Best Multiplayer Games to Beat With Your Kids This Weekend
As a gaming parent, I'm always on the lookout for the best multiplayer games to play with my kids or partner. With so many great options out there, it can be tough to narrow down the choices.
September 4, 2025 · 17 min read
Mom of two, gamer for life. I find the best games you can actually finish between school runs and bedtime stories.
As a gaming parent, I'm always on the lookout for the best multiplayer games to play with my kids or partner. With so many great options out there, it can be tough to narrow down the choices. That's why I've put together this list of the top 12 multiplayer games that are sure to provide hours of fun and entertainment for gamers of all ages. From classic Nintendo titles to modern RPGs, these games offer a mix of cooperative play, competitive modes, and engaging gameplay that will keep you coming back for more.
1. Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Melee
HAL Laboratory · Nintendo
Nov 21, 2001
Super Smash Bros. Melee is the second installment in the Super Smash Bros. series and the follow-up to the Nintendo 64 title. It includes all playa…
Super Smash Bros. Melee is a classic multiplayer game that is perfect for playing with friends and family. This iconic fighting game features a wide range of Nintendo characters, from Mario to Zelda, and offers a variety of modes to play, including tournament and free-for-all matches. The gameplay is fast-paced and easy to pick up, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. With its colorful graphics and catchy music, Super Smash Bros. Melee is a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and lighthearted multiplayer experience.
One of the things that sets Super Smash Bros. Melee apart from other fighting games is its unique gameplay mechanics. The game features a variety of items and power-ups that can be used to gain an advantage over opponents, such as Poké Balls and hammers. The game also has a strong focus on aerial combat, with many characters having the ability to jump and attack in mid-air. This adds a new layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must carefully time their jumps and attacks to succeed.
Overall, Super Smash Bros. Melee is a fantastic multiplayer game that is sure to provide hours of entertainment for gamers of all ages. Its colorful graphics, catchy music, and engaging gameplay make it a great choice for playing with friends and family.
2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence
Konami Computer Entertainment Japan · Konami
Dec 22, 2005
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence continues the Metal Gear Solid series tradition of follow-up enhanced, international version releases. Subsistence'…
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence is a tactical action game that features a unique blend of stealth, strategy, and multiplayer gameplay. The game's online multiplayer mode, known as Metal Gear Online, allows players to compete in tournament-style matches, using a variety of characters and weapons to outmaneuver their opponents. The gameplay is challenging and requires careful planning and execution, making it a great choice for fans of tactical action games.
One of the things that sets Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence apart from other multiplayer games is its strong focus on strategy and teamwork. Players must work together to complete objectives, such as capturing enemy bases or escorting allies to safety. The game also features a variety of characters with unique abilities and playstyles, which adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay. For example, some characters are skilled at stealth and can sneak past enemies undetected, while others are more aggressive and excel at taking out multiple opponents at once.
Overall, Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence is a great choice for fans of tactical action games who are looking for a challenging and strategic multiplayer experience. Its unique gameplay mechanics and strong focus on teamwork make it a standout title in the genre.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 3 · Nintendo
May 12, 2023
An epic adventure across the land and skies of Hyrule awaits in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch. The adventure is you…
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an action-adventure game that features a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and multiplayer gameplay. The game's cooperative multiplayer mode allows players to team up with friends to explore the vast open world, solve puzzles, and battle against enemies. The gameplay is engaging and challenging, making it a great choice for fans of the Zelda series.
One of the things that sets The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom apart from other multiplayer games is its strong focus on exploration and discovery. Players can explore a vast open world, filled with hidden secrets and puzzles to solve. The game also features a variety of characters with unique abilities and playstyles, which adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay. For example, some characters are skilled at archery and can take out enemies from a distance, while others are more agile and excel at navigating challenging terrain.
Overall, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a great choice for fans of action-adventure games who are looking for a fun and engaging multiplayer experience. Its unique gameplay mechanics and strong focus on exploration make it a standout title in the genre.
4. Baldur's Gate III
Baldur's Gate III
Larian Studios
Aug 3, 2023
An ancient evil has returned to Baldur's Gate, intent on devouring it from the inside out. The fate of Faerun lies in your hands. Alone, you may re…
Baldur's Gate III is a role-playing game that features a unique blend of exploration, combat, and multiplayer gameplay. The game's cooperative multiplayer mode allows players to team up with friends to explore the vast open world, battle against enemies, and make choices that impact the story. The gameplay is engaging and challenging, making it a great choice for fans of RPGs.
One of the things that sets Baldur's Gate III apart from other multiplayer games is its strong focus on storytelling and player choice. Players can make decisions that impact the story, such as choosing to ally with certain factions or pursuing romantic relationships with other characters. The game also features a variety of characters with unique abilities and playstyles, which adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay. For example, some characters are skilled at magic and can cast powerful spells, while others are more martially inclined and excel at melee combat.
Overall, Baldur's Gate III is a great choice for fans of RPGs who are looking for a fun and engaging multiplayer experience. Its unique gameplay mechanics and strong focus on storytelling make it a standout title in the genre.
