20 Best Online Games to Play with Friends at Home 

The Direct Answer

The best games to play with friends range from browser-based party games such as Gartic Phone and Skribbl.io to two-player adventures such as It Takes Two and Split Fiction, shared-world games such as Minecraft, and competitive titles such as Rocket League and Apex Legends. The list also includes co-op horror, strategy, trivia and racing options for different group sizes and gaming setups.

When you start looking for games to play with friends, the same few multiplayer titles always pop up. Having a wider selection probably makes more sense, since your group has different preferences, in particular if some players want pure competition and others would rather go for cooperation. The setup involved can matter just as much when everyone is joining from home.

The following online games to play with friends cover browser, PC and console experiences across several genres. You will see options for two players, small teams and larger groups, along with games suited to casual gatherings and more competitive sessions. Each recommendation highlights the part of the multiplayer experience that sets it apart. 

Best Games to Play with Friends

Finding good online multiplayer games for friends is easier when the main details are clear from the start. Below is a table comparing the games by style, player capacity, platform, and access type, so you can quickly go through the options before looking at each title in more detail.

Game	Style	Players	Main Platforms
Minecraft	Sandbox / survival	Varies by edition/server	PC, console, mobile
Fortnite	Battle royale / social	Varies by mode	PC, console, supported mobile
Among Us	Social deduction	Up to 15	PC, console, mobile
Gartic Phone	Drawing / party	Large groups	Browser
Skribbl.io	Drawing / guessing	Small groups	Browser
Jackbox Party Packs	Party collection	Varies by pack/game	PC/console/TV host + phones
Codenames	Word deduction	Group play	Browser
GeoGuessr	Geography	Group/party formats	Web/PC/mobile
It Takes Two	Co-op adventure	2	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
Split Fiction	Co-op adventure	2	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch 2
Overcooked! 2	Co-op party	Up to 4	PC/console
Stardew Valley	Farming / life sim	Varies by platform	PC/console/mobile
Helldivers 2	Action co-op	Up to 4	PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Phasmophobia	Horror co-op	Up to 4	PC/console
Lethal Company	Horror / survival co-op	Up to 4	PC
PEAK	Co-op climbing	Up to 4	PC
Rocket League	Sports / racing	Team-based	PC/console
Apex Legends	Battle royale / shooter	Squad-based	PC/console
Sea of Thieves	Pirate adventure	Up to 4 crew	PC/Xbox/PlayStation
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe	Kart racing	Online multiplayer	Nintendo Switch

20 Best Games to Play with Friends

The following online games to play with friends cover distinct multiplayer experiences, from persistent shared worlds and two-player adventures to drawing challenges, horror investigations and competitive matches. Each game below focuses on what makes its multiplayer format different.

1. Minecraft

• No. of players: Varies by edition, server or Realm
• Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, mobile
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split-screen: Supported on compatible console versions
• Cross-play: Available across compatible Bedrock platforms

Minecraft gives friends a shared world where they can build bases, collect resources, explore biomes and progress through Survival mode together. Creative mode removes survival restrictions, giving groups a separate way to focus on construction. The game also supports community servers and private Realms for shared multiplayer worlds.

Bedrock Edition supports cross-platform play across compatible PC, console and mobile devices, so friends using different supported systems can join the same world. Realms keeps a private world online, with current plans supporting up to 10 friends simultaneously. Java Edition uses a separate multiplayer ecosystem and does not cross-play with Bedrock.

2. Fortnite

• No. of players: Varies by game mode and experience
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, supported mobile devices
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split-screen: Supported on PlayStation and Xbox in selected modes
• Cross-play: Yes

Fortnite goes beyond its traditional Battle Royale format with options such as Zero Build, Reload, Creative experiences and other playable islands. Friends can form a party, enter the same lobby and choose an experience based on the type of session they want. Epic also supports cross-platform parties across supported systems.

The range of modes gives games to play with friends a different kind of flexibility here. A group can switch from a competitive Battle Royale match to a creator-made experience without leaving the Fortnite ecosystem. PlayStation and Xbox also support split-screen in selected modes, although local multiplayer is unavailable on PC, mobile and several other modes.

