It is almost impossible now to find a game without online multiplayer content. Although, there are games that retain the single-player experience in their pure form like God of War are aplenty on the PlayStation 5’s impressive library, it is still expected to have all these multiplayer games. Below are the games that are online multiplayer that do not feel like an afterthought or a tack-on.
1. Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is an online-based first-person shooter game that offers players an action-packed, multiplayer experience. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the role of a Guardian, a powerful warrior chosen to defend humanity from alien forces.
The game’s online component is what sets it apart from other first-person shooters, with players able to team up with friends and other players from around the world to complete missions, take on powerful enemies, and explore the vast game world.
Destiny 2’s online component is where the real magic of Destiny 2 lies. Players can join up with a fireteam of other players to take on challenging missions, raids, and activities that require coordination and teamwork to complete. With a wide variety of weapons and abilities to choose from, players can experiment with different playstyles and strategies to find the perfect fit for their playstyle.
2. Elden Ring
When it comes to Elden Ring, it’s clear that From Software has put a lot of thought and effort into creating a cohesive and immersive world for players to explore. The game’s graphics and art design are absolutely stunning, and the combat mechanics are smooth and satisfying. The game’s story is intriguing and mysterious, leaving players wanting more.
But what really sets Elden Ring apart is its online co-op feature. Players can join up with two other players to tackle the game’s challenging bosses and explore its vast world. However, unlike other co-op games, Elden Ring also includes the possibility of hostile invasions and PvP battles, adding an extra layer of excitement and danger to the gameplay.
But don’t worry, if you prefer a more exclusive co-op experience, you can password-protect your placemarks or only join allies through the Blue Phantom option.
3. Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo on the PS5 is a true masterpiece of a racing game. The graphics are absolutely stunning, with every car and track rendered in incredible detail. The sense of speed and realism is unmatched, making you feel like you’re really behind the wheel of a high-performance racing car. The game also boasts an impressive selection of cars and tracks, with over 150 different vehicles to choose from and over 50 different locations to race on.
But the real highlight of Gran Turismo on the PS5 is its multiplayer component. The game features an extensive online racing mode that allows players to compete against each other from all over the world. Players can join or create custom races, compete in championships, and even participate in special events. The online racing is smooth and responsive, with minimal lag and no noticeable issues.
Unlocking the multiplayer aspect of Gran Turismo on the PS5 is not a straightforward process. First, you’ll need to progress through the single-player campaign mode, which will introduce you to the basics of the game’s mechanics and controls. As you complete events and earn points, you’ll unlock new cars and tracks, which you can use in multiplayer races.
4. Borderlands 3
The Borderlands franchise is a lot of things at the same time but when it comes to co-op, Borderlands 3 really shines. The seamless drop-in, drop-out multiplayer feature makes it easy to join or leave a game at any time, without any interruption to the gameplay. This allows for a more dynamic and enjoyable co-op experience, where players can form new teams and strategies on the fly.
5. NBA 2K23
Dubious selection of a cover athlete aside, given that Devin Booker’s team melted down in the playoffs in an embarrassing fashion, the core gameplay of NBA 2K has never been this good. However, the online component of this game is suspect at best which is a shame when the core gameplay, as previously mentioned is that good.
Anyway, NBA 2K23 is the latest installment in the long-running and popular basketball simulation video game series. Players can create their own player, join a team and play through a career mode, or compete against other players online. The graphics and gameplay are top-notch, with realistic player movements and attention to detail on the court. The game also features a deep customization system for creating and editing players, teams, and arenas.
However, one aspect of the game that has been heavily criticized is the use of virtual currency (VC) to purchase in-game items and upgrades. Many players feel that the game’s progression and balance are heavily influenced by the ability to buy VC with real money, leading to an unfair advantage for those who can afford to spend more.
Additionally, some players have reported that the game’s online matchmaking can be unbalanced and frustrating, with a small number of players dominating the competition. It’s worth considering these factors before diving into the game, as they can greatly affect the overall experience.
6. Demon’s Souls
Demon’s Souls is a game that’s been remastered to the max. The new visual and performance modes really enhance the gaming experience and make the battles against giant bosses even more epic.
The co-op aspect is also what you are looking for, obviously. In this game there is a unique twist where players can invade other players’ games as hostile invaders, adding an unpredictable element to the gameplay. But don’t worry, you can still play with friends and password-protect your sessions, or be open to being summoned as an ally. This game offers a lot of replayability, and I highly recommend giving it a try.
7. FIFA 23
This is the last FIFA-branded game that anyone can play, as of this writing. So gaze at its full glory. The license has expired and due to the king’s ransom FIFA is asking, Electronic Arts (EA) decided to name their next soccer game EA FC instead.
