Highlights

• Tekken has a charming cast of characters and offers both casual button-mashing and highly skilled competitive gameplay.
• Rocket League combines giant soccer with jet-powered cars, creating a fast-paced, competitive game with a high skill ceiling.
• Rainbow Six Siege's tactical gameplay requires teamwork and strategy, offering a slow-paced alternative to traditional shooters.

These days, it seems like every video game has a competitive aspect to it. Whether it's a first-person shooter or a hyperrealistic sports simulator, competitive modes are impossible to avoid. Some developers even go the extra mile and create a game with a focus entirely on competitive multiplayer.

The gaming community typically tends to look down on these kinds of games. The reason is that they can often be toxic or generally taken too seriously. However, don't misunderstand! With the right group of friends or the proper mindset, competitive gaming can be a blast! In no particular order, here are the best competitive multiplayer games available to play right now.

Updated By Nathan Round on 5th March 2024: We have updated this guide with additional entries, along with introducing new links to other relevant lists.

15 Tekken

High-Action & Competitive Fighting Game

• Highly competitive fighting game with charming characters and a high skill ceiling
• Can be enjoyed by casual button-bashing players, or highly skilled competitive players

Throughout its many years as a franchise, Tekken has been known for its hilariously charming characters and its daunting set of moves. Literal dozens of combinations are available for each character in the game, with each move entirely different depending on who you're playing as! With the 2024 release of Tekken 8, this series is as big as ever.

On the casual side, Tekken is a lot of fun and frantic button-mashing. There is nothing wrong with that! It is always a good time. However, as you approach the competitive scene of Tekken, you will notice that there is enormous depth and skill attached to the way players operate. Competitive players finesse every aspect of the game's mechanics, creating an unbelievably entertaining brawl to sit back and watch.

14 Rocket League

Vehicular Mayhem Meets Soccer

• Highly addictive, fast-paced, vehicular sports game with an emphasis on team play
• Offers various modes, and a thriving e-sport scene thanks to its high skill ceiling

Rocket League takes that tried-and-true formula of classic sports, but with a twist. Playing giant soccer with jet-powered cars is immensely fun. Funnily enough, when Rocket League first came out, it was a bizarre mix composed primarily of gamers looking for a fun, casual experience.

However, Rocket League quickly took off, and it grew into one of the most competitive games out there! Perhaps what makes it so enticing is the combination of a very simple rule set and a very high skill ceiling. Rocket League is the true definition of "easy to learn, hard to master." Rocket League is also one of the most enjoyable and thrilling e-sports games to watch!

13 Rainbow Six Siege

Slow-Paced Tactical Shooter

• Character-based, highly tactical, first-person shooter
• Offers a variety of attack and defend game modes, different characters, and frequent content drops

Serving as the successor to classic games such as Rainbow Six Vegas 1 and 2, Rainbow Six Siege is one of the most intense and tactical experiences out there. The utter reliance players need to have on their teammates makes it a naturally competitive environment - especially when you take into account how easy it is for one small mistake to completely throw any plan out the window.

With a fast TTK and a great emphasis on teamwork, it is vital for the success of your team that each player takes the game very seriously. This is often a turn-off for many players. But the slow, methodical pacing of Rainbow Six Siege is a real breath of fresh air from the saturated market of fast and aggressive first-person shooters. Try to get a couple of friends to join you, and the toxicity that this game is known for will no longer matter!

12 Super Smash Bros

High Action Beat 'Em Up Fighter Game

• A fast-paced beat 'em up fighter game with a great emphasis on competitive play
• Offers a whole roster of different playable characters, cross-over events, and high-action gameplay

It is an almost impossible task to decide on a Super Smash Bros game as the single best in the franchise. Each new iteration breathes new life into the long-running series. While the most popular entry right now is Smash Bros Ultimate, there are still hyper-competitive scenes revolving around Smash Bros Melee, Brawl, and even the un-loved Wii-U game!

What sets Super Smash Bros apart from the rest of the games on this list is that it is always enjoyable, even for players looking for a more casual experience. Staying up late with friends and battling it out in familiar arenas makes for some hilariously fun occasions. It is easy for anyone to pick up a controller and play, but for those looking for competitive and intense gameplay, it is perfect for you too! Smash Bros has it all.

11 Overwatch 2

Fast-Paced Hero Shooter

• Highly accessible free-to-play hero shooter, with a great emphasis on team play
• Highly competitive when it comes to various modes, along with the ability to play different and unique characters

While many would argue that the state of Overwatch 2 has been less than desirable, there is no denying that Overwatch was game-changing. Few games have had as much of an impact on the overall state of video games as the original Overwatch did when it launched. The concept of a hero-based shooter had simply never been done!

Overwatch 2 is a delightful experience for those looking for a more serious gaming session. Even though the characters are light-hearted and charming, the atmosphere of competitiveness is hard to overlook. Still, like most entries on this list, Overwatch 2 can become less competitive simply by grabbing a few friends to play with. But with the high-action gameplay and vast amounts of characters to choose from, the game can still be a challenging and fun experience.

