Gaming is by far one of the most addictive activities there is. From Pong and Donkey Kong to Fortnight, video games have been a cultural phenomenon for decades — with no end in sight. Anyone who’s ever picked up a controller or stood in front of a game cabinet at their local arcade knows just how addictive and captivating these pixel creations can be. Here’s a deeper look at the 20 most addictive games people simply can’t get enough of. 

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Not only is it highly addictive but it's also one of the best and most beloved sequels of all time. The Witcher: 3 — with its rich storytelling and massive open world — draws players into a beautifully detailed fantasy universe riddled with deep quests and character interactions making it a game that players can easily lose hours in without even noticing.

Makar Vinogradov on Wikimedia Commons

2. Fortnite

For many, Fortnite isn’t just a game; it's a way of life. As one of the primary titles responsible for popularizing the battle royale genre, Fortnite blends fast-paced action with an ever-expanding universe that consistently entices players with new skins, challenges, and an addictive game design that begs players to play just “one more game”.

Photo by Erik Mclean

3. Minecraft

With several versions spanning multiple devices and platforms, Minecraft has quickly become a worldwide phenomenon. Minecraft lets players dive into a blocky, procedurally generated world where they can craft, build, and survive in an infinite landscape. As the ultimate sandbox — where creativity and imagination thrive — it’s easy to see why so many people find it hard to put down. 

Photo by Emily Wade 

4. Dark Souls

Dark Souls is the type of game that will have players tossing their controllers across the room in anger. Many players come for the cryptic lore and intricate world design, but it’s Dark Soul’s notoriously difficult and unforgiving gameplay mechanics that have players continually returning in the hopes of finally vanquishing their most feared enemies. 

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5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Who can say “No” to an abundantly charming and quirky simulation game that allows players to create and manage their own island paradise? Made even more compelling by the Nintendo Switch's handheld functionality,  Animal Crossing: New Horizons provides players with a soothing gameplay loop of daily activities that can be surprisingly hard to step away from.

Photo by Sara Kurfeß

6. League of Legends

As one of the biggest names in esports, it's certainly not a stretch to call League of Legends one of the most highly addictive games on the market. Its compulsive gameplay and strategic depth, combined with constant updates and high-stakes competitive play make League of Legends a game people flock to watch as much as play.

Sergey Galyonkin on Wikimedia Commons

7. Stardew Valley

In stark contrast to the overtly intense and competitive nature of the gaming industry at large, Stardew Valley breaks the mould by offering players a peaceful escape to the countryside. Players are tasked with simple yet addictive tasks like farming, fishing, and mingling with townsfolk. It’s the type of game where "one more day" can easily turn into several real-time hours if you’re not paying attention. 

Zak on Wikimedia Commons

8. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

From slaying dragons to getting lost in a sea of side quests, Skyrim’s expansive world has it all. The fifth installment in the celebrated and longstanding Elder Scrolls series reels players in with an expertly crafted and immersive world that only Bethesda can provide. Its non-linear design, open-ended narrative and robust modding community have made it a permanent fixture in many people’s rotation for over a decade now. 

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9. World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft (or WoW as its commonly referred to) has been a powerhouse in the MMORPG space for almost 2 decades.

Its vast, mythical world filled with deep, engaging gameplay experiences and rich lore has created an enduring legion of fans who continue to flock to World of Warcraft and its many expansions several years after its release. 

Photo by WTFast

10. Call of Duty: Warzone

Battler Royale meets Call of Duty — it's practically a no-brainer. Unsurprisingly, this match made in heaven was an instant hit among gamers worldwide. By mixing the classic CoD shooting mechanics with the thrilling demands of a battle royale, Call of Duty: Warzone’s fast-paced gameplay has kept the adrenaline pumping and players glued to their screens since its initial release back in 2020.

Photo by Fábio Magalhães

11. Among Us

In 2020, amidst lockdowns and social disarray, a small indie title called Among Us became a surprise hit. Blending social deception with simple gameplay mechanics, the game’s popularity practically grew overnight when more and more gamers got hooked on the the thrill of uncovering the imposter among friends (if they weren’t the imposter themselves). 

Image by Diego Alvarado 

12. Apex Legends

With its fast-paced action and unique character abilities, Apex Legends stands out amongst the sea of battle royale shooters that have emerged over the years. By hooking players in with its dynamic team-based strategy and slick, responsive combat mechanics, Apex Legends has become an enduring mainstay in online gaming that players won’t soon forget. 

dronepicr on Wikimedia Commons

13. Rocket League

Soccer meets cars.

That, in a nutshell, is pretty much the gist of Rocket League. Yet this simple concept has taken the gaming industry by storm. Its fun and intuitive physics-based gameplay and quick online matchmaking result in an easily accessible and highly addictive title that gamers have lost countless hours playing. 

LoutouRL on Wikimedia Commons

14. Terraria

Although often cited as merely a 2D version of Minecraft, Terraria overcomes its reputation with a unique charm and distinctive set of challenges. Players readily become fully enthralled with the game’s extensive crafting system and fun-to-explore diverse biomes, which all come together to create a deeply enveloping experience. 

Harry Wood on Wikimedia Commons

15. The Sims 

Whether we like it or not, there’s nothing more addictive than playing god — and that’s where The Sims 4 comes in. By utilizing an immersive and open-ended game design, The Sims allows players to control and manage the lives of its virtual characters with almost god-like power. Before they know it, players are fully enthralled with the seemingly mundane (and often hilarious) day-to-day lives of their characters.

Image by vanessarocksmyworld0 from Pixabay

16. FIFA Series

Soccer (or football) is and will always be the World’s sport — but FIFA is part and parcel of its enduring popularity and increased attention (especially in North America). Released annually, the FIFA series takes the essence of professional soccer — with its thrilling gameplay and deep management options — and makes it accessible to fans around the World. Its robust online community and addictive multiplayer keep people coming back year after year.

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM 

17. Candy Crush Saga

As a game designed exclusively with smartphones in mind, Candy Crush knows exactly what it needs to be: a simple, yet increasingly difficult, puzzle game that can be picked up at any time and played on the go. With a phone in every pocket and a whole lot of idle hands, it's really no wonder Candy Crush has become such a smash-hit success. 

Aubrey Morandarte

18. Tetris

The “Tetris Effect” is a term used to describe the point at which committing prolonged time, effort and energy to a repetitive task begins to alter how you perceive everyday life. So, you know it's addictive when researchers coin a phrase to describe it. Tetris’ simple yet profound gameplay mechanic provides players with a never-ending barrage of blocks to skillfully stack, eventually inducing an addictive and almost zen-like flow. 

Photo by Nik

19. Persona 5

Set against the unique backdrop of high school life in Tokyo, Persona 5 combines stylish graphics with deep role-playing mechanics, and a completely outlandish narrative. As players progress through the game's quirky storyline, they get more and more drawn into the complex relationships and character-driven arcs riddled throughout this offbeat title — making it insanely hard to put down. 

Photo by Branden Skeli 

20. StarCraft 

In 2005, a 28-year-old man in South Korea died after playing 50 consecutive hours of StarCraft.

If that’s not a testament to how addictive a game is, then what is? Due to its intricate strategy mechanics, high-octane competitive nature, and robust worldwide community of fans, StarCraft has cemented itself as one of the most addictive games of all time. 

Sergey Galyonkin on Wikimedia Commons