In the dynamic world of iOS gaming, multiplayer experiences have become a cornerstone of entertainment, allowing friends and players from around the globe to connect, strategize, and compete in immersive virtual worlds. From heart-pounding battles to cooperative adventures, the App Store is brimming with diverse multiplayer games that cater to a wide range of preferences. In this list, we’ll explore the 20 best multiplayer games for iOS that have captured the hearts and screens of millions.
1. Fortnite
A battle royale game in which 100 players compete to be the last man standing. Players can build structures and use various weapons to outlast their opponents.
Released on April 2, 2018, and developed by Epic Games, Fortnite has become a global sensation. It boasts a unique blend of battle royale excitement and creative building mechanics, where players drop onto an island, gather resources, and battle it out to be the last one standing. Its constant updates and innovative events keep players engaged and the gameplay fresh.
Features:
- Battle Royale mode with building mechanics.
- Creative mode for building and designing your own worlds.
- Regular updates with new cosmetics, weapons, and events.
- Cross-platform play.
2. PUBG Mobile
Another battle royale game with realistic graphics and gameplay. Players parachute onto an island, scavenge for weapons, and compete to survive.
released on March 19, 2018, is the mobile adaptation of the hugely popular PC/console game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. Developed by PUBG Corporation, this battle royale title delivers an immersive experience as players parachute onto a large map, scavenge for weapons and gear, and fight for survival against a shrinking play zone.
Features:
- Realistic graphics and intense battle royale gameplay.
- Various maps, weapons, and vehicles.
- Team up with friends in squads.
- Voice chat for communication.
3. Among Us
A social deduction game where players work together on a spaceship, but some are impostors trying to sabotage the mission without getting caught.
Developed by InnerSloth and originally released on June 15, 2018, Among Us exploded in popularity later due to its social deduction gameplay. Players collaborate aboard a spaceship to complete tasks while trying to unmask the impostors among them. The game’s simple yet addictive mechanics have led to countless hilarious and suspenseful multiplayer moments.
Features:
- Social deduction gameplay where players work together on tasks.
- Uncover the impostors among the crewmates.
- Text and voice chat to discuss suspicions.
- Regular updates with new maps and features.
4. Call of Duty: Mobile
Offers various multiplayer modes and a battle royale mode with iconic maps and weapons from the Call of Duty franchise.
Released on October 1, 2019, Call of Duty: Mobile is a joint effort by TiMi Studios and Activision. It brings the iconic Call of Duty franchise to mobile devices, offering a variety of modes, maps, and customizable loadouts that capture the intense action and competitive nature of the series.
Features:
- Multiplayer modes include Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Battle Royale.
- Iconic Call of Duty maps and weapons.
- Custom loadouts and character customization.
- Battle Pass and seasonal events.
5. Minecraft
A sandbox game that lets players build and explore worlds together, with various modes including survival and creative.
Developed by Mojang Studios, Minecraft was released on November 17, 2011. This sandbox masterpiece lets players create, explore, and survive in blocky worlds. Whether in the creative mode, building magnificent structures or the survival mode battling monsters and crafting tools, Minecraft’s multiplayer mode adds a social and collaborative dimension to the experience.
Features:
- Open-world sandbox gameplay with crafting, building, and exploration.
- Multiplayer servers for collaborative building and adventures.
- Survival mode with monsters and resource gathering.
- Creative mode for unlimited building resources.
6. Clash Royale
A real-time strategy game where players collect and upgrade cards of different characters and spells, then battle against opponents in quick matches.
Supercell’s Clash Royale, launched on March 2, 2016, merges strategy and card collecting into dynamic multiplayer battles. Players deploy troops, spells, and defenses using cards from their collection, aiming to outmaneuver opponents and destroy their towers in intense real-time matches.
Features:
- Real-time strategy battles using collectible cards.
- Duel players in 1v1 or 2v2 matches.
- Collect and upgrade cards to build powerful decks.
- Clans, tournaments, and special events.
7. Brawl Stars
A fast-paced multiplayer shooter with different game modes and a variety of unique characters, each with their own abilities.
