Online multiplayer games can provide an experience that goes beyond what split-screen and couch co-op offers. They allow you to explore massive worlds with your friends – no matter where they’re located.

Games with online multiplayer allow you to connect with people from across the world. It’s a great way to meet new people, get social, and even strengthen friendships. No bond is stronger than one forged adventuring together, exploring massive worlds, and taking on quests.

From shooters to MMORPGs and even racing titles, here are the best online multiplayer games on Steam. We will help you find a new game to share with friends, make new ones, and create unforgettable memories.

Forza Horizon 5

Genre:Racing, Simulation
Developers:Playground Games
Release Date:November 21, 2021
Find at:Steam
Multiplayer:PvP, Co-op
Average Playtime:42 hours

Slam your foot down on the accelerator and explore a massive open world in Forza Horizon 5. With its variety of content and social features, this is the ultimate online multiplayer racing experience.

Whether you want to compete in races, explore the map with friends, or even participate in events – everything can be done with other players.

The online multiplayer Horizon Life mode in the game makes the world feel so alive. You’re never alone, as you’ll see other players racing around in their cars.

The game also has crossplay, so you can drive with friends that aren’t on Steam. Along with the rich multiplayer, the gameplay in Forza Horizon 5 is incredible.

It builds on the previous games in the series, with a map that is 1.5x larger than 4. In Horizon 5, you’ll get to explore the diverse landscapes of Mexico.

From lush jungles, to thriving deserts, and even hidden ruins – the game is filled with beautiful environments. This is also enhanced by the game’s realistic, stunning visuals.

Forza Horizon keeps its world feeling fresh with the dynamic weather and season system. Every week in-game, seasons will change along with collectibles, new rewards, and challenges.

From Initial D’s famous Toyota AE86 to Ferrari’s supercars, there’s a wide selection in Horizon 5. The game features over 500 cars to choose from.

It’s hard to beat Horizon 5’s gameplay. However, if you want more car games similar, and you’re a huge Initial D fan – read our drifting games on Steam list.

Final Fantasy XIV

final fantasy xiv
Genre:MMO, RPG
Developers:Square Enix
Release Date:February 18, 2014
Find at:Steam
Multiplayer:PvP, Co-op, Cross-Platform
Average Playtime:120 hours

This is THE go-to game if you want a polished MMORPG experience. This list of online multiplayer games on Steam would have no merit if we didn’t highlight Final Fantasy XIV.

Final Fantasy XIV refines the popular theme park MMO formula we see in games like World of Warcraft to perfection. The story in FFXIV is near-masterpiece levels.

The writing is one of the best in the entire Final Fantasy franchise. FFXIV feature’s the series strong worldbuilding and lore, supported by lovable characters and an enticing plot.

The game takes place in the high-fantasy land of Hydaelyn, after an apocalyptic event caused by the primal dragon Bahamut. The player characters in this world are all Warriors of Light.

Warriors of Light are a recurring theme in the Final Fantasy series. They are the chosen heroes, destined to save the world. This is all backed by beautiful music composed by Nobuo Uematsu.

The game also excels with its visuals, gameplay, and raid design. The world and characters look reminiscent of Final Fantasy’s original artwork by Yoshitaka Amano.

It blends anime elements and realism to create a charming, timeless look. The class system is also diverse, with over 18 to choose from. You can also play them all on a single character.

Want to cut through enemies as a samurai? Or maybe tank boss-battles with a gunblade like in Final Fantasy 8? You can!

At its heart, Final Fantasy XIV is just as much JRPG as it is MMO. If you love fantastical anime worlds, and save-the-world plots, check out our best Japanese games on Steam to find more.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel

master duel
Genre:Card Game, Simulation, Free to Play
Developers:Konami Digital Entertainment
Release Date:January 18, 2022
Find at:Steam
Multiplayer:PvP, Cross-Platform
Average Playtime:24 hours

Love card game like Hearthstone or Legends of Runeterra, but want it on Steam? Then it’s time to duel in Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel. 

