The world of PC gaming is thriving, and Steam remains the go-to platform for millions of gamers worldwide. In 2025, Steam’s digital storefront has seen record-breaking concurrent players, with over 40 million users logging in to battle, explore, and create in virtual worlds.
But which games are dominating the charts? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the top 20 most played games on Steam in 2025, exploring what makes them so popular, their genres, and why they’re must-plays for any gaming enthusiast. Packed with high-value keywords for Google ranking, this guide is your ticket to staying ahead of the gaming curve.
Whether you’re a fan of first-person shooters, RPGs, battle royales, or indie gems, this list has something for everyone. Let’s jump into the action and uncover the games that are shaping the PC gaming landscape in 2025.
Why Steam Games Are Dominating in 2025
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why Steam continues to lead the gaming industry. With a massive library of thousands of titles, Steam offers everything from AAA blockbusters to indie darlings. The platform’s features, like multiplayer gaming, Steam Deck compatibility, and community-driven reviews, make it a hub for gamers. In April 2025 alone, Steam hit a record of 40 million concurrent players, showcasing its unrivaled popularity.
The most played games on Steam are determined by metrics like concurrent players (real-time and 24-hour peak) and player engagement, as tracked by Steam Charts and SteamDB. These games aren’t just popular—they’re cultural phenomena that define gaming trends. So, let’s explore the top 20 most played games on Steam in 2025 and see what makes them stand out.
The Top 20 Most Played Games on Steam in 2025
1. Counter-Strike 2
Genre: Tactical FPS
Why It’s Popular: The king of competitive shooters, Counter-Strike 2 dominated Steam in 2025 with an average of 949,000 concurrent players per week in January. Its precision-based gameplay, updated Source 2 engine, and thriving esports scene keep players hooked.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Fully optimized for portable play.
Why Play?: If you love fast-paced, team-based action, this is the ultimate FPS experience.
- 2. Dota 2
Genre: MOBA
Why It’s Popular: A staple of competitive gaming, Dota 2’s deep strategy and ever-evolving meta make it a favorite. Regular updates and massive tournaments like The International keep the community thriving.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable, but best on a PC for precision.
Why Play?: Perfect for players who crave strategic depth and team coordination.
3. PUBG: Battlegrounds
Genre: Battle Royale
Why It’s Popular: With over 3.2 million peak concurrent players historically, PUBG remains a battle royale titan. Its realistic gunplay and large-scale maps appeal to hardcore survivalists.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable with tweaks.
Why Play?: The OG battle royale experience that still delivers intense thrills.
4. Monster Hunter Wilds
Genre: Action RPG
Why It’s Popular: Released in 2025, this open-world Monster Hunter title took Steam by storm, landing in the top 20 Steam Deck games in March. Its seamless world, dual-weapon system, and vibrant monsters make every hunt epic.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Unsupported but playable for dedicated fans.
Why Play?: A must for RPG fans who love cooperative monster-slaying.
5. Marvel Rivals
Genre: Hero Shooter
Why It’s Popular: This 2024 newcomer exploded in 2025, blending Overwatch-style gameplay with Marvel’s iconic characters. Its fast-paced matches and vibrant visuals keep players coming back.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Fully supported.
Why Play?: A fresh take on the hero shooter genre with endless replayability.
6. Black Myth: Wukong
Genre: Action RPG
Why It’s Popular: With 2.4 million peak concurrent players, this 2024 release carried its momentum into 2025. Its stunning visuals and Souls-like combat make it a standout.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Not officially supported but playable with tweaks.
Why Play?: A breathtaking journey through Chinese mythology.
7. Baldur’s Gate 3
Genre: CRPG
Why It’s Popular: Larian Studios’ masterpiece continues to shine in 2025, thanks to its deep storytelling and replayable mechanics. It’s a benchmark for RPGs.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified for Steam Deck.
Why Play?: A storytelling triumph for Dungeons & Dragons fans.
8. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Genre: Action RPG
Why It’s Popular: BioWare’s 2024 release gained traction in 2025 with its rich world and cinematic storytelling, making it a top pick in April.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified.
Why Play?: A return to form for fantasy RPG lovers.
9. Hades II
Genre: Roguelike
Why It’s Popular: Supergiant Games’ sequel builds on the original’s addictive gameplay with deeper systems and a gripping story, making it a 2025 favorite.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified.
Why Play?: Perfect for fans of fast-paced roguelikes.
