Top 12 most popular games to play in 2025: From epic storylines to competitive madness

Looking for the most popular games to play in 2025? Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, this carefully curated list features the best games across various genres, from tactical shooters and action RPGs to cozy farm simulators and chilling horror adventures.

With the gaming market constantly evolving, it’s essential to stay updated on the titles that truly resonate with you and are worth your time (and HD space!).

In this guide, we explain how each game works, its popularity in the U.S. market, the platforms you can play it on, and the system requirements.

Keep reading to discover your next obsession, and don’t forget to bookmark this article, as we continuously update our recommendations based on new releases and user feedback.

1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is a rebooted first-person shooter that delivers intense, realistic military action.

The gameplay includes an engaging campaign, competitive multiplayer modes, and cooperative missions called Special Ops.

Tactical positioning, fast reflexes, and weapon mastery are crucial. The game introduced revamped AI and more responsive shooting mechanics, appealing to both veterans and newcomers.

Since its release in 2022, Modern Warfare II has remained one of the most downloaded titles on PlayStation and Xbox digital stores.

According to Activision, the game has sold over 30 million copies, with a significant portion in the U.S. market. Its integration with Warzone 2.0 has ensured high engagement in the region.

Platforms and requirements

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Minimum (PC): Intel i5-3570, GTX 960, 12 GB RAM
Recommended: Intel i7, RTX 3060, 16 GB RAM

2. Fortnite

Fortnite is the leading Battle Royale game, mixing fast-paced gunplay with creative building mechanics.

In each match, up to 100 players compete to be the last one standing. Its cartoonish visuals, ever-changing maps, and themed events featuring brands like Marvel and Star Wars keep the game fresh and exciting.

In the U.S., Fortnite has amassed over 80 million registered players and remains one of the most downloaded free games across all platforms.

The game is especially strong on mobile, console, and PC, maintaining a constant presence on Twitch and YouTube.

Platforms and requirements

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
Minimum (PC): Intel HD 4000, 4 GB RAM
Recommended: GTX 960, 8 GB RAM, Windows 10

3. Little Nightmares III (2025)

Scheduled for release in 2025, Little Nightmares III continues the eerie puzzle-platformer series.

Two new protagonists must survive nightmarish, torment-filled environments. The game emphasizes atmosphere, tension, and subtle storytelling.

The major addition is online co-op mode, allowing two players to face horrors together. With over 12 million units sold from previous titles, U.S. expectations for Little Nightmares III are high.

Gaming forums are already buzzing with hype, and Bandai Namco reports strong pre-orders in North America.

Platforms and requirements

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Minimum: Not yet announced, but expected to require 8–16 GB RAM and a mid-range GPU

4. Elden Ring

Developed by FromSoftware, Elden Ring is an open-world action RPG known for its challenging combat and deep exploration.

Players create custom characters, face epic bosses, and unravel an enigmatic story co-written by George R. R. Martin. The freedom to explore non-linearly is one of the game’s most praised features.

Elden Ring quickly became one of 2022’s best-selling games, with over 13 million units sold in the U.S. After winning Game of the Year, it cemented its cultural impact and remains a top pick for RPG fans.

Platforms and requirements

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Minimum: Intel Core i5-8400, GTX 1060, 12 GB RAM
Recommended: Ryzen 5 3600X, RTX 2060, 16 GB RAM

5. League of Legends

League of Legends is a competitive MOBA with 5v5 team matches, where each player chooses a unique champion with specific roles and abilities.

Victory requires mechanical skill, map knowledge, and constant teamwork. Timing, strategic thinking, and character synergy are key to success, especially in high-tier ranked games.

With over 20 million monthly active users in the U.S., LoL remains one of the most played and streamed games in North America.

Its eSports ecosystem, especially the LCS, draws thousands of viewers per season and continues to fuel a highly engaged community.

Seasonal events and regular updates keep veteran players interested and attract new audiences every year.

Platforms and requirements

Platforms: PC only
Minimum: Intel Core i3, 4 GB RAM
Recommended: GTX 560, 8 GB RAM

6. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a relaxing farm simulator where players inherit a rural property and shape their lives through farming, fishing, mining, and building relationships with Pelican Town residents.

The game blends RPG elements with everyday tasks, offering complete freedom to customize your farm and lifestyle.

It features multiplayer mode, mod support, and extensive customization, making it appealing to a wide range of players.

With over 10 million units sold in the U.S., Stardew Valley is especially popular on Nintendo Switch and Steam, where it enjoys a loyal fanbase.

