Online multiplayer is convenient—but it’ll never beat the energy of a good old-fashioned LAN party.
You know the kind: yelling across the room when someone rage-quits, watching your friend try to hide their screen while plotting betrayal, or coordinating a flawless assault without a single word because you’ve played side by side for years. There’s just something magical about being in the same room, on the same network, with your favorite people.
LAN parties aren’t just for retro gamers or 2000s nostalgia. In 2025, they’re smaller, smarter, and more powerful—thanks to modern WiFi, portable laptops, and a deep library of multiplayer games that run like a dream over a local network.
So whether you’re hosting a dorm room showdown, a living room battle royale, or a basement RTS marathon, this guide will show you the best LAN games to fire up next.
This article is part of our ultimate game recommendations guide:
Ultimate Game Recommendations Guide 2025
Discover the best games of 2025 for every mood, genre, and platform. Expertly curated picks feature essential game details and insights for solo, multiplayer, family-friendly, relaxing, and upcoming titles.
By Games Genie
May 2025
15 min read
TL;DR: Top LAN Party Game Picks by Genre
Don't have time to read the entire article? No problem, we summarized our findings in the table below:
Category | Game Highlights |
|---|---|
Tactical Shooters | Counter-Strike, Halo, Team Fortress 2 |
Strategy & RTS | StarCraft, Warcraft 3, Age of Empires II |
Party/Arcade | Unreal Tournament, FlatOut, Mario Kart |
RPG/Dungeon Crawl | Diablo II, Warframe |
Racing Games | TrackMania, Mario Kart |
Whether you're into twitchy shooters or laid-back resource management, these games shine in local play—low latency, high energy, and unforgettable chaos.
How We Picked These Games
These picks are based on years of personal LAN experience, plus key criteria: ease of setup, local performance, and maximum fun when you’re in the same room. We prioritized games that run smoothly on mid-tier hardware and shine in short bursts or all-night marathons. To come up with an objective list of the best LAN party games, we've crafted this weighted selection methodology:
Criterion | Weight | What We Looked At |
|---|---|---|
Ease of Setup | 30% | Quick installation, minimal patching, and stable local network performance |
Local Multiplayer Quality | 25% | Designed specifically for or excels at LAN/local multiplayer |
Scalability & Accessibility | 20% | Supports varying skill levels, multiple players (2–8+), and modest hardware requirements |
Fun Factor & Community Appeal | 15% | Highly enjoyable, suitable for spectating, encourages social interaction |
Replayability & Longevity | 10% | Long-term appeal through varied gameplay modes or custom content |
What Makes a Great LAN Party Game?
Some games thrive online but fall flat in a LAN setting. What we’re after here are fast-to-learn, hard-to-master games that scale across skill levels and play well on modest setups.
Local Dynamics, Global Fun
The best LAN party games make you feel like part of something bigger—even if you’re only sharing a folding table with two other players and a box of leftover pizza.
They:
Support quick setup and minimal patching
Have short matches or session-based pacing
Are fun to watch even if you're not playing
Embrace chaotic moments and team strategy
Scale well from 2 to 8+ players without falling apart
Add in a game that lets you trash talk, team up, or spectate, and you've got a LAN hit.
Do Modern LAN Parties Still Work?
Short answer: yes—and better than ever.
No Ethernet? No Problem.
Most LAN setups today run over high-performance WiFi. Sure, wired is still ideal, but with mesh networks and gaming routers offering QoS (Quality of Service), you can absolutely throw a smooth, zero-lag LAN party using nothing but wireless laptops and a decent router.
Tips:
Create a dedicated 5GHz SSID for players only
Use a mesh system for full-room coverage
Pre-install games & match versions ahead of time
Turn off auto-updates—no one wants a 5GB patch mid-round
Test multiplayer connectivity (especially peer-to-peer games) before guests arrive
For older or stubborn games, ZeroTier, Radmin VPN, or Hamachi can emulate LAN across WiFi—or even over the internet. Steam's "Remote Play Together" is another handy workaround if local play isn't officially supported.
If you are interested in games that also run wel on more modest hardware, you should check out this article on our top 10 co-op games for low-end laptops:
Top 10 Co-Op Games for Low-End Laptops (2025): Play Together Without Breaking the Bank
Find the best co-op games that run smoothly on standard laptops! This 2025 guide covers lightweight multiplayer games for low-end PCs, plus expert optimization tips.
By Games Genie
May 2025
9 min read
Co-Located Chaos: Why It’s Just Better
There’s a reason local multiplayer has stuck around for decades: being in the same room makes games better.
You react faster.
You laugh harder.
You sabotage more creatively.
Good LAN games amplify those moments—whether that’s coordinating a pincer move in Counter-Strike, screaming during a FlatOut crash, or high-fiving mid-match after a perfect Zerg rush.
Tactical Shooters
Nothing fuels a LAN party like the tension of tactical shooters. Whether you're breaching doors, holding choke points, or shouting callouts across the room, these games deliver high-stakes strategy and high-paced action.
