There are few joys in life more delightful than playing local multiplayer games with friends.
For a while, during the seventh and eighth console generations, it felt like every game was switching to online multiplayer, leaving those who wanted to enjoy games with their friends in the same room in the dust.
These days, the playing field feels more level. While there are lots of online games out there to enjoy, you’ll find just as many couch co-op and competitive games that you can indulge in with your nearest and dearest.
Let’s take a look at the best PS5 4-player games out there in 2023! A quick note: we may also include PS4 games, since they’re compatible with the PS5 via backwards compatibility. Here we go!
EA Sports FC 24
Since it’s the continuation of the much-loved and long-running FIFA series, it stands to reason that EA Sports FC 24 would support local multiplayer, and that’s a feature EA hasn’t dropped from its glorious football game.
Luckily, you can still head into local matches and play alongside or against one another, even if the focus has shifted inexorably towards online gaming in recent years.
On and off the pitch, EA Sports FC 24 is still the same great game of football you know and love, too, so if you’ve enjoyed FIFA games in the past, you’ll love this one too.
AEW: Fight Forever
Yuke’s may no longer be developing the WWE 2K games, but that doesn’t mean they can’t create a rival series of their own, and that’s exactly what they’ve done in AEW: Fight Forever.
The wrestling game features wrestlers and storylines from the popular AEW promo, alongside a more arcade-style wrestling system that will put you in mind of classics of yesteryear like WWF: No Mercy.
What’s more, you can get together with some friends and play this one in local multiplayer as well, with the game supporting up to four players in the same room.
WWE 2K23
Just like AEW: Fight Forever, WWE 2K23 collects some of the world’s most well-known wrestlers together in a single exciting wrestling game package, but this time around, it’s the WWE roster.
That means you’re getting legends like John Cena, Batista, and Undertaker, together with the more modern lineup of talent that you’ll recognise if you’re still avidly watching WWE events.
The game has a ton of modes and options to try out, and you can enjoy many of them alongside your friends as well, so make sure to grab your fellow wrestling aficionados for this one.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Not only is Overcooked! All You Can Eat a local multiplayer stalwart, but we’d actually strongly recommend playing this one with as many people as you can gather (up to four, of course).
The frantic arcade-style cooking sim comes to life when more players are involved; everyone will be bumping into each other, shouting orders, and generally getting lost in the joyful chaos Overcooked! brings.
This generous package collects the two Overcooked! games and also gives you access to all of their DLC, so you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied if you and your group love this one.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
In our eyes, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is rapidly shaping up to be one of the PlayStation 5’s most underrated titles. It’s a hugely enjoyable, varied platformer that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
This one can be enjoyed with up to four players, and you’ll be playing co-operatively, so there’s no chance of anyone in the family falling out with anyone else over a misplaced jump or punch.
With tons of levels and lots of different collectibles to gather, Sackboy should be on your list if you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment that won’t cause any rifts.
Streets of Rage 4
Streets of Rage 4 is one of the rare games that’s better in local multiplayer, because the online mode only supports two simultaneous players. If you want the full arcade experience, you’d better be ready for a party!
Dotemu’s faithful recreation of the classic days of the Streets of Rage franchise has gorgeous hand-drawn graphics rather than the originals’ pixel art approach, making it a feast for the eyes.
Elsewhere, though, this is very much beat-’em-up action inspired by the olden days of the series, so expect lots of satisfying sidescrolling action, a high difficulty level, and plenty of replayability.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Here’s another great arcade-style beat-’em-up that supports four players in local play, as you’d expect from a game that revolves around a team consisting of exactly four members.
Of course, you don’t have to play as one of the Turtles if you don’t want to; April O’Neil and Shredder are both also available, and there may or may not be a secret unlockable character to play as, too.
Much like Streets of Rage 4, this is a throwback brawler that’s perfect for whiling away a lazy afternoon with your buddies, but if you want to, you can crank up the difficulty level for some extra challenge.
Gang Beasts
This floppy physics-based brawler is perfect if you and your friends are looking for something a little more competitive to enjoy together. Be warned, though; you might not be able to see the screen through tears of laughter.
To put it simply, Gang Beasts is hilarious, largely thanks to its Human: Fall Flat-style slapstick battling. You’ll be wrestling with the controls just as much as you are with your opponents.
With a variety of levels available and plenty of customisation options for your character, Gang Beasts is a great way to settle arguments between you and your friends.
Conclusion
Gaming has seen various evolutions over the years, but the joy of sitting together with friends and family in the same room and diving into a video game remains an unparalleled experience. Thankfully, in 2023, the PlayStation 5 offers a myriad of games that encapsulate this essence of togetherness. From the competitive thrill of soccer in “EA Sports FC 24” to the cooperative chaos of “Overcooked! All You Can Eat,” there’s a title tailored for every group dynamic. Wrestling aficionados can engage in spirited battles in “WWE 2K23” or “AEW: Fight Forever”, while beat-’em-up enthusiasts can revel in classics like “Streets of Rage 4” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge”. With the PS5’s powerful hardware combined with developers’ creativity, the local multiplayer scene is experiencing a renaissance, catering to both the nostalgic older generation and the eager newbies. It’s clear that as gaming moves forward, the importance of shared experiences remains a steadfast priority.
FAQs
- Are there any other 4-player games available on the PS5 in 2023?
- While this list captures some of the best titles, there are indeed other 4-player games available. Always keep an eye on the PlayStation Store for updates.
- Do I need to buy additional controllers to play these games?
- Yes, for 4-player local multiplayer, you will need four PS5 controllers.
- Are any of these games also available on other platforms?
- Many of these games, like “Overcooked! All You Can Eat” and “Streets of Rage 4”, are available on other platforms like PC, Xbox, and Switch.
- Do all these games support online multiplayer?
- While most of these games offer online capabilities, the focus of this list is on their local multiplayer features.
- Can I play “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge” with less than four players?
- Absolutely! You can enjoy the game solo or with any number of players up to four.
- Is “Gang Beasts” suitable for children?
- “Gang Beasts” is known for its slapstick humor and cartoonish violence, making it suitable for older children, but always check the game’s rating and content before allowing younger players.
- What is backward compatibility in the context of the PS5?
- Backward compatibility means that the PS5 can play games that were originally designed for the PS4, expanding the library of available titles.
