2025 is well underway, and it's time to refresh IGN's list of the 25 best modern PC games. But what constitutes "best"? This isn't an objective ranking; subjectivity is inherent in gaming. What one person considers a masterpiece, another might find tedious. Even fans of the same genre will disagree.
This list represents the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming team, ranked using our Face-Off tool. It's a celebration of games we love, encouraging you to try them if you haven't.
With only 25 slots, many excellent recent PC games were omitted. This reflects the diversity of opinions within our team.
The Best PC Games
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This list focuses on "modern" PC games (released or significantly updated since 2013). Many classic titles are excluded; see our Top 100 Games of All Time for those.
Remember, this is our perspective, no more "right" or "wrong" than your own list. Create your top 25 (or 100!) using our Playlist tool and share it in the comments!
Most recent game updates were made on February 13, 2025.
Under Consideration – Recent Games
These highly-rated 2024 and 2025 games are too new for ranking, but will be considered in future voting.
Civilization 7, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Mouthwashing, Marvel Rivals, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Sonic X Shadow Generations, MechWarrior 5: Clans, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Silent Hill 2 Remake, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, Black Myth: Wukong
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Undertale
Undertale subverts expectations. It's aware you're playing an RPG, using this to surprise you, remembering saves and decisions. Actions have unexpected consequences.
Its emotionally charged story reinforces its message: choices matter, to you and others. It’s subversive, replayable, melancholy, and a truly great PC game.
Check out our Undertale review.
Release Date: September 15, 2015 |Developer: Toby Fox | Last Position: New!
Balatro
Don't assume Texas Hold'em skills translate to Balatro. This deck-building roguelite mixes wild joker cards, creating insane combos. It’ll challenge your assumptions.
Check out our Balatro review.
Release Date: February 20, 2024 |Developer: LocalThunk | Last Position: New!
Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 excels at telling human stories within a complex grand strategy system. Military might, diplomacy, and intrigue all play a role. While dense, it's surprisingly accessible.
Check out our Crusader Kings 3 review.
Release Date: September 1, 2020 |Developer: Paradox Development Studio | Last Position: New!
Hitman: World of Assassination
Hitman: World of Assassination collects the Hitman trilogy's levels. These rich, replayable sandboxes offer endless assassination opportunities. The thrill of a perfect hit is unmatched.
Check out our Hitman 3: World of Assassination review.
Release Date: January 26, 2023 | Developer: IO Interactive | Last Position: 16
Doom (2016)
The 2016 Doom reboot is a masterful reimagining. Rip and tear your way through hordes of demons in this wildly aggressive, satisfying shooter. Its influence is still felt today.
Check out our Doom (2016) review.
Release Date: May 13, 2016 | Developer: id Software | Last Position: 17
Final Fantasy VII Remake
The Resident Evil 4 Remake masterfully modernizes the classic, delivering intense action-horror. The rebuilt world is richly detailed, with thrilling action sequences.
Check out our Resident Evil 4 Remake review.
Release Date: March 24, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Last Position: 19
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake successfully reimagines the original as a stunning action game. The combat is superb, Midgar is breathtaking, and the characters are beloved.
Check out our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review.
Release Date: December 16, 2021 | Developer: Square Enix Business Division 1 | Last Position: 20
God of War
God of War (2018) is a fantastic reinvention, boasting challenging combat and a touching story. Its PC port is gorgeous and deserves its place among PC greats.
Check out our God of War review.
Release Date: January 14, 2022 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Last Position: 18
Nier: Automata
Nier: Automata delivers a ridiculously entertaining journey, blending genres and styles within a fascinating dystopian setting. The combat is frenetic, and the soundtrack unforgettable.
Check out our Nier: Automata review.
Release Date: March 17, 2017 | Developer: PlatinumGames | Last Position: 15
Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV is a fantastic Final Fantasy game and a top-tier MMO. Its story has evolved into a sprawling political thriller. Even solo play is enjoyable.
Check out our Final Fantasy XIV review.
Release Date: August 27, 2013 | Developer: Square Enix Product Development Division 3 | Last Position: 21
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a sprawling tale and a meticulously detailed world. The PC version enhances the experience with added content and features.
Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.
Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 6
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is a unique space exploration game with a 22-minute time loop. Explore ruins, solve mysteries, and unravel the secrets of a lost civilization.
Check out our Outer Wilds review.
Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Developer: Annapurna Interactive | Last Position: 12
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a superb Metroidvania, offering beautiful visuals, expansive exploration, and challenging combat. Its secrets will keep you playing for hours.
Check out our Hollow Knight review.
Release Date: February 24, 2017 |Developer: Team Cherry | Last Position: 25
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen delivers intense tactical combat with high stakes. The expansion adds new challenges and replayability.
Check out our XCOM 2: War of the Chosen review.
Release Date: August 29, 2017 | Developer: Firaxis Games | Last Position: 9
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a deep, lengthy RPG with a massive open world. Its story, characters, and visuals are all top-notch.
Check out our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review.
Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 8
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077, with its 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion, is a visually stunning and refined experience. Explore Night City's open world.
Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Release Date: February 15, 2022 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 7
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a beloved farming sim, offering charming gameplay, relaxing music, and endless things to do. Modding options enhance the PC experience.
Check out our Stardew Valley review.
Release Date: February 26, 2016 | Developer: ConcernedApe | Last Position: New!
Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online
GTA 5's massive and detailed map is still a benchmark for open-world games. Its single-player story and GTA Online offer endless possibilities.
Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.
Release Date: April 4, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 11
Satisfactory
Satisfactory lets you build massive, complex factories on an alien world. The satisfaction of creating a well-oiled machine is unparalleled.
Check out our Satisfactory review.
Release Date: September 10, 2024 | Developer: Coffee Stain Studios | Last Position: New!
Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx is a groundbreaking VR shooter, setting a new standard for VR experiences. Its story, puzzles, and combat are all exceptional.
Check out our Half-Life: Alyx review.
Release Date: March 23, 2020 | Developer: Valve | Last Position: 14
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire's constantly changing gameplay keeps things fresh. Its unique card combinations and characters make each run a unique experience.
Check out our Slay the Spire review.
Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last Position: 4
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is a unique RPG with deep dialogue and innovative mechanics. Its writing is exceptional, creating a memorable and unforgettable experience.
Check out our Disco Elysium review.
Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 3
Hades
Hades is a top-tier action roguelite, featuring exhilarating combat, a fantastic soundtrack, and a compelling story. Its post-game content keeps you coming back.
Check out our Hades review.
Release Date: December 6, 2018 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 2
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a fantastic entry point to the Soulslike genre. Its open world, streamlined introduction, and diverse playstyles make it more accessible.
Check out our Elden Ring review.
Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware Inc. | Last Position: 5
Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 is an ambitious and old-school RPG with epic storytelling, memorable characters, and deep tactical combat.
Check out our Baldur's Gate 3 review.
Release Date: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Last Position: 1
The 25 Best PC Games to Play Right Now
25 games collectively recommended by IGN editors and contributors, all released within the past 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.
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Upcoming PC Games
Exciting PC games coming in 2025:
These are our top 25 modern PC games. Many great games were omitted due to space constraints. Share your favorites in the comments! Also, check out our other best games lists:
Best PS5 Games, Best Xbox Series X|S Games, Best Switch Games
