Plarium Blog Trends The Most Popular Video Games, Backed by Data
The Most Popular Video Games, Backed by Data

With an endless list of games available and new titles popping up every day, it can be hard to pick your next video game. As a result, it’s no surprise that many turn to the most popular video games for their next adventure. These tried-and-true titles are trusted by thousands — or even millions — of players worldwide, offering a diverse range of genres and gameplay styles for everyone.

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.

Bar chart with the most popular video games sorted by search volume

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.

GameNumber of copies sold (in millions)RatingMonthly search volume Platforms
1. Tetris520Varies based on version (88/100 on Metacritic for Tetris Effect: Connected)839KWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS
2. Minecraft300+93/100 on Metacritic3.3MWindows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS
3. Grand Theft Auto 521097/100 on Metacritic119KWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
4. Wii Sports8376/100 on Metacritic30KWii
5. Ark: Survival Evolved7670/100 on Metacritic66KWindows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS
6. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds7586/100 on Metacritic45KWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS
7. Red Dead Redemption 27097/100 on Metacritic329KWindows, PlayStation, Xbox
8. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe6592/100 on Metacritic67KSwitch
9. The Oregon Trail6576/100 on Metacritic179KWindows, browser, iOS
10. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim6096/100 on Metacritic528KWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
Sources: Tetris, Nintendo, Windows Central, Game Developer, Statista, The Verge, HuffPost, GamingBolt, Ahrefs

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 One and Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, Switch, 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 One and Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5
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 traversal including vehicles, and a variety of weapons

Although not the newest installment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise, with a sixth release planned to launch in 2026, 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 One, PlayStation 4, 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 One and Series X/S, PlayStation 4 and 5, 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 of 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 4, Xbox One
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 and 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, Switch
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 One and Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, 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.

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Graphic with characters from Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox

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.

GameMonthly search volumeRatingPlatforms
1. Roblox15M4.4 stars on Google PlayWindows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, Meta Quest
2. Minecraft3.3M93/100 on MetacriticWindows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS
3. Fortnite2.9M78/100 on MetacriticWindows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6430K82/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
5. Valorant283K80/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
6. League of Legends263K78/100 on MetacriticWindows, macOS
7. Hollow Knight: Silksong190K91/100 on MetacriticWindows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
8. Battlefield 6166K83/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
9. Borderlands 4147K81/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
10. Mario Kart World137K86/100 on MetacriticSwitch

Source: Ahrefs


Because this data relies on monthly search volume, our chart may exclude many popular titles. This includes fan-favorite games like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, both of which have around a million active players but don’t receive high search volume.

The following 2024 titles are ranked in order of the number of copies sold. We also sourced peak organic search volume in 2024 to determine what games players were most interested in.

Game (in order of search volume)2024 peak search volumeRatingPlatforms
1. Elden Ring7.9M96/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
2. Helldivers 27.3M82/100 on MetacriticWindows, PlayStation
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops 62.5M82/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
4. Dragon’s Dogma II1.6M86/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
5. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero1.4M81/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
6. EA Sports College Football 251M83/100 on MetacriticXbox, PlayStation
7. Madden NFL 25473K70/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
8. NBA 2K25429K79/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
9. EA Sports MVP Bundle168K4.5 stars on GameStopXbox, PlayStation
10. EA Sports FC 25146K76/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch

We determined the most popular video games of 2023 similarly to those of 2024, using a combination of copies sold and peak search volume. Here are the most popular video games of 2023 that players across various platforms could enjoy.

Game (in order of search volume)2023 peak search volumeRatingPlatforms
1. Hogwarts Legacy9M84/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
2. Diablo IV5.4M86/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
3. Mortal Kombat 12.5M83/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom2.2M96/100 on MetacriticSwitch
5. Madden NFL 24951K65/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
6. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor927K85/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
7. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2657K90/100 on MetacriticWindows, PlayStation
8. NBA 2K24497K68/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
9. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III479K56/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
10. EA Sports FC 24466K75/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch

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:

GameMonthly search volumeRatingPlatforms
1. Fortnite2.9M78/100 on MetacriticWindows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II/III/Warzone/Black Ops 6430KMWII: 75/100 on Metacritic
MWIII: 56/100 on Metacritic
Warzone: 79/100 on Metacritic
BO6: 82/100 on Metacritic
Windows, Xbox, PlayStation
3. Roblox15M4.4 stars on Google PlayWindows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, Meta Quest
4. Minecraft3.3M93/100 on MetacriticWindows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS
5. Grand Theft Auto V119K97/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
6. EA Sports FC 258.4K76/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
7. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege19K73/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
8. Grounded 250K9/10 on SteamWindows, Xbox
9. Rocket League165K85/100 on MetacriticWindows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
10. Helldivers 292K82/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation

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.

