Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by Jhonni Jets
Young adulthood is a time of tremendous change and growth both mentally and physically. As interests shift and social lives become more active, the types of entertainment and activities young people enjoy also evolve. While social media and streaming services remain popular, video games continue to be a way for many 16-20 year olds to connect with friends, explore new ideas and concepts, and have fun. This article will explore 6 of the best game options for entertaining and engaging this key demographic based on gameplay, storyline, multiplayer features, and popularity among players of similar ages.
Fortnite
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Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has risen to become one of the most ubiquitous and talked about games across all age groups. Its mix of competitive multiplayer action coupled with a cartoony, accessible art style make it hugely appealing to teens and young adults. With over 250 million registered players globally, it’s nearly impossible to find a 16-20 year old who hasn’t at least tried the game. Its free-to-play model means even those on a budget can join in the Battle Royale action. Regular updates and special seasonal events keep things feeling fresh. Most importantly, the varied gameplay allows both casual enjoyers and aspiring esports competitors to get involved. Fortnite has truly changed gaming culture and remains young people’s social game of choice.
Call of Duty
For fast-paced online first-person shooter action, few franchises rival Call of Duty. While many entries in the long-running series are suitable for mature players, certain installments like Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 are great for the 16-20 demographic. With competitive multiplayer modes like Team Deathmatch and Domination, players can join friends online to test their reflexes and teamwork. Integration with platforms like Discord also make finding and chatting with teammates seamless. Meanwhile, the tightly plotted single-player campaigns of games like Black Ops immerse players in real-world conflicts through dramatic cinematic storytelling. With regular updates keeping players engaged, Call of Duty continues delivering exciting combat that satisfies the appetite for skill, strategy, and intensity common among young adults.
PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS (PUBG)
The juggernaut that helped kickstart the battle royale craze, PUBG introduced a more realistic and tactical variant on the battle royale formula. Dropping 100 players onto a vast online map with decreasing safe zone boundaries, the goal is simple – be the last player or team standing. While the shooting mechanics take more skill to get good at compared to games like Fortnite, PUBG offers a gameplay experience that appeals strongly to the competitive nature of many 16-20 year olds. Out-thinking and out-maneuvering opponents through careful movement, awareness of surroundings, and smart use of weapons/items keeps matches consistently intense and engaging. The option for squad play also allows social cooperation and friendly rivalry between groups of friends. Despite the arrival of newer battle royale titles, PUBG remains one of the most popular hardcore options for older teen and young adult gamers.
Grand Theft Auto V
Controversial but massively beloved, Grand Theft Auto V strikes a great balance of grounded open-world action and juvenile humor that appeals to many 16-20s. Within the sprawling city of Los Santos, players take on three protagonists immersed in the criminal underworld. Weaving between story missions, side activities, online multiplayer and simply roaming the virtual streets, there is a dizzying amount of emergent gameplay to sink time into. Mature themes relating to violence and adult content mean the game is aimed at an older audience than most. However, its satirical take on American culture combined with empowering sandbox-style freedom make it an understandably popular choice amongst young adults eager to experience virtual mayhem and mature adventures beyond other titles’ restrictions. Longevity is further extended through ongoing support via GTA Online’s ever-expanding online world.
Overwatch
As one of the most polished multiplayer shooters around, Overwatch has resonated hugely with 16-20 year old audiences since launching in 2016. With a colorful animated art style and cast of diverse playable heroes, Blizzard’s signature production values provide broad appeal beyond traditional shooter fans. Each of the game’s 30+ heroes feature unique abilities that can be mixed and matched to form effective team compositions, fostering strategy, communication and strong squad play. Whether in competitive matches or just messing around in Arcade modes, Overwatch consistently provides thrilling 6v6 action. It also sets itself apart through new seasonal in-game events and regularly released story and character lore that expand the game’s vibrant world – keeping players engaged long-term. With an ever-growing professional esports scene as well, Overwatch offers entertainment options for all skill and interest levels among older teens.
Minecraft
Now well over a decade old, the cultural phenomenon that is Minecraft refuses to lose relevance with young people. As a virtual Lego brand brought to life, its premise of exploring randomly generated worlds and using block building to shape the environment resonates strongly with creative minds aged 16-20. The survival mode presents an ongoing challenge, while creative provides limitless possibilities to flex building muscles. Its clean graphics and lack of violence broaden appeal far beyond hardcore gaming niches. Additionally, the number of successful YouTubers and content creators that got their start centered around Minecraft speaks volumes about its continued hold on new generations. Through an ever-evolving game state and new ways to connect with communities via servers, Minecraft cements itself as not just a game but a platform. It remains a beloved universal experience for players of all ages seeking to unleash imagination.
Conclusion
With so many excellent options on the market, selecting top games for 16-20 year olds involved much consideration across aspects like multiplayer functionality, production values, gameplay variety and long-term engagement potential. However, titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty, PUBG, GTA V, Overwatch and Minecraft time and again rose to the top based on deep, balanced designs that deliver maximum entertainment through competition, adventure and creative expression. While personal preference plays a part, this list should provide a great starting point for any slightly older teen or young adult eager to get involved in gaming communities, challenge friends online or simply unwind through immersive virtual worlds. With so much on offer, there truly is a game here for everyone in this key demographic.