Games have become a vital part of the digital community. Nowadays, they are not only being played to have fun but also for social interaction, revenue generation, and more. This billion-dollar industry is set to engage more than 1.4 million people globally.
If you are a gamer, then you must have used Steam, one of the world’s largest platforms for games. With a humongous library of games, this online gaming platform has become a go-to hub for gamers worldwide.
It has everything from competitive multiplayer titles to immersive single-player adventures. This leads us to think of a very important question: which titles have garnered the most players?
To save you the trouble of browsing through different data charts, we have compiled this article on the top 10 most-played Steam games ever. Shall we take a look?
Most Played Games on Steam (Concurrent)
According to the official website, these are the all-time best-selling games on Steam:
| Rank | Name | 24h Peak | All-Time Peak |
| 1. | Palworld | 2,101,393 | 2,101,867 |
| 2. | Counter-Strike 2 | 1,017,356 | 1,818,773 |
| 3. | Dota 2 | 714,958 | 1,295,114 |
| 4. | PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS | 538,660 | 3,257,248 |
| 5. | Apex Legends | 280,409 | 624,473 |
| 6. | NARAKA: BLADEPOINT | 198,447 | 295,419 |
| 7. | Grand Theft Auto V | 182,812 | 364,548 |
| 8. | Wallpaper Engine | 121,213 | 150,375 |
| 9. | Baldur’s Gate 3 | 214,395 | 875,343 |
| 10. | Team Fortress 2 | 100,032 | 253,997 |
Top 10 Most-Played Games on Steam (All-Time)
Palworld
Launched on January 19, 2024, this creature-collection game broke multiple records. Palworld mixes catching creatures, doing farm work, and exploring the open world. In this world where right and wrong are not clear, you catch cute “Pals” who have different skills and make friends with them. Shortly after its release, it made headlines for being a “copy” of Niantic’s Pokemon Go. If you are interested, you can check out our guide on Palworld vs Pokemon Go.
Counter-Strike 2
This game is a follow-up to the famous Counter-Strike: Go. It updates the well-known tactical first-person shooter with new realistic graphics and ways of playing. There are two teams in the games; gamers can either be terrorists or anti-terrorism forces, and they compete in six different modes. Working together, aiming with accuracy, and planning strategies well are very important to winning. Despite being one of the lowest-rated Valve titles on Steam, it enjoys a massive player base.
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Dota 2
Dota 2 is a complicated MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) that has attracted many people with its strategic layers and competitive spirit. There are two groups of five heroes on each team, each with different powers. They fight through a map with three paths, trying to break the other team’s old structure. Dota 2 has many heroes to choose from, and it always updates the game to keep it fair. The reason behind Dota 2’s popularity is that it is challenging and keeps updating, which keeps the players interested.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
It is not an understatement to say that PUBG has changed the battle royale genre. It was released in 2017 and continues to be liked by thousands of fans because of its real-life gun behavior, strategy-based play, and emphasis on staying alive. It used to be the most popular title on Steam, with peak players reaching over 3 million until it was dethroned by Palworld.
Apex Legends
This quick-hero shooting game adds special powers to the battle royale style. You can pick from “Legends” who have different abilities, making strategies for teams that change how fights happen. The way it moves gives players the ability to perform difficult tricks and be part of very exciting battles, which keeps them interested in staying alive.
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Grand Theft Auto V
The Grand Theft Auto series is one of the most popular game titles in the gaming world. GTA V stays very popular because of its huge, detailed open world, interesting story, and fun online chaos. Players explore the city, carry out missions, join in different small activities, or just make trouble on their own. All of these have helped in maintaining the constant popularity of the game.
NARAKA: BLADEPOINT
This fashionable action game, a battle royale, mixes hand-to-hand combat with climbing and running skills along with special character powers. Players swing through beautiful scenery, have sword fights, and use distinct abilities to move cleverly and defeat other players. It differs from other battle royales because it pays attention to moving around, tactical positioning, and fighting at close range.
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Baldur’s Gate 3
The Baldur’s Gate game series is also one of the most popular ones in the gaming world. Larian Studios’ well-known computer RPG, inspired by the popular tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons, brings in players of all types. It allows them to create their characters, explore a deep story, and choose actions that change the world they are in. Its rich story that changes according to the player’s actions, role-play elements, and fighting moments appeal to those who like old computer RPGs, making it one of the most played games on Steam.
Wallpaper Engine
Wallpaper Engine is not a usual game. It lets players improve their computer desktops with beautiful moving wallpapers, such as animated scenes, character art, interactive backgrounds, and much more. Wallpaper Engine has a lively community that makes and shares content, serving people who want to customize their desktops with movement. It offers something different from regular games, contributing to its popularity.
Team Fortress 2
Launched in 2007, Team Fortress 2 is a multiplayer shooter. Players can pick from nine different types of characters with special powers and fight against other players. The game has received critical acclaim for its art design, gameplay, humor, and characters. Critics have also described Team Fortress 2 as one of the greatest video games ever made.
The Bottom Line
The above-listed titles are the top 10 most-played games of all time on Steam, with each offering something unique to players. Which ones have you played?
Top 10 Most-Played Online Games in the World [2024]
FAQs
Pocket Pair’s Palworld is the top and most popular game on Steam. It broke multiple records when it was launched on January 19, 2024.
Palworld takes the top position again as the most-played game on Steam.
