Best 3 Player Online Games On PS, Xbox, PC & Switch

Finding the perfect game to play with your friends can sometimes feel like a quest of its own. Especially when you have a trio ready to team up! Whether you're on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or Nintendo Switch, the options for three-player online games are more diverse than you might think. Let's dive into some of the best cooperative and competitive titles that will have you and your buddies hooked for hours. This article covers a wide range of games suitable for three players across multiple platforms, ensuring that no matter your gaming setup, you’ll find something enjoyable to play together. We will explore games that offer both cooperative experiences, where you work together towards a common goal, and competitive ones, where you can test your skills against each other. We'll also touch on games that are free-to-play, providing budget-friendly options for endless entertainment. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a comprehensive guide that helps you discover exciting new games to share with your friends, fostering teamwork, competition, and unforgettable gaming moments.

Cooperative Adventures for Three

When it comes to cooperative gameplay, working together to achieve a common goal can be incredibly rewarding. Here are a few standout titles that shine in the three-player cooperative space:

1. "Deep Rock Galactic"

Deep Rock Galactic is a must-try for any group of friends looking for a unique and engaging co-op experience. In Deep Rock Galactic, you and your friends take on the roles of space dwarves, delving into procedurally generated cave systems on a resource-rich planet. Each player can choose from one of four distinct classes: the Driller, the Engineer, the Gunner, and the Scout. These classes complement each other, requiring players to coordinate and utilize their unique abilities to succeed. The Driller can carve paths through the terrain, the Engineer can create platforms and turrets, the Gunner provides heavy firepower and shields, and the Scout lights up the caves and locates valuable resources. The game’s procedurally generated environments ensure that each mission feels fresh and unpredictable. As you mine resources and complete objectives, you'll encounter hordes of hostile alien creatures that require teamwork and strategic combat to overcome. The game's progression system allows you to upgrade your equipment and unlock new abilities, making your dwarves more powerful and capable over time. Deep Rock Galactic stands out for its immersive atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and strong emphasis on teamwork, making it an ideal choice for groups of three looking for a cooperative adventure.

2. "Warframe"

Warframe is a free-to-play action RPG that offers a vast and ever-expanding universe to explore with your friends. As a space ninja, you'll wield powerful Warframes and weapons, completing missions and battling enemies across various planets and locations. The game's fast-paced combat and parkour-style movement make for exhilarating gameplay, while its deep customization options allow you to tailor your Warframe and arsenal to your preferred playstyle. With a strong focus on cooperative play, Warframe encourages players to work together to overcome challenges and complete objectives. Each Warframe possesses unique abilities that can be synergized with those of your teammates, leading to creative and effective strategies. The game also features a robust crafting system, allowing you to build new Warframes, weapons, and equipment using resources gathered from missions. Regular updates and events keep the game fresh and engaging, providing a steady stream of new content to explore and challenges to conquer. Whether you're slicing through hordes of enemies, infiltrating heavily guarded facilities, or engaging in epic boss battles, Warframe offers a diverse and rewarding cooperative experience that's perfect for three-player teams.

3. "Sea of Thieves"

Embark on thrilling pirate adventures in Sea of Thieves, where you and your crew sail the open seas in search of treasure and glory. As a pirate crew, you'll need to work together to navigate your ship, manage its sails, and defend it from rival pirates and sea monsters. The game's emergent gameplay and sandbox environment allow for endless possibilities, from embarking on treasure hunts and completing voyages to engaging in naval battles and exploring uncharted islands. Communication and coordination are key to success in Sea of Thieves, as you'll need to rely on each other to overcome challenges and outwit your opponents. The game's charming art style and immersive world create a sense of adventure and camaraderie, making it an ideal choice for friends who want to experience the pirate life together. Whether you're raising the Jolly Roger, plundering enemy ships, or simply enjoying the sunset on the horizon, Sea of Thieves offers a unique and unforgettable cooperative experience.

Competitive Arenas for Trio Domination

If you and your friends prefer to test your skills against each other, there are plenty of competitive games that support three-player matches:

1. "Rocket League"

Rocket League combines the thrill of soccer with the excitement of driving, resulting in a unique and addictive competitive experience. In Rocket League, players control rocket-powered cars and compete to score goals in a fast-paced arena. The game's simple controls and intuitive gameplay make it easy to pick up, but its high skill ceiling offers plenty of room for mastery. With a variety of game modes and customization options, Rocket League offers endless replayability. Three-player teams can compete in ranked or unranked matches, testing their skills against other players from around the world. Communication and teamwork are essential for success in Rocket League, as you'll need to coordinate your movements, passes, and shots to outmaneuver your opponents. Whether you're performing acrobatic aerial maneuvers or delivering powerful ground shots, Rocket League offers a thrilling and competitive experience that's perfect for groups of three.

