Best Social Games 2022 Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Nintendo Switch. ... Borderlands 3. Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox series S and X, PC. ... Unravel Two. Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC. ... JackBox Party Packs 1-7. PC, Mac, Android, IOS, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV. ... Rust. ... Among Us. ... Phasmophobia. ... Risk of Rain 2. More items... •
What better way to connect with your friends than with some of the best social games out right now? Lately my favorite form of stress relief has been social gaming. It’s an antidote for loneliness, and a recipe for absolute fun!
Many of these are online multiplayer games. Couch co-op is another great option for families and friends. So grab some snacks and get ready for some epic cooperative action!
Ranging from totally casual to challenging and competitive, here are 14 of the best social games in 2021:
14. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Nintendo Switch
Visit your friends’ islands
Animal Crossing is known for being super adorable. But don’t let its cuteness fool you into thinking it’s just for kids! It’s actually a very detailed life simulation game, which takes plenty of planning and customization.
As a multiplayer game, it is easy to connect with your friends by flying to their island, or vice versa. You also have the option to fly to a random island. You can chat with your Best Friends any time, regardless if they are on your island or not. Up to 8 players can enjoy the same island.
Be sure that you trust whomever you add as a Best Friend, because they will have access to all your recources. This can result in you getting screwed over, if they take all of your goodies.
Therapeutic
In game, it is a therapeutic, positive atmosphere. There is no combat whatsoever, and the only danger is getting stung or bitten by a bug. In which case you can simply take some medicine and be done with it.
During the pandemic, this game was exactly what many folks needed. An escape from reality that keeps their minds occupied.
13. Borderlands 3
Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox series S and X, PC
Unique Art Style and Humor
All manner of weapons and customizable looks make Borderlands 3 a must-have in the looter-shooter genre. This game brings a unique art style and humor to the table for multiplayer gaming.
The game allows up to 4 players for online co-op, and 2 can play locally with split screen enabled. The playable characters include a siren, gunner, operative, and beastmaster. Each one memorable, and unique in their own right.
Absurd weaponry
As you play through the story, you will gain experience that allows you to unlock new abilities. You will also be looting a ridiculous amount of absurd weaponry, upgrades, and visual pieces. It gets difficult to choose at times.
In this game, the guns are a main event. Combat feels smooth and satisfying. Kiting, and taking cover will play a role in many battles. You will find a crazy amount of gun variety, always making the game more exciting.
Bottom line is, if you enjoy looking like a badass while shooting monsters with a gun that makes no sense whatsoever, definitely get Borderlands 3.
12. Unravel Two
Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC
Relaxing, light-hearted and casual
In Unravel Two, you will play as a Yarny, who is made up entirely of yarn. Turns out being yarn has its perks. In this 2-player puzzle platformer, you will need to use team-based strategy to make it through.
The game is light-hearted, and casual. Two Yarnys find themselves stranded on an island, where they must use their epic yarn skills to make it out. This will include many obstacles requiring you and your partner to work well together.
There is a backstory throughout, that you will begin to understand as you play. You will periodically see the lives of a boy and a girl, who have escaped from an adoption home. Basically, they just really need your yarn magic to get through life. What would we do without Yarnys?
This game is quite relaxing, and allows you to connect with your friend in a unique way. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t pose a challenge, but it is a fairly calm environment to enjoy with a friend.
11. JackBox Party Packs 1-7
PC, Mac, Android, IOS, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV
Party game for anyone
Just like it says in the name, this is a fantastic party game. With new, updated versions coming out fairly frequently, there is always new trivia for you and your friends.
Up to 10 players are able to join the fun easily from their smartphones. This makes Jackbox ideal for anyone, even without a game console.
I have some friends who have been meeting up on video chat weekly and playing Jackbox together. What a great option to enjoy time with your friends during the pandemic!
In the Jackbox series, there are several game modes to try out, including Trivia Murder Party, which is featured in Jackbox Party Pack 3, and 6.
Variety of game modes
In Trivia Murder Party, each player is a creepy-adorable stuffed creature. The objective is to correctly answer the most trivia questions among your friends, so that you can survive the round. Wrong answers result in punishing mini-games, however. These mini-games will punish only the loser. One such punishment is losing a “finger,” which completely blocks you from answering with one of the options for the remainder of the round. So if that one option is the correct answer, you’re basically screwed. So best to keep all your fingers.
While that particular game is a bit dark, that’s just one example from a variety of different games. Check it out and see which ones you like best!
10. Rust
Xbox One, PS4, Linux, Mac, PC
Modern survival MMO
Enjoy brutal survival among hundreds of other players trying to take your stuff? This is your game! With such huge servers and maps, this is an extremely popular choice for multiplayer games.
