Multiplayer games are certainly at their best on the current-gen systems. With the power of the Xbox Series X, we’re seeing online experiences that were never possible before. Killer graphics, smoother frame rates, and slick loading screens make this the best time to jump into a game with your friends. The only question becomes: What game will you play?
Rather than being strapped for choices, you’ll find that there are way too many options for multiplayer experiences on the Series X. Rather than waste your time and money on a lackluster or half-baked title, check out this list of the best multiplayer games that you and your friends should jump into.
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Shooter
Developer 343 Industries
Publisher Xbox Game Studios
Release November 15, 2021
Halo multiplayer is back and better than ever. In a brilliant and exciting move, 343 and Microsoft decided to make Halo Infinite‘s multiplayer mode standalone and free-to-play for anyone with an Xbox or PC. This alone keeps the community full of players to make sure you can always get a match easily, but we’d guess that wouldn’t be a problem even if the game wasn’t free because it’s so good that it would be worth paying for. The game takes things back to the arena-style shooter of the original trilogy (more on those below) but modernizes it with tons of great features, new equipment, weapons, and maps that all just feel like classic Halo. This is one of the most polished and addictive multiplayer games out there, bar none, and is a welcome return to form for this classic FPS franchise.
Read our full Halo Infinite review
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Shooter
Developer 343 Industries
Publisher Xbox Game Studios
Release November 11, 2014
There’s no other game more associated with Xbox than the Halo franchise. This series launched with the original Xbox and played a large part in making it the success it is today. The series of influential FPS titles are essential playing for any fans of shooters, and the Halo: Master Chief Collection is far and away the best way to experience the series, either for the first time or for the 10th. Including every mainline game from the first up until Halo 4, including the spinoff games like ODST and Reach, plus giving them all the benefits of new hardware and robust online play, this could easily be the only game you need on your Xbox Series X for online fun. All the wrinkles from the launch have been ironed out, so now’s the best time to link back up with good old Master Chief.
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Shooter, Adventure
Developer The Coalition
Publisher Xbox Game Studios
Release September 10, 2019
Alongside the Halo franchise, Gears of War is an iconic series most associated with the Xbox. Though the series did stumble a bit after it changed hands from the original developers, Gears 5 was a major return to form. It was originally released back in 2019 for the Xbox One but has been given a major enhancement on the Series X. While the campaign saw a nice bump in resolution and slight frame rate improvement, the multiplayer side of things is where the passion shows. Now running at a buttery-smooth 120 frames per second, the cover-based shooter has never felt more responsive and satisfying. Throw in the addictive game modes in ranked and classic playlists, plus the co-operative Horde and Escape modes, and you’ve got a game you and your friends can easily sink hundreds of hours into.
Read our full Gears 5 review
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Shooter, Strategy
Developer Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher Blizzard Entertainment
Release October 04, 2022
The sequel to the biggest hero shooter on the market is updated and enhanced for modern consoles. Every single map and character from the first game is back, plus brand-new ones. This time, team sizes have been reduced to five per side, making the game far less hectic and easy to understand. Each character has a role, personality, and set of abilities, so you’re sure to find one you click with. With so many possible team compositions, counters, and a few new modes, this is one game you will never get tired of, especially when teamed up with a squad of friends. Plus, a new PvE mode is scheduled to be coming in a future update to add even more incentive to stick around.
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre Shooter
Developer Infinity Ward
Publisher Activision
Release March 10, 2020
What list of multiplayer games would be complete without the latest in the biggest multiplayer shooter franchise of the past decade? If you’re a fan of FPS games, odds are you’ve played at least one Call of Duty game in the past, but there’s no denying how well the franchise has aged. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is the latest installment from the war shooter and has all the bells and whistles you’ve come to expect. There are a ton of competitive game modes to try out, with classics like Team Deathmatch, Kill Confirmed, and Domination all making a return. The light RPG and progression systems of leveling up weapons, unlocking new attachments and perks, and rising through the ranks are as compelling as ever. Then there’s the new iteration of the Zombies mode, which can easily consume dozens of hours if you want to go deep into it. Call of Duty: Warzone is technically not part of Vanguard and is instead a standalone download, but it’s essentially the series’ ongoing battle royale mode. You can pick it up for free and essentially add this massive new mode to your COD experience. Battle royales have become the most popular form of multiplayer gaming in the last few years, so it wasn’t a big surprise when Activision released its own spin on the genre. What was surprising was just how well they pulled it off. If you want the rock-solid gunplay of the COD series mixed with the fast and frenetic chaos of a massive battle royale, Warzone is the way to go.
Read our full Call of Duty: Warzone review
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Shooter
Developer Infinity Ward
Publisher Activision Blizzard
Release October 28, 2022
If you did want that traditional, fast-paced, and brutal Call of Duty experience, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is a strong return to form for the franchise. Just like its reboot prequel, this game returns to modern conflict with weapons and equipment grounded in modern military technology. There’s the campaign, which puts you back in the shoes of various operators from Task Force 141, including the anticipated return of Ghost. However, it’s the suite of multiplayer modes that you will end up sinking most of your time into. The gunplay is as tight as ever and feels the most balanced in multiple entries.
Read our full Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II review
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher Blizzard Entertainment
Release June 02, 2023
Whether you’ve played the series before or not, Diablo 4 is an utterly addictive and approachable action RPG. This entry is set in a persistent world, meaning you will come across other players on your journey no matter what, but gathering a group is still the ideal way to play. All of the available classes are fun and unique, and when you combine their skills together, you can steamroll through dozens of undead nightmares. Between leveling up, getting new gear, and challenging harder dungeons, Diablo 4 can keep you and your friends occupied for dozens of hours.
