Overwatch 2 & Helldivers 2… 5 Best Online Games to Play With Friends

As the era of couch co-op gaming fades, we embrace the convenience of playing with friends and family virtually, regardless of distance.

From teaming up with neighbors to connecting with pals worldwide, the abundance of online multiplayer games caters to diverse gaming tastes. I’ve shared a few of my long-standing favorites and tapped into my CNET peers to discover their current gaming picks.

Overwatch 2

For seven years, Overwatch has been my go-to online game addiction. Every Tuesday, like clockwork, I team up with a buddy for our dose of high-speed, class-based action.

Other shooters just can’t keep up anymore. Despite its ups and downs, Overwatch 2’s switch to a free-to-play model revitalized the game with a constant influx of new content.

With heroes now freely accessible and no longer locked behind paywalls, the game feels fresher than ever. If you crave fast-paced gameplay, vibrant worlds, and a diverse cast of characters including cowboys, robots, and superintelligent moon creatures, Overwatch is a must-try.

Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 may seem like just another co-op shooter, but it’s genius lies in its hilarious, improvisational comedy stemming from multiplayer mayhem.

Whether battling alien bugs or relentless robots, the real fun comes from the unpredictable chaos of coordinating attacks with teammates, often resulting in unexpected deaths.

With abundant revival options and diverse tools, the game encourages players to embrace the absurdity of a comically authoritarian space conflict.

With a modest $40 price tag and a rewarding free battle pass (plus an optional premium pass for extra goodies), Helldivers 2 offers an affordable and endlessly entertaining experience.

Baldur’s Gate 3

In contrast to typical online games, Baldur’s Gate 3 stands alone, devoid of battle passes or microtransactions. It offers pure gaming experience for you and three friends, focused on saving the world.

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Set in the Dungeons & Dragons realm of Faerun, this turn-based RPG adeptly employs D&D’s fifth edition rules, providing an immersive experience akin to playing the tabletop game, complete with dice rolls and skill checks.

Borderlands 3

Borderlands 3 offers an exhilarating looter shooter experience. For years, my friend and I have indulged in regular Borderlands 3 game nights, captivated by its stunning visuals, expansive world, and deeply satisfying loot system.

The game’s unique item allocation ensures everyone gets their share of the spoils, yet cooperative trading adds an extra layer of camaraderie. With each planet brimming with exploration opportunities, diving into the story solo is an option, but joining forces with friends elevates the enjoyment to new heights.

Final Fantasy XIV

Though I’ve only dabbled in a few Final Fantasy titles, I’ve logged a hefty nine-and-a-half days exploring Eorzea alongside friends.

There’s an indescribable coziness to this game, especially compared to other MMOs that never quite clicked with me. Final Fantasy XIV excels in its ability to make exploration of its stunning landscapes and dungeons genuinely enjoyable.

Admittedly, there’s a fair bit of back-and-forth in the early stages, which can become tedious. However, having friends along for the journey significantly alleviates the monotony.

The game truly shines when experienced in a group of four, allowing for a more relaxed pace instead of constantly chasing after a tank on a speed run. With the base game and first two expansions offering free access up to level 70, it’s an accessible adventure for any group eager to give it a try.