With pitch black nights, detailed gathering and hunting methods, Rust does make for a fun and unique experience, even if a bit treacherous. It is a good idea to play this game with friends, because it has proven difficult to make new friends in game.
Most people will view other players as a threat, until proven trustworthy. So expect to have to stand your ground and guard your things. While this is most definitely a very social game, it is recommended that you stick to your group of friends for the most part.
Intuitive and organized
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The game is graphically beautiful, and takes a more modern approach than many other survival games out there. You will find helicopters, cars, and guns throughout the map.
Crafting and building feels intuitive and organized. Gathering has been made a bit less mindless than typically found in these games. A moving hit point on items is used to break them faster.
If you can find the right server for you, and get some buddies to play with, this game will feel incredibly rewarding to play.
9. Among Us
Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, Android, IOS
Simple-to-learn
If you haven’t heard, this game blew up some time during the pandemic. It’s loads of fun to kill your friends and then lie about it. That is the basic idea of the game.
This simple-to-learn social game is based on finding the Imposter. There may be one, or several, depending on your settings and the number of people playing.
No sudden gasps or laughs allowed
The Imposter will run around the environment, pretending to do the tasks everyone else is doing. These are simple mini-games throughout the area that the crew is assigned to complete. But the Imposter’s only task is to kill and sabotage.
It is recommended that mics are muted during gameplay, until a Discussion Time is requested by someone in the group. This way, no sudden gasps, laughs, or reactions will give away the Imposter. Instead, it is based on what you see visually. Any bodies found? Someone acting suspicious? Report it!
8. Phasmophobia
PC, VR available
Ghost hunting experience
If being constantly terrified is your jam, you will love Phasmophobia! With or without a VR headset, you can enjoy being terrorized by a variety of hideously despicable creatures.
In this ghost hunting experience, you are able to bring up to 3 friends with you for a total of 4 players. Each person will gear up with some different hunting tools before entering the haunted building. Some of the tools available are EMF readers, thermometers, crucifixes, and Ouija boards.
Voice Recognition
Now, the truly interesting part of this game is its voice recognition. The ghosts are listening to you, and they will get agitated if you say their name. This is usually asking for trouble.
The objective is to use your journal to figure out what type of ghost you are dealing with. Each ghost type will exhibit different behaviors and leave different clues to identify itself. Each job will also give you some additional objectives, depending on the situation.
Once you have successfully identified the ghost, you can leave in your van. This may be after losing some people along the way, but hey! That $50 you’ll get for the job is worth it….right?
7. Risk of Rain 2
Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC
Risk Of Rain 2 Trailer – Video credit: Hopoo Game
Collect a plethora of items
With up to 4-player co-op, this looter shooter will make you feel like the ultimate force to be reckoned with! In Risk of Rain 2, you will be on a mission to collect all the items you possibly can before your final boss fight.
This is a roguelike game, so you lose all of your progress when you die. While this seems daunting, games are roughly an hour long, and it can be fun starting over to get different items.
There is a plethora of unique items to find in chests found everywhere throughout. These items can give you seemingly stupid-powerful buffs, and they stack up to make you a mighty beast.
In each round you play, you will be collecting money by killing endless hoards of enemies. Use this money to open as many item chests as possible! Do share with your friends though; it’s a team effort.
Character variety
A variety of characters are available to choose from, each with very different abilities. Unlockable abilities for each character also exist. These are refreshing ways to change things up.
There are some mysteries to be unlocked in this game as well, which can give veteran players some new goals to reach for. With so many items and enemies, it keeps each round fresh.
6. Sea of Thieves
PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S
Find buried treasure
Sail the open seas and be a pirate in this 4 player co-op adventure! In Sea of Thieves, you will battle with skeletons, find buried treasure, and meet other pirates at sea.
This is a session-based game, so everyone starts with the same equipment each time. Servers can have up to 5 crews. As a social game, you can play solo, but expect to run into other players.
Equal playing field
All characters are the same, having the same weapons, which keeps PvP on an equal plane. Upon meeting other pirates, you can fight them or befriend them. The weapons available are Cutlass, Flintlock (pistol), Blunderbuss, and Eye of Reach (rifle).
As you and your crew sail the ocean, there is actually a lot for everyone to help with on board. Adjust the sails, raise or drop the anchor, and fix any holes made in the ship through combat. Also watch for rocks in the way, and other ships!
Be sure to check your map for treasures! Arrrr, it be gold yer after!
5. Deep Rock Galactic
Xbox One, PC
Hilarity ensues
Become a dwarf and kill evil bug-like aliens with friends! This is a 1-4 player FPS adventure you won’t forget. Hilarity ensues from the moment you load in the lobby, where you can purchase various brews at the bar, get in some dance sessions at the jukebox, and get so drunk you black out. But that’s just the lobby.
