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The best multiplayer Switch games will swallow your time. Whether you’re looking for something competitive to play online or an experience to play in local co-op with friends and family, there’s surely something on this list that will get the job done. Perhaps this should come as no surprise, given the versatility of the Nintendo Switch, but there’s some truly fantastic multiplayer games available on the system – be it for handheld, tabletop, or TV mode.
If you need help picking between one of the best multiplayer Switch games, we’ve also got some rankings to help you further. Perhaps you’re just looking for the best local multiplayer Switch games, the best two-player Switch games, or maybe just the best free Switch games that you and your friends can jump into together. Honestly, you’re spoiled for choice on this platform, so keep on reading to find our pick of the 25 best Nintendo Switch games you can play offline and online.
25. Kirby Star Allies
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local co-op
The adorable little pink blob’s latest adventure really brings the multiplayer side of Kirby back in the best way possible. You and three other players can join Kirby as he sets off on an adventure that focuses on the importance of friendship. Kirby can charm foes he meets along the way to fight for him, and they all have unique powers you can copy or use to your advantage. One player will control Kirby, while the others can jump in as anyone of his unlockable friends, or as one of the ally recruits in the world. Every ally’s power has different effects which can be vital to making it through a level – this really makes every player role in the team valuable. It also means certain characters will be more effective against different enemies, so you can really work in a team to best every foe that comes your way. It’s a delightfully cute platformer that makes teamwork feel very rewarding.
24. Pikuniku
Maximum players: 2
Multiplayer type: Local co-op
Although you can play Pikuniku solo, this charmingly absurd puzzle game really puts teamwork to the test when you and a friend play the co-op mode. Each player controls either character, and you have to navigate through colourful platforms with various puzzles and challenges. The puzzles can be real head scratchers, so it’s all the more fun working with a friend to get through to the next level. There’s also a very fun melon basketball challenge where, if you haven’t guessed it already, you play basketball with a watermelon. It’s actually quite tricky given that you have to bounce around on your springy legs, and you can kick the other player to stop their efforts of scoring. With lots of levels to work through, and challenges to compete in, this is a different kind of puzzle game that will keep you guessing just as much as it’ll make you smile.
23. Fortnite
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Online multiplayer
Battle Royale mode might not be everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to Fortnite (opens in new tab), but it’s a fantastic free multiplayer game on the Switch that’ll keep you coming back to try for that coveted victory royale once more. You get air dropped down and have to battle it out against 100 other players to emerge victorious. As with many a royale mode, you don’t start out with much of anything, so you have to scramble to find weapons and equipment before you do anything else. It can be tricky to get a handle on mastering the building mechanics, but it’s a very neat element that really shakes up the royale genre. With plenty of humour and all kinds of weapons to try out, there’s a lot of content to get stuck into. And it’s important to note you don’t need a Nintendo Online subscription in order to play. Plus, you can play in two or four-player squads.
22. Sonic Mania
Maximum players: 2
Multiplayer type: Local co-op
The speedy blue hedgehog returned in all his 2D glory to relive his golden days in this delightful throwback collection. You can co-op each classic zone with a friend by being either Sonic or Tails and be the fast dream team you were always meant to be. Taking on Dr. Robotnik together was never so fun. If you don’t want to work as team, you can race each other to see who truly is the fastest character around in competition mode. If you played the classic Sonic titles back in the day, this is one nostalgia trip you and your pal won’t want to miss, and if you’re new to the golden oldies, you’re in for a treat because Mania expands on the classics to bring you a more polished and refined version with additional content to uncover. With 12 playable zones packed in, and a helping of different modes to try out, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
21. Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local co-op
Up to four players can join Rayman, Globox and the Teensies as they set out on a journey through the enchanted forest. The group stumble upon a tent filled with paintings that act as portals to different kinds of mystical lands that form the many different levels you’ll have to make your way through. With everything from fantastical medieval themed worlds right through to an oceanic setting, there’s all kinds of different legends to experience. One of the best levels is undoubtedly Caste Rock which will see you and your friends make your way through the level to the beat of Rayman’s rendition of Black Betty by Ram Jam. Outside of the main painting hopping campaign, there are other challenges to try out, and the Switch version also includes Kung Foot, a football mini-game four players can take part in. It’s a fantastic platformer with lots of humour and charm.
20. Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local and online co-op
If you’re looking for some tabletop goodness to play with friends and family, then you can’t go wrong with Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics. With card games, board games, sports games, and more, there’s a vast range of different classic games on offer. Playable on one Switch locally, or with multiple consoles online, there’s also a free Guest Pass version that will let you try out Four-in-a-Row, Dominoes, President, and Slot Cars. There’s also the added bonus that if one person has the full game, other players can connect locally to play the whole library together. With the likes of Blackjack, Checkers, Chess, Fishing, Golf, Air Hockey, and more, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy playing with your pals.
