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

MOBAs, MMORPGs, first-person shooters, and battle royale games are types of online games that require an internet connection. Players interact directly through voice chat or messaging, collaborating or competing, depending on the game.

Some online games offer optional purchases, but many are free to play. Online gaming has become popular, with millions competing and working together in virtual worlds. Professional gamers now compete in lucrative tournaments, shaping a competitive gaming industry.

1. PUBG

PUBG, created by PUBG Corporation, is a widely loved battle royale game globally. In this game, 100 players are dropped onto an island where they gather weapons and gear to survive. Players can compete solo or in teams, choosing between first-person and third-person views. Since its launch in 2017, PUBG has gained a large following and influenced many similar games. Key attractions include its tough gameplay, realistic weapons, and vast open-world environment for exploration and strategy.

2. Minecraft

Minecraft, developed by Mojang Studios, is a popular sandbox video game where players explore and build in a virtual world made of blocks. There are no specific goals, allowing players to use their creativity freely. It has a large community where players can interact and share their creations. Minecraft offers different modes like survival, creativity, and adventure, each offering unique challenges. It’s available on PC, consoles, and mobile devices, with options for in-game purchases and a free-play option. Minecraft has a dedicated fan base is known for its limitless exploration and building opportunities.

3. Apex Legends

Apex Legends, developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts, is a popular battle royale game. Set on an island, 60 players scavenge for weapons and gear to be the last team standing. Each player chooses from various unique characters, each with their own abilities and play styles. The game is known for its fast-paced action, diverse character skills, and easy-to-use controls. It boasts 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 PCs. Victory goes to the team with the surviving members.

4. Fortnite Battle Royale

Epic Games developed the popular battle royale game Fortnite. In Fortnite, 100 players land on an island, scavenging for weapons and building materials while fighting to survive. The game’s creative mode allows players to construct buildings and create environments. Fortnite is loved for its fast-paced action, unique building mechanics, and a large community of players. It has become a cultural sensation, attracting celebrities and athletes who play and stream the game. Fortnite also features competitive tournaments with substantial cash prizes, contributing to its widespread popularity.

5. Call of Duty

The Call of Duty series, created by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, is a popular first-person shooter video game franchise. The latest main game, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, came out in 2020. Across its 16 main titles and spin-offs, players assume the roles of soldiers in historical periods like World War II, the Cold War, and modern times. Known for its intense action, realistic graphics, and extensive multiplayer modes, Call of Duty games have sold millions of copies, making them some of the best-selling video games worldwide.

6. CrossFire

CrossFire is a popular online military shooter game developed by Smilegate Entertainment. Launched in 2007, it’s free to play and available on platforms like Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Players can engage in modes like team deathmatch and capture the flag, choosing between two factions, “Black List” and “Global Risk.” In-game items can be purchased with real money or virtual currency. With a large global player base, CrossFire is known for its fast-paced gameplay and has received 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, first launched in South Korea in 2005 and later globally. Players control characters battling through dungeons, facing monsters and challenges. DFO features diverse character classes with unique abilities, encouraging teamwork for tougher quests. Its PvP mode offers arena battles for competitive play. With a large player community and awards like the 2009 Korean Game Award for Best Online Game, DFO is celebrated for its arcade-style gameplay and engaging combat.”

8. League of Legends

“League of Legends (LoL), developed by Riot Games, is a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. Launched in 2009, it has amassed a large player base and a thriving professional esports scene. In LoL, players control champions who work together to destroy the opposing team’s Nexus or base. Matches typically last 30 to 45 minutes, with each player choosing a champion possessing unique abilities and strategies. Champions can level up and purchase items using experience points and gold earned during gameplay. Known for its deep strategy and competitive play, LoL is widely admired in the gaming community.”

9. Hearthstone

Blizzard Entertainment developed Hearthstone, a free-to-play digital card game launched in 2014. Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, players collect cards featuring characters, spells, and abilities to battle opponents. Players aim to reduce their opponent’s health to zero using their card decks through strategic turns. Hearthstone offers modes like Arena, ranked matches, and single-player adventures. Praised for its accessible gameplay, Hearthstone boasts a large and dedicated player community and has received accolades, such as the 2015 Korean Game Award for Best Mobile Game.

10. Splatoon

Nintendo developed and launched a third-person shooter game called Splatoon. Released in 2015 for the Nintendo Wii U and followed by Splatoon 2 in 2017 on the Nintendo Switch, the game features Inklings, humanoid characters who can transform into squids to swim through ink. In online battles, players use ink-based weapons to splatter their team’s color across the battlefield, aiming to cover more ground than their opponents for victory. Splatoon’s single-player campaign offers missions against computer-controlled enemies. The game is celebrated for its lively gameplay, colorful graphics, and strong multiplayer features, earning acclaim from reviewers.

Conclusion

In 2024, the global gaming community continues to be captivated by various online games that cater to different interests and play styles. These top 10 games showcase the ongoing trends in multiplayer gaming, blending competitive spirit, strategic depth, and immersive experiences across various platforms. From iconic titles like League of Legends and Fortnite to newer sensations such as Valorant and Genshin Impact, each game brings its unique appeal and contributes to the dynamic evolution of online gaming culture worldwide.

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