The Most Popular Video Games, Backed by Data
With thousands of titles available, it can be hard to pick your next video game. That’s why you may find yourself looking for popular video games: titles trusted by thousands or even millions of players around the world.
Our stack-ranked lists of the most popular video games are backed by data, including number of copies sold, the current online player count, and search volume.
Below, discover our list of the most popular video games across the years and different platforms, as well as what titles are trending in 2025. Knowing what other people are playing is a great way to help you determine what might be the next game for you.
The Most Popular Games of All Time
To determine the most popular games of all time, we researched the number of copies sold, with many titles landing in the hundreds of millions. We also looked at factors like the game’s rating and monthly search volume.
| Game | Number of copies sold (in millions) | Rating | Monthly search volume | Platforms |
| 1. Tetris | 520 | Varies based on version (88/100 on Metacritic for Tetris Effect: Connected) | 899 | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS |
| 2. Minecraft | 300 | 93/100 on Metacritic | 2.8M | Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS |
| 3. Grand Theft Auto 5 | 210 | 97/100 on Metacritic | 121K | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 4. Wii Sports | 83 | 76/100 on Metacritic | 31K | Wii |
| 5. Ark: Survival Evolved | 76 | 70/100 on Metacritic | 74K | Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS |
| 6. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds | 75 | 86/100 on Metacritic | 108K | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS |
| 7. Red Dead Redemption 2 | 70 | 97/100 on Metacritic | 325K | Windows, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 8. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 65 | 92/100 on Metacritic | 63K | Switch |
| 9. The Oregon Trail | 65 | 76/100 on Metacritic | 165K | Windows, browser, iOS |
| 10. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim | 60 | 96/100 on Metacritic | 167K | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch |
1. Tetris
| Developer | Alexey Pajitnov |
| Release date | January 29, 1988 |
| Number of copies sold | 520 million |
| Genre | Puzzle |
| Platforms | Modern variants available on Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS |
| Rating | Tetris Effect: Connected (2020): 88/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for | Players looking for a classic arcade game with a wide variety of variations available on computer, console, and mobile |
| Gameplay features | Tetromino stacking, competitive scorekeeping, multiplayer modes in modern variants |
When you think of arcade games, there’s a good chance your mind drifts to Tetris. Although it isn’t the first video game ever, released in 1988, Tetris is a classic among games, so much so that variations continue coming out to this day, with its newest one released in 2020. Although this title offers simple gameplay revolving around tetromino stacking, its strategy puzzle qualities keep your mind engaged.
Plus, with newer variants like Tetris Effect: Connected, you can play with friends and enjoy other modern features that breathe new life into an arcade classic.
2. Minecraft
| Developer | Mojang Studios |
| Release date | November 18, 2011 |
| Number of copies sold | 300 million |
| Genre | Sandbox |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS |
| Rating | 93/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for | Beginner and experienced players looking for a sandbox title that offers almost unlimited ways to play |
| Gameplay features | Multiple game modes including survival and creative, block building, open-world exploration, crafting, PvP and PvE elements |
Beloved by newer and more experienced gamers alike, Minecraft is one of the most popular video games of all time. It’s available for a wide variety of platforms, from PC to mobile and console, allowing more players to enjoy its open-world gameplay. Plus, there are hundreds of mods available online to change and improve your mining experience.
In Minecraft, you can either play alone or with friends. Once inside your world, you can choose between Survival Mode, which uses a challenging survival system that pits you against hostile mobs and the elements, requiring you to hunt for resources, or Creative Mode, with endless possibilities where you are invincible and can build with unlimited resources. Because of this, it’s also considered one of the best building games to play on PC.
3. Grand Theft Auto 5
| Developer | Rockstar North |
| Release date | September 17, 2013 |
| Number of copies sold | 210 million |
| Genre | Action-adventure |
| Platforms | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| Rating | 97/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for | Fans of previous Grand Theft Auto installments, players looking for a game tailored to adult audiences with linear and open components |
| Gameplay features | First- and third-person perspectives, linear missions, open-world exploration, different methods of traverse including vehicles, variety of weapons |
Although not the newest installment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise, with a sixth release planned to launch in late 2025, Grand Theft Auto V is a highly beloved title with an active fanbase.
Although there are linear missions you can work through, Grand Theft Auto V offers an open world to explore by foot or vehicle. But you don’t have to stick with cars and trucks. Instead, you can also explore San Andreas by air — after pulling off a grand heist and hijacking an airplane, that is.
Because there’s a system of laws in place, you can choose whether to play by the rules or test your wit against the scaling bounty system. Break enough laws, and you might find yourself against some of the toughest police units this fictional state has to offer.