19. Mario Tennis Aces
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local co-op
The characters of Mushroom Kingdom are back on the tennis court and it’s the perfect way to spend some quality time with your chums. With 15 classic characters from Mario to Waluigi and Rosalina, you can play Mario Tennis Aces (opens in new tab) in singles matches, or spice things up with a round of doubles which splits your group into teams. But this isn’t just plain old tennis. When it comes to Mario’s take on the classic sport, a lot more comes into play. Special power moves can give you the upper hand and help you bat your way to victory. You can try your hand at power serves and trick shots to catch your opponents off guard, and there’s even the option to slow down time, break rackets and even knock the opposing team out with your ball. Yep. Mario breaks all the rules. It also offers the option to aim in first-person, which makes it a lot more interesting to control than the regular third person perspective, and it allows you to try and hone your shots.
18. Death Squared
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local co-op
If you’re after some puzzle-based action, Death Squared will get you thinking. As a co-op puzzle game, two players can take on the main campaign, or up to four players can get stuck into the party mode. In the main campaign each player takes control of a different cube-shaped robot using the Joy-Con controllers. You have to work together to solve every level, and each one gets progressively harder and busier than the last. Every level is made up of grids with different layouts that are filled with traps. You have to try to navigate your little robot to the corresponding coloured space to complete the level, but sometimes your movements can hinder the other player, so you really have to communicate and try to work in tandem to solve the levels. You’ll most likely die a lot – be it by falling off the edge, or getting blown to pieces – but you’ll have a lot of fun doing it. Party mode makes things trickier because more of you means more chances of falling off or accidentally killing each other.
17. Shovel Knight
Maximum players: 2
Multiplayer type: Local co-op
As tiny 8-bit knights armed with shovel blades, you and one other friend can take on the original Shovel of Hope campaign together. When your loved one gets captured by the evil enchantress, you run to their rescue and set out on an epic retro style quest to be the heroes you were always meant to be. The shovel blade can slash and dig, making it one very multi-functional weapon. The charming platformer is packed full of evil knight foes, crazy bosses to best, and some fantastic music to boot. Every level will present different challenges, and with a fellow shovel knight by your side, you can try and overcome everything thrown at you as a dynamic duo. Yacht Club Games are also working on releasing a multiplayer DLC called Showdown, which will add a four-player mode that sees you duel it out against other players to fight for gems. Originally slated to be released this April, no new date has been confirmed just yet.
16. Diablo 3: Eternal Collection
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local co-op (online option available)
Blizzard’s isometric dungeon crawler feels right at home on the Switch, and hacking and slashing your way through hordes of demons and opening chests is all the more satisfying when you’re doing it with your buddies. Up to four players can form the ultimate dungeon faring team and get stuck into the RPG action. You can all get around one Switch and play locally, use multiple switches over Bluetooth, or play together using an online connection if you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The Eternal Collection is packed full of goodies to enhance your experience, including Zelda-themed items. While it still doesn’t have split screen like the other console ports, it’s a fantastic addition to the Diablo console line-up. There are also lots of controller options: the Joy-Con has been optimised for Diablo’s gameplay, and once you get the hang of using it, it actually works quite well.
15. Tricky Towers
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local co-op
Playing with others can be really make your gaming session that much more magical, so why not actually bring some magic into your multiplayer line-up? As a wizard equipped with different spells and powers, you have to try and build a tower out of blocks with up to three friends. But as the name of the game suggests, it’s a lot trickier than it sounds. As it’s physics-based, you really have to think about your block placement to make sure your tower doesn’t fall down and dash all your hopes of victory. The tower building mayhem is formed of several different modes you can challenge your friends with. In race mode, you’ll compete to reach the top finishing line and build your tower the fastest. Survival mode sees you try to stack blocks without letting too many fall; every block that falls will take away one of your three lives. And finally, there’s puzzle mode where you have to place as many blocks down before you reach the cut-off line.
14. Rocket League
Maximum players: 4 offline local / 8 online
Multiplayer type: Local and online multiplayer
Hitting a ball in a goal was never as fun or frantic as it is when you’re doing it with rocket-powered cars that soar through the air. With physics-based driving, whizzing around to get the ball in the caged arenas will see you flipping and drifting your way to the goal in every match. With several different modes to try out, including the ice hockey-like mode Snow Day, a basketball-esque mode where you try to shoot the ball through hoops, and a Battle Royale mode where you can go head-to-head against your friends, there’s plenty of challenges to bring out your competitive spirit. Fast-paced and endlessly entertaining, Rocket League revs up the ball hitting genre in a uniquely fun way, and with lots of customisation options for your cars (including some fun Nintendo additions), you can hit the arena’s with your buddies in style.
13. Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition
Maximum players: 4 offline local/ 8 online
Multiplayer type: Local and online multiplayer
No multiplayer list would be complete without some Minecraft goodness. The Switch edition is the most accessible port yet when it comes to co-oping it your friends and family. The blocky building adventure feels right at home on Nintendo’s console, and creating your own sandbox world from the ground up with a group of friends is just as fun and creative as it ever was. There are plenty of mini games to get stuck into online, too. Battle Mode puts up to 8 players in a head-to-head battle and whoever’s the last one standing wins, Glide mode sees players race against each other by flying through an obstacle course, and Tumble puts players on top of a level above lava and players have to try and knock each other off. While you can play on one Switch with up to 4 players using split screen, you can also play with up to 8 other players online on multiple consoles. And you can make use of Minecraft’s cross platform play, so you can join your pals playing on PC or Xbox One.
12. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local multiplayer
Up for some neon-tinted space battles in a galaxy filled with colour and lasers? This is just the ticket. The evil forces known as Anti-Love have kidnapped the space-bunnies. How despicable! As the heroes, you and three other friends have to save them. Taking command of a big round spaceship, you have to try and control the ship together. By ensuring each part of the ship is being manned – such as the turrets, lasers, thrusters, and shields – teamwork is the key to victory. There’s plenty of customisable options to improve your ship so you can get a better handle on different scenarios. The controls are easy to pick up, but you’ll have your work cut out navigating all the crazy constellations that make up the galaxy. With some great tunes backing up all your laser shooting antics, the bright, colourful space adventure will keep you on your toes and test your team working skills. You can show the mean evil forces that love truly does conquers all!
11. Jackbox Party Pack
Maximum players: 8
Multiplayer type: Local multiplayer
Any of the Jackbox Party packs are great to play with family or friends, but you can’t go wrong with the first selection of Jackbox Party games on offer. The first pack includes the classic You Don’t Know Jack comedy trivia game, Fibbage XL where you have to give false answers to bizarre statements and hope the other players fall for your bluff, Word Spud which has you fill in the blanks a bit like Cards Against Humanity, Lie Swatter where you have to decide which statements are true or false, and Drawful which is a humorous take on Pictionary where you have to draw all kinds of silly objects without being able to erase anything you draw in the process. You play all of the games using a phone or tablet as your controller, so you don’t have to worry about having enough Joy-Cons or pro controllers to hand.
10. Super Bomberman R
Maximum players: 8
Multiplayer type: Local
If you’re looking for some old school multiplayer action, you’re sure to have a blast with Super Bomberman R. For as long as the Bomberman series has been around, it’s always at its best when you play it with some friends. It’s premise is pretty simple – you and your friends are on a grid and you have to set down bombs to try and blow each other up. There are 18 different maps in total, and every grid is slightly different with owns little challenges. You can’t just plop down your bombs any old place and expect to emerge victorious, though. It’s very easy to accidentally surround yourself with bombs and be the cause of your own explosive demise. You can also play the story mode in co-op with one other friend and take on all five bosses and challenges as little team.
9. Puyo Puyo Tetris
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local and online multiplayer
Puyo Puyo and Tetris mash together to bring you a puzzle-tastic time for up to four players. There are lots of different multiplayer modes to challenge your friends and family with, and the variety keeps it feeling fun and fresh. The versus lets you choose between a normal round of Puyo Puyo or Tetris against another player, while the more challenging swap mode constantly switches between both games, so you really have to have a handle on both using Puyos and Tetriminos. There’s plenty of puzzle stacking action available to get your minds around. Each mode is quite fast-paced, so it never feels stale, and it’ll certainly bring out your tactical side. There’s also the option to play online, so you can challenge your friends anywhere in the world.
8. Stardew Valley
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local co-op (online wireless)
Running a farm is hard work. Watering plants, collecting building materials, feeding your cows and chickens – it takes a lot out of you. You can only get so much done in a single game day on your own. So, why not get some fellow farmhands to join you and make your life that much easier? Stardew Valley’s multiplayer update lets you invite up to three friends to join you on your farm and help it prosper. By building cabins, you can invite other players to any single-player farm you’ve started, or you can start up a brand new farm and set it up with cabins ready built to invite your friends to join. It’s a communal effort, so everyone will have to pitch in to make it shine. You can even marry each other’s characters and talk through a chat box with its own Stardew Valley style emojis. Braving the caves is a cinch when you’ve got pals to back you up, too. It’s a charming little farming sim that’s even more fun when you work together.
7. Arms
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local and online
If you’re after another fighting game with a bit of difference, Arms should be firmly on your ‘to play’ list. As one of the first games to hit the Switch, Arms sees you control colourfully cartoonish characters who each have their unique stretchy arm designs. Using the Joy-Cons, you physically punch the air and rotate the controller to perform different moves. It’s great if you’ve got a mean right hook. With several different moves to master including your classic punches, guarding, grabbing, jumping and dashing, up to four players can get in on a round of fighting in the 2-on-2 matches. There’s also a fun party mode which lets up to 10 players fight it out online. It’s a great way to get your arms pumping, and it’s a lot more active than other fighting games games out there. Just be careful you don’t actually hit anyone in the process.
