In 2024, the Steam library offers a vast array of PC games across all genres. However, the most popular games on the platform continually fluctuate due to new releases, declining interest in existing video game titles, and various other factors. With that said, here are the top 5 most played games on Steam in 2024 according to SteamDB.
5) Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley can be described as an open-ended RPG set in the countryside. You find yourself the recipient of your late grandfather’s rustic farm, equipped with only well-worn tools and a handful of coins. Players cultivate their farms, care for livestock, create goods, delve into mining for ores, and partake in social interactions, which may include developing romantic relationships.
Currently, the player count sits at 92,033 concurrent players on Steam, with an all-time peak of 236,614 players.
4) Helldivers 2
In the satirical future of Helldivers 2, humanity lives under the rule of Super Earth’s “managed democracy”. Players assume the roles of Helldivers, elite soldiers tasked with safeguarding humanity against various enemy factions. Unlike its predecessor’s top-down view, Helldivers 2 presents a third-person tactical shooter experience.
Missions emphasize cooperative gameplay for up to four players, promoting teamwork to defeat enemies and accomplish objectives. The game retains key features such as permanently friendly-fire and the use of stratagems to summon weapons, tools, and abilities.
Currently, the player count sits at 98,141 concurrent players players on Steam, with an all-time peak of 458,709 players.
3) Apex Legends
Currently sitting at number 3 on the list of the most played games on Steam, Apex Legends is an FPS Battle Royale that was released in early 2019 poised to compete against giants like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone.
Unlike several other Battle Royales, Apex Legends is a game that prioritizes teamplay above all, allowing players to select characters or “legends” from a wide roster. Players can opt for a defensive character, an offensive character, and even a character that focuses on healing and resupplying teammates with items.
Since 2019, Apex Legends has a several dips and inconsistent moments in terms of its player base, but it has always managed to remain one of the most played games on Steam due to its fluid and fast-paced, as well as competitive gameplay.
Currently, the player count sits at 114,265 concurrent players on Steam, with an all-time peak of 624,473 players.
2) Dota 2
Dota 2 is a competitive team-based game with RPG elements. Two teams of five players each try to destroy the enemy’s “Ancient” in their stronghold. Players control heroes with distinct abilities and traits. Heroes are categorized into roles like strength, agility, and intelligence.
Dota 2 remains highly successful on Steam for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a layer of depth to its gameplay while also keeping its players engaged and invested in learning and mastering its mechanics. This layer of depth in the gameplay has allowed Dota 2 to develop a thriving competitive scene globally.
On streaming websites such as Twitch and YouTube, Dota 2 still maintains a healthy community for the game despite the challenges that it may face from the player base. All these factors have contributed to making Dota 2 the second most played game on Steam, boasting an impressive 249,003 concurrent players and an all-time peak of 1,295,114 players.
1) Counter-Strike 2
Counter-Strike 2, or CS:GO, remains the most successful game on Steam, and has managed to retain this position for years. The success of Counter-Strike 2 has even spawned numerous games clearly inspired by its style and gameplay. For example, Valorant. The highly competitive, skill-based gameplay experience that appeals to both casual and professional players has made this game a staple in modern-day gaming.
Furthermore, CS:GO boasts a flourishing esports scene, featuring prestigious tournaments like the Majors, as well as the multiple leagues that captivate millions of viewers globally. The intensely competitive environment not only retains current players but also entices newcomers and novice players who aim to eventually excel in the high-level competition that CS2 offers.
Similar to Dota 2, this competitive scene has allowed CS2 to maintain a strong community bolstered by its presence online. Whether on Twitch, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), or even TikTok, CS2 not only engages in the current community from the vast amount of content that is produced, but it also allows new players to discover the game daily due to its high presence across socials.
Currently, CS2 boasts 470,395 concurrent players on Steam, with an all-time peak of 1,818,773 players.
So there you have it, the top 5 most played games currently on Steam. It’s important to note that these numbers often fluctuate depending on the time of the day, new releases, and whether or not games have received updates. Also, games such as Fortnite, Minecraft, and even Valorant aren’t listed on Steam. Therefore, this list doesn’t represent the most played games in the world.
