If there’s one thing gamers can unanimously agree on, it’s that everyone loves a good bit of multiplayer every now and then. Right? While it’s fun to immerse yourself in an evocative, lush open-world RPG or compelling action-adventure title for some single-player goodness, there’s nothing quite like teaming up with a mate for some rewarding co-op action, or taking on dozens of other gamers in a satisfying, frantic deathmatch in a bid for shooter supremacy. Indeed, while PlayStation 4 has already amassed a diverse and massive catalogue of games that cover both the solo and multiplayer gamers in mind, it’s the latter we’re focused on today as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of Sony’s latest box of tricks.
So, whether you’re a sucker for split-screen co-op or foam at the mouth at the thought of engaging in massive online battles on a massive single screen, here’s 7 essential PS4 multiplayer games that you absolutely must have in your collection.
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Destiny
Destiny got off to a bit of a rough start, although PSU was one of the sites that saw a lot of potential in its shared-world environment and gripping gunplay. Fast forward one year, and Bungie’s ambitious title has finally become what many feel it should have been upon release thanks to The Taken King. Leaving aside the improvements to the main storyline, the multiplayer is a barrel of fun; packed full of superbly crafted maps, diverse game modes, and rewarding gameplay. Even if you aren’t into the competitive side of Destiny, the game’s cooperative offerings are some of the best on PS4, particularly the Raids, which require six players to combat legions of tough foes while working together to come out on top. It marries methodical, strategic combat with non-stop challenge, and remains one of the most gripping experiences we’ve enjoyed to date. Competitive or cooperative, Destiny comes highly recommended and if you passed on it first time, it’s begging for a second look now.
GTA Online
Grand Theft Auto V’s main campaign is a truck full of brilliance, but its multiplayer companion, GTA Online, has really come into its own since the main game hit PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Supported by some great updates and content drops, the online crime caper is an absolute corker; where else can you devise and execute heists with friends or just drive across a lush open-world going about your own business? Indeed, GTA Online channels the very best of the series’ staples and effortlessly transports them into an online environment. The amount of content packed into this game is unreal. From racing events, blasting other players in an epic death match, or objective-based missions, GTA Online caters to a variety of gamers’ tastes, ensuring things never become monotonous. When you’re not engaged in some action-packed activities, you can use the money you’ve stashed away from completing tasks to customise your vehicles, while the addictive unlock system will see you levelling up to get your mitts on even more gear. If for some reason you are fed up of what the game chucks at you, then simply head into the Content Creator tool to set your own parameters for various jobs and races. In short, this is probably one of the most comprehensive multiplayer experiences on the market.
Rocket League
Rocket League is not only one of the most addictive multiplayer experiences on Sony’s black box, but its premise is totally awesome to boot: what other game lets you play football in rocket-powered cars while marrying elements of Destruction Derby? Don’t let the game’s simplicity fool you; Rocket League’s multiplayer will keep you addicted for weeks on end, and provides hours of fun regardless of whether you are playing local or online matches. Throw in some vibrant graphics and a host of great game modes, and you have a must-have title for anyone with a penchant for competitive gaming.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
Five years ago or so Final Fantasy XIV was an absolute dog’s dinner; a buggy, flawed excuse for an MMORPG that failed to live up to expectations. Fast-forward to the PS4’s A Realm Reborn, and the game is pretty much unrecognisable from its previous incarnation, and it’s all the better for it. There’s only one thing better than soaking up an evocative storyline set within a lush Final Fantasy universe, and that’s experiencing it with friends–and that’s what A Realm Reborn offers. You’ll have a blast taking on legions of foes teaming up with fellow Final Fantasy aficionados, or eliminating hulking bosses by combining your skills as a team. Not only that, but the game environment is absolutely stunning, ensuring you soak up some stunning vistas along the way as you enjoy one of the best Final Fantasy storylines to date and partake in dozens of brilliantly-crafted side quests.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
Call of Duty is vastly becoming the gaming equivalent of marmite—you either love it or hate it—-but there’s no denying that the venerable military shooter series packs one hell of a multiplayer component. This year’s offering in Black Ops 3 is no exception to this rule, packing quite possibly the most comprehensive multiplayer offering to date, featuring not just your regular competitive shenanigans, but a full-fledged Zombies mode featuring a unique campaign and cooperative gameplay. Whether you like boost-jumping your way through intense firefights in the traditional multiplayer experience or working together to fend off the undead hordes, Black Ops 3 really does have something for everyone. Just as well too, as the campaign was pretty naff…
Diablo 3
Fantasy, RPG, and thrilling co-op play come together in this awesome hack-’n-slash romp that for many has proven to be the quintessential dungeon crawler available for the PS4. Leaving aside the brilliant single-player campaign, Diablo 3, which began life on the PC, is one of the best multiplayer experiences available on Sony’s black behemoth, allowing gamers to team up in a compelling co-op offering that sees you battling the various creatures hell has coughed up and gobbling down those all-rewarding loot drops. The PS4 version is fill to the brim with content thanks to the inclusion of the Reaper of Souls expansion pack, which works to complement the hugely addictive base game; make no mistake, Diablo 3 is a game that once you pick up with a few mates, you will not want to put down for some time. It’s one of the best ways to spend an evening, or indeed a whole afternoon playing when you need to quench that multiplayer thirst, and you’ll find very few games that are this rewarding from a co-op perspective on the PS4. Even if you aren’t into fantasy-RPGs, this game is worth checking out simply due to how much damn fun it is to play.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
Repackaging Borderlands 2 and the Pre-Sequel together in one high-definition PS4 bundle was a smart idea on 2K’s part, as it offerings a great slice of co-op gaming that up until then only last-gen gamers were able to experience. Borderlands 2 is worth the price of admission alone, with its loot-driven, action-RPG roots providing a great stomping ground for some teamwork as you work together with a mate (or three) to blast baddies in some astonishingly good first-person combat while whoring all the loot known to man. In fact, Borderlands 2 was pretty much made with this feature in mind, and if you’re going solo in the world of Captain Jack and co, you really aren’t getting the biggest bang for your buck. The Pre-Sequel may not quite reach the mind-blowing heights of its predecessor, but it’s still a fantastic co-op romp with compelling shooting ‘n looting that’ll keep you and your buddies entertained until Borderlands 3 decides to show its face.
Honorable mentions
Killzone Shadow Fall (multiplayer mode)
Warthunder (squad battles)
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (multiplayer mode)