If you are wondering which is the best game to play in 2021, this list is for you.
The video game industry expected to see anticipated titles like Far Cry 6 at the beginning of the year but the pandemic has delayed the release of several major games.
Despite that, we still got to see some new releases in the first half of 2021. So if you are looking for a new game to play, we have compiled a list of the most popular video games in 2021 that you should definitely try for a change.
- MORE: 10 Best Free PC Games You Should Play In 2021
Far Cry 6: Resolver Gameplay Trailer | Xbox E3 Conference
Top 10 Most Popular Games In 2021
This listing contains all the popular games that been released at the time of writing for different platforms like PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. In case you are looking for games on specific platforms, you can go through our other listings mentioned below.
- Check out the best free games on:
Please Note: The games on this list are not in any particular order so feel free to try any of them first.
1. Ratchet And Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet And Clank: Rift Apart is a third-person shooter game that was released exclusively for PS5 on June 11. This game has gained popularity because of its visuals and combat elements.
Being a sequel to Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus, the story begins with Dr. Nefarious who steals the Dimensionator to find a dimension where he always wins. In doing so, he ends up damaging the fabric of space and time. So now Rivet, Clank, and Ratchet must reunite to defeat Nefarious.
If phenomenal visuals, unique weapons and combat style, along with a gripping story excites you, do check out this game.
- Available On: PS5
- Modes: Single-Player
2. Resident Evil: Village
Resident Evil Village is undoubtedly one of the most popular survival horror games of 2021. Once again, you get to play Ethan Winters who is looking for his kidnapped daughter. But during this hunt, you end up in a village filled with mutant creatures that must be eliminated.
As a sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, RE: Village does a fantastic job of maintaining the survival horror elements which the Resident Evil series is famous for. But it also adopts a more action-oriented gameplay style than its predecessor, making it more exciting!
- Available On: PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Modes: Single-Player, Multiplayer
3. Returnal
Returnal is a sci-fi survival shooter game about an astronaut named Selene who crashes into an alien planet and finds herself stuck in a time loop.
Players need to explore the barren landscape of an ancient civilization in the game for their escape. But it’s easier said than done as every time Selene is defeated, her journey restarts, bringing the concept of time loop into play.
Adding more to this, you’ll discover that the planet changes with every cycle, along with the items at your disposal. So every loop offers variation in the game and forces you to push your boundaries and combat strategy each time.
- Available on: PS5
- Modes: Single-Player
4. Fortnite
While Fortnite is not a newly released game, its huge player base speaks volumes about its popularity. Thanks to Epic Games, Fortnite remains one of the most popular video games in 2021 even after four years of release.
The developers have managed to keep the battle royale game entertaining for players through new storylines, characters, quests, rewards, and skins.
So far, Fortnite’s ever-shifting approach to attract players, via new battle pass content and gimmicks such as collaborations with celebrity figureheads to stay relevant, has worked well.
- Available On: PC, Mobile, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Modes: Single-Player, Multiplayer
5. Valorant
Valorant gained unprecedented success in the beta release alone making it one of the popular FPS games in 2021 as well.
The game takes place in the future Earth, where a bunch of characters known as Agents, use their own unique set of abilities for a tactical win.
If you prefer 5v5 multiplayer shooter games like CS:GO, you should definitely Valorant which offers a unique take on competitive gameplay.
- Available On: PC
- Modes: Multiplayer
6. Call Of Duty: Warzone
Call Of Duty: Warzone is another free-to-play battle royale game pegged as a favorite by 100+ million active players. It offers online multiplayer combat among 150 players, which is different from the typical 100 players limit seen in other battle royale titles.
There are brilliantly executed concepts in the game like the Gulag, which offers dead players a chance to return in the game if they can defeat another player in a 1v1.
All in all, with its polished battle royale mode, superb gunplay and action-packed experience, we can say that Warzone is going to dominate the gaming zone, at least in 2021.
- Available On: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Modes: Multiplayer
7. Minecraft
You’d be amazed to know that Minecraft was released back in 2011. Despite being the oldest game on this list, its popularity has only increased over the decade.
In this sandbox video game, players explore a blocky 3D world to extract raw materials for crafting items and building structures in a pixelated world. Depending on the game mode, you can either fight AI “mobs” or cooperate with or compete against other players in the same world.
The best part is that Minecraft receives regular updates like the latest Cliffs & Caves update, which is sufficient to keep you immersed in it. So if you haven’t played this game yet, you should definitely try it once.
- Available On: PC
- Modes: Single-Player, Multiplayer
8. Outriders
If you have been a Doom Eternal or Diablo fan, Outriders is surely going to appeal to you.
Outriders is a coop action RPG that takes place on post-apocalyptic Earth where constant war and climate change have made the planet unfit for humans. In a last-ditch effort at survival in the year 2159, players either work alone or in co-op groups, to eliminate monsters and loot for survival.
While the game has received praises for its gameplay, customization, and visuals, it has also been criticized for the story and characters. But either way, Outriders has grabbed a fair share of attention to secure a spot amongst the most popular video games in 2021.
- Available On: PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Modes: Single-Player, Multiplayer
9. Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise is the latest instalment in the Monster Hunter series by Capcom. It is an RPG that is currently available for Nintendo Switch but a PC version is said to be in the works.
The story of MHR takes you to the colorful Kamura Village, where you play as a hunter equipped with armor and weapons to defeat monsters. The game can be enjoyed either in solo mode, or up to three other players in local or cooperative online play.
- Available On: Nintendo Switch
- Modes: Single-Player, Multiplayer
10. Dead By Daylight
We have another popular survival horror game on the list that has been grabbing headlines because of the recent crossover with Resident Evil.
Dead By Daylight has been around for quite some time now but it has managed to hold players’ interest via new updates and DLCs.
DBD’s gameplay fills you with adrenaline as one player takes the role of a Killer and the other four play as Survivors who are trying to avoid being caught and sacrificed by the Killer.
So if you love the unpredictability and tense arcs in horror movies, you are surely going to enjoy Dead By Daylight.
- Available On: Mobile, PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Modes: Multiplayer
Enjoy The Popular Games This Year
This brings us to the end of this list. In case you have already tried these games or perhaps they are not right up your street, you can wait for more popular video games that are yet to arrive in 2021 — such as Far Cry 6, Forbidden Horizon West, Back 4 Blood, Battlefield 2042, and many more.
While we wait for these titles to arrive, do let us know about your favorite games this year.
The post 10 Most Popular Video Games You Should Play In 2021 by Manisha Priyadarshini appeared first on DualShockers.