Top 10 Best-Selling Video Games of All Time: Unstoppable Giants
In an era where headlines are dominated by staggering player counts for free-to-play titans, the metric of pure sales remains a powerful testament to a game's quality, appeal, and cultural impact. To sell millions of copies is a success; to sell tens of millions is a phenomenon. The games on this list have transcended their medium to become global mainstays, proving that a premium price tag is no barrier for a truly unforgettable experience.
Compiling this definitive ranking involves careful analysis of the latest publicly available data, including official statements from developers, publisher financial reports, and credible industry tracking. This list focuses exclusively on premium, paid titles, chronicling the games that convinced hundreds of millions of players to open their wallets. From sprawling open worlds to endlessly creative sandboxes, these are the certified best-selling video games ever made.
10. Terraria (~44.5 Million Copies Sold)
Kicking off our list is an indie game that proved a 2D side-scrolling perspective could harbor a world of infinite depth. Released in 2011, *Terraria* is often described as a 2D *Minecraft*, but that simple comparison undersells its unique identity. It is a game of exploration, combat, and creation, boasting a surprisingly deep progression system with formidable bosses and thousands of items to discover. Its availability on nearly every platform imaginable, from PC and consoles to mobile devices, combined with a low price point and years of massive, free content updates from its passionate developers at Re-Logic, has cemented its place as one of history's greatest success stories.
9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (50+ Million Copies Sold)
CD Projekt Red's 2015 masterpiece, *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt*, is a landmark achievement in open-world storytelling. As monster hunter Geralt of Rivia, players are thrust into a morally gray fantasy world rich with political intrigue, unforgettable characters, and terrifying beasts. Its success stems from its mature narrative, where player choice has meaningful consequences, and its two expansion packs, *Hearts of Stone* and *Blood and Wine*, which are larger and more celebrated than many full-priced games. Winning countless "Game of the Year" awards, its critical acclaim and powerful word-of-mouth have propelled it into the pantheon of all-time greats, with sales continuing to climb thanks to next-gen updates and its popular multimedia franchise.
8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (60+ Million Copies Sold)
Even over a decade after its initial 2011 release, *Skyrim* remains a cultural touchstone. Bethesda Game Studios crafted an expansive and immersive world that players are still exploring today. The sheer freedom it offers is its greatest strength; you can follow the main quest to save the world as the legendary Dragonborn, or completely ignore it to become a master thief, a powerful archmage, or a humble blacksmith. Its enduring popularity has been fueled by countless re-releases on new platforms, from PC and consoles to even virtual reality, ensuring that each new generation of gamers has a chance to visit its snowy peaks and shout "FUS RO DAH!"
7. Red Dead Redemption 2 (61+ Million Copies Sold)
Rockstar Games is synonymous with meticulously crafted open worlds, and 2018's *Red Dead Redemption 2* may be its magnum opus. This prequel tells the poignant and brutal story of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang during the last days of the American frontier. The game is celebrated for its breathtakingly realistic world, incredible attention to detail, and a somber, character-driven narrative that has been hailed as one of the best in gaming history. Its methodical pace and emphasis on realism created an immersive experience that resonated deeply with players, translating into astronomical and still-growing sales figures.
6. Mario Kart 8 / Deluxe (70+ Million Copies Sold)
No game captures the pure, chaotic fun of couch co-op quite like *Mario Kart*. While the series has always been a top seller, the combination of *Mario Kart 8* (originally on the Wii U) and its definitive *Deluxe* version on the Nintendo Switch has created a sales juggernaut. *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* is often the first game new Switch owners buy, thanks to its accessibility, vibrant graphics, and timeless gameplay. It’s the ultimate party game that is just as enjoyable for a five-year-old as it is for a seasoned adult, making it an essential and perpetually selling part of the Switch library.
5. PUBG: Battlegrounds (75 Million Copies Sold)
Before it transitioned to a free-to-play model in 2022, *PUBG: Battlegrounds* was the game that ignited the global battle royale craze. Launching in 2017, it sold an incredible 75 million premium copies, popularizing the now-ubiquitous "last-player-standing" format. Its tense, tactical gameplay and massive, realistic maps offered a high-stakes experience that captivated millions of players on PC and consoles. While its player count is now measured differently, its initial premium sales were so monumental that it earned a permanent spot on this list.
4. Wii Sports (82.9 Million Copies Sold)
The power of the pack-in game is perfectly exemplified by *Wii Sports*. Bundled with the Nintendo Wii console in most regions, this collection of simple, motion-controlled sports games (Tennis, Baseball, Bowling, Golf, and Boxing) was a revolution. It broke down barriers and brought video games into the living rooms of families who had never played before. Grandparents were playing tennis with their grandchildren, and it became a social phenomenon. While some debate the inclusion of bundled titles, its staggering numbers and undeniable cultural impact make it impossible to ignore.
3. Tetris (~100 Million Copies Sold on Mobile)
*Tetris* is a timeless masterpiece, a perfect puzzle game that has existed in some form for nearly four decades. While its total sales across every platform are nearly impossible to calculate and are estimated to be as high as 500 million, one specific version stands tall. The mobile version published by EA, released in 2006 for iPod and later for other mobile devices, officially crossed the 100 million paid download mark, making it one of the single best-selling versions of a game ever. It proves that perfect game design is eternal, capable of captivating players on any device in any era.
2. Grand Theft Auto V (195+ Million Copies Sold)
A true entertainment anomaly, *Grand Theft Auto V* has done more than just sell well; it has remained a best-seller for over a decade across three separate console generations. First released in 2013, its combination of a sprawling, satirical open-world set in Los Santos and the constantly evolving multiplayer universe of *Grand Theft Auto Online* has given it unprecedented longevity. Rockstar Games created a world so detailed and dynamic that players continue to return year after year. As it approaches the astonishing 200 million milestone, *GTA V* isn't just a game; it's a permanent virtual destination.
1. Minecraft (300+ Million Copies Sold)
In a league of its own, *Minecraft* is the undisputed best-selling video game of all time, and it’s not even close. What began as a humble indie project in 2009 has evolved into a global phenomenon that transcends gaming. It is a tool for creativity, a virtual sandbox where the only limit is your imagination. Players can survive the night in a simple dirt hut or build breathtakingly complex cities. Its appeal is universal, embraced by children for its creative freedom and by adults for its limitless potential. Now available on virtually every device with a screen, *Minecraft* has become a foundational pillar of modern culture, and its sales continue to climb to heights that may never be surpassed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-selling video game of all time?
*Minecraft* is the best-selling video game of all time, with over 300 million copies sold across all platforms since its initial release.
Does this list include free-to-play games like Fortnite?
No, this list focuses specifically on premium (paid) video games. While free-to-play games like *Fortnite* have massive player bases, their revenue is generated through in-game purchases rather than initial unit sales, which is a different metric.
How are these sales numbers verified?
The sales figures are compiled from the most recent official data provided by game publishers and developers, often through financial reports, press releases, and investor calls. They represent the total number of copies sold to consumers, both physically and digitally.