Top 25 Best-Selling PC Games of All Time

Gaming is one of the most popular pastimes in the world, and the popularity of video games only seems to be on the rise. As gaming becomes more and more popular, game developers are always trying to come up with new and inventive game titles that will captivate gamers of all ages.

The video game industry is worth an estimated $200 billion in annual revenue, with PC gaming estimated to amass $41 billion during this year, and it's not just kids or teens who are shelling out the cash for these hobby-changing pieces of entertainment.

One of the best ways to make sure you're spending your money wisely is by checking out this list of top 25 best-selling PC games of all time to see what other people have enjoyed over the years.

Best-Selling PC Games

25. Arma 3

- Genres: Tactical, Strategy, Simulator, Shooter
- First Release Date: 12 Sep 2013
- Developer: Bohemia Interactive Studio

Arma 3 is one of the best-selling PC game of all time, with nearly 5.5 million copies sold. It was released in 2013 and it's a military simulation game that takes place in the fictional NATO country of Altis. It's set in a world where the player controls squads of soldiers as they fight against military factions and survive in an open-world environment.

One of the unique features of Arma 3 is its realistic graphics, which allow players to experience war up close and from multiple angles. The game has also received positive reviews for its gameplay and immersive atmosphere.

24. Myst

- Genres: Indie, Adventure, Strategy, Puzzle, Point-and-click
- First Release Date: 24 Sep 1993
- Developer: Cyan Worlds

Myst, a PC game released in 1993, quickly became one of the most popular games of all time as 6 million copies has been sold on PC.

The game is widely considered to be one of the most artistic video games ever made, and it won multiple awards and accolades.

The game featured a surreal, dreamlike world that required you to solve puzzles and explore, giving players an unforgettable experience.

Despite being one of the first games to use 3D technology, the game was a technical achievement at the time, and it is still considered one of the best PC games of all time.

23. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty

- Genres: Strategy, Real Time Strategy (RTS)
- First Release Date: 27 Jul 2010
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is easily one of the most popular PC games of all time, and for good reason. It's a real-time strategy game that has players control powerful units and fight against opponents in strategic battles to achieve victory.

Wings of Liberty introduces players to the world of StarCraft, as they fight their way through a series of missions to become the galaxy's greatest commander. The game is set in the Brood War era, and it features beautiful 3D graphics that are sure to make you feel like you're right there in the action.

Since its release in 2010, Wings of Liberty has sold more than 6 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling PC games ever.

22. Cities: Skylines

- Genres: Strategy, Simulator
- First Release Date: 10 Mar 2015
- Developer: Colossal Order

Cities: Skylines is a critically acclaimed city-building game that has been selling very well since its release in March of 2015. The game was developed by the Finnish video game developer company Colossal Order and it features a unique SimCity-style gameplay where the players are in charge of a city from the ground up.

The game lets the players control everything from the zoning of their neighborhoods to the design of their public works projects, all while dealing with the challenges that come with urban life such as pollution, crime and overcrowding.

So far, Cities: Skylines has sold over 6 million copies worldwide on PC and continues to be one of the most popular PC games on the market.

21. The Sims 2

- Genres: Strategy, Simulator
- First Release Date: 14 Sep 2004
- Developer: Maxis

The Sims 2 is among the best selling PC games of all time, with over 6 million copies sold. It's also one of the most popular and well-known simulation games ever created.

The Sims 2 is a life simulator game in which you play as a virtual character who lives in a virtual world and interacts with other characters. You can manage their lives, make them work, study or play, and even control their moods. The aim of the game is to create a happy and prosperous society for your Sims by doing whatever it takes.

Since its release in 2004, it has been continuously updated with new content and features that keep fans engaged.

20. Guild Wars

- Genres: Adventure, Strategy, Role-playing (RPG)
- First Release Date: 26 May 2005
- Developer: ArenaNet

Guild Wars is an action role-playing game released in 2005 and set in the fictional world of Tyria, which is home to many different races and cultures. Players choose one of these races and begin their journey by exploring the world, gathering resources, and building up their forces. They then must face off against other players in epic battles to control territory and gain access to valuable treasure chests.

The game is highly competitive and has a large community that continues to grow thanks to its continuous updates and events. Over 6.5 million copies has been sold, making it one of the top selling pc games.

