Video Games With The Most Toxic Communities

Online games often attract highly competitive and passionate players, but this can sometimes lead to negative interactions. The competitive nature of games, combined with the anonymity of online play, can create environments where players experience harassment or unfair behavior. Game developers are constantly working to create tools that help keep these communities positive. This list highlights video games known for having particularly challenging or difficult player communities.

‘League of Legends’ (2009)

This popular online game often sees players facing harsh insults and intentional disruption from others during competitive matches. The pressure of ranked play often leads to teammates blaming each other when things go wrong. Many new players say this creates a discouraging environment that makes it hard to learn the game. While the developers have tried to address these issues with reporting tools and chat filters, the game remains a prime example of how competition can sometimes create a negative community experience.

‘Counter-Strike 2’ (2023)

Okay, so I jumped into this updated version of the shooter I used to love, and wow, the community is…intense. A lot of the players are really hardcore, and honestly, voice chat can be brutal. I’ve heard so much trash talk and people just straight-up tearing each other down for how they play. There’s a ton of accusations of cheating, and the competitive scene seems to bring out the worst in people, making regular matches pretty toxic. It feels like you need to be a pro, or at least know everything about the game’s history, to avoid getting flamed. Seriously, if you’re not ready for a rough social experience, this might not be the place for you.

‘Dota 2’ (2013)

This strategy game relies heavily on teamwork, but long matches often lead to disagreements and frustration. It can be tough for new players, who sometimes face criticism for not quickly learning the game’s complex strategies and item choices. Because games last a long time, players often have to deal with upset teammates for extended periods. At the professional level, players are expected to perform perfectly and mistakes aren’t tolerated. While the game developers have tried to encourage positive behavior with reward systems, these efforts haven’t always been successful.

‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III’ (2023)

This fast-paced shooting game often leads to intense and sometimes negative conversations in public lobbies. Players commonly use voice chat to criticize each other – both opponents and teammates – after losing or playing badly. Existing disagreements, combined with the anonymity of online play, have created a culture where trash talk is common. The Search and Destroy mode is especially known for this aggressive behavior. Even with tools to block offensive language, the game is still often associated with loud and confrontational communication.

‘Overwatch 2’ (2022)

With fewer players on each team, everyone feels more pressure to play their part flawlessly. Support and tank players often get blamed when the team doesn’t win. This can lead to negative behavior, like backhanded comments or demands for players to change characters. The game community faces the challenge of accommodating both casual and competitive players. Despite having fun and interesting characters, the social environment can sometimes feel unwelcoming and stressful.

‘Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege’ (2015)

This shooting game demands careful, precise play, and even one mistake can cause the whole team to lose. Unfortunately, the community has often struggled with players intentionally harming or sabotaging teammates who aren’t playing well. It’s a difficult game to learn, which can make experienced players frustrated with newcomers. While good communication is key to winning, it’s frequently used to harass others instead of working together. To address these issues, the game developers have added a system to track player behavior and encourage positive interactions.

‘Valorant’ (2020)

This game rewards skilled players who can effectively use both special abilities and aim accurately, fostering a competitive community. While teamwork and communication through voice chat are crucial, it often becomes a source of harassment and sexism. The competitive ranking system can be very frustrating when players feel let down by their teammates. Many players are asking for better moderation to combat the constant negativity. Despite these issues, it remains a very popular game, but also one that can be quite challenging socially.

‘Rust’ (2018)

It’s tough to survive in this game, and other players often make it even harder. People frequently raid each other’s bases and steal resources, sometimes for no reason, which can erase hours of work. Voice chat is often filled with trash talk and threats as players battle over territory. Experienced players sometimes intentionally discourage newcomers to protect what they’ve built, creating a consistently hostile environment that’s become typical for survival games.

