Best Multiplayer Games Xbox One

Don't listen to the haters, local multiplayer is the best kind of multiplayer. Being able to see the distraught look on your buddy's face after you come back from 4-0 down to beat him in Rocket League, or fighting your way through a shooter or RPG literally shoulder-to-shoulder are experiences that can't be mimicked by online gaming.

Now that the frenzy surrounding online gaming on consoles has died down, it looks like developers and publishers are finally starting to appreciate the value of offline multiplayer. The Xbox One has been getting in on this revival, and is now home to games from both humble indie developers and all-powerful AAA publishers that have been offering the kinds of experiences we fondly remember from the N64-PS2 era.

Smite has 6 game modes and all of them are extremely popular: Arena. A 5v5 death match, no lanes or objectives. Arena is best for people who prefer intense combat over strategy. Good for impatient but independent players. A 3v3 mode, with a single lane and monsters camps on one side, and an objective lair on the other side. Best multiplayer games: The top titles you can dig into with your mates We may earn a commission if you click a deal and buy an item. This is how we make money. The Xbox One is home to various great competitive multiplayer games, with these being the most highly-rated on Metacritic. By Mark Sammut Aug 29, 2020 Share Share Tweet Email.

So charge up your gamepads, get your buddies to bring theirs over to yours, and dive into some old-school fun with this list of the best offline multiplayer games available for the Xbox One.

Looking for some great games to enjoy with friends both locally or online? You’re in luck as 2021 is shaping up to have some incredible multiplayer games coming out. In this list we’ll continue to update it when new exciting video games are announced. Without further ado, check out some of the most anticipated multiplayer games slated to launch before 2021 wraps up.

#16 Deathloop

Developer: Arkane Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Platforms: PS5, PC
Release: May 21, 2021
Co-op: N/A
Competitive Multiplayer: Online

Deathloop is the next video game from Arkane Studios, the folks behind Prey and Dishonored. In this game, players step into the role of an assassin that’s trapped in a time loop on a mysterious island. The only way our protagonist, Colt, can escape this loop is to take out eight targets on the island. However, if Colt dies or runs out of time, he will be set right back into the start of this game.

The game seems to focus a bit more on stealth and memorizing the enemy’s movements to take them out quickly and efficiently. Of course, there’s another problem Colt will have to worry about throughout the game as on the island there is one other expert assassin named Julianna who is only tasked with tracking Colt down and eliminating him every day. An interesting aspect of this game is that there’s a multiplayer component that allows a second player online to join a game but as Julianna. This can make the game even more challenging knowing that the character can be picked up by another player rather than being controlled by AI.

#15 Gran Turismo 7

Developer: Polyphony Digital
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: PS5
Release: 2021
Co-op N/A
Competitive Multiplayer: Local/Online

The Gran Turismo series has been an iconic racing franchise for the Sony PlayStation line of consoles. It’s within this game players take the role of a racer across several different tournaments and racing exhibitions. Likewise, the game throws all sorts of different vehicles to race with on a variety of tracks. Just like with the past installments, the game will feature a multiplayer mode that will allow players to race in different events.

We’re still waiting for more information to come out regarding this next installment to the Gran Turismo series but we can likely expect a pretty big focus around the DualSense controller. This game series could make use of the different new features such as the haptic feedback and resistance triggers.

#14 Evil Dead: The Game

Developer: Saber Interactive
Publisher: Boss Team Games
Platforms: PS5, XSX/S, PS4, XBO, NS, PC
Release: 2021
Co-op: Online
Competitive Multiplayer: Online

Fans of the Evil Dead franchise will be delighted to see a new video game release is in the works for 2021. Evil Dead: The Game will throw players into iconic characters from the franchise both films and television series. Likewise, this is a multiplayer-focused game that will play out similar to the likes of Dead By Daylight. Here in the title players will find that a portal has opened up which is allowing all sorts of creatures to lurk into our world. Players must work together as a team to fight off these creatures, compete for objectives and close up the portal.

However, if you don’t want to work with a group of players, you can take the role of a demonic creature that is tasked with taking out the characters, again similar to Dead By Daylight. For now, at the time of writing this description, we’re still waiting on a release date to be announced, but it does look like Sable Interactive is working to get this game out sometime within this year.

