There are plenty of massive single-player games on the way, but sometimes you just want something new to enjoy with friends. Thankfully, the next few months will deliver several promising multiplayer games, whether you prefer surviving a horror movie, fighting through hordes of Xenomorphs, or racing around in toy cars.
Here are three upcoming multiplayer games that should be on your radar.
Halloween: The Game
Halloween: The Game brings Michael Myers and the quiet town of Haddonfield into a new asymmetrical horror experience from IllFonic, the developer behind Friday the 13th: The Game and Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game.
Multiplayer matches pit Michael Myers against four Heroes of Haddonfield. Michael must stalk and eliminate the town’s residents, while the heroes warn NPCs, collect useful items, contact the police, and search for a way to escape. Michael cannot be permanently killed, but survivors can temporarily knock him down or have him detained if they attract enough police attention.
This will likely be the closest we get to reliving the days of the well-loved Friday the 13th: The Game. IllFonic’s previous asymmetrical horror game created countless hilarious, tense, and unpredictable multiplayer moments, and I cannot wait to experience that kind of fun again in Haddonfield.
The game will also include a standalone single-player mode that lets players experience the events of the original movie from Michael’s perspective. Halloween: The Game launches on September 8th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 expands the original game’s three-player squads to four players, giving everyone another friend to bring along for the fight. The sequel will feature improved classes, deeper squad mechanics, smarter enemies, new Xenomorph variants, and several dedicated Horde maps.
One of its biggest additions is the Specialist, a customizable class that can mix and match abilities from the other available classes. Players will also have more tools for dealing with the Xenomorphs, including stun batons for close-range combat and specialized ammunition.
I played Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 at Summer Game Fest and really enjoyed the changes Cold Iron Studios made. It still delivers the frantic Xenomorph-slaying action that made the first game entertaining, but the larger squad and expanded class options make combat feel more flexible. It appears to be building upon what worked instead of unnecessarily replacing it.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 launches on August 25th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush takes the series beyond its familiar orange tracks and into four open islands filled with races, stunts, challenges, and collectibles. Players can freely explore these areas, complete events, and challenge each island’s Rush Master.
The game includes more than 150 vehicles divided between four different categories: Versatiles, Titans, Drifters, and Speeders. There is also a Track Builder that lets players construct courses around buildings and other parts of the open world.
Most importantly, Infinite Rush offers several ways to play together. It supports online multiplayer, full cross-play outside of Nintendo Switch 2, and split-screen multiplayer for up to four players. Available modes include traditional races, Elimination, Waypoints, Smashing Wheels, and Drift Master.
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush launches on September 10th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.
Final Thoughts
These three games offer completely different multiplayer experiences, but each looks like it could be a great addition to your regular rotation. Halloween: The Game is perfect for horror fans, Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 should deliver some intense cooperative action, and Hot Wheels Infinite Rush looks like a colorful arcade racer that players of almost any age can enjoy.
Personally, my time with Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 at Summer Game Fest has made it the game I am most excited to play again. Fortunately, all three titles are arriving soon, giving us plenty of new reasons to get the group together.
