What are Friendslop Games?

Patrick.Yu
edited 9:41AM in Gaming
What is a Friendslop Game.jpg

If you’ve been on Twitch, YouTube, or even just in a Discord call lately, you’ve probably seen friendslop games taking over. These are the cheap, chaotic, and often short-lived fun multiplayer games designed for one thing: getting you and your friends laughing together, usually for the price of a fast-food meal. The term “friendslop” started as a joke, but it’s become shorthand for a wave of indie titles like Lethal Company, Content Warning, and R.E.P.O. that thrive on funny clips, proximity chat disasters, and viral moments. But what exactly is a friendslop game, why are developers making them, and which ones are worth your time?

What are friendslop games?

Friendslop games are low-cost, indie-made multiplayer titles built around simple mechanics and chaotic group play. They are not designed for deep single-player experiences or long-term progression. Instead, the fun comes almost entirely from the people you play with. The term “friendslop” first appeared as a joke on social media in 2025, but it stuck because it perfectly described this wave of games: cheap, messy, and reliant on friends to turn short gameplay loops into hilarious moments.

Unlike polished AAA releases, a friendslop game does not need cutting-edge graphics or sprawling narratives. What matters is accessibility and group fun. The main criteria are:

  • Low price point (usually under $10–15)
  • Simple gameplay loop that can be learned in minutes
  • Indie-developed rather than AAA studio backed
  • Proximity chat or strong social mechanics that drive chaos and comedy
  • Fun that depends on your group more than the game itself
  • Highly “clippable” moments that spread easily on Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok

These qualities make friendslop games ideal for short bursts of entertainment and explain why they have thrived on streaming platforms.

The rise of friendslop games

The surge of friendslop games can be traced back to the viral success of Lethal Company in late 2023. What began as a small indie release quickly exploded thanks to Twitch and YouTube streamers showcasing chaotic moments fueled by proximity chat, unexpected monster encounters, and slapstick group failures. Clips spread across TikTok and Twitter, turning the game into a cultural event and inspiring a wave of similar titles.

This formula proved irresistible for content creators. Friendslop games are easy to learn, highly unpredictable, and perfect for generating funny highlights. A group of friends panicking in Lethal Company, shouting through walkie-talkies in R.E.P.O., or tumbling down mountains in Peak makes for ideal short-form content. Viewers see the fun, and for the price of a few dollars, they are quick to buy in and convince their own friends to join.

The cycle has continued as new developers chase the same formula. Content Warning, Totally Reliable Delivery Service, and Peak all gained traction by leaning into the same viral-friendly design: simple mechanics, group-based chaos, and a focus on social interaction rather than long-term storytelling. In many ways, this rise is less about traditional game design trends and more about the economics of streaming culture.

Friendslop games vs multiplayer games: what’s the difference?

Not every multiplayer release falls under the friendslop label. The term specifically refers to a certain kind of co-op experience: cheap, often under $10 or $15, with simple mechanics and little to no long-term progression. These games are meant to create short bursts of laughter and chaos rather than deep, ongoing experiences.

By contrast, games like Destiny 2 or Elden Ring: Nightreign are massive projects with expansive worlds, ongoing updates, and narratives that unfold over dozens of hours. They are multiplayer games, but they are not friendslop. Even story-driven co-op titles such as It Takes Two or A Way Out do not fit the label because they are structured, polished adventures rather than short-lived viral experiments.

Friendslop games sit in their own niche. They overlap with party games and survival co-op titles, but the defining traits are low cost, easy entry, and fun that depends almost entirely on who you are playing with. That distinction is why the term has stuck, even if it started as a joke.

Best friendslop games to play

The friendslop genre has grown quickly, with dozens of indie studios chasing the formula of cheap, chaotic co-op fun. While not every release has lasting power, a handful of games stand out as the best examples of how this trend works. These titles capture the spirit of friendslop: simple mechanics, hilarious group dynamics, and plenty of moments worth clipping and sharing. Here are some of the best friendslop games to try with your friends.