#13 Destruction AllStars

Developer: Lucid Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: PS5
Release: February 2021
Co-op: N/A
Competitive Multiplayer: Online

Destruction AllStars is an upcoming vehicular combat title from development studio, Lucid Games. In this game, players enter a global sports entertainment event where you’ll bash each other using supped up cars and unique abilities. It’s a bit like Twisted Metal with the different vehicles to use during the event, but there’s another element to this game. During a match with sixteen players, it’s possible to lose your vehicle leaving you vulnerable as you race on foot for safety.

From what it looks like, each player will have their ability to use while on foot which can be anything from vanishing into thin air or taking over someone’s vehicle. Originally, the game was set to launch in November 2020 as a launch title for the PlayStation 5 but has since been pushed to February of this year. We also know that the first two months of this game’s release, PlayStation Plus members can redeem a copy of the game for free which means that there should be a pretty active community right at launch.

#12 Battlefield [2021]

Developer: DICE
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platforms: XSX/S, PS5, PC
Release: 2021
Co-op: TBA
Competitive Multiplayer: Online

The Battlefield franchise has been around for quite a long time and it’s something that competes with the likes of the Call of Duty franchise. However, unlike Call of Duty, we don’t receive yearly installments to Battlefield, but we should get a new release for the series this year. Nothing is known right now about this next installment, other than the development team is pushing to get this game out for this year’s holiday season.

However, with that said, past technical tests from DICE have shown the team working on large battles so we could potentially see a game release that has a focus around large online team battles. Unfortunately, it’s a waiting game to see where this title is taking place in and the game modes being offered.

#11 Crossfire X

Developer: Smilegate
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Platforms: XBO
Release: 2021
Co-op: TBA
Competitive Multiplayer: Online

You might know Crossfire as an already established free-to-play FPS video game in marketplaces located outside of the west. However, there is a new revamp of the game coming out known as Crossfire X which will again put players into two factions as you attempt to go through various game modes. We’re likely going to see a big overhaul in terms of visuals and we know that there will be a story campaign for players to go through. Outside of the multiplayer which is being handled by Smilegate, we know that the solo campaign will be coming out from Remedy Entertainment. We haven’t seen this game showcased online in a good while now but that might also due to the worldwide health pandemic pushing some of the development progress back. At any rate, we’re still slated to receive this game at some point this year.

#10 Rainbow Six Quarantine

Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX/S, PC
Release: 2021
Co-op: Online
Competitive Multiplayer: Online

Rainbow Six Siege is a massively popular online tactical FPS that sparked not only tournament events but a fun multiplayer competitive title to enjoy online. However, there’s another game in the works that likely will have the same overall style of competitive gameplay but with a twist to the premise. Ubisoft had unveiled the game back in 2019 during E3 and since then we’ve been waiting on gameplay footage along with more details as to what players can expect.

Still, it looks like this will be a multiplayer game that throws players against an alien parasite that turns humans into hostile creatures. As a result, players are forced to work together and fight off the creatures or helping each other to refrain from turning into a monster if infected. While we’re waiting for gameplay footage to showcase the title, fans have looked at a special timed event in Rainbow Six Siege called Operation Chimera as what we can likely expect this game to look like when it does launch.

#9 Back 4 Blood

Developer: Turtle Rock Studios
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: June 21, 2021
Co-op: Online
Competitive Multiplayer: Online

Turtle Rock Studios first brought out the incredibly successful zombie cooperative shooter Left 4 Dead, however, that IP now belongs to Valve. Fans have been waiting for a new installment after Left 4 Dead 2 and while it’s uncertain if we ever will receive a new entry to the franchise, the original creators behind the franchise are bringing out a spiritual successor in 2021. Back 4 Blood is everything we love from Left 4 Dead, where teams of players will once again fight off a slew of zombie type enemies as they complete goals. Just as before, there are different enemy types and weapons at your disposal.

What will be different is apparently the project scope. The developers have made note that they are making a bigger game overall with more enemy types and storyline. We’re not entirely sure just what the story will hold quite yet, but it’s going to be on that up to four players can experience together. Just like Left 4 Dead, there is an option to either play solo or have three other friends jump into the game in a cooperative game mode. To make things a bit more challenging, there’s also a PVP element being developed that will allow two teams of four to fight against each other.

