The year 2022 turned out to be a surprisingly strong one for gaming, delivering a wide range of best-selling titles across multiple genres and platforms.
From massive open-world adventures and cinematic action games to competitive shooters and family-friendly hits, players had no shortage of unforgettable experiences.
Best-Selling Video Games of 2022
Whether you were chasing intense multiplayer competition, deep narrative-driven journeys, or accessible games to enjoy with friends and family, 2022 had something for everyone. Below is a curated list of the most impactful and commercially successful games of the year, each representing a different corner of the gaming landscape.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II marked another major release in the world’s most recognizable first-person shooter franchise. Featuring a completely new single-player campaign, the game delivered cinematic, high-intensity missions with excellent pacing and production value.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Release Date: October 28, 2022
Genres: Shooter
The multiplayer mode received significant updates, introducing new weapons, refined gunplay, fresh maps, and additional modes that kept competitive players engaged for hundreds of hours. For many fans, Modern Warfare II became the definitive multiplayer shooter of 2022.
Best for: fast-paced multiplayer action and cinematic FPS campaigns
Elden Ring
Elden Ring was one of the most anticipated releases of the decade, and FromSoftware delivered an experience that exceeded expectations. Set in a dark fantasy world shaped in collaboration with George R. R. Martin, the game introduced players to the vast and mysterious Lands Between.
Elden Ring
Release Date: February 25, 2022
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
True to FromSoftware’s legacy, Elden Ring combines punishing difficulty, precise combat, and cryptic storytelling, but expands the formula into a fully open world. Exploration is deeply rewarding, with hidden bosses, secrets, and lore scattered across a beautifully hostile landscape.
Best for: hardcore RPG fans, challenging combat, and open-ended exploration
God of War: Ragnarök
God of War: Ragnarök continues the critically acclaimed story of Kratos and his son Atreus, building upon the foundations laid by the 2018 reboot. Set once again in the realm of Norse mythology, the game delivers an emotionally rich narrative filled with gods, monsters, and moral dilemmas.
God of War Ragnarök
Release Date: September 19, 2024
Genres: Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)
Beyond its storytelling, Ragnarök expands combat mechanics, enemy variety, and environmental design. The result is a visually stunning and mechanically refined action-adventure that pushes character development just as much as spectacle.
Best for: cinematic storytelling and action-driven mythological adventures
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga reimagines all nine main Star Wars films in a playful, humorous LEGO format. Developed by Traveller’s Tales, the game introduces revamped combat systems, improved exploration, and a more open structure compared to previous LEGO titles.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Release Date: April 05, 2022
Genres: Puzzle, Adventure
With upgraded visuals and modernized gameplay mechanics, it appeals both to long-time Star Wars fans and newcomers looking for a relaxed, co-op-friendly experience.
Best for: casual players, families, and Star Wars fans of all ages
FIFA 23
FIFA 23 was one of the most commercially successful games of 2022, continuing the legacy of EA Sports’ football simulation series. This installment introduced HyperMotion 2.0 technology, significantly enhancing player animations, physics, and overall match realism.
FIFA 23
Release Date: October 01, 2022
Genres: Sport, Simulator
With updated teams, modes, and visual improvements, FIFA 23 delivered the most authentic football experience yet, appealing to both competitive players and casual fans of the sport.
Best for: football fans and competitive sports gaming
Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West expands Aloy’s journey into new regions beyond the original game’s setting. Players explore lush jungles, arid deserts, ruined cities, and even underwater environments in a visually breathtaking open world.
Horizon Forbidden West
Release Date: March 21, 2024
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
The game strongly emphasizes exploration, environmental storytelling, and discovery, offering side quests and secrets that deepen the lore of its post-apocalyptic universe. Combined with refined combat and traversal mechanics, it stands as one of the most polished open-world experiences of the year.
Best for: open-world exploration and sci-fi action RPG fans
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continued its dominance as one of Nintendo’s best-selling titles. As an enhanced version of the original Wii U release, it offers refined performance, additional content, and consistent post-launch support.
Mario Kart 8
Release Date: April 28, 2017
Genres: Racing, Arcade
Accessible to players of all skill levels, the game features a colorful cast of Nintendo characters and chaotic multiplayer races that make it a staple for both casual and competitive play.
Best for: local multiplayer, family gaming, and competitive fun
Final Thoughts
The best-selling games of 2022 highlight just how diverse the gaming industry has become. From punishing action RPGs and cinematic single-player experiences to sports simulations and party-friendly racers, the year delivered standout titles for every type of player.
If you’re looking to revisit one of gaming’s strongest recent years or discover a hit you may have missed, the titles above represent some of the most influential and successful games of 2022—and they remain well worth playing today.