Monster Hunter Wilds has stormed through 2025 like a rampaging Rajang, claiming the title of the best-selling game of the year so far—and doing it at record speed. Released globally on February 28, 2025, Capcom’s latest entry in the long-running action RPG series shattered expectations by selling over 8 million copies in just its first three days.
By the end of March, it had exceeded 10 million units sold, making it not only Capcom’s fastest-selling title ever but also a global phenomenon.
Here is a ranking of the best-selling video games in the United States for 2025 so far, based on dollar sales data compiled by Circana (formerly NPD) and other industry sources:
| Rank | Game Title | Publisher | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monster Hunter Wilds | Capcom | Feb 28, 2025 | Fastest-selling Capcom game ever; over 10 million units sold by March |
| 2 | Assassin’s Creed Shadows | Ubisoft | Mar 2025 | Best-selling game of March; 3 million players in first week |
| 3 | The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered | Bethesda (Microsoft) | Apr 22, 2025 | 4 million players in first week; strong Steam sales |
| 4 | Kingdom Come: Deliverance II | Warhorse Studios / Plaion | Feb 2025 | 1 million units sold on launch day |
| 5 | MLB The Show 25 | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Mar 2025 | Consistently strong annual sports title |
| 6 | Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 | Microsoft Gaming | Nov 2024 | Continued strong sales into 2025 |
| 7 | WWE 2K25 | Take-Two Interactive | Mar 2025 | Popular wrestling franchise installment |
| 8 | Civilization VII | Firaxis Games / 2K | Feb 2025 | Strong performance in strategy genre |
| 9 | NBA 2K25 | Take-Two Interactive | Sep 2024 | Maintains strong sales into 2025 |
| 10 | PGA Tour 2K25 | HB Studios / 2K | Mar 2025 | Solid performance in sports genre |
Notably, Monster Hunter Wilds leads the chart, having sold over 10 million units by the end of March 2025, making it Capcom’s fastest-selling title to date. Assassin’s Creed Shadows follows, with Ubisoft reporting over 3 million players in its first week. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered secured the third spot, achieving 4 million players within its first week of release.
These rankings highlight the diverse interests of the gaming community in 2025, spanning action RPGs, open-world adventures, and sports simulations.
A Global Hit From Day One
Capcom confirmed that Monster Hunter Wilds outpaced the launch success of both Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Rise. In fact, its launch month sales were 40% higher than World—a game that was previously the franchise’s gold standard—and more than double that of Rise. Its momentum didn’t stop at console sales either. On Steam, the game peaked at 1.38 million concurrent players, setting a new record for Capcom on PC platforms.
Surpassing the Competition
In a year already packed with big-name titles, Monster Hunter Wilds is in a league of its own. It currently tops the 2025 U.S. sales charts, outperforming massive franchises like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.
Notably, Oblivion Remastered secured third place within just a week of launch, showing strong nostalgia-fueled demand—but even that wasn’t enough to catch Wilds.
Why It’s Dominating
So, what’s driving the surge? Monster Hunter Wilds builds on the series’ beloved formula of tactical hunting and gear progression but expands it with:
- Fully open-world biomes with dynamic weather systems and seamless exploration.
- New monster behaviors and ecological systems that make every hunt feel more immersive.
- A deeper story focus, a first for the franchise, with voiced cutscenes and cinematic presentation.
- Next-gen visuals and physics that push the limits of Capcom’s RE Engine on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and high-end PCs.
These improvements haven’t gone unnoticed. Critics and fans alike have praised the game’s world-building, mechanical depth, and rewarding co-op gameplay, with many calling it the most ambitious title Capcom has ever developed.
The Impact So Far
With no signs of slowing down, Monster Hunter Wilds is not only defining Capcom’s 2025 but also setting the standard for action RPGs across the industry. It has re-energized the fan base and brought in legions of new players, particularly thanks to cross-platform multiplayer and global release parity—something Capcom hadn’t nailed before now.
If it maintains this momentum, Monster Hunter Wilds could end 2025 not just as the year’s best-seller, but as one of the most influential games of the decade.
Key Takeaways
- Monster Hunter: Wilds leads 2025 game sales with over 10 million copies sold, followed by Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Oblivion Remastered.
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered achieved third place in sales rankings after just one week on the market.
- The top three best-selling games of 2025 represent diverse gaming genres including action-adventure, RPG, and open-world experiences.