GameNumber of units soldMonthly search volumeRatingPlatforms
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe68.9M67K92/100 on MetacriticSwitch
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons48.2M122K90/100 on MetacriticSwitch
3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate36.5M73K93/100 on MetacriticSwitch
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild33M50K97/100 on MetacriticSwitch
5. Super Mario Odyssey29.5M64K97/100 on MetacriticSwitch
6. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet27.2M106KS: 72/100 on Metacritic
V: 71/100 on Metacritic
Switch
7. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield26.8M64KSW: 80/100 on Metacritic
SH: 80/100 on Metacritic
Switch
8. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom22M52K96/100 on MetacriticSwitch
9. Super Mario Party21.2M79K76/100 on MetacriticSwitch
10. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe18.4M4.2K80/100 on MetacriticSwitch
Sources: Statista, Ahrefs

To find out which video games are most popular on the PlayStation, we consulted NewZoo to find the monthly active player base worldwide, and also used monthly search volume.

GameMonthly search volumeRatingPlatforms
1. Fortnite2.9M78/100 on MetacriticWindows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II/III/Warzone/Black Ops 6430KMWII: 75/100 on Metacritic
MWIII: 56/100 on Metacritic
Warzone: 79/100 on Metacritic
BO6: 82/100 on Metacritic
Windows, Xbox, PlayStation
3. Roblox15M4.4 stars on Google PlayWindows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, Meta Quest
4. EA Sports FC 258.4K76/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
5. Grand Theft Auto V119K97/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
6. Minecraft3.3M93/100 on MetacriticWindows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS
7. Rocket League165K85/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
8. NBA 2K25135K79/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
9. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege19K73/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
10. Apex Legends117K89/100 on MetacriticWindows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Android, iOS

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.

GamePeak playersRatingPlatforms
1. Counter-Strike 21.6M82/100 on MetacriticWindows, Linux
2. Dota 2954K90/100 on MetacriticWindows, macOS, Linux
3. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS708K86/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Android
4. Hollow Knight: Silksong462K91/100 on MetacriticWindows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
5. Path of Exile 2352K86/100 on MetacriticWindows, PlayStation, Xbox
6. Borderlands 4302K81/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
7. Delta Force246K61/100 on MetacriticWindows, PlayStation, Xbox, Android, iOS
8. Apex Legends201K89/100 on MetacriticWindows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Android, iOS
9. Rust152K69/100 on MetacriticWindows, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox
10. NARAKA: BLADEPOINT141K71/100 on MetacriticWindows, Xbox, PlayStation

Last but not least, we used Business of Apps and AppMagic to determine the most popular video games on mobile. We ranked these titles by the number of downloads and ratings.

GameNumber of downloadsRatingPlatforms
1. Subway Surfers304M4.6 stars on Google PlayWindows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, Meta Quest
2. Stumble Guys254M4.2 Stars on Google PlayWindows, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android
3. Roblox208M4.4 stars on Google PlayWindows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, Meta Quest
4. Candy Crush Saga138M79/100 on MetacriticWindows, Android, iOS, browser
5. Race Master 3D128M4.5 stars on Google PlayAndroid, iOS
6. 8 Ball Pool120M4.8 stars on Google PlayAndroid, iOS, browser
7. FIFA Mobile111M60/100 on MetacriticAndroid, iOS
8. Merge & Fight110M4.5 stars on Google PlayAndroid, iOS
9. Garena Free Fire109M4.2 stars on Google PlayAndroid, iOS
10. Bridge Race107M4.2 stars on Google PlaySwitch, Android, iOS
Sources: Appfigures, AppMagic
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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.

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.

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