The Ultimate Star Wars Gaming Hits: Ranking the Top 10 Best-Sellers in the US
The Force is strong with these Star Wars gaming hits! A recent report from Circana Retail Tracking Service uncovered the top 10 best-selling Star Wars games in the US over the past 29 years, covering both physical and digital sales. While some of these top-performing titles are long-standing fan favorites in the galaxy far, far away, others on the list may come as a bit of a surprise, even for the most dedicated Star Wars gamers.
Leading the pack is the iconic Star Wars Battlefront II, which first launched in 2005 and has continued to captivate players with its immersive multiplayer battles across iconic Star Wars locations. Close behind is the beloved Knights of the Old Republic, BioWare’s acclaimed RPG that transported fans to a ancient era of the Jedi and Sith. Rounding out the top 3 is the original LEGO Star Wars, pioneering the beloved block-building franchise’s foray into the Star Wars universe. Other standouts include the first-person shooter Star Wars: Republic Commando, the sweeping real-time strategy of Empire at War, and the lightsaber-swinging action of the Jedi Knight series. Even modern releases like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars: Squadrons made the top 10, showcasing the enduring appeal of this beloved sci-fi franchise in the video game realm.
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The Galaxy’s Greatest Hits: Exploring the Top-Selling Star Wars Games
The Force is strong in the world of Star Wars gaming! With over a hundred games spanning from 1983’s arcade classic to the upcoming Outlaws from Massive Entertainment, this beloved sci-fi franchise has offered fans endless opportunities to explore a galaxy far, far away. From adrenaline-pumping arcade racers to deep RPGs and thrilling first-person shooters, the sheer range of Star Wars games appeals to players of all kinds – and continues to deliver fresh, new experiences for the most dedicated lovers of this cinematic universe. In fact, some of these Star Wars titles have gone on to become bona fide fan-favorites, selling millions of copies worldwide. The crown jewel has to be Knights of the Old Republic, BioWare’s acclaimed RPG that transported players to an ancient era of Jedi and Sith – and which is now set to receive a highly-anticipated remake in 2024. This beloved classic has stood the test of time, captivating new generations of fans with its rich storytelling, memorable characters, and the opportunity to wield the power of the Force as a Jedi or Sith.
But which Star Wars games have truly reigned supreme in terms of sales over the years? Well, the data gurus at Circana Retail Tracking Service have crunched the numbers, revealing the 10 best-selling Star Wars games in the US by lifetime dollar sales from January 1995 to May 2024. Topping the list is 2015’s Battlefront, the epic multiplayer clash across iconic locations like Hoth, Endor, and Tatooine. With its stunning visuals, authentic sound design, and the chance to pilot iconic vehicles like the X-Wing and AT-AT, it’s no wonder this game struck a chord with fans. Coming in at #2 is Respawn Entertainment’s thrilling action-adventure, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Placing players in the shoes of a young Jedi Padawan named Cal Kestis, this game offered a cinematic, single-player experience that combined lightsaber combat, platforming, and exploration of a galaxy in the grip of the Empire. Its captivating story, challenging but rewarding gameplay, and the opportunity to rebuild the Jedi Order made it an instant hit.
Rounding out the podium is 2017’s Battlefront 2, which built upon the foundations of its predecessor with an expanded roster of heroes, villains, and eras, as well as a narrative-driven single-player campaign. While it faced some initial controversy around its progression system, the game ultimately won over fans with its satisfying gameplay and the chance to immerse themselves in iconic Star Wars battles. The rest of the top 10 is filled with both classic favorites and more modern releases, showcasing the undying appeal of this beloved sci-fi universe in the world of video games. Fourth place goes to the original LEGO Star Wars, which pioneered the beloved block-building franchise’s foray into the Star Wars galaxy and introduced a whole new generation of fans to the adventures of Luke, Leia, and the rest of the crew.
Another standout is the first-person shooter Star Wars: Republic Commando, which put players in the boots of a elite squad of clone troopers and offered a gritty, intense take on the Star Wars mythos. Rounding out the top 10 are titles like the real-time strategy game Empire at War, the action-packed Jedi Knight series, and even newer releases like Star Wars: Squadrons, which let players pilot starfighters in thrilling multiplayer dogfights. Whether you’re a seasoned Jedi or a fresh-faced recruit, there’s a Star Wars game out there that’s sure to scratch that galactic itch. From the sweeping narratives of the RPGs to the adrenaline-fueled battles of the shooters, this franchise has continually proven its ability to captivate players and transport them to a universe of lightsabers, blasters, and the eternal struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force. The future of Star Wars gaming looks brighter than ever, and fans can’t wait to see what new adventures await them in the years to come.
