Ready to dive into the best PS5 multiplayer games of 2023? You've come to the right place! Whether you're a fan of cooperative adventures, competitive showdowns, or just looking for some thrilling online action with your friends, the PlayStation 5 has something incredible to offer. Let’s explore the top titles that will keep you and your buddies glued to your screens this year.

Cooperative Adventures

For those who love teamwork and shared victories, cooperative multiplayer games are where it’s at. These games allow you and your friends to combine your skills, strategize together, and overcome challenges as a united front. The PS5 boasts some fantastic co-op experiences that are perfect for bonding with your gaming squad.

It Takes Two

It Takes Two is a shining example of cooperative game design. This game requires two players and tells the story of a couple on the brink of divorce who are magically turned into dolls. To return to their human forms, they must navigate a series of inventive and heartwarming challenges together. What makes this game stand out is its ingenious level design and constantly evolving gameplay mechanics. Each level introduces new abilities and challenges that demand teamwork and communication.

The narrative depth adds an emotional layer that’s rare in multiplayer games, making each victory feel meaningful. Whether you're soaring through the skies on a pair of underpants or battling a squirrel army, It Takes Two keeps you engaged with its whimsical charm and inventive scenarios. This game isn't just about playing together; it's about experiencing a story together. The variety of gameplay styles, from platforming to puzzle-solving, ensures that there's never a dull moment. Furthermore, the game cleverly incorporates themes of cooperation and understanding into its mechanics, subtly encouraging players to work together effectively. If you're looking for a game that combines fun gameplay with an emotionally resonant story, It Takes Two is an absolute must-play.

Borderlands 3

If you and your friends are craving some looter-shooter action, Borderlands 3 is a must-try. With its over-the-top humor, insane arsenal of weapons, and hordes of enemies, this game offers endless hours of chaotic fun. Up to four players can team up to explore the bizarre and dangerous planets of the Borderlands universe, each with its unique environments and challenges. What sets Borderlands 3 apart is its sheer variety. The game features four distinct Vault Hunters, each with their own skill trees and playstyles, allowing for diverse team compositions. Whether you prefer laying down suppressing fire as Moze, unleashing elemental chaos as Amara, or disappearing into the shadows as Zer0, there's a character to suit every playstyle.

The loot system is another major draw, with millions of procedurally generated weapons to discover. From shotguns that shoot burgers to rifles that talk, the possibilities are endless. The game also offers a robust endgame, with challenging raids and repeatable quests to keep you coming back for more. Borderlands 3 doesn't take itself too seriously, and its irreverent humor is a big part of its charm. Expect plenty of fourth-wall-breaking jokes and absurd situations. If you and your friends are looking for a game that's easy to pick up and play, but offers plenty of depth and replayability, Borderlands 3 is an excellent choice. Its combination of addictive gameplay, over-the-top action, and hilarious writing makes it a standout in the looter-shooter genre.

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands

Speaking of Borderlands, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands takes the chaotic fun of Borderlands 3 and mashes it up with a tabletop RPG setting. Created by the unpredictable Tiny Tina, this game features a fantastical world filled with dragons, goblins, and other mythical creatures. Players can create their own characters and embark on a quest to defeat the Dragon Lord, all while dealing with Tina's constantly changing rules and whims. What makes Tiny Tina's Wonderlands so unique is its blend of first-person shooting and tabletop RPG elements. Players roll dice to determine the outcome of certain actions, and Tina can change the game world on the fly, leading to unpredictable and hilarious situations. The game also features a robust character customization system, allowing players to create unique builds with a mix of classes and skills.

The humor is as over-the-top as ever, with plenty of meta-jokes and references to tabletop gaming culture. The environments are also incredibly varied, ranging from lush forests to spooky castles to candy-themed kingdoms. If you're looking for a co-op game that's both fun and irreverent, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is a great choice. Its unique blend of genres and unpredictable gameplay makes it a standout in the co-op space. It's a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's part of its charm.

Competitive Showdowns

For those who thrive on competition, the PS5 offers a variety of multiplayer games that will test your skills and strategic thinking. These games pit you against other players in intense battles, requiring you to master your reflexes, coordinate with your team, and outsmart your opponents.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

The Call of Duty franchise has long been a staple of the competitive gaming scene, and Modern Warfare II continues that tradition with its fast-paced action and intense firefights. With a variety of multiplayer modes, maps, and weapons, this game offers endless opportunities for players to hone their skills and climb the ranks. What sets Modern Warfare II apart is its attention to detail and realistic gunplay. The weapons feel weighty and powerful, and the maps are designed to encourage strategic movement and tactical decision-making. The game also features a robust customization system, allowing players to tailor their loadouts to their preferred playstyles.

