In a world increasingly dominated by virtual connections, finding ways to stay connected with friends has become more important than ever. Playing online games together can be a fantastic way to bridge the distance, offering a shared experience that fosters laughter, competition, and lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for an epic adventure, a strategic challenge, or a lighthearted puzzle session, there’s a game out there perfect for you and your friends to enjoy remotely.
This guide delves into the exciting world of online gaming, exploring the best games for remote play and providing tips for a seamless and enjoyable experience. From cooperative adventures to competitive multiplayer battles, we’ll uncover a diverse range of games that cater to various tastes and skill levels.
Top Online Games for Remote Play with Friends
Staying connected with friends is crucial, especially when distance separates you. Fortunately, a plethora of online games provide the perfect platform for remote gatherings and shared experiences. From thrilling adventures to strategic battles, these games offer a diverse range of options to keep your friendships strong and your game nights lively.
Adventure Games
Adventure games offer immersive narratives, captivating storylines, and engaging puzzles that you can solve collaboratively with your friends. These games often provide a shared experience, allowing you to explore fantastical worlds and overcome challenges together.
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It Takes Two
It Takes Two is a cooperative adventure game designed specifically for two players. This game emphasizes teamwork and communication, as each player controls a different character with unique abilities. Players must work together to navigate challenging environments, solve puzzles, and overcome obstacles. The game’s charming visuals, humorous dialogue, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a delightful and engaging experience for friends.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Key Features for Remote Play: Cooperative gameplay, split-screen functionality, diverse gameplay mechanics, and engaging storyline.
- Gameplay Scenario: In one level, one player controls a tiny wooden doll while the other controls a vacuum cleaner. They must work together to navigate a treacherous garden, using the vacuum cleaner’s suction to propel the doll across gaps and using the doll’s agility to reach hidden areas. This scenario highlights the game’s creative use of mechanics and the importance of teamwork to succeed.
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A Way Out
A Way Out is a cooperative adventure game that puts players in the shoes of two convicts, Leo and Vincent, who are attempting to escape prison. The game features a unique split-screen perspective, where each player controls their own character and must work together to overcome challenges and solve puzzles. The game’s narrative is gripping, with a focus on teamwork, trust, and the consequences of their actions.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Key Features for Remote Play: Cooperative gameplay, split-screen perspective, engaging narrative, and diverse gameplay mechanics.
- Gameplay Scenario: In one scene, Leo and Vincent must navigate a perilous mine shaft. Leo needs to use his agility to climb through narrow passages, while Vincent needs to use his strength to open heavy doors. They must coordinate their actions and communicate effectively to progress and avoid being caught by guards. This scenario showcases the game’s focus on teamwork and the importance of understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
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Unravel Two
Unravel Two is a cooperative puzzle-platformer where players control two adorable yarn creatures. The game’s mechanics revolve around the two characters’ ability to connect and interact with each other’s yarn. Players must work together to solve puzzles, navigate challenging environments, and overcome obstacles. The game’s stunning visuals, heartwarming story, and unique gameplay mechanics make it a delightful and engaging experience for friends.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Key Features for Remote Play: Cooperative gameplay, unique yarn mechanics, stunning visuals, and heartwarming story.
- Gameplay Scenario: In one level, players must cross a treacherous chasm by connecting their yarn strands to create a bridge. One player must hold their end of the yarn steady while the other traverses the bridge, requiring coordination and communication to avoid falling. This scenario highlights the game’s emphasis on teamwork and the importance of trust.
Strategy Games
Strategy games challenge players to think critically, plan ahead, and make strategic decisions to outwit their opponents. These games often involve resource management, unit control, and intricate tactics, making them ideal for players who enjoy intellectual competition.
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Civilization VI
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game where players lead civilizations from the Stone Age to the Information Age. The game involves building cities, researching technologies, developing armies, and engaging in diplomacy. Players can compete against each other online, vying for dominance and victory.
- Platform Availability: PC, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch
- Key Features for Remote Play: Turn-based gameplay, online multiplayer, vast civilizations, and strategic depth.
- Gameplay Scenario: In a multiplayer game, two friends might compete for control of the Mediterranean region. One player focuses on building a strong military, while the other focuses on technological advancement. They must carefully manage their resources, negotiate alliances, and wage war to secure victory. This scenario showcases the game’s strategic depth and the importance of adapting to different playstyles.
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StarCraft II
StarCraft II is a real-time strategy game where players command armies of alien races in a galactic war. The game involves building bases, gathering resources, training units, and engaging in intense battles. Players can compete against each other online, showcasing their tactical prowess and strategic thinking.