This latest installment from EA Sports is a must-have for football fans, with gameplay tweaks, new teams, and exciting new features that make it a great way to end the series.
One of the biggest changes this year is the inclusion of fully realized versions of the women’s game, with teams from the WSL league now available to play.
This is a huge step forward for the series and will bring in a whole new army of players keen to finally see the women’s game where it should be, alongside the men’s.
Another big addition is cross-play, allowing players on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X to go head-to-head online, breaking down the barriers of console wars. The game also includes new tutorials for veterans, stunningly realistic graphics, and an arcade-like power shot feature that adds a new level of excitement to the gameplay.
8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
When it comes to playing games, some folks just wanna team up and conquer the world together. That’s where Modern Warfare 2’s co-op options come in. You’ve got a few options to choose from: split-screen multiplayer, online multiplayer, and Spec Ops, which can be played locally or online.
Unfortunately, the campaign mode in Modern Warfare 2 doesn’t support co-op play. But if you’re looking to team up with a buddy, you can hit up the Spec Ops mode. This mode allows two players to tackle a variety of missions together, taking on AI-controlled enemies and completing objectives. It’s a solid option if you’re looking to play together, but it’s not the same as a full-fledged co-op campaign.
Interestingly, the last Call of Duty game to feature a co-op campaign was Black Ops 3, which supported up to four players. It’s a shame that we haven’t seen more co-op campaigns in the series since the level design in Modern Warfare 2 would lend itself well to the two-player co-op. But it seems unlikely that we’ll see a co-op campaign added to the game, which is a bummer.
9. GTA Online
Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time, and for good reason. The game offers players a vast open world to explore, a captivating and well-written story, and a huge amount of side activities and missions to complete. The game’s single-player experience is truly immersive, with a wide range of characters to interact with and a huge variety of vehicles and weapons to use.
GTA Online is a fantastic social experience, allowing players to join a vast open world filled with endless possibilities. Whether it’s racing through the streets, completing heists, or causing chaos in the city, there’s always something to do with friends. The game also features a robust role-playing community, where players can create their own characters and interact with others in a variety of different ways.
The game’s social aspect is one of its strongest features, and it’s easy to spend hours just hanging out with friends and causing mischief in the city. The game also receives regular updates, adding new vehicles, weapons, and activities, keeping the experience fresh and exciting
10. Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker is a polished and well-designed addition to the game which had a disaster of a launch. The story is the main focus of the expansion, Endwalker, but other systems like FATEs, questing, and raids have not seen major changes, which is a good thing as they were already well-designed.
The new jobs Sage and Reaper are a blast to play and the changes to the existing jobs have been well-received. The new raids are a bit of a mixed bag, but the Extreme fights are a lot of fun. Overall, Endwalker is a great thank-you letter to the fans who have supported the game all these years.
11. Back 4 Blood
Back 4 Blood is a co-op first-person shooter game that is incessantly being compared to Left 4 Dead. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by hordes of zombies, and players take on the role of one of the “Cleaners,” a group of survivors tasked with fighting back against the outbreak. The game features a variety of weapons, special abilities, and different types of zombies to fight against.
Compared to Left 4 Dead, Back 4 Blood is not as polished or as well-balanced. However, despite these shortcomings, Back 4 Blood is still a fun and satisfying co-op shooter. The game’s fast-paced, action-packed gameplay, and the variety of weapons and abilities make it a blast to play with friends. The game’s campaign mode also offers a decent amount of replayability, as players can try different strategies and characters to complete the missions.
12. Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2, the latest installment in the popular Overwatch franchise, is not technically a full sequel if we are being pedantic but rather an updated version of the game that fans have come to know and love. While the game features new playable heroes, significant changes to existing heroes, and a new free-to-play model, it is essentially the same game that players have been playing for the past six years.
13. Dead by Daylight
Dead by Daylight is a thrilling and intense horror game that pits four survivors against one terrifying killer. The game’s unique asymmetrical gameplay sets it apart from other multiplayer games, as players must work together to outsmart and outlast the killer while also trying to escape the killer’s clutches.
14. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is a combination of two popular puzzle games, Puyo Puyo and Tetris, with a variety of game modes, an absurd plot, and an Adventure Mode that helps players learn the fundamentals of the game. The main new feature is Skills Battle, which adds an option to play Puyo Puyo or Tetris in Adventure or multiplayer modes, with the goal of depleting the opponent’s health bar. Players can select a team of three characters and choose between fighting Puyo or Tetrominoes.
15. Rocket League
Rocket League, the high-powered hybrid of arcade-style soccer and vehicular mayhem, is a game that has always been about precision and speed. The game has been around for a while and has had a devoted fanbase, and it’s easy to see why. With its smooth gameplay, intuitive controls, and high-flying action, it’s a title that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master.
