The 13 Best Online Games To Play in 2024

Online multiplayer games present an opportunity to connect with other gamers, test your skills, and fight either with or against other players through expansive worlds. They can be a great break from single-player games that tend to focus more on narrative and relaxation. And since many genres, including battle royale, MMORPGs, and shooters, can be online games, there are millions of choices out there.

The freedom of choice for online games can make picking the one to play challenging. We’ve made it easier by compiling a list of the best online games to play in 2024.

The 13 Best Online Games

1. Minecraft

• Genre: Sandbox, survival
• Release date: November 18, 2011
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
• Rating: 82/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Block-building, crafting, exploration, Survival, Creative, and multiplayer modes
• Developer: Mojang Studios
• Price: $26.95, varies by platform
• Best for: Players who enjoy creativity, building, and exploration in a sandbox environment

Minecraft is a phenomenon in the gaming world, known for open-ended sandbox gameplay that allows you to build, explore, and survive in a blocky, procedurally generated world. Whether playing in Survival mode, where resource management and strategy are key, or Creative mode, which offers unlimited resources for pure building pleasure, Minecraft offers something for everyone as one of the best split screen games around.

Beyond the basic focus on creativity, Minecraft’s charm also comes from community-driven content. Mods, custom maps, and multiplayer servers have greatly expanded longevity, allowing you to experience everything from complex adventures to massive collaborative projects. 

2. World of Warcraft

• Genre: MMORPG
• Release date: November 23, 2004
• Platforms: PC, macOS
• Rating: 93/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Large-scale multiplayer, questing, PvE and PvP raids, character progression, expansive world
• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• Price: Subscription-based ($15/mo), with an optional purchase for expansions
• Best for: Fans of immersive fantasy worlds and cooperative gameplay with deep lore

World of Warcraft (WoW) is the gold standard in MMORPGs, maintaining its popularity since its 2004 launch. You can expect a vast, richly detailed world filled with quests, dungeons, and epic PvP battles. You’ll choose from a variety of races and classes, each with unique abilities and lore, and can engage in both solo adventures and large-scale multiplayer content. Despite its age, it’s one of the best PC games this year.

The game’s enduring appeal is due in part to its regular expansions, which introduce new regions, storylines, and gameplay mechanics, keeping the world fresh and engaging. The social aspect is also a significant draw, with guilds, group dungeons, and raids fostering a strong sense of community. Whether you’re interested in exploring rich lore, engaging in high-level PvP, or simply socializing with fellow players, WoW offers a deep and immersive experience.

3. Among Us

• Genre: Social deduction, party
• Release date: June 15, 2018
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
• Rating: 85/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Multiplayer, social deduction, tasks, sabotage, impostor mechanics
• Developer: Innersloth
• Price: $5 (PC), free on mobile (with ads)
• Best for: Groups looking for lighthearted, social multiplayer games with a focus on deduction

Among Us took the gaming world by storm in 2020, despite being originally released in 2018. This social deduction game is simple in concept but offers deep, engaging gameplay relying on communication, deception, and teamwork.

Players are divided into Crewmates and Impostors aboard a spaceship. Crewmates are tasked with completing various tasks while the Impostors work to sabotage the mission and eliminate the crew without being caught. It's one of the best co-op games to play with your friends.

The core gameplay loop revolves around discussions and voting rounds, where players must use observation and deduction to identify the Impostors. You’ll enjoy tense, hilarious moments as players try to maintain their alibis or expose the saboteurs. Among Us is best played with friends using voice chat for social interaction and real-time discussions. The game’s simplicity, combined with the depth of social interaction, makes it a unique and enduring multiplayer experience.

4. Valorant

• Genre: Tactical shooter
• Release date: June 2, 2020
• Platforms: PC
• Rating: 80/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: 5v5 multiplayer, character-based abilities, objective-based gameplay, ranked modes
• Developer: Riot Games
• Price: Free to play (with in-game purchases)
• Best for: Competitive players who enjoy strategic, team-based shooters

If you’re a fan of League of Legends and shooter games, this title will be a dream come true. Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter from Riot Games, combining precise gunplay with unique character abilities to create a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Valorant quickly established itself in the competitive gaming scene, appealing to fans of games like Counter-Strike while introducing its own twist with player-controlled "agents," each possessing distinct abilities that can turn the tide of battle.

Valorant emphasizes strategic teamwork, with each match requiring careful coordination. The diverse roster of agents allows for whatever gameplay style you want to use. Regular updates, a growing eSports scene, and a strong emphasis on balance and fairness make Valorant a top choice for players who enjoy competitive, skill-based shooters.

5. Genshin Impact

• Genre: Action RPG, open-world
• Release date: September 28, 2020
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, iOS, Android
• Rating: 81/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Open-world exploration, elemental combat, gacha mechanics, character collection
• Developer: miHoYo
• Price: Free to play (with in-game purchases)
• Best for: Fans of open-world RPGs who enjoy character collection and exploration

Genshin Impact is an action RPG and gacha game offering a visually stunning open-world experience that draws comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Set in the fantasy world of Teyvat, you control a party of characters, each with unique elemental abilities, as they explore vast landscapes, solve puzzles, and engage in real-time combat.

