Steam’s Best of 2024: Top Games, Records, and Hidden Gems

As 2024 comes to a close, Steam has rolled out its much-anticipated "Best of Steam" list, celebrating the year's most iconic games. This annual roundup shines a spotlight not only on the biggest blockbusters but also on hidden indie gems that captivated players worldwide. Whether you're into sprawling RPGs, intense shooters, or charming simulation games, this year's Steam catalog had something for everyone.

Breaking Records: Steam's Bumper Year

In 2024, Steam broke its own record by launching a jaw-dropping 18,825 new games, up from 2023's total of 14,311. According to SteamDB, the breakdown reveals some interesting stats:

• 14,888 titles fell under the "limited games" category, meaning they didn’t meet criteria like minimum sales or player engagement needed for full profile customization.
• 3,937 games achieved "full release" status, meeting the benchmarks for sales and engagement.

This massive growth also translated into the highest sales figures Steam has seen since 2019. Despite criticism around the quality of many limited games, the sheer volume of releases underscores Steam's openness as a platform for creators.

 

 

2024's Top Steam Sellers

Steam’s top sellers are ranked by total gross revenue across the platform. Here’s a look at the year’s biggest commercial hits:

Platinum Bestsellers

1. Destiny 2
2. Elden Ring
3. Dota 2

Gold Bestsellers

1. Enshrouded
2. The First Descendant: Season 2 Void Chaser
3. Throne and Liberty

Silver Bestsellers

1. Gray Zone Warfare
2. Stardew Valley
3. Rainbows X Siege

Bronze Bestsellers

1. Ready or Not
2. Satisfactory 1.0
3. Metaphor: ReFantazio

Most Played Games of 2024

Steam also highlighted the year's most-played games, organized by peak concurrent player counts:

Over 450,000 Peak Players

• Helldivers 2: Omens Of Tyranny
• Black Myth: Wukong
• PUBG: Battlegrounds

Over 200,000 Peak Players

• Baldur’s Gate 3
• Path of Exile
• Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2

Over 100,000 Peak Players

• Delta Force
• Satisfactory 1.0
• Monster Hunter World

Late-Year Success Stories

2024 wasn’t just about games that dominated throughout the year—it also celebrated latecomers that made a huge splash. For instance:

• Marvel Rivals and Path of Exile 2, both launched on December 6, yet quickly secured spots in the Platinum and Gold tiers for New Releases, respectively.

Turn-Based RPG Renaissance

Turn-based RPGs had an incredible year on Steam, with several heavy-hitters earning top honors:

• Metaphor: ReFantazio
• Dragon Quest 3
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
• Baldur’s Gate 3

These games captivated fans with their intricate storytelling, deep gameplay systems, and nostalgic charm, proving the genre is alive and thriving.

2024: A Year to Remember

From record-breaking game launches to standout performances by late-year releases, 2024 was an unforgettable year for PC gaming. Whether you’re chasing the year’s top sellers, exploring hidden gems, or diving into the most-played hits, there’s no better time to be a Steam gamer. So, what’s next for 2025? Only time (and a lot of downloads) will tell!