Read our full Diablo IV review
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia, DUPLICATE Stadia
Genre Fighting
Developer NetherRealm Studios
Publisher Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Release April 22, 2019
There’s no genre of game more ubiquitous with multiplayer than fighting games. And if you’re looking for the best playing fighter on the Series X, there’s no better choice than Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate. This updated version of the game is packed with content. You get the base game, which has a celebrated story mode that is actually fantastic, plus both Kombat packs and the Aftermath expansion with even more story content. All told, you’re jumping into a game with a roster of 37 total characters, including some awesome cameo characters. Plus, on your Series X, you can enjoy all the blood and gore at 4K dynamic resolution, 120 fps goodness, and cross-play support.
Read our full Mortal Kombat 11 review
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Fighting, Arcade
Developer Capcom
Publisher Capcom
Release June 02, 2023
If you’re more of a classic fighting game fan, or perhaps just don’t like the over-the-top gore of something like Mortal Kombat, then Street Fighter 6 will be perfect for you. This is the most accessible fighter the series has ever seen thanks to the new Modern Control scheme that turns all the complex inputs for special moves into a single button press. Of course, you can always use the classic controls if you’re more familiar with them, but either way, the fighting has never felt so tight and satisfying. Whether you’re going at it online or locally, there’s plenty of fun and style to be had here for any fighting fan.
Read our full Street Fighter 6 review
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Racing, Sport
Developer Playground Games
Publisher Xbox Game Studios
Release November 09, 2021
Racing games often get sidelined a bit when it comes to multiplayer games, especially next to behemoth-sized FPS titles, but Forza Horizon 5 is a perfect mix of simulation and accessibility. It doesn’t quite go as extreme as the pure arcade experiences like a Burnout game might, but the single-player mode is a force to be reckoned with, not to mention how much it shines as a multiplayer experience. One of the most notable features is that Forza Horizon 5 features a giant open world with tons of activities. There are dozens of races and events all the time, and “drivatars” can make the world feel full even when your friends can’t be there at the same time. Throw in the option to run at 120 fps and nearly instant loading times on the Series X, and this racer is pure adrenaline.
Read our full Forza Horizon 5 review
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Simulator, Sport
Developer Visual Concepts
Publisher 2K Games
Release September 08, 2022
The NBA 2k series is basically the basketball equivalent of the Call of Duty series. It may not evolve a ton from year to year, but you can’t deny how solid they’ve nailed the presentation and feel of their respective genres. NBA 2K23 is the latest and most complete entry to date and the second in a row to feature a WNBA player on one of the six possible covers. This game takes the series a bit further into the simulation aspect of the sport, making it a little more difficult but all the more satisfying to master. There was some controversy regarding how much of the in-game currency you need to make a decent player, but if you enjoy the core gameplay, this is still the best basketball game on the market.
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy
Developer Epic Games
Publisher Epic Games
Release July 25, 2017
Everyone knows Fortnite. It’s been the most popular battle royale game ever since it hit the scene and has only continued to expand and surprise players. For a free-to-play game, there’s no other title that can match how much new stuff Fortnite throws at you. From crossover events and challenges to seasonal game types, it’s easy to see why this is the multiplayer game for an entire generation of gamers. So long as you can get to grips with the building mechanics or are willing to learn, it’s hard to deny that this isn’t one of the most fun times you can have online, whether you win or lose a match.
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Tactical, Adventure
Developer Bungie
Publisher Activision
Release September 06, 2017
Bungie put Xbox — and console FPS games in general — on the map with their Halo series way back in 2001. Now that they’ve moved on, their focus is squarely on their innovative, shared-world looter shooter Destiny 2. Mixing light MMORPG elements with tight gunplay, evolving narratives, and robust PvP modes, Destiny 2 has become a massively addicting game among hardcore gamers. Being a shared-world experience, you can team up to play all the normal story missions, plus other content to grind for new weapons and gear like strikes, or even take on the most difficult content in the game’s raids. Whether you want to team up or take on other Guardians, this FPS is a massive package you can jump into for free.
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Shooter
Developer Respawn Entertainment
Publisher Electronic Arts
Release February 04, 2019
One of the newer battle royale games on the market, Apex Legends came out of nowhere, almost literally, and immediately established itself as one of the heavy hitters for online games. Aside from also being free, which is always a huge bonus, Apex Legends carved out its own space in the genre by focusing on squads of three distinct characters working together with tight, tactical gunplay. Each character feels like they come from a hero shooter like Overwatch, but the game feel is something of a mix between the fluid movement of Titanfall 2 and the snappy responsiveness of a Call of Duty game, which all makes perfect sense considering the developers.
Read our full Apex Legends review
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Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre Simulator, Adventure
Developer Rare
Publisher Xbox Game Studios
Release March 20, 2018
Sea of Thieves didn’t have the best launch — it was one of the first major titles Microsoft added to its Game Pass service, but at the time was dinged for a lack of content. People liked the concept of leading a crew of your friends on quests on the high seas, but there just wasn’t enough variety to keep players coming back. That was three years ago. Rare has been able to right the ship with tons of updates and content drops that continue to this day. Between the random events, other players interfering, and the chaos of trying to manage your ship with your crew, Sea of Thieves becomes a game you’ll walk away from with dozens of stories to tell. Add in an extremely successful Steam release and seamless cross-play, and this pirate adventure is a joy for all ages.
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