5 Best Live-Service Games To Play In 2025

Discover the best live-service games that ensure the finest competitive environment and mettle-testing gameplay.

Dota 2 - Outworld Destroyer on Intro screen (Image via Valve)
Dota 2 – Outworld Destroyer on Intro screen (Source: Valve Corporation)

Multiplayer games have dominated the industry since the beginning of esports history and have been a global center of attraction for many in the entertainment field. Even from the start, these games have provided players with a lot of content and cherishable moments. Because of this, the genre has evolved to a point where its community remains hooked, thanks to developers constantly providing quality content.

If you are looking for titles that will last you a while, here are the 5 best live-service games out right now.

1. Counter-Strike 2

Matchmaking screen in Counter-Strike 2 (Image Credit: Valve)
Matchmaking screen in Counter-Strike 2 (Source: Valve Corporation)

Despite receiving patches infrequently, Counter-Strike has held its ground for decades as a live-service game. Counter-Strike 2, even today, maintains almost a million online players daily. The simplicity of its gameplay mechanics and its reality-based shooting experience have proven favorable for players who seek an intense and challenging PvP environment.

Although the game suffers from constant server invasions by hackers, Valve still doesn’t feel the urge to take any action. 

However, a third-party server called FaceIt has helped save the game’s reputation by enforcing strong anti-cheat software. Therefore, Counter-Strike 2 is a timeless masterpiece that we cannot exclude from this list.

2. DOTA 2

Dota 2 on Steam (Source: Valve)
Art of Dota 2 on Steam (Source: Valve Corporation)

DOTA 2 never ceases to amuse its player base with its highly complex mechanics. The game has always introduced innovative features in the MOBA genre, and with its recent patch, Wandering Waters, it added an abundance of objectives along with a greatly extended map. Even years after its release, DOTA 2 continues to deliver a fresh experience.

Compared to its early stages, the game now features improved graphics, a more user-friendly UI, and many quality-of-life improvements.

3. Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals Visual
Marvel Rivals main visual (Image via NetEase Games)

There is no point in overlooking Rivals, the current hot topic in the genre. The game has made a major impact on the live-service space and has been a compelling talking point. Its captivating visuals, comically accurate character designs, iconic locations, and fast-paced action have kept it in the spotlight. Moreover, the concept of introducing various playable characters each season is the game’s most compelling tactic to keep its player base engaged.

If you are a diehard fan of the Marvel universe and love competitive gaming, we couldn’t recommend anything better than Marvel Rivals.

4. Fortnite

Undertaker and Cody Rhodes in Fortnite x WWE crossover
Undertaker and Cody Rhodes in Fortnite x WWE crossover (Image via Epic Games)

A title that initially grew as a third-person shooting battle royale is now a platform for creators, a community hub for modders, and a battleground for thrill-seeking players. Fortnite offers the freedom to create custom games and maps using Unreal Engine. Moreover, its most commendable feature is its crossover characters from other games and real-life influential personalities.

With such features that go far beyond being an average shooting battle royale, Fortnite will only continue to grow. For these reasons, we highly recommend Fortnite for both a challenging and creative experience.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Overview of Los Santos (Image Via: Rockstar Games)
Overview of Los Santos (Image via Rockstar Games)

GTA V has proven itself to be a timeless masterpiece. The game not only offered an enriching storytelling experience, but its online features were also astounding for an open-world RPG. It provides the freedom to cause chaos throughout the state of Los Santos, drive any vehicle imaginable, and roam the map like a maniac with a diverse arsenal of weapons.

GTA Online still receives regular content updates, which mainly introduce new quests, heists, and vehicles.

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