Top Games to Play With Friends for a Perfect Hangout
Looking for the best games to play with friends? Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just picking up a controller for the first time, these titles are perfect for bonding with friends, family, or ev...
October 27, 2025 · 7 min read
Mom of two, gamer for life. I find the best games you can actually finish between school runs and bedtime stories.
Looking for the best games to play with friends? Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just picking up a controller for the first time, these titles are perfect for bonding with friends, family, or even roommates. The key? Games that balance fun, accessibility, and shared moments without demanding hours of commitment. Here are our top picks for the best co-op and social experiences, each handpicked for their replayability, charm, and ability to spark laughter (or arguments). Let’s dive in.
1. Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Interplay Entertainment · Edusoft
Oct 10, 1997
The Vault Dweller is tasked with exploring post-nuclear California in order to retrieve a water chip to replace the broken chip of Vault 13, their …
Our Pick for Best Story-Driven Co-Op
Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game isn’t just a classic RPG - it’s a masterclass in worldbuilding and shared storytelling. As the Vault Dweller, you’re thrust into a wasteland where every decision ripples through the game’s intricate narrative. The beauty of this title is its flexibility: you and a friend can take turns controlling the protagonist, or split roles entirely (e.g., one handles combat, the other manages dialogue). With branching quests, moral dilemmas, and a richly detailed world, it’s a game that rewards collaboration. The retro pixel art style and deep character customization make it feel timeless, while the sheer variety of factions and secrets ensures no two playthroughs are alike. This is the pick for groups who love strategy, lore, and the thrill of building a character together.
Though it’s an older title, the game’s availability on modern platforms like PC, Mac, and Linux means it’s accessible for almost anyone. The IGDB rating of 85.3 speaks to its enduring appeal. If you’re after a game that respects your time but offers endless depth, this is it. Just be prepared for long sessions - it’s easy to lose track of the real world in the Wasteland.
2. Astro's Playroom
Astro's Playroom
SIE Japan Studio · Sony Interactive Entertainment
Nov 12, 2020
Astro and his crew lead you on a magical introduction through PS5 in this fun platformer that comes pre-loaded on PS5. Explore four worlds, each ba…
Our Pick for Most Innovative Co-Op on PS5
Astro's Playroom is a love letter to the PlayStation 5, and it’s a joy to play with a friend. This platformer isn’t just about jumping and collecting trinkets - it’s a clever tour through the PS5’s hardware, from the DualSense haptic feedback to the adaptive triggers. Each of its four worlds (based on the console’s components) introduces new mechanics, like magnetic grip for climbing or pressure-sensitive button inputs. What makes it stand out is how it turns technical features into gameplay. You and a friend can tackle levels together, solving puzzles or racing to the finish. It’s short - just a few hours - but every moment is packed with creativity and charm. The game’s accessibility is a huge win: it’s perfect for younger players or newcomers who want to experience the PS5’s potential without the complexity of a AAA title.
With an IGDB score of 82.4 and Metacritic’s 83, this is a polished gem that feels like a gift. Pre-loaded on every PS5, it’s free to play, making it an unbeatable value. If you’re looking for something quick, family-friendly, and bursting with personality, this is the one to grab. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourselves replaying levels just to hear the quirky sound effects again.
3. Wii Play
Wii Play
Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.2 · Nintendo
Dec 2, 2006
Wii Play collects nine quick and addictive games that are easy to pick up and play and hard to put away. Thanks to the intuitive controls of the Wi…
Our Pick for Quick-and-Dirty Fun
Wii Play is the ultimate “pick-up-and-play” collection for groups that want to laugh, compete, and occasionally throw a controller. This 2006 title bundles nine mini-games, from a frantic shooting gallery to a simple racing game, all made intuitive by the Wii Remote. The lack of complexity is its greatest strength: you don’t need to read a manual to jump in and start having fun. This makes it ideal for family gatherings or casual hangouts where time is limited. The multiplayer is chaotic but fair, and the games are short enough to let everyone take a turn. If you’ve got a Wii lying around, this is the title to dust it off with.
At 64 on IGDB, it’s not a critical darling, but that doesn’t matter. The magic of Wii Play lies in its accessibility. It’s a game that lets your 8-year-old nephew best you at tennis, your partner outwit you in a puzzle, and your spouse prove they’re the ultimate shooter. With its low-stakes, high-laughter design, this is the pick for groups who prioritize fun over polish. Just be ready to stow the controllers before someone gets too competitive.
4. Golf With Your Friends
Golf With Your Friends
Blacklight Interactive
Jan 29, 2016
Why have friends if not to play golf... with your friends! Nothing is out of bounds as you take on courses filled with fast paced, exciting, simult…
Our Pick for Most Unapologetically Silly Gameplay
Golf With Your Friends is what happens when you take the premise of mini-golf and turn it into a party. The goal is simple: hit the ball into the hole. The execution? Pure chaos. Courses are packed with moving obstacles, physics-defying slopes, and power-ups that let you freeze opponents or launch yourself into the air. With support for up to 12 players (local or online), this is a game that thrives on mayhem. It’s the kind of title that turns a quiet evening into a shouting match as everyone argues over angles and physics. The simultaneous play means you’re always in the action, and the sheer variety of maps ensures no two rounds feel the same. This is the pick for groups who don’t mind a little madness - and maybe a few bruised shins from flailing chairs.
With a 73.5 on IGDB, it’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a masterclass in fun. The cross-platform support (PlayStation, PC, Switch, and more) makes it easy to gather friends regardless of their hardware. Just be warned: once you start playing, you’ll want to keep going. And you’ll definitely want to take screenshots of your friends’ faces when they miss the most obvious shots. It’s the kind of game that turns strangers into friends - and friends into rivals.
Whether you’re after a deep story, a technical marvel, or just a reason to throw a controller, these games prove that great social experiences come in all shapes and sizes. The best part? They all respect your time - no 50-hour epics here. So pick a title, gather your crew, and let the good times (and inevitable trash talk) begin.