Its accessible gameplay and heartwarming atmosphere continue to charm players years after its release.

Platforms and requirements

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile
Minimum: 2 GB RAM, DirectX 10-compatible GPU
Recommended: 4 GB RAM, SSD

7. Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 elevates racing games with stunning graphics, dynamic weather, and a vast map set in Mexico. Players can race, explore, tune cars, or participate in online events with friends.

It’s the most downloaded racing game in Xbox history. Over 5 million active U.S. players enjoy the perfect blend of casual fun and realistic driving physics.

Platforms and requirements

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Minimum: Ryzen 3, GTX 970, 8 GB RAM
Recommended: RTX 2060, 16 GB RAM

8. Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

Endwalker, an expansion of the MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV, features rich storytelling and expansive maps. The game includes dungeons, raids, and crafting systems, catering to various playstyles.

Endwalker boosted the game’s U.S. player base to over 3 million, many of whom migrated from World of Warcraft.

With a highly active community and frequent content updates, it’s among the top choices for online RPG fans.

Platforms and requirements

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Mac
Minimum: Intel i5, GTX 750
Recommended: GTX 970, 8 GB RAM

9. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Resident Evil 4 Remake is a full reimagining of the 2005 classic. It offers a deeper narrative, upgraded visuals, and enhanced AI.

You play as Leon S. Kennedy on a mission to rescue the president’s daughter in a creepy village. With over 4 million copies sold in its first quarter, it’s one of Capcom’s biggest hits in the U.S.

Fans praise its faithful adaptation of the original, paired with smart, modern improvements.

Platforms and requirements

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Minimum: GTX 1050 Ti, 8 GB RAM
Recommended: RTX 2060, 16 GB RAM

10. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal merges high school life simulation with turn-based JRPG combat, delivering a stylish, deeply emotional story.

Players control a student by day who becomes the leader of the Phantom Thieves by night, invading the corrupted minds of adults to change their hearts.

You can attend classes, work part-time, and form social bonds that directly affect combat performance. At night, explore Palaces, unique dungeons with strategic battles and challenging bosses.

With over 1 million units sold in North America, Persona 5 Royal is beloved by fans of anime, Japanese culture, and strategic RPGs.

Its gripping story, charismatic cast, stylish visuals, and unforgettable soundtrack make it one of the best JRPGs of the last decade.

Platforms and requirements

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC
Minimum: GTX 650, 6 GB RAM
Recommended: GTX 960, 8 GB RAM

11. The Last of Us Part I

A remake of the PlayStation classic, The Last of Us Part I focuses on an emotional narrative with stealth-based combat and survival mechanics in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal outbreak.

This updated version features completely rebuilt visuals on the PS5 engine, dynamic lighting, realistic textures, and improved AI.

In addition, loading times have been virtually eliminated, making the experience even more immersive. The story follows Joel and Ellie on a dangerous, deeply personal journey across the ruins of the United States.

Thanks to the success of the HBO series, the game received renewed attention in the U.S., especially from new players drawn in by the TV adaptation.

According to Sony, The Last of Us Part I sold over 2 million copies within the first few months of the remake’s release, with strong popularity among American audiences.

Platforms and requirements

Platforms: PS5, PC
Minimum (PC): Ryzen 5 1500X, GTX 1070, 16 GB RAM
Recommended: Ryzen 7 3700X, RTX 3060, SSD

12. Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a tactical RPG based on the classic Dungeons & Dragons rules, with a strong focus on narrative freedom, character building, and full immersion.

The combat is turn-based and strategic, requiring tactical thinking and precise positioning.

Choices made throughout the game deeply affect the course of the story, relationships with characters, and the multiple possible endings, ensuring a highly personalized experience with strong replayability.

One of the top three most-played games on Steam in 2023, the title surpassed 5 million copies sold in the United States alone.

RPG fans around the world consider it a milestone in the genre, both for its narrative depth and its technical quality and fidelity to the D&D universe.

Platforms and requirements

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Minimum Requirements: GTX 970, 16 GB RAM
Recommended: RTX 3060, 32 GB RAM

Whether you’re a fan of competitive shooters, psychological horror, or relaxing simulators, these most popular games offer unforgettable experiences for 2025.

With titles available across all platforms and genres, there’s definitely one that matches your style.

Bookmark this article, explore more recommendations here at WeRecommend, and stay updated with the best anime of the year too.

In 2024, we curated a list of the best games of the year, and now we’ve crafted a fresh one, especially for passionate gamers and our loyal readers!

We’re constantly updating our content to ensure you enjoy the perfect gaming experiences tailored just for you!