Gaming

What are the best free LAN party games?

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Xonotic vs Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory vs 0 A.D.

 vs Team Fortress 2 vs OpenTTD vs Alien Swarm vs StarCraft Anthology vs Counter-Strike 1.6 vs Soldat vs Wolfenstein: The New Order vs We Were Here vs Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege vs Overwatch vs Race

Specs

Genre

First Person shooter, Arena

Co-Op

Yes

Platforms

Windows, Mac, UNIX-like

License

Open source

Game engine

id Tech 1 (DarkPlaces)

Multiplayer

Yes

PvP

Yes

Graphic design

3D

Singleplayer

Yes (Bots)

PvE

No

Controller Support

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

-

Genre

FPS

Co-Op

Yes

Platforms

-

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

PvP

-

Graphic design

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Controller Support

Yes

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

-

Genre

real-time Strategy

Co-Op

Yes (teams)

Platforms

Windows, Mac, UNIX-like

License

GPLv2

Game engine

Pyrogenesis

Multiplayer

Yes

PvP

Yes

Graphic design

3D

Singleplayer

Yes

PvE

No

Controller Support

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

-

Genre

Hero-based FPS

Co-Op

6 Player Online / 6 Player LAN

Platforms

Win / Mac / Linux

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

PvP

-

Graphic design

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Controller Support

Partial

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Publisher

Valve

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

-

Genre

Tycoon

Co-Op

No

Platforms

Windows, Mac, UNIX-like, Android, iOS

License

Open source

Game engine

openttd

Multiplayer

Yes

PvP

Yes

Graphic design

2D

Singleplayer

Yes (bots)

PvE

-

Controller Support

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

-

Genre

shoot 'em up

Co-Op

yes

Platforms

Windows

License

Freeware

Game engine

Source

Multiplayer

yes

PvP

no

Graphic design

3D

Singleplayer

Yes

PvE

Yes

Controller Support

-

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Publisher

-

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

-

Genre

-

Co-Op

-

Platforms

-

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

PvP

-

Graphic design

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Controller Support

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

-

Genre

FPS / Action

Co-Op

No

Platforms

-

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

PvP

-

Graphic design

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Controller Support

No

Steam Rating

Overwhelmingly Positive

Publisher

-

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

-

Genre

-

Co-Op

-

Platforms

-

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

PvP

-

Graphic design

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Controller Support

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

-

Genre

First-Person Shooter

Co-Op

-

Platforms

-

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

PvP

-

Graphic design

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Controller Support

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

-

Genre

-

Co-Op

2 player story/campaign

Platforms

-

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

PvP

-

Graphic design

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Controller Support

Yes

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Publisher

-

Cross Platform

Windows, Linux, Mac

Tags

Puzzle, Horror, Atmospheric, Co-Op Campaign

HTC Vice Supported

Yes

Available on Steam

-

Genre

FPS

Co-Op

-

Platforms

Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

PvP

-

Graphic design

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Controller Support

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

-

Genre

Hero-based FPS

Co-Op

-

Platforms

Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

PvP

-

Graphic design

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Controller Support

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

Blizzard Entertainment

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

No

Genre

-

Co-Op

-

Platforms

-

License

-

Game engine

-

Multiplayer

-

PvP

-

Graphic design

-

Singleplayer

-

PvE

-

Controller Support

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

Cross Platform

-

Tags

-

HTC Vice Supported

-

Available on Steam

-

Pros + Cons

Pro
 Cross platform

Mac/Linux/Windows support.
Comment

Pro
 Many game modes

Includes all the expected options like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag, as well as more novel modes like Key Hunt.
Comment

Pro
 Interesting weapon design (for an arena shooter)

All arena shooter basically use Quake or UT weapon system. However, Xonotic has an interesting variety of weapons (larger selection than most) with elements from both UT and Quake but added some of their innovative ideas. Some of the weapons have a bit of overlap and felt a bit forced, but other weapons really made the game stand out.
Comment

