10 Best Competitive Multiplayer Games of 2023

In 2023, the competitive multiplayer scene will have a healthy mix of long-running games and new releases for players to get invested in.

Just as there’s a lot of variety to be found in single-player games, from cozy games where players can build a city to massive RPGs where they can explore for hours, there’s a lot of variety to be found in multiplayer games. Players can form teams to take on bosses for loot in ARPGs like Diablo and looter shooters like Borderlands, or engage in large-scale combat filled with explosions and vehicles in the Battlefield franchise. Whether you download games for Android for free or buy them, the choice is great in both segments. Minecraft allows gamers to co-create impressive structures, GTA Online allows players to be extremely nasty with or against others, and hero-based shooters like Overwatch 2 require mastery of multiple characters. For some players, however, there’s nothing more exciting than competitive gaming, and there was plenty to look forward to in 2023.

Whether players enjoy intense one-on-one combat, being the last one standing in the one-life game mode, or juggling a storm and a group of opponents in battle royale, there will be something to keep them busy in 2023. Fans of team-based games and hero shooters also had their pick, and some of the biggest names in the electronic sports scene held their own. Like the multiplayer genre as a whole, the 10 best competitive games of 2023 are incredibly diverse and guarantee that there’s something for everyone who wants to take gaming seriously.

The games are listed in alphabetical order.

Apex Legends

Whether it’s the gulag and weapon variety in Call of Duty: Warzone or the building mechanics and NPCs in Fortnite, battle royale games typically use unique techniques to set themselves apart from the competition. In Apex Legends, it’s the titular characters that give the game its competitive edge, as players can master the abilities of their chosen Legend to give them an edge over their opponents. Learning how to counter various Legends is key to success on maps like Broken Moon, as is synergy with the other two team members in a trio. Apex Legends not only has a full-fledged esport scene organized as part of the Apex Legends Global Series, but also a ranking ladder that takes players from beginner to predator. With a skill-based matchmaking system that maintains fair rankings and allows for special rewards, many may find themselves getting caught up in the competitive action of Respawn’s free-to-play hit.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

As unpopular as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s campaign may be, its multiplayer modes are as competitive as ever. With knowledge of the 6v6 maps that longtime fans of the game will remember from the original Modern Warfare 2, players were able to focus on learning meta weapons and mastering the movement system. As such, FPS games have quickly attracted skilled players, and given that Call of Duty uses a skill-based matchmaking system in random matches, even quick games can feel stressful. The game offers a variety of competitive modes, from classic 6v6 ones like Search and Destroy to duo-oriented ones like Gunfight and Cutthroat. With the return of the Call of Duty League and a full Ranked mode coming in January, MW3 is perfect for those who love to compete.

DOTA 2

Like League of Legends, another of 2023’s best competitive offerings, DOTA 2 stands out thanks to its RTS status. With fighting and shooter games regularly dominating competitive gaming tournaments, a game like DOTA 2 can be a welcome change of pace for esports players and spectators alike. League of Legends’ simplicity and release date four years before DOTA 2 made it easier to watch and attracted more players, but DOTA 2 fills its own niche by being much more complex. There are 124 playable heroes available in 5v5 matches, which means you need to have a lot of knowledge to really understand the mechanics of the game. A seasonal MMR system with semi-annual resets will help balance matches for those who are ready to take the leap and spend the necessary amount of time learning DOTA 2, but even those who have already mastered the game will have to work hard.

Fortnite

Continuing to prove that Fortnite is not just a casual game. While ambitious crossovers featuring celebrities like Eminem and Family Guy’s Peter Griffin are the talk of the town, and the depth of LEGO Fortnite has shocked many fans, Fortnite also features a proper ranking system. Experienced players can team up in duos or squads to reach the top ranks such as Elite, Champion and Unreal, but a solo option is also available. However, a feature of Fortnite’s competitive offering is that there are two main gameplay options, just like in regular matches. Players who are well versed in building mechanics and can create massive structures in a matter of seconds can choose the standard Battle Royale option, while there are separate ranks for Zero Build players who prefer to use smart strategies and well-aimed shots to win matches.

