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.
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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 into addictive MMO territory. That said, the best multiplayer RPGs of all time can be just as moreish.
1 Baldur's Gate II: Shadows Of Amn
OpenCritic Rating: 76
While the latest Baldur's Gate game may 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 of Baldur'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 of Baldur's Gate II is much better in these areas.
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
- Released
- September 21, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- BioWare
- Publisher(s)
- Black Isle Studios, Interplay
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- RPG
2 Baldur's Gate 3
OpenCritic Rating: 96
Games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Starfield were always expected to make a pretty big splash, but the success of Baldur's Gate 3 took 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, with some people sinking almost 100 hours into the first act alone.
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- Genre(s)
- RPG
3 Borderlands 2
OpenCritic Rating: 86
Although not considered a traditional RPG, Borderlands 2 lets 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 in Borderlands 2. Set on the planet of Pandora, players must work together to finish quests. The writing, unique visuals, and online multiplayer rank Borderlands 2 among the greatest co-op games of all time.
Borderlands 2
- Released
- September 18, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
4 Children 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 Morta manages 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 in Diablo. Children of Morta is arguably a lot less replayable than the popular Blizzard franchise, but should still be able to offer players a decent amount of enjoyment.
Children of Morta
- Released
- September 3, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Dead Mage
- Publisher(s)
- 11 Bit Studios
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
5 Dark Souls
OpenCritic Rating: 84
When it comes to influential RPGs, Dark Souls is 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 Souls gives players the option of customizing 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.
Dark Souls
- Released
- September 22, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Namco Bandai
- Platform(s)
- Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Soulslike, Adventure
6 Dark Souls 3
OpenCritic Rating: 90
To many, Dark Souls 3 is the best Soulslike of all time, with only Bloodborne and Elden Ring really 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 of Lothric'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.
Dark Souls 3
- Released
- March 24, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
7 Darksiders Genesis
OpenCritic Rating: 79
Initially, some Darksiders fans were a little disappointed when Darksiders Genesis was 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 than other Darksiders titles, 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.
Darksiders Genesis
- Released
- December 5, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
8 Dead Island 2
OpenCritic Rating: 75
After spending more than a decade stuck in development hell, Dead Island 2 was 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 2 places 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.
Dead Island 2
- Released
- April 21, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Dambuster Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Deep Silver
- Platform(s)
- PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
9 Diablo II: Lord of Destruction
OpenCritic Rating: 80
Although the game is starting to show its age (leaving room for a remaster or remake), Diablo II is 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 playing Diablo II: Lord of Destruction is 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. Playing distinctly different Diable classes like the Barbarian, Paladin, Amazon, and Druid gives the game immense replayability.
Diablo 2
- Released
- June 28, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
10 Diablo III
OpenCritic Rating: 89
Multiplayer RPGs are great when working together is conducive. Diablo III is a prime example of a game that incorporates multiplayer well, giving players both an incentive and a need to team up. Although Diablo II had a more substantial social component, Diablo III doesn't fall far from the tree.
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Trading is a part of the game and it is most fun when players are helping others. Diablo III is considered to be one of the most influential RPGs ever made because 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.
Diablo 3
- Released
- September 3, 2013