Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Quick answer: For most people in 2026, the best multiplayer ps5 games list is the It Takes Two — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
Best Multiplayer PS5 Games List: Top Co-op & Online Picks
The best multiplayer PS5 games depend on how you want to play: choose It Takes Two or Split Fiction for two-player co-op, Helldivers 2 for squad action, Rocket League for free-to-play competition, and Fortnite or Minecraft when cross-play and playing with friends on other systems matter most.
Use the table to narrow the choice by group size, genre, and cross-play. Player counts below are the usual party or team size for the listed mode, not necessarily the maximum number of people who can be online in the whole game.
| Game | Best fit | Players together | Genre | Cross-play note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| It Takes Two | Two friends or a couple | 2 | Co-op platform adventure | No broad cross-platform play; Friend’s Pass supports inviting a second player on compatible platforms |
| Split Fiction | Two players who want varied co-op challenges | 2 | Co-op action-adventure | Cross-play is supported |
| Helldivers 2 | A coordinated squad | Up to 4 | Co-op shooter | Cross-play between PS5 and PC |
| Overcooked! All You Can Eat | Local party or chaotic family night | Up to 4 locally; online play supports larger groups | Co-op cooking party game | Cross-platform online play is supported |
| Rocket League | Quick competitive matches | Up to 4 per team | Competitive car soccer | Cross-play across major platforms |
| Fortnite | A mixed-platform group with varied tastes | Usually up to 4 in a squad | Battle royale and other modes | Cross-play supported across platforms |
| Minecraft | Creative building or relaxed survival | Up to 4 split-screen on PS5; online limits depend on edition and setup | Sandbox survival | Bedrock cross-play with compatible platforms |
| Gran Turismo 7 | Friends who prefer racing | Up to 20 in supported online races | Simulation racing | Online competition is between PlayStation consoles |
Best PS5 co-op games for playing together
It Takes Two: best for exactly two players
This story-driven adventure is built around two people solving platforming and puzzle challenges together. Its constantly changing abilities make it a strong pick when both players want to participate rather than have one person lead. It is not a drop-in game for a larger group, and it does not offer broad cross-play, so check that both players can access a compatible version before choosing it.
Split Fiction: best for co-op variety
Split Fiction is another two-player adventure, with its co-op design centered on two protagonists and changing gameplay ideas. Pick it over a shooter if your group wants a shared campaign with different kinds of challenges. Cross-play makes it a practical option when one friend is on PlayStation 5 and the other is on a supported platform.
Helldivers 2: best for a four-player squad
For a group that wants coordinated missions, friendly-fire mishaps, and repeatable action, Helldivers 2 is a natural fit. It supports squads of up to four and cross-play between PS5 and PC. It is less suitable if your group wants a quiet, story-first experience: missions reward communication, and the hectic combat can be demanding for newcomers.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat: best local party co-op
Overcooked turns cooking into a cooperative time-management challenge. Players divide tasks, pass ingredients, and try to keep orders moving as kitchens become increasingly awkward. It is easy to understand but can get frantic, making it a better party choice than a relaxed game for players who dislike timers. Local multiplayer is convenient when everyone is in the same room; online play is available too.
Best competitive PS5 multiplayer picks
Rocket League: best quick-match competition
Rocket League combines football-style scoring with rocket-powered cars. Matches are short, the basic goal is immediately clear, and players can choose casual games before committing to ranked competition. Cross-play helps friends on different platforms meet up. Its skill ceiling is high, though, so a new player may need practice before close matches feel balanced.
Fortnite: best all-purpose online hangout
Fortnite is a flexible pick for groups that cannot agree on one genre. Its familiar battle royale mode is only part of the appeal; the game also offers other experiences and creative islands. Cross-play makes it easy to form a party across supported platforms. Because modes and events change, check the current in-game options if you are choosing it for a specific style of play.
Gran Turismo 7: best for racing fans
Gran Turismo 7 suits players who care about cars, circuits, and improving lap times. Its online races can accommodate large fields, but it is a more focused choice than Fortnite or Rocket League: everyone should be interested in racing, and online competition is within the PlayStation ecosystem. It is a better fit for a planned race night than a casual mixed-genre group.
Best PS5 multiplayer games for cross-play
If friends own different systems, check cross-play before buying. “Online multiplayer” does not automatically mean a PS5 player can join someone on PC or Xbox. Fortnite, Rocket League, and Minecraft’s Bedrock edition are useful cross-platform choices; Helldivers 2 connects PS5 and PC players, while Split Fiction supports cross-play. Cross-play availability can vary by game mode, platform, and account settings.
- Choose Fortnite if your group wants several types of online activity in one game.
- Choose Rocket League if you want short, competitive matches with a clear objective.
- Choose Minecraft if the group would rather build, explore, or play at its own pace.
- Choose Helldivers 2 if your cross-platform group is specifically looking for cooperative shooting.
Choose by group size and play style
| Your situation | Good starting pick | Why it fits | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two people sharing a couch | It Takes Two or Split Fiction | Both are designed around two-player cooperation | Whether you want local play, online play, or both |
| Three or four friends online | Helldivers 2 or Fortnite | Supports squad-based play | Cross-play platform compatibility and voice chat preferences |
| Family or mixed-age group | Minecraft or Overcooked! All You Can Eat | Creative building or simple cooperative tasks | Online safety settings, mode choice, and tolerance for time pressure |
| Players on different systems | Fortnite, Rocket League, or Minecraft | Cross-play helps bring mixed-platform groups together | Use compatible editions and confirm cross-play is enabled |
| Friends who like close competition | Rocket League or Gran Turismo 7 | Skill-based matches and racing give players a clear goal | Whether beginners want casual play or a steeper learning curve |
Before you buy: three practical checks
- Local versus online: A game can support online multiplayer without offering split-screen. If everyone will share one PS5, confirm the local player count for the exact mode.
- Subscriptions and accounts: Online play may require a PlayStation Plus membership, depending on the game and mode. Free-to-play games generally have different online-access rules; check current PlayStation requirements before purchasing.
- Edition and platform: Cross-play and cross-progression are not the same thing. Friends may be able to play together without sharing saved progress, and some games require the same edition or compatible accounts.
Quick recommendation: For two-player co-op, start with It Takes Two or Split Fiction. For a four-person cooperative squad, choose Helldivers 2. For a mixed-platform competitive group, try Rocket League; for a more flexible online hangout, choose Fortnite.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the It Takes Two.
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