‘Dead by Daylight’ (2016)

Man, this horror game is always causing drama. It’s built so that survivors and killers have totally different goals, and it leads to constant arguing. Seriously, we’re always accusing each other of cheating or just being a bad sport. The post-match chat is usually a mess of complaints about how unbalanced everything was. It feels like the community can’t even agree on what’s considered fair play. Even though a lot of us really love the game, a lot of the interactions feel really toxic – people just act like they deserve to win, and it gets frustrating.

‘Rocket League’ (2015)

Simple phrases like “what a save” are often used jokingly – or sarcastically – after someone scores. The game’s basic controls can be surprisingly frustrating when players miss easy shots. Competitive matches can get really intense as people rush to improve their rank. This often leads to negative behavior, with players either leaving matches early or deliberately trying to help the other team. Despite its bright and colorful look, this sports game is known for being surprisingly aggressive and competitive.

‘World of Warcraft’ (2004)

High-end raiding in this online game is notoriously difficult and unforgiving. Guilds often have very strict standards, which can leave players feeling excluded if they don’t perform well. Recently, there’s been a growing trend of players being kicked from groups for even small mistakes. Online discussions about the game are often filled with arguments and negativity about how well-balanced it is. Even though the game is about teamwork, it can be a lonely experience for players who aren’t aiming for the highest levels of play.

‘Grand Theft Auto Online’ (2013)

This game’s open world lets players easily bother others with strong vehicles and weapons. Often, experienced players target newcomers, ruining their missions and gameplay just for amusement. Public game lobbies are often chaotic, filled with loud music and players yelling through their microphones. Because there aren’t strong penalties for being aggressive, many players intentionally disrupt others’ experiences. As a result, many players have to play in private sessions to enjoy the game without constant harassment.

‘EA Sports FC 24’ (2023)

The popular team-based mode in this game creates a lot of stress for players who are competing for prizes. Players often try to distract or upset each other with showy celebrations and deliberate delays during matches. After games, the chat is often filled with negative comments, no matter who wins. Many players also criticize how the game works, contributing to a generally frustrating experience. As a result, this soccer game is known for having a particularly passionate and often upset community.

‘Fortnite’ (2017)

This battle royale game attracts a lot of younger players, creating a lively and often chaotic social scene. Players commonly use emotes to taunt each other, which can be really frustrating when a lot is on the line. Competitive players, especially those hoping to become popular streamers or pros, can sometimes be quite aggressive. Despite the game’s colorful and easy-to-learn style, the community isn’t always friendly to newcomers or those who aren’t highly skilled. With so many players, it’s also hard for the game developers to keep everything under control.

‘Apex Legends’ (2019)

Working together is crucial in battle royale games, but players often split up and go off on their own. When this leads to a defeat, teammates often vent their frustration over voice chat. The game’s fast pace and demanding gameplay make players quick to criticize each other. This often shows up as players immediately leaving the game after being injured instead of waiting for help. Ranked matches make these negative interactions even worse due to the competitive pressure.

‘Destiny 2’ (2017)

This sci-fi shooter’s challenging raids and competitive modes often create a divide among players. Skilled groups frequently require new members to have top-level equipment and a proven track record before letting them join. Mistakes during difficult missions can lead to players being instantly removed and harshly criticized. The game’s mix of player-versus-player and player-versus-environment content also causes disagreements within the community. Though many players are supportive, the most experienced ones are often known for excluding others who don’t meet their standards.

‘For Honor’ (2017)

This medieval combat game frequently stirs up strong emotions in players, who often take opponents’ strategies personally. Some moves are considered unfair, sparking arguments in the game’s chat. Losing repeatedly to the same player often leads to frustration and outbursts. The game’s community is known for strongly voicing their opinions on character balance, and matches are often marked by unsportsmanlike conduct both before and after the fight.

‘Escape from Tarkov’ (2017)

Man, this shooter is intense. The biggest fear isn’t just dying, it’s losing all your hard-earned gear when you do, so every single encounter feels super stressful. It’s gotten to the point where I don’t trust anyone I meet in-game, and the forums are constantly blowing up with people accusing each other of cheating. Honestly, it’s rare to find anyone willing to help out new players – most people are just kinda hostile. It’s a tough game to learn, there’s not much guidance, and the veterans definitely have a bit of an elitist attitude. It really feels like the game’s harsh world spills over into the community itself.

