Online gaming is a great time, whether you're actually playing said video games with friends or just hanging out in a lobby together and catching up. 

Tons of multiplayer PC games spanning just about every available genre are playable online, but finding the right game for your group can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve scoured the Epic Games Store’s vast catalog to find some of the best PC games to play with your friends online. 
 

The social aspects of PC online gaming

Spending time with friends and loved ones is great, and socializing—even over voice chat—can reduce stress. Teaming up to push through a challenge or secure a shared victory is great for deepening bonds, while a little friendly contest in your favorite fighting game or sports title can add a competitive edge to online PC games.

Even when you’re not playing, it’s fun to spend time chatting it up with everyone in between matches or rounds. Hanging out and playing online PC games with friends can take the edge off of a rough day. Below are some great titles to consider for your next game night with friends.

 

Among Us

This cute little whodunit is a great PC game to play with your friends online. In Among Us, players join a spacefaring Crew tasked with repairing their ship. The only problem is that some players are actually Impostors bent on killing everyone else. Some players will spend their time feeling paranoid and completing minigame tasks. Others will do their best to sabotage the Crew without getting caught. The hilarious excitement in Among Us is omnipresent, whether you’re on the Crew or an Imposter. Also, you can totally throw players into space. 

 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate

This cowabunga co-op roguelike puts players in control of their favorite heroes-in-a-half-shell as they battle their way through the sewers and beyond. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate harkens back to the days of arcade brawlers, but with modern affordances like the ability to upgrade and customize your turtle-of-choice’s skills. There’s also a ton of randomization, with changing level layouts, bosses, and modifiers that give it a ton of replayability. It’s a frenetic choice for PC gaming online with friends.

 

The Jackbox Party Pack

If you want a night of slightly competitive laughs, The Jackbox Party Pack is a great choice. Each iteration in the series comes with several games for you and your friends to play online on PC. Some involve trivia, while others might have you design shirts and catchphrases. If you run out of spots for people to play, there are audience participation options, so even a large group can get together and enjoy The Jackbox Party Pack together.

 

Rocket League

Rocket-powered cars playing soccer is Rocket League’s concept—and when you throw in online play with friends, things really get interesting. Whether you’re taking on other teams in a casual 3v3 match or hosting a private tournament among friends, Rocket League has plenty of online action to keep you entertained. Rocket League is a great choice for online PC gaming with friends.

 

Grand Theft Auto Online

The wild open-world sandbox of Grand Theft Auto V is a playground for you and friends to create some gaming chaos. In GTA Online, you and your friends can pull off some insanely over-the-top heists or participate in street races to earn cash and XP. You can also just run around, blow stuff up, and steal cars from NPCs. It’s a great pick if you’re looking to hang out and get into some mischief with your friends online.

 

Fortnite

Fortnite has a massive, constantly growing catalog of experiences for players. You and your friends can team up in Battle Royale, experience the survival game LEGO® Fortnite, and even try out player-created experiences—including those that you and your friends make. Fortnite has a staggering amount of online gaming opportunities. And it’s also free-to-play!
 

Setting up for online gaming

Before you get started playing the best PC games online with your friends, let’s make sure that you’re ready. When picking games, make sure that your gaming rig meets all the minimum requirements. Every game on the Epic Games Store tells you what you’ll need, so check your specs before you buy. 

Make sure that you have a solid internet connection and speeds high enough to play online. While you can play over a Wi-Fi connection, an Ethernet connection tends to be faster and more reliable. 

You may also need to create an account in-game or online before you can play with friends. For example, you need an Epic Games account to play Fortnite or Rocket League online with your friends. Many titles make it easy to create the accounts required to play your games online with your friends.
 

Play your favorite PC games with friends online on the Epic Games Store

The sheer number of PC games that are waiting for you and your friends to play them is staggering. More games arrive in the Epic Games Store all the time—and many of those games offer co-op or competitive online gameplay. Be sure to browse our entire catalog to find the best PC games to play online for you and your friends, and check out the Epic Games Store's news page to catch up on the latest from all of your favorite developers about all of your favorite games.