Escape from Tarkov has cemented its status as a PC gaming juggernaut, ranking as the 11th most-played game of 2025 according to a new report from Newzoo, effectively outperforming industry giants like Overwatch 2, Marvel Rivals, and PUBG.
Why the Extraction Shooter Genre is Exploding
If you have wondered why the industry is currently obsessed with extraction shooters, the answer lies in the sheer engagement levels of titles like Escape from Tarkov. While it may not reach the astronomical player counts of Fortnite or Counter-Strike 2, Battlestate Games’ tactical shooter proves that a dedicated, niche-focused audience can drive massive playtime numbers.
A Milestone Year for Battlestate Games
The 2025 data from Newzoo highlights the top 20 games by total playtime on PC, placing Tarkov firmly at number 11. This achievement follows a landmark year for the title, which finally hit its 1.0 release in November. This full launch marked the culmination of over nine years of development, evolving from a closed alpha into a refined, high-stakes tactical experience that has fostered one of the most loyal communities in gaming.
Dominating the Competition
Newzoo’s findings reveal that Escape from Tarkov currently commands more playtime than several heavy-hitters, including Apex Legends, Marvel Rivals, and Overwatch 2. It is worth noting that this ranking is based on cumulative playtime rather than concurrent user counts. While other titles may boast larger total player bases, the Tarkov community is significantly more invested in terms of hours spent per user, keeping them glued to the game throughout 2025.
The Competition at the Top
While Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 narrowly secured the number ten spot, Tarkov remains well within the “big leagues,” sitting alongside massive franchises like World of Warcraft, The Sims 4, and Valorant. For an extraction shooter that prides itself on being “the most painful experience possible”—as described by its developers—this level of success is a significant industry statement.
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