Best Multiplayer PS5 Games Reviews: 8 Games Worth Playing

The best multiplayer PS5 games do more than put several players into the same lobby. Great multiplayer design gives everyone a reason to participate, whether that means coordinating attacks in a co-op shooter, mastering a racing line, building a character together, competing head-to-head, or simply laughing through a chaotic couch session.

That distinction matters because multiplayer games can feel completely different from one another. Split Fiction is built specifically around two-player cooperation, while Helldivers 2 turns four-player teamwork into controlled chaos. Gran Turismo 7 is aimed at racing enthusiasts, Street Fighter 6 focuses on competitive fighting, and Fortnite offers an enormous collection of multiplayer experiences beyond its traditional Battle Royale format.

This guide reviews eight standout PS5 multiplayer games by looking at gameplay, multiplayer design, replayability, accessibility, strengths, weaknesses, and the type of player each game suits best.

What Makes a Great Multiplayer PS5 Game?

Multiplayer quality is not determined simply by the number of players a game supports.

A four-player game can be disappointing if everyone spends the session doing unrelated tasks. Conversely, a two-player game can be excellent if both players constantly need to communicate and combine their abilities.

The most important factor is how much the multiplayer design actually matters.

Games such as Split Fiction and It Takes Two are built around cooperation. Players cannot simply rush through independently because progression frequently depends on coordination.

Competitive games work differently. Street Fighter 6 is about understanding an opponent, while Gran Turismo 7 rewards racing consistency and control.

Then there are games such as Fortnite, which provide multiple multiplayer formats and user-created experiences.

For PS5 players choosing a multiplayer game, consider:

• Player count: Is the game designed for two, four, or larger groups?
• Online or local play: Can you play together on one console?
• Cross-play: Can friends on other platforms join?
• Learning curve: Can beginners participate quickly?
• Replayability: Does multiplayer remain interesting after the first few sessions?
• Progression: Does playing with friends contribute meaningfully to character or account development?
• Monetization: Are there battle passes, virtual currencies, expansions, or other purchases?
• Communication: Does success depend heavily on voice communication?

With those factors in mind, these are some of the strongest choices to consider.

Best Multiplayer PS5 Games Reviews

Split Fiction

Best for: Two friends, couples, siblings, and players who want a dedicated co-op adventure.

Split Fiction is arguably one of the clearest examples of a game designed around cooperation rather than simply adding multiplayer to an existing single-player formula.

The adventure follows Mio and Zoe, two writers trapped inside worlds based on their imaginations. The important part from a gameplay perspective is that both players have to contribute. The experience constantly changes its mechanics, environments, abilities, and challenges.

One moment can feel like a conventional action sequence; another may introduce a completely different interaction between the two characters.

That constant change prevents the cooperative formula from becoming repetitive.

It also supports couch co-op and online multiplayer, while its Friend’s Pass system allows a friend to join when one player owns the full game. PlayStation confirms support for two online players and cross-platform play.

What works: Excellent cooperation, variety, strong pacing, and a multiplayer structure that actually requires two players.

What doesn’t: It is specifically a two-player experience, so it is not the right choice for a four-person gaming group.

Verdict: One of the strongest choices if your priority is a dedicated two-player PS5 adventure.

It Takes Two

Best for: Two-player couch or online co-op.

Before Split Fiction, Hazelight had already established itself as one of the strongest developers for cooperative games with It Takes Two.

The entire game is designed around two players controlling Cody and May. Each character receives abilities that complement the other, forcing players to communicate and coordinate.

This is important because many multiplayer games allow teammates to play independently. It Takes Two does the opposite. Its puzzles, platforming sections, boss encounters, and set pieces frequently require both players to understand what the other person is doing.

The result is a game that works particularly well for friends, couples, siblings, or parents and children who are comfortable with its content.

PlayStation confirms both local split-screen and online co-op, along with Friend’s Pass functionality.

What works: Clever co-op mechanics, constantly changing gameplay, excellent variety, and strong two-player interaction.

What doesn’t: It is strictly a two-player-focused experience, so it does not work for larger groups.

Verdict: Still one of the best PS5 choices when two people want to complete an adventure together.

Helldivers 2

Best for: Four-player online squads that enjoy teamwork and chaotic action.

Helldivers 2 takes a completely different approach.

Instead of carefully scripted two-player cooperation, it gives a squad of up to four players a battlefield and asks them to survive increasingly chaotic situations.

Players choose weapons and loadouts before missions and can call down powerful Stratagems during combat. The important multiplayer skill is knowing when to cooperate and when to create space for teammates.

Friendly fire also changes the way players approach combat. Explosives and orbital attacks can become as dangerous to teammates as they are to enemies, so careless coordination can quickly turn a successful mission into a disaster.

PlayStation currently lists Helldivers 2 as an online-only experience supporting up to four players.

What works: Four-player teamwork, unpredictable missions, satisfying loadout choices, and excellent opportunities for memorable multiplayer moments.