‘Mordhau’ (2019)

This horror game has a problem with players using offensive language and names. There’s a big difference in skill level between beginners and experienced players, causing frustration during matches. Players frequently taunt each other with emotes and voice lines while showing off their skills. Attempts to make the game more respectful have been met with pushback from some fans who enjoy the game’s wild and unpredictable environment. Overall, the social experience can be quite hostile and unwelcoming at times.

‘StarCraft II’ (2010)

As a fan, I love how this RTS game puts all the responsibility on you – you win or lose based on your own skills, and there’s no one else to blame. But honestly, it can get frustrating, and I’ve seen a lot of players take that frustration out on each other with harsh words or complaints about ‘boring’ tactics. The community really values perfect, optimized gameplay, which sometimes makes it feel a bit exclusive and intimidating. It’s tough for new players because everything happens so fast and you need to know a lot just to get started. The pro players are awesome, but climbing the ranks can be a really unpleasant experience thanks to some toxic behavior at the lower levels.

‘Minecraft’ (2011)

Although this game is often seen as a fun and relaxing place to be creative, some of its online communities can be quite negative. Certain servers, like those focused on factions or complete freedom, often see players destroying each other’s creations and using harsh language. Even in competitive minigames, players can be overly aggressive towards others. Because the game has so many players, there’s a wide range of behavior, and some of the most popular servers need constant monitoring to prevent them from becoming unpleasant for everyone.

‘Roblox’ (2006)

The platform attracts a lot of young players, which unfortunately creates a social atmosphere that can be immature and involve bullying. Competitive games often see players finding ways around chat filters to harass others, and younger users are frequently targeted by scams. Because the platform isn’t centrally controlled, it’s hard to consistently enforce community rules. Many parents and players have reported a lot of negativity in the public spaces.

‘EVE Online’ (2003)

This space game is well-known for its cutthroat politics, where players are encouraged to use deception and sabotage to get ahead. The player community is famously competitive and will often dismantle another player’s progress to gain an advantage. Though this is built into the game, it frequently leads to personal attacks and a generally unpleasant social environment. It’s hard for newcomers to succeed, as established players and groups hold all the power. Essentially, the game rewards dishonesty, and that’s reflected in how players interact with each other.

‘Heroes of the Storm’ (2015)

Although this game tries to be more welcoming to new players in the competitive arena genre, it still has frustrating elements. Because everyone on a team shares the same level and power, one player’s mistakes can impact the whole team. This often leads to harsh criticism and negative behavior during matches, like players intentionally sabotaging the game by refusing to play or staying idle. Over time, the game’s community has become less open and more closed off, especially now that the game is no longer actively updated.

‘Team Fortress 2’ (2007)

Man, this game has been around forever, and the community is really stuck in its ways – they don’t like things changing. Playing on public servers can be rough; people are always blasting obnoxious noises or just yelling insults over voice chat. When they made it free-to-play a while back, it brought in a ton of new players, and honestly, it changed the vibe for the worse. Plus, the bots are a constant problem, and it just makes everyone who still plays feel frustrated and angry. It’s weird because the game looks all cute and colorful, but the people you encounter online can be seriously unpleasant.

‘Hearthstone’ (2014)

Even though players can’t talk much in this card game, people still find ways to be unpleasant to each other. It’s common to see players use things like ‘hello’ or ‘well played’ sarcastically when they’re winning, which often bothers opponents. Some players deliberately take a long time on their turn just to annoy the other person. Also, people often send friend requests after a game, not to be friendly, but to send insults or complain. When luck plays a big role in the game, it frequently makes the community angry.

