Local multiplayer games are a great way for you and your friends to get gaming, without leaving someone watching from the sidelines. There are no split screens in sight with the following games we've found, so squinting at the screen is a thing of the past. Here are our favourite local multiplayer games that you should play at your next get together.
Overcooked
1-4 players, available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PC
This is an amazing game to play with a group of friends. You play as a four person kitchen team, chopping ingredients, preparing meals and sending them out to hungry diners. Simple premise yes, but incredibly difficult to execute when you're constantly getting in each other's way, and dealing with whatever challenges the map throws your way. Gameplay can range between beautiful synchronicity and absolute chaos, but it's incredibly addictive regardless.
That's You
2-5 players, available on Playstation 4
This game really only works in a group of friends that know each other a little too well - don't use it as an icebreaker. It involves everyone taking out their phones, snapping a selfie and then playing a game of 'Who is most likely to...'. For example, 'Who'd order takeout and pretend they cooked it?'. Points are awarded to the players who choose the same person as the answer. There are also drawing challenges, which are hilarious. Really great visuals, a not-too-annoying commentator, and it's pretty social too.
Jackbox 3
2-8 players, available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC and Mac
Also on Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV
Similarly to the game above, Jackbox 3 is the third (and by far the best) party pack in the Jackbox series. There are five games in this pack, all ideal for playing with a group of people. Fakin' It, the game where you have to identify the liar in the group, and Quiplash, a choose-your-own-answer version of Cards Against Humanity are our favourites. Players will all need their smartphones, but Jackbox can accommodate 8 players at once - perfect for your larger get togethers.
Crawl
1-4 players, available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac and Linux
Crawl is a multiplayer dungeon crawler that is sure to become a favourite of anyone who loved visiting the arcade. One player is the hero, fighting monsters in the dungeon and attempting to reach the final boss. The other players are the monsters themselves, who must attempt to kill the hero so they can take their place. Gather XP and loot along the way, and try to steer clear of your friends so that you're crowned the winner. Crawl is a really unique idea with tons of replayability.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
2+ players, available on Windows (Oculus Rift/HTC Vive optional), OS X, Linux/SteamOS, PlayStation VR, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Go and Daydream
So you know that scene in every action movie where there's a bomb about to go off, and the hero has to disable it before the time runs out? Now you can play that. One person in your team is trapped in the room with the bomb, but doesn't know how to defuse it, and the other players have the instruction manual for defusing the bomb, but can't see the bomb. Work together to prevent an explosion. A new bomb is generated each game, so you can have a second (or third, or fourth) attempt if it all gets a bit stressful. You need a VR headset to play!
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