What Games Are Australians Playing in 2026?

Published 15 April 2026 • By the WildPlay Australia team

Australia has always been a nation of gamers. With over 17 million active players across the country, the gaming industry here continues to grow at a remarkable pace. From the sun-drenched suburbs of Brisbane to the bustling apartments of inner Melbourne, Australians are spending more time than ever immersed in digital worlds. But what exactly are Aussies playing in 2026? We have dug into the data, analysed the trends, and compiled a definitive list of the most popular games captivating Australian players right now.

The Australian gaming landscape is shaped by a unique combination of factors: our love of competitive sport, a strong social culture that values multiplayer experiences, the tyranny of distance that makes online connection essential, and a growing appreciation for creative, open-world adventures. These preferences are reflected clearly in the titles dominating playtime across the country this year.

The Top 10 Most Popular Games in Australia (2026)

1. Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online

More than a decade after its initial release, Grand Theft Auto V remains an absolute juggernaut in Australia. Rockstar Games' open-world masterpiece continues to attract players thanks to the ever-evolving GTA Online component, which receives regular content updates, new heists, and community events. Australian players are drawn to the sprawling freedom of Los Santos, where they can cruise sun-soaked highways, build criminal empires with mates, or simply explore one of gaming's most detailed open worlds. The game's enduring popularity speaks to something deeply Australian: a love of wide-open spaces, irreverent humour, and the freedom to play your own way.

2. Fortnite

Fortnite's cultural dominance shows no signs of slowing in Australia. Epic Games' battle royale phenomenon has transcended gaming to become a genuine cultural touchstone, especially among younger Australians aged 13 to 25. The game's seasonal content model keeps things perpetually fresh, with new map changes, character collaborations, and gameplay mechanics dropping regularly. Fortnite's free-to-play model makes it accessible to everyone, and its cross-platform support means Aussie gamers can squad up regardless of whether they are on console, PC, or mobile. Regional tournaments and community events have also helped cement Fortnite's position as a social gaming staple across the country.

3. Minecraft

Minecraft's appeal in Australia is timeless and multigenerational. Parents who first played the blocky sandbox game as teenagers are now introducing it to their own children, creating a unique family gaming experience. The game's creative mode continues to inspire Australian educators, with numerous schools incorporating Minecraft into their curriculum to teach everything from mathematics to Indigenous Australian history. Survival mode remains hugely popular among older players, while the game's modding community ensures there is always something new to discover. Minecraft's ability to be whatever the player wants it to be is a quality that resonates strongly with the Australian spirit of self-reliance and creativity.

4. Call of Duty (Warzone and Latest Instalment)

The Call of Duty franchise maintains a massive following in Australia, with both the latest annual release and the free-to-play Warzone battle royale drawing millions of local players. Australians have a well-documented love of first-person shooters, and Call of Duty delivers the fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled action that keeps players coming back session after session. The franchise's competitive multiplayer modes are particularly popular, with local gaming communities organising regular tournaments and leagues. Warzone's accessibility as a free-to-play title has also expanded the franchise's reach to players who might not otherwise purchase a full-price game.

5. EA Sports FC 25

Australia is a sporting nation, and EA Sports FC 25 perfectly captures that passion in digital form. The latest entry in the long-running football simulation franchise has seen a significant uptick in Australian players, driven in part by the growing popularity of the A-League and the Matildas' continued success on the world stage. Ultimate Team mode remains the most played component, with Australians building and trading their dream squads with characteristic enthusiasm. The game's integration of Australian football culture, including improved A-League presentation and more accurate Australian player likenesses, has helped make this the most popular football game the country has ever seen.

6. It Takes Two

Hazelight Studios' cooperative masterpiece It Takes Two has found a particularly devoted audience in Australia. The game's mandatory two-player structure encourages shared experiences, and Australians have embraced it as the perfect couch co-op or online partner game. Its inventive gameplay mechanics, which change with every level, keep the experience feeling fresh and surprising throughout. Australian couples, friends, and family members have latched onto It Takes Two as a way to spend quality time together, and the game regularly appears in discussions about the best cooperative experiences available. Its heartfelt story about relationships resonates across cultures, but Australians seem to have a particular soft spot for its warmth and humour.

7. Hogwarts Legacy

The Wizarding World has a massive following in Australia, and Hogwarts Legacy has given fans the immersive open-world Harry Potter experience they had been dreaming of for years. The game's rich exploration, spell-casting combat, and faithful recreation of the Hogwarts castle and its surrounds continue to attract new players well after launch. Australian gamers particularly appreciate the game's attention to detail and the freedom to craft their own magical journey. The game's single-player focus also appeals to those who prefer a more solitary, story-driven experience away from the intensity of competitive multiplayer titles.

8. NBA 2K25

Basketball's popularity in Australia has surged over the past decade, fuelled by the success of Australian players in the NBA such as Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, and the lasting influence of legends like Patty Mills and Andrew Bogut. NBA 2K25 capitalises on this enthusiasm with its incredibly detailed simulation of the sport. The game's MyCareer mode, where players create and develop their own basketball star, is enormously popular among Australian gamers. Online leagues and community competitions have sprung up across the country, and the game serves as a gateway for many young Australians discovering their love of basketball for the first time.

9. Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar Games makes a second appearance on this list with Red Dead Redemption 2, a game that continues to captivate Australian players years after its release. The vast, stunningly beautiful open world of the American frontier holds a particular appeal for Australians, who recognise something of their own rugged landscape in the game's sweeping plains and untamed wilderness. The game's deliberate pace, rich storytelling, and emphasis on exploration over action offer a welcome counterpoint to the frantic energy of battle royale titles. Red Dead Online, while smaller than GTA Online, maintains a dedicated Australian community of players who enjoy its cooperative and competitive activities set against the breathtaking frontier backdrop.

10. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

No list of popular Australian games would be complete without Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Nintendo's beloved racing game is the ultimate social gaming experience, and Australians have been enjoying it at barbecues, house parties, and family gatherings since its Switch release. The game's ongoing DLC track packs have kept the content pipeline flowing, and its accessibility means that everyone from grandparents to toddlers can pick up a controller and join the fun. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe represents everything Australians love about gaming at its best: colourful, competitive, inclusive, and endlessly entertaining.

Why These Games Resonate with Australians

Looking at the list above, several clear themes emerge that explain why these particular titles have captured the hearts of Australian gamers.

Open-world freedom is a recurring thread. Five of the ten games on this list feature expansive open worlds that players can explore at their own pace. This love of freedom and exploration runs deep in Australian culture. Just as Australians cherish the ability to take a road trip up the coast or disappear into the bush for a weekend, they gravitate towards games that offer vast digital landscapes to discover and make their own.

Social and multiplayer experiences dominate the list. Australians are inherently social gamers. The tyranny of distance that once isolated rural and regional communities has been transformed by online multiplayer into a powerful connector. Games like Fortnite, GTA Online, and It Takes Two allow mates separated by thousands of kilometres to share experiences, compete, and collaborate as though they were in the same room. This social dimension is not just a nice feature for Australian gamers; it is often the primary reason they play.

Accessibility and value also play a significant role. Several of the most popular games in Australia are either free-to-play or offer exceptional value for money. In a country where the cost of living has been rising steadily, Australians appreciate games that deliver hundreds of hours of entertainment without demanding ongoing financial investment. Titles like Fortnite and Warzone prove that you do not need to spend a fortune to enjoy world-class gaming.

Regional Gaming Preferences Across Australia

Interestingly, gaming preferences in Australia are not uniform across the country. Regional data reveals some fascinating variations in what different communities are playing.

In regional centres like Bathurst, Fortnite reigns supreme, with the game's quick-match format perfectly suited to gaming sessions squeezed in around work, sport, and community commitments. The competitive nature of the battle royale format also appeals to the strong sporting culture found in regional towns across New South Wales and Victoria.

In tropical centres like Townsville and Cairns, first-person shooter titles including Call of Duty and other FPS games tend to dominate. The fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay aligns with the energetic outdoor culture of North Queensland, and the strong military presence in Townsville has contributed to a robust community of tactical shooter enthusiasts.

Major metropolitan areas such as Sydney and Melbourne show the most diverse gaming preferences, with players spread across all genres. However, these cities also have the highest concentration of players engaged with narrative-driven single-player experiences like Hogwarts Legacy and Red Dead Redemption 2, likely reflecting the broader cultural diversity and appetite for storytelling found in Australia's largest urban centres.

Free-to-Play Alternatives on WildPlay

While the games on this list represent some of the biggest names in the industry, not everyone has access to the latest console or a high-end gaming PC. That is where WildPlay Australia comes in. Our platform offers free browser-based games across every genre represented on this list, giving all Australians the chance to enjoy quality gaming without spending a cent.

If you love the open-world exploration of GTA V or Red Dead Redemption 2, check out our adventure games category for immersive experiences you can play right in your browser. Fans of competitive shooters like Call of Duty and Fortnite will find plenty of action games to scratch that itch, from fast-paced arena shooters to tactical combat challenges.

For those who enjoy the creative sandbox appeal of Minecraft, our puzzle games and casual games offer relaxing, creative gameplay that you can dip into any time. Sports enthusiasts who live for EA Sports FC and NBA 2K will discover a growing library of sports games covering football, basketball, cricket, and more. And if competitive racing a la Mario Kart is your thing, our racing games collection delivers thrilling circuits, time trials, and head-to-head competition.

The best part? Every game on WildPlay is completely free, requires no downloads, and works on any device with a modern web browser. Whether you are on a lunch break in Adelaide, commuting on the train in Perth, or relaxing at home in Hobart, WildPlay puts quality gaming at your fingertips.

The Future of Gaming in Australia

As we look ahead through the rest of 2026, the Australian gaming landscape shows no signs of slowing down. The continued rollout of 5G networks is making mobile and cloud gaming more viable than ever, while the upcoming releases on the horizon promise to shake up the charts. Australian-made games are also gaining international recognition, with local studios producing titles that reflect our unique culture, landscapes, and stories.

One thing is certain: Australians will continue to game with the same passion, creativity, and community spirit that makes our gaming culture one of the most vibrant in the world. Whether you are playing the latest AAA blockbuster or enjoying a quick session on WildPlay, there has never been a better time to be a gamer in Australia.

Want to jump straight into some free gaming? Browse our complete games library and start playing instantly, no downloads or sign-ups required.