Why We Still Love LAN Parties & Couch Co-Op Gaming in 2025

• Date:

  Apr 22, 2025

​​We’re KeyCodeDeal, and yes, we still love LAN parties, so much we’re bringing the conversation back in 2025.

No, LANs aren’t dead. They just faded from the spotlight. Once a core part of multiplayer gaming, LAN parties took a hit after the 2020 pandemic, and ever since, they’ve been harder to find. But for gamers who still crave that couch co-op magic, the big question remains: Is LAN still a thing?

Surprisingly, the answer is yes; there are LAN parties happening, even now. Before we dive into where to find them, let’s rewind for a sec: What exactly is a LAN party, and why did it matter so much to gaming culture in the first place?

What is a LAN Party?

A LAN party is a gathering of people who connect their computers or gaming devices together over a local area network (LAN) to play multiplayer video games, share files, or engage in other computer-related activities. 

Typically, participants bring their own computers, monitors, and peripherals, setting them up in a shared space like a home, community center, or rented venue. The term “LAN” refers to the wired or wireless network that links the devices, allowing for low-latency, high-speed interaction, which is perfect for competitive gaming.

It’s worth noting that LAN and couch co-ops aren’t the same. Both have gaming as a shared, in-person adventure. However, couch co-op leans harder into accessibility and nostalgia; LAN co-op offers depth and scale.

• Couch Co-Op: Same screen, same system. Intimate, simple, and immediate. Best for small groups (2-4 players) and titles like Super Smash Bros. or Overcooked.
• LAN Co-Op: Separate screens, networked devices. Scales bigger (dozens of players), and suits complex games like Minecraft or Borderlands. It requires more setup but also gives more flexibility.

LAN events can range from small, casual meetups with friends to large-scale conventions with hundreds of attendees, often featuring tournaments, prizes, and a festive atmosphere. 

Types of LAN Parties

LAN parties come in various flavors, shaped by their size, purpose, and vibe. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

Casual LAN Parties  

• What they are: Small, informal gatherings, usually among friends.  
• Size: A handful of people—think 5-15 attendees. 
• Setup: Hosted at someone’s house, with everyone lugging their PCs or consoles to a living room or basement. The network might just be a basic router or switch.  
• Purpose: Fun, socializing, and playing games like Counter-Strike, Starcraft, or Mario Kart. No strict rules—just whatever the group feels like. 
• Vibe: Laid-back, often with snacks and BYOB (bring your own beer). It’s about hanging out as much as gaming.

Organized LAN Events 

   – What they are: Larger, structured gatherings with some planning behind them.  

   – Size: 20-100+ participants, depending on the venue.  

   – Setup: Held in community centers, schools, or rented spaces. Organizers provide power strips, networking gear (like switches or servers), and sometimes even tables and chairs.  

   – Purpose: Competitive gaming with scheduled tournaments (e.g., Dota 2, League of Legends, or Call of Duty), alongside casual play. File sharing or modding might happen on the side.  

   – Vibe: More serious than casual LANs, but still social. Expect entry fees, prizes, and a mix of hardcore gamers and hobbyists.

LAN Conventions or Major Events  

   – What they are: Big, professional-grade LAN parties, often part of gaming expos or standalone festivals.  

   – Size: Hundreds or even thousands of attendees—think events like DreamHack or QuakeCon.  

   – Setup: Massive venues (convention centers or arenas) with industrial-grade networking, dedicated servers, and tech support. Participants get assigned spots with power and Ethernet.  

   – Purpose: High-stakes esports tournaments, showcases of new games/tech, and community bonding. Side activities might include cosplay contests, vendor booths, or workshops.  

   – Vibe: Electric and intense, with a convention-like atmosphere. It’s less personal but packed with energy, sponsors, and swag.

Retro LAN Parties  

   – What they are: Niche events focused on old-school gaming and nostalgia.  

   – Size: Usually small to medium, 10-50 people.  

   – Setup: Participants bring vintage hardware—think CRT monitors, Windows 98 PCs, or early consoles—hooked up with period-appropriate networking (like coaxial cables or early Ethernet).  

   – Purpose: Reliving classics like Doom, Quake, or Warcraft II as they were meant to be played. It’s less about competition and more about the throwback experience.  

   – Vibe: Cozy and geeky, with a reverence for tech history. You might hear debates about floppy disks over beers.

The Evolution of Party Games

Historically, LAN parties peaked in popularity during the late ’90s and early 2000s, before online gaming became dominant, but they still thrive today among enthusiasts who enjoy the social, face-to-face gaming and the technical thrill of a networked setup. 