The game’s gacha system, where you unlock new characters and weapons through randomized draws, adds excitement to the gameplay. Rich with lore, quests, and hidden secrets, there’s endless exploration for you to do. While free to play, its monetization model through the gacha system can be a double-edged sword, offering compelling incentives for spending while also being mindful of your budget.

6. League of Legends

• Genre: MOBA
• Release date: October 27, 2009
• Platforms: PC
• Rating: 78/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: 5v5 multiplayer, strategic team-based combat, over 140 champions, ranked modes
• Developer: Riot Games
• Price: Free to play (with in-game purchases)
• Best for: Players who enjoy fast-paced, strategic, competitive team games

League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games in the world. The game is known for its strategic depth, requiring players to choose from a large roster of champions, each with unique abilities, and work together to outmaneuver and outplay the enemy team.

LoL’s meta is constantly evolving with regular updates, new champions, and balance changes. It also boasts a massive eSports scene, with professional leagues and tournaments drawing millions of viewers. As one of the best free online games, its steep learning curve and highly competitive nature make it a challenging but rewarding game if you’re willing to invest the time.

7. Warframe

• Genre: Action RPG, third-person shooter, MMO
• Release date: March 25, 2013
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• Rating: 64/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Co-op multiplayer, fast-paced combat, extensive customization, open-world exploration
• Developer: Digital Extremes
• Price: Free-to-play (with in-game purchases)
• Best for: Players who enjoy fast-paced combat and deep customization in a co-op setting

Warframe is a free-to-play action RPG and third-person shooter that offers fast-paced space ninja combat and extensive character customization. Each Warframe has unique abilities that cater to different playstyles, from stealth to brute force.

The space game has a core loop involving completing missions across various planets, crafting and upgrading equipment, and unlocking new Warframes. The game’s combat is fluid, with a strong emphasis on mobility, including wall-running, sliding, and acrobatic maneuvers.

It features a robust cooperative multiplayer experience, allowing you to team up for missions, raids, and massive open-world events with other players. Regular updates and a dedicated community have helped Warframe maintain its relevance and appeal over the years.

8. Rocket League

• Genre: Sports, action
• Release date: July 7, 2015
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• Rating: 85/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Car-based soccer, multiplayer, competitive modes, customizations
• Developer: Psyonix
• Price: Free-to-play (with in-game purchases)
• Best for: Fans of sports games who enjoy high-energy, competitive multiplayer with a twist

Rocket League is a unique blend of soccer and vehicular mayhem, where players control rocket-powered cars in fast-paced matches to score goals. The game’s premise is simple, but the depth lies in the physics-based mechanics, where you must master aerial maneuvers, boost management, and teamwork to outplay opponents.

Rocket League supports standard 3v3, 2v2, and 1v1 duels, as well as casual, chaotic modes like Rumble, which features random power-ups that drop throughout the game, and Dropshot, featuring a hexagonal arena with breakable floors and an electrified ball. The game’s competitive ranking system and frequent seasonal events will keep you engaged, offering rewards and new content regularly. Rocket League’s combination of accessible gameplay, competitive depth, and vibrant eSports scene makes it a standout online multiplayer game in the sports genre.

9. Destiny 2

• Genre: FPS, action RPG
• Release date: September 6, 2017
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Stadia
• Rating: 85/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Cooperative multiplayer, raids, PvE and PvP modes, loot-based progression
• Developer: Bungie
• Price: Free to play with expansions and season passes available for purchase
• Best for: Players who enjoy a blend of shooter and RPG elements with cooperative and competitive play

Destiny 2 is a multiplayer first-person shooter that combines elements of RPG and MMO gameplay, set in a richly detailed sci-fi universe. You’ll take on the role of Guardians, powerful warriors with the ability to wield incredible powers as they fight to protect humanity from various alien threats.

The game’s core loop revolves around collecting loot, upgrading gear, and mastering various subclasses, each with unique abilities and playstyles. It’s known for cooperative gameplay, particularly in endgame raids. Regular expansions and seasonal content updates make it one of the top interactive story games, offering new storylines, weapons, and activities to explore. Whether you’re into intense PvP battles or cooperative PvE experiences, Destiny 2 offers a deep and engaging world to dive into.

10. PUBG

• Genre: Battle royale
• Release date: December 20, 2017
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Stadia, iOS, Android
• Rating: 86/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: 100-player battles, realistic weapons, tactical gameplay, solo and team modes
• Developer: PUBG Corporation
• Price: Free to play
• Best for: Players who enjoy tactical, high-stakes survival gameplay in large-scale battles

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is a battle royale game that played a significant role in popularizing the genre. The game drops up to 100 players onto a large, isolated map where you must scavenge for weapons, armor, and supplies while eliminating opponents. PUBG’s gameplay is grounded in realism, with a focus on tactical combat, weapon mastery, and strategic positioning.