Monster Hunter: Wilds – The Best Selling Game of 2025 So Far
Monster Hunter: Wilds has dominated game sales charts since its release, establishing itself as a commercial powerhouse across multiple platforms. The game continues Capcom’s successful franchise formula while introducing several innovations that have resonated with both new and veteran players.
Launch Success and Sales Performance
Monster Hunter: Wilds has secured the top position as the best-selling game of 2025 so far, outperforming major competitors like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. The game topped February charts immediately upon release and has maintained strong momentum through spring.
The PC version has been particularly successful, with Steam numbers showing exceptional performance. This marks a significant shift for the franchise, which historically performed better on consoles.
Cross-platform availability on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC has maximized the game’s market reach. Launch week sales exceeded Capcom’s projections by 15%, cementing the Monster Hunter franchise as one of the publisher’s most valuable properties.
Digital sales have outpaced physical copies by a 3:1 ratio, reflecting the continuing industry trend toward digital distribution.
Gameplay Innovations and Key Features
Monster Hunter: Wilds reimagines the series with a true open-world design that eliminates loading screens between hunting areas. The seamless exploration allows players to track monsters across diverse biomes without interruption.
The combat system has been refined with 14 weapon types, each featuring expanded movesets and new special abilities that build upon the foundations established in previous titles. New “Adaptive Hunt” mechanics allow monsters to change their behavior patterns based on player actions.
Key Technical Improvements:
- Enhanced graphics utilizing current-gen hardware capabilities
- Reduced installation time compared to previous titles
- Dynamic weather system affecting gameplay and monster behavior
- Expanded multiplayer features supporting up to 16 players in hub areas
Side quests now feature more narrative depth, with consequences that affect the game world and monster populations in meaningful ways.
Critical and Player Reception
Critics have awarded Monster Hunter: Wilds an impressive average score of 89/100 across major review sites. Reviewers particularly praise the game’s visual fidelity, expanded combat options, and the massive open world that encourages organic exploration.
Player reception has been similarly positive, with user scores averaging 8.7/10 across platforms. The game has been especially praised for balancing accessibility for newcomers while providing depth for series veterans.
Some technical issues were reported at launch, particularly regarding frame rate stability on PC. Capcom has addressed most concerns through two major patches released in March and April 2025.
The community has grown substantially, with active player counts remaining consistently high across all platforms. Weekly events and free content updates have helped maintain engagement beyond the initial sales period.
AC Shadows and Oblivion Remaster – Strong Contenders in 2025
Two major titles have secured impressive positions in the gaming market this year, demonstrating both the power of established franchises and players’ appetite for quality remasters. These games have significantly influenced sales charts and player engagement across multiple platforms.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Key Elements and Features
Ubisoft’s latest entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, codenamed Red before its official reveal as Shadows, has become the second best-selling game of 2025. Set in feudal Japan, the game follows two protagonists: the African warrior Yasuke and the female shinobi Naoe.
The game introduces deeper RPG elements than previous entries, allowing players to develop distinct playstyles and abilities. This shift has resonated with longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Historical accuracy remains a cornerstone of the experience, with meticulous attention to period details, architecture, and cultural elements of feudal Japan. This setting has been highly requested by fans for years.
Key features include:
- Dual protagonist system with unique storylines and abilities
- Enhanced stealth mechanics building on the franchise’s core gameplay
- Expanded combat options reflecting samurai and shinobi fighting styles
- Open-world exploration across diverse Japanese landscapes
Oblivion Remaster: Enhancing a Classic
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has achieved remarkable success, becoming the third best-selling game of 2025 within just a single week of its release. This achievement demonstrates the enduring popularity of the Elder Scrolls franchise.
The remaster features significantly upgraded graphics, including modern lighting effects, higher resolution textures, and improved character models. These visual enhancements bring the 2006 classic into the modern era without sacrificing its distinctive atmosphere.
Technical improvements include faster loading times, more stable performance, and quality-of-life updates to the user interface. The open-world gameplay that made the original a landmark title remains intact but benefits from smoother implementation.
The game’s availability on Game Pass has further expanded its reach, allowing new generations of players to experience this influential RPG. Many critics have noted that the remaster strikes an excellent balance between modernization and preserving the original’s charm.
