Steam Top Selling & Most Played Games Today — Apr 17, 2026 Daily Rankings
This week's Steam global rankings: see which games top the charts. Featuring Counter-Strike 2, Crimson Desert, Windrose and more. Updated April 17, 2026.
🏆 Steam Top Sellers — Global Rankings
#1
Counter-Strike 2
ActionFree To Play
**Counter-Strike 2** continues to dominate the competitive **Action** scene, especially with the recent conclusion of major esports events driving significant player engagement on **Steam**. As a premier **Free To Play** **FPS** experience, it primarily appeals to players seeking a deep, skill-based competitive challenge where tactical prowess and precise aim are paramount. For newcomers to this iconic **Action** title, prioritize learning core map callouts and economy management early on; understanding these fundamentals will significantly elevate your game beyond just raw aim.
#2
Crimson Desert
$69.99ActionAdventure
**Crimson Desert** is currently dominating the **Steam** charts, largely thanks to its recent 'Shattered Peaks' expansion, drawing players into its expansive **open-world action-adventure** with fresh content. This ambitious title expertly blends deep **RPG** progression with intricate combat, appealing to players who crave both extensive exploration and skill-based challenges. Fans of demanding yet rewarding journeys through beautifully rendered fantasy realms will find much to love here; new players should prioritize mastering the parry and dodge mechanics from the outset, as they are fundamental to surviving Pywel's unforgiving battles.
#3
Windrose
10% OFF$26.99ActionAdventureRPG
Currently enjoying a 10% discount on **Steam**, **Windrose** is capturing the attention of players eager for its unique blend of **PvE survival adventure** and challenging **soulslite combat**. This **Action-Adventure RPG** is a perfect fit for fans of the golden age of piracy, offering robust shipbuilding, crafting, and a vast open world to explore solo or cooperatively with friends. For new captains embarking on this perilous journey, prioritize understanding the nuances of ship combat early; mastering cannon aiming and defensive maneuvers can turn the tide in crucial naval encounters.
#4
Warframe
ActionRPGFree To Play
Warframe continues to redefine the Free To Play Action RPG space, and its recent "Whispers in the Walls" expansion has brought a surge of new players and veteran Tenno back to the Origin System, keeping engagement high. This unique looter-shooter RPG appeals to those who crave deep customization, lightning-fast parkour combat, and an ever-expanding universe, all accessible without an upfront cost on platforms like Steam. For new Tenno just starting their journey, prioritize completing the main quest nodes on the Star Chart and the Junctions between planets; these act as vital progression gates and unlock essential game mechanics.
#5
Slay the Spire 2
$24.99IndieStrategyEarly Access
Slay the Spire 2 is currently dominating discussions on Steam, building upon the legendary foundation of its predecessor with an exciting Early Access launch that has the entire roguelike deckbuilder community buzzing. This highly anticipated indie title appeals directly to fans of deep strategy and incremental progression, offering a fresh array of bizarre creatures and powerful relics to discover. Its core gameplay loop of crafting unique decks and navigating perilous encounters ensures immense replayability for every run. For new players venturing into the Spire, a crucial tip is to always evaluate your deck's overall synergy before prioritizing individual card power; a cohesive strategy triumphs more often than a collection of strong but disparate cards.
#6
Marvel Rivals
ActionFree To Play
The hype surrounding *Marvel Rivals* is reaching a fever pitch, driven by its imminent *Free To Play* launch on *Steam*, promising an accessible entry point for superhero fans worldwide. This *PVP Shooter* primarily targets enthusiasts of character-based *Action* games and, naturally, the immense legions of *Marvel* universe aficionados looking for competitive teamplay. Its core appeal lies in dynamic team-up abilities and destructible environments, offering strategic depth in a fast-paced arena. For new players entering the fray, I recommend thoroughly experimenting with different hero combinations to master their unique Team-Up skills; successful synergy is paramount in *Marvel Rivals*.
#7
Where Winds Meet
ActionAdventureRPG
'Where Winds Meet' is currently riding a wave of anticipation, with recent showcases highlighting its ambitious Wuxia open-world action-adventure RPG mechanics and stunning historical China setting. This immersive title, soon making its way to Steam, directly appeals to fans of deep martial arts combat, intricate lore, and expansive exploration within a beautifully rendered ancient world. New players entering this dynamic Action-Adventure RPG should prioritize mastering the agile movement and diverse combat forms; understanding their flow is crucial for navigating its challenging encounters and becoming a true sword master.
