A new nationwide survey has revealed the games that Japanese players have invested the most time in over the years, with Final Fantasy XIV taking the top spot.
Published by Famitsu and shared online by gaming commentator Genki, the poll gathered responses from 5,400 people, highlighting a mix of MMORPGs, RPGs, live-service titles, and Nintendo favorites that have kept players engaged for hundreds—or even thousands—of hours.
Final Fantasy XIV leads a list filled with long-running favorites
Square Enix’s acclaimed MMORPG secured first place, reinforcing its reputation as one of Japan’s most enduring online games. Since its relaunch as A Realm Reborn in 2013, Final Fantasy XIV has continued to grow through major expansions, with the latest, Dawntrail, introducing new regions, jobs, and story content.
Square Enix has also confirmed that the game’s next expansion, Evercold, is scheduled for 2027, ensuring the MMO’s long-term future.
The biggest surprise in the rankings was Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, which claimed second place despite originally launching on the PlayStation Portable in 2008. The title, known internationally as Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, remains one of the franchise’s most beloved entries in Japan thanks to its local multiplayer popularity.
Rounding out the top five were Final Fantasy XI, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Dragon Quest X Online, showing that online RPGs and relaxing life simulators continue to dominate players’ gaming hours.
Classic franchises dominate Japan’s most-played games
The survey’s top 20 also featured global hits such as Minecraft, Apex Legends, Fortnite, Genshin Impact, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Monster Hunter World, Skyrim, and Dragon Quest III.
One notable omission was Pokémon, as no entry from Nintendo’s blockbuster franchise appeared in the rankings. The list also showed that only four games from U.S.-based publishers—Minecraft, Apex Legends, Fortnite, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim—made the top 20, underlining the continued dominance of Japanese-developed games among domestic players.
Rather than reflecting current popularity alone, the survey highlights which games players have devoted the most time to throughout their gaming lives, explaining why long-running online titles and endlessly replayable experiences occupy the highest positions.