‘Genshin Impact’ (2020)

This game is designed for solo players, but its online community is often quite turbulent. Players commonly debate which characters are strongest and the best strategies, and they can be very critical of developers if updates or events don’t meet their expectations. When playing with others, some players are excluded from games simply because of the characters they choose. Overall, the large and passionate fanbase frequently leads to disagreements and conflict.

‘Sea of Thieves’ (2018)

This pirate game centers around stealing from other players, which often causes a lot of frustration. Experienced players frequently target newcomers or smaller groups, destroying their ships and bragging about it. Although the game aims to be a fun, social experience, many interactions are actually hostile and predatory. Players often use voice chat to taunt others while they lose valuable items they’ve spent hours collecting. This creates a strong split between players who thrive on the competitive chaos and those who find the environment unpleasant.

‘NBA 2K24’ (2023)

Online modes in this game are known for players who hog the ball and quickly blame teammates when things go wrong. Trash talk over voice chat is common during competitive matches. Because players invest a lot of money in their characters, winning and losing feels especially impactful. The community is quick to criticize the game, and that negativity often spills over onto other players. As a result, it’s generally considered a tough community for new players to join if they’re playing alone.

‘Madden NFL 24’ (2023)

Games in this football series are often won by players using tricky, hard-to-stop strategies, which creates frustration and accusations of unfair play. Losing players frequently quit mid-game, spoiling the win for their opponent. It’s also common to see players message each other after matches to complain about how they played. This intense competition often prioritizes winning over good sportsmanship in online matches.

‘Tekken 8’ (2024)

The fighting game community is famously competitive, and unfortunately, this new game is already seeing some negative behavior. Many players win a single match and then quickly leave to avoid playing again. After close or difficult matches, it’s common to see players sending hateful messages or engaging in trash talk, especially if someone is using a character considered overpowered. This drive to climb the ranks often leads to frustration and anger directed at opponents. While skilled players are respected, the community can be harsh for those who are still learning.

‘Street Fighter 6’ (2023)

The game’s new control system has created a divide between longtime players and those new to the game. This has unfortunately led to some players looking down on others and using offensive language towards those who prefer the easier controls. The game’s social spaces, while intended to connect players, have also become a place for public disputes and harassment. Losing competitive matches often leads to frustration and negative reactions, which is commonly referred to as ‘salt.’ Despite the game offering resources to help players improve, the community can still feel very competitive and stressful.

‘Mortal Kombat 1’ (2023)

I’ve always loved this series because it’s all about being the best, and honestly, the community really shows that competitive spirit – sometimes a little too much. It’s not just about winning, people will really try to get in your head! Instead of just enjoying the cool finishing moves, players often use them to trash talk. And forget about a peaceful game – voice chat is always buzzing with people pointing out each other’s errors. There’s a lot of quick judgment too; if someone thinks a character or tactic is weak, they’ll let you know, and it often turns into arguments. It’s wild – sometimes the stuff people say is as intense as what’s happening on screen!

‘Halo Infinite’ (2021)

This shooter is known for its intense competition, often leading to heated arguments between teammates after every loss. Players also get frustrated with how the game progresses, which spills over into negative interactions during matches – they frequently blame each other for mistakes like losing control of powerful weapons or not focusing on the main goal. Trash talk has always been a part of this game series, and while many long-time fans remember it fondly, the current online environment can be quite toxic.

‘PUBG: Battlegrounds’ (2017)

This battle royale game is slow-paced, so getting eliminated can feel incredibly frustrating and like a huge time sink. This often leads to angry reactions when players believe someone cheated or played unfairly. The pre-game voice chat became so negative that developers had to turn it off to protect players from harassment. Another problem is team killing, where players intentionally eliminate their own teammates to steal their gear. Overall, the game can be a stressful and unwelcoming experience for new or casual players.

‘Warframe’ (2013)

The game’s community is usually friendly, but high-level trading is often unpleasant. Players frequently overcharge for items and can be verbally abusive during trades. There’s also a tendency for some players to boast about their powerful characters and quick completion times, leading to exclusion of those with less-than-perfect gear. Even though the game encourages teamwork, the endgame can feel isolating for players who aren’t part of the established group.