10. Split Fiction
Genre: Co-op Adventure
Why It’s Popular: Hazelight Studios’ 2025 release is a co-op masterpiece, blending fantasy and sci-fi in a unique narrative. It’s a top Steam Deck pick.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified.
Why Play?: Ideal for co-op gaming with friends or partners.
11. Apex Legends
Genre: Battle Royale
Why It’s Popular: Respawn’s fast-paced battle royale continues to draw crowds with its fluid movement and diverse legends.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable.
Why Play?: A dynamic alternative to PUBG.
12. Destiny 2
Genre: FPS/RPG
Why It’s Popular: With 586,504 positive reviews by March 2024, Destiny 2’s mix of looter-shooter and RPG elements keeps players engaged.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Not supported due to anti-cheat.
Why Play?: A sci-fi epic for co-op fans.
13. Elden Ring
Genre: Action RPG
Why It’s Popular: FromSoftware’s open-world masterpiece remains a fan favorite in 2025, thanks to its challenging combat and vast world.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable with tweaks.
Why Play?: A Souls-like legend that’s still unmatched.
14. Balatro
Genre: Roguelike Deckbuilder
Why It’s Popular: This indie gem’s addictive card-based gameplay earned it a spot in Steam’s Bronze revenue tier in 2024, with strong playtime in 2025.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified.
Why Play?: A unique twist on roguelikes.
15. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Genre: Action RPG
Why It’s Popular: Released in February 2025, this Yakuza spinoff featuring Goro Majima blends beat ’em up combat with pirate-themed adventures.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified.
Why Play?: A wild, fun-filled RPG experience.
16. Starfield: Outlands
Genre: Sci-Fi RPG
Why It’s Popular: Bethesda’s sci-fi epic gained new life in 2025 with expansions, drawing players to its vast universe.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable.
Why Play?: A must for sci-fi RPG enthusiasts.
17. Team Fortress 2
Genre: FPS
Why It’s Popular: This classic hero shooter still boasts a dedicated fanbase, with over 20.3 million registered users historically.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable.
Why Play?: Timeless fun for FPS fans.
18. No Man’s Sky
Genre: Open-World Survival
Why It’s Popular: After years of updates, this 2024 Bronze revenue tier game continues to thrive with its expansive universe.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified.
Why Play?: A redemption story in exploration gaming.
19. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Genre: JRPG
Why It’s Popular: This 2025 release won over JRPG fans with its dynamic combat and stunning visuals.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable.
Why Play?: A fresh take on JRPGs.
20. ARK II Beta
Genre: Survival
Why It’s Popular: Set to release in Q2 2025, the beta has already sparked excitement with its prehistoric survival mechanics.
Steam Deck Compatibility: Not yet verified.
Why Play?: A bold evolution of the survival genre.
Trends Driving Steam’s Most Played Games in 2025
The top 20 most played games on Steam in 2025 reflect broader gaming trends:
Multiplayer Dominance: Games like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and PUBG thrive on competitive multiplayer, with esports and social features driving engagement.
RPG Resurgence: Titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard show a hunger for story-driven RPGs.
Indie Power: Balatro and Hades II prove that indie games can compete with AAA titles through innovative gameplay.
Steam Deck Popularity: Many top games are Steam Deck verified, catering to the growing handheld gaming market.
Viral Mechanics: Games like Split Fiction leverage co-op and shareable moments to go viral, boosted by streamers and influencers.
How to Choose Your Next Steam Game
With so many incredible titles, how do you pick? Here are some tips:
Check Steam Deck Compatibility: If you game on the go, prioritize verified or playable titles.
Read Community Reviews: Steam’s user reviews offer honest insights into gameplay and performance.
Try Free-to-Play: Games like Dota 2 and PUBG are free, making them low-risk entry points.
Follow Sales: Steam’s frequent sales make even AAA games affordable.
Conclusion: Join the Steam Gaming Revolution in 2025
The top 20 most played games on Steam in 2025 showcase the diversity and excitement of PC gaming. From the tactical precision of Counter-Strike 2 to the narrative depth of Baldur’s Gate 3, there’s a game for every player. Whether you’re diving into a battle royale, exploring an open-world RPG, or teaming up for a co-op adventure, Steam’s vibrant ecosystem has it all.
Ready to jump in? Head to Steam and explore these chart-topping titles. Share your favorite games in the comments below, and let’s keep the gaming conversation going! For more gaming insights, check out our other posts on PC gaming trends and Steam Deck tips.