6. Splatoon 2
Maximum players: 8
Multiplayer type: Local and online
This isn’t like your conventional co-op shooter. Instead of a sea of bullets and a big gun in hand, you shoot ink on the ground with a Splatter Blaster. The objective of the main mode is to cover more of the surface area of a stage with your team’s colour than the opposing side. If you’re up for some splat-filled fun, you can’t go wrong with Splatoon 2. There are lots of different modes that can played both on and offline with varying amounts of players. The classic battle mode lets you take on a turf war against another team with your friends, while the league battle sees you try to gain as many points as possible before the time runs out. One of the most enjoyable modes, which can be played both on and offline with up to four players is called Salmon mode. Here you shoot down the fish-like Salmonids and steal their power eggs. If all four of your team gets taken out without being able to revive each over, or you don’t get enough power eggs, you’ll lose the round. It’s an endlessly fun, inky time for everyone.
5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Maximum players: 8
Multiplayer type: Local and online
Are you ready to have a smashing time? Yes, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate truly shines when you’re playing it with friends. With a frankly massive roster of characters with different powers to choose from, and a whole host of different stages, you’ll be spoilt for choice as you battle it out to victory. The aptly named Ultimate has brought the long-running series back and really refined the fighting and modes on offer to make it the best entry in the series yet. It also has a huge library of music from many different franchises you’ll know and love which you can fight to. For those who don’t know, Nintendo’s beat ‘em up sees you and up to seven other players fight it out to send their opponents flying off the stage. The health is made up of a percentage which continues to increase as you take damage. Whoever is the last one standing wins. It’ll certainly bring out your competitive side.
4. Super Mario Party
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local co-op
Before multiplayer video games even existed, board games were always a great way to bring everyone together. So, it makes sense that Mario Party – which is essentially a Mario-themed board game – is the perfect the choice for anyone who loves a tabletop number. Comprised of several different boards, you roll a dice and take turns moving around the spaces to try and reach the star on the board. Who ever gets their hands on the most stars wins. With 80 wonderfully entertaining mini games to compete in, the variety on offer makes each and every round exciting. Outside of the main party mode, there are several other modes to try, with plenty of room to work together to unlock new features and playable characters. Partner Party mode lets you work in teams of two to try and gain more stars than the other team you’re playing.
3. Overcooked 2
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local and online co-op
Looking for a tasty treat for you and friends to tuck into? Overcooked 2’s Onion Kingdom is just what you ordered. The madcap co-op cooking delight sees you and up to 4 players don chef hats and try to cook as many orders as you can within the time limit. The more meals you successfully prepare, the higher your rating will be. There are six different kitchen locations to try out, and every single level presents varying challenges. With everything from cooking on a water raft, to washing dishes on a hot air balloon, there’s all kinds of wacky set ups to get through. Kitchen surfaces will shift around to block your path, and floors can even collapse right under your feet. Oh, no! Fast-paced and stuffed full of fun, the endearing food-filled fest will keep you coming back for a second helping.
2. Snipperclips
Maximum players: 4
Multiplayer type: Local co-op
A perfect one for some couch co-op action, Snipperclips pushes you and your friends to use your imaginations and work together to solve lots of different papery puzzles. Snip and Clip are the two cute little papery heroes you have to cut and shape to overcome all sorts of different obstacles. Party mode lets up to 4 players team up to try and solve all the puzzles that unfold. Creative and quite tricky, it really does push you to put your heads together to cut and snip your way to victory. From trying to move a pencil across a level to get in the pencil sharpener, to working as a team to successfully dunk a basketball through a hoop, there’s no end of colourful, inventive puzzles to conquer. You can seize the chance to prove once and for all that your team is a cut above the rest.
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Maximum players: 8
Multiplayer type: Local and online
Get your racing gloves and have your trophy polish on standby as you take to the roads and race against your friends in the endlessly fun Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While many a relationship has been tested in the seat of a Mario Kart, the deluxe version on Switch is the ultimate way to fuel your competitive side and show off your drifting skills on any one of the 48 tracks on offer. You can take on a tournament or go head to head in battle mode with up to 8 players. There’s also a huge library of different beloved characters to choose from, as well as a vast selection of different vehicle types, tires, and parachutes to choose from. Once everyone’s crossed the finish line, it’ll also play back the entire race so you can relive everyone’s slick drifting moves or painful red-shell hits. You and your friends will find yourselves saying “just once more race” more times than you might think.
For more fantastic games to play on Nintendo’s latest console, check out our pick of the best Switch games and a list of the best Switch exclusives.
