The Most Popular Action Game, Ranked

Choose the action game you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 10, 2024 06:28
Action games hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers, providing not only a means of escape but also a canvas for skill and strategy. However, with so many titles flooding the market each year, it can be a real challenge to sift through the clutter and find the gems worth playing. This is where the value of a ranked list comes into play, helping to identify and celebrate those games that have captivated the broadest range of players. By participating in this live ranking, users contribute directly to the accuracy and utility of the list. Each vote helps to ensure that newer entrants get a fair chance to shine while affirming the continued appeal of classic favorites. It’s more than just a list; it’s a community-driven guide that evolves with your input, shaping a more informed gaming landscape.

What Is the Most Popular Action Game?

  1. 1
    65
    votes
    A battle royale game with over 350 million players worldwide, known for its fast-paced action, unique building mechanics, and constant updates.
    Fortnite is a massively popular online battle royale game that was developed and published by Epic Games. It was first released in 2017 and quickly gained a huge player base due to its unique combination of building mechanics, third-person shooting, and fast-paced gameplay. In Fortnite, players are dropped onto an island and must gather resources, build structures, and eliminate opponents to be the last person standing. The game features colorful graphics, a wide variety of weapons and items, and regular content updates to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
    • Platforms: Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
    • Game Mode: Online multiplayer
    • Genre: Battle royale, sandbox, survival
    • Release Date: July 25, 2017
    • Player Count: Up to 100 players per match
  2. 2
    42
    votes
    A first-person shooter game with a gripping campaign and intense multiplayer, featuring realistic graphics and fast-paced gameplay.
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a popular first-person shooter action game that was released in 2019. It is a reboot of the original Modern Warfare series and offers a gripping and realistic portrayal of modern warfare scenarios. The game is known for its intense single-player campaign, thrilling multiplayer modes, and cooperative Special Ops missions.
    • Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
    • Genre: First-person shooter
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer, cooperative
    • Max Players: Multiplayer: 20-150 (depending on the mode)
    • Campaign Length: Approximately 6-8 hours
  3. 3
    28
    votes
    A team-based first-person shooter game with a diverse cast of characters and unique abilities, emphasizing teamwork and strategy.
    Overwatch is a team-based multiplayer first-person shooter video game. It features a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles, and encourages teamwork and strategy to achieve objectives. The game is set in a futuristic world and offers a variety of game modes, including competitive and casual play.
    • Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows
    • Release Date: May 24, 2016
    • Game Modes: Assault, Escort, Control, Hybrid
    • Number of Heroes: 32
    • Team Size: 6 players
  4. 4
    18
    votes

    Apex Legends

    Respawn Entertainment
    A free-to-play battle royale game with a unique respawn system and fast-paced action, featuring a diverse cast of characters with unique abilities.
    Apex Legends is a popular free-to-play battle royale game set in the futuristic Outlands. It is a fast-paced, squad-based shooter that combines elements of first-person shooting, teamwork, and unique character abilities. Players form teams of three and compete against other squads to be the last team standing. With its emphasis on fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and diverse roster of characters, Apex Legends has garnered a dedicated player base since its release in 2019.
    • Genre: Battle Royale
    • Developer: Respawn Entertainment
    • Platform: PlayStation 4
    • Release Date: February 4, 2019
    • Players: Multiplayer (60 players)
    Apex Legends in other rankings
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG)
    Toobadtoogood · Public domain
    One of the first battle royale games, featuring intense gunplay and survival mechanics, and a massive player base.
    PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) is a popular Battle Royale game where up to 100 players compete against each other in a last-man-standing gameplay.
    • Release Date: December 20, 2017
    • Genre: Battle Royale, Shooter
    • Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS
    • Map Size: 8x8 kilometers
    • Game Modes: Solo, Duo, Squad
    PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) in other rankings
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    Grand Theft Auto V
    DanTD · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Grand Theft Auto V

    Rockstar North
    An open-world game with a gripping story, immersive gameplay, and a huge online community, known for its action-packed heists and vibrant world.
    Grand Theft Auto V is an action-adventure video game set in an open-world environment. It is the fifteenth installment in the Grand Theft Auto series developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. The game takes place in the fictional city of Los Santos and its surrounding areas.
    • Genre: Action-adventure
    • Platform: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
    • Release Date: September 17, 2013
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Setting: Open-world environment
    Grand Theft Auto V in other rankings
  7. 7
    5
    votes

