When multiplayer online mode came onto the scene, it changed how we socialized, connected, and played with other gamers. We could match up with anyone around the world—friend or stranger—and play with real people rather than AI. But let’s get real. Nothing will ever replace the old-school days of in-person multiplayer gaming, especially when it comes to some high-stakes competition.
There’s nothing like being able to see the expressions on people’s faces, the chemistry of teamwork, the cheers, and, of course, the ability to give that trash talk your all. It brings a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere that online play won’t ever be able to match, much like playing slots in a high-energy physical casino is different from playing online through a curated list with 120 spins.
So, if you’re not interested in the big leagues and are looking to set up a cozy local tournament with your friends, why not check out this list of top multiplayer games for in-person play?
Super Smash Bros. has long been touted as the perfect competitive multiplayer game—and there are many official championships to prove it. The beauty of the game is that you don’t have to live and breathe Smash Bros. to participate. While it’s difficult to master because of the need for timing and familiarity with combos and controls, it’s still easy to jump into.
The game supports up to eight players in one match, and you can make it a chaotic “every man for themselves” match-up or split up into traditional teams. Thanks to the dynamism of each match, it naturally becomes easy to get emotionally invested and want to win. With so many maps and characters to play, you’ll see Isabelle from Animal Crossing break out the moves against the intense Bayonetta.
While most people play Mario Kart online as it only takes a few seconds to match up with players from around the world, in-person Mario Kart certainly hits different. You might curse at the screen in online mode or laugh at a player’s demise, but just imagine doing those things in person! All of these moments intensify the competition and up the stakes.
The game combines traditional racing simulation with Nintendo’s wackiness and whimsical nature. It introduces a ton of unpredictability through iconic power-ups and items like banana peels and shells. It’s a much more lighthearted, fun, and changeable game that makes racing much more than just getting to the finish line.
Street Fighter is the precursor to Super Smash Bros. as it has the reputation of being one of the most popular and memorable fighting games of all time. If you’re looking for more technical, combo-driven gameplay with specific control mechanics, Street Fighter can provide those intense one-on-one matches. It’s one of the most competitive fighting games that would fit a local tournament with a bracket system perfectly. No matter how many players you have, you can pit everyone against each other in a knockout-style competition.
Despite its powerful legacy, the franchise is often overshadowed by Smash Bros. because of its less casual and approachable format. Yet these qualities are why it’s still considered the gold standard.
Sports are deeply rooted in a very human experience, with physical competition, banding together over wins and losses, and strategy and emotion all playing huge roles. This undying human element is exactly what makes people so passionate about sports, which is why sports simulation games are so suitable for local tournaments. While you won’t be physically throwing any touchdown passes or deking on the ice, you get to participate in tournaments that feel like the real deal.
These simulation games have effectively mastered the realism and physics of sports and their famous tournament formats, so it will feel like you’re truly competing against other teams and players. Matches test your understanding of game strategy and your ability to adapt to the situation at hand, and you’ll get to experience the same rush as when you’re watching a real game with fellow players and a surrounding audience.
Overwatch has an existing competitive esports scene, with tournaments taking place throughout the calendar year. So, why not bring a little taste of that to your living room? When the game came out in 2016, streamers, seasoned gamers, and newcomers fell in love with it. It sparked a new wave in first-person shooters with its hero-based gameplay that offered unique character abilities, advanced strategies and tactics, and a futuristic, colorful art style.
Although classic shooters like Call of Duty and Halo have that familiar military-style combat and established multiplayer framework, Overwatch could be a great alternative for something different. You’ll be able to get a fresh take on competitive shooters with more animated graphics and a stronger emphasis on cooperation.
Speaking of Overwatch’s art style, Splatoon is an equally vibrant multiplayer game that offers fast-paced, colorful gameplay. It’s a family-friendly game where the goal isn’t simply to take opponents out but to cover the most territory with your color ink. It’s teamwork at its finest, making the in-person component much more important.
For those not looking for an overly serious, lengthy tournament, Splatoon’s variety of game modes can accommodate different preferences. Some, like Tower Control, center around achieving an objective, while the main Turf War mode is the most casual.
