Steam Charts - Christmas Edition 2024: The most popular games at the end of the year

It's almost the end of the year, and it's time to take another look at the Steam charts. I was expecting some co-op ("soft") games to have made it to the top ranks, but that's not the case. Instead, surprisingly, it looks more "huge." So the Christmas spirit doesn't seem to have had too much of an impact after all. But long story short: here's the list and our analysis of why that is.

1. Counter-Strike 2

Honestly, no surprise. CS2 is a long-running hit, and Valve has managed to modernize the old recipe for success with the sequel. So it is a co-op game after all - but not a "cozy" title, rather something for everyone who is looking for competitive gameplay and pure adrenaline. I think the new smoke feature brings a strategic depth that will delight fans. 

2. Marvel Rivals

I'm not sure if it's the Marvel hype or the fact that the game is free to play. Either way, Marvel fans have delivered! This game is new, stylish and takes superheroes and tactics to a new level. I suppose it's the competitive elements again that make the game particularly interesting for casual and hardcore players.

3. Dota 2

What can we say? Dota 2 remains the queen of MOBAs. The community is loyal and the constant updates keep players engaged. Even now, years after its release, the game brings millions of players together.

4. PUBG: Battlegrounds

The battle royale veteran lives on. Although many thought the hype was dying down, PUBG shows that it still has a strong place in gamers' hearts (and PCs). Maybe it's because of the regular updates or because the gameplay is just plain addictive.

5. Wallpaper Engine

I have to admit: Of all the games, this was really the last thing I expected to see on this list. Maybe at the end of the year, many people will be thinking about how they can make their own (gaming) environment a little more beautiful... I don't know. It certainly looks like that.

6. Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 has established itself as the dark fantasy epic of the year - darker, harder and with a depth that will make you forget your sleep routine. It's as if Grinding Gear Games sent Diablo on a fitness regimen and then combined it with a drama plot from Game of Thrones. Each skill tree is its own universe, and the best part? It's still free-to-play - the developers know how to keep players hooked without bleeding their wallets dry.

7. Naraka: Bladepoint

Naraka: Bladepoint is the Bruce Lee of battle royales - fast, elegant and with a touch of pure style. It combines parkour-like movements with sword fights, as if someone had mixed a samurai drama with a martial arts film. The matches feel like an artfully choreographed duel, and every fight has the potential to go viral. No wonder it's particularly popular in the Asian gaming community - and is slowly reaching cult status in the West too.

8. HELLDIVERS™ 2

Yes, that's exactly what I meant by "huge". We're at number 8: the co-op game of the year! Why isn't it higher in the charts? Probably because the focus is on team play and less on solo action. But for anyone who likes to create chaos together, HELLDIVERS™ 2 is just perfect.

9. Grand Theft Auto V

Nobody has questioned that the game is a classic and a long-running hit. Could it be that fans are taking comfort in the fact that VI is still not in sight? Who knows?!

10. Call of Duty

The new iteration of the CoD series has made it into the charts again. Fast, action-packed and a real fan magnet, especially due to the mix of multiplayer action and Battle Royale.