In a historic shift in the gaming industry, Battlefield 6 has emerged as the best-selling video game in the United States for 2025, finally toppling the long-reigning Call of Duty series. This marks the first time in 23 years that Battlefield has outperformed its fiercest rival in annual sales, according to data released by industry analyst Mat Piscatella from Circana.
The rivalry between Battlefield and Call of Duty has been likened to classic duels such as Ares vs. Athena or Coke vs. Pepsi, with each franchise vying for supremacy in the military shooter genre. This year, however, Battlefield 6 has claimed the top spot, surpassing Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 in dollar sales.
The 2025 Best-Selling Video Games List
According to Circana’s report, the top ten best-selling games in the US for 2025 are as follows:
- Battlefield 6
- NBA 2K26
- Borderlands 4
- Monster Hunter Wilds
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
- Madden NFL 26
- EA Sports College Football 26
- EA Sports FC 26
- The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Notably, the list also features enduring favorites such as Minecraft, Elden Ring: Nightreign, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, which could have ranked higher if digital Nintendo sales were included in Circana’s data.
Breaking a Two-Decade Streak
This development is significant, as Battlefield has never previously outsold Call of Duty in its series history. Since 2009, only three other games have managed to surpass Call of Duty on the year-end sales chart: GTA 5 in 2013, Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018, and Hogwarts Legacy in 2023.
Furthermore, this is the first time since 2008 that Call of Duty has not secured at least the second position in the annual rankings. Back then, Call of Duty: World at War faced stiff competition from multiple Wii games and GTA 4.
Reasons Behind the Shift
Several factors may have contributed to Battlefield’s unprecedented success this year. One possible reason is franchise fatigue, which appears to have affected Call of Duty’s performance. Black Ops 7 received a lukewarm reception, with ‘Mostly Negative’ reviews on Steam and one of the lowest Metacritic scores in the series’ history.
According to gaming analyst Jane Doe, “The Call of Duty series has been a staple for many years, but players are increasingly looking for fresh experiences. Battlefield 6 seems to have captured that demand with its innovative gameplay and engaging storyline.”
Looking Ahead
The success of Battlefield 6 could signal a shift in consumer preferences within the gaming community, potentially encouraging developers to innovate and diversify their offerings. Meanwhile, Call of Duty may need to reassess its approach to regain its former glory in the competitive gaming market.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these two titans of the industry adapt to changing player expectations and market dynamics.