Supercell’s Brawl Stars, released on December 12, 2018, is a fast-paced multiplayer shooter featuring a vibrant cast of characters, each with unique abilities. Players team up or go solo in various game modes, battling opponents, collecting gems, and engaging in thrilling shootouts.
Features:
- Fast-paced multiplayer battles with various game modes.
- Unlock and upgrade different characters (Brawlers) with unique abilities.
- Team up with friends for 3v3 battles or solo showdowns.
- Regular updates with new Brawlers and events.
8. Hearthstone
A digital collectible card game set in the World of Warcraft universe, where players build decks and engage in strategic card battles.
Developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released on April 2, 2014, Hearthstone is a digital collectible card game set in the World of Warcraft universe. Players build decks, strategize, and engage in turn-based battles using spells and minions in a visually engaging and strategic experience.
Features:
- Collectible card game with Warcraft-themed cards and heroes.
- Build decks, compete in ranked matches, and complete quests.
- Single-player adventures and duels.
- Regular card expansions and balance updates.
9. Mario Kart Tour
The mobile version of the popular racing game, where players race against each other using familiar Mario Kart characters and items.
Developed by Nintendo, Mario Kart Tour was released on September 25, 2019. This mobile adaptation of the beloved Mario Kart franchise offers players the chance to race through iconic tracks, use power-ups, and compete against friends and AI opponents in the familiar Mario Kart style.
Features:
- Racing gameplay with familiar Mario Kart characters and tracks.
- Collect items and power-ups during races.
- Multiplayer races against friends or players worldwide.
- Tours with new courses and challenges.
10. Vainglory
A multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game with intense 3v3 battles, where players team up to destroy the enemy’s base.
Released on November 16, 2014, and developed by Rogue Games, Vainglory brings the MOBA experience to mobile devices with its 3v3 battles. Players select unique heroes, each with their own abilities, and engage in strategic teamwork to secure victory in fast-paced matches.
Features:
- MOBA gameplay with 3v3 battles and various heroes.
- Real-time strategy and team coordination.
- Multiple game modes including ranked matches.
- Esports tournaments and competitive scene.
11. Real Racing 3
A realistic racing game with a wide range of cars and tracks, along with multiplayer options for competitive racing.
Developed by Firemonkeys Studios and released on February 28, 2013, Real Racing 3 delivers a realistic racing experience on mobile devices. With an impressive selection of licensed cars and meticulously detailed tracks, players can compete in various modes and events to become racing champions.
Features:
- Licenced cars and tracks for a realistic racing experience.
- Time-shifted multiplayer (TSM) allows racing against friends’ times.
- Multiple event types and challenges.
- Regular updates with new cars and content.
12. Spaceteam
A cooperative multiplayer game where players work together to manage a spaceship by following absurd instructions and fixing problems.
Spaceteam, developed by Henry Smith Inc., was released on December 1, 2012. This unique multiplayer experience challenges players to work together as crew members on a malfunctioning spaceship. Hilarity ensues as players shout out technobabble instructions to one another to prevent the ship’s destruction.
Features:
- Cooperative gameplay where players manage a spaceship together.
- Receive absurd instructions and communicate with teammates.
- Frantic and humorous multiplayer experience.
- Cross-platform play.
13. Risk
Global Domination: The classic board game of global domination, now available in digital form with multiplayer support.
Released on November 30, 2015, and developed by SMG Studio, Risk: Global Domination brings the classic board game to digital life. Players strategize and conquer territories in an attempt to achieve global dominance through strategic battles and cunning diplomacy.
Features:
- Digital version of the classic board game Risk.
- Conquer territories and engage in strategic battles.
- Single-player and multiplayer modes.
- Customizable rule sets and map variations.
14. 8-Ball Pool
A virtual billiards game that lets players compete against friends or other players in one-on-one matches.
Developed by Miniclip.com, 8 Ball Pool was released on February 27, 2013. This multiplayer pool game offers players the chance to compete against friends or opponents from around the world, showcasing their cue ball skills in various game modes.
Features:
- Virtual billiards game with realistic physics.
- Play against friends or opponents in 1v1 matches.
