Hidden Best Sellers: The Top Video Games That Sold Over 200 Million Copies

In the ever-evolving world of video gaming, some titles become global phenomena while staying under the spotlight for far less recognition than their top-selling counterparts. Among the biggest best-selling games of all time, a select few have sold over 200 million copies—but often fly under the radar in mainstream media. These hidden best sellers have shaped gaming culture, captivated millions, and continue to thrive in digital stores and collectors’ shelves alike.


Understanding the Context

Why These Top Sellers Deserve Your Attention

While games like Minecraft, Task Force: Portal, or Call of Duty: Warzone dominate headlines, many undervalued hits have sold staggering numbers—sometimes eclipsing 200 million copies—without the hype of blockbuster marketing campaigns. These titles often blend innovative gameplay, memorable storytelling, or enduring multiplayer appeal to amass loyal fanbases worldwide.


1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)

Though tied to Nintendo’s flagship franchise, Breath of the Wild often flies under recognition relative to older Zelda classics, yet sold over 40 million copies worldwide. Its open-world freeplay approach revolutionized action-adventure games, setting a new benchmark for immersion and exploration.

Key Insights

Why it’s a hidden best seller: Unique gameplay mechanics, critical acclaim, and cult-like devotion make it one of the most influential entries in gaming history—everyone knows the series, but Breath of the Wild deserves millions more fans.


2. Genshin Impact (2020)

Blending gacha mechanics with breathtaking visuals and fluid action, Genshin Impact launched as a surprise hit and quickly scaled into one of the highest-grossing mobile games of all time. While exact sales numbers fluctuate due to free-to-play models, estimates exceed 200 million downloads with strong lifetime revenue surpassing $5 billion.

Why it’s a hidden best seller: Though fairly visible for a mobile title, the sheer scale and cultural impact rank it among the genre’s elite—never quite receiving the same spotlight as console or PC heavyweights.


Final Thoughts

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)

Hit during global lockdowns, Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a cultural touchstone, selling over 40 million copies within its first year. Its relaxing, customizable life simulation inspired millions worldwide, offering comfort and community in unprecedented ways.

Why it’s a hidden best seller: A pandemic-era phenomenon that outlasted its launch, achieving sales beyond industry expectations and proving the staying power of subtle, engaging design.


4. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)

Though part of a massive franchise, GTA V powers its own towering success, with sales exceeding 250 million copies since release. Its underground multiplayer server, GTA Online, has remained a financial juggernaut for years.

Why it’s a hidden best seller: While Rock star GTA titles historically dominate sales, GTA V’s massive post-launch content and social gameplay often overshadow its parent series in pure cumulative numbers for recent years.


5. Final Fantasy XIV (2010 – ongoing)

Revived in 2010 after early struggles, Final Fantasy XIV transformed into one of the world’s most popular MMORPGs, with over 200 million accounts activated globally. Its blend of deep lore, seamless gameplay, and regular expansions keeps millions engaged.

Why it’s a hidden best seller: Not a one-off title; its continuous success over more than a decade exemplifies loyalty-driven sales rarely matched in the industry today.


Top 5 Hidden Best Sellers: A Quick Summary