Battle Royale games have taken the world by storm, captivating gamers everywhere. A 2019 NewZoo study shows that 41% of US gamers actively dive into these adrenaline-pumping battles. But what makes online battle royale games such a phenomenon?
The high-stakes, last-person-standing format delivers heart-pounding excitement. Massive, dynamic maps and strategic gameplay make each match uniquely engaging. Teaming with friends or competing against players worldwide adds a vibrant social element. Finally, constant updates and fresh challenges keep these games dynamic and fun, always offering something new to master. It’s no wonder gamers can’t get enough of the battle royale craze!
So, let’s explore the best battle royale games that have stood the test of time, retaining popularity even today.
A battle royale game is a genre of multiplayer video game that blends elements of survival, exploration, and scavenging with last-man-standing gameplay. Here are the key features of the best battle royale games of today:
Below is a list of the nine best battle royale games that are most-played by global battle royale gaming fans.
Developer: Krafton
Platforms: PC, Console, Mobile, Google Stadia
Released in 2017, PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) quickly became a pioneer in the battle royale genre. It gained massive popularity as one of the best battle royale games due to its realistic graphics, intense gameplay, and strategic depth. Players are dropped onto an island, where they scavenge for weapons and gear while avoiding a shrinking play area.
The game’s success led to the launch of PUBG Mobile, making it one of the leading mobile battle royale games. PUBG’s influence on the genre is profound. It sets the standard for battle royale games online with its immersive, competitive experience and constant updates that keep the player base engaged.
Developer: Playground Games
Platforms: PC, Xbox Consoles, Cloud Gaming
The Eliminator is an exciting mode within Forza Horizon 5 that blends the thrill of racing with the competitive edge of battle royale gameplay. In this mode, players start with basic cars and compete against each other within a shrinking play area, challenging one another to head-to-head races.
What makes The Eliminator one of the best battle royale games is its unique twist on the traditional battle royale formula. Instead of standard combat, players engage in high-speed races, utilizing the vast and beautifully detailed open world of Forza Horizon 5. Also, its stunning game art with photorealistic graphics and meticulously crafted environments set it apart, providing an immersive and visually captivating experience.
Developer: Epic Games
Platforms: PC, Console, Mobile, Cloud Gaming
Fortnite is a free-to-play game, widely regarded as one of the best battle royale games. It features vibrant, cartoonish graphics and combines traditional shooter gameplay with unique building mechanics, allowing players to construct structures for defense and strategy.
Impressively, 53% of active Fortnite players report that it’s the only battle royale game they engage with. This dedication highlights Fortnite’s ability to captivate and maintain a devoted player base, thanks to its engaging updates, unique events, and ever-evolving world.
Mobile Developer: TiMi Studios
Platforms: iOS, Android
Call of Duty Mobile quickly became one of the most popular battle royale games owing to its mobile accessibility. The game offers a comprehensive battle royale experience where players can engage in fast-paced, tactical gameplay on their phones, making it a standout among mobile battle royale games. With its high-quality graphics, diverse maps, and regular updates, Call of Duty Mobile has captivated a vast audience, solidifying its place as a top choice for gamers seeking an intense, on-the-go battle royale experience.
Developer: Respawn
Platforms: PC, Console, Mobile
Apex Legends quickly became one of the most popular battle royale games for its fast-paced action and team-based gameplay. The game introduces unique “Legends”, each with distinct abilities that add strategic depth to the game.
Apex Legends features smooth movement mechanics, including sliding and climbing, which enhance the dynamic combat experience. The game’s innovative ping system for communication and regular content updates keep players engaged, solidifying its position as a top contender in the battle royale genre.
Developer: Garena 111 Dots Studio
Platforms: Mobile
Garena Free Fire undeniably deserves a spotlight when discussing the best battle royale games. Up to 50 players parachute onto a remote island and fight to be the last one standing. Players scavenge for weapons, armor, and supplies to gain an advantage over their opponents.
One of the primary reasons for Free Fire’s immense popularity is that the matches are relatively short. They last typically lasting around 10 minutes, which perfectly suits the on-the-go lifestyle of many gamers.
Developer: Mediatonic
Platforms: PC, Console
Fall Guys is a wildly popular multiplayer party game. Players control adorable, jelly bean-shaped characters and compete in a series of absurd obstacle courses and survival challenges. Unlike traditional battle royales, the game focuses on fun and chaos rather than intense competition. This is one of the reasons it stands out among the best battle royale games in the market.
Developer: Criterion Games & DICE
Platforms: PC, Console
As part of the acclaimed Battlefield V series, the Firestorm mode brings a unique twist to the battle royale genre, solidifying its place among the best battle royale games. Released in 2019, this mode combines the franchise’s hallmark large-scale combat with battle royale’s intense, last-man-standing excitement.
Firestorm stands out with its immersive World War II setting, realistic graphics, and strategic gameplay, making it a top contender for those seeking a thrilling and visually stunning battle royale experience.
Developer: Arika
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Tetris 99 pits 99 players against each other in a fast-paced, competitive environment. The goal is to outlast other players by clearing lines and sending “garbage” blocks to opponents’ screens, disrupting their gameplay and increasing the challenge. The unique blend of classic Tetris mechanics with intense multiplayer action makes the game unique and one of the best battle royale games.
If the top battle royale games have inspired you to have a vision for creating the next big hit in the genre, look no further than Juego Studios. As a leading game development company, we craft immersive and engaging gaming experiences. We provide comprehensive services including game art, full-cycle game development, and LiveOps support.
The allure of battle royale games is undeniable. As developers innovate and push the boundaries of immersive gaming, the craze for these games will remain strong or grow in the coming years. Notably, many of these titles are available as Gaming as a Service (GaaS), receiving continuous updates, fresh content, and engaging events. This constant evolution and dynamic nature keep players coming back, creating a loyal and growing player base
We can expect more creative and engaging entries, each bringing unique twists and features. The future of battle royale gaming looks bright, promising endless thrilling experiences for gamers worldwide.
Even though there are many popular games in the battle royale genre, Fortnite tops most lists due to its engaging weekly updates, high level of customization, cross-platform compatibility, and many other reasons.
Fortnite and Apex Legends are among the two most-played battle royale games in 2024.
Fortnite and PUBG Mobile are the high-earning battle royale games, grossing over $9 billion and $8 billion in 2022.
If the top battle royale games have inspired you to have a vision for creating the next big hit in the genre, look no further than Juego Studios. As a leading game development company, we craft immersive and engaging gaming experiences. We provide comprehensive services including game art, full-cycle game development, and LiveOps support.