The game’s tension is heightened by the shrinking play area, which forces you into closer encounters as the match progresses. PUBG offers various maps, each with distinct environments and strategies, from urban warfare to rural survival. While its graphics and mechanics are more realistic compared to other battles royale, this means a steeper learning curve, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience.

11. Apex Legends

• Genre: Battle royale, hero shooter
• Release date: February 4, 2019
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• Rating: 89/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Squad-based gameplay, unique characters with abilities, fast-paced action
• Developer: Respawn Entertainment
• Price: Free to play (with in-game purchases)
• Best for: Fans of fast-paced battle royale games with hero-based mechanics

Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale game that distinguishes itself with team-based mechanics and a roster of unique characters known as Legends. Each Legend comes with distinct abilities that complement different playstyles, from healing and support to offense and defense. Despite its limited age, it’s considered one of the best online games in 2024.

The game features squads of three players competing against other teams to be the last group standing, with a focus on teamwork and communication. Features like the ping system allow you to communicate without voice chat, and respawn mechanics set Apex Legends apart from other games in the genre. Regular content updates, new Legends, and limited-time events keep the gameplay fresh, making it a top choice.

12. Overwatch 2

• Genre: Hero shooter, team-based FPS
• Release date: 4th October, 2022
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• Rating: 79/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: 6v6 multiplayer, diverse hero roster, objective-based modes, ranked play
• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• Price: Free to play (with in game purchases)
• Best for: Players who enjoy team-based shooters with a focus on character abilities

Overwatch 2 is a team-based first-person shooter developed by Blizzard Entertainment and known for its diverse cast of heroes, each with unique abilities and roles. You’ll choose from various heroes, categorized into roles like Tank, Damage, and Support, and work together to complete objectives in modes like Assault, Escort, and Control.

The game’s emphasis on teamwork encourages you to work closely with teammates to secure victory. Overwatch 2’s vibrant art style, rich lore, and frequent updates keep the game engaging for casual and competitive gamers alike. While many in the community have been negative about Overwatch 2’s release, it remains a solid title, especially if you’re newer to the franchise.

13. Call of Duty: Warzone

• Genre: Battle royale, FPS
• Release date: March 10, 2020
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
• Rating: 79/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Large-scale battles, Gulag respawn mechanic, loadout drops, vehicles
• Developer: Infinity Ward, Raven Software
• Price: Free to play (with in-game purchases)
• Best for: Fans of tactical, fast-paced battle royale games with high production values

Call of Duty: Warzone is a free-to-play battle royale game that is part of the broader Call of Duty franchise. The game features large-scale maps where up to 150 players can compete, either solo or in teams, with a variety of weapons, vehicles, and equipment at their disposal.

Warzone’s standout features include the Gulag, where eliminated players can fight for a chance to respawn, and the Buy Station system, allowing you to purchase loadouts and other critical items during the match.

Regular updates, new game modes, and integration with other Call of Duty titles keep Warzone fresh and engaging. Its blend of tactical gameplay, fast action, and high production values make it a top choice if you’re a fan of both battles royale and Call of Duty.

The Best Online Games at a Glance

Maybe you’re pressed for time but want to find the best online game to play right now. This table below gives you a snapshot so you can make your choice.
 

How To Choose the Best Online Games

Choosing the best online game involves considering several key factors that align with your gaming preferences. Here are some to consider:

• Gameplay mechanics: Choose a game that matches the type of mechanics you’re after, like fast-paced ability-based combat or cooperative team play with strategic planning. 
• Story quality: Seek a game that has a deep, compelling narrative that immerses you in the story and world of the title. 
• Character development: Choose a title that offers character arcs, customization, and progression on levels, items, and abilities.
• Replayability: Look for titles that are highly replayable and offer dynamic experiences you can return to for a different "spin" on the experience every so often.
• Community: Choose a game with a friendly community that isn’t typically prone to flaming others for a more positive experience.
• Server speed: Look for games that are applauded in gaming communities for the speed of their servers so you never have to worry about losing connection mid-game.

Online Games FAQ

Before you choose your next online game, you probably have some questions. We answer the most common ones below.

What Is the #1 Online Game in the World?

The #1 online game in the world depends on your taste and the type of game you’re looking for. Consider the list of games above and weigh them against the elements you care about the most (gameplay mechanics, story quality, etc). 

What Is the Best Co-op Game?

There are solid co-op games like Valorant, League of Legends, and Apex Legends. The best one for you will depend on your taste and what you're looking for in a co-op game. 

What Are Split Screen Multiplayer Games?

Split-screen multiplayer games are games where you and another player use the same screen, which is typically split in half either vertically or horizontally. They are most common in couch co-op games.

How Active Are the Communities in the Best Online Games?

All of the games in our list have very active communities no matter how long ago they were released. They also typically have regular updates and expansions.