10 Best Games to Stream on Twitch
Apr 28, 2026• Proven solutions
With more than 2.2 million active broadcasters each month, Amazon’s Twitch.tv has become the latest form of mass-consumption entertainment. Some of Twitch’s top streamers are now earning $100,000s each month—to game!
Thousands dream of becoming pro streamers, but to get popular on Twitch it’s essential to stream the games audiences want to see. But that doesn’t necessarily mean streaming just the best-selling games. As most of the time, these games will be oversaturated with broadcasters.
Sometimes, broadcasters find success streaming lesser-known, niche games. But, this article will focus on more popular games which are the best for developing a new channel and engaging mainstream audiences.
Growing a Twitch channel in 2026 requires selecting games with a high viewer-to-channel ratio rather than just the most popular titles. This guide analyzes 10 mainstream games suitable for new streamers to maximize audience engagement.
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Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize games with a low number of live channels relative to high viewer counts.
- Classic titles like GTA V and Minecraft maintain stable audiences with less competition.
- Interactive games like Super Mario Maker encourage high chat engagement.
- IRL (Just Chatting) remains a top category for personal brand building in 2026.
Top Games to Stream on Twitch in 2018
The following are games with the best viewers to channel ratio on Twitch. All our metrics are sourced from TwitchTracker*. The list is ranked in descending order in terms of each game’s viewer to channel ratio.
1. Super Mario Maker
AVG. Live Channels: 15
AVG. Viewers: 1,279
Image from Internet
Super Mario Maker is an acclaimed addition to Nintendo’s popular side-scrolling platform game. Fans of Mario can create and share their own custom courses. In May 2016, it was reported that more than 7 million courses had been created, which had been used more than 600 million times. For Twitch streamers, it’s the perfect game for interacting with an audience. You can, take level requests from chat, or attempt the brutal courses found in the 100 Mario Challenge. Exploring Nintendo’s iconic Mushroom Kingdom has never been so interactive.
2. IRL
AVG. Live Channels: 926
AVG. Viewers: 64,469
Image from Internet
On Twitch, the world of gaming is becoming intermingled with real life. Amazon has unveiled a new feature called IRL, a channel that lets people broadcast moments from their real lives. IRL is the next step in Twitch’s evolution from a game streaming service to a complete streaming service. The channel is designed to enable and encourage Twitch broadcasters to step out from behind the monitor, and share content captured from their normal lives. Although it could be argued IRL doesn’t belong on a list of games, it’s an exciting new development that is appealing to new audiences and new streamers should be in the know.
3. League of Legends
AVG. Live Channels: 1,968
AVG. Viewers: 102,669
Image from Internet
In, 2017 League of Legends became the most popular game on Twitch, with more than 80 million hours streamed. LoL is an online battle arena game that follows a freemium model. In LoL, gamers assume the role of an unseen summoner that controls a champion with unique abilities and battle against teams of other gamers or computer-controlled champions. It’s also popular with pro gamers and has an active competition scene. The 2017 World Championship had 60 million viewers and a total prize fund of over $4 million. LoL’s immense fanbase ensures that there will be a guaranteed audience for streamers.
"Streaming success is no longer just about gameplay skill; it's about finding the statistical sweet spot in the directory." — Industry Analyst, 2026.
4. Grand Theft Auto V
AVG. Live Channels: 662
AVG. Viewers: 21,550
Image from Internet
Grand Theft Auto V is an action-adventure game, considered to be one of the best games of all time and is the fastest-selling entertainment product ever. Released in 2013, the huge open world design is packed with detail and things to do. GTAV has one of the largest fanbases but is underrepresented on Twitch, perhaps due to its age. This makes it a good game for new streamers looking to engage new audiences. Its predecessors Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas are also great options.
5. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
AVG. Live Channels: 1,020
AVG. Viewers: 26,026
Image from Internet
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a classic game that Twitch streamers love. It’s the fourth game in the Counter-Strike series and was released back in August 2012. The game is simple, with two teams competing against each other to win—the Terrorists and the Counter-Terrorists. There are eight game modes, all with distinct characteristics specific to that mode. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive also has an active competition scene, with events across the globe. The game’s enduring popularity means there are always matches available and an audience to be found.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
AVG. Live Channels: 35
AVG. Viewers: 872
Image from Internet
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the latest Zelda action-adventure game, released in 2017. It takes place at the end of the Zelda timeline and its world is unstructured and designed to encourage experimentation. The game has received acclaim for its open-world design and attention to detail, with some publications describing it as one of the best video games of all time. It’s also underrepresented on Twitch which could be because it’s just available on Wii U and Nintendo Switch. But with new downloadable content (DLC) released new gamers are searching for streams on this game!