‘The Elder Scrolls Online’ (2014)

Player-versus-player areas in this game often become breeding grounds for negativity and conflict between groups. Players commonly use chat to insult opponents or brag after winning. Within cooperative dungeons, players can be dismissive of others who don’t perform at a high enough level. The game’s forums are also known for harsh criticism of any changes the developers make. Overall, social friction remains a significant part of the experience for serious players.

‘Final Fantasy XIV’ (2010)

While known for having a welcoming atmosphere, this game has a surprising undercurrent of negativity. Players frequently exploit the rules to report others for small offenses or simply because they disagree. There’s a strong tendency to react badly to any honest criticism of the game or how people play. Like many competitive online games, it also has a problem with elitism in its most challenging content. This can create a lot of pressure on players to fit in and meet the community’s expectations.

‘Paladins’ (2018)

This free-to-play hero shooter has a huge player base, but teamwork isn’t always a strong suit. When a match starts to go badly, players often flood the chat with complaints. Arguments over who gets to play powerful damage-dealing characters are common, even before the game begins. The developers are overwhelmed with reports of bad behavior and harassment, and unfortunately, frustration seems to be the most common feeling for many players.

‘Brawlhalla’ (2017)

The game’s quick and intense battles can be really frustrating, especially when players feel opponents are using unfair tactics. This often leads to heated arguments and negative comments in the post-match chat, with people criticizing the characters others choose. The community is highly competitive and tends to discourage players who don’t master the most difficult techniques. This negativity can even result in players lingering in the lobby after a match just to continue arguing. Despite being a simple game at its core, it has a surprisingly complex and often hostile social environment.

‘Left 4 Dead 2’ (2009)

This classic zombie game is famous for its competitive ‘versus’ mode, but it’s also known for being incredibly unfriendly. New players often get kicked from matches quickly if they aren’t familiar with the best strategies or how to move around the map. Experienced players tend to be impatient with newcomers, and it’s common for players to be yelled at for even small mistakes. Even after many years, the game’s competitive community remains one of the most negative and hostile in gaming.

‘Insurgency: Sandstorm’ (2018)

This challenging shooter demands serious teamwork and concentration, which frequently causes players to become frustrated with each other. It’s common for players to quickly point out mistakes in their teammates’ gameplay using voice chat. The game’s community also has a reputation for a small but loud group who use offensive language and try to start arguments about politics in public matches. Because the game is so difficult, players often get more frustrated than they would in more relaxed shooting games. While teamwork is essential to succeed, it often breaks down into arguments and negativity.

‘Chivalry 2’ (2021)

In big medieval battles, it’s common for players to accidentally hit their allies amidst the confusion. This often sparks immediate revenge, leading to intentional team-killing. The game’s chat quickly fills with complaints about weapon balance or teammates’ performance. Although the game aims for a humorous and chaotic experience, players often become very competitive. This can cause the atmosphere to quickly change from fun to hostile.

‘World of Tanks’ (2010)

Tank combat relies heavily on teamwork, and one player making a bad decision can quickly cause the entire team to lose. Because of this, experienced players often harshly criticize others online for not playing strategically. The community is very competitive and focused on winning, which unfortunately creates a negative environment for more casual players. This toxicity can manifest as players intentionally sabotaging their teammates, like blocking their shots or leading them into danger. Overall, the game is slow-paced and suffers from a lot of internal conflict within its player base.

‘Among Us’ (2018)

The game revolves around bluffing and dishonesty, which often leads to tense interactions between players. When playing with strangers, many players resort to insults and offensive language when suspected of being the imposter. Because the game allows anonymity, players can be quite rude to each other, especially during voting. This toxicity is why many people prefer to play with friends instead of using random matchmaking. While the game is designed to be socially challenging, it frequently escalates into harassment.

Share your own experiences with these player bases in the comments.

2026-02-10 09:21