Best Free LAN Party Games for PC 2025 edition

From its balanced maps to its razor-sharp gunplay, this game set the standard for team-based competition. It runs well on modest PCs, and you can host your own local server for custom matches or use offline mode with bots for practice. The thrill of coordinating with your squad – whether shouting “rush B!” across the room or celebrating a clutch defuse – makes Counter-Strike a perennial LAN favorite. Now free-to-play, it’s an essential pick for any LAN party roster.

Its LAN play is legendary – whether it’s a 1v1 duel of wits or a chaotic 4v4 with friends, StarCraft delivers intense strategic gameplay. Even newcomers can jump in via fastest-map team games or use handicaps to balance skill levels. The game runs on practically any PC today and supports up to 8 players on a local network. From Zerg rushes to Protoss final stands, StarCraft guarantees epic LAN moments and perhaps a few cries of “GG” across the room.

Nations Forever is completely free and optimized for low-end PCs, so even a basic laptop can render its colorful tracks at a smooth framerate. Setting up a local server is straightforward, and the game supports a large number of racers in time-trial style competition (dedicated servers can allow dozens of players). Short race rounds (often under a minute each) keep the energy high and let everyone take turns spectating and playing. With its easy learning curve (just four arrow keys to drive) and infinite supply of player-made tracks, TrackMania Nations Forever injects some lighthearted driving chaos into any LAN event.

Its nine distinct classes (from the explosive Soldier to the sneaky Spy) encourage teamwork but also crazy antics – perfect for a room full of friends. LAN play is as simple as creating a local server or playing offline against bots. Even on older machines, TF2 runs well, scaling its cartoonish visuals to maintain smooth performance. It’s fast, chaotic, and incredibly fun: one minute you’re coordinating an ÜberCharge push, the next you’re laughing at an enemy sent flying by the Heavy’s minigun. Over a decade since launch, TF2’s community-made content and enthusiastic fanbase ensure it’s never a dull moment. For a free game that guarantees laughs and competitive thrills in equal measure, TF2 is a must-have.

While its learning curve is steep, a LAN party can be a great environment to learn together or set up friendly 5v5 matches if you have ten people. The game supports local lobbies (though an internet connection is needed to reach Steam servers) and can run on mid-range laptops with lowered settings. Dota 2’s thrill comes from the intense teamwork and clutch plays – coordinating ganks or pulling off a wombo-combo ultimate with your friends in the same room is immensely satisfying. And if classic Dota feels too serious for the mood, the built-in Arcade offers custom games (many of them co-op or goofy modes) that can be played casually. With its combination of depth and flexibility, Dota 2 can be the centerpiece of a LAN night or just one of the varied free activities.

It’s free on Steam and supports LAN play by allowing one player to host a server for others on the same network (or you can set up a dedicated server). The game itself is extremely lightweight; even laptops with only integrated graphics and 4–8GB RAM can handle its minimalist graphics. Don’t be fooled by the simple look, though: Unturned offers an addictive loop of looting, base-building, and zombie fighting. At a LAN party, you can cooperate as a group to fortify a safehouse against waves of undead, or split into factions for friendly PvP skirmishes. The community has created tons of mods, maps, and game modes – from battle royale to roleplay – keeping things fresh. If you want a break from structured matches and just crave open-ended fun, Unturned is an ideal free playground for you and your friends.

This free-to-play title has years of updates under its belt, offering dozens of missions, planets, and character classes (Warframes) to try. While Warframe is an online game (no offline LAN mode), hosting a LAN party simply means grouping up and playing over your internet connection – the low latency of everyone being on the same network makes it a smooth experience. It’s surprisingly forgiving on hardware: the game’s engine can run on older dual-core CPUs with integrated graphics on low settings. With four-player cooperative gameplay, you can divide roles (one friend might bring a healing frame while another provides crowd control) and tackle defense missions or boss fights together. The adrenaline-fueled combat and constant loot progression will keep a LAN group entertained for hours. Whether you’re cutting down Grineer soldiers or pulling off acrobatic jumps in perfect sync, Warframe delivers co-op excitement with a high “wow” factor.

