The 25 best multiplayer PC games ranked in 2024

Timeless gameplay is what online PC games are all about. It's the only way to keep them relevant over the course of several years. However, the regular release of new content is equally important as that's what keeps players coming back for more. Titles that manage to do so consistently and effectively can be proudly referred to as the best multiplayer PC games in 2024! Wondering which titles have truly stood the harsh test of time? 

What are the best multiplayer games as of 2024?

Whether you're into fast-paced gunfights or epic fantasy adventures with swords and dragons, we've got you covered. Our ranking of the 25 best multiplayer games on PC covers a diverse range of genres. Of course, our ranking is subjective, so you might disagree with some of our choices. Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments!

25. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege (Included with PC Game Pass and Ubisoft+)

The series has always been a tactical experience reminiscent of the SWAT franchise. You're part of a professional rainbow squad, which is humanity's last line of defense and only gets called in when it's absolutely necessary.

There are three main multiplayer modes in the game. TDM-Hostage puts players in the roles of hostage "defenders" and attackers. TDM-Secure Area works similarly, but you defend/take over a special room. TDM-Bomb makes you either defuse a bomb or let it explode. Numerous operators and tons of new content (events!) make the game as enjoyable as the day it was released. 

The game is available on PC Game Pass. It's a Microsoft subscription service, allowing its users to take advantage of an ever-growing library of titles. Below, you can see the best offers for a 1-month membership.

However, you can also snag the game via Ubisoft Plus!

24. The Elder Scrolls Online

Can't wait for a new installment in the main series, and you’ve also seen everything that Skyrim has to offer? The MMORPG edition of this phenomenal franchise takes place hundreds of years before we begin our journey as the Dragonborn. It's a gripping storyline that isn’t that inferior to a “regular” TES and is frequently flooded with new DLCs (for example, High Isle) that provide hours upon hours of additional content.

23. War Thunder

War Thunder is the way to go if you are looking for great WW2 games that are available for free. It allows players to participate historical battles from World War II and more. Unlike other vehicular combat titles, this one allows you to control not only ground vehicles but also units from the navy and the air force.

Victory depends on the well-executed cooperation of all three powers. The game aims for realism through graphics based on real-world locations as well as through a complex physics system.

22. ARK: Survival Ascended (Included with PC Game Pass)

Dinosaurs. Seemingly ancient, yet still stuck in Early Access. All jokes aside, ARK: Survival Ascended is sort of a remaster of Survival Evolved, created with Unreal Engine 5’s tech.

As suggested by the title, it’s your usual survival game, in which you start a new life on an island inhabited by dinosaurs and other creatures. This refreshed version features a new physics system (dynamic water, destructive buildings, etc.), and the developers are still working on improving it. Hopefully, they’ll succeed—currently, it’s struggling with serious technical issues. If they get fixed, who knows, maybe it’ll emerge as one of the best multiplayer games in 2024… given its popularity, the potential seems to be there. Optimization aside, the gameplay is very fun. And it has dinosaurs—everyone loves dinosaurs.

21. Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 is what you'd expect from fast-paced FPS games. It doesn't reinvent the wheel but holds up well. The game has a diverse set of characters, each with their unique weapons and abilities tailored for specific roles on the team.

One notable change over the predecessor is the shift to 5v5 matches from the previous 6v6 setup, making the battles more engaging. While it might not fully deliver on its promise of a story-driven PvE mode and only introduces a little new content compared to the original, it's still a good choice, especially since it's free-to-play.

20. Rust

Rust is another example of an online multiplayer PC game that places survivalist-wannabes in a less-than-welcoming environment. You wake up in a post-apocalyptic world carrying only a stone and a torch.

You'll soon discover that competing against other players is necessary to stay alive. And, boy, there's a lot to fight for! Food, water, and items collected along the way are all lost when you are killed. High risk, high reward, as some like to say.

And if you can't get enough of the struggle, check out these other notable survival games.

19. Team Fortress 2

This game is 16 years old now, so you might be wondering whether it's still worth playing today. It sure is! Since its release as a part of Valve’s The Orange Box, it changed a bit, but its balanced class gameplay never got old.

It may not look like that in 2024, but back in the days, before Overwatch and other similar games came out, the title stood out with its crisp look. Team Fortress 2 also began the trend of hero shooters, which is still going strong with Apex or Valorant. Moreover, it offered customization that mainstream several years later.

18. PUBG

Here's one of the first Battle Royales that made it big. Maybe it's not as popular as it used to, but it still provides a timeless gunplay that we can wholeheartedly recommend.

The BR system makes ensure that the players are always on the run, as the area you can traverse gets smaller and smaller. After the match, only one survivor remains on the map. Winning requires you to strategize your actions rather than launch a gung-ho attack on competitors. Later on, other shooter developers adopted this idea, like, say, Warzone. 

