The PS5's Most Downloaded Games of 2025: Surprising Winners, Familiar Faces, and a Few Shockers
PlayStation has lifted the curtain on the 20 most downloaded PS5 games of 2025, revealing a fascinating mix of expected hits and unexpected twists. While the usual suspects like annual sports titles dominate the charts, there are some intriguing surprises that challenge our assumptions about player preferences.
Sports Reign Supreme, But With a Twist
As anticipated, sports games claimed the top spots in both North America and Europe. NBA 2K26 dunked its way to victory in North America, while EA Sports FC 26 scored the winning goal in Europe. But here's where it gets interesting: Forza Horizon 5, a former Xbox exclusive, raced ahead of Sony's own Ghost of Yotei in Europe, landing a respectable fourth place. This raises the question: are PlayStation players becoming more open to cross-platform titles, or is this a one-off success story?
Perennial Favorites and Rising Stars
Unsurprisingly, evergreen titles like Grand Theft Auto 5 and Minecraft continue to thrive, proving their enduring appeal. Battlefield 6 also secured a strong showing in both regions, solidifying its position as a fan favorite. Meanwhile, ARC Raiders blasted its way into the North American top ten, showcasing the enduring popularity of multiplayer shooters.
Controversial Absences and Underperformers
And this is the part most people miss: despite its massive hype, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 failed to crack the top five in either region, settling for a disappointing seventh place. Could this be a sign of player fatigue with the franchise, or simply a reflection of its reportedly lower sales figures?
Another notable absence is Hollow Knight: Silksong, a highly anticipated sequel that failed to make the cut despite its critical acclaim. This begs the question: are players prioritizing big-budget titles over indie gems, or is there simply too much competition in the market?
The Rise of Multiplatform Gaming
The success of Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 highlights the growing trend of multiplatform releases. Xbox's decision to bring titles like Avowed and Halo: Campaign Evolved to PlayStation is a strategic move that seems to be paying off. But what does this mean for console exclusivity? Are we moving towards a future where platform loyalty becomes less important?
Food for Thought
These charts offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolving gaming landscape. While some trends remain constant, others are shifting in unexpected ways.
What do you think? Are there any surprises on these charts? Do you think multiplatform releases are a good thing for the industry? And will Grand Theft Auto 5 ever truly disappear from the charts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
[Source: blog.playstation.com (https://blog.playstation.com/2026/01/14/playstation-stores-top-downloads-of-2025/)]