10 Apex Legends

High Octane, Character-Based Battle Royale

• Super fast-paced, character-based Battle Royale game with fluid movement and superb map design
• Can be enjoyed solo or as part of a squad, and offers a regular Battle Royale playlist along with competitive Multiplayer

When Apex Legends launched in 2019, it took the world by storm, garnering an equal number of players to the industry-leading Fortnite within 3 days of its launch! While it has gone through some rough patches, it is currently in a very polished, and very accessible state. While the gameplay is similar to that of many other first-person shooters, the introduction of ability-based heroes creates immense competitive value.

There are tons of movement mechanics and legend synergies for players to master. For this reason, the professional and competitive scene for Apex Legends has boomed in the past couple of years. Players who enjoy a competitive game with a more forgiving learning curve will adore Apex. Not to mention, the gameplay will feel familiar to those who have played Titanfall before.

9 Hunt: Showdown

Gritty PvPvE Survival Multiplayer

• A unique survival game with a high-skill gap and ranking system
• Offers players with a PvPvE experience, where players are not the only threat

A game that has tried desperately to break through into widespread media attention is Hunt: Showdown. As one of the most unique survival multiplayer games out there, Hunt: Showdown occupies a very niche space in competitive gaming. The game boasts a satisfying and ridiculously adrenaline-inducing gameplay loop, one which ensures that the competitive scene stays strong.

Hunt: Showdown is extremely demanding. With a highly-formidable learning curve and an unforgiving ranking system, players who are not used to hyper-competitive games will most likely not enjoy it. While the gameplay is slow and tactical, it requires insane reaction times from the player. But don't let that discourage you. Anyone who loves crisp gunplay, highly intense fire-fights, and some of the most fantastic audio design in recent years will love Hunt: Showdown.

8 Escape From Tarkov

Hardcore & Tactical Extraction Shooter

• Highly addictive, tactical, extraction shooter with a great emphasis on looting and grinding
• Offers highly competitive, high-stakes gameplay, where death is exceptionally punishing for the player

Perhaps the most hardcore game on this list, Escape From Tarkov is brutally unforgiving. The heart-pounding gun fights are truly all or nothing, as when you die in Escape From Tarkov, you lose everything. Yes, even that million-ruble vest you just bought. This slower-paced, realistic extraction shooter puts players into high-stakes situations and is truly a nerve-racking yet addictive experience.

For this exact reason, Escape From Tarkov is played almost exclusively by the most competitive of gamers. This is unfortunate because it keeps a lot of its casual audience away. But, if you are willing to put in the effort, you will slowly but surely find an irresistibly rewarding gameplay loop. There is some respite to be found in the fact that players have the option to "practice" in the form of playing as a temporary character, completely separated from your main guy. However, outside this feature, the risk of losing absolutely everything you have looted in your game is one of the reasons why it's so fun.

7 League Of Legends

Wildly Competitive Team-Based Battle Arena Game

• A character-based, battle-arena game with a great emphasis on team play
• Offers over 140 champions to choose from, compelling competitive modes, and frequent content updates

This list would not be complete without the inclusion of League Of Legends. This online, multiplayer, battle-arena game has captivated the hearts of hardcore competitive players since its original release in 2009 - and continues to be widely popular even today. League Of Legends is a game that pits two teams of 5 against one another, intending to secure kills and destroy each other's base for victory.

With over 140 champions to choose from, a great emphasis on tactical team play, and constant seasonal updates, it's obvious why League Of Legends is still going strong years after its release. The competitive scene is also quite wild for League, with tournaments such League of Legends World Championship being hosted annually. League Of Legends is currently only available for PC. Whereas its mobile port, League of Legends: Wild Rift, can be enjoyed on iOS and Android devices.

6 Counter-Strike 2

Fast-Paced & Improved Tactical-Shooter

• Fast-paced, tactical shooter with improved graphic fidelity
• High-action modes with a high skill ceiling, perfect for competitive players

Counter-Strike 2 is the free-to-play successor to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Counter-Strike 2 features the same tactical, fast-paced action of the first game, now with modernized graphics and physics. Counter-Strike 2 also offers upgraded and overhauled maps, improved networking, and upgraded Work Shop Tools for the community to dive into.

Outside the improved graphic fidelity of the game, Counter-Strike also offers high-action gameplay for new players, gameplay that features a variety of different game modes, each of which pits two teams against one another. Players can also improve their arsenal with cash earned throughout their game - offering them something to strive for outside of winning. Deathmatch, Hostage, and Arms Race are just some of the modes you can try, most of which can be played casually or as part of the Ranked playlist.

5 Valorant

Fast Paced, Character Based, Tactical First-Person Shooter

• Fast-paced, high-action hero-shooter with a great emphasis on team play
• Features a variety of Agents to choose from, along with regular content updates

Valorant is developed by the same creative minds as League Of Legends, and is a thrilling game tailored to First-Person Shooter fans. This tactical hero-shooter is both highly praised and popular, with over 18 million concurrent players in the first month of 2024 alone. Valorant features a gameplay loop similar to the likes of Counter-Strike, where players compete in a variety of modes, whilst simultaneously upgrading their arsenal using cash earned during each game.