7. Dead by Daylight
AVG. Live Channels: 708
AVG. Viewers: 13,179
Image from Internet
Dead by Daylight is a tense, online survival horror game. It’s played as a one versus four game, where one player takes on the role of the sadistic killer while the others fight to survive. For Twitch viewers, it’s like watching an unfolding horror movie. The game also includes iconic unlockable and downloadable (DLC) characters from horror franchises like A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Saw.
8. Minecraft
AVG. Live Channels: 422
AVG. Viewers: 7,510
Image from Internet
Minecraft is described by its creators as being simply “a game about placing blocks and going on adventures”. This modest evaluation bellies the cultural phenomenon Minecraft has become. Released in 2009 it’s gone on to become the bestselling PC game ever created. It allows gamers to create their own worlds and includes other in-game activities like exploration, resource gathering and survival mode. The huge breadth of experiences possible in Minecraft makes it a streaming hit. It’s guaranteed that no two streams will ever be the same.
9. Resident Evil 7
AVG. Live Channels: 26
AVG. Viewers: 435
Image from Internet
If the insane rise of react videos online shows us one thing, it’s that audiences love to watch streamers scared. Resident Evil 7 is one of the best games out there for doing this, the tagline says it all—Fear Comes Home. The latest instalment of Capcom's continuing survival horror series is a harrowing first-person adventure that returns to the franchise's roots, emphasizing tension and exploration through the character Ethan Winters.
10. Fortnite
AVG. Live Channels: 11,056
AVG. Viewers: 182,419
Image from Internet
Fortnite is the most streamed game on Twitch, beating classics like League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Fortnite is an online game created in 2017 and released as different software packages, with different game modes that share the same world and game engine. The most popular game mode is Fornite Battle Royale, a free last-man-standing game that involves up to 100 gamers. It can be hard for new streamers to penetrate this audience but it’s a good option for those on pro teams or who compete in tournaments.
Pro Tip: Use AI to Enhance Your Streams
In 2026, many successful streamers use AI tools like Filmora to edit highlight reels from their streams. Short-form content on TikTok and YouTube Shorts is essential for driving traffic back to your live Twitch broadcasts.
In closing, for new gamers looking to break into Twitch streaming Super Mario Maker is best for those on Nintendo consoles. League of Legends remains a popular choice but Fortnite’s position as the most streamed game on Twitch makes it a difficult game to get exposure from. For those looking to perhaps go outside their comfort zone, Twitch’s new IRL channel is a great option for building an audience.
You may also like: 10 Best Live Streaming Software for Twitch/YouTube/Facebook >>
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Games to Stream on Twitch
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Which games are best for new streamers to grow in 2026?
For new streamers, it is best to avoid saturated categories like "Just Chatting" or "League of Legends." Instead, focus on games with high "Viewer-to-Streamer" ratios such as Albion Online, Phasmophobia, or newly released indie titles like Vampire Crawlers. These niches allow you to appear higher in the directory and get discovered more easily. -
Is it still worth streaming Minecraft or GTA V in 2026?
Yes, but you need a unique angle. GTA V remains popular due to the massive hype surrounding the upcoming GTA VI (expected late 2026) and active RP (Roleplay) servers. Minecraft continues to thrive through community-driven events and SMP servers. To succeed, focus on viewer interaction and unique world-building rather than standard gameplay. -
What are the trending game categories on Twitch this April 2026?
This month, we are seeing a massive surge in Marvel Rivals, Crimson Desert, and ARC Raiders. Additionally, competitive shooters like Valorant and Counter-Strike maintain a steady top-tier position due to active esports seasons. Staying updated with "Special Events" categories can also provide temporary but explosive growth. -
Does streaming the "hottest" game guarantee more viewers?
Not necessarily. If you stream a game with 100,000 viewers but 5,000 other streamers are also live, you will likely be buried at the bottom. The "sweet spot" is finding a game with 1,000–5,000 total viewers where you can realistically reach the top two rows of the category, significantly increasing your click-through rate. -
How can I improve my stream quality for high-action games?
High-action games (like Apex Legends or Warzone) require a high bitrate and stable FPS. Using a dedicated encoder like NVIDIA NVENC is recommended to reduce CPU load. For post-stream highlights, many top creators use Wondershare Filmora to quickly edit their best plays with AI-powered motion tracking and auto-reframe for TikTok and Shorts.
This guide was compiled by professional streaming analysts using real-time data from TwitchTracker to ensure accuracy for the 2026 streaming landscape.
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