Some games linger in our memories like old friends, their melodies echoing through time and their moments of triumph or defeat sending shivers down our spine. Others burst onto the scene like brilliant flashes, shaking up the industry and setting new benchmarks.
Choosing the "best" games is no easy feat. What's perfect for one player might be a nostalgic journey into childhood, while for another, it could be a multiplayer sensation that connects thousands. Here, we've curated a list of the top games of all time, validated by the most respected ratings.
For those interested in exploring further, we also suggest checking out our curated lists of games across various genres:
Survival, Horror, Simulators, Shooters, Platformers
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
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 16, 2004
Developer: Valve
Half-Life 2, released by Valve in 2004, is a legendary first-person shooter that immerses you in the role of Gordon Freeman, a silent scientist in an alien-occupied world. Beyond shooting, you'll tackle puzzles, interact with the environment, and wield the iconic gravity gun. The narrative captivates from the outset, with an atmosphere that blurs the line between pixels and reality. The game's physics were groundbreaking and remain impressive today. Enemies aren't just targets; they strategize, flank, and surprise you, making every encounter thrilling.
Portal 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 95
Download: Steam
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Developer: Valve
Portal 2 is a delightful blend of wit and intellect. You'll chuckle at the snarky remarks of GLaDOS, the sinister AI, and appreciate the antics of Wheatley, the endearing yet frustrating robot. Their interactions and dialogues are unforgettable. As you progress, puzzles become increasingly complex, introducing innovative mechanics like gels that alter surface properties and light bridges that add depth to challenges. The addition of multiplayer in this sequel enhances the experience even further.
Diablo II
Image: polygon.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Diablo II
Release Date: June 28, 2000
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Diablo II, launched by Blizzard in 2000, is more than a game; it's an era. It set the standard for action RPGs with its dark, gothic world filled with ominous secrets. Choose your hero and embark on a perilous journey, battling monsters, collecting loot, and growing stronger. It's addictive—every new sword or skill upgrade feels like a small victory, urging you to play "just five more minutes." Even years later, Diablo II's relevance endures through re-releases, mods, and a dedicated fanbase, uniting millions worldwide.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Image: xtgamer.net
Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release Date: May 18, 2015
Developer: CD PROJEKT RED
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers an expansive universe you'll want to immerse yourself in completely. Playing as Geralt of Rivia, a seasoned monster hunter, you'll navigate a meticulously crafted world where every quest tells a rich story with intriguing characters and unexpected twists. The game presents moral dilemmas that challenge your decisions, cementing its status as a cult classic praised for its deep narrative, well-developed characters, and immersive atmosphere. It's no wonder The Witcher 3 has garnered countless awards and is hailed as a masterpiece.
Sid Meier's Civilization V
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 90
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Developer: Firaxis Games, Aspyr Media
Civilization V remains a cornerstone of strategy gaming, drawing players back time and again. As ruler of a civilization, you'll guide it from the stone age to the space age, managing cities, advancing science and culture, and navigating diplomacy or warfare with neighboring civilizations. Each game offers a unique experience on a randomly generated map, with expansions like "Gods & Kings" and "Brave New World" adding layers of depth through new mechanics like religions and espionage. It's a game you could easily lose hundreds of hours to.
Fallout 3
Image: newgamenetwork.com
Metascore: 93
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Released in 2008, Fallout 3 by Bethesda redefined the action/RPG genre with its open world that still captivates today. As a resident of Vault 101, you venture into the post-apocalyptic ruins of Washington, encountering mutants, bandits, and complete freedom of choice. The atmosphere is unparalleled—from retro radio hits to rusted ruins telling silent stories and the pervasive scent of radiation. Fallout 3 isn't just a cult classic; it's like an old friend you're always eager to revisit.
