The multiplayer landscape on Xbox has never been richer. Whether you’re teaming with friends in couch co-op or facing rivals online across continents, Xbox players today have access to a broad and constantly growing library of games that meet many tastes — from story-driven adventures to chaotic shooters, RPG loot-fests, and big sandbox worlds. Below is your in-depth, up-to-date guide to the standout cooperative and competitive multiplayer games on Xbox as of 2025. I break down what makes each worth playing, who it’s best for, and how they differ — so you can pick the perfect one for your next gaming session.

Why 2025 Is a Great Year for Xbox Multiplayer

Multiple factors have converged to make 2025 a strong moment for Xbox multiplayer: robust cross-platform support, a wave of new releases and remasters, and a blend of casual-friendly and hardcore titles. This means more players, easier matchmaking, and a diverse selection that suits everything from quick fun sessions with friends to long-term campaigns and competitive matches.

What stands out now is the variety: from intimate two-player co-op story games to massive 33-player raids, from tactical shooters to beat-’em-ups and sandbox adventures. There’s rarely been a better time to dive into multiplayer on Xbox — whatever your taste or your group size.

Key Trends in 2025 Multiplayer

Cross-platform and cross-play have become mainstream. Many games now allow friends on Xbox, PC, or other consoles to play together easily. This dramatically increases the player pool and makes co-op or competitive matches more accessible than ever. Examples include new and returning hits on Xbox libraries.
Co-op games are branching out beyond traditional genres. Instead of just shooters or RPGs, you get co-op platformers, action-RPG beat-’em-ups, narrative adventures, roguelikes, and sandbox experiences — giving more flexibility depending on what kind of gaming night you want.
Big multiplayer experiences and social games are resurging. With some titles offering dozens of players per session, or open-world sandbox co-ops, there’s a clear push towards community-driven, replayable formats that keep players coming back.
New titles + remasters = fresh & nostalgic appeal. Whether you’re jumping into a brand-new release or revisiting a remastered classic with modern features, there’s something for both new and veteran players.

Top Co-Op & Cross-Platform Games Worth Playing Right Now

This section outlines standout cooperative and cross-platform games on Xbox in 2025, across different genres and group sizes. I highlight what makes them special, who they’re for, and what kind of multiplayer experience you can expect.

Split Fiction — Co-op Adventure at Its Finest

From the studio behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction delivers a polished, narrative-rich co-op experience built around collaboration and shared-screen gameplay. It supports both local couch co-op and online multiplayer — plus a “Friend’s Pass,” meaning only one player needs to own the game to play with a friend. The game blends puzzles, platforming, occasional combat and creative level design, showcasing how versatile and engaging co-op can be. It has been frequently listed among the top cooperative games of 2025.

Towerborne — 4-Player Beat-’Em-Up RPG Co-Op

Towerborne mixes beat-’em-up action, RPG-like progression, and mission-based gameplay, supporting up to four players in local or online co-op. Its side-scrolling, stylized aesthetics and flexible class-based combat make it a great choice for casual co-op sessions — especially for groups who enjoy loot, action, and straightforward yet satisfying combat without needing deep RPG mechanics or heavy time investment.

33 Immortals — Massive-Scale Roguelike Co-Op Mayhem

One of the most ambitious new multiplayer games in 2025, 33 Immortals offers up to 33-player cooperative raids in a top-down, roguelike action setting. Each session lasts around 25 minutes, making it accessible even if you don’t have time for a long marathon. Players choose archetypes — melee, ranged, support, tank — then venture through mythological realms full of chaos, bosses, and mythic intensity. Ideal for large groups or communities who want huge, chaotic co-op sessions.

FBC: Firebreak — Team-Based PvE Shooter from a Renowned Studio

From the makers associated with a well-known narrative FPS background comes Firebreak: a multiplayer first-person shooter released in 2025. It supports three-player co-op and focuses on cooperative missions set in a supernatural-infused environment. For players who prefer shooter mechanics with teamwork and PvE tension rather than purely competitive PvP, Firebreak represents a strong, more strategic co-op shooter option.

Games That Blend Co-Op and Competitive Modes — Great for Mixed Groups

Some games on Xbox in 2025 don’t strictly fall under “co-op only.” They blend competitive multiplayer with co-op or offer options for either — ideal if your group sometimes wants teamwork, other times rivalry. Here are a few of the more versatile ones.

