Discover the exhilarating world of top video games to play with friends, from the chaotic co-op shooter Helldivers 2 to the massive multiplayer survival of Palworld, ensuring unforgettable shared experiences and laughter-filled adventures.
You know, as I look at my gaming library in 2026, I can't help but think about how the best memories aren't from the games themselves, but from the chaos and laughter shared with friends while playing them. Sure, a solo adventure can be epic, but have you ever tried coordinating a desperate last stand against alien bugs with three other people screaming in your headset? Or laughed until you cried because your friend's Pal accidentally set your entire base on fire? Games like Helldivers 2 and Palworld proved that a shared experience, with all its different personalities and glorious miscommunications, is where the real magic happens. But with so many options out there—from couch co-op classics to massive online worlds—how do you even begin to choose the perfect game for your crew? Well, let me save you the hours of scrolling through reviews. Here are, in my opinion, the top video games to play with friends right now.
10. Helldivers 2 (2024)
Remember when this game exploded onto the scene? Helldivers 2 was a surprise smash hit back in 2024, and honestly, its legacy as a premier co-op shooter has only grown. It took the top-down chaos of the original and threw us right into the thick of it with a thrilling third-person perspective. The mission is simple but endlessly entertaining: team up with three other players (either locally or online) and spread Managed Democracy across terrifying alien planets. The frantic action, the friendly fire that's almost a feature, not a bug, and the sheer satisfaction of pulling off a coordinated strike make this a must-play for any squad looking for intense, laugh-out-loud action. It's the perfect recipe for creating those "you had to be there" stories.
9. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018)
Some classics just never get old, right? Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the king of the couch (or online) brawler. With a roster that feels like a love letter to gaming history, you can have up to eight players duking it out as Mario, Link, Sonic, and dozens more. The beauty of Smash is its accessibility; anyone can pick it up and have fun button-mashing, but mastering it is a deep and rewarding journey. Whether you're hosting a casual party or a more competitive tournament night, the sheer chaotic fun of a full 8-player battle is unmatched. It's the ultimate test of friendships, in the best way possible! 😄
8. Palworld (2024)
Talk about a phenomenon! Palworld came out of nowhere from a small studio and took the world by storm. This "Pokémon-with-guns" survival crafting game is an absolute blast with friends. You can team up in a standard four-player co-op session to build a base, explore, and catch Pals together. But the real scale comes from dedicated servers, which can host up to 32 players in a shared world. Imagine the stories you can create—forming alliances, trading rare Pals, or maybe engaging in a little friendly (or not-so-friendly) PvP. It's a sandbox of possibilities that thrives on community and shared shenanigans.
7. Deep Rock Galactic (2020)
Rock and Stone! 🪨 If you haven't shouted this with your friends while playing Deep Rock Galactic, you're missing out. This dwarven co-op FPS is the gold standard (or should I say, Morkite standard?) for team-based gameplay. You and up to three friends drop into procedurally generated caves as a team of mining dwarves, each with a unique class. The game is all about coordination: the Scout lights the way, the Engineer builds platforms, the Gunner provides cover, and the Driller... well, drills through everything. It requires real teamwork to survive the swarms of glyphids and complete your objectives. With constant free updates, seasonal events, and an incredibly supportive community, DRG offers insane value and endless replayability.
6. Jackbox Party Pack 9 (2022)
Need a game for a big, mixed group where not everyone is a "gamer"? Look no further than the Jackbox Party Packs. While Pack 10 is great, I keep coming back to Jackbox Party Pack 9 for its stellar lineup. It's a compilation of hilarious party games where everyone uses their phone or tablet as a controller. You can have up to 10 people playing games like the bluffing game Fibbage 4, the sorting frenzy of Quixort, or the reality-TV parody Roomerang. It's the perfect icebreaker or main event for any gathering, in-person or online. The games are quick, witty, and guaranteed to reveal who among your friends is the best liar!