There are 4 different classes to choose from, all which compliment one another nicely. Engineer, Gunner, Driller, and Scout. Each class uses their unique weapon abilities to get around and help each other out in the caverns. You can customize your gear, and gain a variety of perks as you level as well.
Fully destructible environment
In this game, your environment is fully destructible with your pickaxe or your drill, if you are the driller. Each map is procedurally generated and full of goodies to mine.
Each time you enter a mission you will have specific goals to meet, such as finding and collecting eggs, mining a particular ore, or building a pipeline. All while giant bugs are out to get you.
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The devs have done a great job constantly updating the game and adding new things. With overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam since it came out last year, it doesn’t get stale!
Deep Rock Galactic Trailer credit: Ghost Ship Games
4. Overcooked 2
Xbox One, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch
Chef life is demanding
Overcooked 2 is a fast-paced cooking simulator for up to 4 players. Although the game is fairly simple to understand, it can really be a challenge! Who knew being a chef could be so demanding!
You and your friends will coordinate through many different stages, creating delicious masterpieces together. The objective in each stage is to get as many meals out to customers as possible. This includes chopping ingredients, cooking, baking, or frying, plating the orders, and washing dishes. Some stages even feature moving platforms as this is all going on.
Hilarious with friends
Running around the kitchen, and throwing food around (I’ve seen some things) may not be the most accurate depiction of chef life, but it makes for a hilarious time connecting with buddies.
Playable online and locally, this is one social game you don’t want to miss!
3. Hunt: Showdown
PC, PS4, Xbox One
12 players after one bounty
Play an unforgiving FPS sandbox that’s sure to heighten your senses. In Hunt: Showdown, you will be one of 12 players on a map all fighting for the same bounty. With heavy PvE throughout, and other hunters always unpredictable, this is an experience not for the faint of heart.
You and your team of up to 3 players will collect clues to find the boss bounty location, all while watching and listening closely for enemy hunters. These other players may be careful not to alert you, or they may be loud and obvious from across the map.
Fast paced and intense
I’ve listed Hunt: Showdown as third best social game, because it requires excellent communication and team effort for success. The game is fast paced and intense. The extremely immersive environment keeps you on your toes. Players are constantly fighting for survival, and your teammates are there to help! Connect with your friends by calling out shots and being where you’re needed.
The game features an ever growing variety of weapons, from rifles and shotguns, to axes and crossbows. (And a thing called the bomb lance, I’ll just let you imagine) And you will need them for all the grotesque zombies and creatures you will encounter, in addition to enemy players.
Hunt is an extremely underrated game that is sure to impress. For more information on this game, check out my post, The Battle Royale You’ve Been Missing.
2. It Takes Two
PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PC
Split-screen style
From the makers of A Way Out, comes this co-op only puzzle platformer. The two player game is played in split-screen style, regardless if you are playing online or locally. This allows both players to see what their partner is doing at all times, and see the world through their eyes.
It Takes Two is based around the story of a married couple getting a divorce. With such a painfully realistic storyline, players really feel pulled in, with hopes for a happy ending. In game, the couple becomes part of some form of fever dream created by their daughter, making them these small toy characters.
Collaborate through obstacles
You will play as Cody and May, as they are put through a mess of obstacles in order to save their marriage. Although, it has already been set in their minds that they are getting a divorce. The Book of Love is determined to help them work things out.
As The Book of Love points out, collaboration is the key to success. In order to progress through this game, the couple will have to work together.
While this game may focus on a couple, it is perfect for friends, parents and kids as well. Anyone seeking to improve their relationship, or just have fun simply must check out It Takes Two.
1. Valheim
PC
The world is your oyster
And the number one spot goes to Valheim! A Viking survival RPG that places players in a world with up to 9 friends. Valheim is the best social game because of its ability to connect players in such an engaging environment where the world is their oyster. This makes team work an essential part of the game.
While it can absolutely be enjoyed solo, I’ve found Valheim much more satisfying with friends for a few reasons. Friends can help you build! You can only carry so much of the necessary materials before you are over encumbered. Having friends with extra pockets can save you a mining trip.
Hilarious things tend to happen when connecting with friends in game. Situations that could have been frustrating alone, are laughable when you have someone with you. Finding out new crafting recipes, and collecting the materials becomes much easier with multiple hands on deck.
Build almost anything
Known for its creative community, this online game lets players build just about anything they can imagine. The massive open world is full of new things to craft and explore.
Characters can visit their friends’ servers, or new characters can be made for different worlds. Either way, you will have full freedom in the world when connecting with friends so long as the host is present.
For more details on this game, check out my review: Is Valheim Worth Buying?
Survivalist Pro
Photo: Thought Catalog
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