Here’s how they’ve evolved:

Early Days (Late 1980s – Mid 1990s): The Pioneers

During this era, LAN gaming was in its infancy, limited by clunky hardware and basic networking (think coaxial cables or early Ethernet). PCs dominated, as consoles weren’t yet LAN-friendly.

Games were lightweight, designed for low-spec machines, and focused on raw multiplayer action. Peer-to-peer networking meant setup was a hassle because cables everywhere. The key games include:

Doom (1993). The godfather of LAN gaming. Its deathmatch mode turned friends into frenemies, with players lugging CRTs to blast each other in real time. Simple, visceral, and addictive.

Warcraft II (1995). Early real-time strategy (RTS) hit that let players build bases and wage war over a LAN. It demanded coordination and trash talk.

Golden Age (Late 1990s – Early 2000s): The Boom

The golden age introduced faster PCs, better graphics cards (hello, 3dfx Voodoo), and affordable Ethernet switches made LANs smoother. Broadband was still rare, so LANs ruled for lag-free play. 

This period saw LAN games explode in popularity, driven by competitive FPS and RTS titles. Dedicated servers started appearing, easing setup woes. Games got flashier but kept tight netcode for LAN play. The social aspect—screaming across the room—became iconic. The main games were:

Quake III Arena (1999). The pinnacle of fast-paced first-person shooter (FPS) action. Its silky-smooth engine and modding scene made it a LAN staple.

Counter-Strike (2000). Born as a Half-Life mod, it brought tactical team-based shooting to the masses. LAN parties became battlegrounds for clutch moments and rivalries.

StarCraft (1998). The RTS king, with pro-level depth. LANs hosted epic Korean-style showdowns long before esports was a thing.

Unreal Tournament (1999). Quake’s rival, offering chaotic fun and wild mutators—perfect for late-night fragfests.

Mid-2000s (2003-2010): Online Rise, LAN Resilience

At this time, broadband internet spread, shifting focus to online gaming. Still, LANs held strong for their low ping and camaraderie. Consoles like the Xbox (with System Link) joined the party.  LAN games also diversified—co-op and custom content grew alongside shooters. 

Online play encroached, but LANs remained a haven for purists and big events like DreamHack. Modding communities thrived, extending game lifespans.The core genres are as follows: 

Halo: Combat Evolved (2001, PC 2003). Console roots, but the PC version’s LAN mode was a hit. Big-team battles shone at medium-sized LANs.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007). Fast FPS action with LAN support, bridging the gap between casual and competitive play.

Warcraft III (2002). Its custom maps (like DotA) spawned a new genre— MOBAs—tested first at LANs.

Left 4 Dead (2008). Co-op zombie-slaying brought a fresh twist, encouraging teamwork over competition.

2010s: Esports and Nostalgia

In the 2010s, LAN options dwindled as Wi-Fi matured, but big venues leaned into high-speed wired setups. Online dominance grew, yet LANs persisted for tournaments and retro fans. Competitive gaming went global, with LAN parties fueling grassroots esports.

Casual LANs leaned into retro titles or hybrid-online LAN setups (e.g., Steam LAN mode). Games got prettier and more complex, but classics endured for their simplicity and LAN legacy. Below are the common games played:

League of Legends (2009) / Dota 2 (2013. MOBAs took over esports, but LAN roots in Warcraft III kept them tied to the scene. Local LAN qualifiers fed global events.

CS:GO (2012). Counter-Strike evolved, staying a LAN favorite for pro circuits and small meetups.

Overwatch (2016). Blizzard’s team shooter offered LAN support for casuals and pros alike.

Retro Revivals. Doom, Quake, and StarCraft saw resurgence at nostalgia-driven LANs.

2020s: Modern LAN Gaming

Wireless tech (Wi-Fi 6) and compact gaming laptops make setup easier. Cloud gaming looms, but LANs cling to their low-latency edge. LAN parties are smaller but resilient, blending modern hits with retro vibes. Major events focus on esports, while home LANs prioritize fun and flexibility (e.g., Steam Remote Play Together as a pseudo-LAN).  The most favored games were:

Valorant (2020). Riot’s tactical shooter, big at LAN tournaments and small gatherings.

Apex Legends (2019). Battle royale with LAN potential, though online-focused.

Minecraft (2011). Evergreen sandbox with dedicated LAN servers for co-op builds.

Benefits of Couch Co-Op & Why Cooperative Gameplay?

Couch co-op refers to cooperative video gaming where players team up on the same physical device—usually a console or PC—sharing a screen or split-screen setup, all from the comfort of a couch (or floor, beanbag, whatever). It’s distinct from LAN parties in that it doesn’t require a network of separate devices, but the social spirit is similar. For example, two controllers, one TV, and a buddy next to you.