3. Among Us

• No. of players: 4–15
• Platforms: PC, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split-screen: No
• Cross-play: Yes

Among Us assigns players to either the Crewmate or Impostor role. Crewmates must complete tasks and identify the Impostors, while Impostors sabotage the ship, eliminate Crewmates and use meetings to deflect suspicion. Recent updates have also added roles such as the Judge, giving regular matches more strategic variables.

The game’s main strength lies in its discussion and voting system. Players can report suspicious activity, call emergency meetings, review what happened and vote on who should be ejected. The 4–15 player format also gives friend groups enough room for larger sessions, with the mobile versions available for free and supported by optional in-app purchases.

4. Gartic Phone

• No. of players: Up to 14 players
• Platform: Web browser
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split screen: No
• Cross-play: Browser-based

Gartic Phone starts with a short line said by one player. Then the next person draws it, and another person writes what they think the drawing is showing. After that, the whole idea keeps shifting as it goes through the group, so when you finally get the reveal, it can look different from the opening line.

The game works especially well for groups that prefer seeing everyone’s responses rather than chasing a high score. Different modes change the round rules, and players can stay on a voice call throughout the game to comment on each drawing.

5. Skribbl.io

• No. of players: Up to 20 in custom rooms
• Platform: Web browser
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split screen: No
• Cross-play: Browser-based

Skribbl.io combines drawing, guessing and timed scoring in a format that remains easy to follow. A player receives a secret word and illustrates it for the group, giving everyone else a limited window to work out the answer. Players submit guesses through the chat, with correct and faster responses earning more points. 

Custom settings let players adjust elements such as round count, drawing time, word choices and hints before the game begins. The rotating drawing role keeps the format active throughout a session, making it a straightforward option among games to play online with friends when the group wants a competitive activity without complex controls.

6. Jackbox Party Packs

• No. of players: 1–8 players per game
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and supported TV platforms
• Online multiplayer: Remote play through screen sharing; no traditional online matchmaking
• Split-screen: Shared host screen
• Cross-play: Players join through a web browser on phones, tablets or computers

Jackbox Party Packs bundle five different party games into one collection, with each pack covering formats such as trivia, drawing, deception, writing and sound-based challenges. Party Pack 11, for example, includes Suspectives, Legends of Trivia, Cookie Haus, Doominate and Hear Say, with individual games supporting between 1 and 8 players. Most sessions last around 15–20 minutes.

The host runs the selected game on a supported device, then shares the room code with everyone else. Participants open Jackbox.tv on a phone, tablet or computer and enter the code to join, so they do not need a separate copy or dedicated controller. Remote groups can share the host’s screen through services such as Discord or Zoom, giving the best games to play with friends a format that works even when everyone is in a different home.

7. Codenames

• No. of players: 4+ players; best suited to two teams
• Platform: Web browser
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split screen: No
• Cross-play: Browser-based

Codenames uses a grid of words, with clues guiding teammates toward the correct cards. Each team’s Spymaster gives a one-word clue followed by a number, guiding teammates towards specific words on the board. Players must interpret those clues carefully because selecting an opposing card, a neutral card, or the assassin can change the outcome of the round.

The official online version lets the group create a room, choose game settings and share the room URL with other players. Friends can use a separate audio or video call during the session, making games to play with friends at home easier to run without needing everyone in the same physical space.

8. GeoGuessr

• No. of players: Varies by mode; up to 100 guests in private Pro parties.
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android and Steam
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split screen: No
• Cross-play: Supported across compatible web, mobile and Steam modes
• Price: Free limited version; Pro Unlimited starts at ₹119/month or ₹829/year on the India App Store

GeoGuessr drops players into a Street View location and asks them to identify where they are using visual clues from the surroundings. Road markings, signs, architecture, landscapes and driving patterns can all narrow down the location before players place their guesses on the world map. The Daily Challenge is available in the free version, while multiplayer features such as parties require a Pro subscription.

Private Party mode lets a Pro subscriber create a game and invite friends through a link or code. The host can select a game mode and map before the session begins, and invited participants do not need their own subscription when joining a Pro-hosted party. GeoGuessr is a strong choice when best online games to play with friends means something centered on discussion, geography, location clues, and deduction rather than combat or racing.

