While narrative-driven titles have defined much of the PlayStation experience, one-time offer competitive and multiplayer gaming has also played a major role in the platform’s identity. From couch co-op on the PS2 to online multiplayer on the PS5, PlayStation games have long offered thrilling opportunities for friendly (or fierce) competition. These social experiences are a cornerstone of some of the best games to grace the PlayStation library.

Franchises like Call of Duty, Street Fighter, and Gran Turismo have each found a strong home on PlayStation consoles, offering competitive communities and evolving gameplay over the years. The rise of online play expanded possibilities, giving players the chance to test their skills against others around the world. Games like Rocket League, Fortnite, and Destiny 2 have taken full advantage of this ecosystem, offering highly engaging and constantly evolving multiplayer experiences.

The PSP, though limited by its hardware in some respects, also offered impressive multiplayer capabilities. Local wireless play allowed friends to compete in games like Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, a title that not only became one of the most popular PSP games of all time but also a social phenomenon. Other games like SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo and Twisted Metal: Head-On brought competitive action to the handheld format, offering experiences that rivaled their console counterparts in intensity.

As multiplayer continues to evolve with cross-platform support and cloud gaming, the foundation laid by both PlayStation and PSP games remains strong. These titles have fostered lasting communities, intense rivalries, and countless hours of shared excitement—proving that some of the best games are the ones played together.