Despite the huge number of role-playing games that are released each and every year, there aren’t too many options for those who are looking for a true RPG experience that can be shared with friends. Granted, players could go down the MMORPG route, though this is a path that not everybody is eager to tread.
As well as the inherent costs and the sheer volume of people involved, MMORPGs can be a massive time sink. Thankfully, there do exist a handful of fantastic RPGs that cater to co-op enthusiasts without forcing them to stray too deeply into addictive MMO territory. That said, the best multiplayer RPGs of all time can be just as moreish.
20 Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact took the world by storm when it was released back in late 2020 and remains incredibly popular to this day. It’s easy to see why as well, with the free-to-play title still receiving updates on a regular basis as well as near-constant special events for both new and returning players.
Though the game’s monetization is a little aggressive, the gameplay experience is fairly enjoyable; more so when shared with a friend. Players will need to reach a certain point in the story before they can play with others, but, for most players, it shouldn’t take too long to reach adventure rank 16.
19 Mount & Blade: Warband
First released for the PC all the way back in early 2010, Mount & Blade: Warband is, quite understandably, starting to show its age just a little. Despite this, though, the multiplayer mode is still just as enjoyable today as it was more than a full decade ago, even if the majority of the game’s RPG components have been stripped away in favor of a more combat-heavy approach.
Each multiplayer matchup can cater to up to 200 players, making fights incredibly chaotic at times. However, the sheer volume of enemy combatants forces players to think tactically and work together with their teammates if they’re to have any hopes of being successful. There are numerous game modes available too as opposed to just one big team deathmatch, with most mirroring those found in more traditional FPS titles such as Capture the Flag.
18 For the King
For the King is an open-world RPG with turn-based combat and allows players to team up with up to two other people via online multiplayer. The visuals may be a little simple when compared to some of the genre’s heavy hitters, but there’s a charm to them that makes playing the game an incredibly enjoyable experience.
The dice-roll combat system will likely appeal to fans of D&D, while the game’s procedurally generated elements provide a degree of replayability that’s absent in a lot of other RPGs. Sadly, the Lost Civilization Adventure Pack DLC is a tad underwhelming, but the base version of the game is a lot of fun when played with a friend or two.
17 Magicka
It may be almost a decade old at this point, but there’s still a lot of fun to be had with Magicka. The game was developed by a team of eight university students and allows up to four players to team up to take on an evil sorcerer in a magical world that was heavily inspired by Norse mythology.
With numerous DLC packs and a fully-fledged sequel available, there’s more than enough content to keep players entertained for hours on end and enough challenge to keep them from ever growing tired. Fans of Diablo should love the environment, while the gameplay itself is a little reminiscent of games like Bastion.
16 Tales Of Berseria
It’s very rare for JRPGs to include multiplayer functionality due to the way that their combat and exploration mechanics are typically structured. Tales of Berseria is proof that it is possible though, albeit in a rather limited capacity.
The game allows up to four players to take part in battles with each one assuming control of a different party member. It actually works surprisingly well thanks to the game using real-time combat rather than turn-based. Exploration is all handled by a single player though, so things can get a little dull for additional players during story-heavy sections of the game.
15 Wasteland 3
Wasteland 3 may be considerably shorter than its predecessor, but it surpasses it in almost every other way. It looks great, features some wonderful characters, and provides the player with choices that feel both meaningful and impactful. The latter shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise though considering we’re talking about a series that heavily inspired Bethesda’s Fallout titles.
The game features both synchronous and asynchronous multiplayer with the former allowing players to team up with a friend and tackle the main story. The latter means that one of those players can continue their journey even when the other is offline, although both will need to be present for key missions and story beats.
14 Dying Light
There are plenty of multiplayer zombie games that are better than Dying Light, but those looking for one which also includes RPG elements could certainly do a lot worse. It features multiple skill trees, adaptive difficulty and allows for up to four players. There’s a lot more to it than that though.
One of the things that make the game so enjoyable is the freedom that it allows its players when it comes to exploration and dealing with the infected. Sharing this experience with three friends is an absolute joy and one of the reasons why we’re so excited about the upcoming sequel; which looks set to lean further still into the RPG genre.
13 Gauntlet
The very first Gauntlet game first hit arcades all the way back in 1985 and would go on to spawn a string of sequels in the decades that followed. It was not until the franchise was rebooted in 2014, however, that light RPG elements really began to make their presence felt.
At its heart, Gauntlet remains a twin-stick dungeon crawler and is a very good one at that. Much like the Gauntlet games of yesteryear, where it really comes into its own is through its chaotic multiplayer experience which is infinitely more enjoyable than playing solo. It would be nice if the game featured more pronounced character progression, but the lack thereof is hardly a deal-breaker.
12 Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows Of Amn
While the latest Baldur’s Gate title may have taken the leap into the world of MMORPGs, earlier titles in the series were a lot more single-player-oriented. In fact, several reviewers were incredibly critical of Baldur’s Gate II’s limited and poorly implemented online functionality; although that didn’t stop the game from achieving a 95% average rating on Metacritic.