9. It Takes Two

• No. of players: 2
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split-screen: Yes
• Cross-play: Yes (platform-specific restrictions)
• Friend’s Pass: Free for the second player when one player owns the full game

It Takes Two is built entirely around two-player cooperation, with Cody and May using different abilities to move through platforming sections, puzzles and changing gameplay scenarios. Each part of the adventure introduces mechanics that require both players to participate rather than simply follow the same actions.

The Friend’s Pass lets one player invite a second person to the full adventure without requiring a second purchase, provided the applicable requirements are met. Recent EA updates also added cross-play across PC, Xbox and PlayStation, with Nintendo Switch 2 supported under the current cross-play system. For games to play at home with friends, the fixed two-player structure makes this a focused option for pairs rather than larger groups.

10. Split Fiction

• No. of players: 2
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split screen: Yes
• Cross-play: Yes
• Friend’s Pass: Available; one player can own the full game and invite the second player for free

Split Fiction follows writers Mio and Zoe, once a machine traps them inside their own stories. Each level brings in fresh gameplay ideas, and you can also use optional Side Stories for other scenarios that sit outside the main campaign.

The Friend’s Pass is particularly useful for pairs: one person can own the full game and invite the other player to the complete co-op experience. Both players can also try the opening portion through the free Friend’s Pass before buying the full version.

11. Overcooked! 2

• No. of players: 1–4
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split screen: No; shared-screen local multiplayer
• Cross-play: Supported between compatible PC versions

Overcooked! 2 puts up to four chefs in kitchens where they prepare ingredients, cook recipes and serve orders under time limits. Dynamic kitchens can introduce moving platforms, shifting layouts and other obstacles, while food can also be thrown between players. Arcade and Versus modes provide alternatives to the campaign.

The multiplayer challenge comes from dividing kitchen duties efficiently. One player may prepare ingredients as another cooks, plates dishes or washes equipment. Games to play online together rarely require this kind of constant task coordination, since a delay from one player can affect the entire kitchen’s workflow.

12. Stardew Valley

• No. of players: Up to 8 on PC; limits vary by platform
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split screen: Yes
• Cross-play: No

Stardew Valley lets players develop one farm together, with each person handling crops, fishing, mining, foraging or other activities. The multiplayer mode also supports shared resources and adjustable profit settings, while individual players retain their own experience points.

The host owns the farm, and other players can access their characters only when the host opens the world. This makes Stardew Valley a bit different from a lot of other online multiplayer games, especially for groups looking for more gradual progression over match-based play. 

13. Helldivers 2

• No. of players: Up to 4
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split-screen: No
• Cross-play: Yes
• Online requirement: PS Plus required on PS5

For groups looking beyond games to play against friends, Helldivers 2 centers on four-player squad missions against hostile alien forces. Players choose equipment and stratagems, complete objectives, collect samples and extract from the battlefield before the mission ends. Friendly fire remains part of the game’s design, so poorly placed attacks can also hurt teammates. 

Cross-play connects PC, PlayStation and Xbox players in the same sessions. Progression does not transfer between platforms, however, since the game currently lacks cross-save and cross-progression.

14. Phasmophobia

• No. of players: Up to 4
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split screen: No
• Cross-play: Yes

Phasmophobia is a cooperative horror investigation game where players enter haunted locations, collect evidence and identify the ghost. Equipment such as EMF readers, thermometers and cameras can reveal different clues during an investigation. Each contract has its own location, objectives and risks.

For players looking beyond mini-games online with friends, Phasmophobia offers a more involved session built around investigation and teamwork. Friends can divide equipment, compare evidence and decide when to leave before a hunt becomes dangerous. The cross-play system also lets supported PC and console players investigate together.

15. Lethal Company

• No. of players: Up to 4
• Platforms: PC (Windows)
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split screen: No
• Cross-play: No

Lethal Company puts players in the role of contracted workers sent to abandoned moons to collect scrap and meet the Company’s profit quota. Exploration takes place in hazardous industrial areas filled with creatures, environmental threats and limited resources. The game also includes purchasable tools, ship customization, and a bestiary for cataloging discovered creatures. 

