35+ Android & iOS Cross-Platform Multiplayer Games Richard Moss on September 12th 2013. So you vow to keep an eye out for some great games — new or old — that will let you play with your iOS-loving friends. Web, PC/Mac, and mobile multiplayer, and impressive touch controls. The 3060 update removed support for custom controls.
Android gaming has been steadily getting better. Before, we had simple puzzle games and we could invite our Facebook contacts to be our friends in games. Multiplayer games used to mean just leaderboards. There are now a ton of games that support actual multiplayer play, including real time co-op or PvP. In fact, most games these days have some sort of multiplayer element in it. If you’re looking for something to play with your friends, here are the best Android multiplayer games!
Those looking for some! AdventureQuest 3D is one of the newer multiplayer games on mobile. It's an MMORPG.
It features most of the stuff that you'd expect. There are tons of quests to do, various classes, raid bosses, dungeons, and there is even some crafting.
What makes this one stand out is that it has complete cross-platform support. You can play it on mobile or on PC if you prefer. There are chats, raids, and even PvP that you can play with other people. There have been a few hiccups since its release. However, it's a solid option overall. Arena of Valor is one of the newer MOBAs on mobile. You choose a hero and join a party with other people.
You then duke it out in five versus five battles until a victory is announced. The game features 40 heroes, ten minute matches, team play with friends, and more. There are also three versus three and one versus one game modes as well. Like some other MOBAs, the game is entirely free. The in-app purchases are usually for optional content and don't affect game play. This is right up there with Vainglory as the best of the MOBA genre on mobile. Gameloft's Asphalt series has some of the most popular multiplayer games out there.
They're also among the best racing games. Asphalt Xtreme is the latest game in the series.
You drive off-road vehicles over a variety of different courses. It features over 50 vehicles to race with. Additionally, it comes with real-time multiplayer, tons of tracks, vehicle customizations, and more. It also boasts over 300 career events, 1100 challenges, and a plethora of limited time events that change every week. The menus in Asphalt games are generally pretty bad, but the actual game play mechanics are good. Critical Ops is a first person shooter. The premise is fairly traditional.
There is a bunch of terrorist threats. Your job is to wipe them out. Alternatively, you can play as the terrorists and wreak as much havoc as possible. It features multiplayer combat similar to other FPS games. However, unlike them, this game has no in-app purchases that can affect game play. You can buy customizations for your gear and character and that's it. It's one of the better multiplayer games for those who just want to compete with skill.
Modern Combat 5 is an older online multiplayer shooter, but it's also really good if Critical Ops just isn't doing it for you. Crossy Road is an arcade platformer. Your goal is to cross various roads and streams without dying. Your goal is to make it as long as possible. It features a variety of playable characters and a local multiplayer mode. You and your friends can connect to a WiFi network and then play together in a created game. It supports two to four players.
It's not the most robust multiplayer ever. However, it is family friendly and a fun way to kill some time. It's definitely one of the better local multiplayer games. There is also a Disney version with most of the same features.
Minecraft: Pocket Edition is one of the most populars multiplayer games of all time on any platform. You're dropped into a randomly generated world and then you can do pretty much whatever you want. Recent updates also now include cross-platform play with PC and Xbox One. That means you can play with your friends almost anywhere. The game includes two modes: survival and creative. Creative mode doesn't let you die for any reason.
Survival mode spawns bad guys, a food system, and you can die. Those looking for console level quality in a mobile game can't do much better than this. It is actually a PC and console game as well. The game costs $6.99 up front. The in-app purchases are for character skins.
NBA Jam is probably the best sports game available right now with online multiplayer. It offers a clean game that features two-on-two basketball with the rules turned way down. You can shove, steal, and knock your opponents down and the game rewards you for it. The goal is to score the most points like any basketball game. It features local multiplayer, online multiplayer, Android TV support, controller support, and there are no in-app purchases. This is about as good as it gets when it comes to multiplayer games with sports. NOVA Legacy is the latest game in the NOVA franchise.