What doesn’t: There is no offline solo mode, so players who want a traditional single-player campaign should look elsewhere.

Verdict: A strong choice for groups that want chaotic four-player online action.

Gran Turismo 7

Best for: Racing fans and competitive players.

Multiplayer racing requires a different kind of teamwork and competition.

Gran Turismo 7 focuses on driving skill, vehicle control, track knowledge, and racecraft rather than character abilities or traditional combat.

The appeal becomes especially strong when players start paying attention to braking points, corner entry speed, tire management, overtaking opportunities, and consistency.

It is also a good example of why multiplayer games do not have to be cooperative to be social. A group of friends can spend an evening competing against one another, comparing lap times, or working to improve their driving.

The PS5 version supports online multiplayer with up to 20 players, while local split-screen is also available. PlayStation lists PS Plus as required for online play.

What works: Excellent racing foundation, competitive depth, large online races, and strong long-term learning potential.

What doesn’t: It demands more patience and driving discipline than arcade racers.

Verdict: One of the better PS5 multiplayer options for players who want serious racing rather than casual driving.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Best for: RPG fans who want cooperative storytelling and character progression.

Baldur’s Gate 3 proves that multiplayer does not need to revolve around fast reactions.

Its multiplayer system is built around a massive role-playing adventure where players can make decisions, explore locations, fight enemies, manage equipment, and shape the direction of the story.

That creates a very different social experience. Instead of asking, “Who got the most eliminations?” the group may be debating which dialogue choice to make, which character should receive an item, or whether a risky plan is worth attempting.

The PS5 version supports couch co-op and online multiplayer for up to four players.

The biggest limitation is its content. This is not a family-friendly multiplayer recommendation. PlayStation lists strong content warnings including blood and gore, intense violence, nudity, strong language, and strong sexual content.

What works: Deep character builds, meaningful decisions, exploration, tactical combat, and excellent multiplayer freedom.

What doesn’t: Long sessions and complex systems may not suit players looking for quick matches.

Verdict: An outstanding multiplayer RPG for mature players who want their group sessions to feel like a shared campaign.

Fortnite

Best for: Large online groups and players who want variety.

Fortnite has grown far beyond the traditional Battle Royale formula.

Players can still compete in Battle Royale and Zero Build, but the PS5 version also offers a large selection of creator-made experiences covering racing, parkour, survival, social activities, and other genres.

That breadth is one of its biggest advantages. A group can play competitive matches one evening and switch to a completely different type of experience the next.

PlayStation lists Fortnite as free to play on PS5, with online play required and optional in-game purchases.

The major issue is that Fortnite’s enormous amount of content makes it less straightforward than a conventional game. Parents should also pay attention to account settings, spending controls, and the specific experiences children access.

What works: Free entry point, huge variety, large player base, and constantly changing multiplayer options.

What doesn’t: Monetization and the broad range of user-created content require more attention from parents.

Verdict: One of the most versatile multiplayer choices on PS5, particularly for groups that want variety without buying several separate games.

Street Fighter 6

Best for: Competitive players who prefer one-on-one matches.

Fighting games are multiplayer at their core, and Street Fighter 6 is one of the more accessible modern examples.

Its three control styles—Modern, Dynamic, and Classic—give players different ways to approach the combat system. The Drive System adds another layer of decision-making around offense, defense, resource management, and momentum.

That makes the game suitable for casual matches while still providing a deep skill ceiling for competitive players.

The Battle Hub adds a social layer where players can interact and challenge others, while Fighting Ground provides the traditional competitive experience.

The challenge is the learning curve. New players can understand the basic controls quickly, but mastering spacing, timing, anti-air attacks, combos, matchup knowledge, and resource management takes considerably longer.

What works: Deep combat system, multiple control options, strong competitive foundation, and social multiplayer features.

What doesn’t: Beginners can struggle against experienced players until they learn the fundamentals.

Verdict: An excellent PS5 multiplayer choice for players who enjoy competition and improving through practice.

EA SPORTS FC 26

Best for: Football fans who want competitive matches with friends.

Football games remain a natural multiplayer choice because the rules are immediately understandable even when the controls take time to master.

EA SPORTS FC 26 offers several multiplayer-oriented modes and supports online play on PS5. PlayStation lists support for up to 22 online players, while local play supports multiple players.

Its two gameplay presets are particularly interesting. Competitive Gameplay is designed around modes such as Ultimate Team and Clubs, while Authentic Gameplay is intended to provide a more simulation-focused experience in areas such as Career.

For friends, the appeal is straightforward: choose teams, learn the controls, and start competing.

However, Ultimate Team introduces a more complicated progression and monetization structure. Players interested primarily in traditional matches may prefer to focus on modes that do not revolve around building a card-based squad.

What works: Familiar sport, competitive matches, multiple multiplayer modes, and strong long-term depth.

What doesn’t: Ultimate Team’s progression and optional purchases can become a major part of the experience for players who engage heavily with that mode.