The multiplayer modes range from classic team deathmatch to objective-based modes like Domination and Search and Destroy. The game also features a variety of challenges and progression systems to keep players engaged. Whether you're a seasoned Call of Duty veteran or a newcomer to the franchise, Modern Warfare II has something to offer. Its combination of intense action, strategic gameplay, and deep customization makes it a standout in the competitive shooter genre. The cross-platform play also ensures that you can play with your friends no matter what platform they're on.

Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 is a team-based hero shooter that emphasizes coordination, strategy, and individual skill. Players choose from a diverse roster of heroes, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, and work together to complete objectives and defeat the opposing team. What makes Overwatch 2 so compelling is its depth and variety. The game features a constantly evolving meta, with new heroes, maps, and balance changes being added regularly. The heroes are also incredibly diverse, ranging from tanky protectors to agile damage dealers to supportive healers.

The game requires teamwork and communication to succeed, and players must coordinate their abilities and strategies to overcome their opponents. Overwatch 2 is a game that rewards skill and practice, and players who invest the time to master its intricacies will find a deeply rewarding experience. The game also features a vibrant esports scene, with professional teams competing in tournaments around the world. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive gamer, Overwatch 2 has something to offer. Its combination of engaging gameplay, diverse heroes, and strategic depth makes it a standout in the hero shooter genre.

Guilty Gear Strive

For fighting game enthusiasts, Guilty Gear Strive is a must-play. With its stunning visuals, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a rocking soundtrack, this game offers a fresh and exciting take on the genre. Players choose from a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique movesets and playstyles, and battle it out in intense, anime-inspired duels. What sets Guilty Gear Strive apart is its emphasis on offense and aggression. The game encourages players to take risks and push the pace, rewarding them with powerful combos and devastating special moves.

The Roman Cancel mechanic allows players to interrupt their own attacks and extend their combos, leading to creative and unpredictable gameplay. The game also features a robust online mode with rollback netcode, ensuring smooth and responsive matches even with players from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned fighting game veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Guilty Gear Strive has something to offer. Its combination of stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and a rocking soundtrack makes it a standout in the fighting game space. The game is easy to pick up but difficult to master, and players who invest the time to learn its intricacies will find a deeply rewarding experience.

Thrilling Online Action

Sometimes, you just want to jump into a game and experience some thrilling online action without too much complexity. The PS5 has plenty of games that offer exactly that, providing fast-paced and engaging experiences that are perfect for short bursts of play or long gaming sessions.

Fortnite

Fortnite remains a dominant force in the online gaming world, and for good reason. With its constantly evolving gameplay, vibrant community, and accessible mechanics, this game offers endless hours of fun and excitement. Players parachute onto an island and battle it out to be the last one standing, scavenging for weapons, building fortifications, and outsmarting their opponents. What makes Fortnite so popular is its accessibility. The game is easy to pick up and play, but offers plenty of depth and strategy for those who want to master its intricacies.

The building mechanic allows players to create structures on the fly, providing cover, vantage points, and strategic advantages. The game also features a constantly rotating selection of weapons, items, and challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. Fortnite is more than just a game; it's a social platform where players can connect with friends, express themselves through customization options, and participate in live events. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive gamer, Fortnite has something to offer. Its combination of accessible gameplay, strategic depth, and vibrant community makes it a standout in the battle royale genre.

Apex Legends

Apex Legends is another popular battle royale game that emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and individual skill. Players choose from a diverse roster of Legends, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, and work together to be the last squad standing. What sets Apex Legends apart is its focus on communication and coordination. The game features a ping system that allows players to quickly and easily communicate with their teammates, even without voice chat.

The Legends are also incredibly diverse, ranging from offensive powerhouses to defensive specialists to supportive healers. The game requires players to work together and coordinate their abilities to succeed. Apex Legends is a game that rewards skill and practice, and players who invest the time to master its intricacies will find a deeply rewarding experience. The game also features a constantly evolving meta, with new Legends, weapons, and maps being added regularly. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive gamer, Apex Legends has something to offer. Its combination of engaging gameplay, diverse Legends, and strategic depth makes it a standout in the battle royale genre.

Rocket League

Rocket League is a unique and addictive sports game that combines soccer with rocket-powered cars. Players control cars that can jump, boost, and flip, and use them to knock a giant ball into the opposing team's goal. What makes Rocket League so compelling is its simplicity and depth. The game is easy to pick up and play, but offers plenty of room for skill and mastery.

The physics-based gameplay allows for creative and unpredictable moments, with players pulling off aerial shots, acrobatic saves, and impossible goals. The game also features a robust online mode with ranked and unranked matches, as well as tournaments and special events. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive gamer, Rocket League has something to offer. Its combination of simple gameplay, strategic depth, and physics-based fun makes it a standout in the sports game genre.

These are just a few of the best PS5 multiplayer games you can enjoy in 2023. Each game offers a unique experience, so gather your friends, pick your favorites, and get ready for countless hours of fun and excitement!