Online gaming has always been about more than just playing a game—it’s about connecting with people from around the world, forming friendships, and building communities. Whether it’s teaming up with others to conquer difficult challenges or just chatting with like-minded players, the community aspect can make or break the experience. Over the years, I’ve encountered both incredibly positive and deeply toxic communities, and each has taught me something valuable about the nature of online interactions.
In this post, I’ll reflect on the best and worst online gaming communities I’ve experienced, from the supportive and welcoming to the hostile and frustrating.
The Best: A Sense of Belonging and Support
1. The Warmth of Co-Op Games
One of the best communities I’ve experienced was in the cooperative multiplayer game last war best heroes, particularly in Monster Hunter: World. The game encourages teamwork, and the community that formed around it was one of the most helpful and supportive I’ve encountered. In this game, players often take on difficult hunts that require strategic planning and coordination. Instead of rushing through the missions alone, players rely on each other, sharing tips, offering advice, and celebrating each other’s victories.
I was amazed by how welcoming the community was to newcomers. Whenever I was stuck on a tough monster or struggling to craft the right gear, there were always people willing to offer advice without judgment. Players would jump into each other’s hunts, sometimes without even being asked, just to help out. This supportive environment made the grind more enjoyable and helped me learn the ropes faster than I could have on my own. It was a perfect example of how a gaming community can become like a family—helping each other, growing together, and always ready to lend a hand.
2. The Positive Vibes of Social Simulators
Another standout community experience came from playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This social simulator game, which revolves around building and decorating an island, took the internet by storm with its calm and laid-back atmosphere. What stood out most about the community around Animal Crossing was how warm and friendly it was. Players from all over the world came together to trade items, visit each other’s islands, and share creative designs. The game’s emphasis on kindness and cooperation resonated deeply with its player base, and it showed in the interactions I had.
One of the things I appreciated most about the Animal Crossing community was the generosity. I regularly received surprise gifts from other players—flowers, rare items, or just fun, quirky designs for my island. It was never about competition or winning; it was about enjoying the game and spreading positive energy. Even online interactions were filled with compliments, thanks, and the occasional “I love your island!” There was a genuine sense of camaraderie, and it felt like a safe space to express creativity without fear of judgment.
3. The Supportive Nature of eSports Communities
While eSports is often viewed as cutthroat and highly competitive, I found some surprisingly supportive communities within the space. Overwatch, for example, has a large, passionate fanbase, and I was lucky enough to encounter groups where players took the time to mentor newcomers. Rather than berating others for mistakes, many players offered constructive feedback and shared tips on improving. It was heartening to see experienced players genuinely caring about helping others progress in the game.
The Overwatch League’s online fan communities were also wonderful. I was able to connect with others who shared my passion for the game, and the discussions were usually filled with excitement for upcoming matches or strategies, rather than the negativity that can sometimes plague competitive spaces. It was inspiring to be part of a community that valued skill development, friendly banter, and mutual respect.
The Worst: Toxicity and Disrespect
1. The Dangers of Competitive Communities
On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve encountered some of the most toxic environments in highly competitive games like League of Legends. This game is infamous for its harsh community, and my personal experiences certainly didn’t help improve my perception of it. From the moment I started playing, I was thrown into a world where players frequently belittled each other for mistakes, threw around insults, and blamed others for their losses.
The toxicity within the League of Legends community was off the charts. I’ve encountered players who would openly curse and threaten others, calling them derogatory names simply for not performing as well. Even the slightest mistake, like a misstep during a team fight, could result in harsh criticism and ridicule. In many cases, teammates would “rage quit” if they felt the match wasn’t going in their favor, leaving the rest of the team at a severe disadvantage.
What frustrated me most was the lack of accountability. Many players, including myself at times, felt helpless in the face of constant negativity. Attempts to report toxic behavior were often ignored, and the anonymity of online gaming allowed bad behavior to thrive unchecked. While the game itself was fun, the experience was often overshadowed by the toxic community.
2. The Dreadful Side of PvP Games
Another toxic community I experienced was in Call of Duty: Warzone, where the competitive nature of the game’s PvP matches fostered an environment of hostility and frustration. While I enjoy a good challenge, I quickly learned that the Warzone community was filled with an alarming number of rude and aggressive players. Trash talk was common, and not in the playful, fun way that you might expect. Instead, it was mean-spirited and often personal.
Some players would deliberately ruin the experience for others, either by “camping” (hiding in one spot and waiting for others to come by) or by sabotaging their own team. There was a strong sense of entitlement in some players—if things didn’t go their way, they would lash out, sometimes to the point of making the game completely unenjoyable. The competitive nature of the game led to a lot of anger and resentment between players, making it hard to form any kind of positive relationship or enjoy the experience.
3. The Misogyny and Harassment in FPS Games
While many online games can have toxic environments, the worst experiences I’ve had have come in the first-person shooter (FPS) genre, particularly Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). Unfortunately, I’ve encountered harassment and outright misogyny in this community, which has made it a difficult space to enjoy. Being a female gamer in a predominantly male space can be daunting, especially when encountering verbal abuse simply for existing in the game.
There were instances where my teammates would make derogatory comments about my voice or mock me for being a woman playing a game that they felt was “too hard” for me. These experiences were not just isolated, but part of a larger pattern of behavior within some parts of the CS:GO community. What made this even worse was the way some players would gang up on you if you made a mistake or couldn’t keep up with their expectations. The overall atmosphere was one of exclusion, and as a result, it made me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.
Conclusion: Community Makes or Breaks the Game
The online gaming communities I’ve experienced have been a mixed bag. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of some truly supportive, positive, and helpful communities that have enriched my gaming experience. Whether it was through cooperation, encouragement, or shared joy, these communities reminded me why I fell in love with online gaming in the first place. On the other hand, I’ve also encountered communities that were toxic, hostile, and downright unpleasant, where negativity often overshadowed the fun of the game.
Ultimately, the community is what can make or break an online gaming experience. A supportive and respectful community can turn a simple game into a place where friendships are made and memories are created. But a toxic and unwelcoming one can make even the most enjoyable games feel like a chore. I’ve learned that, while the gameplay itself is important, it’s the community that truly defines the experience. As players, we have a responsibility to contribute to positive, inclusive spaces and help make the online gaming world a better place for everyone.