Advantages of Couch Co-Op

Instant Social Connection. You’re shoulder-to-shoulder with friends or family, reacting in real-time. Laughter, shouts, and friendly jabs happen naturally—no headset required.

No Tech Barriers. Unlike LAN setups (cables, routers, PCs), couch co-op needs minimal gear—just a console/PC, a screen, and extra controllers. It’s plug-and-play, making it accessible to casual gamers or spontaneous hangouts.

Shared Experience. One screen means one story. You’re in sync—celebrating wins, groaning at losses, or arguing over who messed up. It’s less about individual glory and more about collective moments.

Affordability. No need for multiple systems or online subscriptions. One game copy, one setup, and you’re done. It’s budget-friendly for groups, especially kids or students.

Low Latency, High Reliability. With zero network lag or server drops, your teamwork flows as fast as your reflexes, which is clutch for tight co-op challenges like dodging boss attacks together.

Nostalgia Factor. For many, couch co-op evokes memories of GoldenEye 007 or Mario Kart marathons. It’s a throwback to simpler gaming days, even in modern titles.

What are the Top Local Multiplayer Games?

These are games that thrive when you’ve got friends in the room, controllers, or PCs at the ready.

Couch Co-Op Classics (Same Screen/System)

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018). Competitive or silly—your call. Super Smash Bros is perfect for shouting matches and controller-throwing moments. You can play this on a Nintendo Switch. Up to 8 players can duke it out on one screen with a roster of iconic characters (Mario, Link, Pikachu, etc.). Simple to pick up and has endless replay value.

Overcooked 2 (2018). A hilarious stress test of friendship. “Where’s my tomato?!”, PC, Switch, Overcooked can be enjoyed on PS4/5, Xbox consoles. It’s a co-op cooking frenzy where 2-4 players chop, cook, and serve under absurd pressure (think conveyor belts and floating kitchens). You either do teamwork or have tantrums.  

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017). Another Nintendo Switch platform game, it gives casual rivalry with a side of blue-shell betrayal. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the gold standard of racing chaos. Four-player split-screen with shells and drifts keeps everyone engaged, from kids to pros.  

LAN Party Favorites (Networked Devices)

Minecraft (2011). The old-time favorite Minecraft is played on PC and consoles (LAN varies by version). You build, explore, and survive together on a local server. LAN play keeps it smooth and personal—perfect for creative or survival marathons. Generally, it can be chill or chaotic, depending on if creepers crash the party.

Left 4 Dead 2 (2009). This is a Zombie-slaying co-op for 4 players. LAN mode keeps the hordes coming without online hiccups, amplifying the teamwork thrill.  Available on PC and Xbox, it’s tense and rowdy; you can yell “Boomer!” and pray someone’s got your back.

Rocket League (2015). Rocket League is high-energy hilarity- soccer with cars in split-screen or LAN glory. Up to 4 players per team, blending skill and absurdity. PC, PS4/5, Xbox, and Switch are great for it.  

Hybrid Hits (Couch or LAN)

Gang Beasts (2017). GB is like Slapstick fun, similar to when wrestling meets Jell-O. The game is about wobbly, gelatinous brawlers who flop around in local multiplayer (up to 4 players). Couch co-op shines, but LAN mods extend the madness.  PC, PS4/5, Xbox, Switch  

TowerFall Ascension (2013). If you fancy retro style, TowerFall Ascension is that, plus archery battles with up to 4 players on one screen. Co-op mode adds teamwork against foes, but PvP steals the show.  The mode is a bit tight, twitchy chaos, with arrows everywhere. Try it on PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox. 

Worms W.M.D (2016). For PC, PS4/5, Xbox, and Switch, Warm is turn-based mayhem with worms lobbing grenades. Local play (up to 6 players) or LAN setups keep the destruction personal. You’ll need Strategic silliness and laughs as you blow up your bestie. 

LAN Parties Vs Online Experiences 

Online gaming’s gravitational pull is undeniable. Publishers are after online revenue (skins, seasons). Convincing them to fund local modes is tough—profit might trump passion. Tech costs are another hurdle: AR, VR, or next-gen handhelds could price out casual players, shrinking the local audience unless budgets drop. 

Platform fragmentation also doesn’t help. As platforms multiply (PC, cloud, mobile), unifying local play across ecosystems gets messy—Switch can’t LAN with Xbox yet. Another super obvious thing is that younger gamers, raised on Fortnite solos, might see local as “old-school” unless marketed as a fresh social flex.

