25+ Best Local Multiplayer Games to Play in 2025: Play Together

Looking for something to play with all of the family over this Holiday season? We’ve got you covered with some of the best local multiplayer games you can expect to find across all platforms.

Not only have we played every single one of these local multiplayer games on this list, but you can expect absolute mayhem when playing these games with your loved ones. Be warned, though, not all of them are family-friendly.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Best Local Multiplayer Games to Play in 2025
3. More of the Best Local Multiplayer Games to Play in 2025
4. The Bottom Line
5. FAQs
6. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Best Local Multiplayer Games to Play in 2025
3. More of the Best Local Multiplayer Games to Play in 2025
Show Full Guide
4. The Bottom Line
5. FAQs
6. References

Best Local Multiplayer Games to Play in 2025

25. Stikbold: A Dodgeball Adventure

You might have never heard of Stikbold: A Dodgeball Adventure, but this indie local multiplayer game is full of high-octane action. The premise is simple, you and three other players split into a team of two (or a free-for-all) and can duke it out in dynamic Dodgeball arenas.

You can set your own house rules and bop along to the groovy soundtrack that developer Game Swing has clearly put their heart into. It’s got a bit of a Nordic slant to it all, so if you want to replace the entire soundtrack by blasting ABBA all over the shop, it’d be more than fitting.

24. Jamestown+

Let’s set the scene: You’re in 17th-century British colonial Mars, tasked with defending the galactic colony from ruthless invaders. Jamestown+ is a classic vertical scroller and bullet hell shooter with forgiving difficulty adjustments for those who may be new to the genre.

With heaps of stages to unlock and an array of weapon load-outs and ships to claim, the four-player action of Jamestown+ had the family and me screaming at the top of our lungs during its exciting boss fights. It’s one of the best 4-player local co-op games around.

23. Human Fall Flat

Human Fall Flat is a physics-based platformer that’s perfectly set up for split-screen co-op. Thanks to its plasticine-looking characters and simple control scheme, it’s easy to pick up and play for the whole family.

There are oodles of levels to play through, thanks to extensive support by the developer and publisher. It’s not the most difficult game to wrap your head around, but it could be a great title to gather around the TV with, even for those who might have never picked up a controller before.

22. Worms: WMD

Worms: WMD is a 2D stage-based game where your objective is to annihilate all of an enemy team’s worms using an arsenal of weapons that range from Bazookas and Airstrikes to the fabled Holy Hand Grenade.

The comedic action makes it great to play with the family, and the best part is that you don’t even need multiple controllers, thanks to a pass-the-controller hot seat function. If you’ve never tried a Worms game before, Worms: WMD is the perfect place to start.

21. Moving Out 2

Moving Out 2 does what it says on the tin, you and a group of players are tasked with moving furniture around several stages, navigating through puzzles, and requiring serious coordination to complete.

This is a family-friendly romp, but it can get pretty tough in the later stages. With robust physics backing up the whole game, you might just have to toss that Sofa across a room to complete these challenges as quickly as possible. It’s one of the best local multiplayer games on Switch, but it plays just as well on other platforms.

20. Tetris Forever

Tetris Forever is basically a love letter to all things Tetris and includes fifteen versions of the classic block-shifting puzzler. But, of all the games included in the compilation, Tetris Battle Gaiden is the best multiplayer game in the pack, as it introduces a character selection.

Each character in Tetris Battle Gaiden has their own special abilities, specifically designed to frustrate another player. This twist makes Tetris Battle Gaiden endlessly replayable and my top pick for a frantic puzzle battler. But you know, the fourteen other Tetris games included in the bundle are pretty good, too. Without question, it’s one of the best local multiplayer puzzle games ever made.

19. Chained Together

Chained Together is an indie hit waiting in the wings for a console port. Designed to frustrate at every turn, the title went viral on release in mid-2024 thanks to its death-defyingly high-level design.

You are chained to the other player and have to traverse and navigate an increasingly perilous tower. With paths occasionally hidden and obscured, Chained Together is just as frustrating as it is rewarding – just remember to choose your co-op partner carefully; this one is a real relationship ruiner.

18. Streets of Rage 4

Streets of Rage 4 is a slick new sequel to the hit 90s arcade franchise. With gorgeous 2D artwork and a thumping soundtrack, Streets of Rage 4 isn’t just a great throwback game, it’s utterly fantastic and accessible to those of all skill levels too. Local multiplayer fighting games don’t get better than this.

You can play as several characters that you’ll unlock across your journey, each with their own unique and distinct fighting styles. For those looking for a more casual playthrough, expect Streets of Rage 4 to only take a couple of hours to beat on the lower difficulty levels; but for any gaming-savvy friends and family members, it can offer a high level of skill and concentration to beat at the tougher difficulty levels.

