Apple Arcade: Best Multiplayer Games

Even though most gamers prefer playing multiplayer games on a PC or console, some gamers like to play on the go on their mobile devices. Fortunately, mobile gamers have plenty of multiplayer titles to choose from, whether on iOS or Android. Players who enjoy classic FPS games can play games like Call of Duty: Mobile or PUBG, while gamers who like slower-paced games can play Pokemon GO or Minecraft.

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However, choosing a multiplayer game to play can be challenging, especially considering hundreds of thousands of games are available on mobile devices. Thankfully, Apple Arcade helps players choose since it has a selection of top-tier exclusive games, some of which are multiplayer. So, players that want to enjoy a friendly (or competitive) multiplayer game experience on this paid service will want to know which ones are worth it.

Updated July 4, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia: Gaming services have accelerated in popularity in recent years, offering a vast supply of diverse titles to choose from. Apple's digital gaming platform is a relative newcomer on the scene — launching in 2019 alongside its TV and movie streaming service.

Yet, that hasn't stopped the platform from gathering a solid lineup of notable games for players to enjoy on different devices. Stellar social and party multiplayer games have become particularly prominent. As such, it's worth revisiting this list of Apple Arcade's best multiplayer games.

15 Spidersaurs

Take a fun Saturday morning cartoon theme and fuse it with a classic run-and-gun romp, and this action game from WayForward might be the result. Players will lock and load, either solo or with a friend (locally), and deal with an outbreak of hostile dinosaur-spider hybrids. Initially bred as a new species en masse to solve world hunger, the ornery 'Spidersaurs' are now after human meat in a cruel twist of fate.

Assuming the roles of an amateur officer and punk rocker, two players can blast their way through various sidescrolling locales simultaneously, wielding everything from lasers to exploding footballs. With traces of Contra and Gunstar Heroes, retro fans should enjoy this chaotic shooter, while newer gamers can get acquainted fairly quickly with the straightforward mechanics.

14 Red Reign

A key trait of Apple Arcade games is their colorful, often-zany themes, and this cartoony strategy game embodies this spirit nicely. Red Reign serves as a fun multiplayer showdown and a solid RTS for beginners. The game has players face off in a vibrant outdoor scene as they scramble to build their colony and wipe out the other's castle.

The game simplifies things in terms of management and troops, though there is plenty of depth for those who seek it. Players can experiment with different soldier types, upgrade their structures, collect resources — and clash with bosses. While rather stripped down, its Apple Arcade exclusivity and appeal as a rare tactical multiplayer game should entice some Apple Arcade users.

13 TMNT Splintered Fate

At this point, there exist more Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brawlers than there are strange villains in the famed franchise. Yet, most efforts in recent history have been spotty, to say the least. With Splintered Fate, Apple Arcade players can boast of having one of the more enjoyable renditions since the 16-bit era. The game plays solid, bringing tight mechanics and an isometric view that works well for the chaotic action and heavy combat throughout.

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The roguelike title balances accessibility with depth and rewarding gameplay — offering various moves, abilities, and upgrades for each Turtle. While it's no Turtles in Time, Splintered Fate invokes feelings of that golden age of Turtles games, with its fun co-op, satisfying moves, and grueling difficulty.

12 Tetris Beat

The iconic multiplayer puzzle game always manages to stay simple, even while reinventing itself and exploring new avenues. Enter this fusion of classic Tetris and a hypnotic rhythm game. The game operates how one might expect; players must arrange and drop their Tetrominoes in synchronization with a given beat. Doing so rewards players with combo chains and higher scores to cash in on.

With this unique rhythmic gameplay, unique control methods (mostly centered on tapping the screen), and a lack of the basic slow drop, Tetris Beat yields a bit of a learning curve. Yet, players who find their groove should find much to enjoy about this charming, upbeat take on the standard Tetris formula. Adding further enticement is the Apple TV version which offers classic split-screen multiplayer.

