Apple Arcade: How to Play with Friends

Apple Arcade has become a beloved subscription service for gamers on Apple devices, offering a wide range of exclusive games without the hassle of in-app purchases or ads. One of its standout features is the ability to play games with friends, which adds a social dimension to the gaming experience. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to play with friends on Apple Arcade, which games support multiplayer, how to set up multiplayer games, and tips for having the best co-op or competitive gaming sessions.

What is Apple Arcade?

Apple Arcade is a subscription-based gaming service launched by Apple in 2019. It provides access to a curated collection of over 200 high-quality games across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. The service eliminates in-app purchases and ads, making it an attractive choice for casual and serious gamers alike. Apple Arcade offers a wide variety of genres, from puzzle and adventure games to racing and sports, making it accessible to different types of players.

How to Play Apple Arcade Games with Friends

Apple Arcade has a growing selection of games that feature multiplayer modes, both online and local. Whether you want to compete head-to-head, cooperate on missions, or just hang out in a virtual world, Apple Arcade offers plenty of opportunities to connect with friends. Here’s how to get started:

1. Find Multiplayer Games

Not all Apple Arcade games are multiplayer, so the first step is finding games that support playing with friends. You can easily identify multiplayer games by:

• Check the Game Description: When browsing Apple Arcade, each game’s page will list its features. Look for phrases like "Multiplayer," "Co-op," "Competitive," or "Online Play."

• Apple Arcade Multiplayer Section: Apple periodically curates collections of games, including multiplayer titles, which are easily accessible on the Apple Arcade home page.

Some popular multiplayer games on Apple Arcade include:

• Sneaky Sasquatch (Co-op mode where you and friends can cause mischief together)
• Sonic Racing (Race against your friends in high-speed competitions)
• Crossy Road Castle (Work together to climb the castle in this cooperative platformer)
• LEGO Brawls (Compete in LEGO-themed battles with friends)
• Cricket Through the Ages (A humorous competitive sports game)

2. Invite Friends to Play

Once you've chosen a game, you’ll need to invite your friends to join you. Depending on the game, you can either play locally on the same device, through local multiplayer using different devices, or online multiplayer via Game Center. Here’s a step-by-step guide to inviting friends:

• Using Game Center:
  Apple’s Game Center is the hub for connecting with friends for multiplayer gaming. Here’s how you can invite friends through Game Center:

  1. Open Game Center: Make sure you and your friends are signed in to Game Center on your devices.
  2. Add Friends: Tap on your profile in Game Center, then select "Friends" and "Add Friends." You can send invitations via email or text message.
  3. Select a Game: Open the Apple Arcade game that supports multiplayer.
  4. Invite Friends: From within the game, there will usually be an option to invite friends. Choose this, select your friend from Game Center, and send the invitation.
  5. Start Playing: Once your friend accepts the invitation, you can start playing together.

• Playing Locally:
  Some games offer local multiplayer, where you and your friends can play on the same screen or on separate devices in the same room. Local multiplayer is often available on Apple TV and Mac, and many games support controllers for enhanced gameplay.

3. Set Up Multiplayer Games

The setup process can vary depending on the game and whether it’s online or local multiplayer. Here’s a breakdown:

• Online Multiplayer:
  When playing online multiplayer, the game will often have a lobby or matchmaking system that lets you set up a game and invite friends. This is common in competitive games like Sonic Racing or cooperative titles like Spaceland. Simply follow the in-game instructions to create a game session, invite your friends, and start playing.

• Local Multiplayer:
  If the game supports local multiplayer, you’ll need to ensure that all players are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. In games like Crossy Road Castle, players can join the same session by selecting the multiplayer option from the game’s main menu. Controllers are sometimes necessary, particularly when playing on Apple TV or Mac.

Best Multiplayer Games on Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade features a variety of fantastic multiplayer games that can be enjoyed with friends, whether you’re looking for cooperative challenges or competitive matches. Here are some of the top multiplayer games available on the platform:

1. Sneaky Sasquatch

• Genre: Adventure
• Multiplayer Type: Co-op (Local)
• Overview: Sneaky Sasquatch is a whimsical adventure game where you play as a Sasquatch living among humans. In multiplayer mode, you and your friend can team up to complete fun missions, cause chaos at campsites, and discover hidden treasures.

2. Sonic Racing

• Genre: Racing
• Multiplayer Type: Competitive (Online/Local)
• Overview: Join Sonic and friends in a fast-paced, arcade-style racing game. Compete against your friends in exhilarating races on multiple tracks while collecting power-ups and dodging obstacles.

3. Crossy Road Castle

• Genre: Platformer
• Multiplayer Type: Co-op (Local)
• Overview: This colorful platformer lets you and your friends work together to climb an endless castle filled with traps, enemies, and puzzles. Cooperation is key as you help each other reach higher levels.

4. LEGO Brawls

• Genre: Fighting
• Multiplayer Type: Competitive (Online)
• Overview: Battle it out with your customized LEGO characters in this brawler game. Up to eight players can compete in chaotic matches across various LEGO-themed arenas.

5. Spaceland

• Genre: Strategy
• Multiplayer Type: Co-op (Online)
• Overview: Spaceland is a tactical strategy game where you and your friends can take control of a team of space marines. Plan your moves carefully, work together, and outsmart your enemies to complete challenging missions.

Tips for Playing Apple Arcade Games with Friends

To ensure you and your friends have the best multiplayer experience, here are some helpful tips:

• Communicate: Communication is key, especially in cooperative games. Use voice chat through FaceTime or a third-party app like Discord to coordinate strategies and stay connected.

• Controllers: Many multiplayer games support external controllers like the Xbox or PlayStation controllers. Controllers can enhance your gameplay experience, particularly in action or racing games.

• Internet Connection: For online multiplayer games, a strong internet connection is crucial to avoid lag and disconnections. Ensure that both you and your friends have stable connections before starting a session.

• Explore Together: Take time to explore all that the game has to offer. In adventure and puzzle games, working together to uncover secrets and solve challenges can make for a more enjoyable experience.

Future of Multiplayer in Apple Arcade

The future looks bright for multiplayer gaming on Apple Arcade. Apple continues to expand its library of games, and with the increasing demand for social gaming experiences, more multiplayer titles are expected to be added. Additionally, with the growing popularity of cross-platform play, we may see more games that allow Apple Arcade players to connect with friends on other platforms like Android or PC.

Moreover, Apple’s commitment to offering a premium experience means that multiplayer games on Apple Arcade will likely continue to be polished, high-quality titles that provide unique and engaging ways to connect with friends.

Conclusion

Apple Arcade offers a wide variety of multiplayer games that let you connect and play with friends, whether you’re cooperating on a challenging mission or competing in a high-speed race. With easy setup through Game Center, support for local and online multiplayer, and a growing selection of games, Apple Arcade is a fantastic platform for social gaming. Grab your friends, pick your favorite multiplayer game, and dive into the fun world of Apple Arcade together!