Summary
The modern rush of day-to-day life can make it difficult for families to spend time together.
Everyone is busy with work, school, sports, band practice, and other responsibilities.
But parents, kids, and siblings need to set aside time to spend with their loved ones.
Looking to get cozy and share an adventure with a friend?
Here are our picks for the best of the best local multiplayer games of the year!
One idea is to schedule a family game night.
Traditionally, a game night would revolve around tabletop games.
While some games contain violence and adult themes, none of those are listed below.
Instead, these hand-picked titles are wholesome and perfect for kids and parents to play together.
Arguably the best released in early 2025 and has been added to this list as a priority.
9Split Fiction
Hazelight Games is back with another brilliant family co-op game.
It’s inventive, varied, funny, and a lot of fun.
The main characters are likable, have good back-and-forth banter, and must save the universe.
Before this spin-off of the series, you would play as Ratchet in a single-player adventure.
But, developers Insomniac created a way for up to four people to play simultaneously with All 4 One.
you’ve got the option to choose from Ratchet, Clank, Captain Quark, and Dr. Nefarious.
Enemies are plentiful and require players to cooperate to succeed.
There are some light puzzles and game mechanics that have everyone working together.
The colorful and cartoony visuals are top-notch, with slick cutscenes and professional voice-overs.
7Portal 2
ThePortal seriesoffers a creative mixture of puzzle-solving and platforming.
The game gives you a portal gun to fire an entrance and exit portal.
You navigate rooms filled with robotic turrets, toxic sludge, and seemingly impossible pathways.
The sequel, Portal 2, takes this concept and adds co-op.
You play as one of two androids trying to escape the treacherous Aperture Science Labs.
You must lift, move, and throw objects, create momentum with portals, and use colorful gel.
When applied to surfaces, this gel grants abilities like bouncing.
The writing is clever and funny, with GlaDos, the villainous robot, commenting throughout.
With Super Mario 3D World, you’re able to play up to 4 players simultaneously.
Bowser is at it again, and you must rescue several Sprixie princesses.
you’re free to choose to play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad.
The isometric top-down view makes it easy for all the characters to be visible on screen.
Don the famous catsuit and use your claws to climb tall ledges and dispatch enemies.
The themed levels and new gameplay mechanics offer variety and keep things interesting.
5Unravel Two
Unravel Two features characters made from yarn called Yarneys.
The wonderfully animated and imaginative side-scroller has you working cooperatively with another player.
The colorful Yarneys attached by thread must overcome obstacles using their bond to their advantage.
For example, you’re able to help each other with your yarn when climbing up or down.
Use your thread to swing, bounce, and more as you explore the changing environments.
The symbolism behind the game is about creating essential bonds along your journey.
The characters physically attached by yarn are a literal interpretation of bonding.
The story about friendship and adventure includes a lot of heart and problem-solving.
The game puts you in control of the cute and expressive Sackboy, a hand-knitted adventurer.
Both side-scrolling and 3D levels combine with colorful storybook visuals and problem-solving.
The best part is that you might play with up to four players via split-screen.
It’s challenging, but all players must work together to overcome the environments and enemies.
The game oozes positivity with crafted graphics that make you feel like you’re back in art class.
Nearly every element in the game looks made from craft supplies and stimulates creativity.
you’re free to wrestle and fight family members in a physics-based environment where the goals vary.
Imagine a virtual game of King of the Hill but with stuffed animals.
it’s possible for you to form teams together or compete against loved ones with various objectives.
The environments and character movements make the game fun and more challenging than you think.
Choose from 12 characters, including cats, dogs, pigs, and even a dinosaur.
2
Ever wonder what it would be like to be a chef in the most overwhelming kitchen imaginable?
The game ramps up the pressure with elements like moving floors, hot air balloons, and portals.
With fun visuals, inspired outfits, and silly restaurants, it’ll make you smile.
Imagine a world with obstacles galore, and you must construct tracks before a train derails.
Cooperation is critical, and the varied terrain keeps things interesting.
The visuals are reminiscent of Minecraft, with a blocky and colorful look.
You’ll also run into strange characters along the way to shake things up.
The unique biomes, day/night cycle, and weather effects increase the challenge.
These are some of the best games for kids looking to fill a long stretch of time.
