The PlayStation 5 has continued to captivate gamers with its impressive lineup of multiplayer games, offering both local and online co-op experiences that have reshaped how we connect and play. In 2024, the competition is fiercer than ever, with titles vying for the top spot based on sales, player engagement, and innovation. In this article, we’ll delve into the best multiplayer PS5 games, focusing on local and co-op gameplay, and rank them according to their sales performance.
Rank | Game | Genre | Developer | Publisher | Platform | Release Date | Copies sold |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | God of War: Ragnarok | Action-adventure, hack and slash | Santa Monica Studio | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | November 9, 2022 | 15 millions |
2 | Gran Turismo Sport | Sim racing | Polyphony Digital | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 4 | November 9, 2022 | 12,9 millions |
3 | Marvel's Spider-Man 2 | Action-adventure | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 5 | October 20, 2023 | 10 millions |
4 | Horizon: Forbidden West | Action role-playing | Guerrilla Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows | February 18, 2022 | 8,4 millions |
5 | Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | Platform | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 5, Windows | June 11, 2021 | 3,9 millions |
6 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware | Bandai Namco Entertainment | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | February 25, 2022 | 3,64 millions |
7 | Final Fantasy XVI | Action role-playing | Square Enix Creative Business Unit III | Square Enix | PlayStation 5, Windows | June 22, 2023 | 3 millions |
8 | Demon's Souls | Action role-playing | FromSoftware | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation 3 | November 12, 2020 | 1,4 millions |
9 | EA Sports FC 24 | Sports | EA Vancouver, EA Romania | EA Sports | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | September 29, 2023 | 1.04 millions |
10 | Returnal | Third-person shooter, roguelike | Housemarque | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 5, Windows | April 30, 2021 | 560,000 k |
The Advantages of PS5 Multiplayer Games
Multiplayer games on the PS5 offer a unique blend of social interaction, teamwork, and competition not found in single-player titles. These games provide an opportunity for players to connect with friends and family, both locally and online, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Additionally, best online multiplayer games ps5 often feature dynamic gameplay mechanics, diverse play styles, and continuous updates, keeping the content fresh and engaging.
Local or Co-op?
The PS5 excels in providing both local and online cooperative gaming experiences. Local multiplayer games allow players to share a screen and enjoy gaming in the same physical space, perfect for family game nights and parties. Co-op games, on the other hand, can be played online and focus on teamwork and collaboration to achieve common goals, offering a more connected and expansive gaming experience.
Best PS5 Multiplayer Games
- God of War: Ragnarok
Release Date: November 9, 2022
Copies Sold: 15 million
The epic continuation of the Norse saga, God of War: Ragnarok expands upon its predecessor’s legacy with gripping storytelling, cutting-edge graphics, and refined combat mechanics. Players join Kratos and Atreus as they navigate the mythical realms of Asgard, exploring new locations, encountering formidable gods, and unraveling the mysteries surrounding Ragnarok. Co-op is not available, but the emotional journey between father and son will leave players deeply invested. The 2023 content updates include New Game+ mode, offering tougher challenges and fresh gear. Its high cost is justified by the astonishing level of detail in its open world, cinematic animation quality, and orchestral score, immersing players in a fully realized Norse universe.
- Gran Turismo Sport
Release Date: November 9, 2022
Copies Sold: 12.9 millions
Gran Turismo Sport, developed by Polyphony Digital, is celebrated as the premier PS5 multiplayer racing game. While it lacks a traditional storyline, the game’s Sport Mode lets players compete in various leagues and tournaments, advancing from local club races to international championships.The game’s immense popularity stems from its exceptional realism. Detailed car models, lifelike physics, and stunning track designs offer an immersive driving experience. This attention to detail attracts both casual gamers and hardcore racing fans. Key features that contributed to its global success include its breathtaking graphics, a wide array of vehicles, extensive customisation options, and a robust online multiplayer mode. The competitive online community, along with regular updates introducing new cars, tracks, and events, keeps the game engaging and fresh. These elements have collectively helped Gran Turismo Sport sell millions of copies worldwide, solidifying its status as a must-have title for PS5 owners.