What sets Valorant apart from Counter-Strike, however, is its use of Agents. Each Agent has a variety of different abilities, allowing players to pick and choose which character suits their playstyle. With a superfast TTK, compelling competitive game modes that emphasize team play, and a very much alive e-sport scene, Valorant is one of the greatest competitive games out there. However, it can be pretty overwhelming to get into, as players need superfast reflexes and enhanced game sense to come out on top.

4 Dota 2

Free-To-play, Competitive Battle Arena Game

• Similar gameplay to that of League Of Legends, but featuring unique mechanics that complement the competitive communities' needs
• Features a roster of unique Heroes, is free-to-play, and constantly receives additional post-launch content

Dota 2 is a free-to-play hero battle-arena game similar to the likes of League Of Legends. Just like League Of Legends, players are put into two teams of 5, and must fight against one another to destroy each team's Archive to secure victory. On the surface, Dota 2 is eerily similar to League Of Legends. However, the game does have some things that set it apart from its predecessor, notably a more intricate map design, the ability for players to deny certain aspects of the game while matchmaking, and the introduction of a courier system for item delivery.

Much like League, Dota 2 is also character-based, featuring a roster of different Heroes that players can choose from right from the get-go - each of which has their own unique abilities. With a thriving e-sports scene, Dota 2 is also widely competitive, becoming the center of attention for fans who tune into The Dota Pro Circuit. If you are looking for a game that features similar gameplay to League Of Legends, but offers some of its creative uniqueness, whilst also being free-to-play, then Dota 2 is a game you should try out.

3 Destiny 2

Free-To-Play, High-Action Arena Shooter

• Fast-paced, character-based arena shooter featuring the highly competitive Crucible mode
• Receives frequent DLC and post-launch updates, along with competitive modes

Destiny 2 features a compelling narrative that players can sink their teeth into. However, the biggest attraction for Destiny comes with its online PvP mode, the Crucible. The Crucible is Destiny 2's highly popular arena, pitting players in a variety of different modes where they will need to battle for victory. On the surface, Destiny 2's Crucible is just like any other shooter experience. However, it does have some unique characteristics that make it stand out, and it is also free to play!

For starters, players can make use of their chosen Guardians, granting them an array of different passive and earnable abilities to make use of during battle. The game also features a variety of weapons and wearable gear that can be unlocked in a variety of different ways. Though this does introduce a hardcore grind element to the game, more so than some other games on this list, the ability to experiment with different weapons and builds allows players to fine-tune their character according to their playstyle. If you are into PvP arena shooters, then Destiny 2's Crucible is something you should try out!

2 Call of Duty

Long Running, Fast Paced First-Person Shooter

• A competitive first-person-shooter franchise that stands the test of time
• Offers addicting high-action Multiplayer modes, and a highly popular free Battle Royale mode

This list would not be complete without the quintessential Call Of Duty franchise. Say what you want about the series, but it has truly stood the test of time and is, year after year, the most popular competitive game out there. Call of Duty has mastered the art of gunplay, and streamlined it in a way that almost anybody can pick up a controller and have a good time. Modern Warfare 3 brings the fast-paced action of Call Of Duty Multiplayer back into the spotlight, along with bringing back some highly anticipated nostalgia with the return of various original Modern Warfare 2 maps.

Outside competitive Multiplayer, Call Of Duty also offers the thrilling and gritty Battle Royale game, Call Of Duty: Warzone. Warzone is free-to-play, highly accessible, and offers a unique mix of classic Battle Royale mechanics and Call Of Duty gameplay. This, in turn, results in more and more players joining the competitive scene. As casual players get better and better, so does the challenge and thrill that they experience after each match. Call of Duty's annual inclusion of realism or hardcore modes incentivizes players to play in a much more competitive manner, making it by far one of the greatest competitive shooters on this list.

1 Fortnite

Game-Breaking & Free-To-Play Battle Royale Game

• Highly addictive, fast-paced, Battle Royale with unique building mechanics
• Can be enjoyed solo or as part of a squad, receives frequent season updates, and also offers various gameplay experiences and modes

Fortnite has proven itself to be one of the biggest and most successful competitive Battle Royale games in recent memory. While it may seem shallow at first glance, there are very deep and hard-to-master mechanics hidden in the game. The fact that it is both accessible and free-to-play gives it a massive audience to work with.

Epic Games has done a phenomenal job at promoting and creating tournaments, implementing new modes, and providing constant updates to Fortnite! This has ensured that the game remains both hyper-competitive and still enjoyable for casual players. Few competitive games have had as much cultural significance as Fortnite, and that is for a reason. However, if you are looking for a break from Battle Royale, then modes like LEGO: Fortnite, Fortnite Festival, and Rocket Racing are great alternatives.