Verdict: A natural choice for football fans, especially groups that already enjoy competitive sports games.

Best Multiplayer PS5 Games by Play Style

The “best” choice becomes much easier once you identify how your group actually wants to play.

There is also an important distinction between short-session multiplayer and long-form multiplayer.

Street Fighter 6 works well when you only have 20 or 30 minutes. You can play several matches and stop.

Split Fiction and Baldur’s Gate 3 are different. They benefit from longer sessions because the experience has continuity and progression.

Helldivers 2 sits somewhere in the middle. Individual missions can be completed as separate sessions while still contributing to broader progression.

Online Multiplayer vs Local Multiplayer on PS5

Online multiplayer is the obvious choice when friends live in different locations, but couch multiplayer still has advantages.

Local multiplayer eliminates some of the communication problems that can happen online. Players can simply point at the screen, discuss strategies, and react immediately.

Games such as Split Fiction and It Takes Two are particularly strong in this environment because both players are constantly involved in the same situation.

Online multiplayer is better for larger groups or friends who cannot meet physically. Helldivers 2, Fortnite, Gran Turismo 7, and EA SPORTS FC 26 all benefit from online competition or cooperation.

PlayStation’s own couch co-op collection also highlights games including Split Fiction, It Takes Two, Baldur’s Gate 3, and other local multiplayer titles.

Before buying, check whether the game requires PlayStation Plus for online play. Many paid multiplayer games also require the subscription for their online modes.

What to Consider Before Buying a Multiplayer PS5 Game

Check the Player Count

Do not assume that a game supporting multiplayer automatically supports your entire group.

A game designed for two players is perfect for a couple but useless for four friends who want to play simultaneously.

Check Cross-Play

Cross-play can make a major difference if your friends own PCs, Xbox consoles, or other supported platforms.

Split Fiction, for example, supports cross-platform play, while It Takes Two does not offer cross-platform play.

Consider the Learning Curve

A group of experienced fighting-game players may love Street Fighter 6. A casual group might become frustrated after repeatedly losing.

Likewise, Gran Turismo 7 rewards players who are willing to learn racing fundamentals, while Fortnite can offer more immediate variety.

Check Monetization

Free-to-play does not necessarily mean completely free from additional spending.

Fortnite includes optional purchases, while EA SPORTS FC 26 includes optional FC Points.

Parents should configure spending restrictions before allowing younger players to make purchases.

Think About Session Length

If your group typically plays for short sessions, competitive games may be more convenient.

If you have a regular weekend gaming group, a longer co-op adventure or RPG can provide a stronger shared experience.

Final Verdict

The best multiplayer PS5 games reviews should not simply identify the games with the largest player counts. Multiplayer quality depends on how well the game uses cooperation, competition, progression, and communication.

Split Fiction is the standout choice for two-player co-op because cooperation is built into practically every part of its design. It Takes Two remains another excellent option for two players who want a constantly changing adventure.

For four-player online chaos, Helldivers 2 is a natural choice. Racing fans should look toward Gran Turismo 7, while RPG groups who want a lengthy shared campaign have Baldur’s Gate 3.

Fortnite wins on variety and accessibility, Street Fighter 6 is ideal for competitive fighting, and EA SPORTS FC 26 remains a strong choice for football fans.

There is no single multiplayer game that will satisfy every PS5 owner. The better approach is to match the game to your group. Decide whether you want cooperation or competition, two players or four, quick matches or a long campaign, and local play or online sessions.

Once you know that, choosing the right multiplayer PS5 game becomes much easier.

FAQ

What is the best multiplayer PS5 game overall?

For two-player cooperative gaming, Split Fiction is one of the strongest choices because its gameplay is specifically designed around cooperation. For larger online groups, Helldivers 2 offers four-player squad-based multiplayer.

What is the best two-player PS5 game?

Split Fiction and It Takes Two are excellent two-player choices. Both are built around cooperative gameplay rather than simply adding multiplayer to a primarily single-player experience.

What is the best four-player multiplayer PS5 game?

Helldivers 2 is a strong choice for four-player online co-op. It supports squads of up to four and requires online play.

Does Split Fiction support cross-play?

Yes. PlayStation states that Split Fiction supports cross-platform play, including its Friend’s Pass system.

Can you play It Takes Two locally on PS5?

Yes. It Takes Two supports couch co-op with split-screen play as well as online co-op.

Is Fortnite free on PS5?

Yes. Fortnite is listed as free on PS5, although it includes optional in-game purchases and requires online play.

Which PS5 multiplayer game is best for competitive players?

That depends on the preferred genre. Street Fighter 6 is excellent for fighting-game competition, Gran Turismo 7 suits racing fans, and EA SPORTS FC 26 is a strong choice for football competition.

Do you need PlayStation Plus for PS5 online multiplayer?

Many PS5 games require PlayStation Plus for online multiplayer, although free-to-play games can have different requirements. Always check the specific game’s PlayStation Store listing before buying