The Best Free Multiplayer Games To Play Now

The gaming market is full of free-to-play titles, but they’re a mixed bag in quality. Often, people want to try new multiplayer games with friends and family, but plenty of them are barely worth wasting time trying. Here and there, however, fans find truly excellent games that don’t cost a penny.

Any gaming group can find a free game to suit their purposes if they look hard enough. There are free multiplayer games for almost any genre, coming in all shapes and forms, from big AAA releases to small indie efforts, but the best rise to the top. From Marvel Snap to Fortnite, these excellent games cost absolutely nothing to check out.

Updated on April 17, 2024, by Andrea Sandoval: From battle royale games to shooters, online tabletop games, co-ops, RPGs, and MMORPGs, plenty of free multiplayer options cater to everyone’s needs. There are free-to-play games for consoles, PC, and even Andriod and iOS. We’ve updated this list to select the most thrilling and fun multiplayer games to play with friends and family.

25 Board Game Arena Offers Players More Than 800 Online Games

Board Game Arena is an excellent platform with more than 800 hundred board games. It goes from well-known tabletop games, like Chess, Catan, or Yahtzee, to more obscure yet amazing choices. The platform includes tutorials for each of the games, as well as a ranking system, so players measure their own level of skill.

While Board Game Arena requires a premium subscription to be able to start your own table, players can also play for free at other people’s tables. What’s more, by playing and winning games, players can obtain points to be able to access one free month (or more) of a subscription.

24 Krunker Is An Exciting FPS With Simple Visuals

Krunker is an amazing first-person shooter, especially for people who can’t afford a high-end PC or console. This game, with very simplistic yet attractive visuals, can be played on a computer or a cellphone. What’s more, people can simply access it through their website, so it will take only seconds to start playing.

Krunker offers different gameplay control-wise, so it provides a different game dynamic than people are used to in first-person shooters. Additionally, Krunker includes several playing modalities, from Infected, Parkour, Free for All, and Capture the Flag, so people have a lot of different options on a very accessible platform.

23 Goose Goose Duck Is An Accessible Among Us-Like

Goose Goose Duck is a great alternative for people who love Among Us, but would like some novelty. Much like the other game, Goose Goose Duck revolves around a crew doing tasks that must find the impostor. However, while Goose Goose Duck emulates much of the Among Us well-known dynamic, it includes many new elements.

For starters, Goose Goose Duck design is more adorable. Additionally, the game includes several unique tasks for players to complete, that are more fun, dynamic, and interesting. On top of that, Goose Goose Duck also adds several maps, making it a more rounded game. Goose Goose Duck even became one of Steam’s most-played games.

22 War Selection Is A Great Alternative To Age Of Empires

For fans of Age of Empires — or people who have been curious about this game — War Selection is a great alternative that people can play for free. In War Selection, players will have to build their own civilization from the ground up, going through the different stages of humanity in history.

The game starts on a shared map, where players will have to start gathering supplies and training workers, warriors, and explorers. When the time is right, players can go around the map looking for other players’ civilizations and attacking them. The objective of the game is to advance civilization and be the most powerful society in the world. This game involves strategy, action, and some elements from farming sims, so it’s a truly immersive game that will have people entertained for hours.

21 Disney Speedstorm Is A Kart Racing Game With Recognizable Characters

Disney Speedstorm is one of Disney’s latest video games. For fans of this franchise and Mario Kart, it’s the perfect option, especially because this one is free-to-play. Disney Speedstorm is a racing game that takes much from Mario Kart. The races are also chaotic with a lot of interesting items.

However, what makes the game truly unique and exciting is that players can play with their favorite Disney characters. From classics, like Mickey Mouse and Sleeping Beauty, to more recent films, including Pixar, and even live-action options like Pirates of the Caribbean, players will want to unblock all the possible drivers.

20 PUBG: Battlegrounds Is A Must-Play Battle Royale

A game that can be played for free on almost any platform, PUBG: Battlegrounds remains one of the most popular options for fans of the battle royale genre. While PUGB lacks the fancy graphics of other FPS and battle royale games, it makes up for it with very smooth gameplay.

