Video games – now one of the biggest entertainment sectors in the world – have seen tremendous growth thanks to the addition of online capabilities. With so many games coming out every day, it’s hard to keep track of all the new releases. If you’re looking for a recommended slot game to play, or a single-player adventure, you won’t find those here. We’ve put together a list of the top 15 online games that you can play right now, all of which require a solid internet connection for uninterrupted gameplay.
The Division 2
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 is one of only a handful of loot-and-shoot third-person games on the market. Set in a post-apocalyptic Washington DC, The Division 2 is chock-full of explosions, upgrades, and dramatic cutscenes. Players take the role of special agents, tasked with bringing order to a world filled with trigger-happy gangs and desperate people in need of salvation. If you’re looking for guns, glory, and military jargon, this is the game for you.
Final Fantasy XIV
After a less-than-ideal release period, Final Fantasy XIV has grown into one of the most played MMO games today. Offering a truly massive world to explore, players can focus on being the hero, or engage in a plethora of side content. From crafting jobs to casino games, there’s enough content here to fill hundreds of hours with fun. While other MMOs have faded over time and gradually lost players, Final Fantasy has released weighty expansions that have drawn more and more people into its engrossing main storyline.
Hearthstone
Hearthstone takes Activision Blizzard’s Warcraft series in a completely new direction. Instead of an MMO or an RTS, this game is all about turn-based card game action. Hearthstone has even become popular as an esport, mainly due to its complex power balance, and a meta that’s constantly evolving with each new update. Don’t let its turn-based gameplay fool you though. This game’s competitive scene has some truly nail-biting gameplay to offer.
Fortnite Battle Royale
Epic Games’ Fortnite Battle Royale continues to be one of the biggest online games in the world. Though it may not sport the highest esport prize pools, Fortnite’s popularity is mainly due to its accessibility. In May of 2020 the game had more than 350 million players, and its universe tie-ins have capitalised on pop culture trends time after time. Its innovative work in the music industry has also played a significant part in keeping Fortnite at the forefront of the battle royale genre.
Apex Legends
Apex Legends is one of a handful of battle royale games that have managed to stay relevant despite Fortnite’s overwhelming popularity. This hero-based FPS is from the talented developers behind the Titanfall series. Regular updates have kept players invested, and there’s also an extremely well-presented story, with quality world-building and likeable characters.
PUBG
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, or PUBG for short, is the original battle royale game. Since its release in 2017, PUBG is still one of the most popular games to play, and it still holds the record for the highest number of concurrent players on Steam, ever. Every round is a fight for survival, and scavenging weapons, gear, and resources is the only way you’ll end up alive at the end. Unless you find a Ghillie suit and hide in some bushes, which is also a viable strategy if that’s more your style.
Red Dead Online
Instead of adding Rockstar’s GTA Online to this list (which is still quite popular), Red Dead Online is a later release and thus slightly more relevant. Similar to Final Fantasy XIV, Red Dead Online had a bit of a rough launch. This issue seems to be a bit of a recurring theme with live service games, but it’s good to know that redemption is always a possibility. Rockstar went to work on updates as soon as Red Dead Online was released. After numerous bug fixes and gameplay changes, the game now hosts regular events for millions of active players.
Valheim
With a pastel color palette and stylized graphics, you would be forgiven for thinking Valheim is a game for the younger folk. That impression won’t last long, because this challenging co-op about Viking mythology is definitely brutal, with plenty of crafting and building complexity thrown in for good measure.
Minecraft
Minecraft is a game where you let your creativity flow. There have been some truly astonishing creations built from its deceptively simple block-based gameplay. From the entire world of Lord of the Rings to a scale replica of Game of Thrones’ King’s Landing, Minecraft is a virtual playground where the possibilities truly are almost limitless.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Much like prior games in the Counter-Strike series, Counter-Strike Global Offensive (CS:GO) is a 5v5 multiplayer shooter, with all the guns, maps, and esport tournaments that made the series famous. Featuring eight modes of multiplayer mayhem, CS:GO is so popular it has a virtual economy, and has consistently stayed in the top 10 of Steam’s concurrent players list.
Path of Exile
Path of Exile is an online action RPG. Similar to Diablo and Grim Dawn, it’s currently the most popular action RPG, and it’s completely free. Enter the world of Wraeclast, a dark fantasy setting with unique spells, enemies, and environments. Experience deep character customisation, hundreds of hours of content, and a fully player-driven economy.
Forza Horizon 4
Easily one of the best-looking racing games ever to come out, Forza Horizon 4 is pure eye candy for car enthusiasts and gamers alike. The game has over 700 cars to choose from, more than any other racing game of its calibre. Every car and track is meticulously detailed, and the sound effects are music to any racing fan’s ears.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Nintendo’s action-packed multiplayer brawler is an absolute blast to play. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has an extensive roster of characters from all sorts of games. There are over 50 fighters to choose from, including over 30 characters from completely different franchises. This party-based game is perfect for up to eight players, and comes with over 100 arenas to choose from.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Another battle royale to attempt the Fortnite crown, Warzone has seen more success than most who have tried to take on Epic Games’ sales behemoth. The fast pace and quick TTK of Warzone is rather addictive, and the jump-in, jump-out gameplay design certainly doesn’t help to quell any cravings. With popular streamers like Dr. Disrespect and Z-Laner playing almost daily, Warzone has seen increased interest as a viable esport.
Naraka: Bladepoint
Naraka: Bladepoint is still in early access, but if initial player counts are any metric for potential success, this stylish fighting game is definitely heading in the right direction. A melee-based battle royale, players can live out their martial arts and ninja fantasies. Leap effortlessly from tree to tree as you stalk your prey, and stab and slice your way up the ranks to be the last warrior standing.