Pro
 Not demanding on the system

On integrated HD4600 graphics ~120 FPS on normal settings.
Comment

Pro
 Fast-paced action

Comment

Con
 Few players

Very few players on the servers lately as it happens 5-9 people!
Comment

Pro
 Play easily online

At any time, you can find people playing on the net. No special configuration needed.
Comment

Pro
 Impressive graphics, especially for an open source game

Open Source games are not always known for their high-quality graphics. This can often be caused by the games being designed by committee in that many different people may work on the graphics, even in the same areas, which can cause plenty of inconsistencies. Luckily, Xonotic does not suffer from this problem as the whole of the game has consistent looks that are actually quite impressive.
Comment

Pro
 open source

a bit aged
Comment

Pro
 Offline LAN support

Users can play using LAN over wi-fi or ethernet.
Comment

Pro
 Win, Mac, Linux

Windows, Mac, and Linux versions available.
Comment

Pro
 Free and open source

Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory is completely free to download and play, as well as being open-source, meaning that anyone can use the code for the game.
Comment

Pro
 The mechanics are simple, yet effective

This game often requires engineers to build things, medics and covert ops to protect them, and soldiers to do the dirty work. Yet the mechanics are not so stringent as to make it near impossible to play with only two or three. Essentially, this game requires just the right amount of cooperation.
Comment

Con
 No single player campaign

There is no single player mode in the game as it is multiplayer only.
Comment

Pro
 Free, Real-Time Strategy title actively being developed

Still currently in development, 0 A.D. is currently in Alpha stages and completely free. For those willing to wade through the multiple bugs, essentially testing the title, this game will scratch the itch of any RTS fan on a shoestring budget.
Comment

Pro
 Multi-platform support

The game will run on any Operating System, whether it be Linux, OSX, or Windows, which is great for people who dual-boot or use multiple OS's across their devices. No matter the OS used, one can install and play this game.
Comment

Pro
 Straightforward RTS gameplay

0 A.D. brings recognizable, straightforward, Real-Time Strategy gameplay to the players. With a mini-map in the bottom corner, resources shown in a bar at the bottom, and unit selection through double clicking, all of the major elements found in most RTS games is here, making for a very familiar game for those that are used to the genre.
Comment

Pro
 Code is open-source

Even if the current developer team chooses to no longer work on the game, others can keep contributing to the source code and modify it.
Comment

Pro
 Active development

By being in active development the game allows for frequent bug fixes as well as frequent new content. While it is still in alpha, the state of the game playability is pretty good with new features being added all the time.
Comment

Pro
 Addictive Age of Empires style gameplay

This game can be seen as a spiritual successor to Age of Empires, thus it will provide similar gameplay to those who are familiar with the AoE series.
Comment

Con
 TF like some of these is not a LAN party game.

You need an internet connection to connect to Steam. So a "WAN party", if you will.
Comment

Pro
 Fun, humorous gameplay, graphics and sound

This game has a history of over-the-top characters, visuals, voice-overs, and various other items, which altogether create an amusing world both within the game and outside of it as well.
Comment

Pro
 Offline LAN support

As long as users have logged in to offline mode on Steam before trying a LAN connection, LAN will work.
Comment

Pro
 Includes Mann vs. Machine, a ridiculously fun co-op mode

Mann vs. Machine is a co-op mode in Team Fortress 2 that is comprised of gameplay in which 6 players team up to stop AI robots from deploying a bomb. Though not the central gameplay of Team Fortress 2, it is a mode that allows for co-op play to be enjoyed with the characters of the game. Mann vs machine works quite well over LAN and is very fun to boot.
Comment