This game does include some violence and graphic scenes, making it better for a mature audience.
4. Wii Sports
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Release date | November 19, 2006 |
| Number of copies sold | 83 million |
| Genre | Sports simulation |
| Platforms | Wii |
| Rating | 76/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for | Players interested in a classic sports collection game that uses motion sensing |
| Gameplay features | Tennis, baseball, bowling, golf, and boxing |
Although the Wii has been formally discontinued since 2013, Wii Sports still ranks among some of the most popular video games. This sports simulation collection includes five different sports, from boxing to tennis, which you can play using the Wii’s motion sensor. In all, this title is a great way to play alone or with friends while also getting some extra movement in your day.
If you no longer have access to a Wii, no worries — in 2022, Nintendo produced Nintendo Switch Sports, another sports simulation collection.
5. Ark: Survival Evolved
| Developer | Studio Wildcard |
| Release date | August 29, 2017 |
| Number of copies sold | 76 million |
| Genre | Action-adventure, survival |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS |
| Rating | 70/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for | Players looking for a server-based game that offers PvE and PvP game modes |
| Gameplay features | First- and third-person perspectives, prehistoric animals including dinosaurs, single and multiplayer support, PvE and PvP servers |
If you like prehistoric animals and server-based survival games like Rust, then this popular title might be a good choice for you. Released in 2017, Ark: Survival Evolved places you on an island surrounded by prehistoric animals, including a wide variety of dinosaurs. Play alone and survive on the island through fighting and taming creatures, or join a server and play with others in an epic mix of PvE and PvP gameplay.
6. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
| Developer | PUBG Studios |
| Release date | December 20, 2017 |
| Number of copies sold | 75 million |
| Genre | Battle royale |
| Platforms | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS |
| Rating | 86/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for | Players looking for a battle royale shooter where they can play solo, duo, or in teams of four |
| Gameplay features | PvP shooter gameplay, teams up to four players, eight maps, in-game currency to purchase cosmetic items, rotating events |
If you want the combat without the dinosaurs, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, now known as PUBG: Battlegrounds, is a battle royale video game that places you in a last-man-standing deathmatch with up to 100 players total.
You can play alone, with a friend, or even in a team with up to three other players as you navigate one of eight different maps, fighting for survival. While you begin each match with nothing, you can search your surrounding areas for the equipment and supplies you need to come out on top.
7. Red Dead Redemption 2
| Developer | Rockstar Games |
| Release date | October 26, 2018 |
| Number of copies sold | 70 million |
| Genre | Action, adventure |
| Platforms | Windows, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Rating | 97/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for | Players looking for a game with a rich and immersive storyline and hundreds of hours of gameplay |
| Gameplay features | Single- and multiplayer support, nonlinear storyline, RPG elements, open-world exploration, quests |
If you’re interested in games with guns like PUBG: Battlegrounds but want a different genre, look no further than Red Dead Redemption 2. One of the top PC games, this title places you in the shoes of an outlaw in the Wild West. You can play alone, enjoying the rich storyline this title offers, or join other players online for PvP and role-playing.
Although Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most popular games, it’s important to note that it doesn’t offer cross-platform support for multiplayer. This means that if you’re on PC and your friend is on console, you won’t be able to play together.
8. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
| Developer | Nintendo EAD, Nintendo EPD |
| Release date | May 29, 2014 April 28, 2017 |
| Number of copies sold | 65 million |
| Genre | Kart racing |
| Platforms | Switch |
| Rating | 92/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for | Fans of the Mario franchise, players looking for a whimsical kart racing game |
| Gameplay features | Customizable karts, dozens of race circuits, a variety of playable characters from other Nintendo games, single- and multiplayer support, multiple game modes |
Mario Kart is a classic Nintendo title, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe brings the fun of kart racing to Switch. Made up of Mario Kart 8 and DLCs, this title is filled with different ways to play, from a wide variety of characters to dozens of different race circuits.
However, racing isn’t the only way to enjoy this title, which lends to its popularity. If you want to step away from the racetrack, you can also enjoy the many minigames available in Mario Kart 8, including some classics from previous Mario Kart installments, like Balloon Battle.
9. The Oregon Trail
| Developer | MECC |
| Release date | December 3, 1971 |
| Number of copies sold | 65 million |
| Genre | Strategy |
| Platforms | Windows, browser, iOS |
| Rating | 76/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for | Fans of the original renditions of The Oregon Trail looking to play on modern devices |
| Gameplay features | Survival elements, historical events, decision-making |
Tetris isn’t the oldest title on our list! First released in 1971, The Oregon Trail has been stealing the hearts of gamers around the world. First available solely on desktop, there are many variants of this title available today that you can enjoy on your browser or other devices. Plus, along with keeping many of the original elements of the first Oregon Trail game, modern versions often introduce new scenarios or elements, helping keep this game relevant in current times.