BioShock
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Developer: 2K Boston, 2K Australia
BioShock might appear as another action shooter at first glance, but it delves much deeper. You're transported to a 1960s dystopia where jazz emanates from seashell speakers, and posters tout "great ideals," while something sinister lurks in the shadows. Every detail, from doors to wall inscriptions, contributes to a dark, mysterious narrative. It's no surprise that BioShock remains a topic of discussion, much like Twin Peaks, leaving a lasting impression.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 97
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Developer: Rockstar Games
In Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar Games created an immersive experience where you live as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw from the Van der Linde gang. The game captures the essence of the dying Wild West, where survival and morality intertwine. The vast, living world allows you to step away from the main plot and simply exist, which players cherish. Your actions ripple through the world, shaping your legacy as either a noble gunslinger or a notorious villain.
Dark Souls 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 91
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.
Dark Souls II, released in 2014, appeals to those who relish the challenge of constant defeat and resurgence. It's debated whether it's a brilliant test for masochists or a masterpiece redefining game difficulty. In Drangleic, a beautiful yet merciless kingdom, you'll face trials where the souls of fallen enemies serve as currency for leveling up or buying potions, with the risk of losing everything upon death. It's a test of perseverance and strategy.
Doom Eternal
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 20, 2020
Developer: id Software
Doom Eternal is all about relentless action: running, shredding monsters, climbing walls, jumping, shooting, and exploding in a continuous cycle of adrenaline. It doesn't aim for deep storytelling or survival simulation; it's pure, unadulterated carnage. The game throws you into the fray with hellish creatures, focusing on brilliantly designed gameplay that keeps your heart pounding.
Baldur's Gate 3
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 3, 2023
Developer: Larian Studios
Baldur's Gate 3 is an RPG where you craft your character and assemble a party of unique, often dangerous companions. It's not about mundane tasks but epic quests with dragons, magic, and intrigue. Every choice—from a failed joke to a betrayal—alters the story, offering no "right" answers but a profound sense of shaping your narrative. Its appeal lies in the freedom and impact of your decisions, earning it widespread acclaim.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 11, 2011
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Skyrim is legendary for its endless stories and adventures. Even after exploring every inch, there's always another hidden corner waiting beneath a snowstorm. It's an open-world adventure where you set the pace and direction. Climb mountains, delve into dungeons, battle dragons—Skyrim is yours to explore, with no one forcing you along the main storyline.
Mass Effect 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 26, 2010
Developer: BioWare
Mass Effect 2 is more than an RPG; it's a personal saga of friendship, betrayal, and cosmic surprises. Fans often reminisce about forgetting to upgrade the ship or mourning a character's death. The game blends thrilling shootouts with dialogues that influence entire planets, presenting you with tough choices—risk your life for a distant colony or spark a romance with an alien? It's a universe where your decisions matter.
Grand Theft Auto V
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 97
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Developer: Rockstar Games
Who hasn't wreaked havoc in virtual Los Santos in GTA V? That's the game's charm—it doesn't constrain you. You can follow the plot like a movie star or abandon it to fly over the city with a jetpack, race against cops, or steal cars. Freedom is the hallmark of the GTA franchise.
Resident Evil 4
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 11, 2005
Developer: Capcom
Resident Evil 4, released in 2005, revolutionized the survival horror genre by stripping away excess and adding dynamism. It's remembered for the eerie creak of narrow corridors, adrenaline-pumping shootouts in destructible environments, and unforgettable bosses. The game keeps you on your toes, seamlessly blending combat, puzzles, and cinematic moments.
Disco Elysium
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 91
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Developer: ZA/UM
Disco Elysium isn't about winning; it's about falling, rising, and questioning. If you're ready for a game where a wrong dialogue choice can lead to defeat, welcome to Revachol. It's a blend of noir detective storytelling, philosophical musings, and psychedelic art. As a detective solving a murder, you first must confront your own reflection.
RimWorld
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 87
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 17, 2018
Developer: Ludeon Studios
RimWorld never lets you relax. You can't just build a base; you'll be managing crises, treating wounds, and making tough decisions about resources. It's a story generator where you'll laugh at absurd situations or ponder over ethical dilemmas. With endless replayability, you'll discover new ways to navigate challenges.
