One of the best things about the development of games and gaming tech in the 21st century is the sheer variety of multiplayer gaming experiences that are out there. Whether you’re a serious gamer or a hobbyist who dips in every now and again, is there anything better than going up against thousands of players and coming out on top of the leaderboard?
It seems the gaming industry shares this sentiment, too; after all, there’s now no shortage of competitive games and more and more titles seem to be released every year. But, with so many to choose from, where do you start?
You’ll find the answers in this article! We’ve rounded up five of the best competitive video games, whether you play games on your home PC, like to game on the go with the Nintendo Switch, or have a shiny new 5th gen console to enjoy the latest titles on.
SuperSmash Bros
Over the decades, Nintendo has introduced us all to some of our most beloved characters, and in SuperSmash Bros, you can play them all. This crossover hit brings together a total of 90 different characters from across different gaming franchises, as well as some Nintendo staples.
Fancy pitting Bowser against Donkey Kong? Maybe it’s time to settle the age-old debate on who is better, Sonic or Mario, with a one-on-one bout! Or, why not break all the rules and pit the ever-adorable Pikachu against Street Fighter’s Ryu?
Street Fighter V
Speaking of Street Fighter, we couldn’t compile a list of the greatest competitive games without mentioning this iconic franchise. What started out as an arcade game has evolved in step with the gaming industry, crossing platforms, generations and technologies.
Street Fighter V is the eSports edition of the classic game and brings back all the best parts from previous iterations, with some added 21st-century extras. Even better, it’s as straightforward to play as ever and even retains that good ol’ 2D side-scrolling format.
Online Poker
Digital poker is a genre that has expanded massively in recent years. The game itself may be hundreds of years old, but it hasn’t lost any of its appeal, and now, thanks to online poker rooms and iGaming platforms, it’s easier than ever to play it.
Furthermore, US gamers can take part in online poker championships at Global Poker. The platform specialises in free poker gaming, with several multi-table tournaments to participate in.
Fortnite Battle Royale
What is there to say about Fortnite Battle Royale that hasn’t already been said before? The game itself may only be a few years old, but it’s already proven to be a seminal release for Epic Games. Fortnite Battle Royale may well be one of the eSports industry’s staple games, but it remains as accessible to players of all levels as it was when it first hit our screens.
With charismatic characters to choose from and gameplay that puts your survival skills to the test, as well as your prowess on the battlefield, Fortnite simply has all the makings of an era-defining game.
Valorant
Riot Games’ tactical-based team FPS, Valorant, is one for PC gamers who’ve already exhausted what the likes of Rainbow Six Siege and CounterStrike: Global Offensive have to offer. Following a 5v5 format, players have the choice to be either team attack or team defense.
What sets Valorant apart from other games of this ilk is its roster of 18 characters, AKA Agents. Each agent has unique special abilities that, when played skillfully, could mean the difference between your team winning or losing. There are several modes to play, too, including the Deathmatch format, Replication, Unrated and Spike Rush.