Master Duel is the definitive digital experience for the iconic competitive card game. Everyone and their mom know about Yu-Gi-Oh. And this game delivers on being the perfect way to play it online. 

After the watered-down and gacha-filled mobile titles, a game that finally delivers the full-fledged experience is thrilling. Master Duels is free-to-play and allows you to battle online with anyone, anywhere. 

On top of being on Steam, the game is also available on every other platform – ranging from mobile to Switch and even the PS5. It features full cross-play and cross-progression between them all. 

This is where Master Duel shines. It’s an online multiplayer experience with no barriers. Play with friends from other platforms, and even across the world. Play it at home, and then on the go.

With a pool of over 10,000 cards – it allows for nearly unlimited possibilities with deck building. It pulls from everything in the Yu-Gi-Oh. Franchise, from classic Fusions to Link Summons and XYZ monsters. 

There’s also rotating tournament formats, which spices up the online multiplayer experience. The interface and visuals are nostalgic, and feel like you’re part of the anime. 

Master Duel is a must-play if you want a digital-collectible-card online multiplayer game on Steam. If you find the huge pool of cards daunting, it has a Solo Mode designed for teaching newcomers. 

Dead by Daylight

Dead by Daylight
Genre:Survival Horror, Asymmetrical Multiplayer
Developers:Behaviour Interactive Inc.
Release Date:June 14, 2016
Find at:Steam
Multiplayer:Co-op, PvP, Cross-Platform
Average Playtime:221 hours

Dead by Daylight is a must-play recommendation if you want an online multiplayer horror experience. It’s near-perfected the asymmetrical gameplay, pitting groups of players up against terrifying monsters. 

The game is 4 vs 1, where four survivors face off against a singular killer. The only way to win is to avoid being caught by the killer, and escape the map. 

There’s a range of different levels in Dead by Daylight. Each one with a different aesthetic, and sometimes unique mechanics.

The maps are also procedurally generated, so no two games are the same. This leaves you in the dark, instilling fear of the unknown.

Sometimes less is more. Dead by Daylight’s core gameplay loop is simple but engaging. It adds in diversity with its large roster of killers and survivors.  

Each survivor and killer offer a unique playstyle, with different abilities and progression system. This gives a sense of permanence and goals to work towards as you play.

The ambience, haunting soundtrack, and visuals all combine for a truly horrifying atmosphere. The fog-filled maps, and dark halls will have you checking under your bed before you sleep.  

Dead by Daylight challenges Super Smash Bros. for being the biggest crossover in history. The game’s cast of characters include film cult classics, like Halloween and Ghost Face to Stranger Things and even Resident Evil. 

This results in unbelievable situations, like playing as Steve and Nancy running from Mr. X. Or even play as Evil Dead’s heroic Ash and face off against Silent Hill’s Pyramid Head.  

Monster Hunter Rise

monster hunter rise 1
Genre:Action RPG
Developers:CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Release Date:January 12, 2022
Find at:Steam
Multiplayer:Co-op
Average Playtime:21 hours

For an action-filled and addicting online experience with friends, you can’t go wrong with Monster Hunter Rise. Capcom’s iconic RPG is filled with everything you need for a fun night with friends.

Monster Hunter Rise is an action RPG that features skill-based combat with loot-focused gameplay. It has you traversing open-zone landscapes to hunt down giant monsters.

The core gameplay loop of Monster Hunter Rise sets itself apart from other typical RPGs. Instead of stats and levels, you progress through the game by crafting better gear.

Every piece of weapon and armor in the game is crafted using the remains of the beasts you hunt, and materials you collect. Whilst you’re out on hunts, you can do side activities, like mining or fishing.

The game’s combat feels incredibly rewarding. Every monster has its own AI and attack pattern to learn. Dodging and striking back also need to be perfectly timed.

The skill required for hunts adds a sense of pride whenever you craft a new piece of gear. The feeling is satisfying, and what keeps the game engaging.

If you’ve played other Monster Hunter titles, you’ll find Rise is a huge improvement. The combat is more fluid, the map design is trumps MH World, and the new traversal mechanic is pure joy.