5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)
The Mario Kart franchise is the definition of timeless fun. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch is arguably the pinnacle. It's a game that everyone knows how to play, and it's an absolute blast with friends. You can have 4-player split-screen on one console, or connect up to 8 Switches for a massive wireless race. With the Booster Course Pass adding a mountain of new tracks, the game feels fresher than ever. Sure, a well-placed blue shell can end a friendship for about 30 seconds, but the sheer joy of the race always brings everyone back. It's competitive, chaotic, and colorfully perfect for any game night.
4. Lethal Company (2023)
Do you and your friends enjoy screaming? I mean, really, truly screaming in terror and then laughing hysterically? Then Lethal Company is your game. This indie co-op horror gem took the world by storm. You and your crew are disposable employees of a sinister Company, sent to abandoned moons to scavenge scrap. The low-poly, almost cute art style makes the moments of sheer terror when a monster grabs your friend all the more effective. Communication is key ("Is that thing behind me?!") and the emergent stories of panic, betrayal (someone has to carry the loot!), and narrow escapes are unforgettable. It's cheap, spooky, and incredibly fun with a brave (or cowardly) group.
3. Valorant (2020)
For the squad that craves competition and strategic depth, Valorant remains a top-tier choice. This 5v5 tactical shooter combines the precise gunplay of classics like Counter-Strike with a diverse cast of Agents, each with unique abilities. Forming a consistent 5-stack with friends is the best way to play. You'll learn each other's playstyles, develop complex strategies, and experience the highest highs (and lowest lows) of competitive gaming together. The learning curve is steep, but mastering it as a team is one of the most rewarding experiences in multiplayer gaming. Just remember to keep the comms clear and supportive!
2. Mario Party Superstars (2021)
Is there any game more designed to create friendly rivalry than Mario Party? Mario Party Superstars is a fantastic modern collection that brings back classic boards and minigames from the series' history. Up to four players can play on one Switch, rolling dice, stealing each other's stars, and competing in a huge variety of quick, skill-based minigames. It's the perfect digital board game experience. One minute you're allies in a 2-vs-2 minigame, the next your best friend is using a Boo to steal the star you worked all game for. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that's best enjoyed with people who can laugh about the inevitable betrayal.
1. Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)
So, what's the ultimate friendship game? For my money, it's still Baldur's Gate 3. Why? Because it's not just a game you play with friends; it's a story you create with them. Based on Dungeons & Dragons, this epic RPG allows you and up to three friends to create a party and explore the rich, reactive world of Faerûn. Every decision matters, and playing with friends multiplies the chaos. Will you work together to be heroes? Will one of you secretly make a deal with a devil? Will your Bard try to seduce every NPC in sight while the Paladin facepalms? The possibilities for shared storytelling are endless. With continuous updates and a passionate modding community, the adventures in 3 years after its release are more polished and expansive than ever. It's a commitment, but it's the most memorable co-op journey you can embark on.
Final Thoughts
| Game | Genre | Max Players | Key Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helldivers 2 | Co-op Shooter | 4 | Chaotic, patriotic action |
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Fighting | 8 | Classic, competitive chaos |
| Palworld | Survival/Crafting | 32 (servers) | Sandbox creativity & mayhem |
| Deep Rock Galactic | Co-op FPS | 4 | Teamwork-focused mining & shooting |
| Jackbox Party Pack 9 | Party Game | 10 | Hilarious, accessible party fun |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Racing | 8 (local wireless) | Friendly (and not-so-friendly) competition |
| Lethal Company | Co-op Horror | 4 | Spooky, hilarious scavenging |
| Valorant | Tactical Shooter | 5 (per team) | High-stakes, strategic competition |
| Mario Party Superstars | Party/Board Game | 4 | Dice-rolling, backstabbing fun |
| Baldur's Gate 3 | Co-op RPG | 4 | Epic, story-driven adventure |
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, pick a game from this list, and start making some memories. Whether you're saving the galaxy, betraying each other for a virtual star, or just trying not to get eaten on a creepy moon, gaming is always better together. Now, if you'll excuse me, my friends are waiting... we have a Bug Terminatus to complete. For Super Earth! 🫡