#8 Outriders

Developer: People Can Fly
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: 2021
Co-op: Online
Competitive Multiplayer: TBA

Outriders was unveiled during Square Enix’s E3 2019 press conference. This is a co-op shooter being developed by People Can Fly for the current generation platforms. It seems that the game will put players into a few scouts searching for resources and potentially a new home on an alien planet. However, you soon find that the alien planet is home of plenty of hostiles which means you’ll have to fight your way through enemies to learn the secrets behind the planet and those that inhabit it. Very few details are out on the game right now, but from the studio that brought out Bulletstorm, there is plenty of interest in seeing just what the studio can deliver in this upcoming IP.

#7 State of Decay 3

Developer: Undead Labs
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Platforms: XSX, PC
Release: TBA
Co-op: TBA
Competitive Multiplayer: TBA

State of Decay fans was presented with a pleasant surprise during a July stream event for Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. It’s during the even that we got confirmation a third installment is in the works for State of Decay. Unfortunately, the confirmation only came with a small cinematic trailer showcasing a winter open world with a protagonist scavenging items and fearing for their life after a zombie-like deer creature takes notice. Outside of that, we don’t know just what Undead Labs has planned for this next installment. Still, we do expect the same overall open-world survival gameplay mechanics to make a return with multiplayer support. Perhaps we’ll get a new scenery change or some other creatures to worry about when venturing beyond the walls for supplies. However, for now, we’ll have to wait and see just what the development studios offer.

#6 Skull & Bones

Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: 2021
Co-op: Online 4 Players
Competitive Multiplayer: Yes

Skull & Bones is an upcoming Ubisoft video game where players will set out on the sea in search of loot and goods to steal. The gameplay mechanics look to be similar to Ubisoft’s past video game release, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, where players will be calling out orders to their crew during combat while sailing their ship.

This will also be a multiplayer-focused experience as players can team up and fight against one another. Likewise, there is always the competition on becoming the most notorious pirate within the sea. For instance, there is a game mode known as Loot Hunt where two groups are tasked with finding treasure and increase their riches though how you handle yourself as a pirate is completely up to you. Of course with that said there is some concern towards microtransactions and if this game will end up following a pay-to-win gameplay component.

#5 The Outlast Trials

Developer: Red Barrels
Publisher: Red Barrels
Platforms: TBA
Release: TBA
Co-op: Yes
Competitive Multiplayer: TBA

The Outlast series has two installments available at the moment and while it’s mainly focused on single-player campaigns full of jumpscares with a heavy emphasis on fleeing from danger rather than facing against the enemy. Now the development studio, Red Barrels, is working on a new installment to the franchise but aimed at multiplayer which is a drastic turn away from the previous two installments. It’s important to make note that this particular installment is not based around either of the previous two games, but instead simply set within the same universe.

So far we know that the game is set in the middle of the Cold War and that’s about it. The development team is working on this new experience for players and while it sounds like the title could be enjoyed alone, you’ll likely want to stick with a group of friends. Hopefully, we see Outlast Trials released into the market at some point in 2021 along with a list of platforms players will be able to pick the game up for.

#4 Overwatch 2

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Platforms: TBA
Release: TBA
Co-op: Online
Competitive Multiplayer: Online

Overwatch has been a popular FPS video game since it released in 2016. The title focused around a hero-based roster rather than mindlessly shooting with various guns or explosive weapons. The mix added teams with a robust selection of heroes all with their own unique attributes that could aid each other in different scenarios. However, it looks like we may get a big overhaul soon.

Overwatch 2 was announced, though details have been a bit scarce for this game. From what it looks like, this game will make a few enhancements along with introducing some heroes and maps to battle within. Another interesting aspect is the campaign missions which will be a first for the franchise as Overwatch launched strictly as a multiplayer game. Either way, this installment will still have a big focus around the multiplayer component for players to enjoy.

#3 Halo Infinite

Developer: 343 Industries
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Platforms: XBO, PC, XSX,
Release: 2021
Co-op: TBA
Competitive Multiplayer: TBA

The Halo franchise has been popular for years now and we’re going to get a brand new main installment release in 2021. Known as Halo Infinite, the game will put players back into the role of Master Chief after humanity has fallen leaving our spartan hero to turn the odds once again. We know that the game will take place on a Halo ring though just what the storyline will be about is still a bit uncertain. At any rate, Halo has also featured plenty of multiplayer game modes both online and offline cooperative gameplay. While nothing has officially been unveiled, this game will likely hold the same style approach for multiplayer gameplay.