    Doom Eternal

    id Software
    A fast-paced first-person shooter game with intense action and gory visuals, featuring a campaign and multiplayer mode.
    Doom Eternal is an action-packed first-person shooter game that serves as a direct sequel to the 2016 game Doom. It was developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. In this game, players assume the role of the Doom Slayer, an ancient warrior, as he battles hordes of demonic creatures from Hell.
    • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
    • Release Date: March 20, 2020
    • Genre: First-person shooter
    • Engine: id Tech 7
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    Doom Eternal in other rankings
  8. 8
    14
    votes
    An action-packed game set in a Viking-themed open world, featuring immersive combat, exploration, and customization.
    Assassin's Creed Valhalla is an action role-playing video game set in the ninth century during the Viking Age. Players take on the role of Eivor, a Viking raider who leads their clan from the war-torn lands of Norway to the lush kingdoms of England, in search of a new home. The game features a massive open world, stunning visuals, gripping storytelling, and intense gameplay that combines exploration, combat, and stealth elements.
    • Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia
    • Release Date: November 10, 2020
    • Genre: Action role-playing
    • Single-player: Yes
    • Multiplayer: Online co-op and competitive modes
    Assassin's Creed Valhalla in other rankings
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Gears 5
    Microsoft · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Gears 5

    The Coalition
    A third-person shooter game with an epic campaign and intense multiplayer, featuring a diverse cast of characters and unique weapons.
    Gears 5 is an intense third-person shooter and the latest installment in the critically acclaimed Gears of War series. It offers thrilling single-player and multiplayer modes, with a focus on cooperative gameplay and intense battles against monstrous adversaries.
    • Platform: Xbox One, Windows 10
    • Release Date: September 6, 2019
    • Genre: Third-person shooter
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Cooperative Play: Yes
    Gears 5 in other rankings
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    A tactical first-person shooter game with a large player base, emphasizing strategy and teamwork, featuring destructible environments and unique operators.
    Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is a popular action game that was released in 2015. It is a tactical first-person shooter where players take control of an operator from the Rainbow team, an international counter-terrorism unit. The game is known for its intense and strategic multiplayer gameplay, where teamwork and communication are key to success. With constant updates and a dedicated player base, Rainbow Six Siege has become one of the most popular and competitive games in the esports scene.
    • Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
    • Genre: Tactical first-person shooter
    • Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
    • Players: Online: 5v5
    • Maps: Over 20 different maps
    Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege in other rankings

Missing your favorite action game?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular action game

  1. Sales and player base
    Consider the total number of sales and active player base as a significant factor in determining a game's popularity.
  2. User reviews and ratings
    Check out user reviews and ratings from reputed gaming platforms such as Steam, Metacritic, and IGN to gauge the overall satisfaction of the players with the game.
  3. Gameplay mechanics
    The game should have engaging, challenging, and fun gameplay featuring well-designed action sequences, enemy varieties, and game mechanics that offer a satisfying and thrilling experience.
  4. Graphics and visual effects
    A popular action game should typically have impressive graphics, visual effects, and an immersive game world that enhances the overall gameplay experience.
  5. Storyline and characters
    A well-written story and memorable characters can strongly contribute to a game's popularity.
  6. Multiplayer mode and community
    A strong multiplayer and online component can boost a game's popularity, allowing players to team up or compete against each other and build strong gaming communities.
  7. Sound design and music
    Great sound design and immersive music can enhance the overall atmosphere, tension, and excitement in an action game.
  8. Innovations and unique features
    Popular action games often bring exciting new innovations or unique features that set them apart from the competition.
  9. Awards and accolades
    Industry recognition and awards can highlight a particular game's success and popularity.
  10. Marketing and media coverage
    The level of marketing efforts and media coverage can significantly influence the popularity of an action game.
  11. Developer and publisher reputation
    Well-known and reputable developers and publishers can contribute to a game's popularity, as players trust their ability to deliver high-quality games.
  12. Accessibility and post-launch support
    The availability of the game on multiple platforms, ongoing updates, and post-launch support can also enhance a game's popularity and player engagement.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular action game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or action game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1531 views
  • 203 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each action game once every 24 hours. The rank of each action game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular action game

Background Information: Most Popular Action Games Action games are a staple in the gaming industry, with millions of players worldwide. These games are known for their fast-paced gameplay, intense action sequences, and adrenaline-pumping experiences. From first-person shooters to side-scrolling adventures, action games cover a wide range of genres and themes. In recent years, the popularity of action games has continued to grow, thanks to advancements in technology and the rise of esports. Many of these games offer immersive multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete against each other in real-time. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which action game is the most popular. One way to gauge the popularity of action games is through online polls and rankings. StrawPoll, a leading platform for hosting polls, has thousands of polls and rankings dedicated to action games. These polls allow gamers to vote for their favorite action games and see how they stack up against the competition. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, StrawPoll is the perfect place to discover the most popular action games and share your own opinions. So, what are you waiting for? Cast your vote and join the conversation today!

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