- Platform Availability: PC, macOS
- Key Features for Remote Play: Real-time gameplay, online multiplayer, diverse alien races, and intense battles.
- Gameplay Scenario: In a multiplayer match, two friends might choose different alien races, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. One player might focus on a fast-paced offensive strategy, while the other focuses on a defensive strategy with strong fortifications. They must adapt to each other’s tactics and make strategic decisions to gain an advantage. This scenario highlights the game’s fast-paced nature and the importance of quick thinking and adaptability.
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Age of Empires IV
Age of Empires IV is a real-time strategy game that allows players to lead civilizations through history, from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance. The game features diverse civilizations, each with unique units, technologies, and gameplay styles. Players can compete against each other online, managing resources, building armies, and engaging in epic battles.
- Platform Availability: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Key Features for Remote Play: Real-time gameplay, online multiplayer, diverse civilizations, and historical setting.
- Gameplay Scenario: In a multiplayer match, two friends might choose to play as the English and the Mongols. The English player might focus on building a strong economy and a powerful navy, while the Mongol player might focus on a swift and aggressive attack strategy. They must use their civilizations’ unique strengths to outmaneuver each other and claim victory. This scenario showcases the game’s diverse gameplay options and the importance of adapting to different playstyles.
Role-Playing Games
Role-playing games (RPGs) immerse players in fantastical worlds, allowing them to create characters, explore vast landscapes, and engage in epic quests. These games often feature deep character customization, engaging storylines, and complex combat systems, providing endless hours of entertainment for friends.
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Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is a first-person shooter RPG where players explore the solar system, battling alien threats and completing challenging missions. The game features a vast world, a variety of weapons and armor, and a deep character progression system. Players can team up with friends to tackle raids, strikes, and other cooperative activities.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia
- Key Features for Remote Play: First-person shooter gameplay, online multiplayer, deep character progression, and challenging raids.
- Gameplay Scenario: In a raid, four friends might team up to defeat a powerful enemy boss. Each player brings their unique skills and abilities to the fight, coordinating their attacks and strategies to overcome the boss’s challenges. This scenario showcases the game’s emphasis on teamwork and the importance of communication and strategy.
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The Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the vast world of Tamriel. Players can create their own characters, explore the world, complete quests, and engage in both PvP and PvE activities. The game features a deep character customization system, a vast world to explore, and a rich lore to discover.
- Platform Availability: PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Key Features for Remote Play: Massively multiplayer online gameplay, vast world to explore, deep character customization, and engaging storyline.
- Gameplay Scenario: In a group quest, three friends might team up to explore a forgotten dungeon. They must work together to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and uncover the dungeon’s secrets. This scenario showcases the game’s emphasis on teamwork and the importance of communication and coordination.
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Monster Hunter World
Monster Hunter World is a cooperative action RPG where players hunt massive monsters in a breathtaking open world. The game features a variety of weapons and armor, a deep crafting system, and challenging hunts. Players can team up with friends to take down powerful monsters, requiring teamwork, strategy, and communication.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Key Features for Remote Play: Cooperative gameplay, challenging hunts, diverse weapons and armor, and a vast open world.
- Gameplay Scenario: In a group hunt, four friends might team up to take down a giant elder dragon. They must coordinate their attacks, use their weapons effectively, and exploit the dragon’s weaknesses to emerge victorious. This scenario showcases the game’s emphasis on teamwork and the importance of communication and strategy.
Action Games
Action games offer fast-paced gameplay, thrilling challenges, and a focus on reflexes and skill. These games are perfect for players who enjoy adrenaline-pumping experiences and working together to overcome difficult obstacles.
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Apex Legends
Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale game where players team up in squads of three to fight for survival. The game features a variety of characters with unique abilities, fast-paced action, and a dynamic battleground. Players can communicate and coordinate strategies to outmaneuver their opponents and claim victory.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Key Features for Remote Play: Free-to-play, squad-based gameplay, fast-paced action, and diverse characters.
- Gameplay Scenario: In a battle royale match, three friends might team up to conquer the map. One player might take on a support role, healing and reviving teammates, while another player might focus on flanking enemies, and the third player might provide long-range cover. They must communicate and coordinate their strategies to outmaneuver their opponents and claim victory. This scenario showcases the game’s emphasis on teamwork and the importance of communication and strategy.