11 Stardew Valley

A new addition to the Apple app store, Stardew Valley immediately strengthens the platform's social gaming offerings with its endless depth and appeal. There is a bounty of things to do, fight, collect, and manage in this colorful RPG and farm sim.

Clearly inspired by Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, players will spend ample time tending to their farm, building relationships, slaying foes, and gathering materials. This can all be done seamlessly with other players (either locally or online), who can aid in quests or just shoot the breeze in town.

10 Sonic Racing

Even though Sonic Racing was initially created to promote Team Sonic Racing, a racing game that ditches the iconic running Sonic the Hedgehog in favor of wacky karts. But, due to its popularity, SEGA decided to permanently keep Sonic Racing in the Apple Store eventually reaching the esteemed Apple Arcade. This Sonic-themed game is quite similar to Mario Kart but with some unique twists.

For example, players can upgrade power-ups found on the race tracks, giving them a powerful advantage against other players in online races. Power-ups like Black Wisp (throws a bomb) or Jade Wisp (makes the player intangible) can prove extremely useful in a race, especially once maxed out. And while Sonic Racing doesn't offer Apple Arcade local multiplayer, players can team up before an online race.

9 Marble It Up: Mayhem!

Marble It Up: Mayhem! Is perhaps one of the most unexpected entries in this Apple Arcade multiplayer list since the main protagonists of the game are marbles. Despite this strange theme, Marble It Up: Mayhem! Is essentially a blend of Fall Guys and Rocket League making it a must-play Apple Arcade game.

For starters, Marble It Up: Mayhem! Has dozens of mini-games (similar to other game show-theme games) that will test the wits of any seasoned marble enthusiast, from scoring goals to surviving hordes of "zombie marbles." Players can also customize their marble with unique cosmetics that can be earned by playing the game. Furthermore, Marble It Up: Mayhem! Also features an extensive single-player campaign, which is full of special rewards.

8 PAC-MAN Party Royale

PAC-MAN fans were initially doubtful concerning PAC-MAN Party Royale, especially since other experimental PAC-MAN games have flopped, like PAC-PIX and PAC-MAN World Rally. Fortunately, PAC-MAN Party Royale proved to fans that this iconic arcade character still has some new tricks up its sleeves that can bring a breath of fresh air to the franchise.

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And while there are several different game modes, the most popular one is Battle Arena, which places four players in a randomized maze filled with deadly traps. During Battle Arena, players must try to eat as many PAC-DOTS while avoiding traps and other players. Similar to other Battle Royale-themed games, the playable zone begins to collapse until only one player is left standing. Aside from Apple Arcade multiplayer, PAC-MAN Party Royale allows players to play locally with friends or with "PAC-BOTS", which is perfect to learn how to play the game.

7 Cricket Through the Ages

At first glance, Cricket Through the Ages will seem to be a game about cricket, but in reality, it has very little to do about cricket and is more about physics. This Apple Arcade multiplayer game is all about mastering the art of ragdoll physics by pressing only one button. But what makes Cricket Through the Ages one of the most fun (and challenging) multiplayer Apple Arcade games is that every level is set in a different period, from the Middle Ages to the First World War and even farther into the future.

And the gameplay loop is simple, whoever is still "upright" is the winner of the match. So, players looking to play a simple game should look no further than Cricket Through the Ages. Additionally, players can play offline without the need for an online connection.

6 LEGO Brawls

LEGO fans will undoubtedly enjoy playing LEGO Brawls since it offers a near-endless selection of customizable items that players can use on their characters (common in most LEGO games). Various multiplayer game modes are available, from the classic battle royale mode similar to Brawl Stars to a 4v4 Control the Point game mode.

Players can also play private matches locally or online with their friends. But the real icing on the cake is that it's cross-play compatible, so players can play on various platforms without losing progress. The main issue with LEGO Brawls is that players that use controllers have a huge advantage against non-controller players, leading to unfair matches. So, players who want to be better LEGO Brawls players should use a controller compatible with their mobile devices.