2. "Overwatch 2"

Overwatch 2 is a team-based hero shooter that features a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Players can form teams of three and compete in various game modes, such as Control, Escort, and Hybrid. The game's fast-paced combat and strategic gameplay make for an engaging and competitive experience. Communication and coordination are crucial for success in Overwatch 2, as you'll need to work together to secure objectives, eliminate enemies, and support your teammates. With regular updates and new heroes being added to the game, Overwatch 2 offers a constantly evolving and exciting competitive experience. Whether you're playing as a tank, a support, or a damage dealer, Overwatch 2 offers a role for every player and a chance to shine in the arena.

3. "Apex Legends"

Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale game that features teams of three competing to be the last squad standing. Set in the Titanfall universe, Apex Legends features a cast of unique characters, each with their own abilities and playstyles. The game's fast-paced combat, strategic gameplay, and innovative mechanics make for a thrilling and competitive experience. Communication and teamwork are essential for success in Apex Legends, as you'll need to coordinate your movements, loot distribution, and combat strategies to outmaneuver your opponents. With regular updates and new seasons being added to the game, Apex Legends offers a constantly evolving and exciting battle royale experience. Whether you're landing hot in a contested area or carefully looting and strategizing, Apex Legends offers a unique and rewarding competitive experience for groups of three.

Free-to-Play Gems for Thrifty Gamers

For those looking to enjoy online gaming without breaking the bank, here are some excellent free-to-play options:

1. "Fortnite"

Fortnite is a free-to-play battle royale game that has taken the world by storm. In Fortnite, players compete to be the last person or team standing on a large and ever-changing island. The game's building mechanics, fast-paced combat, and vibrant art style make for a unique and addictive experience. With regular updates and events, Fortnite offers a constantly evolving and exciting battle royale experience. Three-player teams can compete in various game modes, testing their skills against other players from around the world. Communication and teamwork are essential for success in Fortnite, as you'll need to coordinate your movements, building strategies, and combat tactics to outmaneuver your opponents. Whether you're building towering fortresses, scavenging for loot, or engaging in intense firefights, Fortnite offers a thrilling and competitive experience that's perfect for groups of three.

2. "Genshin Impact"

While Genshin Impact is primarily a single-player experience, it does offer cooperative multiplayer features that allow you to team up with up to three other players to tackle challenging domains and bosses. Set in the vast and beautiful world of Teyvat, Genshin Impact features a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities and elemental powers. The game's open-world exploration, engaging story, and stunning visuals make for an immersive and captivating experience. While the cooperative aspects of Genshin Impact may be limited compared to dedicated multiplayer games, they still offer a fun and rewarding way to experience the game with friends. Whether you're exploring dungeons, defeating powerful enemies, or simply gathering resources, Genshin Impact offers a unique and engaging cooperative experience that's perfect for groups of three.

3. "Dauntless"

Dauntless is a free-to-play action RPG where you and your friends team up to hunt down massive Behemoths. As a Slayer, you'll wield powerful weapons and armor, mastering your skills and tactics to take down these formidable creatures. The game's cooperative gameplay and challenging encounters make for a thrilling and rewarding experience. With regular updates and new Behemoths being added to the game, Dauntless offers a constantly evolving and exciting hunting experience. Three-player teams can coordinate their attacks, share resources, and revive each other to overcome the odds. Whether you're crafting new gear, mastering your weapon combos, or facing off against a fearsome Behemoth, Dauntless offers a unique and engaging cooperative experience that's perfect for groups of three.

Conclusion

So, whether you're into cooperative adventures or competitive arenas, there's a three-player online game out there for you and your friends. From the depths of Deep Rock Galactic to the high-flying action of Rocket League, the possibilities are endless. Gather your buddies, pick your poison, and get ready for countless hours of gaming fun! Happy gaming, guys! This curated list should set you and your friends up for countless hours of fun, team-building, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're strategizing in a cooperative campaign or trash-talking in a competitive arena, the key is to find a game that suits your group's preferences and play styles. Don't be afraid to try out different genres and titles until you find the perfect fit. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the time spent with your friends!