Counter-Strike (any version)
Metacritic Score: 87 (Classic / 1.6)
Release Date: November 18, 2003 (Classic / 1.6)
Tech Specs: Platforms: PC/Console | Versus | Max Players: 32+
Community: A LAN party staple with an enduring competitive and modding community.
Still the king. Whether you're running CS:GO or sticking with Source or even 1.6, Counter-Strike remains one of the most perfectly balanced LAN shooters ever made. Tight maps, round-based gameplay, and the weapon economy keep things competitive and strategic.
Team communication really shines in-person—calling out flashes, coordinating buys, and shouting clutch plays across the room never gets old.
Halo: Combat Evolved & Beyond
Metacritic Score: 97 (Anniversary edition)
Release Date: November 15, 2001 (Anniversary remaster)
Tech Specs: Platforms: Xbox/PC | Co‑op & Versus | Max Players: 16
Community: Widely credited with popularizing console LAN play, with nostalgic multiplayer fan networks still active today.
Halo's LAN roots run deep. Even now, it’s one of the smoothest, most fun local shooters out there. Arena-style combat, vehicles, power weapons—every match feels like a playground.
Maps like Blood Gulch are still legendary for 2v2 to 4v4 chaos. And yes, you can still run split-screen on a single PC with mods or old consoles.
Team Fortress 2
Metacritic Score: 92
Release Date: October 10, 2007
Tech Specs: Platforms: PC | Versus | Max Players: 32
Community: A vibrant team‑based shooter still populated by enthusiastic players and custom servers.
Cartoon visuals, class-based strategy, and sheer mayhem—TF2 thrives on the spontaneity of local play. Whether you’re a Medic pocketing a Heavy or a Spy causing chaos, every round feels unique.
Bonus: it’s free, runs on most systems, and is wildly entertaining even for spectators.
If you're into tactical shooters and you own a PS5, this article about the best ps5 multiplayer games might have some interesting games for you.
Real-Time Strategy & Tactics
Gather your armies and prepare your build orders—these RTS and tactical games are LAN gold. From classic 1v1 showdowns to chaotic 8-player free-for-alls, they reward quick thinking, smart micromanagement, and a healthy dose of trash talk.
StarCraft (and StarCraft II)
Metacritic Score: 88 (StarCraft II), 92 (Original)
Release Date: July 27, 2010 (SC II); July 31, 1998 (Original)
Tech Specs: Platforms: PC | Versus | Max Players: 8
Community: Iconic RTS titles with thriving competitive scenes and modding communities, especially for LAN tournaments.
Whether you love Zerg rushes or turtle Terran defenses, StarCraft is a LAN party staple. High skill ceiling? Yep. But the payoff is huge. Just prepare to lose to that one friend who practices build orders in their spare time.
Custom maps keep things fresh, and the 1v1 or FFA setups are great for rotating players through.
Warcraft III: Reforged or Classic
Metacritic Score: 92 (Classic), 61 (Reforged)
Release Date: July 3, 2002 (Classic); January 28, 2020 (Reforged)
Tech Specs: Platforms: PC | Versus, Co‑op | Max Players: 12
Community: Classic remains a LAN favorite with map-making culture; Reforged saw mixed reception but still retains residual LAN use.
Mix RTS with RPG mechanics and you get Warcraft 3—a LAN darling. Leveling up heroes, casting spells, and microing units in real-time creates dramatic battles. It’s competitive, cinematic, and deep.
Custom games (yes, including the original DOTA) give you infinite replay value.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Metacritic Score: 84
Release Date: November 14, 2019
Tech Specs: Platforms: PC/Console | Co‑op & Versus | Max Players: 8
Community: A tournament and LAN legend, renewed by its Definitive Edition’s strong co‑op and modding support.
The nostalgia is real. AoE II scales brilliantly from 2 to 8 players, with build paths ranging from monk rushes to castle-boom dominance.
And let’s be honest: we all want to shout “Wololo!” during a LAN.
Dawn of War
Metacritic Score: 86
Release Date: September 20, 2004
Tech Specs: Platforms: PC | Versus | Max Players: 8
Community: A beloved RTS among sci‑fi and strategy fans, still active in community-hosted LAN sessions.
Fast, brutal, and dripping in Warhammer 40K lore, Dawn of War breaks away from base micromanagement and focuses on battlefield tactics. Reinforce squads mid-fight, hold key points, and deploy giant machines of war. It’s chaos—but controlled chaos.
Arcade Action & Party Games
Looking for quick rounds, explosive moments, and nonstop laughs? These arcade and party games are perfect for laid-back LAN sessions where chaos reigns and skill takes a backseat to pure fun.
Unreal Tournament (any version)
Metacritic Score: 92 (1999), 88 (2004), 86 (2003)
Release Date: October 21, 2000 (1999); March 16, 2004 (2004); September 30, 2002 (2003)
Tech Specs: Platforms: PC | Versus | Max Players: 32+
Community: Renowned fast-paced FPS series with enduring LAN appeal and mod-friendly legacy.
Fast. Explosive. Iconic. UT is perfect for jump-in, jump-out mayhem. Everyone gets fragged, everyone laughs, and “Headshot!” never gets old.
Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Assault mode—it all plays smooth on LAN and rewards both veterans and button mashers.