5. Elden Ring
Elden Ring
FromSoftware · Bandai Namco Entertainment
Feb 25, 2022
Elden Ring is an action RPG developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, released in February 2022. Directed by Hidetaka …
Elden Ring is an action role-playing game that features a unique blend of exploration, combat, and multiplayer gameplay. The game's cooperative multiplayer mode allows players to team up with friends to explore the vast open world, battle against enemies, and make choices that impact the story. The gameplay is challenging and requires careful planning and execution, making it a great choice for fans of dark fantasy games.
One of the things that sets Elden Ring apart from other multiplayer games is its strong focus on atmosphere and immersion. The game's dark fantasy world is richly detailed and filled with hidden secrets and mysteries to uncover. The game also features a variety of characters with unique abilities and playstyles, which adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay. For example, some characters are skilled at summoning and can call upon powerful allies to aid them in combat, while others are more stealthy and excel at sneaking past enemies undetected.
Overall, Elden Ring is a great choice for fans of dark fantasy games who are looking for a challenging and immersive multiplayer experience. Its unique gameplay mechanics and strong focus on atmosphere make it a standout title in the genre.
6. The Last of Us Remastered
The Last of Us Remastered
Naughty Dog · Sony Computer Entertainment
Jul 26, 2014
The Last of Us Remastered is an updated release of the PS3 game The Last of Us. It is identical to the PS3 version but runs at a 1080p resolution a…
The Last of Us Remastered is a action-adventure game that features a unique blend of exploration, combat, and multiplayer gameplay. The game's cooperative multiplayer mode allows players to team up with friends to explore the post-apocalyptic world, battle against infected humans, and make choices that impact the story. The gameplay is emotional and challenging, making it a great choice for fans of narrative-driven games.
One of the things that sets The Last of Us Remastered apart from other multiplayer games is its strong focus on storytelling and character development. Players can form close bonds with other characters, such as Ellie and Joel, and make decisions that impact their relationships and the story. The game also features a variety of characters with unique abilities and playstyles, which adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay. For example, some characters are skilled at crafting and can create powerful items, while others are more agile and excel at navigating challenging terrain.
Overall, The Last of Us Remastered is a great choice for fans of narrative-driven games who are looking for an emotional and challenging multiplayer experience. Its unique gameplay mechanics and strong focus on storytelling make it a standout title in the genre.
7. Suikoden II
Suikoden II
Konami
Dec 17, 1998
Experience An Epic Tale of Warfare, Magic, Friendship And Betrayal -New tactical map battles add a whole level of strategy -Fantastic spells with …
Suikoden II is a role-playing game that features a unique blend of exploration, combat, and multiplayer gameplay. The game's cooperative multiplayer mode allows players to team up with friends to explore the vast open world, battle against enemies, and make choices that impact the story. The gameplay is engaging and challenging, making it a great choice for fans of RPGs.
One of the things that sets Suikoden II apart from other multiplayer games is its strong focus on strategy and teamwork. Players must work together to complete objectives, such as capturing enemy bases or escorting allies to safety. The game also features a variety of characters with unique abilities and playstyles, which adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay. For example, some characters are skilled at magic and can cast powerful spells, while others are more martially inclined and excel at melee combat.
Overall, Suikoden II is a great choice for fans of RPGs who are looking for a fun and engaging multiplayer experience. Its unique gameplay mechanics and strong focus on strategy make it a standout title in the genre.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 3 · Nintendo
Mar 3, 2017
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the first 3D open-world game in the Zelda series. Link can travel anywhere and be equipped with weapons …
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an action-adventure game that features a unique blend of exploration, combat, and multiplayer gameplay. The game's cooperative multiplayer mode allows players to team up with friends to explore the vast open world, battle against enemies, and make choices that impact the story. The gameplay is engaging and challenging, making it a great choice for fans of the Zelda series.
One of the things that sets The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild apart from other multiplayer games is its strong focus on exploration and discovery. Players can explore a vast open world, filled with hidden secrets and puzzles to solve. The game also features a variety of characters with unique abilities and playstyles, which adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay. For example, some characters are skilled at archery and can take out enemies from a distance, while others are more agile and excel at navigating challenging terrain.
Overall, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a great choice for fans of action-adventure games who are looking for a fun and engaging multiplayer experience. Its unique gameplay mechanics and strong focus on exploration make it a standout title in the genre.
9. Final Fantasy III
Final Fantasy III
Square
Apr 2, 1994
Final Fantasy III is the sixth main installment in the Final Fantasy series, developed and published by Square. It was the final title in the serie…
Final Fantasy III is a role-playing game that features a unique blend of exploration, combat, and multiplayer gameplay. The game's cooperative multiplayer mode allows players to team up with friends to explore the vast open world, battle against enemies, and make choices that impact the story. The gameplay is engaging and challenging, making it a great choice for fans of RPGs.
