Everyone's home, but apart
The most common situation of all: your group is spread across different houses, all online, all free tonight. What you launch depends on three things - how competitive you want to be, whether everyone owns the game already, and whether you're on the same platform. This hub sorts the best online games to play with friends by exactly that.
If you want the lowest-friction option, start with something free and crossplay so nobody has to buy or install much - free online games covers those in depth. If your group is on mismatched hardware, the deciding factor is crossplay: our crossplay hublists every pick that bridges PS5, Xbox, PC, and Switch. And if you'd rather cooperate than compete, jump to co-op games.
Our top online pick is Helldivers 2 for groups on PS5 and PC - it is built for four-player online co-op with crossplay between those two platforms, and the friendly fire keeps every mission tense. For a bigger tent that includes Xbox and Switch, Fortnite and Rocket League get any group playing together in minutes. Below, every pick lists its platforms, verified crossplay status, and player count, sourced from the official store page.
How to choose fast
Ask two questions. First, is everyone on the same platform? If yes, your options open right up - even games without crossplay work. If no, filter to crossplay titles. Second, how many of you are there? Three-player squads suit Apex Legends; four-player co-op suits Helldivers 2 or Deep Rock Galactic; a bigger group leans toward Fortnite or a party game. Match those two answers and the pick is usually obvious.