Pro
 Cross-platform

The game runs on Windows, OS X and Linux machines.
Comment

Con
 Free accounts are slightly limited

Free accounts do not get rare and cosmetic items nor as many storage slots for items. Items are relevant as free accounts can only hold 50, while the game has much more than 50 pieces of equipment (that affect gameplay), let alone 50 weapons. While a premium account player can react to almost all situations with a counter item, with only 50 slots a newbie probably won't have or even be able to access it. A full inventory also means a free player will have to miss out or delete exclusive event items and cosmetics just to play the game as full as they can. A free account is upgraded when any item is purchased with real money from the store.
Comment

Pro
 Good VR support

To enable VR support, type -vr in console. TF2 has 8 modes in which to control the game. They can be changed with the command vr_moveaim_mode in console. They offer choice in what combination of aiming and steering should be coupled to the rift and mouse and introduce the concept of dead zones - an area of the screen that controls differently when aiming or steering within its bounds than outside them. Typing vr_calibration in console gives access to adjusting interpupillary distance (distance between eyes). You can get that information from an optician or use the calibration tool to help figure it out and set it there. Calibration will help set accurate render point (camera position) and reduce nausea.
Comment

Pro
 Active, fun, creative community

The TF2 community is know for actively engaging in different TF2 related activities. They create shorts using the source filmmaker, sell items via the steam workshop, build real-life sculptures, etc.
Comment

Pro
 Fair free to play model

This game is mostly pay-to-gain, as in to get more weapons. You can randomly get things, though. You can use the things you randomly get to be also used in crafting recipes to make other things.
Comment

Pro
 Multiple game modes allowing for great variation

TF2 has more than 10 game modes, plus variations on those, as well as community mods that offer a wide range of objective-based play. Classic game modes include Capture the Flag, Control Point, King of the Hill and Payload. There's also Mann vs. Machine, a co-operative game mode where you play against waves of AI controlled enemies.
Comment

Pro
 Free and open-source

You can't go wrong with a game that has no purchase cost. Even better the user can contribute to the project or even use the code for their own, as the game is open-source.
Comment

Pro
 Easily accessible multiplayer

It has built in multiplayer for LAN or online play, which makes it easy for the player to find and create online matches.
Comment

Con
 Can be complicated to play for a beginner

For those unfamiliar with this style of game, there is a lot to learn in order to be competent at the gameplay. Some tutorials online should help, but it is a time investment some may not want to spend on the game.
Comment

Pro
 Significant enhancements from the original game

Stable multiplayer mode for up to 255 players in 15 companies, or as spectators Dedicated server mode and an in-game console for administration In game downloading of new content and game mechanics
Comment

Pro
 Allows for a lot of railway design creativity

You can build massive and complicated rail networks in the game, giving the player the freedom to come up with their own solutions and crazy designs.
Comment

Pro
 Tons of mods to download

There are many existing mods for the game, which can greatly extend the gameplay beyond that of the stock game.
Comment

Pro
 Convenient built in mod download interface

This allows the user to easily browse and download new mods for the game from within the game itself.
Comment

Pro
 Still actively being developed

There are regular updates still being released for the game, meaning regular bug fixes as well as added features on a consistent basis.
Comment

Con
 Graphics are small on high res displays

When playing this game on a high resolution screen the game will look small and dense, which may be irritating that it does not scale to ones resolution as it can be difficult to read the text or see what is going on.
Comment

Con
 Inconvenient AI installation

In order to get an AI up and running, you have to download a mod to then install it to the game. This may be too much trouble for some people who are not familiar with installing mods, or just more time than they would like to spend on seeing an AI present in the game.
Comment

Con
 Online does not work cross versions

Old versions can't play online or LAN with newer versions of the game. So for those that prefer using an older version, or just have not updated, they will have to make sure those they want to play with online have the exact same version (or one that is compatible).
Comment

Con
 Can be boring when playing alone

Due to the length of the win conditions and how long it takes to achieve things in the game, it can get a bit boring after much time spent. This is also true of the stock gameplay element, while mods can definitely help, what comes with the game out of the box can get old after a while.
Comment

Con
 Time consuming gameplay

The normal win condition is met by completing 10 at once. This can take days to achieve.
Comment