It's also the first one in the series that features online multiplayer on release. As a whole, the game comes with a campaign mode, special events, a game mode called Special Ops, and more. The online multiplayer includes death matches, character customizations, and leaderboards. It's still new, so it has room to grow. However, it's already one of the best multiplayer games out right now.
Don't let that 30MB file size fool you, the game takes up far more space than that. It didn't take PUBG Mobile long to climb the ratings board for multiplayer games on mobile. It's popular, fun, and it works pretty well on most modern devices. You drop onto an island with 99 other players. The last person standing wins. You find all sorts of weapons and equipment on the island.
The borders also slowly restrict the size of the playable area. Thus, if you wind up way out in the boonies, the game itself will eventually kill you. This is as good as it gets in the online battle royale FPS experience until Fortnite comes out eventually. Riptide GP: Renegade is probably the best racing game available. The campaign mode is fun and has plenty of events. There is even a story line, multiple wave runners to buy and upgrade, and more. The online multiplayer option is above average.
Up to eight total players can compete in head-to-head match ups. It also supports split-screen multiplayer mode, hardware controllers, and more. There's even a challenge mode where you can compete against the best times of your friends.
It has no in-app purchases to get in the way and we liked that a lot. Supercell developed some of the most popular multiplayer games in recent memory. Their biggest hits include Clash Royale, Clash of Clans, and Boom Beach. Clash of Clans and Boom Beach are strategy games. Players build up bases and armies and fight each other for resources. Clash Royale is a card dueling game similar to Hearthstone.
Each game has tons of active players. That means it's not difficult to find people to play with.
Their latest game is Brawl Stars, a mix between a MOBA and battle royale game. They're not perfect, though, and they change the game balance fairly frequently.
As long as you don't mind that, these games provide decent experiences. Unkilled is a first person shooter where you hunt down zombies. It's a mission-based game with over 150 missions currently available (and growing). You'll also have weapons to collect and upgrade, various bosses to take down, and more.
The online multiplayer mode is a newer addition, but still pretty good. You can fight people in traditional PvP matchmaking. Additionally, you can build an army of zombies and attack the bases of other players.
It's kind of like Kill Shot Virus and Clash of Clans blended together. The mechanics and graphics are far above average as well. Vainglory is arguably the best MOBA on mobile. For those unfamiliar with MOBAs, your goal is to join forces with two other players and try to take the base of the other team.
You'll have a whole battlefield to play with, power ups to obtain, and it does require quite a bit of strategy to succeed. MOBAs are fairly common and popular in the eSports ring and Vainglory is no different.
There are over 30 characters to unlock, a variety of game modes to play, and tons of social elements. Or you can just play with bots if you want to. The decision is yours. Zynga has developed several really good multiplayer games. They include Words With Friends, Draw Something, Chess With Friends, Gems With Friends, Crosswords With Friends, and their latest game, Words With Friends 2. Each game lets you pair with a friend or stranger online in competitive play. They aren't very complex games.
However, they are family friendly, easy to get into, and simple to play. All the games allow you to log into Facebook to find friends more easily. They're not perfect, but they're kid friendly, easy, and fun to play with friends or relatives.
The 25 Best Multiplayer Games for iPhone and iPad We do plenty of mobile gaming on our iDevices. They are always in our pockets or bags and we can conveniently whip it out when we are commuting or just to kill a lunch hour or two with an abundance of quality titles to choose from. It is extremely convenient, allowing friends near and far to play games together at their own pace and convenience. However, these games lack action and immediacy. After all, there is an unspoken kind of satisfaction that comes from beating a friend, and instantly being able to view his reaction.
For that reason, we have put together a list of the best multiplayer games for iOS devices that have stood the test of time. Fruit Ninja HD. The swipe to cut mechanism of Fruit Ninja makes this an extremely easy and dangerous addictive game for you to play head-to-head with your friend without much learning curve. That makes this a great party game that almost anyone can jump in and play.
You can choose to challenge your friend on the same device or with anyone around the world over Game Center with the online game component. Available at: 24. Mirror’s Edge Mirror’s Edge is EA’s take on a 3rd person side scrolling runner game with good graphics and engaging story mode.
