There used to be a time where PC gaming was the only place that audiences could get a satisfying multiplayer experience, but console gaming multiplayer has evolved in extraordinary ways during the past few generations. The debate still rages on as to whether PC or consoles deliver the better product, but thanks to new features like cross-play and the increasing likelihood of multi-platform releases, it's become less of an issue.
Fortnite has exploded into one of the most addictive and enjoyable battle royale multiplayer experiences. Fortnite has helped usher in a whole new genre of games, but it's far from the only title that does ambitious things with multiplayer, especially when it comes to options for the PC.
10 PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
At a first glance PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds doesn’t seem that different or special from other battle royale video game experiences. Despite this, PUBG is an impressive mix of shooter sensibilities with an open world game. The title features expansive environments and it’s able to foster a sense of addictive fun even for players that aren’t great at the game.
Matches are fast, fun, and encourage improvement. The detail put into the different arsenal of weapons and details like the contrasting recoil on every gun is also an appreciated touch.
9 Last Man Standing
Last Man Standing makes for an interesting change of pace due to the barebones nature that it forces its players to begin with. Players start just with their fists and then must find new and powerful weapons to gain the advantage against their opponents. On that note, Last Man Standing allows for up to a 100-player battle royale onslaught, which makes for an incredible experience.
It also has several modes that try to cater to gamers' different interests. Granted, there are loot crates and an emphasis on micro-transactions, but they don't define the experience like in other games.
8 Grand Battle Royale: Pixel FPS
Grand Battle Royale isn't the most advanced title, but it makes up for its relatively shallow nature with a unique art design that feels very different than the rest of its ilk. Grand Battle Royale mixes a cute pixel art aesthetic with chaotic shooter sensibilities. The title is full of exciting weaponry & environments and gets rid of features like bots in favor of real opponents. In addition to the dominant battle royale mode, the game also works in other fun twists to the genre, such as hide & seek and a zombie mode that pits players against the undead.
7 Infestation: The New Z
Video game shooters have slowly embraced the zombie genre and in some cases they’ve completely consumed non-zombie franchises. Infestation: The New Z narrows in on that fascination and delivers a massive open-world free-to-play game that actually tries to do something creative with the undead. The New Z offers many different gameplay modes that allow players to refine their experience, whether it’s alone or with another group of survivors. The New Z’s greatest asset is the gigantic size of the maps, where it actually feels like new things can be discovered on each new playthrough.
6 Warframe
Warframe is a wonderful battle royale game where players will get as much out of it as they put in. There is a reasonably steep learning curve and a fair bit of grinding that needs to be done in order to succeed, but it's incorporated in a way that isn't tedious. The game also has a strong foundation to fall back on with an incredibly positive community. Constant updates also bring in new weapons and maps, which keep the game fresh. The graphics are also stunning for a free-to-play title. Slightly more advanced gamers will love it.
5 Orcs Must Die! 2
Orcs Must Die! 2 does everything that players hope a sequel will do. It improves upon everything from its predecessor, smoothes out the rough patches, and adds in a ton of new and exciting content. Orcs Must Die! 2 takes its cues from not only shooters, but also tower defense titles to help forge a unique experience that has so much personality. The biggest improvement in the sequel is that it also adds two-player co-op, which goes a long ways and makes an addictive title nearly impossible to put down.
4 Borderlands 2
Borderlands 2 absolutely masters the balance between ridiculous humor and chaotic action. It's set a standard that many similar games have tried to replicate, but have failed to achieve. What makes Borderlands 2 so addictive is that there's just so much to acquire and upgrade, which creates an intense feeling of wanting more and grinding to become the very best. There's a real sense of power when new items or upgrades are achieved. Despite how there's a Borderlands 3, it's a step down in quality and it's Borderlands 2 that features the perfect balance.
3 Darwin Project
Darwin Project may look visually similar to Fortnite, but it's a battle royale game that makes some unique distinctions. In addition to taking out enemies, there's a focus on tool crafting, social interaction, and a premise that turns the chaos into a bizarre game show that perfectly reflects this kind of dystopia. Darwin Project does a lot of things right, but it can be punishing to new players or become tedious if gamers don't try to expand their experience. However, when Darwin Project works and there are good players engaged in combat, it creates an atmosphere that's hard to top.
2 Destiny
The Destiny series has created an incredible world that's full of powerful weapons & entertaining characters and it's easy to see why the series is still going strong. Destiny features some fantastic raids and prioritizes the competition between the committed community. Destiny 2 has stolen a lot of focus away from its predecessor, but the original game is still slightly better. Destiny 2 has improved itself after a rough launch and while it nails player versus environment aspects, it's still the original Destiny that does player versus player combat better.
1 Paladins
Paladins feels like a real spiritual successor to Fortnite in a lot of ways and those that loved Fortnite's gameplay and environments will likely have a lot to love in Paladins. Exciting characters and unbelievable weaponry help push this title ahead as well as other unique features, like its card system. The game has experienced revisions over time and it can be slightly frustrating for new players who want to break into the scene, but there's still such a strong foundation in Paladins that it's worth checking out and putting in the time.