17. Apex Legends

It's been the talk of the town since its release, and for a good reason—Apex Legends is still kicking. There are not only regular updates but also new seasons to enjoy. The known formula is enhanced by adding unique quirks that give you an edge over your opponents.

You can use skills that range from "reviving" your companions to abilities that make you move faster. Choose the character that best suits your play style, and get ready to spend hundreds of hours in the world of the Titanfall universe!

16. Rocket League

Rocket League is pretty versatile, as it offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. The latter comes in the form of both online and split-screen play. Another appealing feature of this unusual car game is that it's also free, which makes it one of the best party games around. Entertainment and leisure don't have to be expensive.

The premise is simple jet amusing: soccer but with cars instead of your regular mid-fielders, strikers, goalkeepers. Additionally, you can customize your vehicle any way you want and show off your unique sense of style to your rivals.

15. Minecraft (Included with PC Game Pass)

What would YouTube be like today if Minecraft never became popular? It's one of those multiplayer games on Steam that even older generations have heard of - and it's a world of endless possibilities! You just have to get used to its dated (but still very charming) visuals, and you can explore to your heart's content! The title has supported RTX since 2020, and to be honest, it looks stunning with ray tracing.

There's a reason this game is still actively streamed, and mark our words - taking a "short trip" in Minecraft with a bunch of friends is doomed to turn into an all-nighter. Since it's included with GP, you can put that statement to the test and see for yourself.

14. Lost Ark

Amazon Games must have thought that giving us New World wasn’t generous enough, so they launched another MMO. Lost Ark is crafted to impress its players with jaw-dropping graphics. The title has a full-fledged campaign with numerous NPCs and cutscenes that let us get to know its lore.

It’s an isometric homage to classic RPGs like Diablo, and offers a whopping number of character classes to choose from! Amazon's game has a similar premise and gameplay, mixed with a sprinkle of mechanics known from other MMOs. Since its release in South Korea in 2018, it has become an instant hit in Asia. It also changed significantly from that moment, in the best possible way!

13. Valorant (Included with Game Pass)

Our selection of the best multiplayer games on PC wouldn't be complete without Valorant. It's a showdown between two teams of five, with attackers trying to plant a bomb and defenders stopping their plans.

The game features a cast of diverse characters, each with their own fighting style. They all start with one ability, and you can purchase more as the match progresses. Managing your in-game finances adds another layer of strategy, making you consider whether to splurge right away or wait until the end of the fight. However, the outcome still depends heavily on your accuracy and teamwork.

12. Escape from Tarkov

This title takes the shooter experience to another level, combining it with a survival touch that ultimately changes it into a war simulator. Even the fans of authentic weapons will find it very accurate with how much thought was put into the game. The battles are only a part of the gameplay. In Escape from Tarkov, you need to make sure that you have enough resources to not die from lack of food or dehydration. 

Another great feature is the system of abilities that, like in Skyrim, get better the more you use them. There’s a downside to it: if you’re not using a particular skill enough, your character will forget it over time. As in real life, eh? The game is rather challenging, but it's a lot of fun once you familiarize yourself with its mechanics!

11. Roblox

Next in our lineup is one that encourages your creativity to run wild, and it's not even Minecraft! As much as that title inspires players to explore and build, you’re not creating a new game there. In Roblox, that's the essence of the gameplay.

As in Nintendo’s Super Mario Maker series, you can either play in one of the worlds created by other players or take the lead and build your own. Fun fact: there’s also an alarming number of videos on YouTube done in Roblox if you’re interested.

10. Destiny 2 + The Final Shape

Another post-apocalyptic vision of humanity? We can't help it, game developers love to explore this idea. As one of the so-called "Guardians", you protect people from various dangers in this FPP shooter. Choose one of three different classes, pick your favorite gear, and engage in a looter-shooter fest.

If you've already played other games of this genre, you know that there's usually a huge pool of items and weapons to get, which will surely keep you hooked for a while.

Recently, the game welcomed a new expansion, The Final Shape. Despite receiving generally positive reviews (Metascore: 77) and enjoying massive popularity, its launch was plagued by well-known—though still unacceptable—server issues. Overall, the DLC adds a slew of content, ranging from a new campaign to various weapons and items, so fans have a lot to explore.

9. World of Warcraft

Has the king fallen? Not necessarily. WoW is still a great game overall, and it certainly maintains its status as a cultural phenomenon. It's the MMORPG that everyone in the community is familiar with, and it's still being updated and expanded on a regular basis.

Speaking of expansions, the latest one, Dragonflight, was released in late 2022, expanding the game to include a new world and a playable race of humanoid dragons. It also improved some of the core features of the gameplay.

8. Grand Theft Auto V (GTA Online)

Undeniably, Grand Theft Auto Online stands out as one of the best multiplayer PC games. Its massive open-world environment is like a playground where you can wreak havoc with your pals.

Team up or go head-to-head with other players while exploring the city, pulling off heists, completing various missions, or just causing trouble. While we await the release of the sixth entry to the series, GTA V solid online component ensures there's no shortage of action in the meantime.