19. The Sims 3

- Genres: Strategy, Simulator
- First Release Date: 02 Jun 2009
- Developer: Exient Entertainment - The Sims Studio

The Sims 3 is the sequel to The Sims 2 and the third installment in the popular life simulation series. It was released in 2009 and has since become one of the most popular games on PC and a best seller with 7 million copies sold.

The game offers an immersive experience that lets you control your Sims' lives, from their homes and families to their careers and relationships. You can customize everything about them – from their appearances to their personality traits – making each Sim unique.

There are tons of different ways to play the game, with stories ranging from ordinary family life to sci-fi adventures set in faraway galaxies. There's never been a better time to join the Sims community, and The Sims 3 is sure to keep fans entertained for years to come.

18. Cyberpunk 2077

- Genres: Role-playing (RPG)
- First Release Date: 10 Dec 2020
- Developer: CD Projekt RED

Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the best-selling PC games of all time. The game sold over 7.67 million copies on PC. It's an open world action role-playing video game set in the year 2077. The game was developed by CD Projekt Red and published by CD Projekt.

The game follows the story of V, a mercenary who takes on a gig to infiltrate the megacorporation that controls the fictional Night City.

The game has been praised for its graphics, gameplay, and story. It has also been nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year.

17. Sid Meier's Civilization V

- Genres: Turn-Based Strategy (TBS), Strategy, Simulator
- First Release Date: 21 Sep 2010
- Developer: Firaxis Games

Sid Meier's Civilization V is 4X game released in 2010 and it's the fifth installment in the popular series of strategy games.

The game takes players on a journey through history, from the dawn of civilization to the height of the industrial revolution and features a variety of different civilizations from around the world.

It features a variety of different strategies and gameplay modes that allow players to experience the game in many different ways.

Civ V is known for its well-crafted turn-based strategy gameplay, as well as its deep and complex strategic interactions. Its unique social dynamics allow players to build empires and interact with other civilizations in a variety of ways. As players progress through the game, they can amass an impressive army and navy to lead their people into battle against their rivals.

It's known for its deep gameplay mechanics, high replay value, and challenging AI opponents. As of late 2016, Sid Meier's Civilization V has sold over 8 million copies worldwide.

16. Euro Truck Simulator 2

- Genres: Indie, Simulator, Racing
- First Release Date: 18 Oct 2012
- Developer: SCS Software

Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a critically acclaimed truck-driving simulation game that was released in 2012. The game features a unique 3D graphics and driving experience, as well as an expansive world map that players can explore.

Players can drive across various European countries, dealing with the challenges of traffic congestion, weather conditions and difficult road surfaces. Players can also buy and sell goods on the market, make money by transporting cargo or become a professional driver with ambitions to become the best in Europe.

As of 2021, Euro Truck Simulator 2 has sold over 9 million copies worldwide. It's perfect for anyone who wants to experience life as a trucker in one of the world's most beautiful countries.

15. Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

- Genres: Indie, Adventure, Platform
- First Release Date: 04 Aug 2020
- Developer: Mediatonic

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is one of the most popular and best-selling PC games of all time. The game was released in August 2020 and has since been downloaded over 11 million times on PC.

Fall Guys is a battle royale game where up to 60 players compete against each other in a series of elimination rounds. The last player standing is the winner.

With its simple but addictive gameplay and colorful visuals, it's easy to see why this game has been so popular. In Fall Guys, you take control of a cute little bean character and compete in a series of wacky obstacle courses against other players. The goal is to be the last bean standing, and the competition can be fierce!

14. RollerCoaster Tycoon 3

- Genres: Strategy, Simulator, Real Time Strategy (RTS)
- First Release Date: 26 Oct 2004
- Developer: Frontier Developments

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 is the third installment in the popular series of simulation games developed by Frontier Developments. The game lets you build and manage your own amusement park, from design concept to operations and maintenance.

You can choose from a wide range of unique rides and attractions to put on your park, as well as strategies for attracting guests.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 features a detailed economy system that regulates the flow of money into and out of your park. It also offers multiple gameplay modes that let you explore different aspects of roller coaster design and management.

The game sold over 10 million copies between its release in 2004 and 2015.

13. Valheim

- Genres: Indie, Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)
- First Release Date: 02 Feb 2021
- Developer: Iron Gate AB

Valheim is a Viking-themed survival game that has taken the gaming world by storm. Released in early access in February 2021, it has already become one of the best-selling PC games of all time by selling 10 million copies so far.

