5 Best Games for LAN Parties

LAN Parties have been thought by some in the gaming community to be a thing of the past. While online gaming has made it easier than ever to connect with friends away from us, there's just nothing like the feeling of couch-coop with friends. While its true that gamers are able to play with friends easier than before, there is something intangible about connecting in person with friends for a great gaming session. Below are 5 Best Games for LAN Parties that are sure to liven up any room.

5. Mario Kart

Mario Kart is a Nintendo staple. Whether or are playing classic version of the game, or Mario Kart 8 on the Nintendo Switch. The rowdy races in this game make for a wonderful gaming experience with friends. Whether it is the simple fun of running through Mario Kart's many levels with familiar Nintendo characters, perhaps its the competitiveness of the game being played at a high level. Players can drift, draft and slide their way to a very satisfying victory or a crushing devastating defeat.

There are many different anger inducing powerups to be gained or lost by players  such as the dreaded Blue Shell a winged shell that travels directly to the leader of the races to stop them in their tracks. Or perhaps you favor the red shells that automatically track the nearest opponent. The fun involved in this game ensures that friendships will be made, and tested by this wonderful title.  Mario Kart makes for an amazing time and is certainly one of the 5 Best Games for LAN parties.

4. Divinity Original Sin 2

Divinity Original Sin 2 is a RPG lovers dream. With a fully fleshed out story as well as a diverse and interesting cast of characters Divinity Original Sin 2 connects to the tabletop games of the past. Making them more accessible and easy to understand. While this is true, the game also stays true to its roots and provides a staggering amount of depth to its combat, lore and of course LAN Parties. Developed by Larian Studios and published by both Larian Studios and Bandai Namco Entertainment for consoles. Divinity offers hours of entertainment regardless of which console it is played on.

Players have the ability to create their own characters down to the minuet details. Whether that be in the form of developing your own rich origin story or the many character traits and customization options to be enjoyed. With the traditional party size of 4 this ensure that up to 3 of your friends will be able to fill roles within the party as you journey along together. while it might seem as if this would make for a cluttered experience it is anything but the adventure RPG has been streamlined to be simple to understand yet deep enough to thoroughly enjoy. Making it one of the 5 Best Games for LAN Parties

3. Call of Duty

What can be said able Call of Duty and its ability to bring people together? Whether it is killing zombies or simply running through the multiplayer experience or campaigns. Call of Duty no matter which iteration offers hours of fun to be had that is arguably more enjoyable as part of a LAN Party. There is something intrinsically satisfying about getting a few friends together for a night of shooting zombies. Or maybe you are the more competitive type and want to hold in-house tournaments with Call of Duty the possibilities are endless.

With the campaign offerings, however, players can work together to achieve a common goal as opposed to opposing each other. With some of the franchise's campaigns being remarkably memorable and iconic. No matter which game you choose to play it is sure to be a good time with friends. If you are feeling brave, maybe even ramp up the difficulty, which will make for a more challenging experience. Altogether Call of Duty is a staple of the FPS genre and was pivotal in the gaming DNA of modern shooters. As such, it is even better enjoyed with friends in the same room at a LAN Party. Making it one of the 5 Best Games for LAN

Parties.

2. Halo

Halo is a monolith of the FPS genre. Whether it be older versions of the game with its iconic maps such as Blood Gulch or Zanzibar. Halo's gameplay ensures its longevity, One of the most if not the most influential shooters of its time. Halo stands to serve as a LAN party titan. Whether it is running through the campaign cooperatively with friends on Legendary difficulty and trying not to die every five seconds. Maybe its fragging friends with love. Halo has offered more than enough to gamers over the years and is responsible for many unforgettable memories, with many more to be made.

With the Halo Master Chief Collection containing a majority of Halo games, it has never been easier to hold LAN tournaments with friends. These can get highly competitive as you and your friends fight over frags and who gets the energy sword. There's just something so simply satisfying about landing that perfect headshot on a dear friend that we hold dear. Altogether Halo is a staple in gaming history and serves to show us or remind us that core gameplay and fun factor are extremely important. Making it one of the 5 Best Games for LAN Parties.

1. Super Smash Bros.

Super Smash Brothers is a Nintendo icon. While many gamers will remember growing up with Smash Brothers Melee, Smash Brothers Ultimate is a truly wonderful way to play as well. Featuring many of the beloved characters from the Nintendo roster in an all-out battle royal. Whether you play on the GameCube or Nintendo Switch, Smash is always a good time. With many technicalities to playing well such as stringing together combos and item pick-up awareness, Smash can be in-depth.

The perfect game for LAN parties, the game will ensure that players either get good or go home. It's all in good fun of course but Smash to some, is not to be taken lightly. So whether you are a fighting game champion looking for a new main. Maybe you're just a simple noob who wants to play Jigglypuff Smash is always fun. It is for this reason, as well as its long campaign mode to unlock the characters, that Smash makes for the perfect LAN party game. Making it arguably one of the Best 5 Games for LAN Parties.

So, what do you think of these five best games for LAN parties? Do you agree with our top five picks? Do you agree with our top five picks? Are there any games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.