In an age where online gaming dominates, there's something incredibly special about gathering around a single screen to play local multiplayer games with friends and family. The PlayStation 4 offers a rich library of titles perfect for such occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual game night or looking for a competitive challenge, here are some of the best local multiplayer PS4 games you should consider.

1. Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Genre: Party, Simulation
Players: Up to 4

Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a culinary chaos simulator that combines both Overcooked! and Overcooked! 2 along with all the downloadable content. The game challenges players to work together in increasingly hectic kitchens to prepare, cook, and serve orders. Communication and teamwork are key, making it a fantastic game for friends and family who enjoy cooperative gameplay.

2. Rocket League

Genre: Sports, Action
Players: Up to 4 (split-screen)

Rocket League merges soccer with high-octane racing, allowing players to control rocket-powered cars to hit a giant ball into the opponent’s goal. The game’s simplicity is its strength, making it accessible to newcomers while offering enough depth for seasoned players. It’s perfect for competitive and cooperative play, providing hours of entertainment.

3. Gang Beasts

Genre: Party, Fighting
Players: Up to 4

Gang Beasts is a hilariously fun multiplayer brawler set in the fictional Beef City. Players control gelatinous characters and attempt to throw each other off various dangerous environments. The game’s physics-based mechanics lead to unpredictable and often uproarious moments, making it a go-to choice for party settings.

4. LittleBigPlanet 3

Genre: Platformer, Puzzle
Players: Up to 4

LittleBigPlanet 3 allows players to explore, create, and share their own levels in a whimsical platforming world. The game’s cooperative mode lets up to four players team up to tackle its creative and challenging levels. With endless user-generated content available, the fun never truly ends.

5. Mortal Kombat 11

Genre: Fighting
Players: 2

For fans of intense one-on-one combat, Mortal Kombat 11 is an excellent choice. With a roster of iconic characters, each with their own unique abilities and fatalities, the game provides thrilling and visceral combat experiences. Local multiplayer mode ensures you can face off against friends in epic battles.

6. TowerFall Ascension

Genre: Action, Platformer
Players: Up to 4

TowerFall Ascension is a fast-paced archery combat game where players battle it out using a limited supply of arrows. The game’s simplicity and tight controls make it easy to pick up but challenging to master. It’s an ideal game for quick, competitive matches.

7. Street Fighter V

Genre: Fighting
Players: 2

Street Fighter V brings the classic fighting game franchise to the PS4 with updated graphics and new gameplay mechanics. Its local multiplayer mode is perfect for competitive players who appreciate deep, strategic combat. With regular updates and a growing roster of fighters, it remains a staple in the genre.

8. Rayman Legends

Genre: Platformer
Players: Up to 4

Rayman Legends is a beautifully animated platformer that offers cooperative gameplay for up to four players. The game’s vibrant visuals and imaginative levels make it a joy to play, whether you’re working together to overcome obstacles or competing to collect the most Lums.

9. Broforce

Genre: Action, Platformer
Players: Up to 4

Broforce is an over-the-top action platformer that parodies 80s and 90s action movies. Players control a variety of action hero caricatures, each with unique abilities, and must work together to save the world from evil forces. Its chaotic gameplay and destructible environments provide endless fun and replayability.

10. A Way Out

Genre: Action-Adventure
Players: 2

A Way Out is a unique cooperative game that requires two players to work together to escape from prison and evade the authorities. The game’s split-screen mode fosters communication and teamwork, offering a cinematic experience that’s both engaging and immersive.

Conclusion

Local multiplayer games on the PS4 bring people together in a way that online gaming can’t always match. Whether you’re looking for cooperative challenges, competitive matchups, or just some casual fun, the titles listed above offer something for everyone. So gather your friends and family, grab some controllers, and enjoy these fantastic local multiplayer experiences on the PS4.