Just like how single-player offerings range from cozy titles where players can decorate a town to expansive RPGs where they can explore for hours, there is plenty of variety to be found in multiplayer titles. Players can team up to battle bosses for loot in ARPGs likeDiabloand looter shooters likeBorderlands, or engage in large-scale fights filled with explosions and vehicles via theBattlefieldfranchise.Minecraftallows gamers to work together on impressive builds,GTA Onlinetasks them with committing crimes alongside or against others, andhero shooters likeOverwatch 2demand mastery of numerous characters. For some players, though, there is nothing more exhilarating than competitive games, and 2023 had plenty to offer.
Regardless of whether players find enjoyment in intense one-on-one fights, being the final survivor in a one-life game mode, or juggling both a storm and another group of opponents in abattle royale, 2023 had them covered. Fans of party games and hero shooters also had options, while some of the biggest juggernauts in the esports scene held on to their position. Much like how the multiplayer genre as a whole houses a wide range of experiences,the 10 best competitive games of 2023are incredibly diverse, guaranteeing there is something for everyone who wants to take gaming seriously.
The following games are listed in alphabetical order.
Apex Legends
Whether it isCall of Duty: Warzone’s Gulag and weapon variety orFortnite’s building mechanics and NPCs, battle royale games tend to adopt some unique gimmicks to help themselves stand apart from the competition. ForApex Legends, it is the titular characters that really give the game a competitive hook, as players can master the abilities of their Legend of choice to get an advantage over the competition. Learning how to counter the various Legends is key to succeeding onmaps like Broken Moon, as is synergizing with the other two teammates when in a trio. Not only doesApex Legendshave a proper esports scene via the Apex Legends Global Series, but it offers a ranked ladder where players ascend from Rookie to Predator. With skill-based matchmaking keeping ranked fair and special rewards to obtain, many could find themselves hooked on the competitive grind when playing Respawn’s free-to-play hit.
WHERE TO PLAY
Conquer with character in Apex Legends, a free-to-play* Hero shooter where legendary characters with powerful abilities team up to battle for fame & fortune on the fringes of the Frontier.Master an ever-growing roster of diverse legends, deep tactical squad play, and bold new innovations that go beyond the Battle Royale experience—all within a rugged world where anything goes. Welcome to the next evolution of Hero Shooter.This game includes optional in-game purchases of virtual currency that can be used to acquire virtual in-game items, including a random selection of virtual in-game items.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
As unpopular asCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s campaign has proven to be, its multiplayer modes are as competitive as always. Aided by an inherent knowledge of the game’s 6v6 maps, as longtime fans will remember them from the originalModern Warfare 2, players have been able to focus on discovering meta weapons and mastering the game’s movement system. As such, skilled players have quickly emerged within the FPS, and givenCall of Duty’s use of skill-based matchmakingin casual matches, even quick-play games are likely to feel intense. The game offers a number of competitive modes, from 6v6 classics like Search and Destroy to duo-focused offerings like Gunfight and Cutthroat. With Call of Duty League starting back up and a proper Ranked Mode set to release in January,MW3is ideal for those who thrive on competition.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)
The war has changed. Call of Duty returns with an all-new campaign, modernized versions of classic Multiplayer maps and an open-world PvE Zombies experience. The campaign, a direct sequel to the record-breaking Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, sees Captain Price and Task Force 141 face off against ultranationalist war criminal Vladimir Makarov as he extends his grasp across the world. In Multiplayer, the 16 maps that launched with Modern Warfare 2 in 2009 return with upgraded graphics, new modes and innovative gameplay features. In Modern Warfare Zombies, team up with other squads for the first time ever as you work together to survive in the largest Zombies map yet
DOTA 2
LikeLeague of Legends, another one of 2023’s best competitive offerings,DOTA 2stands out due to its status as an RTS. With fighting games and shooters regularly dominating competitive gaming tournaments, a title likeDOTA 2can feel like a welcome change of pace, both for players and esports viewers alike.League of Legends’ simplicity and a release date that came four years prior toDOTA 2has made it easier to watch while also attracting a higher player count, butDOTA 2fills its own niche by being far more complex. In the game’s 5v5 matches, 124 playable Heroes can be used, meaning that there is a wealth of knowledge required to truly grasp the title’s mechanics. A seasonal MMR system with semiannual resets will keep matches balanced for those willing to take the leap and put the necessary amount of time in tolearningDOTA 2, ensuring that even those who have mastered the game will encounter sweaty matches.
Dota 2
The most-played game on Steam.Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it’s their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there’s always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has truly taken on a life of its own.One Battlefield. Infinite Possibilities.When it comes to diversity of heroes, abilities, and powerful items, Dota boasts an endless array—no two games are the same. Any hero can fill multiple roles, and there’s an abundance of items to help meet the needs of each game. Dota doesn’t provide limitations on how to play, it empowers you to express your own style.All heroes are free.Competitive balance is Dota’s crown jewel, and to ensure everyone is playing on an even field, the core content of the game—like the vast pool of heroes—is available to all players. Fans can collect cosmetics for heroes and fun add-ons for the world they inhabit, but everything you need to play is already included before you join your first match.Bring your friends and party up.Dota is deep, and constantly evolving, but it’s never too late to join.Learn the ropes playing co-op vs. bots. Sharpen your skills in the hero demo mode. Jump into the behavior- and skill-based matchmaking system that ensures you’llbe matched with the right players each game.
