Online multiplayer games might be the norm nowadays, but nothing beats being able to yell at your friends sitting across the room from you during a heated team deathmatch. And for the longest time, LAN parties were the only way for friends to play games like Unreal Tournament and Quake with each other.
Related10 Best Multiplayer Games Of 2024
If your friend group was gaming this year, you most likely had some intense play matches with some of the best multiplayer games of 2024.
PostsBut for many who don't mind lugging their computers or game consoles over to their friend's houses—or some who simply lack stable enough internet to make online play viable—LAN parties remain the best way to play certain games in a social setting. So whatever reason you might have for wanting to put one together, here are some of the best games to consider adding to the roster.
Updated January 27, 2025, by Jon Eakin: LAN gaming is a beloved tradition, and thanks to developers and community effort, it shows no sign of stopping. To help mark the start of 2025 as the beginning of another great year for LAN gaming, we've updated this list with new features and entries to help you find the best game to play with your friends side by side.
27 Age Of Mythology: Retold
LAN Magic
Your Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedAge of Mythology: Retold
Strategy Systems 4.5/5 6.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 83/100 Critics Rec: 86% Released September 4, 2024 ESRB T For Teen Due To Violence Developer(s) World's Edge, Forgotten Empires, Capture Age, Tantalus Media, Virtuos Publisher(s) Xbox Game Studios Engine BANG! EngineWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALAge of Mythology was a departure from the mostly grounded Age of Empires formula, introducing god-given powers and mythological beasts. It would have been easy for it to spoil what made the series better, but instead it made the whole experience fresh again.
Age of Mythology: Retold, an updated remaster of that original game, was released in 2024 and reminded everyone just how good it was. It's even better if you play it with friends, and more magical still if you do it all in the same place.
26 Diablo 2
Demonically Good Action
Your Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
LikeDiablo 2: Resurrected
Action RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 80/100 Critics Rec: 78% Released September 23, 2021 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Violence Developer(s) Blizzard Entertainment, Vicarious Visions Publisher(s) Blizzard Entertainment Engine Unreal Engine 5 Multiplayer Online Co-OpWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALDiablo 2 first released in 2020 and the genre has never been the same since. Even other genres have been impacted by the philosophy of kill more enemies and get more loot. The gameplay loop is still one of the most satisfying there is.
Grinding through hordes of demonic enemies alongside your friends is as good as it gets, and with the Diablo 2: Resurrected remaster that's easier than ever to do. Just make sure to watch out for Duriel, that boss still hits like a truck.
25 Baldur's Gate 3
Gather Your Party
Your Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedBaldur's Gate 3
RPG Systems 5.0/5 26 9.4/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 96/100 Critics Rec: 98% Released August 3, 2023 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) Larian Studios Publisher(s) Larian Studios Engine Divinity 4.0WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALWe had every intent of just adding an addendum to our other Baldur's Gate entry that you can play Baldur's Gate 3 via LAN play. But it is impossible to deny the magnetic draw of this titanic title. And, truth be told, it would be a disservice to update this list and not include the undisputed GOTY.
Baldur's Gate 3 is all the best parts of the first two Baldur's Gate games mixed with the best parts of the Divinity Original Sin titles. This is a dream game that does so much right when it comes to allowing for creativity and expression. And better yet, it plays brilliantly in co-op. Seeing as it does everything right already, that, of course, includes LAN play. If you haven't played it yet, grab a friend and prepare for an epic adventure!
24 Fae Farm
Fae Friends
Your Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedFae Farm
Farming Simulation RPG Systems 3.5/5 7.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 75/100 Critics Rec: 60% Released September 8, 2023 ESRB E For Everyone due to Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Phoenix Labs Publisher(s) Phoenix Labs Engine Unreal Engine 4WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThis was one of those farming style games that sorta came out of nowhere. But this isn't just a poor man's version of Rune Factory. While Fae Farm wears its influences on its sleeve, it is a silky-smooth, refined take on the genre that is stunningly colorful. It is also packed with content.
If only you could get someone to help you with that voluminous amount of content. Oh wait, look at what list you are reading, you can recruit other players in a delightful lan play mode. No need to connect to the internet, just grab a buddy with a Switch, a copy of Fae Farm, and adventure through this delightfully colorful world.
23 Total War: Warhammer 3
March To War
Your Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedTotal War: Warhammer 3
Strategy Tactical Systems 4.0/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 86/100 Critics Rec: 94% Released February 17, 2022 ESRB t Developer(s) Creative Assembly Publisher(s) Sega Engine Warscape EngineWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThe Total War series is, in general, a good place to go for people looking to get a LAN party started. And while the series has a number of quality titles, one of our favorites is the recently released Total War: Warhammer 3. With its attractive visuals and fun-to-play factions, Warhammer 3 is among the best games to have been released in the genre. But more than anything, this game deserves to be celebrated for being a recent title to launch with LAN support.
Moreover, Total War: Warhammer 3 has some excellent options for multiplayer play. You can play through the campaign with up to seven of your friends, or you can play with three friends in the Something Rotten in Kislev mode, which is a separate campaign designed around multiplayer. If you and your group of friends are looking for a sublime LAN party experience, you can't go wrong with Warhammer 3.
