15 Best Online Multiplayer Games for PS4 in 2026
Original illustration by GameVexo
Still own a PS4 and wondering what’s actually worth playing online with friends in 2026? Good news — you’ve got more options than you’d think, from massive open worlds to quick, no-commitment matches.
We went through the current PS4 library and cut anything that’s been shut down, delisted, or quietly turned into a PS5-only sequel (looking at you, Warzone). What’s left is this list: the best online multiplayer games for PS4 that are confirmed active today, covering co-op, open-world, competitive, and free-to-play picks. If you’re also weighing whether your PS4 is even worth holding onto this year, our PS4 vs PS4 Pro buying guide breaks that down separately — but based on this list alone, there’s still plenty of life left in the console.
To make this list, a game had to pass one simple test: is it actually still online and playable on a real PS4 today, not just a PS5 remaster with the same name? We checked official platform pages and current server status for every title here, and left out anything that quietly dropped PS4 support along the way. What’s left is a mix of open-world hangouts, quick competitive matches, and proper co-op campaigns, so there’s something here whether you’re playing with one friend or a whole squad.
GTA Online
Open-World ActionGTA Online is still the easiest answer to “what’s a good open world multiplayer game for PS4.” You and up to 29 other players share one huge city, and you can spend your time racing, running heists, building a criminal empire, or just causing chaos with friends.
✓ Why We Love It
- A genuinely open world you explore freely with friends
- Heists, races, and businesses all built into one game
- New content and events still roll out regularly
✕ Keep In Mind
- Earning in-game cash without shortcuts takes patience
- Load times and visuals lag behind the PS5 version
What sets GTA Online apart from most games on this list is scale — it’s less a “match” and more a persistent world you keep coming back to. If you want a broader look at everything else the console has to offer, our guide to the best PS4 games in 2026 covers single-player picks too.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
FPS / ShooterBlack Ops 7 launched in November 2025 as the last mainline Call of Duty ever coming to PS4 — future entries move to PS5 only. It’s a strong send-off, with full online multiplayer, a co-op campaign you can play with a friend, and the round-based Zombies mode.
✓ Why We Love It
- Three ways to play online: multiplayer, co-op campaign, and Zombies
- Full seasonal content updates still rolling in through 2026
- Cross-progression carries over from Black Ops 6
✕ Keep In Mind
- Warzone battle royale is not available on this PS4 version
- Requires a large day-one install and frequent updates
This is the pick to grab if you specifically want a “cool multiplayer game” with variety — you can drop into a quick multiplayer match, then switch to co-op campaign missions with a friend the same evening.
Fortnite
Battle RoyaleFortnite costs nothing to download and plays cross-platform with basically everyone, which makes it one of the easiest online games for PS4 to jump into with friends who own other consoles or a PC.
✓ Why We Love It
- Completely free, with no paywall to play online
- Cross-play with PS5, Xbox, Switch, and PC
- New map changes and seasons keep it feeling fresh
✕ Keep In Mind
- Some cosmetic and mode content favors current-gen consoles first
- Matches can feel hectic for total beginners
Because it’s cross-play and free, Fortnite is often the simplest “best online game for PS4” recommendation for a group of friends split across different consoles.
Diablo IV
Action RPG / Open WorldDiablo IV is confirmed and fully playable on PS4, with an open world called Sanctuary that supports up to 4 players online plus 2-player couch co-op on the same screen. It’s a strong pick if you want an open world multiplayer PS4 game with real RPG depth.
✓ Why We Love It
- A dark, open world you can freely explore with friends
- Couch co-op support, not just online
- Regular seasons add new content and events
✕ Keep In Mind
- Requires a Battle.net account on top of PS Plus
- Endgame grinding can get repetitive solo
If you like dark, monster-filled settings, our roundup of the best action RPG horror games for PS4, PS5, and Switch has more picks in a similar mood.
Minecraft
Sandbox / SurvivalMinecraft is the easy, evergreen answer whenever someone asks for a good online game for PS4 the whole family can play. Build, explore, and survive together with up to 8 players online, or share the screen locally.
✓ Why We Love It
- Beginner-friendly and endlessly creative
- Works for split-screen and online co-op alike
- No pressure, no timers — play at your own pace
✕ Keep In Mind
- Playing with strangers through Realms costs extra
- Base survival mode can feel slow without a goal in mind
Minecraft’s lack of a set structure is exactly why it stays a “best PS4 online game” pick year after year — you decide what an evening of play actually looks like.
Elden Ring
Open-World Action RPGElden Ring’s Lands Between is one of the biggest open worlds on PS4, and its “jolly cooperation” system lets you summon a friend to help with tough bosses or just explore together, without needing a permanent squad.
