Summary
- Multiplayer video games can strengthen family relationships and create lasting memories, even when played online with distant family .
- Not every family game s multiplayer, but even some single-player experiences work well as -and-play games or for collaborative puzzle solving.
- The best family games can be enjoyed by all age groups, and typically promote creativity or overcoming challenges together.
Playing multiplayer video games together as a family can be a wonderful way to spend time with one another in a fun and relaxed way, and there are many games that all ages can enjoy participating in, from LEGO Star Wars. Whether the group consists of little ones, teenagers, grown adults, or all of the above, these games are perfect for getting cozy in the family room together, especially during the cold winter months. Even once family have moved away and spread out across long distances, playing video games together online can help keep relationships strong and lines of communication open in a relaxed way.
Most of the games listed here can be played in multiplayer modes, but even the ones that are not are still good for families to enjoy together. Through deciphering clever puzzles, or cheering each other on during difficult boss battles, playing a game with loved ones can create lasting memories and strengthen relationships. Naturally, playing games together can also require patience at times, especially when young kids are involved, but as long as nobody gets too competitive, these games can be wonderful experiences to share.
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10 New Pokémon Snap
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Released
- April 30, 2021
- ESRB
- E For Everyone
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- How Long To Beat
- 12 Hours
Although New Pokémon Snap is a single-player game, its charming photography-focused gameplay and slower pace make it a wonderful game to share with others. Typically, a game in the Pokémon franchise involves capturing and battling with the pocket monsters, but Pokémon Snap changes the approach by taking the player character on safari rides to capture pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats. New Pokémon Snap was given 4.5/5 stars in its Screen Rant review and has a Metacritic score of 79.
9 WarioWare: Move It!
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
WarioWare: Move It! will help the whole family with their wiggles and giggles while engaging in a silly and fun party game. Tons of ridiculous minigames using the movement sensors in the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons require players to do everything from waddling like penguins to fishing for hot dog octopuses. Its Party Mode works for two to four players who have an excellent sense of humor. Screen Rant's review of WarioWare: Move It! gave it 4/5 stars, and it has a Metacritic score of 75.
8 Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Platforms: Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a vibrant platformer in a 3D world that provides many fun puzzles for players to unravel on each course. It offers two-player co-op on every level, and even for others just watching the game, it is easy to get drawn into the excitement of trying to find the secret hidden pixel toads or figure out what the player needs to do to solve the puzzle. The original Wii U version of the game received a Metacritic score of 81, and now the new Nintendo Switch version includes new levels as well as full co-op multiplayer.
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7 Rayman Legends
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One
In Rayman Legends, up to four players can play through the 2D platformer levels to defeat enemies, collect Lums, and free Teensies. Many of the levels require cooperation to succeed, and even more playable characters can be unlocked as they are rescued from certain stages in the game. Rayman Legends does not have online multiplayer, but for those playing together locally, it can be a lot of fun. Metacritic lists the game an impressive must-play score of 92.
6 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Designed in the style of classic 2D side-scrolling beat-em-ups from the 1990s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is fun for all ages, and even more so for anyone who loves TMNT. It can be played in either local or online co-op, as well as single-player. In addition to the standard fighting gameplay action, there are optional mini-challenges in each level and hidden secrets to find. TMNT: Shredder's Revenge was given 4/5 stars by Screen Rant's review and a Metacritic rating of 85.
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge deftly recaptures the magic of the old TMNT side-scrolling beat-em-ups with plenty of charm.
5 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Super Mario 3D World was originally made for the Wii U, yet the game was brought over to the Nintendo Switch in a compilation package with the much smaller game, Bowser's Fury. Together, these two titles are an incredible multiplayer adventure where players can enjoy the colorful world of Mario and cat suits. It earned itself a Screen Rant review of 4.5/5 stars, while Metacritic has it listed with a score of 89.
4 LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Released
- April 5, 2022
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
- Developer(s)
- Traveller's Tales
- Publisher(s)
- Warner Bros. Interactive
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Star Wars
- Platform(s)
- Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
LEGO games are some of those titles that are typically always enjoyable for players of all ages, and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is one of the best for not only being an action-filled Star Wars game that is full of hilarious movie moments, but a LEGO adventure story with humor hidden everywhere. The game covers events from the nine mainline Star Wars movies and includes a local co-op multiplayer mode. With a Screen Rant review giving it 4.5/5 stars and a Metacritic aggregate of 82, it is a wonderful family gaming experience to try.
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3 Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Released
- October 20, 2023
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Franchise
- Super Mario
- Platform(s)
- Switch
The newest game on this list, Super Mario Bros. Wonder was released in October 2023 to bring back the series' clever and chaotic 2D platformer gameplay, with a new Elephant Mario suit and Wonder Flowers that change entire levels. Not only does the game allow for up to four-player local co-op, but there is also a variety of ways to have online multiplayer with private rooms. Younger children can benefit from playing as either Yoshi or Nabbit for an easier difficulty, although they can't make use of some of the fun power-ups that way. Screen Rant's review considers Mario Wonder as deserving of 4.5/5 stars, while it has a Metacritic rating of 92.
At The Game Awards 2023, Super Mario Bros. Wonder was nominated for Game of the Year and won Best Family Game.
2 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Nintendo Switch
- Publisher
- Nintendo
- Genre
- Racing
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Mode
- Racing
- Rating
- E
- Release Date
- 2017-04-28
It's hard to beat the classic multiplayer experience that can only come from Mario Kart. The Nintendo Switch's Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has recently put out many DLC course packs with new playable characters and tracks, giving a lot of variety for families to enjoy. It has rightfully earned a Metacritic score of 92, as the game is fun for all ages with bright colors, fun items, and just enough challenge for anyone to be compelled to try just one more time.
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1 Minecraft
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Fire OS/TV, Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, and Samsung Gear VR
- Developer(s)
- Mojang
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Minecraft
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, Xbox 360
Over the years, Minecraft has become one of the most well-known examples of video games for all ages. Whether enjoying the story mode, creative sandbox, or even some of the Minecraft spin-off titles, the blocky game is popular for good reason. It is easy to learn, offers plenty to do, and unlocks the imagination. The game has a Metacritic score of 82, and Minecraft is available on nearly any platform and can be enjoyed online, so families can enjoy their own little virtual space together, wherever they are in the real world. Minecraft has a versatility and creativity unmatched even by other games on this list, including Mario Kart and LEGO Star Wars, and is a must-try for any family looking to play video games together.