Borderlands 4 — Loot-Heavy Shooter with Flexible Multiplayer

The latest in a long-running loot-shooter franchise, Borderlands 4 delivers co-op-friendly gameplay with a strong social component and plenty of arcadey shooter action. It’s ideal if you enjoy shooting, looting, and chaotic cooperative mayhem — and works just as well with friends or in a more competitive atmosphere depending on the mode.

Elden Ring: Nightreign — RPG-Style Multiplayer with Shared-World Elements

For players who appreciate deep RPG mechanics, dark fantasy, and cooperative (or competitive) multiplayer integration, Elden Ring: Nightreign offers co-op support and shared-world encounters. It’s a solid pick for those wanting an immersive world, challenging combat, and multiplayer that scales with difficulty.

Sea of Thieves — Sandbox Pirate Co-Op Meets Shared Adventure</h numbers>

Sea of Thieves continues to be a standout choice for sandbox-style multiplayer. It offers open-world pirate adventures where crews can sail, fight, hunt treasures and explore with friends. Its emphasis on player interaction, emergent stories, and freedom makes it a unique co-op experience — especially for groups who want unpredictable, lighthearted fun over structured gameplay.

How to Choose the Right Multiplayer Game for Your Group

With so many options, it helps to match a game to your group’s preferences. Here’s a quick way to decide what to play based on what you and your friends are looking for:

Just two players, want story & co-op puzzles → Split Fiction. It’s designed for two players, easy to jump into, and emphasizes cooperation and storytelling rather than grinding or competition.
Small group (3–4), want action & loot → Towerborne or Borderlands 4. Both offer satisfying combat, loot mechanics, and co-op options without needing a large player base.
Large group or want massive chaos → 33 Immortals. Its 33-player co-op raids are rare and perfect for bigger communities or large friend groups.
Prefer shooter + strategy, but with team-based PvE → FBC: Firebreak, or Borderlands 4 if you like hybrid shooter + loot + open environments.
Want RPG depth and shared-world gameplay → Elden Ring: Nightreign or Sea of Thieves (depending on whether you prefer fantasy combat or sandbox exploration).

Looking Ahead: What to Watch for in Multiplayer Xbox Games

As we go forward, certain patterns look likely to shape Xbox multiplayer in the near future:

More cross-platform and cross-progression titles. This lowers the barrier for friends to play together regardless of device — encouraging bigger player bases and longer game lifespans.
Blending genres to appeal to broader audiences. Games that mix elements like narrative, loot, action, sandbox exploration, and cooperative mechanics tend to attract more players because they offer multiple styles of play in one package.
Continued support for both small-scale co-op and large-scale multiplayer. With games supporting anything from two-player couch co-op to 30+ player raids, flexibility will likely remain key to meeting diverse gamer needs.
Frequent updates and live-service models offering replay value. Many of the newer releases lean on seasonal updates, additional content, or expanding worlds — making them long-term investments rather than one-off experiences.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Xbox Multiplayer in 2025

To make the most of your multiplayer gaming sessions, consider the following tips based on 2025’s environment:

Coordinate platforms before playing. If you and your friends use different systems (PC, Xbox, etc.), pick games with cross-play support to avoid compatibility issues.
Match game choice to your group size and play style. A large group may enjoy 33 Immortals, while two players might prefer Split Fiction. For mixed groups, choose flexible titles like Borderlands 4 or Sea of Thieves.
Look for games with shared progression or “Friend’s Pass” features. These options — like in Split Fiction — make it easier for friends to hop in without everyone owning the game, ideal for casual or occasional players.
Prioritize games with active communities or regular updates. Live-service or frequently updated titles tend to have more players and longer lifespan, which helps when your friends are scattered across time zones or play intermittently.
Balance between time investment and fun. Some games are built for quick, casual sessions (25-minute raids, for example), while others require more time commitment. Choose accordingly depending on when you play.

Conclusion

The 2025 Xbox multiplayer lineup offers something for everyone — whether you want to solve puzzles with a friend in a two-player adventure, engage in chaotic loot-and-shoot action with a squad, or dive into massive raids with dozens of players. With cross-platform support, diverse genres, and a mixture of casual and hardcore experiences, there’s never been a better time to explore multiplayer on Xbox.

Choosing the right game comes down to knowing what your group enjoys: story or action, small-scale intimacy or big chaotic sessions, casual fun or competitive tension. The titles highlighted in this guide cover those needs broadly. Wherever your preference lies, there’s likely a current-generation game that fits. Gather your friends, pick a world — and jump in.