The game allows up to six players to team up and explore the Forgotten Realms together, although only one of them is considered to be the protagonist. Everything functions more or less the same as it does while playing solo, but stability and poor communication options could often make playing the original release incredibly frustrating. Thankfully, the enhanced edition of the game is much better in these areas.
11 Monster Hunter: World
The fifth game in the Monster Hunter mainline series is a step forward in many ways. It has a more full-fledged co-op multiplayer experience where players can quest and defeat monsters. Monster Hunter World has a robust loot system that allows players to upgrade their Hunter.
While past Monster Hunter games were iconic, the world surrounding Monster Hunter World is more immersive than we could’ve asked for. The game appeals to newcomers and experienced Hunters alike.
10 Diablo II: Lord of Destruction
Although the game is starting to show its age (leaving room for a remaster or remake), Diablo II is still an enjoyable action role-playing game. It’s a game with a large focus on hack and slash, yet it has a robust multiplayer with active servers.
9 Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a microcosm of the most peaceful region on Earth. It has a simple premise that revolves around taking a dilapidated farm and turning it into whatever players like. Just like Harvest Moon, the game is open-ended, meaning there is virtually no end. The seasons pass as players strive to collect income from farming activities.
Stardew Valley has a multiplayer mode that can be played via LAN or over the internet. Multiplayer is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC, but not mobile. The host creates the world, which they can save and play solo at any time.
8 Terraria
Like Stardew Valley, Terraria is one of the many games that benefited from the runaway success of Minecraft, despite the latter actually releasing eight months prior to Mojang’s masterpiece coming out of beta. It incorporates a lot of the same core mechanics and employs an equally simplistic art style. It arguably targets a slightly older audience though, as evidenced by its darker themes and greater difficulty level.
Terraria is a solid pick for those looking to express themselves through crafting or anyone looking for a unique adventure to share with friends. Procedural generation ensures that no two games of Terraria are exactly alike, and it’s this sense of infinite possibility that can make the game so enthralling; at least for the first ten hours or so, anyway.
7 Grim Dawn
Inspired by the Victorian era, Grim Dawn takes players on a dark fantasy adventure. The themes are along the lines of a game like Bloodborne, but the gameplay is closer to Diablo III. Diablo III is undoubtedly a juggernaut in the action role-playing game genre, but Grim Dawn brings enough to the table to be considered relevant.
The dark tones of the game make it horrific at times. It could perhaps have been a little bit more cheery, but Grim Dawn truly distinguishes itself with immensely enjoyable and expertly executed hack and slash gameplay.
6 Warframe
Games like Warframe prove that the free-to-play model can work. The purpose of the game is to collect Platinum, weapons, and Warframes, among other things, to build one’s character. Players can also raise a pet, customize their spaceships, and join clans.
Microtransactions hold the game back from reaching its potential, but they aren’t so overbearing as to make the game unplayable. Warframe is continually updated, so there’s never a bad time to jump into the action.
5 Torchlight II
What distinguishes Torchlight II from other Diablo III-like games is its freedom for customization. It has a significant amount of mods that make the game stand out. Players can even add mods and play them on multiplayer if all other players have downloaded the same mods.
Torchlight II has LAN and online co-op multiplayer, making it a great option for those looking to play with their friends. The game doesn’t have as much polish as Diablo III, but it proves relevant with awesome hack and slash gameplay.
4 Divinity: Original Sin 2
The turn-based combat of Divinity: Original Sin 2 is masterful. This game earned wide acclaim and praise from critics who cited it as one of the greatest turned-based RPGs of all time. It has seamlessly integrated single-player and multiplayer modes, the latter of which can be played online or via couch co-op.
Players will need to make important choices as they progress through the game’s arduous Acts. Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers flexibility in regards to player customization. If players only play one turn-based game this year, they should let it be Divinity: Original Sin 2.
3 Borderlands 2
Although not considered a traditional RPG, Borderlands 2 lets players assume the role of a fictional character class of their choosing in a fictional setting — it may be a looter-shooter at its core, but it certainly fits the bill here just fine.
There is a significant multiplayer component in Borderlands 2. Set on the planet of Pandora, players must work together to finish quests. The writing, unique visuals, and online multiplayer rank Borderlands 2 among the greatest co-op games of all time.
2 Diablo III
Multiplayer RPGs are great when working together is conducive. Diablo III is a prime example of a game that blends well with multiplayer. Although Diablo II had a most substantial social component, Diablo III doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Trading is a part of the game, and it is the most fun when players are helping others. Diablo III is considered one of the most influential RPGs because of the numerous other games that tried to copy the formula, but remains the one that truly put hack and slash RPGs on the map.
1 Dark Souls
When it comes to influential RPGs, Dark Souls is a knockout title. It has revolutionized the gaming industry because of its unforgiving gameplay and masterclass RPG elements. Players create a character and choose to specialize in several template classes or do something completely different.
Dark Souls gives players the option of customizing their character to fit their playstyle. The co-op element is a bit stilted, given that players must depend on the White Sign Soapstone and summoning signs to engage in some jolly cooperation, but rest assured that helping one’s friends battle through its immense boss fights is a treat unto itself.
