Some games, like cherished old friends, remain with us for years; their music ingrained in our memories, their moments of triumph and defeat still sending shivers down our spines. Others blaze across the gaming landscape, momentarily dazzling the industry and setting new benchmarks. But how do we choose the "best"? For some, the perfect game is a nostalgic childhood adventure; for others, a multiplayer masterpiece that united thousands. We've compiled a list of the greatest games of all time, their status confirmed by the most respected rating systems.
We also invite you to explore our curated selections of games across various genres:
**Survival | Horror | Simulators | Shooters | Platformer**
Table of Contents
Half-Life 2 | Portal 2 | Diablo II | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Sid Meier's Civilization V | Fallout 3 | BioShock | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Dark Souls 2 | Doom Eternal | Baldur's Gate 3 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Mass Effect 2 | Grand Theft Auto V | Resident Evil 4 | Disco Elysium | RimWorld | Dwarf Fortress | World of Warcraft | StarCraft | Minecraft | Spore | Warcraft III | League of Legends | Undertale | Inscryption | This War of Mine | Hearthstone | Stardew Valley | The Beginner's Guide
Half-Life 2
Metascore: 96 | Download: Steam | Release Date: November 16, 2004 | Developer: Valve
Valve's legendary 2004 first-person shooter, Half-Life 2, casts you as Gordon Freeman, a silent scientist thrust into a world under alien occupation. Beyond shooting, you'll solve puzzles, interact with the environment, and master the iconic gravity gun. The gripping narrative and immersive atmosphere of a humanity fighting for survival remain remarkably impactful, while its innovative physics engine still holds up today. Enemies are intelligent, flanking and outsmarting you, adding a layer of strategic depth.
Portal 2
Metascore: 95 | Download: Steam | Release Date: April 19, 2011 | Developer: Valve
Portal 2 is a delightful blend of mind-bending puzzles and sharp wit. GLaDOS, the sarcastic and sinister AI, provides constant comedic mockery, complemented by the charmingly annoying Wheatley. Their interactions are memorable and hilarious. Each level introduces increasingly complex puzzles and new mechanics, such as surface-altering gels and light bridges, adding layers of strategic challenge. The addition of multiplayer in the sequel enhances the experience.
Diablo II
Metascore: 88 | Download: Diablo II | Release Date: June 28, 2000 | Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Diablo II isn't just a game; it's a landmark achievement in the ARPG genre. Blizzard's 2000 release instantly captivated players and remains a benchmark. Its dark, gothic world is brimming with ominous secrets. You choose a hero and embark on a perilous journey of monster slaying, loot gathering, and character progression. The addictive gameplay loop of incremental power increases ensures countless hours of engaging play, making it a timeless classic.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Metascore: 92 | Download: Steam | Release Date: May 18, 2015 | Developer: CD PROJEKT RED
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a sprawling, immersive world begging to be explored. As Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter, you'll wield swords and magic in a richly detailed environment. Quests are more than simple fetch quests; they are complete narratives with compelling characters and unexpected twists. The game presents challenging moral dilemmas, forcing players to confront difficult choices. Critically acclaimed for its deep story, compelling characters, and captivating atmosphere, it's a true masterpiece.
Sid Meier's Civilization V
Metascore: 90 | Download: Steam | Release Date: September 21, 2010 | Developer: Firaxis Games, Aspyr Media
Civilization V's enduring popularity is no surprise. This turn-based strategy game allows you to guide a civilization through the ages, from primitive tools to interstellar travel. You'll build cities, advance technology and culture, and manage your economy while navigating relationships with other civilizations—choosing between diplomacy, trade, or war. Each playthrough offers a unique experience due to randomly generated maps and diverse civilizations, providing endless replayability.
