Introduction

Gaming has always been a social experience. From the early days of arcade machines to modern online platforms, the joy of competing—or cooperating—with friends has been central to the medium. Few genres highlight this better than multiplayer party games. Unlike competitive esports or complex strategy titles, party games thrive on accessibility, humor, and unpredictability.

What makes them truly special is their ability to transform friends into rivals. One moment you’re laughing together, the next you’re screaming in frustration because your teammate sabotaged your victory. These games are designed for chaos, where winning matters less than the hilarious journey.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the best multiplayer party games that turn friends into rivals, each offering unforgettable moments of fun, betrayal, and friendly competition.

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)

No party game list is complete without Mario Kart. Since its debut, the series has been synonymous with fun, speed, and chaos. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch takes everything players love and polishes it to perfection.

Why It Creates Rivalries

It’s not just about racing skill—items like the dreaded blue shell can flip the race in an instant. You might lead for three laps only to be knocked out at the finish line, sparking laughter or rage.

The Social Factor

With up to 12 players racing online or locally, the game ensures everyone has a chance. Even casual players can triumph, while seasoned veterans fume at their bad luck.

2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018)

Nintendo strikes again with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the ultimate crossover fighting game. With over 80 characters, it’s a dream come true for fans across franchises.

Chaos on the Screen

Matches often devolve into pure madness, with explosions, items, and stage hazards disrupting careful strategies. Friendships are tested when someone repeatedly spams a powerful move or camps at the edge waiting to strike.

Rivalry at Its Finest

The mix of skill and randomness makes every fight personal. You’re not just battling characters—you’re battling your friends’ pride.

3. Overcooked! 2 (2018)

Teamwork is essential in Overcooked! 2, but that doesn’t mean it won’t spark rivalries. Players must coordinate to cook and serve dishes under increasingly absurd conditions.

Friendship Under Fire

Kitchens collapse, conveyor belts move ingredients, and time runs out quickly. Arguments erupt as players blame each other for failed meals, dropped dishes, or wasted time.

Rivalries Through Cooperation

Ironically, the very game that requires teamwork also creates conflict. Friendships are tested not by competition, but by the chaos of collaboration.

4. Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout (2020)

Fall Guys turned battle royales into a party game phenomenon. Players control colorful jellybean characters as they race, stumble, and dive through obstacle courses.

Hilarious Competition

Unlike traditional shooters, Fall Guys emphasizes clumsy physics. You might get knocked over by a giant fruit or pushed off a platform by a rival friend.

Why It Breeds Rivals

Since only one player can win the crown, every friendship eventually turns into rivalry. Watching a friend fall at the last second is as satisfying as winning.

5. Jackbox Party Pack Series (2014–Present)

The Jackbox series is the king of party game compilations, offering trivia, drawing challenges, word games, and social deduction. All you need is a phone to play.

Endless Variety

Games like Quiplash, Fibbage, and Drawful create endless laughter as players invent lies, draw ridiculous pictures, or deliver the funniest punchlines.

Turning Friends Into Rivals

Because votes come from the group, rivalry emerges from humor and creativity. The funniest person doesn’t always win—sometimes alliances and betrayals decide it all.

6. Among Us (2018)

Though simple in design, Among Us became a global sensation. Players work together to complete spaceship tasks, but impostors secretly sabotage and eliminate crewmates.

Social Deception at Its Core

The fun comes from discussions after a body is discovered. Friends point fingers, lie convincingly, or panic under pressure. Suspicion turns allies into bitter rivals.

Why It Works

Few games capture the tension of trust like Among Us. Every meeting can destroy friendships, but that’s exactly why it’s unforgettable.

7. Gang Beasts (2017)

Silly physics brawlers are a recipe for rivalry, and Gang Beasts nails it. Players control wobbly characters in colorful arenas, trying to throw each other off ledges or into hazards.

Absurd Comedy

The clumsy controls mean even simple actions like climbing become ridiculous. Watching a friend struggle while you casually toss them into danger is endlessly entertaining.

Rivalries Everywhere

Every round is a chaotic mess, but the satisfaction of being the last one standing—especially after eliminating friends—creates the ultimate rivalry.

8. Mario Party Superstars (2021)

The Mario Party series has long been infamous for destroying friendships. Superstars collects classic boards and mini-games, offering both nostalgia and chaos.

From Allies to Enemies

Luck often outweighs skill. A single unlucky dice roll or stolen star can undo hours of progress, making rivals out of even the closest friends.

The Legacy of Betrayal

For decades, Mario Party has proven that no friendship is safe when stars and coins are on the line.

9. Pummel Party (2018)

Often described as “Mario Party for PC,” Pummel Party takes the formula of board-game maps plus mini-games and adds a slightly darker twist.

Wacky & Ruthless Fun

Players can blast each other with rockets, steal items, or trap rivals in deadly situations. Mini-games range from reflex challenges to puzzle-solving chaos.

Rivalries Enhanced

The freedom to directly sabotage opponents ensures that laughter often comes with grudges. It’s competitive fun at its most ruthless.

10. Asphalt legends

What if soccer was played with rocket-powered cars? That’s Rocket League, a competitive yet accessible game that combines sports with vehicular chaos.

Easy to Learn, Hard to Master

Anyone can jump in and hit the ball, but skilled players pull off aerial tricks that leave others stunned. The mix of teamwork and individual brilliance keeps rivalry alive.

From Friends to Foes

Whether on the same team or opposite sides, Rocket League guarantees friendly competition. Every missed shot or epic goal becomes a moment of pride—or rage.

Conclusion

Multiplayer party games hold a special place in gaming. They are not about perfect mechanics or long narratives, but about the laughter, tension, and chaos they create. From throwing bananas in Mario Kart to accusing your best friend in Among Us, these games prove that nothing turns allies into rivals quite like a party game.

Friendships may be tested, grudges may form, but at the end of the day, the shared memories are what matter most. And that’s why party games will always remain timeless.