✓ Why We Love It
- One of the most detailed open worlds available on PS4
- Drop-in, drop-out co-op that doesn’t require full commitment
- Deep combat and build variety keep repeat playthroughs fresh
✕ Keep In Mind
- Notoriously difficult for newcomers to the genre
- Co-op requires matching items and can involve a short wait
If tough open-world co-op RPGs are your thing, check our list of the best upcoming souls-like games of 2026 for what’s coming next in the genre.
Rocket League
Sports / ArcadeRocket League is car-soccer, and it’s still one of the most fun, easy-to-learn online multiplayer games on PS4. Matches last a few minutes, so it’s perfect for a quick session with friends.
✓ Why We Love It
- Free to play with simple, satisfying controls
- Cross-play with every major platform
- Short matches fit into any schedule
✕ Keep In Mind
- Competitive ranked play has a steep skill ceiling
It’s a great palate-cleanser to slot between longer sessions of open-world games like GTA Online or Diablo IV.
Apex Legends
Battle Royale / Hero ShooterApex Legends drops 3-player squads into a battle royale where each character has unique abilities, adding a layer of strategy that pure shooters don’t have. It’s free, fast, and still gets regular season updates.
✓ Why We Love It
- Free with a strong roster of unique characters
- Built specifically around 3-player squad play
- Fast matches with a ping system that helps squads communicate
✕ Keep In Mind
- New players face a real learning curve against veterans
If your group already plays Fortnite, Apex Legends is worth trying next for a more tactical, ability-driven take on the battle royale formula.
Overwatch 2
Team-Based ShooterOverwatch 2 is built entirely around teamwork — five players per side, each picking a hero role, working together to win objectives. It’s free to play and a good pick if your group likes structured, team-based matches over free-for-all chaos.
✓ Why We Love It
- Free to play with a large, varied hero roster
- Short, structured matches that reward teamwork
- Regular new heroes and modes keep it current
✕ Keep In Mind
- Requires phone number verification to play ranked modes
Overwatch 2 rewards playing with a coordinated group of friends far more than solo queueing, so it’s best saved for nights when your whole squad is online together.
Dying Light 2: Stay Human
Open-World SurvivalDying Light 2 combines parkour, melee combat, and a full open city overrun with infected, and it supports up to 4-player online co-op through its entire campaign. It’s an easy pick if you want an open world multiplayer PS4 game with a horror edge.
✓ Why We Love It
- A huge, explorable city built for co-op parkour and combat
- Day/night cycle changes the risk level and gives every session variety
- Free content updates have kept adding to the map since launch
✕ Keep In Mind
- Can feel overwhelming to jump into solo at first
- Base PS4 hardware shows some frame dips in busy areas
For more horror-tinged, story-driven options in a similar vein, our list of best action RPG horror games for PS4, PS5, and Switch is worth a look too.
Quick Comparison
| Game | Genre | Platform | Best For | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTA Online | Open-World Action | PS4 / PS5 | Open world hangouts | #1 Best |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 | FPS / Shooter | PS4 / PS5 | Multiplayer + co-op + Zombies | New Release |
| Fortnite | Battle Royale | PS4 / PS5 | Free cross-play squads | Free-to-Play |
| Diablo IV | Action RPG / Open World | PS4 / PS5 | Open-world co-op RPG | #4 |
| Minecraft | Sandbox / Survival | PS4 / PS5 | Casual family co-op | #5 |
| Elden Ring | Open-World Action RPG | PS4 / PS5 | Deep co-op RPG | #6 |
| Rocket League | Sports / Arcade | PS4 / PS5 | Quick competitive matches | #7 |
| Apex Legends | Battle Royale | PS4 / PS5 | Squad-based tactics | #8 |
| Overwatch 2 | Team-Based Shooter | PS4 / PS5 | Coordinated team play | #9 |
| Dying Light 2 | Open-World Survival | PS4 / PS5 | Open-world co-op horror | #10 |
More Ways to Play
Not every gaming session needs sixteen players and a headset. If you want a change of pace once you’ve had enough of shooters and open worlds, our list of the best trading card games of 2026 is worth a look, and our roundup of the best upcoming board games of 2026 covers great picks for the same couch you already share for split-screen co-op. Away from the TV, our guide to the best upcoming mobile games of 2026 for Android is handy if you want to keep playing on the go. And if you’re curious what’s coming next across the wider gaming world, we’re tracking the upcoming Lord of the Rings and Dragon Ball games for 2026, as well as the latest on the new Zelda game, Elder Scrolls 6, and Switch news.