FlatOut 2
Metacritic Score: 82
Release Date: June 24, 2006
Tech Specs: Platforms: PC/Console | Versus | Max Players: 8
Community: Cult favorite racing game lauded for its destructive, chaotic multiplayer and lap-style fun.
Not your average racer—FlatOut is more demolition derby than motorsport. Cars explode, drivers fly through windshields, and stunt minigames turn every round into a comedy show.
Perfect for LAN parties where not everyone’s a “gamer.”
Mario Kart (via emulator or console)
Metacritic Score: N/A (varies by entry)
Release Date: Varies by version; franchise dates back to 1992
Tech Specs: Platforms: Console/Emulator | Versus | Max Players: 4‑12
Community: A universal LAN party staple with cross-era play and local competitive flair.
We know it’s not native to PC, but let’s face it—if you’ve got a Switch or GameCube setup, Mario Kart belongs at your LAN party. It’s chaotic, colorful, and the blue shell still ruins friendships in the best way.
Note: You’ll need a console or emulator setup to run Mario Kart locally on PC.
If you are interested in games that also run wel on more modest hardware, you should check out this article on our top 10 co-op games for low-end laptops.
Dungeon Crawlers & RPGs
For squads that love leveling up, looting gear, and slaying bosses together, these dungeon crawlers and co-op RPGs bring the grind and glory. They're built for deep sessions, shared quests, and that magical LAN camaraderie.
Diablo II: Resurrected
Metacritic Score: 89
Release Date: September 23, 2021
Tech Specs: Platforms: PC/Console | Co‑op | Max Players: 8
Community: A classic ARPG revitalized for modern systems with active dungeon-crawling co-op through LAN.
Whether you’re rushing bosses or hoarding loot, Diablo II nails the LAN formula. It’s easy to set up local games, supports cooperative progression, and scratches the itch for dungeon-crawling excellence. Perfect for long-haul sessions.
Warframe
Metacritic Score: 78
Release Date: March 25, 2013 (PC), July 2020 (Console)
Tech Specs: Platforms: PC/Console | Co‑op | Max Players: 4
Community: Strong online co-op shooter with consistent clan-based group play, ideal for casual LAN-style setups.
Not traditionally LAN, but peer-to-peer co-op and a lightweight footprint make it LAN-friendly with the right setup. Great for smaller squads who want RPG progression and sci-fi action.
Racing Games
Start your engines and brace for impact—these LAN-friendly racers are all about speed, stunts, and spectacular crashes. Perfect for tournament brackets or hotseat-style rotations, they're guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
TrackMania Nations Forever
Metacritic Score: 82
Release Date: July 12, 2008
Tech Specs: Platforms: PC | Versus | Max Players: 32+
Community: High-energy time-trial racing with active local leaderboards and community-made tracks.
Lightweight, fast, and deeply addictive. Great for quick hotseat-style time trials or full racing tournaments. Its insane track design and twitchy controls make it a LAN favorite for competitive bursts.
Wreckfest
Metacritic Score: 81
Release Date: June 14, 2018 (PC), August 2019 (Console)
Tech Specs: Platforms: PC/Console | Versus | Max Players: 12
Community: Chaotic demolition derbies remain popular with LAN groups due to robust local multiplayer and physics mayhem.
If you like your racing games messy and hilarious, these are for you. Boosts, smashes, and physics chaos galore. Perfect for keeping the mood light and the trash talk flowing.
LAN Gaming FAQs
Q: What’s the easiest way to host a LAN party in 2025?
Start with a good WiFi router (or a switch if you’re going wired). Pre-install games, match versions, and disable auto-updates. Use tools like Radmin VPN if you're spread across rooms or using virtual LAN.
Q: What’s a good mix of games for 6–8 players?
Shooter: Halo or TF2
RTS: Age of Empires II or Warcraft 3
Arcade: FlatOut or Mario Kart
Wildcard: Diablo II for late-night grind
Q: What games run well on old or budget laptops?
Counter-Strike: Source
StarCraft: Remastered
Terraria (bonus!)
TrackMania Nations Forever
Q: What’s the minimum hardware you need?
Dual-core CPU
4–8GB RAM
Integrated graphics (Iris Xe or Vega)
SSD strongly recommended
External mouse (don’t game on a trackpad, please!)
Q: How can I keep the setup stress-free?
Assign a tech lead to handle networking. Share a folder of known-good installers. Use version control sheets. And always—always—test the night before.
Final Word: LAN Isn’t Dead—It’s Just Different
Modern LAN parties might not need towers, CRTs, and spaghetti cables—but they still deliver the same magic: local chaos, shared strategy, and unforgettable moments.
So grab your crew, stock the snacks, pick a few games from this list—and bring LAN back. One killstreak, Zerg rush, or car crash at a time.
Looking for more game recommendations? Check out our ultimate game recommendations guide:
Ultimate Game Recommendations Guide 2025
Discover the best games of 2025 for every mood, genre, and platform. Expertly curated picks feature essential game details and insights for solo, multiplayer, family-friendly, relaxing, and upcoming titles.
By Games Genie
May 2025
15 min read