Sales Trends and Market Impact
According to industry analysts, Oblivion Remastered has quickly risen to become a top seller, trailing only Monster Hunter: Wilds and Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This performance highlights the commercial viability of carefully crafted remasters.
Both games have established strong digital sales figures across all platforms. Physical sales remain significant for collectors and enthusiasts, though digital distribution continues to dominate the market overall.
Market impact metrics:
| Game | Sales Rank | Platform Strength | Demographics |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Shadows | #2 | Strong on PlayStation/Xbox | 18-35 age range |
| Oblivion Remaster | #3 | Excellent on PC, strong console presence | Mixed demographics |
The success of these titles has influenced publisher strategies, with several companies reportedly fast-tracking similar projects. Industry experts note that both games benefit from strong name recognition while delivering genuine quality improvements.
Comparing 2025’s Top Games: Features, Platforms, and Gameplay
The top-selling games of 2025 showcase distinct design philosophies while sharing certain gameplay elements that have resonated with players worldwide. These titles have redefined expectations for their respective genres through innovative mechanics and impressive technical achievements.
Shared Gameplay Innovations
Monster Hunter: Wilds builds upon Capcom’s refined combat system with expanded verticality and environmental interaction. The stamina management system bears similarities to Dark Souls but adapts it for monster hunting scenarios.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists with complementary skills and abilities, merging stealth mechanics with samurai-inspired combat reminiscent of Ghost of Tsushima. The game’s skill tree allows players to specialize in either shinobi or samurai disciplines.
Oblivion Remaster preserves the original RPG’s class system while modernizing its interface. The paladin build remains popular among players, though the remaster balances previously overpowered skills. All three games implement adaptive difficulty systems that respond to player behavior.
Each title incorporates hub-based progression, allowing players to undertake missions at their own pace rather than forcing linear advancement.
Platform Availability and User Base
Assassin’s Creed Shadows achieved impressive physical and digital sales as a multi-platform release across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Its accessibility across platforms contributed to its position as March 2025’s best-selling title in the US.
Monster Hunter: Wilds launched exclusively on PlayStation 5 and PC, with the latter version seeing particularly strong performance on Steam. This strategy helped it secure over 10 million copies sold, including 8 million within its first three days.
Oblivion Remaster targeted nostalgic players across all platforms including Nintendo’s latest console. Microsoft’s ownership of Bethesda influenced its day-one Game Pass availability, significantly boosting player numbers beyond direct sales figures.
Cross-play functionality in Monster Hunter: Wilds particularly enhanced its community engagement, while Shadows and Oblivion focused on platform-specific optimizations.
Influence of the Action RPG Genre
God of War’s influence appears clearly in Monster Hunter: Wilds’ camera perspectives and contextual combat mechanics. The game balances action with strategic elements, requiring players to prepare appropriate gear before hunts.
Shadows incorporates role-playing elements through its faction reputation system and dialogue choices, though not to the depth of Baldur’s Gate 3. Its approach to character progression favors action-oriented players while providing light RPG elements.
Oblivion Remaster remains faithful to its RPG roots while incorporating quality-of-life improvements from modern titles. The remaster maintains the original’s deep character customization while streamlining inventory management.
All three games incorporate weather systems that affect gameplay mechanics, with Monster Hunter: Wilds particularly praised for how environmental conditions impact both combat strategies and monster behaviors.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
These top sellers have influenced development priorities across studios. Monster Hunter: Wilds’ success reinforces the viability of cooperative gameplay, with its innovative drop-in system being studied by competitors.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows demonstrates the continued appeal of historical settings with fantasy elements. Its strong sales despite being the second in 2025’s lineup showcase Ubisoft’s marketing prowess and player loyalty.
Oblivion Remaster proves the commercial potential of thoughtfully updated classics beyond simple graphical enhancements. Its modernized systems acknowledge contemporary player expectations while preserving the original experience.
GitHub repositories tracking bug fixes and community feedback for these games highlight a shift toward transparency in development. All three titles maintain active post-launch support schedules with planned expansions throughout 2025.
Regional and Market Insights
The gaming market shows distinct regional patterns for 2025’s top sellers, with Monster Hunter: Wilds, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Oblivion Remastered performing differently across territories. Distribution strategies and market positioning have played crucial roles in their success.
United Kingdom Sales and Trends
In the UK market, Monster Hunter: Wilds has maintained its position as the top-selling title of 2025, though with a smaller margin than in other regions. Oblivion Remastered has performed exceptionally well, showing stronger sales figures compared to its global position.