Pro
 Free-to-play and open-source

The game is completely free and has no microtransactions or ads. The source code is also free and accessible, so the game can be easily modded.
Comment

Pro
 Easy to pick up

The game consists of tried-and-true top-down shooter mechanics that will be familiar to most players; it is reminiscent of older arcade and console shooters.
Comment

Pro
 Easily play with up to 4-players online co-op

Alien Swarm allows for up to 4-player online co-op, which makes for an easy way to play with a small group of friends or strangers.
Comment

Pro
 Convenient offline LAN support

Alien Swarm offers offline LAN (local area network) support, meaning that the game can be easily played locally with each machine connected together in the same place.
Comment

Con
 Gameplay is too short

The main story only takes about three or four hours to complete, which means you could beat the game in one sitting pretty easily.
Comment

Con
 Can get a bit repetitive

The gameplay doesn't change much from mission to mission; you’re generally just shooting aliens over and over again.
Comment

Pro
 Includes the original Starcraft game along with its expansion Brood War

Comment

Pro
 Very affordable

You can usually pick it up for just a few dollars on sale.
Comment

Pro
 Easily find matches thanks to the hugely active community

Despite the games age, it is extremely popular. This means there is no issue with finding online matches to play, no matter the time of day.
Comment

Pro
 Nostalgia

If you used to play CS 1.6 with your friends at their/your house you know the feeling.
Comment

Pro
 No need to worry about what OS is installed on your PC

Counter-Strike 1.6 can be installed and run on Windows, Linux and macOS, making it extremely flexible. This is great for those that run multiple OS's in their house, as they can still play the game on any of their machines.
Comment

Pro
 Anyone can run the game as it easily runs on low end systems

Being an older game, it is able to be run on aging or underpowered systems without issue, meaning just about anyone can boot the game up and play it.
Comment

Con
 Dated game that shows its age

Released in the early 2000's, the graphical fidelity of the game shows its age quite a bit. This is to be expected of a game of this age, but may detract from the experience if graphics are an important part of a game to the player.
Comment

Pro
 Very juicy gameplay

Comment

Pro
 Runs on basically all machines

Comment

Con
 Buggy with poor design

This is a community made game that may have some issues, such as crashing. The menu system is also a pain to navigate and could be better designed.
Comment

Con
 May cause frustration if you die a lot

Comment

Pro
 Suitable for large parties

Up to 32 players can be supported in one game, making for a great party game where many players can join in on the same match.
Comment

Pro
 Innovative communication aspect

In We Were Here, communication is key. As you separated from each other, the only way to escape the creepy castle is to communicate. This can lead to very funny and memorable moments.
Comment

Pro
 Challenging puzzles

The puzzles are challenging, but not in a bad way. Every puzzle has a unique twist to it and occasionally throws you in at the deep end.
Comment

Pro
 Immersive and atmospheric experience

The art style, music and gameplay adds for a unique experience like no other.
Comment

Pro
 Excellent slow-paced gameplay

Rainbow Six Siege is unlike most modern FPS games. Instead of a super fast, twitch-based gameplay, it focuses on a very slow, methodical, and tactical approach to combat. You'll carefully navigate a building, peeking around every corner, using gadgets to scout out rooms, rappelling on walls, and listening to every sound around you. It's less about just shooting first and more about finding the enemy while staying hidden yourself, which is a refreshing change in the over saturated competitive FPS genre.
Comment

Pro
 Great variety of playable classes

You can choose from 10 characters on each side (total of 20) to find the ones that suit your preference, or to explore new, unfamiliar aspects of the gameplay. As an example, there is Sledge who uses a hammer to break through walls, Flash who can blind the enemy with flash bombs, and Frost who can set up traps to neutralize enemies. Having such a wide variety of classes not only adds depth to the gameplay, but also keeps it interesting for a long time.
Comment

Pro
 Custom games

Custom games allow for some crazy fun games among a large group of friends.
Comment
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