Hardest Online Multiplayer Games

Key Takeaways

Some of the hardest multiplayer games, like Call of Duty: Warzone, offer complex environments and challenges.
Overcooked 2 emphasizes teamwork with new levels, obstacles, and advanced difficulty.
Club Penguin, though shut down in 2017, required dedication and purchases for a challenging MMO experience.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that these three games are not for the faint-hearted. Each one requires a unique set of skills and strategies to master.

Interacting with friends or even new acquaintances should offer an enjoyable experience. After all, what use are video games if they don’t bring joy? For some, the thrill of a difficult game is the most exciting aspect of any gaming session, regardless of opportunities to purchase upgrades, level-ups, or loot boxes to simplify things.

Mastering games such as “Call of Duty: Warzone,” with its swift-moving settings, or dealing with scripting problems in “Madden” Ultimate Team mode, or figuring out strategies in “Dota 2,” can prove to be quite challenging. These are some multiplayer games that might have you feeling like smashing your controller.

The difficulty level of a game is always a matter of opinion, with the controversy raging about “story mode” and other opportunities to turn down the difficulty level of certain games, but these are some of the hardest multiplayer games to learn and master.

21 Club Penguin

Requires Organization And Dedication

Developer: New Horizon Interactive, RocketSnail Games, Disney Interactive Studios
Platforms: Online
Type of Multiplayer: Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)
Launch Date: October 24, 2005

Back in the day, I found myself taking on the role of a virtual penguin in Disney’s Club Penguin, and let me tell you, it wasn’t always a walk in the snow for beginners like me. Despite being marketed towards kids, this massive-multiplayer game demanded a fair share of dedication to upgrade my humble igloo into a grand penguin palace – a place I could call home amidst all the icy tundra.

At present, it’s important to note that Club Penguin was closed in 2017. Some enthusiasts have recreated the game on different platforms, but many of these replicas have been removed due to DMCA notices. However, a revamped version called New Club Penguin, developed by fans, seems to still be active.

20 Overcooked 2

Focused On Teamwork And Kitchen Design

Developer: Team17, Ghost Town Games
Platforms: Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Windows, Xbox One and Series X/S, Google Stadia
Type of Multiplayer: Simulation
Launch Date: August 7, 2018

Originally, Overcooked offered both solo and multiplayer options, and its widespread appeal led to a follow-up that amplifies the teamwork aspect and design quality. The second installment introduced captivating new environments and seamless level transitions, yet it can be challenging for novice players.

In more challenging stages, Overcooked 2 stands out as one of the toughest multiplayer games due to its increased number of hurdles and difficulties for players to conquer cooperatively. Players can team up with friends to form a group or utilize an online matching system to find other teams.

19 Apex Legends

Battle Royale With Intense Teamwork and Planning

Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One and Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Android, iOS
Type of Multiplayer: Battle Royale, First-person Hero Shooter
Launch Date: February 4, 2019

Any First-Person Shooter (FPS) game involves cooperation and strategic thinking, making it more challenging given its multiplayer, online, and role-playing nature. At its inception, the game primarily catered to teams of three players, but later on, single-player and two-player modes were also incorporated.

The primary allure lies in the battle-royale setting, blended with aspects from genres like fantasy, science fiction, and more, making it enticing for gaming groups seeking interaction, character creation, and something fresh. Other perks include its free-to-play nature, offering a range of microtransactions, plus the convenience of cross-platform compatibility.

18 TemTem

A High Learning Curve In A Complex Setting

Developer: Crema
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Type of Multiplayer: MMORPG
Launch Date: September 6, 2022

TemTem, which bears a resemblance to Pokemon due to its inspiration from the popular game, was actually created and crafted by the Spanish company, Crema, specifically for the PlayStation 5. What distinguishes Temtem is its steeper learning curve, making it a more suitable choice for adults or those with prior experience in the fighting pet genre.

In this game, you’ll find yourself in an MMORPG genre where you traverse a vast world, breeding and nurturing magical creatures for combat purposes. You’ll engage in battles against both non-player characters (NPCs) and other players. This intricate and imaginative MMO takes place in the Airborne Archipelago, a collection of unique islands that serve as your gaming environment.

