Asymmetrical multiplayer games have come into their own over the past few years, with titles like Among Us, Dead by Daylight, and Left 4 Dead pulling in legions of players. Instead of giving two teams a similar set of abilities, asymmetrical games are purposefully lopsided — one team might be larger but have less firepower, while the other team might be comprised of a single, powerful player.
It’s a unique concept that’s seen plenty of variation as new developers make their mark on the genre. There are plenty of titles to choose from nowadays, but not all are winners. If you need help deciding what to install next, here are 10 of the best asymmetrical multiplayer games to play in 2024.
Left 4 Dead 2
M
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360, Mac
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Valve, Turtle Rock Studios
Publisher
Valve
Release
November 17, 2009
Despite imitators, even one made by the original team in Back 4 Blood, attempting to outdo the original, no game has captured the magic of Left 4 Dead 2. The single-player component is simply four identical survivors making their way through various maps while countless zombies and special infected descend upon them. Where things get interesting is in the multiplayer, where one team controls said special infected to try and stop the survivors from completing objectives or reaching the end. It’s simple but endlessly replayable fun on both sides despite each team playing completely differently.
Among Us
E10
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Strategy, Indie
Developer
InnerSloth
Publisher
InnerSloth
Release
June 15, 2018
Although the frenzy has started to die down, Among Us is still a great multiplayer game. It sees a crew of players setting out to accomplish a list of mundane tasks, such as cleaning oxygen filters or stabilizing steering controls for their spaceship. However, one player among the crew is an Imposter — and their goal is to sabotage the mission. Players will have to figure out which one of their fellow crewmates is the Imposter and vote them out before it’s too late.
Dead by Daylight
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Simulator, Strategy, Adventure
Developer
Behaviour Interactive
Publisher
Behaviour Interactive
Release
June 14, 2016
Arguably the most iconic asymmetrical multiplayer game on the market, Dead by Daylight tasks one killer with hunting down four survivors. The survivors don’t have any powerful attacks in their repertoire, meaning they’ll need to rely on stealth tactics and careful communication to make it through each level unscathed. The Killer, however, comes to the fight armed to the teeth. Exact abilities vary from one Killer to the next, but with characters such as Freddy Krueger and Pyramid Head up for grabs, there’s no shortage of ways to hunt your prey.
Secret Neighbor
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
Genre
Adventure, Indie
Developer
DYNAMIC PIXELS
Publisher
tinyBuild
Release
October 24, 2019
Hello Neighbor is a creepy game on its own, but the addition of competitive multiplayer made it even more nightmarish. It’s a bit like Among Us, as you’ll be working with a group of friends to free one of your neighbors — only one of your “friends” is actually your evil neighbor in disguise. They’ll be able to set up traps to delay your efforts, and it’ll be up to you to see past their tricks and free the captive before it’s too late.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
E10
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows Mixed Reality, SteamVR, Daydream, PlayStation VR, Meta Quest, Meta Rift, Gear VR
Genre
Puzzle, Simulator, Indie, Card & Board Game
Developer
Steel Crate Games
Publisher
Steel Crate Games
Release
July 16, 2015
You’re trapped in a room with a bomb, and the only way to make it out alive is by listening to instructions from your teammate. They’ve gained access to the manual and can talk you through defusing it. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is playable in VR — which adds another layer of excitement to the game — and is without a doubt the best way to experience the quirky action.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Indie
Developer
Sumo Nottingham
Publisher
Gun Interactive
Release
August 18, 2023
Something about classic slasher movies just tend to make great asymmetrical games. This time, it’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Instead of just one killer, however, the teams are split between the Slaughter family and the young victims trying to escape. It plays a lot like Dead by Daylight in concept, but with three “killers” and four victims, things are a bit more complex. Victims are only concerned with unlocking an escape route from the map, while killers want to stop them but also feed blood to Grandpa, who will occasionally reveal the location of all the victims. It’s tense, brutal, and a blast with friends.
Predator: Hunting Grounds
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Illfonic
Release
April 24, 2020
Stalk your prey as Predator, using thermal vision, deadly alien firearms, and incredible agility that lets you zip around your environment with ease. If you’re not playing as Predator, you’ll be on the Fireteam and given an arsenal of deadly weapons to keep the threat at bay and slowly make your way to the escape helicopter. It’s a fun game on its own, but fans of the long-running Predator franchise will find plenty of Easter eggs to make the adrenaline-pumping action even more exciting.
It Takes Two
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Hazelight Studios
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
March 25, 2021
Unlike most of the entries on this list, It Takes Two isn’t a competitive survival game. Instead, you and a partner will team up to tackle a variety of platforming challenges. Each character is given a specific set of abilities for each level, meaning you’ll have a different experience whether you’re playing as Cody or May. For example, one player might have access to a nail gun that can open new access points, while another can use a hammer to turn wheels or activate heavy levers. This unique, asymmetrical gameplay requires careful communication with your teammate to complete each level.
Read our full It Takes Two review
Nintendo Land
E10
Platforms
Wii U
Genre
Shooter, Platform, Puzzle, Racing, Adventure, Arcade
Developer
Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.2, Nintendo, Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
November 17, 2012
Listen, we know the WiiU failed but it wasn’t because of Nintendo Land. If anything, this was one of the best games on the system. Featuring six multiplayer minigames based on some of Nintendo’s biggest franchises, it fully shows off all the unique ways the gamepad could be used for amazing asymmetrical games. This was, unfortunately, also the last best example, as very few games took advantage of the controller to flesh out these concepts, but they’re still a great time in their own right.
We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip
E
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Puzzle, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Total Mayhem Games
Publisher
Total Mayhem Games
Release
September 14, 2023
There is an entire We Were Here series that has had yearly releases since 2017 so you can take your pick on which to go with, but we’ll recommend the newest one called We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip. This is a two-player cooperative puzzler where each player needs to work together to solve puzzles via a walkie-talkie. You’re seldom with your partner or able to see what they’re doing, so communication is key. Each game sets you in a new location with new puzzles, this last one being in an abandoned amusement park, but the latest one includes the option to replay puzzles to earn medals. You can play each one individually, and they have cross-platform support, so grab a friend and see how clever you are.
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