History's Best Selling Video Games of 2022

Revisiting 2022 presents a grand parade of games history, marked by Y2K fever and early digital revolution and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Horizon Forbidden West, Elden Ring, and God of War Ragnarök took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Guerrilla Games and FromSoftware led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Horizon Forbidden West

   Released in 2022 by Guerrilla Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment

   Horizon Forbidden West launched on February 18, 2022, quickly cementing its place as one of the year's most anticipated and bestselling titles. Building upon the critical and commercial success of its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn, this sequel plunged players back into a breathtaking post-apocalyptic world teeming with majestic robotic creatures and lush, overgrown ruins. Its release was a major event for PlayStation enthusiasts, generating immense hype for its expanded open world, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals. The game wasn't just a hit with fans; it also garnered widespread critical acclaim, establishing itself as a significant cultural phenomenon in the gaming landscape of 2022 and beyond, demonstrating the continued power of rich, character-driven single-player experiences.

2. Elden Ring

   Released in 2022 by FromSoftware, Bandai Namco

   On February 25, 2022, the gaming world was reshaped with the worldwide release of Elden Ring. This date marked the culmination of years of fervent anticipation, fueled by the unprecedented collaboration between legendary game director Hidetaka Miyazaki and acclaimed fantasy author George R. R. Martin. For months, fans had dissected every frame of pre-release trailers, building a mountain of hype. On this day, players across the globe finally stepped into the Lands Between, a world shrouded in mystery and danger. The release wasn't just a launch; it was a cultural event, immediately dominating online discourse and setting a new standard for open-world action RPGs for years to come.

3. God of War Ragnarök

   Released in 2022 by Santa Monica Studio, Sony Interactive Entertainment

   God of War Ragnarök burst onto the gaming scene on November 9, 2022, immediately establishing itself as a colossal cultural phenomenon and a critical darling. As the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 reboot, expectations were sky-high, and Santa Monica Studio not only met them but arguably exceeded them. Its launch was a global event, dominating social media, streaming platforms, and gaming discussions for weeks. The game quickly became a must-play title, drawing in both long-time fans of the God of War series and newcomers eager to experience its epic narrative and stunning presentation. Its widespread acclaim and commercial success solidified its position as one of the definitive entertainment experiences of 2022, truly captivating the collective imagination of the gaming community.

4. Pokémon Scarlet / Violet

   Released in 2022 by Game Freak, Nintendo, The Pokémon Company

   November 18, 2022, marked a monumental day for Pokémon fans, as 'Pokémon Scarlet' and 'Pokémon Violet' launched worldwide on the Nintendo Switch. This date represented the dawn of the ninth generation of Pokémon, but more importantly, it fulfilled a long-held dream: the series' first truly open-world mainline entry. The launch was met with immense anticipation, as players eagerly awaited the chance to explore the expansive, Iberian Peninsula-inspired Paldea region without boundaries. For millions, this day was the beginning of an unprecedented journey, promising a new level of freedom and discovery in a franchise that had captivated audiences for over 25 years.