While The Oregon Trail may have a smaller player count than some of the other games on this list, it’s a single-player game where you don’t need to worry about matchmaking or finding lobbies.
10. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
| Developer | Bethesda Game Studios |
| Release date | November 11, 2011 |
| Number of copies sold | 60 million |
| Current players | 1,737 according to Steam Charts |
| Genre | Action, RPG |
| Platforms | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch |
| Rating | 96/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for | Players looking for an entirely open-world fantasy game where the main storyline can be postponed or even ignored |
| Gameplay features | Open-world exploration, multiple storylines to play through, DLCs, PvE and PvP, dual-wield combat, dragons |
The Elder Scrolls is a beloved franchise with several entries, but it’s Skyrim that closes out our list of the most popular video games. This game offers hundreds of hours of gameplay you can spend doing almost anything you want, from tackling the main storyline to journeying between the beautiful cities the region has to offer as you explore this game’s large open world.
Plus, there are several DLCs available for Skyrim, adding new content that keeps the fun going even after you finish many of the main quests and storylines.
Most Popular Video Games Right Now
Although some classics like Tetris and The Oregon Trail made their way onto our list as some of the most popular video games, that doesn’t mean they’re the most popular games right now.
Some of these games are free to play or don’t provide data on the active players for each platform. As a result, we researched monthly search volume to determine what games are currently the most popular.
| Game | Monthly search volume | Rating | Platforms |
| 1. Roblox | 22M | 4.5 stars on Google Play | Windows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, Meta Quest |
| 2. Fortnite | 5.4M | 78/100 on Metacritic | Windows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS |
| 3. Minecraft | 3.9M | 93/100 on Metacritic | Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS |
| 4. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 | 1.6M | 82/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 5. Marvel Rivals | 1.5M | 74/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 6. Helldivers 2 | 1.2M | 82/100 on Metacritic | Windows, PlayStation |
| 7. Valorant | 988K | 80/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 8. Overwatch 2 | 841K | 79/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch |
| 9. League of Legends | 705K | 78/100 on Metacritic | Windows, macOS |
| 10. The Sims 4 | 601K | 70/100 on Metacritic | Windows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation |
Most Popular Video Games on Xbox
Even though a title is available across several platforms, it may be more popular on one compared to others. As a result, there are many beloved titles that didn’t quite make the cut for most popular game of the year but still deserve some attention.
With data on copies sold sourced from Statista and monthly search volume, here are the most popular video games on Xbox:
| Game | Monthly search volume | Rating | Platforms |
| 1. Fortnite | 3.1M | 78/100 on Metacritic | Windows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS |
| 2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II/III/Warzone/Black Ops 6 | 334K | MWII: 75/100 on Metacritic MWIII: 56/100 on Metacritic Warzone: 79/100 on Metacritic BO6: 82/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 3. Marvel Rivals | 825K | 74/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 4. Roblox | 14M | 4.5 stars on Google Play | Windows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, Meta Quest |
| 5. Minecraft | 2.8M | 93/100 on Metacritic | Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS |
| 6. Grand Theft Auto V | 121K | 97/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 7. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege | 164K | 73/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 8. Rocket League | 171K | 85/100 on Metacritic | Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, Playstation, Switch |
| 9. EA Sports FC 25 | 68K | 76/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch |
| 10. EA Sports College Football 25 | 216K | 83/100 on Metacritic | Xbox, PlayStation |
Most Popular Video Games on Switch
Many popular Switch games are exclusive to this console. As a result, while they may have a smaller player base compared to games available for several platforms, many titles still have a notable fanbase.
Here are the most popular video games on Switch according to the number of units sold and monthly search volume.
| Game | Number of units sold | Monthly search volume | Rating | Platforms |
| 1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 67.3M | 63K | 92/100 on Metacritic | Switch |
| 2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons | 47.4M | 126K | 90/100 on Metacritic | Switch |
| 3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 35.9M | 75K | 93/100 on Metacritic | Switch |
| 4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | 32.6M | 49K | 97/100 on Metacritic | Switch |
| 5. Super Mario Odyssey | 29M | 57K | 97/100 on Metacritic | Switch |
| 6. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | 26.6M | 56K | SW: 80/100 on Metacritic SH: 80/100 on Metacritic | Switch |
| 7. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | 26.3M | 106K | S: 72/100 on Metacritic V: 71/100 on Metacritic | Switch |
| 8. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | 23.5M | 56K | 96/100 on Metacritic | Switch |
| 9. Super Mario Party | 21.1M | 45K | 76/100 on Metacritic | Switch |
| 10. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe | 18.06M | 9.9K | 80/100 on Metacritic | Switch |
Most Popular Video Games on PlayStation
To find out which video games are most popular on the PlayStation, we consulted Statista again to find the monthly active player base worldwide and used monthly search volume to guide our rankings.