This game started as a mod in 1999 and was later released free on Steam, allowing players to co-operatively play through Half-Life’s storyline and tons of user-made levels. Setting up a LAN server is simple: one player can host and others join via the in-game menu (internet is only required for the initial Steam verification). The charm of Sven Co-op is its old-school feel and flexibility – one moment you’re battling HECU marines in Black Mesa, the next you’re in a crazy fan-made map surviving alien onslaughts. It supports large lobbies (up to 32 players, though 4–10 is usually ideal before things get too crowded). The game’s modest system requirements mean any Half-Life-capable PC (virtually anything nowadays) can join in. Sven Co-op is essentially LAN party comfort food: easy to jump into, cooperatively challenging, and sure to evoke some “remember when...” grins among long-time gamers.

It’s a squad-based shooter where you and your friends take on waves of alien bugs from a top-down perspective, reminiscent of the movie Aliens. The base game (Alien Swarm) was made by Valve and released for free; Reactive Drop is an improved version that adds support for up to 8 players in co-op, along with new maps and modes. The game’s LAN friendliness is superb – you can host a local server or even play offline with bots if needed. Its levels are short, intense missions that require teamwork (covering corners, deploying sentry guns, healing teammates, etc.), which generates a lot of shouting and laughter in the same room. A typical round lasts 20-30 minutes, so it’s easy to rotate players in and out. Given its small download size and light engine (runs on Source engine, scalable to older PCs), Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop is an ideal filler game between heavier titles, or a main event if your crew gets hooked on exterminating extraterrestrials together.

It supports LAN multiplayer out of the box; just host a match in-game and others on your network can join (no internet needed). This game is optimized to run on almost any machine, even older dual-core laptops, which makes it perfect when everyone’s hardware is mixed. While still technically in development (labelled “alpha”), 0 A.D. is quite polished and completely playable with a variety of civilizations (Romans, Greeks, Persians, etc.), each with unique units. The pace is a bit slower and more newbie-friendly than StarCraft, so it’s great for inclusive, relaxed LAN matches. You can do 1v1, team battles, or even co-op vs AI for a chill experience. With its zero cost and zero hassle setup, 0 A.D. proves that you don’t need a commercial game to enjoy classic RTS action at your LAN party.

Thanks to EA releasing Red Alert as freeware and the OpenRA community keeping it alive, you can play this 90s RTS classic (and its expansions) on modern PCs entirely for free. OpenRA is a free game engine that reimplements Red Alert (as well as Tiberian Dawn and Dune 2000) with modern conveniences – higher resolutions, better network code, etc. Setting up a LAN match is plug-and-play with OpenRA’s menu. The game itself remains a blast: fast tank rushes, tesla coil defenses, naval battles – all the elements that made it a LAN staple decades ago. It runs on any hardware imaginable; you could have 8 players on a mix of old office PCs and not hit a hitch. Beyond PvP, OpenRA supports AI skirmishes and even some community co-op missions. For a history lesson in RTS that still holds up, Red Alert via OpenRA is an excellent inclusion in your LAN lineup.

all multiplayer units are unlocked for the Terrans, Zerg, and Protoss, and you can play unranked or even ranked ladder without paying. While SC2 doesn’t have a true offline LAN mode (Blizzard requires Battle.net connection), you can still play it in a LAN setting if you have internet – and the experience is fantastic for RTS enthusiasts. The game is well optimized, scaling down to run on older hardware (it benefits from at least an i5 CPU and a modest GPU or strong integrated graphics). At a LAN party, SC2 shines in both competitive and casual modes. Serious players can 1v1 each other in intense duels of micro and macro, while others can dive into the Arcade, which contains thousands of custom maps and mods – many of them co-op or just goofy fun. From tower defenses to MOBA-style games, the Arcade content can engage a mixed group for hours. And of course, classic team games (2v2, 3v3, 4v4) in SC2 are an uproarious good time, often ending in screen-filling battles that have everyone in the room hollering. As a free modern strategy game, StarCraft II offers unmatched production quality and replayability, making it a top pick for strategy lovers.

