Top 10: Most Played Online Games in the World [In 2024]

• MOBAS, MMORPGS, first-person shooters, and battle royale games are all types of online games that require an active internet connection. Players engage directly with each other through voice chat or messaging, either collaborating or competing, depending on the game.

• While some online games feature optional purchases, many are free-to-play. Online gaming has exploded in popularity, with millions of players competing and teaming up in immersive virtual worlds. Professional gamers now compete in lucrative tournaments, playing a significant role in shaping the growing competitive gaming industry.

1. PUBG

• PUBG, developed by PUBG Corporation, is a globally popular battle royale game. In this game, 100 players are dropped onto a vast island where they must collect weapons and gear to survive. Players can compete solo or in teams, with the option to choose between first-person and third-person perspectives. Since its release in 2017, PUBG has amassed a massive following and has inspired many similar games. Its appeal lies in its challenging gameplay, realistic weapons, and the expansive open-world environment that offers endless opportunities for exploration and strategic gameplay.

2. Minecraft

• Minecraft, developed by Mojang Studios, is a beloved sandbox video game where players can explore and build in a virtual world made entirely of blocks. With no fixed objectives, the game encourages players to unleash their creativity and design at will. Boasting a massive community, Minecraft allows players to interact and share their creations. The game offers various modes, including survival, creative, and adventure, each providing unique challenges. Available on PC, consoles, and mobile devices, it includes options for in-game purchases and a free-play mode. With its dedicated fanbase, Minecraft is known for offering endless exploration and building possibilities.

3. Apex Legends

• Apex Legends, developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts, is a highly popular battle royale game. Set on an island, 60 players compete to scavenge for weapons and gear, aiming to be the last team standing. Players can select from a range of unique characters, each with distinct abilities and play styles. Known for its fast-paced action, diverse character skills, and intuitive controls, the game has garnered a large player community and hosts numerous competitive events and tournaments. While offering in-game purchases, Apex Legends is free-to-play on consoles and PC. The ultimate victory goes to the team with the last surviving members.

4. Fortnite Battle Royale

• Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, is a widely popular battle royale game. In Fortnite, 100 players are dropped onto an island where they scavenge for weapons and building materials while battling to be the last one standing. The creative mode allows players to design and construct buildings, offering endless opportunities for customisation. Loved for its fast-paced action, unique building mechanics, and a massive player community, Fortnite has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, drawing in celebrities and athletes who actively play and stream the game. Additionally, the game features competitive tournaments with substantial cash prizes, further fueling its widespread popularity.

5. Call of Duty

• The Call of Duty series, developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, is one of the most popular first-person shooter video game franchises. The latest main title, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, was released in 2020. Spanning 16 main titles and numerous spin-offs, players step into the shoes of soldiers during key historical events such as World War II, the Cold War, and modern conflicts. Renowned for its intense action, realistic graphics, and robust multiplayer modes, Call of Duty games have sold millions of copies, solidifying their status as some of the best-selling video games worldwide.

6. CrossFire

• CrossFire is a widely popular online military shooter game developed by Smilegate Entertainment. Released in 2007, it’s free-to-play and available on platforms such as Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Players can engage in various game modes, including team deathmatch and capture the flag, choosing between two factions: “Black List” and “Global Risk”. In-game items can be purchased using real money or virtual currency. With a massive global player base, CrossFire is known for its fast-paced gameplay and has won several awards, including Best Online Game at the 2009 Korean Game Awards.

7. Dungeon Fighter Online (DFO) 

• Dungeon Fighter Online (DFO) is a free-to-play action RPG developed by Neople, originally launched in South Korea in 2005 before expanding globally. Players take control of unique characters, battling through dungeons filled with monsters and challenges. DFO offers a variety of character classes, each with distinct abilities, encouraging teamwork for tackling more difficult quests. It’s Pvp mode features intense arena battles for competitive play. With a large and active player community, DFO has earned several accolades, including Best Online Game at the 2009 Korean Game Awards. Known for its arcade-style gameplay and engaging combat, DFO remains a beloved title in the online gaming world.

8. League of Legends

• League of Legends (LoL), developed by Riot Games, is a highly popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. Since its launch in 2009, it has built a massive player base and a thriving professional esports scene. In LoL, players control champions, working together to destroy the opposing team’s Nexus or base. Matches typically last between 30 to 45 minutes, with each player selecting a champion with unique abilities and strategies. Champions can level up and purchase items using experience points and gold earned during the game. Known for its strategic depth and competitive gameplay, LoL is widely celebrated within the gaming community.

9. Hearthstone

• Hearthstone, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is a free-to-play digital card game that was released in 2014. Available on Windows, macos, ios, and Android, players collect cards featuring characters, spells, and abilities to battle against opponents. The goal is to strategically reduce your opponent’s health to zero using a custom deck of cards during turn-based gameplay. Hearthstone offers various modes, including Arena, ranked matches, and single-player adventures. Known for its accessible gameplay, it has cultivated a large, dedicated player community and has won several accolades, including the 2015 Korean Game Award for Best Mobile Game.

10. Splatoon

• Splatoon, developed by Nintendo, is a third-person shooter game that was first released in 2015 for the Nintendo Wii U, followed by Splatoon 2 in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch. The game features Inklings, humanoid characters that can transform into squids to swim through ink. In online battles, players use ink-based weapons to splatter their team’s colour across the battlefield, aiming to cover more ground than their opponents to secure victory. Splatoon’s single-player campaign offers engaging missions where players face off against computer-controlled enemies. The game is praised for its lively gameplay, vibrant graphics, and robust multiplayer features, earning widespread acclaim from critics and players alike.

Conclusion

In 2024, the global gaming community remains captivated by a diverse range of online games that cater to various interests and play styles. These top 10 games highlight the current trends in multiplayer gaming, combining competitive excitement, strategic depth, and immersive experiences across multiple platforms. From legendary titles like League of Legends and Fortnite to rising stars such as Valorant and Genshin Impact, each game offers its unique appeal, playing a significant role in the ever-evolving landscape of online gaming culture worldwide.

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