The best LAN party games we’ve compiled for you here should satisfy your cravings for some networked play with close buddies. All these titles are able to connect easily on local area networks using PCs or consoles, so you don’t need to waste time looking for online matches. Whether you’re playing at your own homes, or you’ve called your friends over with their respective machines, such parties are some of the most fun a gamer can have.
A number of titles in the past have provided such experiences, but lately, we’ve seen a dip in the number of developers opting to offer provisions to connect over local area networks, with them instead going for online play. Anyway, here’s a compilation of some such titles that will keep you and your pals busy for a long time.
1. Borderlands 2
One of the most sought after co-op games around at the moment, Borderlands 2 is just too irresistible for fans seeking such experiences. It makes it to our list, owing to its entire campaign being available to play via system linking. Like its predecessor, this game too is known for creating a unique blend of first-person shooter and role-playing game elements. Moreover, randomly generated loot including weapons and shields is one more aspect which gives it such a vast appeal. It can be purchased for the PS3, Xbox 360, PC and Mac.
2. Minecraft
If you haven’t heard of Minecraft, stop being an ostrich and go buy it already. It is one of the most widely popular and successful games of all time, and it’s been out since just November 2011. It is essentially a sandbox game, whose creative and building attributes allow players to concoct structures out of textured cubes inside a 3D procedurally generated world. But there’s more; exploration, gathering resources, crafting and combat can also be indulged in. By system linking, it allows you to interact and communicate with each other in a single world. To put it simply, whether you’re a fan of local area network-based games or not, you ought to have a go at Minecraft.
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is ninth game in the much revered CoD franchise, and since its release late last year, it has been played by millions of gamers from around the world. Its superb non-linear single-player campaign aside, the game kicks in similar yet enhanced multiplayer offerings over its predecessors. A number of modes are available for players to jump into, either online or through system link. Breath-taking first-person shooter action is at your immediate disposal, so call your friends and indulge in some brutal fights with this third entry to our catalog.
4. Diablo 2
Here’s a classic which refuses to lose relevance; Diablo 2 came out back in 2000, and was once one of the fastest selling-selling PC games of all time. It is an action RPG with a hack and slash twist, and is available for PC and Mac. Either Blizzard’s online service, Battle.net can be used for multiplayer gaming, or you can just take your much loved local area network route. Up to a total of eight players are allowed to jump into battles against the demonic forces and wild beasts that are swarming the dark fantasy setting of the series, called Sanctuary.
5. Team Fortress 2
If you’re looking for something that’s not quite heavy on your wallets, try Team Fortress 2 from Valve which is a fun first-person shooter available on all major platforms. It is free-to-play, so you can play without shelling out any cash if you don’t wish to purchase upgrades. Built on a unique art style, Team Fortress 2 features two clans which players can choose between. Named Reliable Excavation & Demolition (RED) and Builders League United (BLU), these two each have nine classes of characters, having their own strengths and weaknesses. And a plethora of game modes are also on offer, making it an apt pick for our collection.
6. Left 4 Dead 2
If zombie-slaying is something you crave, then Left 4 Dead 2 should not be missed by you. It’s essentially a first-person shooter with survival horror elements, and a huge focus on cooperative play. In fact, its entire campaign can be played in co-op, and that’s why system link play becomes all the more fun. And there are three other modes too. Developed by Valve, it is available for purchase for the Xbox 360, PC, Mac as well as Linux.
7. Counter Strike: Global Offensive
Well let’s face it; CS games are a staple of local area network-based play, and we couldn’t leave out the latest addition to the series – Counter Strike: Global Offensive. Blessed with swanky new graphics, characters and weapons, it also kicks in classic maps and game modes. Hours and hours of team-based action lies in store for you in this one, and if you say you’ve played the old games – which you most definitely would have – just stop thinking and go for this one anyway. It is available for PC, Mac, the Xbox 360 and the PS3, with support for the latter’s PS Move accessory for motion-based play.
Conclusion
Those are all the games we’ve pushed into this list of best LAN party games. Go call your friends, set up your systems and choose which among these titles you’d wish to enjoy your time with. And do come back to this space for more such lists as well as the latest gaming news.