No need for a Nintendo console to enjoy some Smash-like brawling with friends. It supports multiple players on one machine (via gamepads) and across multiple PCs online; at a LAN party, you can mix and match (e.g., 2 people on one PC splitscreen vs 2 on another). While the game doesn’t have a true offline LAN mode, its online servers are very quick, and being on the same internet network minimizes any lag. The gameplay is 2D and relatively low-demand (runs well on integrated GPUs), so no one’s laptop will struggle. Brawlhalla’s appeal is its simplicity – with only a few buttons to learn – combined with depth and a huge roster of characters. It’s the kind of game where newcomers can button-mash and still have a blast, while experienced players try flashy combo kills. The matches, often filled with screaming and laughter, make for great spectating in a party setting. If you need a free crowd-pleaser that anyone can jump into for a few rounds, Brawlhalla is a prime choice.

This game clones the formula of Worms, where each player controls a team of cartoonish creatures (hedgehogs, in this case) and takes turns firing bazookas, grenades, or goofy weapons like explosive watermelons across a deformable 2D landscape. Hedgewars supports “hot seat” local play (multiple people on one machine) and LAN/online play if everyone has the game installed. It’s very LAN-friendly in that only one beefy PC is needed – you could hook it to a TV and pass a keyboard around – but even on networked laptops, the game is under 200MB and runs on virtually anything. Matches are slow-paced and spectator-friendly; those waiting for their turn often start laughing at the outrageous outcomes (friendly fire incidents, perfectly timed accidental falls into the ocean, etc.). With an infinite variety of random maps and settings (you can adjust timers, weapon sets, etc.), Hedgewars offers a nice change of pace at a LAN party, giving everyone a chance to relax and enjoy some strategic comedy. It proves that sometimes the simplest games – a bunch of hedgehogs blowing each other up – create the biggest memories.

While it might not have the name recognition of Mario Kart, it offers a very similar experience: pick a cute character, race through colorful tracks, and use items like cupcakes and plungers to trip up your opponents. The game allows setting up a local server for multiple PCs to join, or you can do split-screen on one PC (with up to 4 players on one machine, or even more with multiple machines combined). It’s quite flexible: for example, two players could share one PC while two more connect from their laptops for a 4-player race. SuperTuxKart’s system demands are low – integrated graphics will handle it at decent settings – which is great when various laptops are involved. The family-friendly, silly nature of the game means it appeals to everyone; even those who don’t typically game can quickly grasp steering and enjoy launching a bowling ball power-up at a friend’s kart. Tracks range from spooky mansions to zen gardens, providing variety in visuals. For a casual interlude during your LAN event, a few Grand Prix rounds in SuperTuxKart will get people smiling (or playfully trash-talking) and add a nice genre mix to the festivities.

This game blends retro platformer visuals with shooter gameplay: players hop around a side-scrolling map, wielding weapons from pistols to rocket launchers, and use a grappling hook for mobility. It’s a pure skill-based game that’s incredibly easy to set up – run the 7MB server file on one PC and others can connect via IP (or simply host directly from the game menu). With a LAN, pings will be essentially zero, making the already snappy controls feel ultra-responsive. Teeworlds has classic modes like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag, which are great for tournaments or casual free-for-alls. The controls take minutes to learn, and the community has made custom maps ranging from tight duel arenas to sprawling CTF layouts. Because it’s so lightweight, you can even put Teeworlds on a USB stick and distribute it – installation is optional. If you need a quick, last-minute addition to your LAN library that everyone can download in seconds, Teeworlds is a prime candidate. Don’t be surprised if its simple premise hooks your group for longer than expected!

This game is essentially a modern take on Quake 3-style deathmatch: high jumping, strafe-running, and a plethora of over-the-top weapons (from lightning guns to mortar launchers). It’s completely free and doesn’t require any account; just download and play. Setting up a LAN match in Xonotic is straightforward via its menu or a simple command-line server. The performance is excellent on even older machines, as the game’s based on a modified Quake engine that scales well. You can run it at high resolutions and still get silky frame rates on a modest GPU or strong iGPU. For LAN parties, Xonotic offers a lot of flexibility: you can duel 1v1, do free-for-all with 10 people, or form teams for Capture the Flag and other classic modes. The community has added custom maps and even vehicles for certain modes, so you could switch from an instagib match one moment to a vehicle CTF the next. The learning curve is gentle (especially if anyone has played FPS games before), and even newcomers will enjoy the satisfying feel of the weapons. When you need to fill a short slot in your LAN schedule with some good old-fashioned fragging – without waiting for a huge download – Xonotic is an excellent choice.