| Game | Monthly search volume | Rating | Platforms |
| 1. Fortnite | 3.1M | 78/100 on Metacritic | Windows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS |
| 2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II/III/Warzone/Black Ops 6 | 334K | MWII: 75/100 on Metacritic MWIII: 56/100 on Metacritic Warzone: 79/100 on Metacritic BO6: 82/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 3. Grand Theft Auto V | 121K | 97/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 4. EA Sports FC 25 | 68K | 76/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch |
| 5. Roblox | 14M | 4.5 stars on Google Play | Windows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, Meta Quest |
| 6. Marvel Rivals | 825K | 74/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 7. Minecraft | 2.8M | 93/100 on Metacritic | Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS |
| 8. Rocket League | 171K | 97/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 9. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege | 164K | 73/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 10. EA Sports FC 24 | 55K | 75/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch |
Most Popular Video Games on PC
Steam is one of the top sites for downloading PC games. Tools like Steam Charts allow us to monitor how many players are enjoying a title, including active and peak players.
To determine the most popular video games on PC, we used the peak player count as our main criteria.
| Game | Peak players | Rating | Platforms |
| 1. Counter-Strike 2 | 1.8M | 82/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Linux |
| 2. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS | 1.3M | 86/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Android |
| 3. Monster Hunter Wilds | 1.2M | 89/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 4. Dota 2 | 0.7M | 90/100 on Metacritic | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| 5. Marvel Rivals | 0.3M | 74/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 6. R.E.P.O. | 0.3M | 5 stars on Steam | Windows |
| 7. Apex Legends | 0.2M | 89/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, iOS, Android |
| 8. Grand Theft Auto V Legacy | 0.2M | 97/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 9. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege | 0.1M | 73/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
| 10. FragPunk | 0.1M | 76/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation |
Most Popular Video Games on Mobile
Last but not least, we used Appfigures and AppMagic to determine the most popular video games on mobile. We ranked these titles by the number of downloads and ratings.
| Game | Number of downloads | Rating | Platforms |
| 1. Subway Surfers | 304M | 4.5 stars on Google Play | Windows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, Meta Quest |
| 2. Stumble Guys | 254M | 4.2 Stars on Google Play | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android |
| 3. Roblox | 208M | 4.5 stars on Google Play | Windows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, Meta Quest |
| 4. Candy Crush Saga | 138M | 79/100 on Metacritic | Windows, Android, iOS, browser |
| 5. Race Master 3D | 128M | 4.5 stars on Google Play | Android, iOS |
| 6. 8 Ball Pool | 120M | 4.7 stars on Google Play | Android, iOS, browser |
| 7. FIFA Mobile | 111M | 60/100 on Metacritic | Android, iOS |
| 8. Merge & Fight | 110M | 4.5 stars on Google Play | Android, iOS |
| 9. Garena Free Fire | 109M | 4.2 stars on Google Play | Android, iOS |
| 10. Bridge Race | 107M | 4.3 stars on Google Play | Switch, Android, iOS |
Dive Into Our Vast Library of Popular Games
If you’re looking for the next best game to play, exploring the most popular video games can help give you an idea of what everyone else is playing. From relaxing games on Switch like Animal Crossing to the competitive shooter gameplay of Counter-Strike 2 on the PC, there’s no shortage of well-loved titles to explore and start playing today.
Most Popular Games FAQ
Determining the most popular game can be tricky, as it varies based on the criteria used, such as copies sold or peak players. Below, discover frequently asked questions about the most popular games.
What’s the #1 Most Popular Game Right Now?
Rankings change constantly, but based on the most recent search volume data, Roblox is the most popular game right now, with 22 million searches each month. However, based on peak players, Counter-Strike 2 (with 1.8 million) lands at the top.
What’s the #1 Top-Selling Game of All Time?
Minecraft is the top-selling game of all time, with over 300 million copies sold around the world.
What’s the Most Popular Gaming Genre?
According to Statista, shooter games are the most popular gaming genre, followed by action-adventure games. However, it’s important to remember that the most popular gaming genre can vary based on demographics like age or platform.
