Gaming is most fun when you're playing with friends or family. Whether you're teaming up for an epic campaign, messing around in a light-hearted party title, or ruining friendships in a competitive game, there is joy to be had.
But games tend to be restrictive in how many players they allow. As such, it can be difficult to find titles designed with an odd number of players in mind. For example, there isn't an abundance of three-player games around. Yes, four-player ones often allow three people to play, but sometimes missing that last person can make things unbalanced. Thankfully, the following titles are made specifically for trios to enjoy.
7 Outriders
Outriders blends RPG elements with third-person shooter mechanics to create an enjoyable co-op experience. At the start of the game, you create your custom character and choose a class. Then you play an opening section before you can set up an online lobby to play with your friends. From that point onwards, you can experience the entire campaign in co-op.
The story of the game revolves around humanity's failed attempt to colonize a new planet. As the protagonist group, you have to discover what went wrong. It isn't the most interesting tale ever told, but the fun gameplay makes up for it.
6 Trine 2
When it comes to well-made three-player games, the developers of the Trine series are the masters. After all, the series is known for its exciting three-player adventures. Trine 2 is arguably the best entry in the puzzle-platforming series. It stars three protagonists: a wizard, a thief, and a knight.
Just based on those main characters, you can probably guess that this title takes place in a fantasy world. And it's one that the main protagonists aren't used to, as they get transported to the beautiful fairy-tale-like place at the start of the game. As them, you need to use teamwork to get through each area while solving all the puzzles. You can do so in either local or online co-op.
5 For The King
For The King has plenty in common with tabletop role-playing games. For starters, at the beginning of each session, you get to choose an adventure like you would a campaign in a real tabletop game. Plus, the exploration and turn-based combat include plenty of chance, similar to throwing a dice.
Yet, you don't need to be a lover of tabletops to appreciate For The King. It's an enjoyable and unique RPG with a beautiful art style. And while it seems simple on the surface, there is actually a lot to this title. You can play the game with friends locally or online.
4 Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
While Final Fantasy is more known as a single-player series, it does include several co-op entries. In this one, you can team up with two others online. Each of you controls a different party member as you embark on a story-driven adventure to stop the evil Chaos, who is darkening the world. Yet, as this is Final Fantasy, things are a bit more complex than that.
Along with providing complex narratives, the series is known for not sticking to one style of combat. The developer for this action RPG is Team Ninja, who is known for Ninja Gaiden and Nioh. Stranger Of Paradise is reminiscent of the latter and other soulslike games. This means there is plenty of dodging, attacking, and using powers. It's all plenty of fun, especially with human teammates by your side.
3 Tetris Effect: Connected
For a long time, Tetris was the Solitaire of the video game world, meaning it was the quintessential single-player game. However, things have changed for the iconic title in some of the more recent releases, including Tetris Effect: Connected.
In this game's Connected mode, you and two friends, either locally or online, face off against bosses. As this is Tetris, you don't fight them in bloody battles. Instead, the three of you play the classic game individually and try to stop your playing area from filling with blocks before your opponent. Different specials trigger throughout the battle to mix things up.
2 Gears 5
Since the initial instalment was released in 2006, the Gears series has continually provided some of the best co-op shooters ever. During that time, the developers have continually altered the number of players the campaigns allow. For Gears 5, three of you can play the story locally or online. The catch is that one of you has to be a robot, which means playing a support role.
The three of you are stuck amid humanity's war with the dangerous force known as the Swarm. That is not the only thing going on, though, as protagonist Kait is also struggling with her own problems. To resolve them, she has to dive into her family's past. It makes for a compelling plot inside a very fun third-person shooter.
1 Apex Legends
These days, some of the most popular games in the world are battle royales. Apex Legends is among the most well-known and best ones. It also happens to be free-to-play, so it's worth a try if you enjoy team-based FPS titles.
In the main mode, you can get a three-person squad together, pick your preferred heroes, and land on the island that serves as the battleground. Then the goal is to scavenge for supplies and be the last team standing. The Arenas mode is a bit different, as it's more similar to a traditional 3on3 team deathmatch. Whichever mode you play, you can be joined by two others online.