PVP (Player versus Player) is often found in a variety of genres, such as fighting games, real-time strategy games and even some RPGs. Find out which are the best PVP games of all time.
The main attraction of PVP games is the competition against other real players, which offers a dynamic and unpredictable experience. Progress and personal improvement are fundamental parts of the gaming experience.
The popularity of PVP games has grown significantly in recent years, driven in part by the rise of eSports. That’s why it’s worth taking a look back at the best games that have been released during this long journey.
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Best PVP games of all time
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, released in 2012, is one of the most iconic PVP games of all time. In it, two teams, Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists, compete in a variety of game modes, including Bomb Disarm and Hostage. The competitive mode, with fierce matches for victories and rank improvements, is especially captivating. CS:GO is praised for its tactical gameplay, precise weapon mechanics and well-designed maps, making it one of the best PVP games for its longevity and fierce competitiveness.
League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends, launched in 2009, revolutionized the MOBA genre and remains one of the most popular PVP games to this day. In LoL, two teams of five players compete to destroy the enemy’s base while defending their own. The game is known for its strategic depth, variety of champions with unique abilities and intense team action.
Dota 2
Dota 2, released in 2013, is another big name in the MOBA genre and one of the benchmarks in PVP games. As in LoL, two teams of five players compete on symmetrical maps, controlling heroes with unique abilities, with the aim of destroying the enemy base. Dota 2 is known for its challenging learning curve, strategic depth and the importance of team coordination. Its competitive scene, with “The International” tournament, is one of the most prestigious in the world of eSports.
Overwatch
Overwatch, released in 2016, is a first-person shooter that stands out for its focus on unique characters and abilities. Players choose from a variety of heroes with different roles and abilities, and compete in teams of six against six in various game modes, such as Point Capture and Payload. Teamwork and coordination are essential to achieving victory. Overwatch is recognized as one of the best PVP games for its diversity of characters, dynamic gameplay and intense action, making every match an exciting and unpredictable experience.
Fortnite
Fortnite, released in 2017, revolutionized the Battle Royale genre and became a cultural phenomenon. In PVP mode, players compete on an open map, scavenging for weapons and resources as they fight to be the last survivor. Building structures adds a unique layer of strategy, allowing players to create defenses and access elevated areas.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Call of Duty: Warzone, released in 2020, is a free Battle Royale that is part of the popular Call of Duty franchise. In Warzone, up to 150 players compete on a massive map, fighting to be the last survivors in a ruthless combat arena. The game combines the fast and frantic gameplay of the Call of Duty series with tactical and strategic elements typical of Battle Royales.
Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege, released in 2015, is a tactical shooter that puts players in teams of five against five, where one team defends an objective while the other tries to attack it. With an intense focus on environmental destruction and team strategy, each match is unique and rewards communication and teamwork.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, released in 2018, is the culmination of one of the most beloved fighting game series in history. In PVP mode, up to eight players can compete in a variety of game modes, including elimination battles and team fights. The game is known for its diverse cast of iconic characters from Nintendo and other franchises, its accessible yet strategically deep gameplay, and its ability to provide fun for both casual and competitive players.
Rocket League
Rocket League, released in 2015, is a game that combines elements of racing with soccer, putting players in control of cars with acrobatic skills in an arena. Rocket League is considered one of the best PVP games of all time for its unique combination of skill and fun, which captivates players of all ages.
Valorant
Valorant, released in 2020 by Riot Games, is a tactical first-person shooter that combines elements of Counter-Strike with unique MOBA-style character abilities. In Valorant, two teams of five players compete in rounds to plant or defuse a bomb, while using special agent abilities to gain a tactical advantage. With a focus on strategy, teamwork and precision, Valorant offers an intense and rewarding PVP gaming experience.
Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II, released in 1991, is one of the most influential and revered fighting games of all time. The game popularized many of the fundamental elements of the fighting genre and inspired a series of sequels and spin-offs. Street Fighter II is considered one of the best PVP games of all time for its timeless gameplay, enduring legacy and lasting impact on gaming culture.
Hearthstone
Hearthstone, released in 2014 by Blizzard Entertainment, is a collectible card game set in the Warcraft universe. Players build card decks based on heroes and unique abilities, and compete in strategic one-on-one matches. With a wide variety of cards, strategies and seasonal events, Hearthstone offers an addictive and constantly evolving PVP experience. Hearthstone is considered one of the best PVP games of all time for its engaging gameplay and its ability to attract players of all ages and abilities.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, released in 2017, is one of the pioneers of the Battle Royale genre and remains one of the most popular PVP games to this day. In PUBG, up to 100 players are dropped onto a remote island and fight for survival, searching for weapons, vehicles and supplies as the map progressively shrinks. The game is known for its tense atmosphere, realistic combat and tactical gameplay.
Apex Legends
Apex Legends, released in 2019 by Respawn Entertainment, is a Battle Royale that stands out for its focus on character skills and team gameplay. Set in the Titanfall universe, the game puts teams of three players in an arena where they compete to be the last survivors. Each character has unique abilities that add a tactical layer to the matches, encouraging communication and coordination between players.
StarCraft II
StarCraft II, released in 2010, is one of the most renowned and competitive real-time strategy games ever made. With three unique factions, players take control of armies and build bases to defeat their opponents. The game is acclaimed for its strategic depth, balance between factions and its vibrant competitive scene.
