Beginners should have no issues grasping the mechanics and immersing themselves in the delightfully charming world. With no definitive ending to the game, you can easily spend countless hours farming and chilling with your friends.

1

Minecraft

The Legendary Sandbox Game

Platform(s)

3DS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360

Released

November 18, 2011

Minecraft needs no introduction. Grab a few friends and hop into Creative mode, where you can explore a vast, open world with unlimited resources. With no risk of danger, you’re free to build to your heart’s content without worrying about dying.

The game remains immensely popular for a reason. If you can imagine it, you can build it – whether it’s a tiny house or a massive castle. The only challenge you’ll face is the limit of your own creativity, but with a few good friends, you’ll have no shortage of things to create.

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