What’s better than hunting big monsters? Being able to swing through the air like Spider-man with huge anime swords! Rise’s new movement system is so fun to play with.

This all sounds amazing, right? Rise features over 60 monsters, all with designs that teem with personality. It also has a classless system, instead, you have 14 different weapons to play with.

Temtem

temtem
Genre:JRPG, adventure, MMO
Developers:Crema
Release Date:September 6, 2022
Find at:Steam
Multiplayer:PvP, Co-op, Cross-Platform
Average Playtime:30 hours

Throw Pokémon in a blender with the MMORPG formula, and you’d get the delicious smoothie that is Temtem. It turns the beloved creature-collector gameplay into a fun online multiplayer adventure. 

If you’re a fan of the earlier titles like Ruby/Sapphire or Silver/Gold, you’ll find plenty to love in Temtem. The game builds on the classic Pokémon style, refining its systems and adds in quality of life. 

You will take on the role of a tamer, embarking on an adventure and befriending creatures known as Temtem. Yes, that’s also the game’s title. 

As you journey across the game’s colorful archipelago, your main goal is to defeat the eight Gym – I mean Dojo leaders. Does this sound familiar? 

There’s even a Team Rocket-esque evil clan that acts as the main antagonist in the story campaign. Temtem isn’t ashamed of its deep Pokémon inspiration, instead embracing and evolving it. 

Temtem is deserving of its spot on this top online multiplayer games on Steam list because of what makes it unique. It’s the only monster-battling MMORPG experience worth playing.  

The game is filled with other tamers exploring beside you, resulting in a living and breathing world. You can also easily set-up co-op parties, and join forces with a friend. 

The online multiplayer systems of Temtem also cultivates a strong competitive scene. Tournaments are easily accessible in-game, and there’s constant balance updates.  

It also features the usual MMO character customization and housing gameplay. There’s even an in-game economy surrounding trading and rare Temtem. 

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

csgo
Genre:Team-Based First-Person Shooter, Competitive
Developers:Valve, Hidden Path Entertainment
Release Date:August 21, 2012
Find at:Steam
Multiplayer:Team vs Team PvP, Cross-Platform
Average Playtime:642 hours

What sort of “online multiplayer games on Steam” list would this be without Valve’s own Counter-Strike: Global Offensive? The shooter has basically topped the most-played charts since release. 

Global Offensive modernizes the iconic Counter-Strike series gameplay. Its eSports scene is still active years later, and has one of the biggest competitive communities. 

What is there to say about CSGO? The Counter-Strike gameplay is timeless. It pits Terrorists up against Counter-Terrorists, in round-based matches with skill-based gunplay. 

Its tactical team-oriented gameplay is the perfect environment for creating unforgettable multiplayer memories. Screaming over winning rounds, shouting at every close call – it’s fun and exhilarating. 

Finding games in CSGO is pretty quick due to its online match-making system. The time it takes to make a party with your friends and load into a match is minimal. 

Along with the classic defuse-the-bomb matches, it also features other game modes. This adds some variety to the multiplayer experience, and keeps it feeling fresh. 

The game also has a huge community for player-created modes and maps. From the iconic prop hunt to movement-centric levels where you “surf” through environments with friends – there’s endless content to play through. 

CSGO’s community game modes are so popular, they’ve even made its way to other games. Every now and again, new trends and experiences will pop-up in the community too. 

If you want an online multiplayer game with a variety of content – CSGO is perfect. Whether you’re in the mood for a competitive shooter, or laidback minigames with friends, it has you covered.

Sea of Thieves

sea of thieves
Genre:Action, Adventure, MMO, Open-World
Developers:Rare Ltd
Release Date:June 3, 2020
Find at:Steam
Multiplayer:Co-op, PvP, Cross-Platform
Average Playtime:42 hours

Sail the high seas, captain a ship, and plunder treasure in Sea of Thieves. The game is the realization of everybody’s childhood make-believe pirate fantasies.

Sea of Thieves is an always-online multiplayer experience, where you share a massive open world with other players. This results in a map filled with emergent gameplay and interesting interactions.