Quake III Arena
Quake III Arena, released in 1999, is one of the pioneers of multiplayer first-person shooters. With an intense focus on fast combat and movement skills, players compete in closed arenas in frantic matches to achieve supremacy. The game is praised for its fluid gameplay, well-designed maps and a variety of game modes, including Deathmatch and Capture the Flag.
Super Mario Kart
Super Mario Kart, released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), is a classic of multiplayer racing games. Featuring a variety of iconic Nintendo characters, players compete on colorful circuits while using items to gain an advantage over their opponents. The game is praised for its accessible gameplay, responsive controls and competitive multiplayer mode.
Tekken 7
Tekken 7, released in 2015, is the latest entry in Bandai Namco’s renowned fighting game series. With a wide variety of characters and unique fighting styles, players compete in intense battles to prove their skill and dominance over their opponents. The game is praised for its technical gameplay, impressive graphics and a range of game modes, including the popular online mode.
Clash Royale
Clash Royale, released in 2016 by Supercell, is a real-time strategy game that combines elements of collectible card games and tower defense games. Players build card decks based on troops, spells and buildings, and compete in PvP matches in battle arenas. The aim is to destroy your opponent’s towers while defending your own. The game is praised for its addictive gameplay, fast pace and constant evolution with new cards and updates.
Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2, released in 2007 by Valve Corporation, is a team-based shooter that stands out for its quirky humor, charismatic characters and diverse gameplay. Players choose between nine distinct classes and compete in a variety of game modes, including Capture the Flag and Territory Control. The game is praised for its balanced gameplay, active community and constant support from the developer.
Halo 3
Halo 3, released in 2007 for the Xbox 360, is one of the most iconic and influential first-person shooters in video game history. With an epic campaign and a robust multiplayer mode, players take on the role of the Master Chief and fight the Covenant in a series of galactic battles. Halo 3’s multiplayer is praised for its balanced gameplay, well-designed maps and a variety of game modes, including Capture the Flag and Slayer.
Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat 11, released in 2019, is the latest entry in NetherRealm Studios’ iconic fighting game series. With a variety of classic and new characters, players compete in brutal and bloody combats to prove their superiority. The active competitive scene and high-level tournaments around the world lead Mortal Kombat 11 to be considered one of the best PVP games of all time, mainly for its visceral action and the intensity of its battles.
Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2, released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, is a third-person shooter that stands out for its unique and colorful approach to the genre. Players control characters called Inkling and compete in PvP matches to cover as much territory as possible with ink from their team. The game features innovative gameplay, a vibrant visual style and a variety of multiplayer game modes, including Turf War and Splat Zones.
FIFA series
The FIFA series, first launched in 1993, is one of the most popular sports game franchises in the world. Players compete in online multiplayer soccer matches, taking control of clubs and national teams to play exciting matches. The game is praised for its realistic gameplay, impressive graphics and a variety of game modes, including Ultimate Team and Career Mode.
Soulcalibur VI
Soulcalibur VI, released in 2018, is the latest entry in Bandai Namco’s famous fighting game series. The game is praised for its fluid gameplay, impressive graphics and a variety of game modes, including online mode.
Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2, released in 2012, is an MMORPG that stands out for its focus on dynamic combat and competitive PvP. Players can take part in large-scale battles in World versus World, where entire servers compete for control of territories on massive maps. In addition, there is structured PvP, where teams of players compete in competitive matches in arenas.
World of Warcraft Arena
World of Warcraft Arena, a part of the famous MMORPG launched in 2004, offers a unique PVP experience in the world of Azeroth. Players form teams and compete in 2v2, 3v3 or 5v5 arena battles, using a variety of skills and strategies to defeat their opponents. With a well-developed class system, a wide variety of skills and an extensive list of maps, World of Warcraft arenas offer a competitive and exciting environment for players.
Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla, released in 2017, is a platform-style fighting game with a unique approach to the genre. Players choose from a variety of legendary characters and compete in intense battles to throw their opponents out of the arena. With simple controls but deep gameplay mechanics, Brawlhalla offers an accessible PVP gaming experience for players of all ages and abilities.
Smite
Smite, released in 2014, is a MOBA that stands out for its unique approach to the genre. Set in a world of ancient mythology, players take on the role of gods and compete in epic battles to destroy the enemy base. With a third-person perspective and real-time action controls, Smite offers a PVP gaming experience unlike other games in the genre. The game is praised for its variety of game modes, including Conquest and Arena, and for its wide range of playable characters.
Gears of War
The Gears of War series, first released in 2006, is known for its intense action and competitive multiplayer mode. With a variety of game modes, including Team Deathmatch, King of the Hill and Horde Mode, players compete in bloody battles to prove their skill and dominance over their opponents. The series is praised for its tactical gameplay, impressive graphics and active community of players.
List: 30 best PVP games of all time
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
- League of Legends (LoL)
- Dota 2
- Overwatch
- Fortnite
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Rocket League
- Valorant
- Street Fighter II
- Hearthstone
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
- Apex Legends
- StarCraft II
- Quake III Arena
- Super Mario Kart
- Tekken 7
- Clash Royale
- Team Fortress 2
- Halo 3
- Mortal Kombat 11
- Splatoon 2
- FIFA series
- Soulcalibur VI
- Guild Wars 2
- World of Warcraft Arena
- Brawlhalla
- Smite
- Gears of War series
PVP games remain a vital part of gaming culture, providing an exciting and challenging experience of direct competition against other players. Now that you’ve revisited the best PVP games of all time, be sure to check out similar content:
- The 20 best Battle Royale games of all time
- The 30 best FPA games of all time
- The 25 best FPS games of all time
