With free-to-play games like Fortnite and PUBG dominating player counts, many wonder which paid games have sold the most copies worldwide. Excluding free-to-play hits, this list ranks the top 10 best-selling paid games ever, based on the latest public sales data.
This ranking does include pack-in games—titles bundled with consoles. For example, Wii Sports and Super Mario Bros. sold millions partly because they came with their respective hardware.
Now, let’s explore the top-selling games that have shaped the industry and captured the hearts of millions.
10. Super Mario Bros. – 50 Million Copies Sold
Released in 1985 for the NES, Super Mario Bros. is a legendary classic. It was not Mario’s first game but became his defining title. The game sold 50 million copies, including those bundled with the NES console. Its iconic music, levels, and enemies helped launch the Mario franchise, which continues today with titles like the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Wonder on Nintendo Switch.
9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – 50 Million Copies Sold
CD Projekt Red’s 2015 hit, The Witcher 3, sold 50 million copies worldwide. The game grew the franchise immensely, especially after the Netflix series debuted in 2020, boosting sales by 500%. It remains a favorite despite frequent discounts. The entire Witcher series has sold 75 million copies, with the third installment leading the way. Fans eagerly await the next main game, The Witcher 4, now in development.
8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – 60 Million Copies Sold
Bethesda’s Skyrim, released in 2011, has become one of the most widely played RPGs ever. It’s been ported to nearly every platform and has reached 60 million sales. Game director Todd Howard joked about the game’s longevity, saying, “If you want us to stop releasing it, stop buying it.” Bethesda now focuses on new projects like Starfield, but Skyrim’s legacy remains strong.
7. Red Dead Redemption II – 70 Million Copies Sold
Rockstar’s 2018 western epic, Red Dead Redemption II, sold 70 million copies. As a prequel to the 2010 original, it explores life in the 1899 American West. Though its online mode wasn’t as popular as GTA Online, the game’s story and world captivated millions, securing its spot in gaming history.
6. PUBG – 75 Million Copies Sold (Before Going Free-to-Play)
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) sold 75 million copies across PC and consoles before switching to a free-to-play model. Released in 2017, PUBG helped popularize the battle royale genre. It now has mobile versions and inspired planned spin-offs, though some ambitious expansions were scaled back.
5. Mario Kart 8 + Deluxe – 76.66 Million Copies Sold
The Mario Kart series is a global favorite, with Mario Kart 8 becoming its best-selling entry. Originally launched on Wii U with 8.46 million sales, the Deluxe version for Switch boosted total sales to over 76 million copies. Being part of Nintendo’s annual Black Friday bundle helped its numbers, and ongoing DLC keeps players engaged. The next game, Mario Kart World, is planned for the Switch 2 launch.
4. Wii Sports – 82.9 Million Copies Sold
Wii Sports was bundled with the Nintendo Wii console, leading to 82.9 million copies sold. The game introduced many players to motion controls through tennis, bowling, and other sports mini-games. Its success was followed by sequels like Wii Sports Resort and Nintendo Switch Sports.
3. Grand Theft Auto V – 215 Million Copies Sold
Rockstar’s GTA V, released in 2013, is a monumental success with over 215 million copies sold. The game launched on Xbox 360 and PS3 and has since been updated and re-released on multiple platforms, including next-gen consoles. Its online mode, GTA Online, continues to generate massive revenue. Rockstar is developing GTA 6, set to release in May 2026.
2. Minecraft – 300 Million Copies Sold
Minecraft is the second best-selling game ever, with over 300 million copies sold worldwide. Created by Markus “Notch” Persson and later acquired by Microsoft, the game has been sold in nearly every country. Microsoft expanded the franchise with spin-offs like Minecraft Dungeons and is working on a feature film.
1. Tetris – 520 Million Copies Sold
The iconic puzzle game Tetris tops the list with more than 520 million copies sold. Its many versions have been released on nearly every platform since its 1980s debut. The game became a cultural touchstone, with its name even used to describe fitting objects tightly. Developed by Alexey Pajitnov in Soviet Russia and popularized worldwide through Nintendo’s Game Boy, Tetris remains beloved today. A 2023 movie explored its origins.
Conclusion
This list shows how some classic games continue to shape the industry, despite the rise of free-to-play titles. We’ll keep updating these rankings as new data comes in—especially as games like GTA 5 keep selling millions more copies.
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