In a result that has surprised many industry watchers, the extraction shooter Arc Raiders has been crowned Google's most searched-for video game of 2025. The title from Embark Studios managed to outperform major franchise releases including the highly anticipated Battlefield 6 and Grand Theft Auto 6 to claim the top spot.
The Full Top 10 Rankings Revealed
Google's annual search rankings, published as 2025 draws to a close, provide a fascinating snapshot of what captured the gaming public's attention. The full top 10 list for the year is as follows:
- Arc Raiders
- Battlefield 6
- Strands
- Split Fiction
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Path Of Exile 2
- Grand Theft Auto 6
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A
- Minecraft
- Roblox
The presence of the daily word puzzle Strands in third place highlights how consistent new content drives search traffic. Meanwhile, the list showcases a mix of new sensations and enduring favourites, with GTA 6 finishing in a surprisingly low seventh position.
Why Did Arc Raiders Dominate Searches?
The success of Arc Raiders in the search rankings can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, as a new entry in the relatively niche extraction shooter genre, players turned to Google in large numbers to find guides on the best loot locations and key components. This need for constant information fuelled its search volume.
Secondly, the game benefited from a prolonged period of visibility. Although it only officially launched on October 30, 2025, Embark Studios conducted several player tests throughout the year, keeping the game in the public conversation for months. This strategy paid off, with the game maintaining a strong player count on Steam, achieving a concurrent player peak of 279,545 in the past 24 hours according to SteamDB.
A Sign of Changing Tastes in Gaming
This year's rankings signal a shift in what drives player engagement and online discussion. While blockbuster franchise sequels still generate immense interest, a well-executed new IP in a specific genre can capture the zeitgeist. Arc Raiders, the second game from the makers of The Finals, is a PvPvE experience where solo players or squads of three scavenge for loot in a world filled with hostile robots and unpredictable human players.
The list also underscores the diverse ways we now measure a game's impact. Alongside traditional sales and awards, metrics like search interest, Game Pass engagement—where Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 led as the most-played third-party title—and concurrent player numbers paint a more complete picture of success in the modern gaming landscape.
