Best Local Multiplayer Games for Holiday Gatherings
Sure, online play is everywhere, but nothing beats the energy of local multiplayer games when everyone’s in the same room. Whether you’re gaming with siblings, parents, or your squad of nerdy friends, these titles are built for shared screens and shared snacks. Most of them run on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, so no matter what system is hooked up to the living room TV, you’re covered. Check out these awesome multiplayer games for the holiday season!
Best Holiday Multiplayer Games for All
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch)
- Why it’s great: Easy to pick up, impossible to put down. The chaos of shells, bananas, and last‑second blue shell strikes makes it perfect for mixed‑skill groups.
- Who it’s for: Families, casual players, and anyone who wants to prove they’re the fastest in the room.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat (Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC)
- Why it’s great: Nothing says holiday bonding like yelling at your cousin to chop onions faster. Cooperative chaos in the kitchen is hilarious and surprisingly strategic.
- Who it’s for: Groups who love teamwork, party chaos, and don’t mind a little friendly shouting.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo Switch)
- Why it’s great: Iconic characters, fast matches, and endless bragging rights. Smash is the ultimate showdown for gamers who want to settle scores.
- Who it’s for: Competitive friends, siblings with rivalries, and anyone who wants to see Pikachu fight Sephiroth.
It Takes Two (PlayStation, Xbox, PC)
- Why it’s great: A heartfelt, inventive co‑op adventure that requires two players to work together. It’s story‑driven but packed with clever mechanics.
- Who it’s for: Couples, best friends, or anyone who wants a deeper, narrative‑rich experience.
Jackbox Party Pack (All platforms, phones as controllers)
- Jackbox Party Pack (All platforms, phones as controllers)
- Why it’s great: Trivia, drawing games, and comedy chaos. Perfect for large groups where not everyone is a “gamer.”
- Who it’s for: Families, mixed‑age groups, and holiday parties where you want everyone involved.
Minecraft (All platforms)
- Why it’s great: Do you want to build a holiday castle, survive the night or just mess around in creative mode? Minecraft is your jam, endlessly flexible.
- Who it’s for: Anyone! If you or your crew want to be creative, collaborate or compete in blocky worlds, Minecraft is your new happy place.
Gang Beasts (PlayStation, Xbox, PC)
- Why it’s great: Silly physics brawling with gelatinous fighters in absurd arenas. Pure slapstick chaos.
- Who it’s for: Groups who love goofy fun and don’t take competition too seriously.
Rocket League (Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC)
- Why it’s great: Soccer with rocket‑powered cars. Fast, flashy, and surprisingly tactical.
- Who it’s for: Anyone who loves action, is a sports fan and enjoys competition.
Diablo IV Couch Co‑Op (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Why it’s great: Fast‑paced dungeon crawling packed with loot — ideal for pairs who enjoy depth and long sessions.
- Who it’s for: RPG fans, couples, or friends who want a darker, more immersive co‑op experience.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (All platforms)
- Why it’s great: Family‑friendly humor, iconic Star Wars storylines, and accessible gameplay.
- Who it’s for: Kids, parents and anyone who wants nostalgia with a side of lightsabers.
Comparison Table
| Games | Platform | Players | Difficulty |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Switch | 1-4 local | Easy to Medium |
| Overcooked! All You Can Eat | Switch, PS, Xbox, PC | 1-4 local | Medium to Hard |
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Switch | 1–8 local | Medium |
| It Takes Two | PS, Xbox, PC | 2 local | Medium |
| Jackbox Party | All + phones | 2–8+ local | Easy |
| Minecraft | All | 1–4 local split-screen | Easy to Medium |
| Gang Beasts | PS, Xbox, PC | 1–4 local | Easy |
| Rocket League | Switch, PS, Xbox, PC | 1–4 local | Medium |
| Diablo IV Couch Co-Op | PS, Xbox | 2 local | Medium to Hard |
| LEGO Star Wars: Skywalker Saga | All | 1-2 local | Easy |
The Multiplayer Joy of Shared Screens
Sharing is caring, so get together and share that screen! It’s about laughter, competition, and memories, which is exactly what the holidays are all about. Gaming is quickly becoming a new Christmas tradition. Whether you’re racing in Mario Kart, burning soup in Overcooked, or smashing your friends off the stage, these games turn holiday downtime into unforgettable bonding moments. So grab a controller, pass the snacks, and let the games begin.