Whether you want to battle other players, or journey together – this game allows for it. You can sink their ships and steal their treasure, or form alliances and explore islands.

Whilst you can play solo in the game, it’s designed around multiplayer, and that’s where it shines. Its expertly designed group-oriented experience makes it deserving of a spot on this best online multiplayer games on Steam list.

Sea of Thieves accommodates co-op with up to 4 players. The game encourages teamwork and socializing, as sailing ships require coordination between crew members.

From a navigator reading the map, someone at the helm, people loading the cannons – every player has a role. This makes it such a rewarding experience to play with friends.

Sinking your first enemy ship, or pulling off your first treasure hunt with a group of friends, is unforgettable. It’ll make your top video game memories for sure.

Sea of Thieves world is beautiful. The game’s physics, especially for the water, are some of the best in the industry. The oceans look and move realistically, creating an immersive experience.

The game’s progression is mainly horizontal, only focusing on cosmetics. It’s also crossplay, so you can forge pirate crews with friends off of Steam.

Lost Ark

lost ark
Genre:MMO, RPG, Hack and Slash, Action
Developers:Smilegate RPG
Release Date:February 11, 2022
Find at:Steam
Multiplayer:PvP, Co-op
Average Playtime:20 hours

This is a massively multiplayer online game that is not to be missed. Lost Ark has you adventuring through vibrant landscapes, taking down hordes of enemies in action-packed combat.

If you’ve always wanted to see an ARPG MMO, this is where Lost Ark delivers. It takes the gameplay from titles like Diablo and Path of Exile, but on a bigger scope.

This results in an always-online world that never sleeps. There is something comforting about seeing other players taking on quests, and exploring with you.

Lost Ark’s MMO influence also brings in a strong gameplay experience in the non-combat aspects of the game. It goes past being just an ARPG and grinding mobs.

This is what makes the game unique, and worth checking out. It’s also free-to-play, so it won’t cost a cent to download.

The game offers rich crafting systems, non-combat skills, and social features. The housing system will suck you in, and the life skills, like harvesting, complement the rest of the game well.

Don’t be surprised if you end up spending dozens (or hundreds) of hours in Lost Ark. The game features AAA-levels of polish, and every animation packs a punch (sometimes literally).

The combat is extremely satisfying, only rivaled by a few other games in the genre. If you’ve ever played Black Desert Online, you’ll enjoy Lost Ark’s action-combat systems.

Lost Ark’s group content consists of the MMO-staple raids and dungeons. The fast-paced action in them offers an enjoyable online multiplayer experience to share with friends.

Squad

squad
Genre:First-Person Shooter, Action, MMO
Developers:Offworld Industries
Release Date:September 23, 2020
Find at:Steam
Multiplayer:PvP
Average Playtime:7 hours

Play through authentic combat experiences in the multiplayer military-sim Squad. It’s a tactical first-person shooter that’ll throw you into realistic warfare situations.

As the title suggests, Squad has you working in squads consisting of other players. The game is objective-focused, and its war setting is enhanced by its realistic gunplay and mechanics.

Matches in the game take place on massive battlefields, with the biggest map being 36km². Players can traverse the world with vehicles such as helicopters, battle tanks, or even trucks.

Squad prides itself on providing a large-scale experience. Matches are huge 50-versus-50 player battles, taking place on maps inspired by real-world locations.

If you want an online experience that requires communication, Squad is perfect. It’s great if you want to socialize with others, and looking for more than just mindless gameplay.

There are a range of different playable forces available in the game. Ranging from the US Army, to Russian Ground Forces, and even the upside-down Australian Army.

Each one has their own unique arsenal, and the developers have tried to faithfully recreate them. The game itself is set in modern-day, blending both true and semi-fictional elements.

Whilst Squad can be overwhelming with its steep learning curve, you won’t regret playing it. It’s a unique multiplayer experience that can’t be found elsewhere.

Squad is ideal if you want a strategic, borderline simulation shooter. It even makes ARMA look arcade-like in comparison. Winning takes skill, you can’t go in guns blazing.