Jackbox Party Pack 10

While the Jackbox Party Pack series is ideal for those looking for a little laugh, the games featured in the well-received Jackbox Party Pack 10 can also be taken seriously if desired. The latest iteration includes the following games: Fixie Text, Tee KO 2, Dodo Re Mi, Time Jinx and Hypnotorious.

While mini-games like Tee KO 2 can quickly get absurd with players coming up with silly clues and even more ridiculous T-shirt designs, and Fixy Text’s emphasis on changing other players’ answers guarantees some funny moments, the rest of the games there is a competitive moment. In Time Jinx, which is a trivial game, players will naturally compete to see who is the most knowledgeable, Dodo Re Mi tests who has the best reflexes and rhythm as players try to hit musical notes at the right time, and Hypnotorious, which focuses on deception will quickly cause players to argue with their friends.

League of Legends

As evidenced by the staggering number of Twitch viewers of League of Legends at any given time, LoL is not only fun to play, but to watch being played. One of the first games to successfully embrace the free-to-play model, League of Legends is accessible to everyone, and this has helped bring a lot of attention to the game. The successful Netflix series Arcane and spin-offs like Legends of Runeterra also helped, but the main factor behind League of Legends’ success was its addictive nature. Matches in this MOBA can get toxic, but their intensity is part of what makes them fun, and the game tries to keep players at 50% win rate so every win feels deserved. Balancing in LoL has also been consistently strong, with plenty of champions always viable. Riot Games not only regularly updates content for the game to keep it fresh, but also supports the LCS sports scene.

Mortal Kombat 1

As always with the Mortal Kombat franchise, Mortal Kombat 1 has all the necessary tools to appeal to hardcore fighting game fans. While the easy-to-access move list and mechanics like easy fatalities make the game appealing to casual players, mastering the ins and outs of NetherRealm’s latest game isn’t an easy task. Experienced players will be able to perform complex aerial combos and make the most of the new Kameo system, while the best players will be able to deplete their opponent’s health in the blink of an eye.

Mortal Kombat 1 will be on display at EVO 2024 not only for those who enjoy watching the pros at work, but also for gamers looking for competitive matches themselves. Kombat League has a proper ranking system that moves players up or down the ladder based on whether they win or lose streaks, allowing them to always be at a level appropriate to their skill level. Alternatively, there’s King of the Hill, where a great player can hold onto their throne for hours while players try to knock it down.

Street Fighter 6

While Mortal Kombat 1 can be an extremely competitive game, its simplicity due to stacked combos makes it much easier to learn than Street Fighter 6. However, mastering Street Fighter 6, which requires precise button mashing and precise timing, can be quite rewarding. who are determined enough to succeed. Mastering iconic characters like Ryu and Chun Li will allow players to keep up with seasoned Street Fighter fans in online matches. While the classic Capcom games and wild character designs in the Battle Hub will immediately grab the attention of most players, it also features tournaments and the Capcom Fighters Network for those looking to climb the leaderboard. As is always the case with the series, Street Fighter 6 will likely appear in a number of competitive sports tournaments over the next few years.

The Finals

After several beta tests, The Finals was darkly released in early December, and despite being a recent release, the game has already taken the competitive scene by storm. The free-to-play FPS, which stands out for its unique game show premise, allows players to use a wide range of strategies to win tournaments. Effective melee weapons like swords, environmental destruction, and unique abilities depending on the body type gamers choose for their avatar ensure that no match in The Finals will be the same. The extreme environmental destruction and some of the weapons in each category, such as the flamethrower for the heavyweights and the V9S pistol for the light class, make the game not as balanced as other competitive games, although the fun factor certainly makes up for it.

Valorant

From the very beginning, Valorant has been touted as a game with a high skill ceiling, and that’s a key part of what makes it such a shining example of a good competitive game. Players will likely notice an improvement in their skills after each gaming session, and the relatively low number of cheaters compared to other competitive games goes a long way toward keeping matches fair.

Valorant’s high level of polish is a big plus, as is its balancing, as weapons are not agent-specific, meaning Riot Games can stop any weapon from being too weak or too powerful without making the agents themselves less viable. Plus, in a game that encourages players to work together, there are plenty of ways to succeed and become a good teammate. Like most of the best competitive games, there is also a ranked mode available. While the game has memorable voice lines and plenty of Agent stories, it’s teamwork that has made Valorant a popular competitive game in recent years - including 2023.