One of the things that sets Final Fantasy III apart from other multiplayer games is its strong focus on storytelling and character development. Players can form close bonds with other characters, such as Luneth and Arc, and make decisions that impact their relationships and the story. The game also features a variety of characters with unique abilities and playstyles, which adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay. For example, some characters are skilled at magic and can cast powerful spells, while others are more martially inclined and excel at melee combat.
Overall, Final Fantasy III is a great choice for fans of RPGs who are looking for a fun and engaging multiplayer experience. Its unique gameplay mechanics and strong focus on storytelling make it a standout title in the genre.
10. Super Metroid
Super Metroid
Nintendo R&D1 · Nintendo
Mar 19, 1994
The Space Pirates, merciless agents of the evil Mother Brain, have stolen the last Metroid from a research station, and once again Mother Brain thr…
Super Metroid is an action-adventure game that features a unique blend of exploration, combat, and multiplayer gameplay. The game's cooperative multiplayer mode allows players to team up with friends to explore the vast open world, battle against enemies, and make choices that impact the story. The gameplay is engaging and challenging, making it a great choice for fans of action-adventure games.
One of the things that sets Super Metroid apart from other multiplayer games is its strong focus on atmosphere and immersion. The game's sci-fi world is richly detailed and filled with hidden secrets and mysteries to uncover. The game also features a variety of characters with unique abilities and playstyles, which adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay. For example, some characters are skilled at using power-ups and can access new areas, while others are more agile and excel at navigating challenging terrain.
Overall, Super Metroid is a great choice for fans of action-adventure games who are looking for a fun and engaging multiplayer experience. Its unique gameplay mechanics and strong focus on atmosphere make it a standout title in the genre.
11. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Nintendo EAD · St. GIGA
Nov 21, 1991
Venture back to Hyrule and an age of magic and heroes. The predecessors of Link and Zelda face monsters on the march when a menacing magician takes…
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is an action-adventure game that features a unique blend of exploration, combat, and multiplayer gameplay. The game's cooperative multiplayer mode allows players to team up with friends to explore the vast open world, battle against enemies, and make choices that impact the story. The gameplay is engaging and challenging, making it a great choice for fans of the Zelda series.
One of the things that sets The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past apart from other multiplayer games is its strong focus on exploration and discovery. Players can explore a vast open world, filled with hidden secrets and puzzles to solve. The game also features a variety of characters with unique abilities and playstyles, which adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay. For example, some characters are skilled at using items and can access new areas, while others are more agile and excel at navigating challenging terrain.
Overall, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is a great choice for fans of action-adventure games who are looking for a fun and engaging multiplayer experience. Its unique gameplay mechanics and strong focus on exploration make it a standout title in the genre.
12. Super Mario World
Super Mario World
Nintendo EAD · Nintendo
Nov 21, 1990
A 2D platformer and first entry on the SNES in the Super Mario franchise, Super Mario World follows Mario as he attempts to defeat Bowser's underli…
Super Mario World is a platformer game that features a unique blend of exploration, combat, and multiplayer gameplay. The game's cooperative multiplayer mode allows players to team up with friends to explore the vast open world, battle against enemies, and make choices that impact the story. The gameplay is engaging and challenging, making it a great choice for fans of platformers.
One of the things that sets Super Mario World apart from other multiplayer games is its strong focus on fun and accessibility. The game's colorful graphics and catchy music make it a joy to play, and its simple yet addictive gameplay makes it easy for players of all ages and skill levels to pick up. The game also features a variety of characters with unique abilities and playstyles, which adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay. For example, some characters are skilled at jumping and can access new areas, while others are more agile and excel at navigating challenging terrain.
Overall, Super Mario World is a great choice for fans of platformers who are looking for a fun and engaging multiplayer experience. Its unique gameplay mechanics and strong focus on accessibility make it a standout title in the genre.
In conclusion, these 12 games offer a wide range of multiplayer experiences that are sure to provide hours of fun and entertainment for gamers of all ages. From classic Nintendo titles to modern RPGs, there's something on this list for everyone. Whether you're looking for a cooperative game to play with friends or a competitive game to test your skills, these games are sure to deliver.
| Game | Price | Player Count | Difficulty | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Smash Bros. Melee | $60 | 2-4 | Medium | 10-20 hours |
| Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence | $50 | 2-8 | Hard | 20-30 hours |
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | $60 | 1-2 | Medium | 20-30 hours |
| Baldur's Gate III | $60 | 1-4 | Hard | 30-40 hours |
| Elden Ring | $60 | 1-4 | Hard | 30-40 hours |
| The Last of Us Remastered | $50 | 2-4 | Medium | 15-25 hours |
| Suikoden II | $50 | 1-2 | Medium | 20-30 hours |
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | $60 | 1-2 | Medium | 30-40 hours |
| Final Fantasy III | $50 | 1-2 | Medium | 20-30 hours |
| Super Metroid | $50 | 1-2 | Hard | 10-20 hours |
| The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past | $50 | 1-2 | Medium | 15-25 hours |
| Super Mario World | $50 | 1-2 | Easy | 10-20 hours |