All the same, it pays to look at LAN parties and online gaming head-to-head to get the big picture on how they differ.

Aspect	LAN Parties	Online Experiences
What It Is	Group gathers physically, connecting devices via a local network (LAN) for gaming.	Gaming over internet servers, connecting players worldwide from their homes.
How It Works	Devices link via Ethernet switches, routers, or Wi-Fi for a private, low-latency network. No internet needed.	Games run on centralized or peer-to-peer servers via broadband, with voice/text chat.
Advantages
1.	Zero Lag Bliss: Near-instant response times on local networks.	Convenience: Play instantly from home, no travel or setup required.
2.	Face-to-Face Vibes: In-person social experience with trash talk and high-fives.	Massive Reach: Connect with millions globally, including friends or randoms.
3.	Control and Privacy: Set your own rules, maps, and mods; no external servers.	Constant Updates: Games evolve with patches, seasons, and events.
4.	Nostalgia and Ritual: Retro, hands-on gaming culture with a communal feel.	Variety and Scale: Supports massive games like battle royales or MMOs.
5.	Scalability: From small groups to huge events like DreamHack.	Accessibility: Only needs one device and internet; works with low-end hardware.
Drawbacks
1.	Logistical Hassle: Lugging gear, setting up cables, and troubleshooting.	Lag and Disconnects: Ping spikes or server issues can disrupt gameplay.
2.	Limited Reach: Only includes physically present players.	Impersonal Feel: Voice chat lacks the energy of in-person reactions.
3.	Cost and Space: Needs room, gear, and sometimes event fees.	Dependency: Reliant on internet and servers; outages kill sessions.
4.	Game Support: Many modern games lack LAN modes, limiting options.	Toxicity: Anonymity fosters trolls, hackers, and toxic behavior.
5.		Game Design Shift: Microtransactions and always-online DRM can detract from fun.
Best For	Competitive purists (e.g., CS:GO LAN tournies) – Retro fans (e.g., Doom, StarCraft) – Tight-knit groups wanting a social hangout.	Casual solo players (e.g., Valorant ranked) – Global friend groups (e.g., Minecraft Realms) – Fans of large-scale, evolving games (e.g., Destiny 2 raids).

In a summary: LAN is great when you crave a tangible, lag-free experience with people you know. It’s an event—a gaming pilgrimage. Think Halo LAN nights or a Quake throwback with your college crew. But online experience wins if you want flexibility, variety or to play with far-flung friends. 

Key Trends Shaping the Future of Local Multiplayer Gaming

Local multiplayer gaming thrives in the shadow of online giants! It’s not going anywhere, and some emerging trends are ready to take it to new heights. Here’s what to expect:  

Tech Evolution

Portable Power. Devices like the Switch and Steam Deck prove local gaming can go anywhere. Future handhelds might pack stronger chips, enabling seamless ad-hoc LANs—imagine four Steam Deck 2s linking for Rocket League at a park.

AR/VR Integration. Augmented and virtual reality could redefine “local.” Picture Beat Saber duels in your living room, tracked by AR glasses, or VR LANs where you’re physically dodging in Half-Life: Alyx co-op. Meta’s Quest line hints at this, but latency and cost need to be addressed.

Wireless Networking. Wi-Fi 7 (and beyond) promises LAN-like speeds without cables. A future LAN party might ditch Ethernet for encrypted, low-ping wireless—setup in minutes, not hours.

Hybrid Models

Local + Online Fusion. Tools like Steam Remote Play Together already mimic couch co-op over the internet. Future games might auto-detect local players (via Bluetooth or LAN) while syncing online friends—like Among Us but with split-screen for those in the room.

Cloud Meets Local. Cloud gaming (Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now) could offload processing but keep local low-latency controls. Imagine streaming Halo Infinite co-op to two controllers on one TV, no console required.

Indie Renaissance

Dev Focus. Large studios chase online profits (battle passes, MTX), but indies double down on local play. Party Animals and Bread & Fred show co-op’s staying power—expect more quirky, couch-friendly gems as tools like Unity get cheaper.

Crowdfunding. Platforms like Kickstarter fuel local-first projects. Fans might back a TowerFall successor with LAN and split-screen baked in from day one.

Social Spaces

Gaming Hubs. Cafés, bars, and esports arenas might evolve into local multiplayer hotspots. Picture a venue with Switch docks, PC stations, and VR booths—LAN party meets arcade, with Smash tourneys on tap.

Community Push. Post-pandemic, people crave IRL connection. Local gaming could pivot from “solo at home” to “group at the spot,” fueled by organized meetups or pop-up LANs.