Star Wars Battlefront And LEGO Star Wars Among The Best-Selling Star Wars Games
Besides the Star Wars: Battlefront games, the LEGO Star Wars franchise is one of the most popular Star Wars game series, with four entries among the top 10 best-selling Star Wars games in the US. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, released in 2022, adapted all nine mainline Star Wars movies into a charming, block-building adventure, with over 300 playable characters and numerous side missions for players to explore. This beloved series has found great success in translating the epic scope of the Star Wars universe into an engaging and lighthearted format that appeals to players of all ages. The LEGO Star Wars games have consistently captured the imagination of both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise. The series began in 2005 with LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game, which allowed players to relive the events of the original trilogy through the lens of the beloved LEGO brand. Subsequent entries expanded the scope, tackling the prequel trilogy as well as fan-favorite animated series like The Clone Wars. Each game has offered a unique take on the source material, blending classic Star Wars moments with the charming, humorous aesthetic of LEGO.
One of the key strengths of the LEGO Star Wars games is their ability to appeal to players of all ages and skill levels. The simple, accessible controls and family-friendly tone make them a perfect entry point for younger fans, while the wealth of collectibles, hidden secrets, and optional challenges provide depth and replayability for more experienced gamers. The cooperative multiplayer also encourages shared experiences, allowing parents and children, or friends, to explore the galaxy together. Beyond the mainline LEGO Star Wars games, the franchise has also expanded into other mediums. LEGO Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles, for example, was a series of animated specials that aired on Cartoon Network, further blending the beloved building blocks with the rich storytelling of the Star Wars universe. The success of these cross-media efforts demonstrates the versatility and enduring appeal of the LEGO Star Wars brand. Looking ahead, it’s clear that the enduring popularity of the Star Wars franchise will continue to inspire new and innovative gaming experiences. 47 years after the release of the first Star Wars movie, George Lucas’ beloved creation shows no signs of slowing down. Eager fans can look forward to Massive Entertainment’s Star Wars Outlaws, set to release this August and taking place between the events of 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back and 1983’s Return of the Jedi.
Beyond that, several other highly anticipated Star Wars games are currently in development, including Quantic Dream’s Star Wars: Eclipse, Saber Interactive’s Knights of the Old Republic remake, and Respawn Entertainment’s sequel to the acclaimed Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. While release dates for these projects have not yet been announced, their mere existence speaks to the enduring popularity of the Star Wars universe and the endless creative potential it holds for game developers. The upcoming Star Wars Outlaws, in particular, has garnered significant attention from fans. Set in the years between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the game will offer players an open-world experience, allowing them to explore the lawless underworld of the galaxy and take on a variety of missions and side quests. With the opportunity to play as a customizable smuggler or bounty hunter, Outlaws promises to deliver a fresh and immersive take on the Star Wars saga. Meanwhile, the Knights of the Old Republic remake and the sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order represent a return to beloved and acclaimed entries in the Star Wars gaming canon. The original Knights of the Old Republic, developed by BioWare, is widely regarded as one of the best Star Wars games ever made, with its rich storytelling, memorable characters, and the opportunity to choose between the light and dark sides of the Force. The prospect of a modern reimagining of this classic RPG has fans eagerly anticipating its release.
Similarly, the sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order will undoubtedly build upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor. Respawn Entertainment’s action-adventure title was praised for its cinematic presentation, challenging but rewarding gameplay, and the chance to experience the journey of a young Jedi Padawan in the aftermath of the Empire’s rise. Fans are eager to see how the story of Cal Kestis and the rebuilding of the Jedi Order will continue to unfold. Whether it’s the sprawling open-world adventures, the thrill of piloting iconic starfighters, or the opportunity to wield the power of the Force, Star Wars games continue to captivate players and transport them to that galaxy far, far away. As the franchise evolves and expands, the future of Star Wars gaming looks brighter than ever, promising even more immersive and engaging experiences for fans to discover.