Fallout 3
Metascore: 93 | Download: Steam | Release Date: October 28, 2008 | Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Bethesda's 2008 Action/RPG masterpiece, Fallout 3, features a sprawling open world that remains remarkably engaging. Emerging from Vault 101, you explore the ruins of Washington D.C., encountering mutants, bandits, and enjoying unparalleled freedom of choice. The game's retro soundtrack, atmospheric visuals, and pervasive sense of radiation create a truly unforgettable experience. Its lasting appeal stems from its immersive atmosphere and the freedom it offers players.
BioShock
Metascore: 96 | Download: Steam | Release Date: August 21, 2007 | Developer: 2K Boston, 2K Australia
BioShock transcends the typical action shooter. Set in a distorted 1960s underwater city, the game presents a captivating blend of action and mystery. Every detail, from the environment to the cryptic inscriptions, contributes to a dark and unsettling narrative. Its haunting imagery and thought-provoking themes continue to spark discussion and debate among players.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Metascore: 97 | Download: Steam | Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games
Rockstar Games' ambitious Red Dead Redemption 2 immerses you in the dying era of the Wild West. As Arthur Morgan, an outlaw, you'll experience the harsh realities of survival in a chaotic world. The vast and detailed world allows for hours of exploration and emergent gameplay. Your actions shape your reputation and the narrative, offering a truly dynamic and unforgettable experience.
Dark Souls 2
Metascore: 91 | Download: Steam | Release Date: March 11, 2014 | Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.
Dark Souls II, released in 2014, is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Its brutal difficulty is integral to its design philosophy. Exploring the unforgiving kingdom of Drangleic, you'll constantly test your skills and resilience. The souls of fallen enemies become your currency, allowing for character progression, but death means potential loss. Its demanding gameplay and atmospheric world have cemented its status as a cult classic.
Doom Eternal
Metascore: 88 | Download: Steam | Release Date: March 20, 2020 | Developer: id Software
Doom Eternal delivers pure, unadulterated adrenaline-fueled action. Run, gun, and explode your way through hordes of demonic enemies. The game prioritizes intense, fast-paced gameplay over narrative complexity, delivering a visceral and exhilarating experience.
Baldur's Gate 3
Metascore: 96 | Download: Steam | Release Date: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios
Baldur's Gate 3 is a sprawling RPG where your choices profoundly impact the narrative. Create your character, assemble your party, and embark on an epic journey filled with dragons, magic, intrigue, and extensive dialogue. The game's emphasis on player agency and the consequences of their actions has earned it widespread critical acclaim.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Metascore: 96 | Download: Steam | Release Date: November 11, 2011 | Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Skyrim's enduring legacy is built on its vast and explorable world. Even after countless playthroughs, there are always new corners to discover. The game offers unparalleled freedom, allowing players to pursue their own goals at their own pace, whether it's exploring dungeons, battling dragons, or simply enjoying the breathtaking landscapes.
Mass Effect 2
Metascore: 96 | Download: Steam | Release Date: January 26, 2010 | Developer: BioWare
Mass Effect 2 is a deeply emotional RPG that explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the vastness of space. The game's compelling narrative, memorable characters, and difficult choices create a truly personal and unforgettable experience.
Grand Theft Auto V
Metascore: 97 | Download: Steam | Release Date: September 17, 2013 | Developer: Rockstar Games
Grand Theft Auto V offers unparalleled freedom in its vast and dynamic open world. Players can choose to follow the main storyline or create their own chaos, exploring Los Santos at their leisure. The game's combination of action, humor, and a sprawling sandbox environment has made it a cultural phenomenon.
Resident Evil 4
Metascore: 96 | Download: Steam | Release Date: January 11, 2005 | Developer: Capcom
Resident Evil 4 revolutionized survival horror, blending classic elements with dynamic action sequences. Its innovative gameplay, memorable bosses, and gripping atmosphere have ensured its enduring popularity and influence on the genre.
Disco Elysium
Metascore: 91 | Download: Steam | Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM
Disco Elysium is a unique RPG that prioritizes narrative and character development over traditional gameplay mechanics. Its unconventional approach to storytelling and its exploration of complex themes have earned it critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
RimWorld
Metascore: 87 | Download: Steam | Release Date: October 17, 2018 | Developer: Ludeon Studios
RimWorld is a challenging colony simulator that throws unexpected events at the player. Managing resources, dealing with injuries, and making difficult moral choices are all part of the experience. Its emergent gameplay and unpredictable scenarios ensure high replayability.
