As 2025 draws to a close, the gaming community is eagerly awaiting confirmation of which title will emerge as the best-selling game of the year on Steam, the leading PC storefront. While the official rankings will be finalized post-2025, preliminary data from Steam Charts indicates that games like ARC Raiders, Schedule I, Hollow Knight Silksong, and Battlefield 6 are among the top contenders. However, a broader look at sales data reveals that popular franchises such as Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and PUBG continue to dominate the platform.
The current landscape suggests that multiplayer-focused games are leading sales, with nine out of the twelve best-selling new titles either featuring multiplayer gameplay or having it as a core component. Despite this trend, single-player experiences also maintain a significant presence, illustrating a diverse player preference. Notable single-player titles include Hollow Knight Silksong, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, which collectively made their mark in the top sales rankings.
The list of the top 12 best-selling new games on Steam for 2025, presented in a random order, includes: Elden Ring Nightreign, Battlefield 6, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Borderlands 4, ARC Raiders, Schedule I, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, EA Sports FC 26, Monster Hunter Wilds, Dune: Awakening, Hollow Knight Silksong, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. The list highlights a notable absence as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 could not surpass its competitors Battlefield 6 and Borderlands 4, reinforcing the fierce competition among first-person shooters.
Interestingly, the success of ARC Raiders stands out, particularly as it is a new franchise that has quickly gained traction. The game’s development by Embark Studios has sparked discussions about the use of GenAI in gaming, but its popularity underscores the potential for original titles to carve out a space in a market often dominated by established series. Schedule I’s success is equally noteworthy, having achieved recognition as a self-published indie game that has resonated with players.
The final rankings for the best-selling games will come after 2025 officially concludes, when data firms like Circana and Newzoo publish their comprehensive findings. While the current data offers valuable insights into player preferences, it also sets the stage for future trends in the gaming market. The presence of both multiplayer and single-player experiences in the top sales reflects a broader trend, suggesting that the market can sustain a variety of gaming styles and experiences.
As the year progresses, industry analysts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on emerging titles and shifts in player engagement. The performance of games such as ARC Raiders and Hollow Knight Silksong in the sales landscape not only reflects current consumer preferences but may also shape the direction of future game development. The combination of innovation and familiar franchises continues to define the gaming industry, making 2025 a pivotal year for player experiences.
