Most Popular PS5 Games in 2025

The PlayStation 5 has been on the market for a few years now, and it has built an impressive library of titles. While new releases generate excitement, the true test of a game’s staying power is how many people are still playing it month after month. The current list of popular PS5 games gives us insight into what keeps players hooked, whether it’s free-to-play shooters, long-running sports franchises, or narrative-driven adventures that continue to attract audiences long after launch.

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Why Tracking Popular PS5 Games Matters

Understanding which titles rank as the most played gives us more than just a leaderboard. It shows where player interest is going, how long games can maintain relevance, and which publishers are setting the tone for the industry.

Some popular PS5 games have been around for years, but constant updates keep them feeling new. Others are recent releases that shot to the top of the charts. By analyzing these patterns, both players and developers can learn what makes a title resonate in today’s gaming ecosystem.

Top 20 Most Popular PS5 Games Right Now

According to monthly active user (MAU) data compiled by Newzoo, these are the top 20 most popular PS5 games at the moment. The ranking changes from month to month, but many familiar names hold strong positions.

What Makes a Game One of the Most Popular PS5 Games

Constant Content Updates Keep Players Returning

One reason titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Rocket League remain among the most popular PS5 games is their regular flow of updates. Whether it’s seasonal battle passes, limited-time events, or crossover collaborations with movies and celebrities, players always have something new to check out.

Epic Games, for example, has mastered the art of live events in Fortnite. From concerts featuring Travis Scott to Marvel storylines, these events blur the line between gaming and entertainment. Players don’t just log in for the gameplay; they log in to be part of a cultural moment.

Social Play and Multiplayer Engagement

The most popular PS5 games share one common trait: they connect people. Whether through co-op missions, competitive matches, or open-world exploration, these games give players reasons to play together.

For example, Call of Duty thrives because it appeals to both casual players who enjoy quick matches and competitive gamers who grind ranks. Similarly, Roblox thrives as a social platform where friends can jump between different player-created experiences.

Annual Sports Releases That Mirror Real-World Seasons

Sports titles consistently rank among the popular PS5 games because they mirror real sporting seasons. Fans want updated rosters, improved graphics, and gameplay tweaks every year. EA Sports benefits from this cycle, with EA Sports FC 25, NBA 2K25, and College Football 25 all appearing in the top 20.

These games are less about reinventing gameplay each year and more about staying connected to the sports communities people love. The desire to play as the latest roster of players drives consistent sales and ongoing online activity.

Legacy Titles

Some popular PS5 games like Grand Theft Auto V and Minecraft are not new at all, but their replayability and community-driven content keep them alive. GTA Online continues to expand with new missions, vehicles, and player-driven chaos. Meanwhile, Minecraft remains a canvas for creativity, with mods, servers, and adventure maps keeping it fresh.

Rising Popular PS5 Games

Even though many titles dominate year after year, some newer releases are climbing fast.

Diablo IV’s

Blizzard’s Diablo IV has found a solid base by leaning into seasonal content. With each season introducing new gear, challenges, and mechanics, the game encourages players to return regularly. Its darker tone and action-packed combat make it stand out from the lighter multiplayer titles in the rankings.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds shows that niche genres can still break into the list of popular PS5 games when done right. Cooperative monster hunts, challenging battles, and a rewarding gear system give it lasting appeal.

Cyberpunk 2077

Few games have made a comeback better than Cyberpunk 2077. Once criticized for technical issues, it has turned into one of the popular PS5 games after a series of major updates and expansions. The release of its “Phantom Liberty” expansion and PS5 performance improvements have reignited interest.

Publishers of Most Popular PS5 Games

Electronic Arts (EA)

EA has more games on the list than any other publisher. Its ability to dominate multiple sports categories ensures it stays at the top of the popular PS5 games ranking. Beyond sports, titles like Apex Legends also show EA’s strength in multiplayer.

Rockstar Games: Masters of Longevity

With both GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 in the top 20, Rockstar shows how single-player storytelling combined with ongoing online updates creates staying power. Their games are cultural events in themselves.

Ubisoft, Capcom, and NetEase Hold Their Ground

Ubisoft’s tactical shooter Rainbow Six Siege X, Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds, and NetEase’s Marvel Rivals round out the list. Each offers something distinct, from precise strategy to co-op hunting to superhero battles, ensuring variety in the lineup of popular PS5 games.