17. Super Bomberman R

Yep, in 2025, Bomberman is still kicking around, and the classic retro game is more fun than ever thanks to the modern release, Super Bomberman R. Offering heaps of battlegrounds and loads of gimmicks like moveable blocks, Super Bomberman R isn’t just a remix of a classic, it offers up new features of its own too.

Thanks to how easy it is to pick up and play, Super Bomberman R can be played by just about anyone who knows how to push buttons, making it ideal for frantic family fun. We recommend it as one of the best local multiplayer puzzle games for its versatility and level design.

16. A Way Out

A Way Out’s simple premise, getting out of prison using luck, is just the beginning of this cinematic co-op adventure. With guided setpieces and several open areas to explore and learn who the characters you’re playing are, the light puzzles peppering the game make this a great title to play with your friends, siblings, or partner.

It doesn’t require pinpoint precision at pretty much any point, making it accessible to those who don’t normally play many local multiplayer games, either. With a runtime of around six hours, it’s a great way to spend an evening or two.

15. Until Dawn (2024)

Until Dawn’s style of schlocky interactive slasher horror is wholly unique, there’s nothing quite like taking control of a character and determining their fate. While the game is single-player, there’s nothing in here that really stops you from passing the controller along when you play as a different character.

It’s a great way to play the game, and the controls are simple. However, you should set aside enough time to see the entire game through, which can run up to around eight to ten hours. With a new release on Steam and PS5, you can finally play this PS4-era classic on modern hardware. If you’re brave enough, it ranks among the best local multiplayer horror games.

14. Overcooked

Much like Moving Out, Overcooked is a frenetic multiplayer frenzy. The premise is simple: You are running a fictional kitchen, and you and your other cooks (Players) have to fulfill any orders that are coming in. Here’s the problem, with dishes to wash and ingredients to chop up, can you also contend with environmental hazards and ensuring that ingredients make it to their appropriate stations?

With a simple control scheme, Overcooked is the ultimate test of friendship and teamwork. Just remember that it’s all a game, and you might still be talking to each other by the end of the evening.

13. Dragonball: Sparking! Zero

Shonen Jump hit and worldwide phenomenon Dragon Ball is a household name at this point, and what better way to spend the holidays than by duking it out in gorgeously recreated battles & fulfilling your childhood dreams by having Yajirobe go up against Cell in a nail-biting 1v1.

Sparking Zero is a fairly casual 3D Fighter with over 100 characters to choose from in the Dragon Ball saga; you won’t be getting bored any time soon. If you want to settle any sibling rivalries this holiday, don’t look any further. Just don’t pick Gogeta all the time; that’s cheap.

12. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles beat-em-up games are arcade local multiplayer classics, and now with this retro-revival, they’re back and in better shape than ever. Taking upon the classic side-scrolling beat-em-up genre, the simple button combos and concepts make Shredder’s Revenge a joy to play with players of all ages.

There are some forgiving difficulty options, which make it ideal for introducing the younger generations to the heroes in a half-shell.

11. Nidhogg 2

Nidhogg 2 is developer Meshoff’s second go at the heated 1v1 dueling game. The concept is simple, run to the end of the level and get eaten by the titular Nidhogg. With several weapons to choose from and a controversial art style, the push-pull combat of Nidhogg 2 makes it gripping.

Thanks to a limited moveset for all weaponry, it’s extremely easy to pick up and play. There’s just nothing quite like disarming your opponent and watching them run for their lives. Nidhogg 2’s stages add a unique wrinkle for the dueling combat, and it makes for a great game to watch as well as play. Throw this out to settle any disagreements.

10. The Jackbox Party Starter

There are heaps of Jackbox games out there, and their unique concept of running a gameshow that you participate in using your smartphone is unique and accessible to the whole family. The Jackbox Party Starter pack is one of the strongest entries in the series, featuring Quiplash 3, Trivia Murder Party 2, and hilarious shirt designer Tee K.O.

This is best enjoyed in large groups, with some social lubricants thrown in somewhere. You won’t have a bad time with any of the included games, and just about anyone (even Grandma) can participate. Just watch out for younger kids, as these games can get pretty risque.

9. Tekken 8

Tekken 8 sees some of your favorite fighters from the franchise return in this glorious fighting game. With new additions like an accessible control layout for newcomers, seasoned fighting game enthusiasts and newbies alike can pick up and play this fighter fairly easily. With multiple modes like Tekken Ball, even if fighting isn’t the main name of the game, you’ll still find enjoyment and something to do in the game.