Think Worms perspective but in real-time: tiny soldiers running, flying with jetpacks, and blasting each other with rifles, shotguns, and even the infamous Barrett sniper. It’s bloody, fast, and endlessly fun. Soldat became completely free and open-source a few years ago, which means you can grab it and have everyone playing within minutes. Hosting a LAN server is easy (there’s a GUI tool or just host in-game) and the game supports up to 32 players, though a typical enjoyable chaos threshold is around 8-16 before it’s pure mayhem. One of Soldat’s strengths is its variety of modes: classic deathmatch and team deathmatch, capture the flag (which is arguably the community favorite, offering high-flying flag runs), and even modes like Infiltration and Rambomatch for a change of pace. The controls are simple (keyboard to move, mouse to aim and shoot) but the skill ceiling is high – skilled players can pull off mid-air knife throws or perfect headshots across the map. Because of the jetpacks and fast movement, LAN matches often result in hilarious mid-air collisions and accidental self-destructions, eliciting groans and laughter in equal measure. If you want a retro vibe and very low resource usage, Soldat is a fantastic free option to keep on your LAN party list.

The game is all about freedom of movement and team strategy: players don jetpacks to soar over battlefields, hop into vehicles (like hoverbikes and tanks), and engage in objective-based modes (Capture the Flag being the crown jewel). The fact that Tribes 2 supports up to 128 players means you can involve everyone in one grand match if you have a big group (or just enjoy smaller 5v5 or 10v10 games on the big maps for a taste of epic scale). The learning curve involves mastering the jetpack skiing mechanic – essentially gliding down slopes to gain speed – but once that clicks, the fun is immense. Tribes 2 was made freeware by its owners and later maintained by fans (e.g., the TribesNext project), so getting it running might require a quick download of the community patch, but it’s straightforward and doesn’t require online authentication. Running a dedicated LAN server is supported out of the box. Don’t be surprised if this nearly 25-year-old game ends up creating some of the most talked-about moments of your LAN party; launching a mortar shell across the map to stop a flag carrier at the last second is the kind of drama that defines LAN legend.

At its core, it’s a fast arena FPS (like Quake), featuring modes from DM and CTF to team play, all playable offline or on a LAN with ease. Its graphics are dated but stylish in a retro way, and importantly, it runs fluidly on just about any machine (including PCs with no dedicated GPU). What makes Sauerbraten special at LANs is the co-op map editing mode. If your group needs a break from competitive play, you can literally all jump into an empty map and start building a level together, in real time – it’s a fun collaborative activity and can lead to some wild, weird custom maps to frag on. Even without that feature, Sauerbraten holds its own as a shooter: it has a solid arsenal and movement, and you can load up community-made maps that range from tight arenas to experimental designs. Hosting a server takes seconds, and because the game is only around 1GB, swapping it into your schedule is painless. Hand this one to the LAN attendees who cherish games like Unreal Tournament and watch their eyes light up – Cube 2 is an underground LAN hit waiting to happen.

The premise: each player pilots a “lightcycle” that constantly moves forward, leaving a solid wall (trail) behind them. The goal: force your opponents to crash into a wall (yours or theirs) while avoiding the same fate. It’s essentially multiplayer snake on motorbikes, and at a LAN party it becomes instantly competitive. The game’s download is only a few MB, and it runs on even ancient PCs (it’ll fly at 60+ FPS on any modern system without breaking a sweat). Setting up a LAN game is trivial – one click to host, others join by IP or auto-discovery. Despite its simple concept, Armagetron has depth: you can execute sharp turns, clever feints, and risky close calls to try and cut off opponents. Matches are usually over in a minute or two as the arena fills with hazardous trails, making it easy to run a quick tournament bracket among friends. It’s also spectator-friendly – the whole room can watch two experts circle each other in a tense duel of reflexes. Because it’s free and requires no login, you can have it as a backup plan or a between-games palate cleanser. Often the underrated, unexpected games like Armagetron become LAN party favorites – give it a shot and you’ll likely see grins (and hear cheers) as glowing lightcycles narrowly dodge death and outmaneuver each other.