22 Monster Hunter: Rise
The Friends Who Hunt Together
Your Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedMonster Hunter Rise
Action RPG Systems 4.5/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 87/100 Critics Rec: 96% Released March 26, 2021 ESRB T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Violence Developer(s) Capcom Publisher(s) Capcom Engine RE EngineWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALMonster Hunter Rise is perfectly indicative of the sea-change in the world of LAN play: the game exists for both the Switch and the PC, yet, only the Switch version has the LAN feature. Oh, how the mighty have fallen! You used to be the place for LAN play, PC! However, while PC fans were deprived of this experience, one thing is undeniable: if you are looking for an incredible co-op LAN experience, few games provide a better experience than Monster Hunter: Rise.
The whole package is available to gamers here. Hunt titanic creatures with your friends. Set traps, split up to find the target creatures, and engage in frantic scrambles with these colossi. Co-op monster hunter is always a pleasure, but nothing beats playing it in the same room as others. We would say that the LAN experience is so good that it makes The Switch the best place to play it, despite the technical restraints of the hardware. If you have other Switch owning friends who love to hunt monsters, that is.
21 Divinity Original Sin 2
For Consistent Sessions
Your Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedDivinity: Original Sin 2
RPG Systems 5.0/5 9.5/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 93/100 Critics Rec: 99% Released September 14, 2017 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence Developer(s) Larian Studios Publisher(s) Larian Studios Engine Divinity Engine 3.0WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALDivinity Original Sin 2 is among the finest co-op RPG experiences ever created. And better yet, it is totally playable through LAN. It isn't exactly a demanding game either, so you can probably throw it on whatever laptop you have kicking around.
4:52 RelatedBest Split-Screen Multiplayer Games For The Xbox Series X|S
Grab your second controller for some couch co-op - here are the best split-screen games on Xbox Series X/S.
Posts 1As for the game itself, it is an isometric RPG that allows for a considerable amount of flexibility in how you approach the different encounters and quests. Four players can play through the campaign together. You will be able to split up or explore together. It isn't a pickup-and-play type of experience, but it is the ideal game for people who want to set up regular sessions.
20 Stardew Valley
For Keeping It Casual
Your Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedStardew Valley
RPG Simulation Systems 9.5/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 90/100 Critics Rec: 99% Released February 26, 2016 ESRB E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco) Developer(s) ConcernedApe Publisher(s) ConcernedApe Engine ProprietaryWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONWhen you think about LAN play, you probably think about twitchy arena-based shooters, or frenetic co-op, horde-based gameplay. But hey, what about growing carrots? How about courting the boy next door neighbor? Well, that is the experience associated with everyone's favorite farming game: Stardew Valley. And you know what? It is an absolute pleasure to play!
Naturally, it wouldn't be on this list if it didn't have fantastic multiplayer. You can gather up to three friends and run the most efficient farm ever witnessed. There is a lot of flexibility here, as a number of tasks go considerably quicker when tackled by multiple people, but it is also a game with a lot of things to do, so you can divide and conquer as well. Or hey, you can also just chill. The Switch version naturally has LAN play, but it is also available on the PC version as well! Sure, Stardew Valley doesn't provide the same thrills as Unreal Tournament, but for more laid-back groups, that's probably a good thing.
19 Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition
Where It All Began
Your Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
LikeBaldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition
RPG Systems Released November 28, 2012 ESRB t Developer(s) Overhaul Games Publisher(s) Atari Engine Infinity Engine Multiplayer Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer Franchise Baldur's GateWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONWith the release of the third game in the Baldur's Gate franchise having arrived, there has never been a better time to jump into this legendary franchise. Baldur's Gate is a beloved entry for a reason; it has an enjoyable combat engine, that melds turn-based with real-time combat. Also, despite being well over two decades old, it is still extremely attractive. But better yet, you can play the entire game with your friends!
Your friends can choose to play their own created character, or they can use the party members you acquire throughout the game. Not only is the story enthralling but the world is densely packed with content. And sure, it is an amazing single-player experience, but it is also incredibly fun to play alongside your pals.
18 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Multiplayer Mayhem
Your Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
Fighting Systems 3.5/5 10.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 92/100 Critics Rec: 97% Released December 7, 2018 ESRB E for Everyone: Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief, Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Bandai Namco Entertainment Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine Proprietary EngineWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALSo, obviously, if you are playing hyper-competitively, then LAN play isn't necessarily adding a whole lot to the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate experience. However, while competitive Smash play is most certainly a thing of beauty, the utter chaos that is eight-player Smash most certainly has its own charm.
Yes, you heard that right. The newest Smash Bros. game allows you to play with seven of your friends. And yes, you can do it over "local online", so you don't even need a TV hooked up. We sorta doubt that this is going to be the centerpiece of a LAN party, as Smash played on that scale truly is a heaping spoonful of nonsense. However, it is absolutely going to be good for a laugh.
