As 2024 draws to a close, Steam has revealed its annual "Best of Steam" list, celebrating the most impactful games, innovative milestones, and standout moments in PC gaming. This year’s catalog captured the imaginations of players worldwide, spanning genres from expansive RPGs to tactical shooters and cozy simulators.
Steam’s Record Year: Unprecedented Growth and Innovation
Steam experienced a groundbreaking year in 2024, shattering previous records with the release of 18,825 new games—a significant jump from 2023’s 14,311 titles. According to SteamDB data, this massive influx included:
- 14,888 limited games that didn’t meet Steam’s full release benchmarks, such as minimum player engagement or sales targets.
- 3,937 fully released titles that achieved the platform’s criteria for success.
While the quality of many limited games sparked debates, Steam’s expanding library underscores its commitment to accessibility for creators. The platform also recorded its highest revenue since 2019, reinforcing its position as the premier destination for PC gaming.
Top-Selling Games of 2024: A Look at Steam’s Finest
Steam’s bestselling titles of the year were categorized by gross revenue, spotlighting blockbuster hits and indie success stories:
Platinum Tier
- Destiny 2
- Elden Ring
- Dota 2
Gold Tier
- Enshrouded
- The First Descendant: Season 2 Void Chaser
- Throne and Liberty
Silver Tier
- Gray Zone Warfare
- Stardew Valley
- Rainbows X Siege
Bronze Tier
- Ready or Not
- Satisfactory 1.0
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
Most-Played Titles: Dominating the Player Charts
Steam also celebrated the year’s most-played games based on peak concurrent player counts:
- 450,000+ Peak Players: Helldivers 2: Omens of Tyranny, Black Myth: Wukong, PUBG: Battlegrounds.
- 200,000+ Peak Players: Baldur’s Gate 3, Path of Exile, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2.
- 100,000+ Peak Players: Delta Force, Satisfactory 1.0, Monster Hunter World.
Latecomer Hits: Year-End Releases Making Waves
Some of the year’s most notable successes came from late-year launches. Marvel Rivals and Path of Exile 2, both debuting on December 6, quickly climbed the rankings, earning spots in the Platinum and Gold tiers for new releases.
A Resurgence in Turn-Based RPGs
Turn-based RPGs saw a remarkable resurgence in 2024, with titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio, Dragon Quest 3, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and Baldur’s Gate 3 leading the charge. Their compelling narratives, strategic gameplay, and nostalgic appeal solidified the genre’s continued relevance.
Looking Ahead
With 2024 marking a banner year for Steam, both in terms of volume and diversity, PC gamers have much to celebrate. As the community looks toward 2025, anticipation is high for what’s next on the horizon. Will the platform continue its trajectory of innovation and success? Only time will reveal the answer.