The PS5's Most Downloaded Games of 2025: Surprising Shifts and Enduring Favorites
PlayStation has lifted the curtain on the 20 most downloaded PS5 games of 2025, revealing intriguing trends across North America and Europe. While some results are predictable, others are bound to spark debate. But here's where it gets controversial: Xbox's Forza Horizon 5 outperformed Sony's own Ghost of Yotei in Europe, despite its former exclusivity. Could this signal a shift in player loyalty, or is it just a blip on the radar? Let’s dive in.
As expected, annual sports titles dominated the charts. NBA 2K26 took the top spot in North America, while EA Sports FC 26 reigned supreme in Europe. These franchises continue to thrive, thanks to their loyal fan bases and consistent updates. And this is the part most people miss: even in an era of cutting-edge releases, classics like Grand Theft Auto 5 and Minecraft remain fixtures in the top 10, proving their timeless appeal.
Battlefield 6 also made a strong showing, securing a spot in the top five in both regions. However, the performance of Forza Horizon 5 is particularly noteworthy. While it soared to fourth place in Europe, it only managed 14th in North America. This disparity raises questions about regional gaming preferences and the impact of exclusivity deals.
Speaking of surprises, Ghost of Yotei—Sony’s flagship title—failed to crack the top 10 in Europe, falling behind Forza Horizon 5. Is this a sign of waning interest in Sony’s exclusives, or simply a reflection of Forza’s broad appeal? It’s worth noting that Forza Horizon 5 lacked a physical PS5 edition, which may have influenced its digital sales. Still, Xbox’s success with PS5 ports is undeniable, as evidenced by upcoming multiplatform releases like Avowed and Halo: Campaign Evolved.
In North America, Ghost of Yotei fared slightly better, landing in the top 10 just behind the multiplayer sensation ARC Raiders. Meanwhile, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7—despite its high-profile release—settled for seventh place in both regions. Could this be a sign of franchise fatigue, or are players simply waiting for the next big installment? Its reportedly low sales numbers suggest the former, but the debate rages on.
Award-winning titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 also made the charts, placing 10th in Europe and 18th in North America. But here’s the question: Did its Game of the Year accolades drive downloads, or was it already a hit? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Interestingly, several high-profile games missed the cut, including Hollow Knight: Silksong, Death Stranding 2, and Silent Hill F. Is this a case of overhyped expectations, or did these titles simply fail to resonate with players? Let’s discuss.
Here’s a breakdown of the full charts:
North America (US/Canada):
1. NBA 2K26
2. Battlefield 6
3. Grand Theft Auto V
4. EA SPORTS College Football 26
5. EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26
6. Minecraft
7. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
8. ARC Raiders
9. Ghost of Yōtei
10. MLB The Show 25
Europe:
1. EA SPORTS FC 26
2. Grand Theft Auto V
3. EA SPORTS FC 25
4. Forza Horizon 5
5. Battlefield 6
6. Minecraft
7. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
8. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
9. ARC Raiders
10. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
So, what’s your take? Are these charts a reflection of gaming’s status quo, or do they hint at broader industry shifts? And will Grand Theft Auto 5 ever disappear from these lists? Share your thoughts below—we’re eager to hear your insights!