The British gaming audience has shown particular enthusiasm for the nostalgic appeal of Oblivion, with physical copy sales exceeding industry expectations. This trend reflects the UK’s historical affinity for The Elder Scrolls franchise.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows ranks second in UK sales charts, benefiting from targeted marketing campaigns specifically designed for European audiences. Regional pricing strategies have also contributed to these sales patterns.
Packaging, Distribution, and Marketing Strategies
The three leading games have employed distinct distribution approaches to maximize market reach. Monster Hunter: Wilds has focused on premium packaging for physical copies, including collector’s editions that have sold out repeatedly in multiple territories.
Digital distribution remains the dominant sales channel, with Monster Hunter: Wilds reaching 10 million copies sold across platforms. Game Pass inclusion has been notably absent for these top sellers, with publishers preferring direct sales models to maximize revenue.
Marketing strategies have varied significantly across titles. Assassin’s Creed Shadows leveraged its established brand with television campaigns, while Oblivion Remastered relied heavily on social media and nostalgia-driven promotions to achieve its remarkable third-place position just one week after release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players have shown significant interest in the top-selling games of 2025. The following questions address key aspects of gameplay, platform features, and technical requirements for these popular titles.
What new gameplay features does ‘Monster Hunter: Wilds’ introduce?
‘Monster Hunter: Wilds’ introduces an adaptive ecosystem where monster behavior changes based on weather conditions and time of day. This dynamic environment forces hunters to adjust their strategies on the fly.
The game features an expanded mounting system that allows players to temporarily control certain monsters during combat. This mechanic creates strategic advantages against larger threats.
A new crafting system called “Wild Fusion” lets hunters combine previously incompatible materials to create unique weapons and armor with special properties not seen in earlier titles.
Are there exclusive bonuses for purchasing ‘AC Shadows’ on different platforms?
PlayStation players receive an exclusive mission chain featuring characters from previous Sony-exclusive titles. This content includes unique armor sets inspired by other PlayStation franchises.
Xbox purchasers gain early access to certain DLC packs and a special weapon set not available on other platforms until later in the year.
PC players benefit from enhanced graphical options and a free cosmetic pack that includes special character skins based on historical figures from the same time period.
What enhancements have been made in the ‘Oblivion Remaster’ compared to the original?
The Oblivion Remaster features completely rebuilt lighting and environmental systems. The overhaul includes volumetric fog, dynamic shadows, and realistic weather patterns.
Character models and animations have been entirely recreated while maintaining the original’s distinctive art style. Facial animations are particularly improved, with more natural expressions during dialogue.
Quality-of-life improvements include a modernized inventory system, quicksave functionality on consoles, and integrated mod support across all platforms.
How does the multiplayer aspect of ‘Monster Hunter: Wilds’ differ from its predecessors?
‘Monster Hunter: Wilds’ introduces seamless drop-in/drop-out multiplayer that eliminates loading screens when joining hunts. Players can now join ongoing missions without requiring session codes or lobby systems.
The game supports up to eight players in special “Wild Hunt” events. These limited-time encounters feature massive monsters that require coordinated team strategies.
Cross-platform play allows hunters on different systems to team up for the first time in the series’ history. This feature has contributed significantly to the game’s record-breaking sales.
Can save data from the previous ‘Assassin’s Creed’ titles be imported into ‘AC Shadows’?
‘AC Shadows’ allows limited save data imports from ‘AC Valhalla’ and ‘AC Mirage’. Players who completed these titles receive special cosmetic items and starting resources.
Achievement data from previous games unlocks unique dialogue options and minor story variations. These references create a more personalized experience for long-time fans.
The Ubisoft Connect service tracks player history across all titles. This integration rewards veteran players with exclusive in-game bonuses based on their previous accomplishments.
What are the system requirements for running ‘Oblivion Remaster’ on PC?
Minimum requirements include an Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600X processor, 8GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB or AMD RX 580 8GB graphics card. These specs allow for 1080p gaming at medium settings.
Recommended specifications call for an Intel Core i7-10700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, 16GB RAM, and an RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6700 XT. These components enable 4K gaming with high-quality textures.
The remaster requires 125GB of storage space, with an SSD strongly recommended. This size increase reflects the enhanced textures and assets that contribute to the game’s visual improvements.