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Release Date: October 20, 2023
Copies Sold: 10 million
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 lets players embody both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they swing across a richly detailed New York City, facing iconic villains like Venom and Kraven the Hunter. The game introduces new co-op-like synergy in the campaign, where both Spider-Men can be switched at will to solve missions creatively. 2024 updates are set to add fresh challenges, costumes, and enhanced co-op gameplay. Its premium price reflects the expansive world-building, detailed character animations, and dynamic web-slinging mechanics that bring New York to life like never before.
- Horizon: Forbidden West
Release Date: February 18, 2022
Copies Sold: 8.4 million
Horizon: Forbidden West invites players to explore a vibrant post-apocalyptic world brimming with mechanical beasts and hidden mysteries. The protagonist, Aloy, traverses varied biomes ranging from lush jungles to arid deserts in her quest to save humanity. The 2024 updates include new co-op challenges and PvE modes that deepen the game’s replayability. The high cost of this adventure is due to its expansive, hand-crafted environments, intricate combat system, and captivating storytelling, making it an unparalleled action RPG.
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Release Date: June 11, 2021
Copies Sold: 3.97 million
In Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, the beloved duo return in a new dimension-hopping adventure that leverages the PlayStation 5’s power for instantaneous travel between worlds. This 2023 iteration brought new weapons, challenge modes, and a co-op option, where players can switch between characters for strategic advantages. Its high cost is attributed to its stunning, fast-paced visuals, diverse arsenal of weapons, and seamless level design that takes players across beautifully crafted environments.
- Elden Ring
Release Date: February 25, 2022
Copies Sold: 3.64 million
From the minds of George R. R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki, Elden Ring is a sprawling fantasy epic set in the Lands Between. Players journey through vast plains, towering castles, and intricate dungeons as they uncover a deep narrative shrouded in mystery. Co-op play is included, allowing Tarnished warriors to team up against bosses. With its intricate lore, brutal combat mechanics, and freedom to explore an expansive open world, Elden Ring justifies its price with rich storytelling, stunning world-building, and thrilling challenges.
- Final Fantasy XVI
Release Date: June 22, 2023
Copies Sold: 3 million
Final Fantasy XVI reinvents the series’ combat with an action-focused system that blends magic, melee, and epic summons. Set in the medieval world of Valisthea, players follow Clive Rosfield’s journey through political intrigue, betrayal, and a gripping personal narrative. The game has been enhanced with a co-op challenge mode in its 2024 updates, where players can test their skills with friends against powerful bosses. The intricate storytelling, lush graphics, and polished gameplay mechanics justify its cost and bring fans back to the series’ roots.
- Demon’s Souls
Release Date: November 12, 2020
Copies Sold: 1.4 million
A reimagining of the PS3 classic, Demon’s Souls catapults players into a brutal world of high fantasy and became one of the best ps5 multiplayer game. Its tight, punishing combat and atmospheric level design challenge players to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Updated in 2024 with new weapons and PvE modes, Demon’s Souls maintains its edge as a beloved hardcore RPG. Its high cost comes from the immaculate redesign that honours the original while modernizing visuals, adding new multiplayer elements, and deepening the lore.
- EA Sports FC 24
Release Date: September 29, 2023
Copies Sold: 1.04 million
EA Sports FC 24 represents the next chapter in football gaming, delivering hyper-realistic matches that blur the line between gaming and live sport. The 2024 updates include new player management modes, enhanced co-op features, and dynamic weather systems that bring unprecedented immersion. Its premium pricing is justified by its licensed teams and leagues, detailed player models, and innovative in-game tactics that allow for unparalleled strategic depth.