17 Madden NFL 23

Regular And Competitive Versions

Developer: EA Tiburon
Platforms: PlayStation 4 and 5, Windows, Xbox One and Series X/S
Type of Multiplayer: Sports Multiplayer
Launch Date: August 19, 2022

Similar to previous titles in the series, Madden NFL 23 offers both single and multiplayer options. However, this version stands out with several enhancements to gameplay mechanics, such as more efficient trading and free agency options. Additionally, it boasts cosmetic upgrades like refined stadium details and smoother animations during on-field action scenes.

This setup significantly simplified the gameplay experience, yet it posed a greater challenge when it came to perfecting one’s skills. With this latest release, a new Field Pass system was incorporated, catering specifically to hardcore players who wish to devote additional time to the multiplayer aspect.

16 Call Of Duty: Warzone

Complex Controls That Originated With A Console-Friendly Design

Developer: Raven Software, Infinity Ward
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One
Type of Multiplayer: Battle Royale, FPS
Launch Date: March 10, 2020

In the advanced stages of the challenging multiplayer game known as “Call of Duty: Warzone”, it may prove overwhelming for novice players due to its intricate mechanics and extensive features, such as its fifth season’s advanced controls and personalization options that keep players engaged.

In most games, highly skilled players often invest substantial amounts of their own money to enhance their in-game characters, which can make it tough for newcomers to keep up. Additionally, using a DualShock 4 controller to aim and shoot is generally more challenging compared to using a gaming mouse. To address this challenge, the only viable solution is connecting an external mouse to the console.

15 League Of Legends

An RTS Game With An Isometric Layout

Developer: Riot Games
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
Type of Multiplayer: Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
Launch Date: October 27, 2009

League of Legends is a multiplayer video game, however, unlike most Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games, it emphasizes gameplay over an expansive, explorable world. The level of challenge in this game can vary greatly based on a player’s familiarity with real-time strategy games or games featuring an isometric perspective.

The game appears reminiscent of Warcraft 3 to those who played it in the past, and this isn’t by chance. Its design is influenced by a custom map from the popular game, Defense of the Ancients. Players can select and construct hero characters that are inspired by well-known figures from the Warcraft mythos.

14 Elder Scrolls Online

An RPG System With Virtually Limitless Build Options

Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios
Platforms: Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S
Type of Multiplayer: MMORPG
Launch Date: April 4, 2014

In the realm of gaming, I find myself immersed in the expansive universe of The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), a digital domain that echoes the grandeur of tabletop games like Harnmaster, rather than the traditional Dungeons & Dragons. This implies that as a player, I have the freedom to wield magic, any weapon, and don armor without restrictions. It might not be a complex multiplayer game at its core, but it certainly has the capacity to be, making it an attractive choice for many of us gamers.

Regardless of your skill level or personal taste, there’s a character build that suits everyone within this game, allowing you to create a character or even a guild, assemble a group, and embark on an exciting journey across the land of Tamriel.

13 Slither.io

Simple But Complex And Very Competitive

Developer: Steve Howse
Platforms: Browser, iOS, Android
Type of Multiplayer: Casual Multiplayer
Launch Date: March 25, 2016

Slither.io is a game that can be played on browsers or smartphones, similar to the old ‘Snake’ arcade games. However, despite its simplicity, don’t let that fool you as players often become quite invested in this game. It requires a significant amount of time and skill to consume all the pellets and achieve the highest score possible, especially if a player encounters another snake larger than themselves.

Ever since it dropped, I’ve been hooked on Slither.io! It’s primarily gained its massive following thanks to popular Let’s Play YouTubers like PewDiePie. The game’s simple to pick up but hard to truly conquer, and once you start playing, it’s tough to stop.