The group has to decide how much scrap is worth collecting before returning to the ship, since staying longer increases the potential haul and the danger. Voice communication becomes useful for sharing discoveries and coordinating movement across the facilities. Players searching beyond browser games with friends can consider Lethal Company when they want a PC-based co-op experience built around exploration, risk and resource collection.

16. PEAK

• No. of players: Up to 4
• Platforms: Windows PC
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split screen: No
• Cross-play: No

PEAK is a cooperative climbing game in which a group of stranded scouts must reach the top of a procedurally changing mountain. Four biomes contain hazards, injuries and limited stamina, so players need to manage food, equipment and their routes during each attempt. 

Ropes, climbing spikes and other items can be used to help teammates cross difficult sections. Proximity chat keeps communication tied to the players’ positions, adding importance to staying within reach during climbs. The map changes every 24 hours, giving online games to play with friends a different layout for repeated attempts.

17. Rocket League

• No. of players: Varies by mode
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split-screen: Yes, for local play
• Cross-play: Yes

Rocket League takes football and turns it into a car game with boosting, jumping, and aerial moves to control the ball. Matches also involve positioning, passing, and quick reactions. 

The game’s physics create a learning curve around timing, ball control and positioning. Games to play with friends online can range from casual matches to more competitive sessions here, with ranked play available for groups that want structured competition.

18. Apex Legends

• No. of players: Up to 60 per Battle Royale match
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split-screen: No
• Cross-play: Yes

Apex Legends is a squad-based battle royale built around Legends with distinct abilities. Players collect weapons, armor, and supplies before competing against other squads as the playable area contracts. Different abilities can support scouting, movement, defense or offensive plays during a match.

The game supports cross-play across PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch 2. Cross-progression also carries account progress and eligible cosmetics across linked platforms. For games to play online with friends, Apex Legends suits groups looking for tactical squad combat rather than casual party gameplay.

19. Pummel Party

• No. of players: 4–8 online or local
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split-screen: Shared-screen local multiplayer
• Cross-play: Platform-dependent

Pummel Party combines a board-game-style map with a collection of competitive minigames. Players move across hazardous spaces, collect items and use them to interfere with opponents before competing in standalone challenges. The minigame selection covers different mechanics, so the session shifts between races, reaction tests and other short contests.

The board mode adds progression between minigames, giving best games to play with friends a more structured format than a standalone party-game collection. Local multiplayer uses one shared screen, while online sessions let players compete remotely. Up to eight people can participate in the same game.

20. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

• No. of players: Up to 12 online
• Platform: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
• Online multiplayer: Yes
• Split-screen: Yes
• Cross-play: Nintendo Switch ecosystem

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an arcade racer that has character-specific karts, drifting, boosts and item attacks. The online modes include Grand Prix, VS Race, Battle and tournaments.

A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online play. Local multiplayer supports up to four players on the original Switch, while Switch 2 supports up to eight on one console. For games to play with friends at home, the mix of short races, selectable tracks and competitive items provides a straightforward multiplayer format.

What Do You Need to Play Online Games With Friends at Home?

Before settling on the best online games to play with friends, it is worth checking how everyone will join. A game may look suitable until you find out that one friend is on another platform, needs a separate account, or cannot access the required multiplayer mode. 

Before starting, check these basic requirements:

• Compatible device: PC, console, mobile or browser, depending on the game.
• Internet connection:  A reliable connection will make multiplayer sessions run more smoothly.
• Audio setup: Headphones and a microphone help in games that rely on communication.
• Game account: Some titles require platform or game-specific accounts.
• Controllers: Certain console games require compatible controllers. 
• Downloads or subscriptions: Certain games need installations or paid online services.

Conclusion

Whether your group prefers drawing games, cooperative adventures, shared worlds, horror, competition or racing, there are plenty of games to play with friends. A quick check of the supported devices, player limit and online requirements can prevent problems later. Keep exploring Plazmo for more gaming content, practical guides and recommendations designed to make your next game night easier to plan.

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