Feature: Get Festive with the PS4's Best Multiplayer Games This Holiday

The holidays are almost here, and for many of you reading this, that means a lot of free time to fill with gaming goodness. Some of us like to snuggle up with an engrossing single player story, a world away from the freezing cold air outside, but we reckon that it's worth considering a more social approach this winter.

Indeed, the PlayStation 4 may only be a little over a year old, but when it comes to playing with friends, there are plenty of titles on the market that can help you forge some unbreakable bonds. With a PlayStation Plus subscription, you're free to hop into any online game that you want, and as such, we've put together a list of our favourite PS4 multiplayer experiences, perfect for when you feel the need to spend some time with others during this festive season – even if they're halfway across the globe.

LittleBigPlanet 3

Sackboy's latest adventure is often a journey best experienced with friends as you explore the minds of the franchise's best creators. Never quite knowing what you'll find, LittleBigPlanet 3's stream of almost never ending user-generated content is ideal for a jolly good laugh, and the game's charming aesthetic is sure to make you feel nice and snug. Pop that seasonal hat on, Sackboy – it's time to gift the world with another hastily made Christmas themed level.

Killzone: Shadow Fall – Intercept

Blasting Helghast in the face with shotguns has always been a favourite Christmas pastime for us, and there's no better way to do it than jumping into Killzone: Shadow Fall – Intercept with a group of buddies. The co-op expansion demands teamwork and coordination, which is perfect for building up friendship points just before calling down an orbital strike on your unsuspecting pals. You'll be getting coal this year.

Assassin's Creed Unity

With the game finally in working order, it might be time to explore Paris with a group of rowdy mates. Stalking peasants from the rooftops, coordinating precise assassinations, and generally making France's capital a living hell for the population, Assassin's Creed Unity's co-op content is great fun with the right people – just don't let the city guards put a dampener on your festive spirit.

Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition

Perfect for the holidays, you can recreate the atmosphere of your warm and cosy bedroom by building a mud hut to keep zombies at bay in Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition. Boasting gigantic game worlds, nothing beats adventuring high up snowy mountains and deep into uncharted caves with a few trusty allies by your side. We dare say that you could even craft your very own virtual Christmas dinner with the help of the local fauna.

Destiny

We might not like all of the design choices in Destiny, but we can't deny that it can be a fantastic co-op experience. Tackling three player Strikes or even six player Raids, you can spend this holiday protecting the galaxy with your fireteam at your back. After all, nothing says 'Merry Christmas' like stumbling across a legendary engram and your friends subsequently hating you for it. Well, until it turns out to be worthless junk, at least.

Far Cry 4

Why not reserve a seat on a flight to Kyrat for that special someone this holiday? Sporting two player co-op, Far Cry 4's mountainous region is yours to enjoy as you bring festive cheer to the local populace. Whether you're gifting them with a rhinoceros herd, or even merrily hijacking their favourite minibus and slamming it into the nearest ravine, fond memories await you and your buddy in Ubisoft's often hilarious open world.

Grand Theft Auto V

Why sit in the cold when you could be on the beaches of sunny Los Santos with a group of like-minded individuals? Grand Theft Auto Online – Grand Theft Auto V's multiplayer component – is chocked full of things to do and weirdos to see. Hijack the nearest vehicle, slap some tunes on the radio, and hit the town with your best buddies. You may even be interested in making a little extra cash this holiday by holding up convenience stores, or, better yet, escape the winter chill by basking in the warm glow of a police car's festive flashing lights.

FIFA 15

Is there a better way to show someone that you care than by destroying them in the world's favourite footy sim? Ensure that your best friend never sends you another gift by whacking them 6-0 with Real Madrid or with the Ultimate Team that you've spent months putting together. On the pitch, the only thing that matters in FIFA 15 is the winner, and let's face it, you could create a fantastic ice breaker at this year's dreary office party by announcing just how embarrassing your friend's shambolic footballing performance was.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

When it comes to escaping reality with a group of online pals, little compares to the majestic Eorzea – a world that's full of danger and wonder in equal measure. Saddle up your chocobos and race together into the wilderness, hacking down monsters and helping out hapless inhabitants with their problems. Sporting gorgeous locations and constant adventure, you may end up having a hard time wriggling away from Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn's velvety grasp.

Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition

If you think that the holiday season should be less about being soppy with family and more about slaughtering demons with increasingly large armaments, then Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition is the multiplayer game for you. Join your friends and embark on a quest for glory and all-important loot as you show off your best bits of gear to everyone within earshot, before wading into a sea of viscous creatures with your envious allies. They wouldn't turn their backs on you now, would they?

Will you be spending some time with online friends over the holidays? Do you have any gaming sessions in mind? Reveal your plans in the comments section below.