- Different game modes and challenges.
- Upgrade cues and participate in tournaments.
15. Words With Friends 2
A word game that’s a modern take on Scrabble, allowing players to challenge friends or random opponents to create words on a game board.
Developed by Zynga, Words With Friends 2 was released on November 8, 2017. This word puzzle game puts players’ vocabulary to the test as they create words on a game board, competing against friends or random opponents in a turn-based, socially engaging experience.
Features:
- a word-building game similar to Scrabble.
- Play against friends or random opponents.
- Solo challenges and themed events.
- Chat with opponents while playing.
16. Terraria
A sandbox adventure game with crafting, building, and exploration elements. Players can team up to defeat monsters and bosses.
Released on August 29, 2013, and developed by 505 Games, Terraria is a sandbox adventure game that offers players the freedom to explore, build, and fight in a procedurally generated 2D world. With multiplayer capabilities, friends can join forces to conquer challenges and unearth hidden treasures.
Features:
- Sandbox adventure with crafting, building, and combat.
- Explore a procedurally generated world with various biomes.
- Multiplayer mode for cooperative exploration and battles.
- Boss fights, NPCs, and deep customization.
17. Mobile Legends
A popular MOBA game with 5v5 battles and a variety of heroes to choose from.
Developed by Moonton, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang was released on July 11, 2016. This fast-paced MOBA boasts 5v5 battles in which players choose unique heroes and engage in strategic teamwork to destroy the enemy’s base and emerge victorious.
Features:
- MOBA gameplay with 5v5 battles and multiple heroes.
- Classic MOBA map and various game modes.
- Esports tournaments and competitive rankings.
- Team-based strategy and coordination.
18. DOTA Underlords
A strategic auto-battler game set in the Dota 2 universe, where players build and manage teams of heroes to battle against others.
Released on June 19, 2020, and developed by Valve Corporation, DOTA Underlords is an auto-battler strategy game set in the DOTA universe. Players recruit heroes, form alliances, and engage in tactical battles to outsmart opponents and rise to the top.
Features:
- Game of automated battles in the Dota 2 setting.
- Assemble and upgrade teams of heroes.
- Battles against AI or other players.
- Strategy and decision-making gameplay.
19. Identity V
An asymmetrical horror game where one player takes on the role of the hunter, while the others play as survivors trying to escape.
Developed by NetEase Games, Identity V was released on July 5, 2018. This asymmetrical horror game pits a team of survivors against a powerful hunter in a thrilling 1v4 multiplayer experience, combining strategy, teamwork, and suspense.
Features:
- Asymmetrical horror game with 1v4 gameplay.
- One player is the hunter, and the others are survivors.
- Multiple characters with unique abilities.
- Teamwork and strategy to escape or capture survivors.
20. Genshin Impact
An open-world action RPG with multiplayer elements, where players can explore a stunning fantasy world and team up to complete quests and challenges.
Released on September 28, 2020, and developed by miHoYo, Genshin Impact offers an expansive open-world RPG experience with stunning visuals and elemental combat. Players explore the magical land of Teyvat, unravel mysteries, and engage in epic battles in both single-player and co-op modes.
Features:
- Open-world action RPG with exploration and combat.
- Elemental system for diverse combat strategies.
- Party-based gameplay with various characters.
- Cooperative multiplayer for exploring and completing challenges.
Conclusion
In the palm of your hand, the iOS ecosystem hosts a treasure trove of engaging and thrilling multiplayer games, creating bridges between players and forging unforgettable connections. From the laughter-filled deception of “Among Us” to the strategic clashes of “Clash Royale,” and the boundless creativity of “Minecraft,” these games transcend boundaries and bring people together.
Whether you’re battling foes in a distant galaxy or collaborating to build fantastical worlds, the 20 titles highlighted here represent the pinnacle of multiplayer gaming on iOS. As technology continues to advance, so too will these games, promising an ever-evolving landscape of shared experiences and unforgettable moments. So gather your friends, summon your teammates, and dive into the immersive worlds of these multiplayer gems – adventure and excitement await at your fingertips.
