Single player campaigns are fun, but the internet is where all the action is, hence a list of the best online multiplayer games. Now, titles in this category are of no shortage and almost every new release allows you to play with others over the internet, so picking the most enjoyable ones is a tough decision amongst the plethora of options. Listed below, you’ll find our personal favorite titles in this segment. Additions here range from RPGs, to FPS to RTS, so there’s definitely something for everyone and they’re all immersive and very enjoyable.
1. CounterStrike/CS: GO:
If you haven’t played CounterStrike, then you’re missing out on one of the greatest tactical FPS titles to have ever been developed. It was initially released as a mod for Half-Life and being over a decade old, CounterStrike is still widely played across the globe. There have been 3 standalone releases made over the years, the latest one being Global Offensive which features enhanced graphics, reworked maps and new items.
Like in earlier releases, you start off by picking a team, terrorist or counter-terrorist, and complete objectives such as hostage rescue or bomb defuse. New modes have been incorporated into this release like arms race, demolition and Deathmatch.
2. World of Warcraft:
World of Warcraft is one of the largest MMORPGs and it’s based on the Warcraft franchise. Here, you’ll set foot in a virtual world where numerous other players will be present. You take on the form of a hero and explore locations as well as defeat monsters as they appear and completing mission.
For WoW, Blizzard has adopted a subscription-based model, so you’re going to have to shell out hard cash to play this title. Also, there are numerous expansion packs being offered that deliver new locations, higher levels and more features, albeit they each come at a price.
3. StarCraft II:
If you like Warcraft, there’s absolutely no reason why StarCraft II will disappoint you. The RTS title is basically divided into different chapters. The first one follows the Terrans which are humans. Here you play as Jim Raynor and take control of the Raiders on a journey to take down the Dominion Emperor.
The second installment dubbed Heart of the Swarm is focused on the Zerg race, while the upcoming Legacy of the Void expansion follows the Protoss species. Online gameplay is possible through Battle.net where you can create your own character, earn achievements and battle with opponents from around the globe.
4. Team Fortress 2:
There are many reasons for you to consider Team Fortress 2 as a viable choice for multiplayer gaming. Not only is it free to play, but its action packed FPS gameplay with RPG elements make it a must-have. So you enter into the battlefield by selecting one of 9 characters, namely scout, soldier, pyro, demoman, heavy, engineer, medic, sniper and spy. Each of them has their own unique abilities.
To make things more enjoyable, you can customize your character with different equipment. There are various maps available and a host of playable modes including capture the flag, Deathmatch arena, Mann vs Machine and more. Developer Valve is constantly introducing new items and inventory as well as hosting events.
5. Halo: Reach:
If you own an Xbox 360, Halo titles are a must-have, especially Reach if you want an enjoyable multiplayer experience. Being the fifth installment in the series, the game is exclusive for the said console and it’s the prequel to the original storyline. It takes place during the year 2552 and follows the Noble Team that sets out to prevent the destruction of humanity.
The title offers multiple modes for online playing. They include Headhunter, Stockpile (capture the flag), Invasion and Arena. Instead of being at different screens, you and a friend can play Reach on a single console in split-screen view. There’s the Noble DLC available free of charge which introduces various new maps for combat.
6. LoL/Dota2/HoN:
Here, we’ve got not one, but 3 titles that offer similar gameplay experiences. Dota 2 is the standalone version of the Warcraft 3 Mod that introduces the same 5 vs. 5 battles where the goal is to destroy the opposition’s Ancient structure that’s located on furthest corner of the map. There are a total of 102 heroes, several game modes and the graphics have been enhanced.
League of Legends is basically Dota with its own unique characters and items. There are 116 different Champions and support for uneven teams like 3 vs. 4 or 2 vs. 5. The Heroes of Newerth MOBA has a few more heroes compared to the former two titles, 119 playable.
7. GTA Online:
If you own a Xbox 360 or PS3 console and are a GTA fan, then you definitely have a copy of the latest game. Well, if you do, you automatically land access to the online offerings. Set in the vast fantasy world, you’ll enter the game with 15 other players.
Here, you have the freedom to do whatever pleases you and permitted by the title or you could do various jobs across Los Santos and Blaine County alone or by teaming up with others. Rockstar is working on delivering new features in the future.
8. Borderlands 2:
Gearbox Software’s Borderlands 2 is the sequel to the 2009 release and it’s available for multiple platforms such as Windows, PS3, Xbox 360 and OS X. The game is basically a blend of FPS and RPG elements and its campaign can be played on co-op with friends (total of 4 players).
The gameplay features comic book like graphics and it puts you on planet Pandora which is filled with hostile creatures. You set out as a Vault Hunters to stop the evil mastermind, Handsome Jack. The main highlights here are the vast number of weapons available and the loot system which delivers new items.
Conclusion:
So you’ve seen our take on the best online multiplayer games available today. If you’ve got a few choices of your own that deserve the title of the finest for online play, then do let us know.