Level Up Family Time: Video Games You Can All Play Together

As the mom of two teenage boys, I’m very familiar with video games, though I’ll admit some of them make absolutely no sense to me. Still, my kids love them. So when I’m looking for a way to spend time together, I’ve learned to adopt an “if you can’t beat them, join them” mindset and pick up a controller myself.

And it turns out, there are plenty of video games that invite everyone to play, regardless of age or skill level. Today’s family-friendly titles are designed to be intuitive, cooperative and fun for a wide range of players.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite video games that make it easy for my crew to connect and have fun together as a family. And if I can play these games — a middle-aged mom with exactly zero gamer skills — so can you!

Party video games for instant fun

No tutorials, no pressure. Just pick up a controller and jump in!

Gang Beasts

Don’t let the name fool you, this game is silly and super fun. I can always tell when my kids are playing Gang Beast with their friends, based on the level of screaming and laughter coming up from the basement. In this game, players control wobbly, jelly-like characters and try to knock each other out of arenas. Set in the fictional Beef City, matches take place in crazy environments like rooftops, trucks and Ferris wheels, where the goal is to throw opponents off the map or into hazards. It is seriously fun.

Players: Up to four
Age: 10 and older
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mac and Linux

Hidden in Plain Sight

As a nongamer, this is the video game I have enjoyed more than any other. With very basic graphics, players blend in with a crowd of identical NPC characters while trying to complete secret objectives to take out the other players. The twist is that when the game starts, you don’t know which character you are controlling. Everyone is watching the same screen, so you have to subtly figure out who you are, because if you draw attention to yourself, opponents can eliminate you with a well-timed guess. It’s a mix of strategy, observation and bluffing, making it especially fun for families.

Players: Up to four
Age: 10 and older
Platforms: Nintendo, Steam (Windows/Mac/Linux), and Xbox 

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

This free, massive multiplayer battle royale obstacle course game is a wild good time! In this game you’re dodging giant fruit and other obstacles, no violence in sight. Players control a jelly bean character (which you can dress up in costumes) and frantically try to finish each course to qualify for the next round. Some obstacles are team challenges while others are every player for themselves, and include spinning platforms, giant hammers and collapsing floors. The bright colors and simple controls make this game fun for the whole family.

Players: Matches generally consist of up to 30–60 players
Age: Appropriate for all ages (it may be frustrating for young players)
Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo, Xbox and PC

Nintendo Switch Sports

If you are still mourning the loss of the Nintendo Wii, this game is for you. Using Nintendo Switch controllers, this motion-based sports game is not only fun to play as a family, it’s also a great way to get everyone moving indoors. Bowl a strike, win a sword fight, smash a tennis ball and more in these fun, active family games. Sports you can play include soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, chambara (swordplay), golf and basketball.

Players: Up to four players locally, up to eight players can join a private room online
Age: 10 and older
Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Team games that bring the chaos

These games are equal parts teamwork and total mayhem.

Overcooked

Are you looking for the pressure of a kitchen job and the fun of a family game? Well, look no further! In this fast-paced game players prepare and serve meals in increasingly chaotic kitchens. You chop ingredients, cook food and plate orders while navigating obstacles like moving counters, fires and shifting floors. Players must work together to get the orders out, and things tend to quickly devolve into frantic shouting and laughter. My family still talks about the time we played together and Grandma lit the entire kitchen on fire, a truly cherished family memory.

Players: Up to four
Age: Suitable for all ages, but often recommended for 7 and older due to the pressure of gameplay
Platforms: Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox and PC 

Moving Out

If you love the chaos of Overcooked, you’ll probably like this game too. In this cooperative game you play as a newly certified “Furniture Arrangement and Relocation Technician” trying to clear out a house as quickly as possible. Watch out for moving cars, swimming pools and other obstacles as you and your team move furniture, and don’t let things like doors and windows get in your way!

Players: Up to four
Age: Appropriate for all ages, generally recommended for players ages 7 and older
Platforms: Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Amazon Luna

True co-op games

You want to win? You better work together! These games reward communication, patience and problem-solving.

Snipperclips

In this super cute game each player controls a little character made of paper. By working together, you’ll snip and reshape yourselves to complete tasks like fitting into outlines or moving objects. Communication and creativity are key, making it a fun and sometimes hilariously frustrating game players of all ages will enjoy.

Players: Up to four
Age: Suitable for all ages
Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Unravel Two

Follow your spark as a little creature made of yarn in this charming two-player platformer game that focuses on problem-solving and working together. You’ll swing, climb and solve puzzles that require coordination and teamwork. Set in beautiful natural landscapes, the game offers gentle storytelling and calming but clever challenges. If you are looking for a little mellow playtime with your kid, this might be your answer.

Players: Up to two
Age: Appropriate for all ages, ideal for kids ages 8 and older
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and PC 

Creative video games for low-key play

No winners or losers, just exploring, building and creating together.

Minecraft

This is an obvious pick, but I had to include it. Families can play in Creative mode and build epic worlds together with unlimited resources, or take on Creepers, Skeletons and more in Survival mode. This game encourages teamwork, problem-solving and creativity. With many different modes and difficulty levels it’s easy to keep this game fun and engaging for years. People in my house ages 5 to 50 love playing Minecraft.

Players: Single or multiplayer
Age: 8 and older (though younger kids often play, especially in Peaceful or Creative modes)
Platforms: Available on almost all platforms — computers, gaming consoles and mobile

Bluey: The Videogame

Explore the world of the Heeler family in this game based on the super-popular TV show, “Bluey.” Play as Bluey, Bingo, Bandit or Chilli as you complete simple quests, play mini games and collect items across locations you’ll recognize from the show. With its calm and cooperative gameplay, it’s perfect for younger kids and families looking for a low-pressure game to enjoy together.

Players: Up to four
Age: Suitable for all ages, recommended for ages 4–7
Platforms: Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox and PC

Competitive (but still fun) video games

A little more skill and structure, but still plenty of fun for everyone.

Splatoon 2

The goal of this game is to cover as much surface as you can with ink. So, while the characters are aiming and shooting at each other, ink is flying around changing the color of the environment, rather than traditional violent combat. This game is fast-paced and super fun for players of all ages.

Players: Up to eight
Age: 10 and older
Platforms: Nintendo

Rayman Legends

In this fast-paced platformer, players run, jump and battle their way through levels filled with music and puzzles. You can play solo or team up with others to navigate obstacles and collect hidden treasures. My kids and I love the creative levels, especially the rhythm-based stages when your character will run and jump in time to different songs (it really is pretty cool).

Players: Up to four players
Age: 10 and older (though many recommendations suggest ages 7 and older)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox 

Rocket League

This unique sports game combines soccer with rocket-powered cars, which sounds a bit odd but is actually tons of fun. Players drive and jump their vehicles to hit a giant ball into the opposing team’s goal. It’s easy to pick up but takes skill to get really good. The quick matches, exciting plays and opportunities for teamwork and friendly competition make this a great game to play as a family.

Players: Up to four players on the same screen, online matches support up to 8 players
Age: Suitable for all ages, but recommended for 7 and older due to high-skill gameplay
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch (Full cross-platform support allows players to play with friends across all consoles and PC.)

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

As a kid, I loved a good racing game at the arcade. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fast-paced racing game where players compete as Nintendo characters on colorful tracks full of surprises. It’s easy for beginners to jump in but still offers plenty of challenges, making it a go-to choice for family game nights and friendly competition.

Players: Up to four players locally on one console, and up to 12 players online
Age: Suitable for all ages
Platforms: Nintendo

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