If you’re looking for some fun and exciting games to play with your friends, whether online or locally, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll review some of the best multiplayer games on PC that span across different genres, from shooters to MOBAs, from casual to competitive, and from old favorites to new releases. Here are our top picks for the best multiplayer games to play with friends in 2023.
War Thunder
War Thunder is a free-to-play multiplayer game that lets you pilot military vehicles from various eras and nations, such as planes, tanks, and ships. You can engage in realistic and dynamic battles across land, sea, and air, with different modes and settings to suit your preferences. War Thunder also features a detailed ballistics system, a huge variety of vehicles to unlock and customize, and a vibrant community of players.
Pros:
- High-quality graphics and sound effects
- Diverse and authentic vehicles and maps
- Realistic and challenging gameplay
- Free to play and regularly updated
Cons:
- Steep learning curve and complex mechanics
- Some vehicles are hard to obtain or require premium currency
- Occasional bugs and glitches
World of Tanks
World of Tanks is another free-to-play multiplayer game that focuses on tank warfare. You can choose from hundreds of tanks from different nations and eras, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. You can also upgrade your tanks with various modules and equipment, and join clans to cooperate with other players. World of Tanks offers fast-paced and strategic gameplay, with different modes and maps to keep things fresh.
Pros:
- Easy to pick up and play
- Large and active player base
- Varied and balanced tanks and maps
- Free to play and frequently updated
Cons:
- Some tanks are overpowered or underpowered
- Matchmaking can be unfair or frustrating
- Premium tanks and accounts can give advantages
Valheim
Valheim is a survival sandbox game that takes place in a procedurally generated Viking-themed world. You can explore, craft, build, fight, and cooperate with other players in this game, which offers a lot of freedom and creativity. Valheim also features a rich lore, a beautiful art style, and a satisfying progression system. Valheim is one of the most popular indie games of 2023, with millions of players enjoying its immersive and addictive gameplay.
Pros:
- Huge and diverse world to discover
- Fun and rewarding crafting and building mechanics
- Engaging combat and boss fights
- Co-op mode for up to 10 players
Cons:
- Still in early access and may have bugs or missing features
- Graphics may not appeal to everyone
- Can be grindy or repetitive at times
Valorant
Valorant is a competitive first-person shooter game that combines elements of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch. You can play as one of the agents, each with their own unique abilities and roles, and compete with other players in various modes and maps. Valorant also boasts a high level of performance, stability, and anti-cheat measures, making it one of the best esports games in 2023.
Pros:
- Fast-paced and tactical gameplay
- Diverse and balanced agents and abilities
- Smooth and responsive controls
- Free to play and regularly updated
Cons:
- High skill ceiling and steep learning curve
- Toxic or uncooperative teammates
- Requires a good internet connection
Among Us
Among Us is a social deduction game that pits crewmates against impostors in a spaceship. The crewmates have to complete tasks and find the impostors, while the impostors have to kill the crewmates and sabotage the ship. Among Us is a game of deception, communication, and teamwork, where you never know who you can trust. Among Us is also cross-platform, so you can play with your friends on PC or mobile devices.
Pros:
- Simple and addictive gameplay
- Customizable rules and settings
- Supports up to 15 players
- Free to play on mobile devices
Cons:
- Requires voice chat for optimal experience
- Can be frustrating or boring with random players
- Graphics and sound are not very impressive
Apex Legends
Apex Legends is a battle royale game that features unique characters with special abilities and skills. You can team up with two other players and compete with other squads in a large map, where you have to loot, fight, and survive until you are the last one standing. Apex Legends also has a smooth movement system, a ping system for communication, and a respawn system for reviving teammates. Apex Legends is one of the most popular and polished battle royale games in 2023.
Pros:
- Fluid and satisfying gameplay
- Diverse and balanced characters and weapons
- Dynamic and immersive map
- Free to play and regularly updated
Cons:
- Requires a good internet connection
- Matchmaking can be uneven or slow
- Microtransactions and cosmetics can be expensive
Conclusion
These are just some of the best multiplayer games to play with friends in 2023, but there are many more to choose from. Whether you prefer shooting, racing, fighting, or puzzling, there is a game for everyone and every mood. Playing with friends can make any game more fun and memorable, so grab your controllers, keyboards, or phones, and enjoy the best multiplayer games on PC. Happy gaming!
