Underrated Multiplayer Games You Should Try with Friends

10 April 2025

Let’s face it: gaming is at its absolute best when you’re playing with friends. Whether it’s teaming up to crush enemies or laughing uncontrollably at epic fails, multiplayer games are where memories are made. But if you’re tired of the same old popular titles like Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Among Us, it might be time to dig a little deeper. There are absolute gems in the multiplayer world that don’t get the spotlight they deserve. So, grab your squad, and let’s talk about some underrated multiplayer games that’ll spice up your gaming nights!

1. Deep Rock Galactic: Co-Op Mining Madness

If space dwarfs, mining, and fighting alien bugs sound like your jam, let me introduce you to Deep Rock Galactic. Developed by Ghost Ship Games, this cooperative first-person shooter flies under the radar, but trust me, it’s a wild ride. You and up to three buddies take on the role of badass space dwarfs with unique skills, mining resources, exploring caves, and battling waves of terrifying alien creatures.

Why’s this game such a hidden gem? Well, it’s the perfect balance of teamwork and chaos. You’ll argue over who’s carrying what gear, laugh when someone accidentally blows everyone up with a grenade, and cheer when you all make it back to the drop pod alive. Plus, the procedurally generated environments mean no two missions are ever the same.

Pro Tip: Communication is key here. If you don’t work together, you’ll be bug chow in no time.

2. Don’t Starve Together: Survive... If You Can

Ever wanted to test just how strong your friendships are? Don’t Starve Together will do exactly that. This multiplayer survival game from Klei Entertainment throws you and your friends into a Tim Burton-esque world where literally everything wants you dead. You’ll gather resources, craft tools, and try not to starve (hence the name), all while fending off creepy monsters and the sheer dread of nightfall.

What makes this game a sleeper hit? Its brutal difficulty and quirky art style. It’s a survival game where every moment feels like you’re just one wrong move away from disaster. But when you and your friends actually survive a horde of shadow creatures together, it’s a chef’s kiss kind of moment.

Heads Up: If you’re the type of gamer who goes rogue and refuses to share loot, your friends might just let you starve for real.

3. Gang Beasts: Slapstick Brawling Fun

Looking for a game that’s less about strategy and more about ridiculous fun? Gang Beasts is your go-to. This physics-based brawler has you and your pals taking control of wobbly, gelatin-like characters and throwing down in hilariously absurd arenas. Think of it as a drunken street fight… without the consequences.

The charm of Gang Beasts lies in its simplicity and endless chaotic possibilities. Want to toss your friend into a meat grinder? Sure. Feel like swinging from a Ferris wheel while punching someone in the face? Go for it. The controls are intentionally clumsy, which makes everything 10x funnier. It’s perfect for laughing until your stomach hurts.

Pro Tip: This is a great one for parties. Just expect to yell, “I wasn’t ready!” at least once every match.

4. Barotrauma: Submarine Shenanigans (Underwater Edition)

Ever thought about what Among Us would feel like if you were stuck in a submarine battling sea monsters? Barotrauma answers that question. In this 2D co-op/survival game, you and your team operate a submarine and navigate the treacherous oceans of an alien planet. Your mission? Survive. Easier said than done when you’re dealing with power outages, hull breaches, and creatures that want to eat you alive.

What makes Barotrauma underrated is how deeply immersive and stressful (in the best way) it can be. Everyone’s given a role—like captain, mechanic, or medic—and you have to work together to keep things running smoothly. Or, if chaos is more your style, sabotage everything and watch the mayhem unfold. Your call.

Warning: This one’s not for the faint of heart. It’s intense, but oh-so rewarding.

5. TowerFall Ascension: Pixelated Archery Battles

If you love retro-style games and competitive gameplay, TowerFall Ascension should be on your radar. It’s a multiplayer archery combat game that feels like a love letter to the SNES era. You’ll battle your friends in fast-paced, one-hit-kill matches, dodging arrows and snagging power-ups to stay alive.

The beauty of TowerFall Ascension is in its simplicity. There’s no complicated learning curve—just pick up a controller and start shooting. But don’t let its old-school graphics fool you; this game can get seriously competitive. Perfect for couch co-op nights where you just want to throw down without committing to a long campaign.

Pro Tip: Watch out for ricocheting arrows. You’ll end up accidentally killing yourself more times than you’d like to admit.

6. Hunt: Showdown – An Underrated Horror Masterpiece

When it comes to multiplayer games with a blend of horror and strategy, Hunt: Showdown deserves way more credit. This first-person shooter pits you and your team against monstrous enemies, rival hunters, and the creepy Louisiana bayou itself. Your goal is to track and kill supernatural targets, collect the bounty, and escape before other players take you out.

Why hasn’t this game blown up? Maybe because it’s not a traditional shooter—it’s slower, deliberate, and all about atmosphere. But if you give it a chance, it’s one of the most intense and rewarding multiplayer experiences out there. Plus, the adrenaline rush when you escape with a bounty is second to none.

Heads Up: Patience is key. This isn’t run-and-gun; think more like survival horror with a competitive twist.

7. Unrailed!: The Ultimate Friendship Tester

Have you ever tried building a train track with friends while a train’s barreling toward the edge of the screen? No? Well, that’s exactly what Unrailed! throws at you. In this cooperative roguelike, you and your friends must work together to lay tracks for a constantly moving train while dealing with obstacles, resources, and, occasionally, each other’s questionable work ethic.

The game is as stressful as it sounds, but that’s what makes it so fun. You’ll argue over who’s chopping wood, who’s gathering stone, and why someone accidentally let the train catch fire. It’s chaos, it’s hilarious, and it’s perfect for testing just how well you and your friends can (or can’t) work together.

Pro Tip: Don’t neglect the bucket. You’ll thank me later.

8. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime: Co-Op Chaos in Space

If you and your friends are looking for something colorful, quirky, and chaotic, look no further than Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime. In this couch co-op game, you operate a spaceship together, manning its turrets, shields, and thrusters to fight enemies and rescue adorable space bunnies. Yeah, it’s as cute as it sounds.

The catch? The ship is huge, and you’ll need to coordinate with your team to move around and handle different systems. It’s like trying to run a food truck during a lunch rush, but instead of cooking, you’re shooting lasers at aliens. A recipe for laughs, guaranteed.

Pro Tip: This is a great game for couples or small groups. Just be ready to yell, “Why aren’t you on the shields?!” every five seconds.

9. Human: Fall Flat – Physics-Based Comedy Gold

Finally, if you’re looking for maximum laughs with minimum skill required, Human: Fall Flat is a must-try. This physics-based puzzle game has you controlling hilariously floppy characters as you solve puzzles and navigate through a series of levels. The potential for comedic chaos is off the charts.

Why’s it underrated? Probably because it’s not a traditional “game” in the sense of winning or losing. It’s more about the journey—and by journey, I mean failing spectacularly at everything. Whether you’re trying to climb a ledge or accidentally grabbing your friend instead of a rope, every moment is a potential highlight reel.

Pro Tip: Treat this one as a comedy show. Winning isn’t the point—laughing at each other is.

The Bottom Line

Look, gaming with friends doesn’t always have to mean queueing up for the most popular multiplayer games. There’s a whole world of underrated titles out there just waiting to liven up your game nights. From cooperative survival challenges to laugh-until-you-cry chaos, these hidden gems deserve a spot in your rotation. So, why not give them a shot? Who knows—you might just stumble upon your next favorite game.