12 PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

A Savage Battle Royale With Little Or No Safe Space

Developer: PUBG Studios
Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS, Xbox One and Series X/S, Stadia, PlayStation 4 and 5
Type of Multiplayer: Battle Royale
Launch Date: December 20, 2017

Enjoying the game, now known as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), on mobile can be entertaining, but its PlayStation 4 version offers an entirely different experience. For a novice, PUBG is like being thrown into a battlefield with a group of strangers; it’s a daunting experience. There’s a high probability that players either parachute into a well-known area and encounter more skilled opponents multiple times over or find themselves overwhelmed by the shrinking safe zone.

Additionally, microtransactions have significantly impacted the gaming experience for fans, particularly in games like FIFA and Madden NFL’s Ultimate Team mode. In these instances, it becomes challenging to progress within the game without investing a substantial amount of time or money.

11 New World

A Survivalist MMO With Brutal PvP Combat

Developer: Amazon Games Orange Count
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Type of Multiplayer: MMORPG
Launch Date: September 28, 2021

In the game named New World, you’re immediately plunged into action with minimal guidance or lessons provided. This design choice reflects the game’s survivalist theme where players must learn how to battle and endure in the wilderness, or perish. What makes it more challenging is that there are no predefined classes, and creating one from scratch can be intricate, particularly for those new to this type of game.

In the virtual world of Aeternum, an expansive island continent, lies a landscape brimming with diverse locales for solo or collaborative exploration by gamers. Cooperative pursuits encompass player-versus-player challenges, expeditions, and colossal creatures roaming the land that demand group effort to defeat.

10 Sea Of Thieves

Marine Combat, Tactical Planning, And A Steep Learning Curve

Developer: Rare
Platforms: Windows, Xbox One and Series X/S
Type of Multiplayer: Action-adventure
Launch Date: March 20, 2018

For individuals seeking a break from tactical shooters, medieval fantasies, or sports games, there’s the thrilling high seas adventure game, Sea of Thieves. Few games offer ship combat, and those that do often fall short in details and features. However, Sea of Thieves stands out by delivering an exceptional ship combat experience. Moreover, players can choose to embark on this journey solo or invite a friend along, or even team up with a whole crew of seasoned seafarers.

The game shares characteristics with other MMOs known for their challenging learning phases, like EVE Online. Despite this, there’s plenty for players who favor customizing ships and characters rather than focusing on combat. However, it seems that the majority of updates are geared towards enhancing the combat aspect of the game, making it an optional feature when needed.

9 Quake Champions

A Complicated FPS For Adults

Developer: id Software, Saber Interactive St. Petersburg
Platforms: Windows
Type of Multiplayer: First-person shooter
Launch Date: August 18, 2022

Initially unveiled at the 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo, Quake: Champions sparked enthusiasm among gamers when its initial release took place in 2017. However, they had to exercise patience until 2022 for the complete version of the game to finally become available.

The original “Quake” game was primarily developed with adult gamers in mind, and the first-person shooter (FPS) version maintains this level of complexity. It’s a swift, intricate game featuring numerous playable characters and various customizable abilities for multiple build options. This richness might be intimidating or overpowering to novice or inexperienced players.

8 Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege

A Lot To Learn And Precision Teamwork

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Platforms: PlayStation 4 and 5, Windows, Xbox One and Series X/S, Google Stadia
Type of Multiplayer: Tactical Shooter
Launch Date: December 1, 2015

Mastering the online mode of Rainbow Six Siege requires a significant amount of effort due to the need to grasp numerous aspects simultaneously. Given that it’s a team-oriented game, those who struggle with collaboration often find it challenging. The unpredictable nature of multiplayer lobbies adds to the difficulty, but the sense of accomplishment upon mastery is substantial.

In a standard setup, teams consist of four members, but additional downloadable content (DLC) offers flexibility in team sizes. Furthermore, it’s important to note that players can unfortunately meet their demise not just at the hands of opponents, but also at the hands of their fellow teammates, adding an unexpected challenge to this multiplayer game.