The multiplayer component allows you and a friend to compete head-to-head on a single device. The touch control of tap and swipe is simple to learn, responsive, and a ton of fun. Available at: 23.
Worms 2: Armageddon Worms 2: Armageddon is the real deal. Ported from the PC, the iPad version retains the authentic Worms gameplay with cartoon-style visuals, comical audio and improved control system using the innovative touch screen user interface. There are tons of play modes to choose from including single player missions, body count mode to take on endless waves of enemy worms, online mode to take on players from around the world, and our favorite hotseat local multiplayer mode where up to 4 players can play on the same device. Available at: 22. Small World 2 If you like board games like Risk, then you should try Small World 2. It is the sequel to the strategy board game of the year, with better graphics, improved animations, and brand new musical scores. The good news about this new sequel is that now it has support for online play, so you can play with friends and strangers from the world over.
We still like the Pass’n Play mode with up to 5 live opponents on a single device. Available at: 21. Marble Mixer Remember those days where we used to draw a circle in the dirt with a stick to have a game of marble? Well, Marble Mixer is a modern twist on the classic game of marbles. It is a great party game which is fun and easy to learn. There is a party game feature for 1 to 4 players on the same device. Available at: 20.
Monopoly HD EA brings us another classic board game title Monopoly HD for the iPad. Play with your friends on a single device and with the new TableTop mode, it looks similar to playing with a real board on the table with a top-down view. However, there is no online mode, but why would you play Monopoly online anyway.
Available at: 19. Scrabble Scrabble is another great classic game that is good to have around. Connect with friends, play with words, and get a game of Scrabble going with just about anyone.
Apart from the solo mode, there is also a local WiFi multiplayer mode where you can use your iPhone as your tile holders which is pretty cool. Available at: 18.
Tower Madness 2: 3D TD The sequel to the hit tower strategy adventure Tower Madness is here. Protect your beloved sheep as the alien emperor wants to turn them into his sweaters. The addition of a human opponent makes this game a lot more fun than just playing against the AI.
Available at: 17. NBA JAM NBA JAM is fun and is one of the best basketball games for iPhone. With the WiFi multiplayer mode, you can have some good jam session with your friends either during lunch break or when commuting. It certainly brings back those great arcade memories. Available at: 16.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard HD Shadow Vanguard is a first person shooter that emphasizes on team work. Lead the Rainbow team to stop the global terrorist threat through 11 missions across the globe. Join with up to two friends in the cooperation mode to challenge the entire game together or go head-to-head in death match with the best unit leaders in the world. Available at: 15. Starfront: Collision HD Starfront Collision is one of the better looking real-time strategy game on the iOS platform. The gorgeous HD graphics combined with unit building and battle strategy will remind you of Starcraft. That is not a bad thing though as Starcraft is one of the best RTS game on PC.
Available at: 14. 3 – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance N.O.V.A. 3 is the most immersive and impressive sci-fi first person shooter on iOS.
Join 12 player battles in 6 multiplayer modes like Capture the Flag, Free-for-All, and Capture the Point. It has an epic storyline where humanity finally returns to earth after years of exile to fight for mankind’s survival.
Available at: 13. Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour Modern Combat 4 is one of the most acclaimed FPS on iOS. It’s gameplay is more realistic than N.O.V.A. 2 and multiplayer mode supports up to 10-player battles. Progress through the ranks and unlock new weapons as you earn experience.
There are classic modes like classic bomb and bomb diffuse, as well as team battles to choose from. Available at: 12. Clash of Clans Clash of Clans is an addictive mixture of strategic planning and competitive fast-paced combats.
Build your village, train your troops and battle with millions of other players online. The game comes almost exclusively in multiplayer mode as the opponents are always other people playing the game.
You can join together with friends or random person to form the ultimate clan to help out each other and fight against rival clans in the epic Clan Wars. It is a cross platform game thus you will be encountering iOS players as well as Android players. Available at: 11. 2XL ATV Offroad 2XL ATV Offroad is one of the most solid racing game on iOS. The off-road race setting is a great change from the usual road racing game, but the tracks are a little tricky to follow because it is not clear where the race track is going.