PUBG features a realistic type of physics and environment, with great weapon accuracy, which makes it the perfect option for those looking for a no-nonsense type of battle royale. Just like Fortnite, PUGB is known for creating interesting events, such as the in-game concert for popular K-Pop girl group Blackpink. What’s more battle royales are a great option for both co-op and competitive play.

19 Minecraft (Classic) Lets Players Tap Into Their Imagination

While Minecraft and all its different installments throughout the years are always available for purchase, Mojang Studios released a web version of the original game that can be played for free. What’s more, free Minecraft allows players to host nine other players, so they can play together with friends.

This version of the classic sandbox game isn’t ideal, as it only has 32 cubes available to play and players can’t save their progress. That said, it’s a great way to play with friends or to get into the world of Minecraft without spending a single penny. Who knows, players may end up investing in Minecraft’s high-tier games after trying this free version.

18 Valorant Is One Of The Best FPS Free-To-Play Video Games

An amazing title from Riot Games, Valorant is a great PvP first-person shooter. With a variety of 22 characters with unique abilities and an interesting assortment of weapons, Valorant is one of the best FPS video games out there. The game offers many game modalities, including a competitive league for those looking for a bigger challenge.

While Valorant has been widely criticized for the toxic behavior of players (much like other online multiplayer games, like Fortnite), Valorant is still an entertaining and valuable game. People shouldn’t back away from trying Valorant, especially if they value FPS online video games.

17 Roblox’s Platforms Allows Players To Create New Games

Roblox is a massive platform that offers players the possibility of playing dozens of user-created games. This popular platform also allows players to develop games, which is partly why this online free-to-play multiplayer is incredibly popular. The variety of games makes for a dynamic and fun experience.

Since the game experience is constantly changing, gamers rarely get bored with Roblox. With features that allow communication and interaction through games, Roblox is a great game to play with friends and family. Even though it has been marketed mostly to children, it’s a fun game for every age.

16 Apex Legends Is One Of The Most Popular Battle Royales

The battle royale genre has hit it big in recent years. Some of its games are among the biggest of all time. That reputation is greatly aided by the fact most games in the genre are free to play. From Titanfall developers Respawn Entertainment, Apex Legends has proven to be one of the most popular games in the genre.

Apex Legends stands out from the pack in a couple of ways. It forces players into teams of two or three, making it ideal for smaller groups. Furthermore, it splits the difference between a hero shooter and a battle royale. Each player picks from a Legend, a character with several abilities. These unique properties make Apex Legends one of the best free games to play with a small group.

15 Fall Guys Is A Great Party Game

Fall Guys is the perfect game to play with friends and family. It has an addictive and hilarious dynamic that can be pretty entertaining. Playing against 60 other players, the game is divided into rounds of challenging but simple mini-games. Players must survive each of these mini-games to be the ultimate victors.

The platform offers the possibility to play with friends online with voice chats. Additionally, players can customize their avatars with random and funny items. Fall Guys is a great game for people who don’t consider themselves gamers but still want to do a fun activity.

14 Marvel Snap Provides A Quick Yet Thrilling Card Game

Fans of Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will certainly enjoy Marvel Snap, an online card game based on everyone’s favorite heroes and villains. Players have a deck with 12 cards that they’ll have to play in three different locations to defeat their opponent.

Marvel Snap is a fun game that only takes a couple of minutes but also needs a certain level of strategy. The creation of tight decks will eventually give players the definitive victory. The only downside is that players will have to put in some time to unlock all cards available.

13 Genshin Impact Features A Vast World To Explore

Genshin Impact is one of the best open-world and action role-playing video games, and it’s hard to believe it’s free to play. The game takes place in Teyvat, a fantasy world where the Traveler (controlled by the player) is trying to find their twin sister. Even though Genshin Impact is mostly a single-player game, players can unlock the co-op feature, which makes it way more interesting.