1. Lethal Company

Lethal Company.jpg

Quick summary:

  • Survival horror with quotas and random facility layouts
  • Proximity chat creates both tension and comedy
  • Cheap price ($9.99) with endless replayability
  • Thriving modding scene keeps the game fresh

Lethal Company is the game that defines the friendslop genre. Developed by solo creator Zeekerss, this four-player survival horror co-op blew up in late 2023 after streamers showcased its mix of fear and chaos. Players take on the role of employees for “The Company,” scavenging abandoned facilities on distant moons to meet a constantly increasing scrap quota.

What makes it stand out is how every session swings between terrifying silence and laugh-out-loud disasters. One moment you’re sneaking through the dark, the next you’re hearing a friend’s distant scream as they’re ambushed by monsters. The clunky controls, heavy loot, and unpredictable layouts add slapstick comedy that keeps runs unpredictable.

A huge part of its success also comes from the community. Mods have expanded the game with bigger lobbies, new monsters, and even VR support. For a low entry cost, Lethal Company offers endless unique experiences, making it one of the best friendslop games to play with friends.

2. Peak

Peak.jpg

Quick summary:

  • Co-op climbing game with survival elements
  • Map resets every 24 hours for endless replayability
  • Proximity chat drives teamwork and comedy
  • Cheap entry price at $7.99

Peak takes the friendslop formula in a fresh direction by swapping horror for cooperative climbing. Developed by Aggro Crab and Landfall, it strands up to four players on a deserted island with one goal: reach the summit of a massive mountain before deadly fog catches up. Along the way, you must manage hunger, stamina, and environmental hazards ranging from toxic plants to lava flows.

What makes Peak shine is how much it leans on teamwork. Players can pull each other up cliffs, share resources, and revive fallen teammates. Proximity chat makes every session feel like an improvised adventure, filled with shouts of “Grab my hand!” or desperate cries for bandages. The combination of danger, comedy, and cutesy pastel visuals makes for a surprisingly charming experience.

Replayability is another strength. The map resets every 24 hours, ensuring new routes and challenges with each climb. While the game can technically be played solo, it loses much of its magic without friends to laugh, argue, and fail alongside you. At its best, Peak proves that friendslop games do not have to be horror-driven — they can just as easily be about collaboration, chaos, and the joy of reaching new heights together.

3. R.E.P.O.

R.E.P.O..jpg

Quick summary:

  • Co-op horror game with up to 6 players (solo-friendly too)
  • Physics-based loot system with fragile and cursed items
  • Randomly generated maps and unique monster types
  • Focus on quota-filling while surviving terrifying encounters
  • Priced affordably at $9.99

R.E.P.O. builds on the friendslop foundation laid by Lethal Company but adds its own twist with a more complex loot system and extra player capacity. You and up to five friends take on the role of semibots working for the mysterious “Taxman,” scavenging valuables across varied and dangerous maps. Like other friendslop titles, the core loop is simple: collect loot, survive monsters, and meet your quota.

What sets R.E.P.O. apart is how it uses physics and item variety to encourage teamwork. Some items are fragile and will lose value if dropped, others are heavy or awkwardly shaped, making it more viable to work in pairs. The unpredictable monsters add to the chaos, keeping each run tense and full of jump scares.

Even in early access, R.E.P.O. has impressed players with its creative design and polish. It has a loyal fan base, frequent updates from the devs, and plenty of moments that will leave you and your friends screaming, laughing, or both. If you are looking for a friendslop game that balances horror, comedy, and clever co-op mechanics, R.E.P.O. is well worth the price.

4. Murky Divers

Murky Divers.jpg

Quick summary:

  • 1–8 player underwater survival horror co-op
  • Control a submarine and dive into labs to meet quotas
  • Terrifying sea monsters with unique designs
  • Strong proximity chat, though radios can be unreliable
  • Affordable price around $8.99

Murky Divers takes the friendslop formula beneath the ocean’s surface. Developed by Embers, this co-op horror adventure puts players in control of a submarine crew tasked with exploring underwater labs, destroying evidence, and meeting quotas — all while avoiding both the authorities and a roster of horrifying sea creatures. With up to eight players, it offers larger group chaos than most friendslop games.

The gameplay blends ship management with survival dives. Some players handle steering, sonar, and radar aboard the submarine, while others suit up as divers to explore flooded environments filled with eerie visuals, scattered loot, and lurking monsters. Proximity chat is key to survival, though miscommunication and muffled voices often lead to disastrous crashes or failed missions, adding to the comedy.