7. Final Fantasy XIV

We haven't included a Japanese take on the MMORPG genre yet, so here you go. Final Fantasy XIV is practically another FF entry that happens to be multiplayer. This was meticulously crafted for the story to be engaging, and the gameplay is as good as in "regular" games in the series.

Once you progress in the game, you will be able to change classes and jobs. You need to unlock new classes first, but the effort is worth it nonetheless! Finally, there are hundreds of hours that you can spend in the game—especially with new expansions like Endwalker, where you get even more areas to explore, quests to do, and skills to acquire.

6. League of Legends (Included with PC Game Pass)

League is hands-down one of the best free multiplayer games around. Sure, its community can be a little toxic at times. However, the title itself is one of the biggest in the Esports scene, and watching a good match can feel just as exciting as watching an adrenaline-pumping match in a "regular" sport. Choose your champion and engage in 5v5 battles in one of the most popular MOBA titles of all time.

5. Helldivers 2

In terms of sheer popularity, Helldivers 2 is one of this year’s biggest surprises—and a game that will surely have many co-op enthusiasts pull an all-nighter. Or two. Compared to its predecessor, it offers a completely different perspective on the galactic conflict, and it seems that this quite risky move has paid off for the devs.

After all, Helldivers 2 will definitely end up being among the most popular online games in 2024—it’s safe to assume, despite the end of the year still being far away. The Starship Troopers vibe practically oozes from the screen, with intense bug extermination that will keep your finger glued to the trigger (and eyes to the screen) for countless hours.

4. Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0

The Call of Duty franchise has had its ups and downs. But more than anything, it needed to introduce something fresh. Warzone 2.0 definitely fulfilled that role, and while it's still a fairly standard battle royale, mixing it with features the series has excelled at before really elevates the experience. You'll undoubtedly have a lot of fun thanks to well-balanced weapons and carefully thought-out game modes.

3. DOTA 2

Another League-like title makes it into the top ten! All of the game's heroes are available from the start, which is a huge advantage over Riot's MOBA. On the other hand, none of them can be a jack of all trades; they are good at one aspect but lacking in others.

This fact changes your approach. Even though you can choose any hero you want, you have to know what you're getting into. Otherwise, it won't be a successful match. The game doesn't have as big an audience as Riot's title, but Valve can't say nobody's playing their masterpiece. It's a bit more challenging, but it gives you a lot of room to grow as a player, and that's why it's so high on the list.

2. Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2 should feel right at home for those who've been grinding CS:GO for hours. This fresh installment from Valve's online shooter series comes with a bunch of tweaks: a new engine, prettier graphics, dynamic smoke grenades, and reworked maps, to name a few.

While it may not be the most groundbreaking addition to new multiplayer games on PC, its timeless formula is undeniably addictive. The best part? It's free-to-play, so everyone can dive into thrilling matches without opening their wallets. 

1. Fortnite

Like it or not, Fortnite is a global phenomenon that continues enjoying its astonishing popularity . Even your grandmother has probably heard the name somewhere. The game's building aspect sets it apart from other BRs on this list, allowing for some camping. 

It's over the top and has a cartoony look that even Team Fortress 2 can't compete with, but it's totally unapologetic when it comes to atmosphere. It's a bit of a chaotic bloodfest with lots of jumping, looting, and absolute fun. The frequent collaborations with other cult series and references to pop culture made it even more iconic.

What are the best Steam multiplayer games?

Some gamers may be upset to see Epic Games' goldmine at the top of the list. But don't let this victory overshadow the fact that you can discover the vast majority of the best multiplayer games on Steam. No matter what setting or type of gameplay you prefer, the most popular PC platform offers a spectacularly wide variety. If you're open to trying them out, one of them will surely cast its love spell on you.

And it's not just recent releases that will entice you with addictive gameplay and a huge community. Despite the passing of the years and the hype of new titles, titles like Team Fortress 2, and DOTA 2 gather around thousands of loyal players and high positions on the top lists.

And with that, we conclude our list of the best multiplayer games PC can offer. As you may have noticed, many of them aren't new, but their value can be seen in their timelessness. If we forgot to include your favorite, please let us know in the comments.

If you enjoyed our list of PC games to play with friends, don't forget to explore our other articles for more suggestions. For the brave-hearted, delve into our selection of the best survival horror games on PC and the best scary games to play on Steam. If intense combat is your cup of tea, peruse our recommendations for the best sword fighting and melee combat games on PC, the best metroidvania games, the best boomer shooters, and the best Battle Royale games to play online.

For those seeking more relaxed experiences, uncover the best cozy games on PC, the best party games, or dive into the best PC games for kids & families. Enthusiasts of compelling narratives should not miss our guide to the best RPG games on XBox One and Series X|S, the best cyberpunk games, the best games like Assassin's Creed, the best decision-based games on PC, and the best games like The Last of Us on PC.