Who even has parties that don’t revolve around video games these days?
Not us, that’s for sure. Playing a party game with friends is a great way to get everyone’s spirits up, get people laughing and generally just having a good time. And thankfully, if you happen to have an Xbox console and a Game Pass subscription, you don’t even have to fork out any extra money to pick up a great party game for everyone to play. There’s a handful of party games available to download as part of your subscription.
Whether you want to work together with your friends or have a bit of healthy competition, there’s a party game for you. Read on to see our picks of the best party games available on Xbox Game Pass.
Happy partying!
Buy Xbox Game Pass
1. Overcooked! 2
Imagine the chaos of a busy commercial kitchen – then put a volcano in the middle of it. That’s essentially the elevator pitch for Overcooked! 2, one of the best party games available on Xbox Game Pass. Heck, one of the best party games full stop.
In Overcooked! 2, you and your friends must work together in order to prepare food for customers as quickly as possible. Sounds easy enough, right? Not when you consider your cooking environments. Maybe an earthquake will rip right through your kitchen. Or maybe you’re working on the back of two lorries, speeding down the motorway. It’s a game that sets out to make your life as difficult as possible – but the results are often hilarious. This is one for party groups who want to work together, and don’t mind being put under pressure.
2. Party Animals
Being a physics-based brawler, Party Animals is very similar to another game further down this list, Gang Beasts. There’s one thing that really makes it stand out, though: all of its characters are adorably cute.
Load up Party Animals during any get-together and you’re sure to have a blast. Up to four players can play at the same time via local multiplayer, and that raises to eight if others want to get involved online, too. However you choose to play, you’ll soon be howling with laughter as you try to pummel each other with varying amounts of success. The hilarity doesn’t grow old quickly, either, thanks to a large number of maps and multiple match types keeping things fresh. If you’re after the best party games on Xbox Game Pass, be sure to give this a try.
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Instead of trying to beat each other at your next gathering with family or friends, how about teaming up? Side-scrolling beat ’em up Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge has support for up to six local players, allowing a large group to work together to take down Shredder and his troublesome cronies.
Obviously, the more players you have, the more chaotic the action gets, but it results in fun rather than frustration. There are multiple ways to play, too, with both a story and an arcade mode available. Perhaps the best way to play with others, however is Survival mode, though that requires the purchase of DLC. In any case, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is well worth a download if you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription. Aside from being a fun party game, it’s also great to play solo.
4. Gang Beasts
Ever wanted to slap one of your friends? You probably have, but you don’t want to admit it. Well, Gang Beasts lets you do just that – with none of the guilt. This silly multiplayer party brawler is all about fighting with your friends in a range of dangerous environments, with the goal of coming out on top. You’ll take control of a blobby, gelatinous character and engage in hilarious slapstick battles with your friends.
If you like to get a little competitive but still have plenty of fun, Gang Beasts makes for one of the best party games available on Xbox Game Pass. It’s bright, it’s colourful, it isn’t to be taken seriously at all. But slapping and jumping on your friends, or throwing them into a vat of goo, has never been so much fun.
5. Golf With Your Friends
Golf With Your Friends is one of the most descriptive videogame names we’ve ever come across. Because, well, golf with your friends is exactly what this game is. But it’s not quite as dull as it sounds. This isn’t regular 18-hole golfing; it’s crazy golf, taking place in a multitude of fun courses. And even better, there are some zany extra games thrown in, like hockey golf (where the ball becomes a puck) and some modes involving bombs. All in all, a fun way to play golf, then.
You can play against friends locally, all going against each other to get the best score. With simple controls and fun gameplay, it’s the sort of thing that anyone can join in with, even if they’re not well versed in gaming. Take it in turns to putt, and laugh at those who fail to make even the simplest shot. If you’re looking for one of the best party games on Xbox Game Pass that anyone can join in with, this is it.
6. Rubber Bandits
Another physics-based brawler, Rubber Bandits lets up to four local players engage in mayhem. The twist here, however, is the focus on grabbing as much cash as you can.
There are many ways to play Rubber Bandits. Take part in a heist and you’ll find yourself challenged with escaping with as much money as you can while facing off against police and other players. Alternatively you can forget the cash and just take part in a mass brawl. Teaming up is an option as well, working together to take on waves of computer-controlled law enforcers. It’s up to you. However you choose to play, Rubber Bandits offers a nice twist on the physics-based brawler formula, and offers hours of fun.