Murky Divers stands out with its atmospheric visuals and sound design. From nostalgic, static-filtered graphics to the unsettling cries of monsters in the dark, the game captures the oppressive fear of the deep ocean. Customizable diver suits and unlockable skins add personality, while ship upgrades and random encounters keep runs varied. For a low price, it delivers both terror and laughs, making it a strong contender among the best friendslop games.

5. Content Warning

Content Warning.jpg

Quick summary:

  • Multiplayer “found footage” co-op horror
  • Record monster encounters to go viral on “Spooktube”
  • Priced at $7.99 on Steam
  • Unique mix of cartoony hub world and gritty black-and-white missions
  • Hilarious chaos with friends, but limited long-term depth

Content Warning puts a unique spin on the friendslop formula by making the goal not just survival, but creating content. Players venture into the “Old World” with cameras, trying to film monster encounters that will rack up views on the in-game platform Spooktube. The result is a co-op game that’s part horror, part comedy, and part parody of the viral clip economy.

The experience thrives on proximity chat and teamwork. Runs are short but packed with tension, as groups argue over strategies, sacrifice teammates for views, or panic when monsters suddenly appear. Every run ends with a replay of the footage, complete with mock audience comments, which adds an extra layer of humor and immersion.

Visually, Content Warning is distinct. The base hub is bright and cartoony, while the Old World is stark and grainy, resembling old horror film footage. This balance makes it creepy but not overwhelming, allowing the comedy to shine alongside the scares. While the simplicity of the premise may eventually limit its replayability, the combination of silliness, horror, and creative group chaos has already made Content Warning a staple of the friendslop genre.

Conclusion

Friendslop games may have started as a joke term, but the genre has quickly carved out a space in modern gaming. These low-cost, chaotic multiplayer experiences thrive on social interaction, proximity chat, and clippable moments that make them perfect for streamers and casual groups alike. Whether you are surviving the horrors of Lethal Company, climbing mountains in Peak, or filming cursed content in Content Warning, the fun comes less from the games themselves and more from the friends you share them with.

Since friendslop games are not graphically demanding, you do not need the most powerful PC to enjoy them. However, investing in a reliable gaming laptop ensures you can play these titles at the highest settings now and still have plenty of power for whatever the genre looks like in five years.

The Acer Nitro V 16 AI Gaming Laptop, powered by an AMD Ryzen™ 7 350 processor and an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060, offers strong all-around performance for both lightweight co-op games and more demanding titles when you want to branch out. With its capable GPU and fast processor, it is a future-proof option for both casual and competitive players.

If you prefer a smaller form factor, the Nitro 14 Gaming Laptop packs an AMD Ryzen™ 7 8845HS processor and the same NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 graphics card. Despite its compact size, it has the power to handle modern multiplayer experiences with ease and makes an excellent portable choice for gaming on the go.

Frequently asked questions about friendslop games

What are friendslop games?
Friendslop games are cheap, indie-made multiplayer titles built around simple gameplay loops, proximity chat, and chaotic fun with friends. They usually cost under $10 and thrive on being streamed and shared.

Why are friendslop games so popular?
The rise of friendslop games comes from their viral nature. They are easy to pick up, funny to watch, and perfect for content creators on Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok. Games like Lethal Company and Peak spread quickly through clips and word-of-mouth.

Are all multiplayer games considered friendslop games?
No. While all friendslop games are multiplayer, not all multiplayer games are friendslop. Big titles like Destiny 2 or It Takes Two focus on polished stories and long-term progression, while friendslop games emphasize short bursts of chaotic, social fun.

What are the best friendslop games right now?
Some of the best friendslop games include Lethal Company, Peak, R.E.P.O., Murky Divers, and Content Warning. Each offers simple mechanics, low prices, and hilarious moments when played with friends.

Can my laptop run friendslop games?
Yes. Most friendslop games are not graphically demanding, so even mid-range laptops can run them smoothly. For a future-proof option, gaming laptops like the Acer Nitro V 16 or Nitro 14 with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 GPUs will let you enjoy these games now and well into the future.

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Patrick Yu is a Senior Project Manager at Level Interactive and has 8 years of experience writing business, legal, lifestyle, gaming, and technology articles. He is a significant contributor to Acer Corner and is currently based in Taipei, Taiwan.

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