- Returnal
Release Date: April 30, 2021
Copies Sold: 560,000
Returnal offers a unique blend of fast-paced third-person shooting and roguelike mechanics. Players control Selene as she traverses an alien landscape, encountering procedurally generated environments and relentless enemies. The 2023 updates introduced new co-op challenges, weaponry, and levels to increase replayability. Its high cost is justified by the high-stakes gameplay, haunting atmosphere, and meticulously crafted world that draw players into its unforgiving cycle of rebirth.
The Future of Multiplayer Gaming on PS5
1. Seamless Cross-Platform Integration
The future of PS5 multiplayer gaming is undoubtedly leading towards more seamless cross-platform play. We’re looking at a gaming ecosystem where the barriers between different consoles and PCs are virtually non-existent. This isn’t just about playing together regardless of platform; it’s about unified game progress, shared marketplaces, and cross-platform achievements. For competitive and cooperative play, this means larger player bases, reduced matchmaking times, and the ability to stay connected with your gaming friends, irrespective of their hardware choices.
2. Ultra-High-Fidelity Graphics and Real-Time Ray Tracing
With the PS5’s robust hardware, we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible in terms of graphical fidelity. The integration of real-time ray tracing in multiplayer games is a game-changer, offering realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections that elevate the immersion to unprecedented levels. Imagine multiplayer arenas that not only look stunning but also dynamically respond to the chaos of gameplay, with every explosion and environmental destruction accurately reflected in real-time.
3. Advanced AI and Machine Learning for Dynamic Multiplayer Experiences
The implementation of advanced AI and machine learning algorithms in PS5 multiplayer games holds the promise of dynamic, ever-evolving game worlds. We’re talking about environments that adapt to player behavior, skill levels, and strategies, offering personalized challenges and rewards. This could mean smarter NPC behavior in co-op missions, adaptive difficulty in competitive matches, and game narratives that evolve based on collective player choices, ensuring no two gaming sessions are ever the same.
4. Next-Gen VR and Full Immersion Multiplayer
The potential for VR in PS5 multiplayer gaming is immense, with advancements poised to deliver full-dive experiences. We’re moving beyond the constraints of traditional screens and controllers into a realm where the game world extends in all directions. The tactile feedback, 3D audio, and realistic visuals will make cooperative dungeons and competitive arenas feel like you’re truly there, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with or against your friends in a fully immersive virtual space.
5. Enhanced Social Interaction and Community Engagement Tools
The future of multiplayer on PS5 is also about deepening social connections and community engagement. I foresee a suite of advanced tools and features that make sharing victories, strategies, and in-game moments effortless and more integrated into our gaming experiences. Think along the lines of built-in streaming capabilities, real-time game help from friends, and interactive spectator modes that allow you to be part of the action even when you’re not actively playing.
Multiplayer games on the PS5 offer a unique blend of social interaction and teamwork, enhanced by the console's powerful hardware. They allow players to connect with others locally or online, creating opportunities for camaraderie and shared experiences. With dynamic gameplay mechanics and continuous updates, these games remain fresh and engaging. Moreover, the PS5's capabilities support intricate graphics and smooth performance, enhancing the overall multiplayer experience.
Yes, many multiplayer games on the PS5 support cross-platform play, allowing you to connect with friends regardless of whether they are on different consoles or PC. This feature enhances the player base, reduces matchmaking times, and allows for more unified game progress and shared experiences across different platforms.
The future of PS5 multiplayer gaming looks promising with several enhancements on the horizon. Expect more seamless cross-platform integration and advancements in graphical fidelity, including real-time ray tracing that offers realistic lighting and reflections. Additionally, the use of advanced AI and machine learning will create dynamic game environments that adapt to player behaviors and preferences. Also, the potential for next-gen VR experiences will likely transform multiplayer gaming into more immersive and interactive sessions. Enhanced social interaction tools and community engagement features will further enrich the multiplayer experience, making it easier to share and enjoy gaming moments with friends.