Trends Shaping the Future of Popular PS5 Games

Live Service Models Dominate

More games are moving toward the live service approach, where frequent updates, battle passes, and community events drive engagement. While this model isn’t without criticism, it’s clearly effective in maintaining interest.

Cross-Platform Play Expands Communities

Many of the popular PS5 games support cross-platform play, allowing players to connect regardless of console. This expands matchmaking pools and keeps online communities thriving.

Long-Term Support Wins Loyalty

Players are more likely to stick with games that are well-maintained. Titles like Fortnite and Cyberpunk 2077 show how updates can make or break a game’s reputation. Developers who listen to feedback and release timely fixes tend to win long-term loyalty.

Challenges for New Games Entering the List of Popular PS5 Games

Competing Against Established Giants

New releases face an uphill battle against titans like Call of Duty and Fortnite. Without a unique hook or strong community features, it’s hard to break into the ranks of the popular PS5 games.

Post-Launch Support is Critical

Even if a game launches strong, it risks fading without continued content. Players expect updates, events, and reasons to come back. Without them, attention quickly shifts elsewhere.

Technical Expectations Are Higher Than Ever

PS5 owners expect polished experiences. Games that release with bugs or poor optimization face harsh criticism. Some, like Cyberpunk 2077, manage to recover, but not all developers get a second chance.

Monthly Active Users (MAU) in Popular PS5 Games

What MAU Tells Us

MAU reflects the number of unique players engaging with a game each month. It’s a reliable measure of ongoing popularity rather than initial sales.

What MAU Doesn’t Show

However, MAU doesn’t reveal how much time people spend in a game. A title might have a high number of players but only shallow engagement. Revenue and player retention also matter when evaluating the true health of popular PS5 games.

Regional Differences in Popularity

The rankings are global, but regional preferences still shape which games climb higher in specific markets. For instance, soccer titles dominate in Europe, while shooters may perform better in North America.

Games That Could Climb Higher in the Future

Monster Hunter Wilds’ Growth Potential

With more updates and expansions, Monster Hunter Wilds could climb higher in the popular PS5 games rankings. Its cooperative structure and rewarding grind make it well-suited for long-term play.

Diablo IV’s Seasonal Structure

If Blizzard continues releasing engaging seasonal content, Diablo IV could secure an even higher spot in the rankings. Its mix of dark storytelling and addictive gameplay already resonates with many PS5 players.

Marvel Rivals’ Competitive Edge

As a newer title, Marvel Rivals has the chance to build momentum with strong community support and balanced gameplay. Superhero fans could help push it up the charts if content keeps flowing.

Conclusion

Looking at the most popular PS5 games reveals more than just a leaderboard. It highlights the power of live service updates, the loyalty of sports fans, and the surprising longevity of legacy titles. Games like Fortnite and Call of Duty prove that frequent updates and social experiences keep players engaged, while classics like GTA V and Minecraft show that strong foundations can last for years.

As the PS5 era continues, we can expect the list of popular PS5 games to evolve. Some new releases will surge to the top, while established giants will continue to hold strong. The common thread will remain the same: games that adapt, innovate, and build communities will always have a place among the most played titles.

FAQs About Popular PS5 Games

Q1: Do popular PS5 games always mean best-selling games?
Not necessarily. Some of the most played games, like Fortnite and Roblox, are free-to-play. Popularity is measured by how many people are actively playing, not just by sales numbers.

Q2: Why do older titles remain among the popular PS5 games?
Games like GTA V and Minecraft stay relevant because of continuous updates, modding communities, and strong replay value. They evolve over time instead of staying static.

Q3: How important is cross-platform play for popular PS5 games?
It’s extremely important. Cross-platform support allows players to connect with friends regardless of console, which keeps communities larger and matchmaking faster.

Q4: Which publishers dominate the list of popular PS5 games?
Electronic Arts (EA) leads with multiple sports titles, while Rockstar holds strong with GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2. Ubisoft, Capcom, and NetEase also contribute notable entries.

Q5: Will new releases easily break into the list of popular PS5 games?
Not always. Competition is tough, and without unique features or strong support, many new titles fade quickly. However, with the right mix of updates, community engagement, and polished gameplay, new releases can still rise.