Retina display would be great and make the track boundaries a little clearer. Available at: 10. Order & Chaos Online Order & Chaos Online is the mobile version’s take on World of Warcraft.
It is the most complete MMORPG experience on a mobile. Enjoy the thrill of an epic adventure right from your iOS devices. There are multiple classes that level up through a tree with extensive quests for level grinding. Really one of the best MMO out there for portable devices. Available at: 9. Zombies 2 The zombies are back. It’s about time.
Zombies 2 is truly a triumphant return for one of the most popular mobile games for iOS with new game characters, features and game modes designed to keep you hooked for even longer. At first glance, Plants vs. Zombies 2 is not much difference from the first game in the series. But once you are out of tutorial mode, new features are introduced furiously.
Meet new plants that will defend your lawn through time, with the time travel element. Even with in-app purchase, the game plays well without upgrades, and it is not impossible to play without paying. Connect to Game Services to unlock achievements and compete against your friends in the leaderboard.
Available at: 8. GT Racing 2: The Real Car Experience Unlike other throttle based games like Asphalt 8, GT Racing 2: The Real Car Experience from Gameloft is one of the most realistic car racing experiences for iOS. It features super realistic 3D renditions of 71 actual licensed cars on 13 tracks, as well as different time of the day and weather conditions as you test your skills.
In multiplayer mode, challenge your friends or with real players from all over the world over internet. It is a true-to-life automotive journey offering unprecedented level of driving enjoyment whether you are playing solo or multiplayer. Available at: 7. Battle Monkeys This is an awesome 3D multiplayer game where you control an army of monkey warriors to fight against other contestants. More than 4 players can play this game at once and battle against other players from around the world. Level up and rise through the battle ranks or challenge your friend to a battle. Available at: 6.
Anomaly 2 If you like tower defense, you will like Anomaly 2. Unlike the normal tower defense where you have to protect your base, this game is in reverse, where you need to destroy the alien towers. Anomaly 2 is a sequel to the critically acclaimed Anomaly Warzone Earth. Anomaly 2 has a very interesting unique multiplayer feature, the dynamic tower defense vs tower offense.
Play either as the towers to destroy the humans or lead the humans to annihilate the alien towers. Available at: 5. Dungeon Hunter 4 Hack and slash your way through a dark fantasy adventure killing demons while upgrading your skills and strength in the addictive Dungeon Hunter 4.
Choose from 4 types of characters each with their own unique combat styles. Fight along your friends in the co-op arenas or show off your battle skills in PVP mode. Players can customize and craft their own battle gears and unveil mysteries surrounding your character thorough the game.
Available at: 4. Pocket Legends Pocket Legends is another great title of MMO for the mobile. Join millions of users from all over the globe on adventures in creepy dungeons, frigid mountain peaks, and steamy swamps.
The online mode allows you to play with your friends either in fast paced co-op or PVP action. Together, you will defeat enemies and bring justice to the land, while leveling up to unlock special abilities to become stronger and be able to customize your own character. Available at: 3. Gun Bros Gun Bros is a game like the classical Contra. Play solo or team up with your friend and make it more interesting.
There is also an option to add a favorite player to your friends list so that you will be able to play together when both of you are online. There is a huge arsenal of weapons to choose from and the game has an amazing interface. Available at: 2. Zen Pinball Zen Pinball HD recreates the pinball machine experience with realistic ball physics and responsive control which is as impressive on a mobile device as they are on home consoles. There are multiple tables to choose from, like the Sorcerer’s Lair which comes free, and additional tables available for in-app purchase like Star Wars Pinball, each with its own unique design and theme that captures the essence of traditional pinball. Animations and crisp sound effects really make each unique table come alive.
Challenge your friend with the hot seat multiplayer feature. Available at: 1.
Asphalt 8: Airborne Asphalt 8: Airborne is one of the best arcade racing game on Android and other mobile platforms. The game features 56 high performance cars with 9 different race track settings. You can race in different seasons, real-time multiplayer mode with 8 opponents, maneuver through the air, and perform stunts while driving. Available at.