With a roster of iconic characters like Kazuya Mishima, Jin Kazama, and Yoshimitsu, this might be a game for an older crowd who isn’t glued to Fortnite or Roblox. If you’re a seasoned player, be kind and don’t constantly do electrics on your poor casual opponents, otherwise they might never want to play a game with you again.

8. Super Mario 3D World

Super Mario 3D World might be one of the most underrated 3D Mario titles; with full support for four players and built around co-op, this is one of the best co-op experiences you can have this winter. Thanks to a Nintendo Switch re-release, it’s got a new lease of life.

With levels that ramp up in difficulty and hundreds of stages to clear, each with its own secrets, you won’t be lost for things to do in Super Mario 3D World. Thanks to its family-friendly vibes, you can bring younger members of the family along for the ride too. Just be sure they can keep up once you hit Champion’s Road.

7. Portal 2

While Portal 2 is 13 years old, it has lost absolutely none of its shine. This classic is playable on the Nintendo Switch, and with incredible performances from J.K Simmons, Stephen Merchant, and more: Portal 2 isn’t a local multiplayer game to miss.

Each puzzle is beautifully designed, and with your combined brainpower, you’ll face frustration and endless trial and error before that golden “a-ha” moment. It’s when you finally figure out a puzzle and everything slips into place, that you realize the true gold within Portal 2. It’s a classic for a very good reason.

6. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a name you might have heard of, but this farming simulator is also playable with local co-op on the modern console versions of the title. All you have to do is hook up a controller and begin a new co-op game. This streamlines many elements of the game, especially since you’ll be working together to build a farm and getting to know the inhabitants of the titular valley.

With a near-endless level of replayability and content, if combat isn’t your thing and you’re looking to play something more easygoing over the winter break, you don’t need to look further than Stardew Valley.

5. Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is the game to play for any D&D-obsessed household. Recreating the classic RPG for a modern audience, you can create your own characters or take control of one of the Origin characters and team up with a friend to explore the deep and engrossing world of Baldur’s Gate. Local multiplayer RPGs don’t come around like this often.

With hundreds of hours of gameplay to offer, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a fantastic multiplayer experience that allows players to drop in and out of a campaign at will. Just make sure that your co-op partner doesn’t go around killing every NPC you see, and you will be fine.

4. The Quarry

The Quarry is Supermassive Games’ second playable slasher-horror flick. This game’s pass-the-controller hot seat has you taking control of your selected characters, and you’ll pray that your co-op partners don’t accidentally get them killed midway through the game.

It’s a fight for survival, and with heaps of twists and turns along the way, it’s a great way to get people who don’t usually play games involved over the winter season. Just be sure that they can stomach a bit of digital gore.

3. Super Mario Party Jamboree

Super Mario Party: Jamboree isn’t just one of the best Mario Party games on Switch; it’s one of the best that Nintendo has developed in decades. Thanks to a slick board system that’s easy to understand and tonnes of new powerups to enjoy, Super Mario Party: Jamboree will have you screaming at the top of your lungs when you accidentally step on a Star-stealing block (which serves as the game’s points system)

Thanks to its simple interface and varied minigames, you can keep players of all ages hooked; just be sure to take it easy on younger kids, as games can get pretty underhanded. You don’t want to cause a big meltdown. Super Mario Party Jamboree ranks among the best local multiplayer party games; just be careful with how you play.

2. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

What if you had to defuse a bomb under a time limit? It’s within this conceit that Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes thrives. With the rest of the players frantically fingering through a manual and guiding another player to diffuse the bomb, you have to advance through different modules of the bomb itself to finally disarm it.

This, of course, makes it a great game to play with a big group, as it’s a big crowd-pleaser. Thanks to the stress of a ticking clock, the experience is only elevated for those playing the title in VR. But even with a traditional screen, it’s just as engrossing. Just remember, the bomb isn’t real, folks.

1. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a spin on the classic space shooter genre. This time, you have to commandeer a ship with up to four other players and man a station on your ship. This can be the booster to navigate through a level, weaponry, shields, and mapping stations.

Together, you can set your course to save cute animals from the horrors of aliens across the constellations. Requiring careful coordination and heaps of upgrades to explore, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a joyous ride through space with your compatriots.

It’s got the perfect balance of being cooperative, not too difficult, and offering heaps of levels to explore, with roles available for players of all skill levels, which is why it tops our list of the best local multiplayer games to play this holiday season.

More of the Best Local Multiplayer Games to Play in 2025

The Bottom Line

Local multiplayer games remain incredibly popular in 2025 for not only video game consoles but also PC. Sometimes, that means working collaboratively or against each other, which can add variety to the experiences. Our list of the 25 best local multiplayer games gives a good overview of the different genres and gameplay styles around now.

FAQs