When it comes to gaming, online genres have seen a huge surge in popularity. It used to be the case that only PC players could go head-to-head with players from all over the world, but since the early 2000s, with consoles like the Sega Dreamcast and original Xbox, playing over the internet has become accessible to all.
If you’ve never really delved into this type of gaming before, this article is for you. Online gaming offers a vibrant world filled with diverse experiences and communities, making it a fantastic way to connect with others while challenging your skills. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping action, strategic gameplay, or immersive storytelling, there’s something here for everyone.
So, gather your friends or meet new ones online as you explore these exciting realms. Here are the top 8 competitive online gaming genres you should try today!
1. First-Person Shooters (FPS)
First-person shooter (FPS) titles have dominated the online space for years, going right back to deathmatches with the original DOOM. Games like Quake quickly followed suit with their fast-paced, high-octane action that required a ton of skill and ultra-fast reflexes, and during the 2000s, Call of Duty and Battlefield became mainstays.
It’s hard to imagine online gaming before the FPS, so if you’re looking for something quick, tactical, and forever fun, there are plenty of options here.
2. Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
Real-Time Strategy (RTS) is a great bet for those who enjoy both macro and micro management, attention to detail, and in-depth planning. Age of Empires and StarCraft represent two standout series, and most games in the genre are played from a top-down ‘god-like’ perspective where you play the role of a guiding hand.
Usually, you’ll be focused on building a fully-functioning base and a strong army to defeat the other players; you’ll spend your time amassing materials and funds to gradually expand your territory, continually upgrading technology so that you can become more powerful.
As the name suggests, there are always multiple approaches to your end goal, and given the fact that you’re playing with other humans rather than a computer, every match will feel new and exciting.
3. Battle Royal
One of the newest additions to the online gaming space is battle royale.
These titles revolve around matches containing hundreds of players that fight against each other for the top spot. In titles like Fortnite, for example, players drop into the map via a flying bus and paraglide down to grab the best loot to take out their opponents. There’s only one winner, so the stakes are high; the genre blends action with strategy, and there are many different ways to play.
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4. Online Gambling and Casinos
Another incredibly popular way to play with others online is through online casinos. Platforms like QQMEGAH, for example, offer a range of classic casino games to play, such as digital slot machines and poker. There’s also sports betting and a lottery, too.
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Of course, you should always take care to gamble responsibly, but there’s a lot of fun to be had online if you ensure you go in with a strong mindset.
5. MMORPGs
Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing games (MMORPGs) are one of the most popular online video game genres of all time. A classic example you’ll likely have heard of that’s still going to this day is World of Warcraft: your objective here, as is the case with nearly all MMORPGs, is to traverse a vast land upgrading your personalized character and collecting loot, which is facilitated by PvP (Player vs Player) battles.
It used to be the case that people would visit ‘gaming cafes’ to play these sorts of games until the wee hours of the morning, and while high-speed internet has meant this isn’t as common now, it’s still very much a thing in some countries. Regardless of how you play, the above is testament to the fact that once an MMORPG gets its claws into you, you’ll be hooked!
6. Fighting Games
Fighting games have come a long way, and they’re one of the oldest genres of all. Titles like Mortal Combat and Street Fighter had their heyday in the arcades during the 1990s, and even console-focused companies like Nintendo had their try at it with the popular Punch-Out! Series.
Once the console market expanded, these games became playable in the home, too, and it wasn’t long before online versions were ubiquitous. These days, competitive online fighting games are enjoyed by millions all over the world, and while it takes a long time to learn the ropes, this is certainly one of the most satisfying genres around.
7. Racing Games
While many assume racing games are all the same, that couldn’t be further from the truth. You’ve got so many options, from your super-realistic racing simulators like Gran Turismo, to smash hits like Mario Kart, which is always a blast to play online.
As is the case with many online genres, there’s usually a high skill ceiling, with most titles being easy to learn but difficult to master. If you love games that require you to be precise and execute perfect timing, racing games are most certainly for you.
8. Sports Simulators
And finally, there are sports simulators – one of the most varied genres on this list, with each game requiring its own unique strategy through a series of deeply simulated environments.
One of the most popular at the moment is FIFA Football, which has players build their own soccer team and micro-manage each player and their abilities to achieve success online. Then, there’s NBA 2K – the ultimate choice for major basketball fans. No matter what sport you’re into, you can guarantee there’s something out there for you.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it! 8 of the best competitive online game genres you can enjoy today. Hopefully, this list has encouraged you to jump in and give one of them a go.
While it’s natural to feel a little intimidated by playing against other players at first, you’ll find most communities very welcoming, and it’s key to remember that each game is structured to accommodate both new players and experts.
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After a few matches, you’ll feel right at home. Pick two or three from the list above, get stuck in, and most importantly, have fun!
