Hey osu! fans! Are you looking for some new, popular songs to add to your collection? Discovering fresh tracks and trending beatmaps is essential to keeping your gameplay exciting and challenging. This guide will walk you through the best ways to find popular songs on osu!, ensuring you always have access to the top hits in the game.

Understanding osu! Beatmaps

Before diving into how to find popular songs, it’s important to understand what beatmaps are and how they contribute to the osu! experience. Beatmaps are essentially the levels in osu!, each one corresponding to a specific song. These maps are created by community members and can range from simple, easy-to-play tracks to complex, rhythmically challenging compositions. The popularity of a beatmap often depends on several factors, including the song's appeal, the quality of the map, and how well it’s received by the osu! community.

When a beatmap gains traction, it typically means that a lot of players are enjoying it, which in turn leads to more visibility and downloads. This creates a positive feedback loop, where popular songs become even more popular. Understanding this dynamic is key to navigating the osu! landscape and finding the best content. Remember, the osu! community is incredibly active, and there are always new beatmaps being created and shared. Staying connected with the community and utilizing the various resources available will help you discover the most popular and enjoyable songs.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to the upload dates of beatmaps. Newer maps might be trending due to recent releases, while older maps have stood the test of time and remain popular due to their quality and replayability. Keeping an eye on both new and classic beatmaps will give you a well-rounded osu! experience.

Method 1: Using the osu! Website

The osu! website is your primary hub for everything related to the game, and it offers several ways to discover popular songs. The Beatmap Listing is an invaluable feature, providing you with various filters and sorting options to find exactly what you’re looking for. One of the most straightforward ways to find popular songs is by sorting the beatmaps by “Ranked” or “Loved.” Ranked beatmaps have been officially approved by the osu! team and are generally well-made and enjoyable. Loved beatmaps, on the other hand, are community favorites that haven’t been officially ranked but are still highly regarded.

To make the most of the osu! website, start by heading to the Beatmap Listing section. Here, you can apply filters such as genre, language, and difficulty to narrow down your search. Sorting by “Most Downloaded” or “Highest Rated” is another great way to find popular songs, as these metrics reflect the community's preferences. Additionally, you can use the search bar to look for specific artists or songs that you already know you like. The Advanced Search options allow you to specify more detailed criteria, such as the beatmap’s length, BPM (beats per minute), and even the mapper (the person who created the beatmap).

Don't underestimate the power of tags! Beatmaps often include tags that describe the song's genre, style, or even specific characteristics like "electronic," "rock," or "anime opening." Using these tags in your search can help you discover new songs that fit your taste. Another useful tip is to regularly check the “Trending” section on the osu! website. This section highlights beatmaps that are currently gaining popularity, giving you a quick way to stay up-to-date with the latest hits. The osu! website is constantly updated, so make it a habit to check it regularly for new and exciting content.

Method 2: Exploring osu! Community Forums

The osu! community is incredibly active, and the forums are a goldmine for discovering new and popular songs. These forums host discussions, recommendations, and showcases of beatmaps that are trending within the community. Participating in these discussions and keeping an eye on popular threads can introduce you to songs that you might not find through the official website alone. The forums are also a great place to get direct feedback and suggestions from other players, helping you refine your taste and discover hidden gems.

To effectively use the osu! forums, start by browsing the “Beatmap Subforums.” These subforums are dedicated to showcasing and discussing beatmaps, and you’ll often find threads highlighting the most popular or noteworthy maps of the week or month. Look for threads with high engagement, as these usually indicate beatmaps that are well-received by the community. Don't be afraid to participate in the discussions! Sharing your own recommendations and asking for suggestions can lead to some fantastic discoveries.

Another useful section of the forums is the “General Discussion” area. Here, you’ll find threads about various topics related to osu!, including discussions about music, mapping, and gameplay. These threads can often lead to recommendations for popular songs and beatmaps. Additionally, many osu! community members create their own blogs or social media accounts where they share their favorite beatmaps. Following these creators can provide you with a steady stream of new music to try out. The osu! community is all about sharing and collaboration, so make the most of it by actively participating and engaging with other players.

Method 3: Following osu! Streamers and YouTubers

Watching osu! streamers and YouTubers is another excellent way to discover popular songs. These content creators often showcase their gameplay using the latest and greatest beatmaps, giving you a firsthand look at what’s trending in the osu! community. By following these creators, you not only get to see how they play but also get introduced to new music that you might not have found otherwise. Many streamers and YouTubers also provide links to the beatmaps they’re playing, making it easy for you to download and try them out yourself.

When choosing which streamers and YouTubers to follow, look for those who focus on gameplay and showcase a variety of beatmaps. Pay attention to the songs they play, and check out the beatmaps in the description or chat. Many creators also take requests from their viewers, so you can even suggest songs that you’re interested in seeing them play. Engage with the community during streams and in the comments section of YouTube videos. This is a great way to get recommendations from other viewers and discover even more new music.

Additionally, some osu! content creators specialize in creating lists and reviews of popular beatmaps. These videos can be incredibly helpful in finding high-quality songs that are worth your time. Look for videos with titles like “Top osu! Beatmaps of the Month” or “Best New osu! Songs,” as these are likely to feature the most popular and enjoyable tracks. Following osu! streamers and YouTubers is not only a great way to discover new music but also a fun way to engage with the community and improve your own gameplay.

Method 4: Utilizing Third-Party Websites and Tools

In addition to the osu! website and community forums, there are several third-party websites and tools that can help you discover popular songs. These resources often provide advanced search filters, detailed statistics, and curated lists of beatmaps, making it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for. While it’s important to use these tools responsibly and ensure they are reputable, they can be a valuable addition to your osu! song-finding arsenal.

One popular third-party website is osu!direct, which allows you to browse and download beatmaps directly from your osu! client. This tool provides a convenient way to find new songs without having to leave the game. Another useful website is osu!stats, which offers detailed statistics on beatmaps, including download counts, ratings, and player activity. By analyzing this data, you can identify beatmaps that are consistently popular among players.

Always exercise caution when using third-party websites and tools. Make sure to download files from trusted sources to avoid viruses or malware. Additionally, be aware of any terms of service or usage policies that may apply. Despite these precautions, third-party resources can be incredibly helpful in discovering new and popular osu! songs. They often provide unique perspectives and insights that you might not find through the official channels.

Method 5: Staying Updated with osu! News and Events

Keeping up with the latest osu! news and events is crucial for staying informed about popular songs and trends within the community. The osu! team regularly announces new beatmaps, contests, and events that can introduce you to fresh music. By staying connected with these announcements, you can ensure that you’re always in the loop and aware of the latest hits.

Follow the official osu! social media accounts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. These accounts often share news about new beatmaps, community events, and featured artists. Sign up for the osu! newsletter to receive regular updates directly in your inbox. This is a convenient way to stay informed without having to actively search for news.

Participating in osu! events and contests is another great way to discover new music. Many of these events feature specific genres or artists, giving you the opportunity to explore different styles and expand your musical horizons. Additionally, these events often come with exclusive beatmaps that you won’t find anywhere else. Staying updated with osu! news and events is not only beneficial for finding popular songs but also for engaging with the community and enhancing your overall osu! experience.

Conclusion

Finding popular songs on osu! involves a combination of exploring the official website, engaging with the community, following content creators, utilizing third-party tools, and staying updated with the latest news and events. By using these methods, you can ensure that you always have access to the best and most enjoyable beatmaps in the game. So, dive in, explore, and discover your next favorite osu! song! Happy gaming, guys!