The year 2024 showcased an incredible surge in multiplayer gaming, with a plethora of new titles captivating players and igniting viral trends online. Each month brought fresh excitement, enriching the multiplayer landscape significantly.
The gaming world saw the rise of unique themes, starting from democratic gameplay to embarking on adventurous quests in expansive worlds filled with Pokémon-like creatures. Notably, Valve made its much-anticipated return by releasing a new game that thrilled fans.
No Game of the Year compilation would be complete for 2024 without highlighting a pivotal DLC that has made waves. In the event of any ties amongst the most recognized titles, our team cast their votes to arrive at the definitive rankings. Based on these votes, we present the top 10 multiplayer games of 2024.
12 Destiny 2: The Final Shape
Step into your Destiny
It’s astounding to recall that Destiny 2 was first launched over seven years ago. While the journey has had its ups and downs, developer Bungie has masterfully refined the experience. The gameplay mechanics remain a standout, and the latest expansion, The Final Shape, has delivered an exceptional addition to the game, possibly rivaling the celebrated Taken King expansion.
Despite some ongoing challenges, including accessibility issues, the success of Destiny 2: The Final Shape cannot be overstated. It is a compelling reason for players to re-engage with the game and discover what their peers have been enthusiastically discussing.
11 Throne and Liberty
A remarkable free-to-play MMORPG
While Amazon’s first foray into the MMORPG genre, New World, had its share of flaws, Throne and Liberty—published by Amazon and created by seasoned developer NCSoft—offers a far more rewarding experience. This title seamlessly integrates the beloved elements of classic NCSoft games with contemporary features, enhancing the overall engagement.
Particularly laudable is how Throne and Liberty captures the social aspect of gaming, a sometimes-neglected feature in today’s MMORPGs. Unlike many titles that lean heavily towards action RPG dynamics, this game wholeheartedly embraces its community elements, allowing for a richer, more meaningful gameplay experience. Although initially overwhelming, the investment of time yields a gratifying return—particularly for fans seeking a true MMO experience in 2024.
10 Once Human
I’m only human
Unlike many survival games appearing on our countdown, Once Human distinguishes itself through its unique aesthetic. While it may not introduce groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, reminiscent of AAA titles from Ubisoft, it carves its niche through its originality and compelling design.
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Once Human thrives on its artistic style, captivating players in a manner often overlooked by conventional survival crafting games that tend to feel similar. While innovation in gameplay is important, the strength of its unique enemy designs helps immerse players into its distinctive world, setting it apart within a crowded genre.
9 Webfishing
Reel it in
In times of chaos, sometimes it’s best to unwind and enjoy simple pleasures with friends. Enter Webfishing—a whimsical game where you, alongside pals, catch fish in a virtual environment. Drawing parallels to Animal Crossing, it prioritizes leisurely enjoyment over heavy narratives or world-saving missions, allowing players to focus on fishing, upgrading equipment, and socializing.
This refreshing simplicity effectively illustrates a vital point: not every gaming experience needs to be grand or extravagant. Webfishing serves as a gentle reminder to embrace moments of relaxation and camaraderie.
8 Super Mario Party Jamboree
Palms sweaty
Super Mario Party has had a mixed trajectory on the Nintendo Switch. While 2018’s edition missed the mark, the series saw a resurgence with 2021’s Mario Party Superstars. Now, 2024’s Super Mario Party Jamboree strikes a brilliant balance, integrating both original boards and mini-games while honoring what makes the Mario Party franchise a delight.
Although not every feature is a hit, new quality-of-life improvements—such as the option to vote on mini-games—ensure this title remains a must-have for game nights.
7 Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Who knew DLC could be so controversial?
No Game of the Year discussion in 2024 would be complete without mentioning Shadow of the Erdtree. This DLC not only enhances gameplay; it arguably parallels the impact of many full-fledged releases in today’s gaming scene.
Although often regarded as a single-player title, Elden Ring seamlessly integrates multiplayer functionality into its core experience, enabling players to engage in both PVP and cooperative modes. Whether adventuring alongside friends or summoning allies to tackle formidable foes, the multiplayer aspects elevate Elden Ring’s status in gaming history—and Shadow of the Erdtree continues this legacy. If you haven’t yet experienced it with friends, there’s no better time to delve in.
6 Tekken 8
As good as ever
The fighting game genre is experiencing a renaissance, and Tekken 8 stands out as a prime example, offering unparalleled gameplay that surpasses expectations. With a captivating story mode, stunning graphics, and a diverse character roster, Tekken 8 excels not only among its fighting game counterparts, like Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1, but also as a leader in competitive multiplayer gaming.
This title epitomizes the franchise’s legacy by refining beloved mechanics and delivering a rich, rewarding experience for both newcomers and veterans. Its robust community further strengthens its position, ensuring Tekken 8 remains a significant player in the gaming world for the foreseeable future.
5 Deadlock
Locked and loaded
In a surprising twist, Valve entered the scene with a new title in 2024—Deadlock. Despite being in early development, this game quickly emerged as one of the top contenders in multiplayer gaming.
Drawing elements from Team Fortress 2, Overwatch, and Dota, Deadlock merges the mechanics of MOBAs with hero shooters, resulting in a strategic gameplay experience that diverges from the frenetic pace of many other titles. While it may feel a bit slower, this design choice enhances the importance of critical moments in battle, making it more accessible than traditional top-down MOBAs.
Although still in its infancy, Deadlock is poised to become a major competitor in the multiplayer arena, and we eagerly anticipate its future developments.
4 Palworld
Gotta catch ’em all!
No discussion of gaming in 2024 is complete without mentioning Palworld—one of the year’s most polarizing yet successful releases. The premise is straightforward yet intriguing: imagine an open-world survival crafting game populated by Pokémon-like creatures, many of which wield firearms. This unique twist is at the heart of Palworld’s charm.
While it bears some resemblance to Pokémon in creature design, Palworld diverges significantly in gameplay, offering a full-fledged open-world sandbox experience. Although it may not be without flaws, the novelty it presents makes the investment worthwhile.
3 Helldivers 2
For democracy!
Fortunately for fans of the original Helldivers, which debuted in 2015 with modest acclaim, the successor—Helldivers 2—took the gaming community by storm. This cooperative third-person shooter gained immense popularity at launch, leading to server strains due to high demand.
Helldivers 2 excels by eliminating confusing progression systems and tedious downtime, immersing players directly into the heart of the action as they strive to spread democracy across the galaxy. Its straightforward design and exhilarating gameplay solidify its place among the best shooters of the year.
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