This game finally received some gameplay footage showcased during July when Microsoft held a streaming event for the Xbox Series X. Unfortunately, after the event fans took to the internet with disappointment over the lack of detail for what would essentially be the next-generation Halo game. As a result, 343 Industries opted to avoid going through with its release for 2020 and instead pushed the game back to 2021 to allow more time in development.

Best Multiplayer Games Xbox One Multiplayer

#2 Gotham Knights

Developer: WB Games Montreal
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX
Release: 2021
Co-op: Online/Local
Competitive Multiplayer: TBA

In 2020 we got the unveiling of Gotham Knights, a brand new game set within the Batman Dark Knight universe but with a brand new storyline. In this game, players will find that Batman has perished and a message has instantly gone out to his closest allies, the Bat-Family. Receiving the alert, Bat Girl, Robin, Nightwing, and Red Hood, must team up and take on the role of Gotham City’s protector. With Batman out of the picture, crime has skyrocketed and villains have taken up the City as their own personal playground. Unfortunately, we don’t know what to expect exactly as it’s been confirmed that this is a brand new storyline for players.

Best Multiplayer Games Xbox One

Still, this action RPG will have the ability for co-op, although oddly enough it only supports two-player co-op at the time of writing this. WB Games Montreal has confirmed that there will be seamless drop-in co-op support that won’t alter the storyline in any way. Players will just see a notice on their display alerting of a certain character joining in their game. So far we only know of a handful of playable characters, but this roster could be expanded. Furthermore, each character is said to have their own skill tree with unique abilities. This could really make it so that each character really feels different from each other and possibly give players some replay value as the attempt to complete the game with certain characters.

#1 Diablo 4

Best Multiplayer Games Xbox One Split Screen

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: TBA
Co-op: Online/Local
Competitive Multiplayer: Online

The Diablo franchise is getting a fourth mainline installment, however, we’re just not certain at just when we can expect this title at the moment. Still, we do know that this game will feature the same overall style dungeon crawler and hack-and-slash gameplay fans have grown to really love. While details are a bit scarce, we know that this time around players will be battling against Lilith, but you won’t have to face against this beast by yourself. Instead, there will be some multiplayer components added into the mix for those of you who want to join in with some friends.

Diablo 4 will allow online co-op including local co-op as well. However, it’s also a game that will have some MMO elements without necessarily being a full MMO. Blizzard is attempting to bring in some players into the game which you’ll come across at different points, but it won’t be anything too drastic. In the past, Blizzard has said that seeing too many players at once will stop the game from feeling like a standard Diablo title. Instead, out of co-op, players will see players at random and within certain hubs. From what we can gather, it looks like big groups of players are going to be present during certain in-game events or big boss battles. But again, we’re still waiting for more information to come out to confirm this.

At any rate, those of you who enjoyed Diablo 3 for its cooperative gameplay will likely find the same enjoyment with Diablo 4. Unfortunately, we’re left waiting to see just when this game will hit the marketplace as we may not even see the title release in 2021. For now, it’s purely a waiting game on Blizzard’s next major announcement.

Bonus

New World

Developer: Amazon Game Studios
Publisher: Amazon Game Studios
Platforms: PC
Release: 2021
Co-op: Online
Competitive Multiplayer: TBA

Amazon has slowly been getting into the video game market for console and PC title releases. While the first big attempt, Crucible, came out with lackluster reviews and eventually was canceled, the next title set to release is an MMORPG called New World. This is a sandbox game set in the 1600s set in a magical island called Aeternum. With the island full of magic and monsters, there is a battle to take control of the area. We know that this is a PvP type of game where up to a thousand players can join in at a time. As you can imagine there are the usual MMORPG tropes in terms of gathering loot, upgrading skills, and crafting. This won’t be a subscription-based MMORPG either, but you will need to pay for the game once before you can get the base game. For now, it’s a waiting game to see how Amazon handles this game with fan reception especially coming off of their failed Crucible release.