In Valheim, you play as a Viking warrior who has been banished to the titular realm of Valheim. In order to survive, you must gather resources, build shelters, and fight off deadly creatures. The game is incredibly challenging, but also very rewarding.

One of the things that makes Valheim so special is its focus on co-operative multiplayer. The game can be played with up to 10 people, making it perfect for friends and family to play together. This is one of the reasons why the game has been so successful; it provides a great opportunity for people to bond and have fun together.

12. StarCraft

- Genres: Strategy, Real Time Strategy (RTS)
- First Release Date: 31 Mar 1998
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

StarCraft is a real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It was first released in 1998, and has since sold over 11 million copies worldwide. It's one of the most popular and successful PC games of all time, enjoying widespread critical acclaim.

StarCraft features fast-paced gameplay that emphasizes strategic planning and timing over brute force tactics. The game's missions are designed to take players across different parts of the galaxy, with different races and factions vying for control of key planets.

StarCraft is a complex game that requires extensive practice to master. But its addicting gameplay and iconic characters make it one of the most beloved PC games ever made.

11. The Sims

- Genres: Strategy, Simulator
- First Release Date: 04 Feb 2000
- Developer: Maxis

The Sims is a life simulation game developed by Maxis, released in 2000 for PC. The game lets you create and control characters who live in a virtual world. You can choose from a range of character traits and behaviors, determine their careers and home lives, and watch them interact with each other over the course of many lifetimes.

The Sims has sold over 11.24 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most popular computer games ever made. It's also been adapted into several successful video games spinoffs and sequels.

10. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)
- First Release Date: 19 May 2015
- Developer: CD Projekt RED

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a critically acclaimed action RPG game developed by CD Projekt RED and published in 2015 and quickly became one of the best selling games on PC. It is the final installment in the series of video games based on the popular Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski's novels about Geralt of Rivia, a monster-slaying swordsman who travels across the fantasy world the Continent to solve various mysteries.

The Witcher 3 is a lavish and expansive game that takes players on an epic adventure through the vast and dangerous world of the Continent. The game's open-world environment allows for player choice, as Geralt can explore the region at will or take on quests from local authorities. The combat system combines fluid swordplay with powerful magic attacks to deliver an engaging gaming experience.

Witcher 3 has received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers citing its story, characters and graphics as highlights. It has been praised for its complex RPG mechanics, gripping action sequences and lasting appeal. As of February 2020 it had sold over 12 million copies worldwide on PC.

9. Half-Life 2

- Genres: Shooter
- First Release Date: 16 Nov 2004
- Developer: Valve Corporation

Half-Life 2 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Valve Corporation, released in November 2004 for the PC. It is the sequel to Half-Life, a game which set the benchmark for high-quality first-person shooter gameplay.

It is often cited as one of the greatest PC games ever made and received critical acclaim upon its release, and ended up being one of the best-selling games on PC. The game's highly realistic graphics, tense environmental and narrative environments, and innovative multiplayer features have all been praised by critics.

The game's singleplayer campaign follows Gordon Freeman as he battles an alien race known as the Combine, while its multiplayer mode allows players to fight against each other using various weapons and combat modifiers.

Half-Life 2 has been praised for its innovative gameplay elements and story line which continues along from its predecessor while adding new features. It is estimated that over 12.3 million PC version copies has been sold worldwide.

8. Rust

- Genres: Indie, Adventure, Role-playing (RPG), Shooter
- First Release Date: 08 Feb 2018
- Developer: Facepunch Studios

Rust is a multiplayer survival game fully released in 2018 by Facepunch Studios after 4 years of early access. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players must scavenge for food, build shelter and protect themselves from the dangers of the world.

Rust has been praised for its unique gameplay mechanics and sandbox-style world which allows players to explore at their own pace. The game is also noted for its intense combat, where players must scavenge supplies and fight against other players in order to survive. Nearly 12.4 million copies has been sold worldwide since launch, becoming among the best-selling computer games ever.

7. Stardew Valley

- Genres: Indie, Simulator, Role-playing (RPG)
- First Release Date: 26 Feb 2016
- Developer: ConcernedApe

Stardew Valley is an open-world farming simulator released in 2016 by ConcernedApe. The game tasks players with managing a farm, harvesting crops and raising animals in the hopes of becoming successful.