Dwarf Fortress
Metascore: 93 | Download: Steam | Release Date: December 6, 2022 | Developer: Bay 12 Games
Dwarf Fortress is a pioneering sandbox game that generates vast and detailed worlds. Its complex systems and emergent gameplay have made it a cult classic, influencing countless other games in the genre.
World of Warcraft
Metascore: 93 | Download: World of Warcraft | Release Date: November 23, 2004 | Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
World of Warcraft's enduring popularity is due to its vast world, engaging storyline, and thriving community. Its constant updates and expansions have kept the game fresh and exciting for over two decades.
StarCraft
Metascore: 88 | Download: StarCraft | Release Date: March 31, 1998 | Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
StarCraft set the standard for real-time strategy games, emphasizing strategic thinking and skillful execution over flashy graphics. Its competitive scene, particularly in South Korea, helped to establish esports as a global phenomenon.
Minecraft
Metascore: 93 | Download: Minecraft | Release Date: November 18, 2011 | Developer: Markus Persson, Jens Bergensten
Minecraft's simple yet endlessly creative gameplay has captivated millions. Its blocky world allows for unlimited building and exploration, while its survival mode adds a layer of challenge and engagement.
Spore
Metascore: 84 | Download: Steam | Release Date: September 7, 2008 | Developer: Maxis
Spore's ambitious scope and creative tools allowed players to design their own creatures and civilizations, creating a unique and personalized gaming experience.
Warcraft III
Metascore: 92 | Download: Warcraft III | Release Date: July 3, 2002 | Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Warcraft III's innovative hero system and engaging storyline helped to redefine the real-time strategy genre. Its custom map editor also laid the groundwork for the massively popular MOBA genre.
League of Legends
Metascore: 78 | Download: League of Legends | Release Date: October 27, 2009 | Developer: Riot Games
League of Legends is a massively popular MOBA that has defined the genre for over a decade. Its compelling characters and competitive gameplay have made it a global phenomenon.
Undertale
Metascore: 92 | Download: Steam | Release Date: September 15, 2015 | Developer: Toby Fox
Undertale's unique gameplay mechanics and emotional storytelling have made it a beloved indie classic. Its innovative approach to combat and its exploration of complex themes have earned it widespread praise.
Inscryption
Metascore: 85 | Download: Steam | Release Date: October 19, 2021 | Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
Inscryption's innovative blend of card game mechanics and narrative storytelling creates a deeply unsettling and rewarding experience. Its meta-narrative and unexpected twists make it a truly unique and unforgettable game.
This War of Mine
Metascore: 83 | Download: Steam | Release Date: November 14, 2014 | Developer: 11 bit studios
This War of Mine offers a stark and realistic portrayal of civilian life during wartime. Its focus on survival, resource management, and difficult moral choices creates a deeply affecting and thought-provoking experience.
Hearthstone
Metascore: 88 | Download: Hearthstone | Release Date: March 11, 2014 | Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Hearthstone's accessible gameplay and charming visuals have made it one of the most popular collectible card games in the world.
Stardew Valley
Metascore: 89 | Download: Steam | Release Date: February 26, 2016 | Developer: ConcernedApe
Stardew Valley's charming pixel art, relaxing gameplay, and heartwarming story have made it a beloved indie classic.
The Beginner's Guide
Metascore: 76 | Download: Steam | Release Date: October 1, 2015 | Developer: Everything Unlimited Ltd.
The Beginner's Guide is a unique and thought-provoking game that explores themes of creativity, burnout, and the human condition.
The greatest games of all time are more than just technical achievements; they are living, breathing narratives that connect generations. While this list may evolve over time, each game has undeniably left its mark on the industry and, perhaps, on your heart.
