Break free from boredom with these free multiplayer online games
Quarantine hit a lot of us hard. We used everything to keep us all connected and it’s been . . . kinda working (sorta? Maybe? Not really.) But let’s be honest here, there are only so many Netflix parties one can host and so many Zoom calls one can stand before boredom sets in. How do you get rid of it? The answer is simple: free multiplayer online games. Instead of sitting and watching something together, download some free multiplayer online games (cause who wants to pay for stuff these days?) to play with your friends! Whether they’re fantasy-based battle games or renditions of old classics like UNO or Connect4, free multiplayer online games are a great way to keep connected while beating boredom. But where can you find these games? Luckily, we played through the internet to find the best free multiplayer online games that will make you the life of any virtual party! Grab your friends as you dive into our list of free multiplayer online games.
Pinball FX 3
If you’re the kind of friend group who wants to keep it simple for an online get-together, this first one is for you! Pinball FX 3 is your classic pinball with a few fun twists. While you could shell out some cash to get additional tables, you do get one for free that you and your friends can play on for as long as you like! The game has a great online scoreboard so you can keep track of who is winning and who wants a rematch. The game provides support for both asynchronous play and tournament-style play, so even when the party's over, the match can still go on. In short, let the games begin! The game is published by Zen Studios and can be played on Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and the Nintendo Switch. Note that Pinball FX3 has been rebranded to Pinball FX Classic on Steam, with reduced discoverability on consoles starting May 2026 and Seasons support ending June 2026 on older platforms, though online leaderboards and play continue.
Smite
Grab your swords and brush up on your lore, because this game is god-level epic! Smite is a multiplayer MOBA that focuses on scraps between gods and monsters from every corner of the globe, including Achilles, Bellona, and Guan Yu. Here, you and your friends can either duke it out yourselves or work together in what is essentially a digital DND campaign. Along with the friends you know, you’ll also have the opportunity to make new friends as you explore this sprawling world, as the game has a small but active fanbase, with full servers and constant updates of characters & maps, giving you hours of fun gameplay with friends old & new! The game is developed by Hi-Rez Studios and can be played on PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. Original Smite remains playable with active servers, though Hi-Rez focus has moved to Smite 2 with cross-play, cross-progression, and ongoing seasonal updates.
Paladins
Wanna trade out the swords for blasters? No problem! Welcome to Paladins, a fantasy-based shooter that looks as if Overwatch got teleported back a few centuries. You and your friends can explore The Realm and fight against the Magistrate for the fate of magic use in the land! The game has a great cartoonish charm and a ton of locations to explore, from desert temples to glacier fortresses. You even get your own warhorse, making travel fun and giving you another virtual pet (because who can ever have enough of those?) In short, if you want a fun fantasy game with a twist to play with friends, saddle up and download Paladins. The game is also developed by Hi-Rez Studios and can be played on PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. Active development ended in 2025, so servers remain operational with reduced player counts and no major updates for over a year as of 2026.
Fortnite
Fortnite remains one of the most popular free battle royale and creative multiplayer experiences with frequent updates, cross-platform play, and strong social features ideal for groups. Widely cited as a top free multiplayer game with long-term support and massive player base, it offers battle royale, zero build, LEGO modes, and creative islands for varied group play. Whether you are dropping into a massive island for a last-team-standing showdown or building elaborate obstacle courses together in creative mode, the game keeps expanding with seasonal events and new mechanics. The matchmaking systems make it easy to queue with friends across consoles and PC without extra fees. Fortnite is developed by Epic Games and can be played on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.
Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla is a free-to-play platform fighter with simple controls, frequent updates, cross-play, and tournament-style play making it accessible for casual friend groups. Active free multiplayer platform fighter with esports elements and regular balance patches, it is available on major platforms with cross-play support. The roster of legendary fighters keeps growing, and the ranked ladder gives casual sessions a competitive edge when your crew wants structure. Quick matches and local couch co-op options mean you can switch between online tournaments and in-person nights without changing platforms. Brawlhalla is developed by Blue Mammoth Games and can be played on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Warframe
Warframe is a free cooperative looter-shooter with deep progression, squad-based missions, and regular content updates suitable for ongoing friend play sessions. Long-running free title with strong community and cooperative gameplay focus, it features cross-platform play and constant new content additions. Tenno operatives tackle sprawling missions together, collecting rare mods and customizing arsenals that feel personal. The clan system lets groups organize events and share resources, turning one-off runs into long-term campaigns. Warframe is developed by Digital Extremes and can be played on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
League of Legends
League of Legends is an enduring free MOBA with massive player base, ranked play, and social features that allow groups to team up in matches or ARAM modes. Over 150 million monthly players reported in recent years, it offers a free core experience with ongoing seasonal updates. Summoner’s Rift provides the classic five-versus-five structure, while ARAM delivers faster, chaotic games perfect for shorter sessions. The client’s party system and voice chat make coordinating with friends straightforward, and rotating game modes keep the meta fresh. League of Legends is developed by Riot Games and can be played on PC and Mac.