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Borderlands 3
Borderlands 3 is a first-person shooter looter-shooter where players explore a chaotic world, battling enemies, collecting loot, and completing missions. The game features a variety of characters with unique abilities, a vast arsenal of weapons, and a quirky sense of humor. Players can team up with friends to tackle challenging missions, raids, and other cooperative activities.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Key Features for Remote Play: First-person shooter gameplay, online multiplayer, vast arsenal of weapons, and quirky sense of humor.
- Gameplay Scenario: In a raid, four friends might team up to take down a powerful boss. Each player brings their unique skills and abilities to the fight, coordinating their attacks and strategies to overcome the boss’s challenges. This scenario showcases the game’s emphasis on teamwork and the importance of communication and strategy.
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Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2 is a cooperative first-person shooter where players fight off hordes of zombies in a variety of environments. The game features a variety of characters with unique abilities, a diverse arsenal of weapons, and a thrilling sense of urgency. Players must work together to survive, communicate effectively, and coordinate their actions to defeat the zombie hordes.
- Platform Availability: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, macOS, Linux
- Key Features for Remote Play: Cooperative gameplay, thrilling action, diverse weapons, and challenging environments.
- Gameplay Scenario: In a campaign mission, four friends might team up to escape a besieged city. They must navigate through hordes of zombies, solve puzzles, and use their skills to reach their objective. This scenario showcases the game’s emphasis on teamwork and the importance of communication and coordination.
Puzzle Games
Puzzle games offer a unique challenge, requiring players to think critically, solve problems, and work together to find solutions. These games can be both intellectually stimulating and incredibly rewarding, especially when played with friends.
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Overcooked 2
Overcooked 2 is a chaotic and hilarious cooperative cooking game where players work together to prepare dishes in a series of increasingly challenging kitchens. The game features a variety of recipes, wacky kitchens, and a focus on teamwork and communication. Players must coordinate their actions, manage their time effectively, and avoid kitchen disasters to satisfy their hungry customers.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Key Features for Remote Play: Cooperative gameplay, chaotic kitchens, diverse recipes, and a focus on teamwork.
- Gameplay Scenario: In a level set in a moving truck, four friends might be tasked with preparing a variety of dishes. They must navigate the moving kitchen, avoid obstacles, and coordinate their actions to prepare the dishes before the timer runs out. This scenario showcases the game’s emphasis on teamwork and the importance of communication and coordination.
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Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a cooperative puzzle game where one player is tasked with defusing a bomb while the other player(s) must provide instructions from a manual. The game features a variety of complex bomb modules, requiring players to work together, communicate effectively, and follow the manual’s instructions to defuse the bomb before time runs out.
- Platform Availability: PC, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR
- Key Features for Remote Play: Cooperative gameplay, complex bomb modules, a manual with detailed instructions, and a focus on communication.
- Gameplay Scenario: In a round, one player is tasked with defusing a bomb with multiple modules. The other player must read the manual and provide clear instructions on how to disarm each module. This scenario showcases the game’s emphasis on teamwork and the importance of communication and coordination.
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Human: Fall Flat
Human: Fall Flat is a physics-based puzzle game where players control clumsy characters who must navigate through a series of challenging levels. The game features a variety of levels, unique puzzles, and a focus on teamwork and creativity. Players must work together to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and avoid falling to their doom.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
- Key Features for Remote Play: Cooperative gameplay, physics-based puzzles, unique levels, and a focus on creativity.
- Gameplay Scenario: In a level set in a giant castle, four friends might be tasked with navigating a series of rooms and solving puzzles. They must work together to move objects, create makeshift bridges, and avoid falling off ledges. This scenario showcases the game’s emphasis on teamwork and the importance of communication and coordination.
Playing online games with friends remotely is a wonderful way to stay connected, have fun, and create lasting memories. With a vast selection of games available across various genres, platforms, and playstyles, there’s something for everyone. So gather your friends, choose your game, and prepare to embark on unforgettable adventures together, no matter the distance.
FAQ Insights
What are the best online games for casual players?
Games like “Among Us,” “Jackbox Party Pack,” and “Overcooked!” are great for casual players as they are easy to learn, offer diverse gameplay, and focus on social interaction.
How can I find games that my friends and I will all enjoy?
Consider your friends’ gaming preferences, skill levels, and preferred genres. Look for games that offer a variety of modes, such as cooperative, competitive, or both.
What are some tips for communicating effectively while playing online games?
Use voice chat or text chat to communicate clearly, establish expectations for gameplay, and encourage teamwork and sportsmanship.
