Nintendo’s robustSwitchsequel to theDS’sClubhouse Gamescan be pretty great when it comes to parties and social gaming. With many recognizable and appealing romps ranging from Blackjack and war to golf and bowling, there’s something for just about everyone.
When it comes to multiplayer packages,Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classicsis seemingly the strongest offering on Switch sinceSuperMario Party. Still, while it’s a solid title for2 playergames, its 4 player support is a bit more dicey.. There’s not many to choose from and it’s somewhat unclear which minigamesdohave this feature.
To further muddy the waters, those few minigames thatare4 players have varying compatibility options and conditions in order to play them. Given these factors, and the variety of games offered, it can be tough to pin down just which games are best to opt for when seeking greatClubhouse Gamesromps for social gatherings and exciting online showdowns.
RELATED:10 Nintendo Switch Games to Play if You Like Wii Sports
This list will highlightallof the games that can be played with 4 people (with the exception of Riichi Mahjong), and rank them according to their fun factor and convenience. It’ll also touch on the requirements needed to play with 4 people.
10Fishing
One ofClubhouse Games' unique and interesting features is the ability to cobble 2-4 Switches together and play in “mosaic mode.” This provides a unique tabletop dynamic, and also melds the perspectives on each Switch screen into a single large display. Fishing is one of the big ones when it comes to utilizing this ability.
It’s a pretty neat novelty to partake in virtual fishing with 3 buddies - and looking down at 4 Switch screens to see a vast lake full of fish. Yet, the gameplay doesn’t really extend beyond this novelty, and the work involved in setting everything up doesn’t exactly warrant what amounts to an average fishing minigame.
9Slot Cars
Though the gameplay of this simple racer is about as dissimilar as it gets to fishing - functionality-wise there are parallels. Like Fishing, it’s a neat novelty at first, but wears out its welcome pretty swiftly. And like that game, it’s fairly limiting as to how you may play.
RELATED:10 Switch Games With The Best Replay Value
The game can’t be played online with 4 people, nor can 4 friends play on the same console - or even multiple systems. The onlyway to get a thrilling 4 player race going is to, again, lay down 4 Switch consoles in mosaic mode and crowd around this virtual slot car derby. Still, it can be an exciting activity once it isset up, at least in short bursts.
8President
Card gamesare often good choices for 4 player party romps inClubhouse Games, on account of their simple yet enjoyable nature. President can make for a fun showdown among 4 friends, with its unique rule set that somewhat resembles a more complex version of Uno/Last Card.
Still, the array of rules and nuances in this one may not be too ideal for those looking for a quick, mindless game atpartiesor social gatherings. This is especiallythe case with players not-well versed in this unique game. And being based in Japan, there’s a good chance Western players will at least have somein their group who aren’t familiar with it.
One great aspect to this is that - provided each player has a Switch, of course, this can be downloaded via a demo and played with 4 players for free.
7Team Tanks
Unfortunately, those looking forMario Party-style co-op won’t find many options inClubhouse Games. Luckily, Team Tanks serves as a rare offering on this front - and a fun one at that!
To be clear - this doesn’t quite possess the tight mechanics and nuances thatWiiPlay Tankshad, despite its similar themes and layout.
Still, this can really make for an exciting war of attrition, as players team up to battle in chaotic virtual warfare. Once again - 4 Switches laid out in mosaic mode is a requirement when playing with 4 peoplelocally. Still, those that dohappen to have extra Switches at their disposal should opt for Team Tanks first and foremost. This is almost undeniably the best mosaic-style multiplayer game.
6Dominoes
Dominoes fans rejoice! For this is one of the greatest multiplayer offerings inClubhouse Gameswhen it comes to versatility and accessibility. The gameplay is a fine balance of simplicity and depth, and those less familiar with the game can be somewhat guided through thanks to the in-game mechanics and tutorial.
While the experience itself is fun and easy to get into, getting things going proves equally simple. The game requires multiple systems to play with 4 people - but the good news is that this is one of the free play-enabled entries. This means only oneperson needs to ownClubhouse Gamesfor 4 gamers to take part in the action. Not only this, but this can currently be played for free, without anyoneowningClubhouse Games- by way of downloading a demo.
This additionally makes for a fun (and usually smooth) experience online, as well.
5Last Card
Let’s face it - among a lively party or social event, sometimes it’s best to opt for games more rooted in simplicity, while still holding entertainment value. This can certainly describe Last Card, a slight (non-licensed) variant on the Mattel card game Uno, as well as Crazy Eights. Thanks to the intuitive layout and in-game guides, a single game of Last Card can fly by in a few minutes.
RELATED:Xbox One: The 10 Best Local Four-Player Games you may Play Now
This gives plenty of opportunities to start fresh and play rapid-fire games following the inevitable “rematch!” request from a friend. Despite its basic nature, there’s still subtle elements of strategy to allow more seasoned players to flex their Last Card skills.
4Sevens
At least when it comes to multi-Switch-owning groups, there are few better party/social options than Sevens - a 4-player card game that’s both dynamic and fast-paced. The name of the game is to empty one’s hand first by dropping cards in ascending and descending order, branching out from the sevens of each suit. It’s a premise that’s easy to grasp but deep enough to provide countless rounds of enjoyment.
Guest pass is also available for this one (only 1 player needs to own the game), and it’s a great 4 player online experience.
3Blackjack
Blackjack is one of those timeless card classics renowned for its subtle strategy and intense face-offs. Though it tends to be a favorite for gamblers first and foremost, it can also make for a fun and more laid back option for social gatherings.
Now, it doesn’t exactly have the depth or complexities of, say, poker. Still,Clubhouse Games' version of Blackjack makes things interesting with 5-round games which allow players to bet any denomination from zero to one-hundred. This range and emphasis of bets add strategy and unpredictability to this already turbulent card game.
The best part is - since there’s no need for players to hide their cards - this is one of justtwogames that can be played with 4 people on asingleSwitch.
2Texas Hold’em
Unfortunately, this one is lacking the single-system functionality of Blackjack - as poker players know that cards will need to be hidden from opponents.
Regardless, this is a classic card game very much designed for several people to take part in an enjoy. The combination of the community cards and one’s own hand make Texas Hold’em a uniquely exciting competitive romp. It’s easy to get into, while still exuding the complex, appealing nature of regular poker.
Guest pass is thankfully also enabled in this card game.
1Ludo
Those who have played the fun-but-maddening board game known as “Sorry!” are almost certain to recognize similar traits to Ludo. Like that game, Ludo is an intense 4 player strategic showdown that requires players to scramble to an exit with 4 pieces - while sabotaging others and avoiding being bumped back.
This one really has it all. It’s complex enough to be engaging, but fairly accessible too. It’s one of the longer affairs onClubhouse Games, so one can milk tons of enjoyment out of it. It’s also the only4 playergame besides Blackjack that can be played on asingleSwitch.