Fortnite
Continuing to prove itself as a jack-of-all-trades,Fortniteis not just a casual experience. While ambitious crossovers that range from celebrities like Eminem toFamily Guy’s Peter Griffin are the talk of the town, andthe depth ofLEGO Fortnitehas shocked many fans, a proper ranking system can be found withinFortnitetoo. Skilled players can party up with their duos or squads to reach top-tier ranks like Elite, Champion, and Unreal, while a solo option is also available. However, what makesFortnite’s competitive offering so special is that there are two core gameplay options, just like with casual matches. Players who do well with building mechanics and can craft massive structures in seconds can choose the default Battle Royale option, while Zero Build players who prefer using smart strategies and good aim to win their matches have separate ranks to chase.
Create, play, and battle with friends for free in Fortnite. Be the last player standing in Battle Royale and Zero Build, experience a concert or live event, or discover over a million creator made games, including racing, parkour, zombie survival, and more. Each Fortnite island has an individual age rating so you can find the one that’s right for you and your friends.Explore large, destructible environments where no two games are ever the same. Team up with friends by sprinting, climbing and smashing your way to earn your Victory Royale, whether you choose to build up in Fortnite Battle Royale or go no-builds in Fortnite Zero Build.Discover even more ways to play across thousands of creator-made game genres: adventure, roleplay, survival and more. Or, band together with up to three friends to fend off hordes of monsters in Save the World.
Jackbox Party Pack 10
Though theJackbox Party Packseries is an ideal option for those looking to have some laughs, the games on offer inthe well-receivedJackbox Party Pack 10can also be taken seriously if players wish. The games included in the latest iteration are:
While mini-games likeTee K.O. 2can quickly descend into absurdity as players come up with silly prompts and even more ridiculous shirt designs, andFixy Text’s focus on altering other players’ responses guarantees some funny moments, the other games have a competitive edge to them.Time Jinx’s status as a trivia game naturally sees players competing to see who is the most knowledgeable,Dodo Re Mitests who has the best reflexes and rhythm as players attempt to hit musical notes at the right time, andHypnotorious’ focus on deception will have players arguing with their friends in no time.
The Jackbox Party Pack
For 1-100 players! Your phones or tablets are your controllers! The team behind YOU DON’T KNOW JACK presents FIVE guffaw-inducing party games in one pack!Games include:1) The comedy trivia sensation YOU DON’T NOW JACK 2015 (1-4 players) with hundreds of all-new questions.2) The hilarious bluffing game Fibbage XL (2-8 players), with 50% more questions added to the original hit game Fibbage.3) The bizarre drawing game Drawful (3-8 players) -you draw right there on your phone or tablet (very little/no real skill required).4) The racy-as-you-want-to-be fill-in-the-blank word game Word Spud (2-8 players).5) The wacky-fact-filled Lie Swatter (1-100 players).
League of Legends
As shown by the staggering number of Twitch viewersLeague of Legendshas at any given time, there is not only interest in playingLoL, but watching it be played. One of the first games to successfully embrace a free-to-play model,League of Legendsis accessible for everyone, and that has helped draw many eyes to the title. The successfulNetflix seriesArcaneand spin-offs likeLegends of Runeterrahave also helped, though the addictive nature ofLeague of Legendsmatches have been the main factor in its enduring success. Matches in this MOBA can get toxic, but their intensity is a part of what makes them fun, and the game trying to keep players around a 50% win percentage means that every win streak feels earned.LoL’s balancing has been consistently strong as well, with numerous champions viable at all times. Not only has Riot Games provided regular content updates for the title to keep it fresh, but the game’s LCS esports scene has received plenty of support from the developer.
League of Legends is one of the best MOBAs in the world, allowing players to duke it out against each other or bots in a variety of game modes. There are tons of champions to choose from in LoL, with favorites like Yasuo, Graves, Nasus, Poppy, and more, with new champions like Vex and Viego recently joining the crew.
Mortal Kombat 1
As has always been the case withtheMortal Kombatfranchise,Mortal Kombat 1has all the tools needed to attract hardcore fighting fans. Though it can certainly be picked up by and enjoyed by casual players thanks to its easily accessible moves list and mechanics like Easy Fatalities, mastering the ins and outs of NetherRealm’s latest title is no simple task. Skilled players will be able to pull off extensive aerial combos and use the new Kameo system to its fullest, with the best players able to deplete their foe’s health bar in the blink of an eye.
Not only willMortal Kombat 1feature at EVO 2024for those who like to watch the pros at work, but gamers looking for competitive matches themselves have a few options to choose from. Kombat League features a proper ranking system that will see players ascending or falling down the ladder depending on whether they win or lose sets of fights, ensuring that they are always in a tier that is suitable for their skill level. Alternatively, there is King of the Hill, where a great player can hold onto their throne for hours as players attempt to take them down.
Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series' most cinematic story mode yet, you’ll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you’ve never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
Street Fighter 6
ThoughMortal Kombat 1can get extremely competitive, its simplicity due to dial-up combos makes it much easier to get into thanStreet Fighter 6. However, masteringStreet Fighter 6’s need for accurate button pressesand precise timing can be rewarding for those who are dedicated enough to get good. Mastering iconic characters like Ryu and Chun Li will allow players to keep up with the experiencedStreet Fighterfans found in online matches, and though the sights of classic Capcom games and wild character designs within the Battle Hub will draw the attention of most players right away, tournaments and the Capcom Fighters Network can also be accessed here for those looking to climb the leaderboards. As is always the case for the series,Street Fighter 6will likely appear in a number of esports tournaments over the next few years.
Play legendary masters and new fan favorites like Ryu, Chun-Li, Luke, Jamie, Kimberly and more in this latest edition with each character featuring striking new redesigns and exhilarating cinematic specials.Dominate the Fighting Ground: Street Fighter 6 offers a highly evolved combat system with three control types - Classic, Modern and Dynamic - allowing you to quickly play to your skill level.The new Real Time Commentary Feature adds all the hype of a competitive match as well as easy-to-understand explanations about your gameplay. The Drive Gauge is a new system to manage your resources. Use it wisely in order to claim victory.Explore the Streets in World Tour: Discover the meaning of strength in World Tour, an immersive, single-player story mode. Take your avatar and explore Metro City and beyond. Meet Masters who will take you under their wing and teach you their style and techniques.Seek Rivals in the Battle Hub: The Battle Hub represents a core mode of Street Fighter 6 where players can gather and communicate, and become stronger together. Use the avatar you create in World Tour to check out cabinets on the Battle Hub floor and play against other players, or head over to the Game Center to enjoy some of Capcom’s classic arcade games.
The Finals
After several beta tests,The Finals was shadow dropped in early December, and despite being so recent, it has taken the competitive scene by storm. A free-to-play FPS that stands out due to its unique game show premise, the Embark Studios title allows players to use a wide range of strategies to win tournaments. Effective melee weapons like swords, environmental destruction, and unique abilities depending on which body type gamers choose for their avatar guarantees that no match ofThe Finalsfeels the same as the last. Such extreme environmental destruction and some borderline overpowered weapons in every category, such as the Flamethrower for Heavies and the V9S pistol wielded by the Light class, mean that it is not as balanced as other competitive titles, though its fun factor will certainly make up for that.
Viewers at home, here’s the news you’ve been waiting to hear: THE FINALS is accepting new contestants, and that means YOU! That’s right, soon the world could be watching YOU tear apart our newest dynamic arenas and seize everlasting fame!As you know, THE FINALS is the world’s greatest free-to-play combat game show! Our contestants plug in to our virtual world and join teams in escalating tournaments. They fight it out in our beautifully-rendered arenas based on real-world locations that they can alter, exploit, and even destroy.Sure, you can aim and shoot, but contestants that add our carefully curated virtual environments to their arsenal are more likely to advance, so do anything you can imagine in the name of victory! Burn arenas to the ground! Send wrecking balls crashing into your opponents! Don’t just pull triggers - pull down buildings!
Valorant
From the start,Valoranthas advertised itself as a game with a high skill ceiling, and that is a key part of what makes it such a shining example of a good competitive game. After every gameplay session, players are likely to notice an improvement in their skills, and a relatively low number of cheaters compared to other competitive games goes a long way to maintaining the integrity of matches.
Valorant’s high level of polish is a major plus, as is its balancing, as guns not being Agent-specific means thatRiot Gamescan stop any gun from being too weak or overpowered without making the Agents themselves less viable. Plus, as a game that encourages players to work together, there are multiple ways to succeed and be a good teammate. As with most of the best competitive games, a ranked mode is also available. While there are memorable voice lines to be heard and plenty of lore to take in about the game’s Agents, it is the teamwork-oriented action that has madeValoranta go-to competitive game in recent years - 2023 included.
VALORANT is a character-based 5v5 tactical shooter set on the global stage. Outwit, outplay, and outshine your competition with tactical abilities, precise gunplay, and adaptive teamwork.DEFY THE LIMITSBlend your style and experience on a global, competitive stage. You have 13 rounds to attack and defend your side using sharp gunplay and tactical abilities. And, with one life per-round, you’ll need to think faster than your opponent if you want to survive. Take on foes across Competitive and Unranked modes as well as Deathmatch and Spike Rush.CREATIVITY IS YOUR GREATEST WEAPONMore than guns and bullets, you’ll choose an Agent armed with adaptive, swift, and lethal abilities that create opportunities to let your gunplay shine. No two Agents play alike, just as no two highlight reels will look the same.FIGHT AROUND THE WORLDEach map is a playground to showcase your creative thinking. Purpose-built for team strategies, spectacular plays, and clutch moments. Make the play others will imitate for years to come.
