Below we list some key games that we found to be best enjoyed with friends. If you’re looking for some games to pick up with friends or simply want to diversify your game library look no further. As a gaming cafe, we see what do people play in real time. Not only that we talk to our community all the time to judge what’s hot right now. Also remember, it’s always fun to play with friends online, but it is infinitely more fun to play games together IRL – for that, checkout New Meta in London and Milton Keynes
Counter‑Strike 2 (CS2)
If you and your friends want fast-paced FPS action, CS2 remains the king. It still tops Steam’s multiplayer charts by a wide margin, with millions playing daily. Steam Charts
Expect classic team-vs-team gameplay, tactical shooting, and competitive matches — perfect for friends forming squads and working together. CS2 remains the top played games here at New Meta and we just had our first CS2 Esports tournament with almost £1,500 in prize pool.
Fortnite
A battle-royale staple, Fortnite continues to attract massive numbers globally. Its mix of building + shooting + constantly evolving map and events makes it ideal for groups of friends wanting to jump in together. You can squad up, explore new skins or seasons, and enjoy chaotic fun — especially if some players are more casual than others.
For young gamers, New Meta runs a Play New Meta Academy, and esports and gaming academy for kids between ages 8-16 where they can learn critical skills through their favourite game
Minecraft
For friends who prefer creativity, build worlds, or just hang out socially — Minecraft remains hugely popular. It combines survival, creativity, and social interaction, making it evergreen for cooperative play.
Whether you’re building castles, exploring caves, or trying mini-games together, it’s a great all-rounder.
Roblox
Not just a game — a platform. Roblox keeps thriving as one of the most played multiplayer platforms worldwide, appealing to a broad community thanks to user-generated content.
It’s a good choice if your group enjoys variety — from obstacle courses to social hangouts to mini-games.
Dota 2 & League of Legends (LoL)
For those who love strategy, teams, and competitive matches, Dota 2 and League of Legends remain at the top of MOBA gaming. Dota 2 ranks very high on Steam charts, and LoL continues dominating the esports and MOBA community.
Great if your group enjoys coordination, competitive play, and long-term team strategies. It’s a tough game to start but extremely rewarding and fun, especially with friends
Not as popular but highly rated and on the up trend
Big games dominate numbers — but some indie titles are making waves for being fun, different, and surprisingly social.
ARC Raiders
This newer PvPvE extraction shooter has surged in popularity 2025. It’s on many players’ radar now thanks to intense action, player-versus-player and PvE elements, and growing traction on Steam and streaming platforms. Check it out on Steam
As a newer title, it tends to offer fresh vibes — teaming up, looting, fighting robots or rivals, and extracting together can make for exciting co-op sessions.
Rust (on PC / Steam)
Not new — but Rust remains among Steam’s more played indie-leaning multiplayer games, especially among groups that enjoy survival, building, and often unpredictable social interactions. Check it out on Steam
If you and friends don’t mind a bit of chaos and emergent gameplay (raiding, alliances, betrayals), Rust can lead to some of the most memorable multiplayer stories.
Stardew Valley
For chill sessions, cooperative farming, and relaxing gameplay, Stardew Valley is a gem. It remains popular and beloved among indie-game fans for its social, low-stress multiplayer (on supported platforms). Check it out on Steam
Ideal if your group wants something laid-back — build a farm together, explore, or just hang out.
Other Indie Hits & Hidden Gems to Watch
The indie gaming scene in 2025 is booming: many smaller games are hitting large player counts or trending among communities. Checkout other games that didn’t make our list here
If you enjoy browsing for surprises, it’s worth checking Steam’s indie charts or trending tags to discover new co-op or party-friendly titles that might become your next go-to.
✅ What Makes These Games Great with Friends
- Diverse styles: From shooters (CS2, ARC Raiders) to battle-royales (Fortnite), creative sandboxes (Minecraft, Roblox), MOBAs (Dota 2, LoL), survival (Rust), or chill co-op (Stardew Valley) — there’s something for every kind of group mood.
- Large communities: Most “big” titles above remain popular because they have thriving communities, regular new players, and active updates — meaning it’s easy to find teammates or match into games quickly.
- Accessibility (and flexibility): Whether you have a couple of hours or a full evening, these games scale — some are casual and social, others competitive and intense.
- Indie creativity & freshness: Indie and smaller titles often experiment more with gameplay and social mechanics — a great way to break from the mainstream and discover new experiences with friends.
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