👥 Steam Most Played — Live Player Count
#1
Counter-Strike 2
ActionFree To Play
586,773 playing now
**Counter-Strike 2** maintains its colossal presence on Steam, with its enduring popularity consistently refreshed by ongoing competitive meta shifts and its accessible Free To Play model. This iconic action-packed FPS primarily appeals to players who crave a deep, high-skill ceiling tactical shooter experience, rewarding precise aim, strategic teamwork, and relentless dedication. Newcomers to **Counter-Strike 2** should prioritize mastering fundamental crosshair placement and understanding the critical economy management within its intense rounds.
#2
Dota 2
ActionStrategyFree To Play
296,525 playing now
The ongoing "Crownfall" update, with its narrative progression and new cosmetic rewards, is currently keeping the massive **Dota 2** community deeply engaged on **Steam**. As a premier **Free To Play** **Action Strategy** title, this iconic MOBA appeals most to players who thrive on intense strategic depth, high-skill ceiling gameplay, and the endless pursuit of competitive mastery. For newcomers venturing into **Dota 2**, a concrete tip is to initially focus on mastering just a few simple heroes in the support role; understanding map objectives and vision is far more beneficial than trying to learn every hero at once.
#3
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
ActionAdventureMassively Multiplayer
295,370 playing now
Even years after igniting the genre, **PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS** continues to dominate on **Steam**, cementing its status as a premier **Massively Multiplayer Action shooter**. Its enduring popularity stems from recent free-to-play access and regular content updates, ensuring the high-stakes **Battle Royale** experience remains fresh and competitive. This game primarily appeals to players who relish tactical decision-making and realistic gunplay within a tense survival environment, rewarding strategic positioning as much as raw aim. For newcomers to **PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS**, focusing on map awareness and anticipating the shrinking play zone will significantly boost your chances of survival.
#4
Slay the Spire 2
$24.99IndieStrategyEarly Access
137,547 playing now
"Slay the Spire 2" is currently generating significant buzz on "Steam", capitalizing on its highly anticipated "Early Access" launch to reassert its dominance in the "roguelike deckbuilder" genre. This acclaimed "indie game" primarily appeals to dedicated fans of deep "strategy" and card-based combat, as well as newcomers seeking a challenging and infinitely replayable experience. For those just starting their ascent, a crucial tip is to always prioritize understanding the synergy between your cards and relics; a well-constructed defensive plan often outlasts pure aggression in the Spire.
#5
Bongo Cat
CasualIndieMassively Multiplayer
109,088 playing now
**Bongo Cat's Enduring Whimsy: Your New Desktop Companion**
Bongo Cat is currently experiencing a delightful resurgence, thanks to its charming, low-stakes presence making it a viral hit on platforms like Steam for players seeking a unique desktop companion. This quintessential Casual Indie experience caters perfectly to anyone looking for a stress-free, whimsical background activity that seamlessly integrates with their daily work or play. New players should simply embrace Bongo Cat's adorable antics and let the hat-collecting fun accumulate naturally as they type and click through their tasks.
#6
Apex Legends™
ActionAdventureFree To Play
88,358 playing now
Apex Legends™ continues to dominate the *Free To Play* *Battle Royale* landscape, especially with the strategic shifts introduced in its latest season, keeping its competitive edge sharp and attracting new players on platforms like *Steam*. This intense *Hero Shooter* truly appeals to those who crave high-octane *Action* combined with deep squad synergy and mastering unique character abilities, rewarding players who value tactical planning over pure gun skill. For newcomers venturing into the Apex Games, focus on understanding your chosen legend's abilities and how they complement your team's composition; effective communication is as vital as your aim in securing victory.
#7
Delta Force
ActionAdventureMassively Multiplayer
82,275 playing now
Delta Force is enjoying a surge of attention on Steam right now, primarily due to its compelling free-to-play model that positions it as a major contender in the Massively Multiplayer Action landscape. This operator-based extraction shooter, with its full-scale combined arms warfare, appeals deeply to players who thrive on high-stakes tactical gameplay, robust weapon customization, and cooperative Adventure. For those new to Delta Force, mastering the nuances of your chosen Operator's abilities and understanding core map objectives before engaging in combat will significantly improve early success.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 best selling game on Steam right now?
As of April 17, 2026, Counter-Strike 2 is the top selling game on Steam's global charts.
What is the most played game on Steam today?
Currently, Counter-Strike 2 has the highest concurrent player count on Steam.
How often are these Steam rankings updated?
This page is updated every day with fresh data pulled directly from Steam's global storefront and player APIs.
📰 Previous Reports
DY
DY — Game Industry Analyst
Tracking global Steam market data daily. Founder of DY Game Lab — delivering real-time rankings, pricing insights, and trend analysis for PC gamers worldwide.
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