There is no denying that 2021 will be one of the most prosperous years in gaming history. This year has seen the release of a slew of popular video games that have captivated millions of players.
Surprisingly, most people who are stranded at home because to COVID-19 are playing video games for the first time. And if you’re one of those people, it’s natural to look for popular video games to play in 2021. You’re fortunate because, in this post, we’ll go over some of the most popular video games in 2021 that you should play.
The Top 12 Popular Video Games to Play in 2021
1. Call of Duty Warzone
It’s no wonder that a Call of Duty game is still one of the most popular video games in 2021. Furthermore, the fact that it is a free-to-play video game by Activision attracted millions of gamers from all over the world.
Warzone, unlike other battle royale games, hosts 150-player battle royale matches. As a result, it is incredibly difficult for players to become triumphant and defeat all 149 other players.
In Warzone, you can play as a solo, a duo, a trio, or a quad. As a result, there are numerous possibilities in this regard. If you enjoy multiplayer video games, Warzone is one of those PC games that you should attempt.
2. Minecraft
It is surprising that Minecraft, which was published in 2011, is one of the most popular video games in 2021.
The video game had so much potential that Microsoft brought it out in 2014, and it appears that the tech behemoth was correct.
Microsoft had over 126 million players as of May 2020, which is a large figure given it isn’t free to play. So, if there is a list of the top 5 most popular games of all time, Minecraft will undoubtedly be among them.
In Minecraft, users explore a 3D world and gather raw materials to construct things as they see fit. Aside from that, gamers can communicate with other players from all over the world, which keeps things interesting at all times.
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizon
How could we miss Animal Crossing: New Horizon while discussing popular video games in which you may build things?
Animal Crossing: New Horizon is a Nintendo Switch game that allows you to build whatever you want as a villager. New Horizons, like Minecraft, allows players to interact with and explore each other’s creations. In a nutshell, Animal Crossing: New Horizon allows you to live a fantasy existence.
Animal Crossing: New Horizon was published in March 2020 and drew about 5 million players in a single month, which is pretty impressive. During the COVID-19 lockdown, this video game was also used for virtual weddings, protests, and a variety of other activities. As a result, Animal Crossing: New Horizon was one of the most popular games in 2020, and it still deserves to be on the list in 2021.
4. Grand Theft Auto 5
Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 5 is the one video game that isn’t ready to die. The massive title was published in 2013 and is regarded as one of the most popular video games of the recent decade.
In addition, the online edition of GTA 5, known as Grand Theft Auto Online, assisted Rockstar in making a lot of money through in-game transactions. That is why GTA 5 has become the most profitable entertainment product of all time.
5. League of Legends
League of Legends is one of those popular video games that has never failed its gamers in terms of playability.
If Riot Games knows one thing, it’s how to make a massive eSports product, and that’s League Of Legends for you.
The multiplayer game, which was released in 2009, is still unbeatable. Aside from being a lot of fun to play, the game is also absolutely free. As a result, new players can easily try out the game without risking anything.
6. Valorant
Riot Games’ Valorant is the FPS game that everyone is talking about. After spending so much time in testing, the game was finally launched last year. The FPS title quickly drew millions of players from all around the world.
Despite being a fantastic multiplayer game, Valorant has already established a household name in the esports world. Many CS: GO Pro players have already shifted to Valorant because they like the game’s new approach. So, if you’re not playing Valorant, you’re definitely missing out on one of the year’s most popular games.
7. Genshin Impact
Some consider Genshin Impact to be a rip-off of Breath of the Wild. Of course, Genshin Impact has some BOTW gameplay elements. However, it’s difficult to dispute that it’s one of the most interesting and enjoyable games out there.
I was fascinated to the screen for hours the first time I started playing Genshin Impact. And I wasn’t the only one who became addicted to Genshin Impact; the game today has millions of players from all over the world.
What makes miHoYo’s action RPG game even more wonderful is that it is entirely free to play. As a result, you may get it right now for free.
8. Outriders
Outriders is a co-op role-playing game published by Square Enix and developed by People Can Fly. The game was released on April 1, 2021, and gamers couldn’t stop themselves from playing it.
Of course, some users have chastised the devs for the game’s incessant downtime. However, this is just because the developers are working tirelessly to improve the game’s performance as soon as feasible.
A co-op has three separate classes. Outriders’ RPG is just one of the numerous features that players like. Aside from that, the game provides excellent gameplay and personalization, making it one of the most popular video games to play in 2021.
9. Valheim
If you haven’t heard about Valheim, you are most likely still locked in 2020. That’s because everyone in the gaming community is talking about this game in 2021.
Valheim is a survival game in which players must create tools, construct structures, and gather materials. And all of this must be done while combating the evil that haunts Valheim. Surprisingly, players can construct their own servers and invite other players to help them progress in the game. The game features stunning and breathtaking places, and you’ll never grow tired of exploring Valheim’s vast universe.
10. Apex Legends
Apex Legends gained popularity due to its fast-paced gameplay, as well as the fact that some well-known pro-streamers were playing the game. Of fact, until last year, players believed that Apex Legends was nearing its conclusion. However, like Warzone, it is one of the most popular multiplayer games that isn’t about to die.
Fast forward to 2021, and the game has regained its player base by further upgrading the game mechanics. Furthermore, developers are doing their best to provide new content to keep people interested. If you used to play Apex Legends but have since abandoned the game, it may be time to return.
11. Fortnite
Whether you despise or adore it, you can’t deny that Fortnite is still one of the most popular games, even in 2021. Epic Games has done a popular job of popularising Fortnite by providing users with a wealth of great content.
Fortnite occasionally collaborates with a movie/comic book brand to add outstanding character skins in the game. The game, for example, features great skins from the Marvel, DC, and Tomb Raider universes. In summary, Epic knows how to captivate players with fantastic gameplay and enticing in-game cosmetics.
12. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Ubisoft, of course, released Assassin’s Creed Valhalla last year. No one can deny that, even in 2021, users are having fun exploring Valhalla’s huge open world.
Among the numerous elements that keep players intrigued in Valhalla is the discovery of new weapons and combos. Aside from that, developers are adding more material to the game via DLCs. As a result, gamers can look forward to new tasks or arcs in Valhalla, ensuring its continued appeal.
Wrapping Up the Most Popular Video Games of 2021
So, there you have it: the top 12 video games of 2021. Of course, there are plenty of other popular video games that may have made the list. However, we decided to limit the numbers to ten.
Nonetheless, we’ll keep adding additional titles to the list as they become available. Meanwhile, you can continue to play the games on the list.