7 Counter-Strike

The Original Tactical FPS

Developer: Valve
Platforms: Windows, Xbox, OS X, Linux
Type of Multiplayer: Tactical FPS
Launch Date: November 9, 2000

Leaving out this classic FPS game from a list would be like forgetting the most iconic piece in a collection. Countless gamers have devoted well over 100 hours to perfecting their skills on its diverse maps and weaponry, only then taking on the ultimate test: competing against other players. The title I’m referring to is the original game in the Counter-Strike series.

As time goes on, the challenge of acquiring titles becomes more daunting due to most Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players being seasoned veterans. This difficulty in turn causes a steep learning curve for newcomers in an already challenging multiplayer environment.

6 Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes

A Virtual Escape Room Consisting Of Puzzles And Teamwork

Developer: Steel Crate Games
Platforms: Android, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 4, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Type of Multiplayer: Puzzle Multiplayer
Launch Date: October 8, 2015

Occasionally, gamers and their companions might prefer challenges based on puzzles or trivia over first-person shooter (FPS) or role-playing games (RPG). In such cases, a game like Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes can be an ideal fit. This game resembles a virtual escape room, except the puzzle at hand is defusing a bomb. The unique aspect is that only one player can view the bomb, while others must rely on their communication skills and quick thinking to provide necessary instructions for its safe disarmament.

In this game, everyone must engage their problem-solving and attentiveness, listen carefully, and follow instructions. This emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and keen observation for success. One appealing aspect of this game is its cross-platform compatibility; it can be played on Android devices, among others, with no need for sophisticated software to enjoy it.

5 Escape From Tarkov

An Unforgiving Old-School FPS

Developer: Battlestate Games
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Type of Multiplayer: FPS
Launch Date: July 27, 2017

Escape From Tarkov is designed in the traditional style of a hard-edged, uncompromising first-person shooter. It follows rules reminiscent of those found in classic MMORPGs, such as forfeiting all gathered loot and accumulated wealth upon character death.

The scenario takes place in the urban landscape of Tarkov, located within an imaginary area known as Norvinsk, which at present is under siege by two non-governmental military forces. The objective involves exiting the city with the maximum amount of goods, firearms, or other valuable items. Despite not having a completed version available, it has already garnered favorable responses during its development phase, with beta testing starting in 2017.

4 Dota 2

A Rewarding But Complicated RTS Game

Developer: Valve
Platforms: Windows, Linux, OS X
Type of Multiplayer: MOBA
Launch Date: July 9, 2013

Dota 2 may not be as challenging as EVE Online or StarCraft 2 in terms of complexity, but mastering it takes time to reach an average level of play due to its intricate strategy elements. With over a hundred characters, each with unique weaknesses, combinations, playing styles, and specialties, understanding the game can prove difficult.

Beyond that point, it’s worth noting that Dota 2 is a cooperative game, meaning success largely depends on strong team dynamics among players. It’s impossible for one player to secure victory single-handedly in this game.

3 StarCraft 2

Attention To Detail And High Micromanagement

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
Type of Multiplayer: Real-time Strategy (RTS)
Launch Date: July 27, 2010

StarCraft 2 is a type of game that demands exceptional focus on intricate details and superior management abilities. The rapid tempo necessitates constant alertness, quick switching between objectives, and ultimately controlling the game map.

Essentially, StarCraft 2 is designed for dedicated gamers with a competitive spirit. While it’s undeniably challenging, mastering its intricacies can lead to an incredibly fulfilling gaming experience.

2 Hunt: Showdown

A Lightning-Paced Survivalist FPS

Developer: Crytek
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S
Type of Multiplayer: FPS
Launch Date: August 27, 2019

The game falls into the category of a multiplayer first-person shooter, and it offers multiplayer functionality across all its modes. Opt for “Bounty Hunt” if you’d like to experience the game’s primary narrative. In this mode, a group of players collaborate to capture bounties on powerful bosses while employing their survival tactics to traverse a treacherous and unforgiving landscape.

Victory in Hunt: Showdown is achieved by enduring long enough to reach the extraction zone while also vanquishing foes and amassing rewards. The quick battle royale mode, referred to as Quickplay, lasts for just 15 minutes as its title suggests.

2024-09-26 03:55