Most Played Games 2024

• A new study revealed the top ten most popular and widely played games of 2024, and Palworld takes the first rank, with about 17.05M buyers. 
• Silent Hill 2 has the highest search volume, with over 32 million searches—more than 10 times that of the second most popular game.
• The most popular genre played is action RPG, with Black Myth: Wukong leading the pack, achieving the highest Steam Rating of 95.58%.

A study by CasinooftheKings analyzed the 30 biggest video game releases of 2024, focusing on identifying the most popular and widely played titles. The research considered key metrics such as 24-hour peak players, all-time peak players, and buyer estimations.  Composite scores were calculated to rank the games, highlighting which genres dominate player engagement and popularity this year.

Palworld takes the first rank as the most popular game of 2024, driven by its massive buyer base of 17.05 million, the highest among all titles studied. As a survival monster-taming game, it has an all-time peak of over 2.1 million players. It also has a high Steam Rating of 92.93%, further proving its status as a fan favorite.

Ranked second, Silent Hill 2 dominates in search volume with 32 million searches—over 10 times that of Black Myth: Wukong, the next closest competitor. Its modern updates have revived the survival horror genre, making it a standout title for fans of atmospheric, story-driven games.

As the leading action RPG of the year, Black Myth: Wukong ranks third overall but achieves the highest Steam Rating of 95.58%. Its combination of lightning-fast combat and visually pleasing environments attracted over 2.4 million all-time peak players, making it a standout in the genre.

Ranked fourth, Helldivers 2 showcases the enduring appeal of multiplayer third-person shooters. With nearly 42,000 daily peak players and 458,000 all-time peaks, it balances strong engagement with an innovative cooperative gameplay model, although its Steam Rating (72.73%) reflects room for refinement.

At fifth place, The First Descendant is notable for being the least highly rated game on this list (54.88%) while still amassing significant attention with 264,000 all-time peak players. Despite its middling reception, it remains a contender in the multiplayer third-person shooter category.

Enshrouded earns the sixth spot as a niche hit in the survival action RPG genre, drawing 42,000 daily peak players despite limited all-time peaks. Its Steam Rating (84.47%) and intuitive building mechanics have made it a surprise favorite for fantasy and crafting enthusiasts.

Ranked seventh, Dragon’s Dogma 2 stands out for its narrative depth and cult-classic vibe. While its player metrics are modest—228,000 all-time peaks—its complex physics and action-RPG mechanics have won over a dedicated fan base.

At eighth place, Tekken 8 proves the fighting game genre remains relevant, with 7,732 daily peak players. While its Steam Rating (66.14%) is middling, its competitive scene and franchise legacy keep it a notable entry.

Ranked ninth, Silent Hill 2, a turn-based tactics game, appeals to a niche audience, with an all-time peak of 12,455 players. Its tactical depth and genre-specific appeal have earned it a respectable Steam Rating of 76.06%.

Rounding out the top 10, Metaphor: ReFantazio represents the RPG genre with a Steam Rating of 88.97%. Though its player metrics are moderate, its imaginative storytelling and design make it a highlight for RPG fans.

A spokesperson from CasinooftheKings commented on the study: “Player engagement is driven by a blend of innovation and nostalgia, with games offering either groundbreaking mechanics or a fresh take on beloved genres performing exceptionally well. It’s clear that gamers are not just seeking entertainment but also experiences that surprise and immerse them, whether through visually stunning worlds, unique gameplay elements, or emotional narratives. This trend shows the growing demand for creative risks and genre hybrids, suggesting that developers who push boundaries are well-positioned to capture the attention of both casual and dedicated players.”