Stardew Valley has been praised for its addictive gameplay mechanics, which encourages players to return to the game repeatedly for new challenges and content. The game's characters and soundtrack have also been highly praised by critics. As of 2022 it had sold over 13 million PC copies worldwide.

6. World of Warcraft

- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)
- First Release Date: 23 Nov 2004
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

World of Warcraft is one of the best-selling PC game of all time, with over 14 million copies sold. It's also the most popular MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) in the world, and it has spawned several spin-offs and expansions over the years.

World of Warcraft is an epic adventure that allows players to explore a world filled with magic and danger. They can choose to be one of many different races and classes, each with their own unique abilities and fighting style. As they quest through the game world and defeat powerful enemies, they can earn new weapons, armor, and magical spells that help them on their journey.

World of Warcraft also features a vast political system where players can choose to support either the good or bad side in a huge conflict. This encourages players to stay engaged in the game world by making decisions that have real-world consequences.

5. Garry's Mod

- Genres: Indie, Simulator
- First Release Date: 24 Dec 2004
- Developer: Facepunch Studios

Garry's Mod is a sandbox game that allows players to create and play in their own universes, or mods. It was released in 2006 and has since become one of the best-selling PC games ever, as 20 million copies has been sold so far.

Though there are many different ways to play Garry's Mod, the main focus is on creating and playing with other players. Players can join together in multiplayer matches or set up their own custom games for others to join, which can be quite entertaining.

Garry's Mod also features a wide range of different objects that can be used in creative ways, such as creating ramps or bridges to help players move around more easily. This makes it one of the most versatile games on the market and perfect for anyone who loves creating things or just wants to have some fun playing with friends.

4. Diablo III

- Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Role-playing (RPG)
- First Release Date: 15 May 2012
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Diablo III is an action role-playing game that was released in 2012. It has since become one of the most popular games on the market, with millions of players worldwide.

The game features a unique style of gameplay where players are required to collect items and gold while fighting through hordes of enemies. This makes it an interesting and challenging experience that can be enjoyed by both hardcore gamers and newbies alike.

Players also have the ability to build their own character using a variety of different classes, which allows for a lot of customization options. This makes Diablo III one of the most diverse games on the market and perfect for anyone who wants to try something new.

The game's sales on PC has reached more than 20 million copies, which make it as the fourth best-selling game on computer and it's the fastest selling PC game to date. It became the most pre-ordered PC game to date on Amazon.

3. Terraria

- Genres: Indie, Adventure, Strategy, Simulator, Role-playing (RPG), Platform
- First Release Date: 16 May 2011
- Developer: Codeglue - Pipeworks Studio - Engine Software - Re-Logic

Terraria is a 2D sandbox game developed by Re-Logic. The player takes control of a character that explores a procedurally generated world, looking for resources to build settlements and explore further into the depths of the earth in search of treasure.

The game features a day and night cycle, as well as different types of weather that can alter the environment.

Terraria has received critical acclaim since its release in May 2011, with particular praise going to the game's unique art style and gameplay. It has sold over 23 million copies on PC, making it one of the most successful indie games and the third best-selling PC game of all time.

2. Minecraft

- Genres: Arcade, Adventure, Simulator
- First Release Date: 18 Nov 2011
- Developer: Mojang Studios

Minecraft is a sandbox video game created by the Swedish game developer Markus 'Notch' Persson, who later sold the rights to Mojang Studios. The objective of the game is to survive in an open world by mining, crafting and building.

Minecraft was released on November 18th 2011 for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux and has since been ported to numerous other platforms. It has become one of the world's most popular video games ever played, with over 33 million copies sold worldwide on PC!

In Minecraft you can explore an infinite universe filled with different worlds, each with its own unique features and challenges. You can build anything you can imagine – from simple shelters to enormous castles – and share your creations with other players online.

If that's not enough, Minecraft also supports multiplayer gameplay so you can team up with your friends to take on the world!

1. PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS

- Genres: Indie, Adventure, Shooter
- First Release Date: 20 Dec 2017
- Developer: PUBG Corp

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) is an incredibly popular game and the best-selling video game on PC that has sold over 42 million copies on computer since its launch in late 2017.

It's a multiplayer game that takes place on a large island and is based on the battle royale genre. The objective is to be the last player standing by scavenging weapons and supplies while avoiding the enemy players.

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds has been praised for its well-designed and appealing graphics, as well as its fast-paced gameplay that keeps players engaged throughout the entire experience.