Despite the huge number of role-playing games that are released each and every year, there aren’t too many options for those who are looking for a true RPG experience that can be shared with friends. Granted, players could go down the MMORPG route, though this is a path that not everybody is eager to tread.
As well as the inherent costs and the sheer volume of people involved, MMORPGs can be a massive time sink. Thankfully, there do exist a handful of fantastic RPGs that cater to co-op enthusiasts without forcing them to stray too deeply intoaddictive MMO territory. That said, the best multiplayer RPGs of all time can be just as moreish.
1Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows Of Amn
OpenCritic Rating: 76
Whilethe latestBaldur’s Gategamemay have taken the leap into the world of MMORPGs, earlier titles in the series were a lot more single-player-oriented. In fact, several reviewers were incredibly critical ofBaldur’s Gate II’s limited and poorly implemented online functionality; although that didn’t stop the original game from achieving a 95% average rating on Metacritic.
The game allows up to six players to team up and explore the Forgotten Realms together, although only one of them is considered to be the protagonist. Everything functions more or less the same as it does while playing solo, but stability and poor communication options could often make playing the original release incredibly frustrating. Thankfully,the enhanced edition ofBaldur’s Gate IIis much better in these areas.
2Baldur’s Gate 3
OpenCritic Rating: 96
Games likeThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomandStarfieldwere always expected to make a pretty big splash, but the success ofBaldur’s Gate 3took a lot of people by surprise. Larian Studios did a fantastic job of bringing the series back into the limelight, with the end result being one of the very best games of 2023.
Although the game can be enjoyed solo, it’s one of those titles that is at its best when experienced with friends. There are plenty of customization options when it comes to both appearance and builds and a ridiculous amount of content to keep players busy, withsome people sinking almost 100 hours into the first act alone.
3Borderlands 2
OpenCritic Rating: 86
Although not considered a traditional RPG,Borderlands 2lets players assume the role of a fictional character class of their choosing in a fictional setting, It may be a looter-shooter at its core, but it certainly fits the bill when it comes to a lot of the mechanics found throughout the game.
There is a significant multiplayer component inBorderlands 2.Set on the planet of Pandora, players must work together to finish quests. The writing, unique visuals, and online multiplayer rankBorderlands 2amongthe greatest co-op games of all time.
4Children of Morta
OpenCritic Rating: 83
A lot of the best co-op RPGs focus mostly on gameplay, with their stories often suffering a little as a result.Children of Mortamanages to strike the perfect balance though, providing players with both a heartwarming narrative and a fun-filled gameplay experience that’s best enjoyed with a friend or loved one.
The game makes use of roguelike elements and employs a hack ‘n’ slash combat system that’s not too dissimilar to the one found inDiablo.Children of Mortais arguably a lot less replayable than the popular Blizzard franchise, but should still be able to offer players a decent amount of enjoyment.
5Dark Souls
OpenCritic Rating: 84
When it comes to influential RPGs,Dark Soulsis a knockout title. It has revolutionized the gaming industry because of its unforgiving gameplay and masterclass RPG elements. Players create a character and choose to specialize in several template classes or do something completely different.
Dark Soulsgives players the option ofcustomizing their characters to fit their playstyle. The co-op element is a bit stilted, given that players must depend on the White Sign Soapstone and summoning signs to take part, but they can rest assured that helping their friends battle through the game’s immense boss fights makes this well worth the effort.
6Dark Souls 3
OpenCritic Rating: 90
To many,Dark Souls 3is the best Soulslike of all time, with onlyBloodborneandElden Ringreally coming close to matching its magnificence. As with a lot of other FromSoftware titles, the game allows players to summon others into their session, which can be a huge help when up against some ofLothric’s most dangerous foes.
Sadly, the PvP experience that’s on offer here is a little lackluster when compared to that of its predecessor. However,Dark Souls 3’s implementation of PvE is arguably the series' finest, helping to make this one of the best multiplayer role-playing games of all time. Granted, it’s far from the easiest, but this helps to make each victory all the more rewarding.
7Darksiders Genesis
OpenCritic Rating: 79
Initially, someDarksidersfans were a little disappointed whenDarksiders Genesiswas announced rather than a fourth mainline game. However, this disappointment quickly faded once they got their hands on the finished product, with the game not only exceeding the expectations of players but also those of the publisher, THQ Nordic.
The game does things a little differently thanotherDarksiderstitles, choosing to place much more of an emphasis on combat than ever before. This works to the game’s advantage though, with the hack-and-slash combat system being incredibly satisfying for the most part, more so when playing the game with a friend.
OpenCritic Rating: 75
After spending more than a decadestuck in development hell,Dead Island 2was finally released in April of 2023. Within three days, it had already sold more than one million units worldwide, suggesting that it was well worth the wait for many gamers. For those who enjoy a good multiplayer RPG, it’s easy to see why.
Like its predecessor,Dead Island 2places a lot of emphasis on the fun side of zombie slaying rather than on realism, which definitely works in the game’s favor. Its role-playing elements are nowhere near as deep as the ones found in some of the other great co-op RPGs that are out there, but there should still be enough substance to please most fans of the genre.
9Diablo II: Lord of Destruction
OpenCritic Rating: 80
Although the game is starting to show its age (leaving room for a remaster or remake),Diablo IIis still an enjoyable action role-playing game. It’s a title that places a large focus on hack-and-slash combat, yet it has a robust multiplayer component too with active servers.
The experience of playingDiablo II: Lord of Destructionis vastly different now than it was at launch. Players can still play with their friends quite easily though and will quickly become invested in the story and relish the procedurally generated levels. Playingdistinctly differentDiableclasseslike the Barbarian, Paladin, Amazon, and Druid gives the game immense replayability.
10Diablo III
OpenCritic Rating: 89
Multiplayer RPGs are great when working together is conducive.Diablo IIIis a prime example of a game that incorporates multiplayer well, giving players both an incentive and a need to team up. AlthoughDiablo IIhad a more substantial social component,Diablo IIIdoesn’t fall far from the tree.
Trading is a part of the game and it is most fun when players are helping others.Diablo IIIis considered to be one ofthe most influential RPGs ever madebecause of the numerous other games that tried to copy its successful formula. Though many have followed, it remains the one that truly put hack-and-slash RPGs on the map.