Genshin Impact offers players the opportunity to explore Teyvat, interact with hundreds of NPCs, control different characters, and use a wide variety of weapons in battle. It’s extremely dynamic and visually attractive for a game that can even be played on a phone. All of this has garnered Genshin Impact great popularity in the last few years.

12 Pokémon Unite Is A Fast-Paced Online Battle Arena

Based on the franchise that everyone knows and loves, Pokémon Unite is an online battle arena Pokémon video game released by Nintendo in July 2021. The game divides the players into two teams of five players each, and while using a Pokémon, teams can score points by defeating other Pokémon.

Pokémon Unite offers a fun and light dynamic in brief matches. While it’s not as competitive as other online games, Pokémon Unite is an amusing way to pass the time for fans of the Pokémon franchise. What’s more, the game is available on mobile devices, which allows people to play the game casually.

11 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Is An Amazing FPS

One of the best esports games ever made, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a great first-person shooter to play casually with friends or in more competitive environments. The game comprises two teams fighting against the other, one considered the Terrorists and the other Counter-Terrorists.

CS:GO offers 9 different game modalities, including an exciting Battle Royale called “Danger Zone.” What’s more, Valve recently released CS:GO 2, which is also free-to-play, so players have yet another terrific online first-person shooter from the same outstanding franchise.

10 Dota 2 Is A Challenging And Rewarding Game

Released in 2013, Dota 2 is still one of the most popular multiplayer games online. In MOBA style, Dota 2 comprises matches of two teams composed of five players each. Each group of players needs to defend their side of the map as they engage in combat with the enemy players to destroy their Ancient.

While Dota 2 is an amazing, engaging video game, its only downside is that it requires a great deal of commitment, as opposed to other games that allow for more casual playing. Players engage in several hours of gameplay to master all heroes and interactions in Dota 2.

9 Among Us Offers Casual Fun With Friends

Among Us was released in 2018, but it wouldn’t hit its stride until 2020 when it became a mainstay of the gaming zeitgeist. With roots in party games like Mafia, Among Us follows a space crew attempting to discern who is really an “impostor” before it’s too late, while also completing tasks.

The gameplay in Among Us is simple but engaging. Crewmates race to complete tasks and win the game. As they do, the imposters hunt players down one by one. In a true test of stealth, manipulation, and memory, impostors must use skill and trickery to wipe out the rest of the crew without being caught.

8 Overwatch 2 Has Many Playable Characters With Unique Abilities

Even though players need to purchase its predecessor, Blizzard Entertainment recently released Overwatch 2, a free-to-play online video game. A shooter set in a futuristic environment, players choose among different heroes with various attacking and defensive styles to give it all in a 5v5 dynamic.

One of the best aspects of Overwatch is that it allows players to learn different game styles instead of falling into a comfort zone. The different roles and heroes players can select will have unique abilities, which is the reason Overwatch is so hard to master, but such a satisfying gaming experience.

7 Star Wars: The Old Republic Is The MMORPG Of The Franchise

One of the most iconic MMORPGs, Star Wars: The Old Republic is the perfect video game for fans of the Star Wars franchise. Not only does the game allow players to access this amazing universe, but now, there are dozens of books and comics based on the video game.

A complex game with plenty of lore and gameplay, Star Wars: The Old Republic offers players the opportunity to choose a faction (whether Galactic Republic or Sith Empire) as well as moral alignment. Players will engage in missions and different activities to gain skills, further their character level, and develop the story.

6 League Of Legends Is A Classic Battle Arena Video Game

In 2009, League of Legends took the world by storm, and since then, it’s been one of the most played online games. In fact, Netflix recently created a TV series inspired by the iconic video game: Arcane. The game comprises two teams of five players defending their half of the territory in a battle arena.

What made League of Legends so successful was its appealing selection of characters or “champions,” (of which now there are over 140) and its amazing lore. The game keeps updating its characters, which keeps the fanbase going for more. The only downside is that it can only be played on a PC or Mac. It’s time for the game to release a version for other platforms.