Best Battle Royale Games to Play in 2025

Battle royale remains one of the most influential genres in gaming. Since PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) kicked off the modern craze in 2017, games where the last player standing wins have grown into a global phenomenon. Today, the genre generates billions in revenue, and projections suggest it could reach nearly $18 billion by 2027, according to Market Research. Beyond revenue, the genre has reshaped multiplayer gaming, with mechanics like shrinking playfields and loot scavenging showing up in a wide range of titles, including non-traditional games like Tetris 99.

Best Battle Royale Games to Play in 2025

What Makes a Battle Royale Game?

At its core, a battle royale game combines three key elements: survival-based last-person-standing mechanics, scavenging for weapons and gear, and a shrinking map that forces player interaction. Without all three, a multiplayer shooter does not fall into the battle royale category. Some games borrow aspects of the formula (Fall Guys and Pac-Man 99, for instance) but they don’t fully adhere to the standard mechanics.

The genre isn’t limited to guns. Recent releases like Naraka: Bladepoint emphasize melee combat, demonstrating the flexibility and evolving nature of battle royale gameplay. Players interested in the genre’s history can trace it back through mods and offshoots in Arma 2, Arma 3, and H1Z1, which laid the foundation for modern battle royale titles.

Battle Royale on Steam Deck

Many battle royale games are playable on the Steam Deck, though not all are fully optimized. Steam maintains a compatibility list with more than 5,000 titles labeled either Verified or Playable. Verified games are confirmed to run smoothly, while Playable games may require additional configuration. For on-the-go multiplayer sessions, players should also consider Wi-Fi requirements, as stable connections are essential for online gameplay.

Best Battle Royale Games to Play in 2025

Apex Legends

Respawn’s Apex Legends takes place in the Titanfall universe but swaps giant mechs for nimble characters, or legends, each with unique abilities. Players can teleport, deploy holograms, or create tactical advantages through character-specific skills. The game also emphasizes team coordination, with built-in communication tools that help squads work together in high-pressure scenarios. Apex Legends continues to be a strong example of how battle royale can combine fast-paced action with strategic depth.

Call of Duty: Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone brings the franchise’s signature first-person shooter gameplay to the battle royale arena. Based on the 2019 Modern Warfare reboot, Warzone introduces loadout kits and respawn mechanics that add unique strategic layers. These mechanics differentiate it from other battle royale titles while maintaining the polished, high-quality presentation that the Call of Duty franchise is known for.

Fortnite

Epic Games’ Fortnite remains a staple of the genre, thanks to its cross-platform support and free-to-play model. Players are dropped into a map and must scavenge for weapons, vehicles, and materials to survive. Unique to Fortnite, players can build structures on the fly, adding a tactical layer to combat encounters. Its accessibility, combined with ongoing updates and events, keeps the game relevant years after its initial release.

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)

PUBG is widely recognized as the game that popularized the modern battle royale format. It supports up to 100 players per match across solo, duo, or squad modes. Players must choose landing locations wisely and scavenge for weapons, armor, and vehicles to survive. While PUBG lacks cross-platform play, it remains an influential title due to its historical significance and continued popularity among dedicated players.

Final Thoughts

Battle royale games continue to shape the gaming landscape in 2025, offering a mix of fast-paced action, strategic depth, and large online communities. Titles like Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, and PUBG highlight the genre’s range, from hero-based shooters to traditional survival shooters. As the genre evolves, its influence is also reaching emerging technologies, including web3 gaming platforms, ensuring that battle royale will remain a major player in the industry for years to come. Here’s the full list of games mentioned:

1. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
2. Tetris 99
3. Fall Guys
4. Pac-Man 99
5. Naraka: Bladepoint
6. Arma 2
7. Arma 3
8. H1Z1
9. Apex Legends
10. Call of Duty: Warzone
11. Fortnite

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Battle Royale games in 2025?

The best battle royale games in 2025 include established hits like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone, which continue to innovate with new content and modes. For a more realistic experience, PUBG: Battlegrounds remains a strong choice, while newcomers such as The Finals offer innovative destructible environments. Other top contenders span mobile platforms (like Naraka: Bladepoint Mobile)and unique twists on the genre, such as the platforming of Fall Guys or the superpower-driven combat of Super People.

What are the best Battle Royale games for PC in 2025?

The best PC Battle Royale games in 2025 include enduring titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone, which offer distinct experiences from building and hero-based combat to fast-paced FPS action. Other strong contenders are the genre-pioneering PUBG: Battlegrounds, the physics-based obstacle course fun of Fall Guys, and the emerging option of The Finals with its destructible environments.

Which new Battle Royale games are coming in 2025?

New battle royale titles and modes launching or having major updates in 2025 include Crazy Justice, Battlefield 6's free-to-play BR mode, and Delta Force's console trials/Open Beta, along with major updates for existing games like Fortnite. Other notable titles include Fate Trigger, an anime-style shooter with a battle royale mode, and Escape from Tarkov: Arena, which merges hardcore survival with battle royale mechanics.

Which are the No. 1 Battle Royale games so far in 2025?

The No. 1 Battle Royale games in 2025 vary by platform and metrics, but top contenders include Fortnite, consistently popular for its diverse modes and cultural impact, and PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, a leader on PC by player count. Apex Legends remains a top choice for competitive players, especially for its movement and character abilities, while Call of Duty: Warzone is a strong contender, particularly for first-person shooter fans.