Online multiplayer is a part of almost every major game release these days. However, local multiplayer, once hugely popular, has sadly become less prominent.
Fortunately, even though local multiplayer isn't widespread on current-gen consoles, you can still have a great time playing with friends on a single system in one room.
With that in mind, here are the best local multiplayer games on PS4, in no particular order.
Rocket League is a popular sports game that has you play soccer with rocket-powered cars. You'll have to master its physics to master the boost, flip, and score targets.
For offline fun, Rocket League allows local players to band together and start an exhibition match. You and a friend can also compete against each other online, if you prefer. The competitive nature of this game makes it perfect for beginners and veterans alike.
Buy: Rocket League ($20)
Borderlands is an open-world loot-based shooter series. The Handsome Collection includes Borderlands 2 and Borderlands:The Pre-Sequel for hundreds of hours of content to enjoy.
You can play both games in local multiplayer with up to four players. In fact, Borderlands works best in multiplayer mode, so this is the ideal way to play.
This is probably not a title that your non-gamer friends will appreciate. But if you want to sink your teeth into a long fling with roommates, it's a perfect choice.
Buy: Borderlands:The Handsome Collection
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TowerFall explains what a multiplayer match game is all about:friendly competition where victory is never guaranteed. It's a 2D pixel art battle where you shoot the other contenders with arrows.
But you have a limited supply of ammo, so you'll have to retrieve it from the walls to stay in the fight. A variety of game options keep the experience fresh every time.
If you're looking for a Super Smash Bros.-like experience that will have you hurling insults at your friends all night, this is the game for you. As the developer says:
Buy: TowerFall Ascension ($15)
Rayman isn't as well known as Mario or Sonic, but that's not an excuse to miss out on this game. It's one of the best platformers of all time, with gorgeous graphics, great level design, and a kick-ass soundtrack.
While the adventure is great in single player, Legends supports playing the entire game with up to four players in local co-op. They can work together to get to the end of each level, but depending on their partners, they can hurt each other more than help.
If you need a break, try the Kung Foot minigame. It's a basic soccer game with the same controls as the main game, and it's surprisingly fun alone.
Buy: Rayman Legends
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Diablo 3 is a dungeon crawling action game, and the series is one of Blizzard's most popular. For the right audience, it's a perfect co-op multiplayer game.
Like Borderlands, we definitely don't recommend this option for playing with friends or casual gaming kids. Diablo is a complex game and when you explain everything to a newcomer, the night will be over. This is a game to play for a long time with your partner.
We've previously posted some Diablo 3 tips if you want to read more about this fantastic game.
Buy: Diablo 3 Ultimate Evil Edition ($30)
Overcooked is a truly special multiplayer game. Work up to four players cooperatively in a restaurant kitchen to complete orders. What starts out as a simple premise soon turns into messy chaos with conveyor belts, flickering lights, shattering floors, and more.
Anyone can grasp the concept of the game, but the coordination required will test even the best of friends. Give it a try if you like to team up more than compete, and don't mind a little stress. Our annealed tips can help you succeed.
If you enjoy the original, the sequel is very much more of the same with a little added gloss.
Buy: Overcooked:Gourmet Edition ($20)
Buy: Overcooked 2 ($25)
Everyone's golf is exactly what it sounds like. It is a family golf game for up to four players. Due to the nature of the game of golf, you can take turns with a single driver. This makes it a good option if you don't have extra controllers sitting around.
You don't have to enjoy golf in real life to enjoy this game. It has a great character customization tool, simple controls, and the cartoony graphics keep it cheerful.
Buy: Everyone's golf ($20)
If you want your local multiplayer experience to be less like a video game and more like a party board game, check out Jackbox. This wacky title contains five subgames:
Unlike most other multiplayer games, Jackbox lets everyone join in with just their smartphone or tablet. This makes it a great option for large groups, or if you don't have many drivers. But due to some suggestive content in the questions, it may be inappropriate for young players.
If you enjoy this, you can also check out Jackbox Party Packs 2-5 which offer more games and questions.
Buy: The Jackbox Party Pack ($25)
Do you like puzzle games and want to see who is the most cunning? Puyo Puyo Tetris combines two classic puzzle games in one, and has great options for local multiplayer.
You can keep it simple and compete in basic games of Puyo Puyo or Tetris. But the game also includes a variety of combination modes, including one where you regularly switch between one board for each mode, and one where you play at the same time.
Whether you're a fan of one or both of these series, there's plenty to love here for fans of traditional puzzles.
Buy: Puyo Puyo Tetris
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Nidhogg has simple visuals, but its tug-of-war gameplay makes for great competition. Match two players in an arena, where the goal is to push your opponent back. You have a sword to fight with, but getting a kill is not the end of it. Several victories are needed to win the crown..
Like the best multiplayer titles, it's simple yet endlessly addictive. A night with this game will surely solve any exceptional dispute between friends. And if you enjoy the original, try Nidhogg 2 for more weapons, updated graphics, and more.
Buy: Nidhog ($15)
Buy: Nidhogg 2 ($15)
While local multiplayer isn't as prevalent today as online play, you can still find some awesome experiences with a little digging. Each of these games supports various numbers of players and different skill levels. With the right game for the right audience, hours will pass before you know it.
Don't forget about the wealth of other titles on the PS4. As We've Rounded Up The Best PS4 Exclusives The 12 Best PS4 Exclusives You Need To Play The 12 PS4 Exclusives You Need To Play The PS4 boasts some amazing exclusives, and everyone deserves to play titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and the Spiderman. Read More