Dwarf Fortress
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 93
Download: Steam
Release Date: December 6, 2022
Developer: Bay 12 Games
Dwarf Fortress, the grandfather of sandbox games, predates Minecraft and RimWorld. Its original code is even part of the Museum of Modern Art's collection. The 2022 remake enhanced its accessibility while preserving its depth. The game creates entire worlds with histories, myths, and religions, where your fortress becomes part of an epic tale. There's no definitive "win"—just survival, construction, and the chaotic lives of your dwarves.
World of Warcraft
Image: worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com
Metascore: 93
Download: World of Warcraft
Release Date: November 23, 2004
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
In World of Warcraft, you can do almost anything: explore diverse landscapes, complete quests that evoke emotion, battle monsters or engage in PvP, and team up with others for dungeons or epic raids. Its enduring appeal stems from a living, evolving world, a vibrant community, and a rich lore that feels like a saga filled with drama and humor.
StarCraft
Image: polygon.com
Metascore: 88
Download: StarCraft
Release Date: March 31, 1998
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
StarCraft, released by Blizzard in 1998, set the standard for real-time strategy games. It's a game of base-building, resource management, and strategic warfare that feels like chess with spaceships and alien swarms. It became a cultural phenomenon, especially in South Korea, where it fueled a professional esports scene with televised matches and massive fan support.
Minecraft
Image: minecraft.net
Metascore: 93
Download: Minecraft
Release Date: November 18, 2011
Developer: Markus Persson, Jens Bergensten
Minecraft's world of cubes offers endless possibilities. Build anything from a cozy house to a sprawling city, mine resources, fight monsters, or simply create in peace. Its popularity stems from its boundless freedom, where you decide how to play. The community's creativity, with countless mods, keeps the game fresh and engaging.
Spore
Image: axios.com
Metascore: 84
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 7, 2008
Developer: Maxis
Spore is an ambitious experiment that largely succeeded. Its editors allow you to create creatures and spaceships that defy imagination, and every decision influences the evolving world. While some stages might feel simplistic, Spore inspired countless players to create and explore, proving that games can be entire universes where you're the director.
Warcraft III
Image: warcraft3.blizzard.com
Metascore: 92
Download: Warcraft III
Release Date: July 3, 2002
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Warcraft III, released in 2002, introduced heroes to the RTS genre, allowing you to level them up and use unique abilities. With four distinct races, each with unique strategies, the game encouraged creativity and adaptation. Its story, featuring iconic characters like Arthas and Illidan, remains influential. The map editor sparked the creation of Dota, launching the MOBA genre.
League of Legends
Image: youtube.com
Metascore: 78
Download: League of Legends
Release Date: October 27, 2009
Developer: Riot Games
League of Legends has dominated the MOBA genre for over a decade, creating a unique universe and characters. Riot Games' ongoing development has added depth and new mechanics, while the animated series Arcane, based on the game, revolutionized animation. Despite recent challenges like declining skin quality and layoffs, loyal fans remain hopeful for its revival.
Undertale
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Developer: Toby Fox
Undertale, released in 2015, became a cultural phenomenon with its emotional story and innovative mechanics. As a child falling into an underground world, your choices affect everything that follows, challenging the notion of violence as a solution. Its memorable characters and captivating soundtrack by Toby Fox leave a lasting impact.
Inscryption
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 19, 2021
Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
Inscryption draws you into a dark cabin where Leshy challenges you to a card game with unconventional rules. Beyond the cards, the game is filled with puzzles, secrets, and artifacts. It constantly surprises with changing styles, fourth-wall breaks, and deep mysteries, including battles involving your PC files and World War II secrets.
This War of Mine
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 14, 2014
Developer: 11 bit studios
In This War of Mine, you're not a hero but an ordinary person surviving in a war-torn city. By day, you scavenge for resources and maintain your shelter; by night, you face the dangers of the dark streets. The game forces you to make chilling decisions, like robbing the vulnerable to feed your group, highlighting the moral complexities of survival.
Hearthstone
Image: hearthstone.blizzard.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Hearthstone
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Hearthstone made card battles accessible and engaging, drawing on the Warcraft universe for its appeal. Its charming visual design and music, combined with intuitive gameplay, attracted millions. Even newcomers can quickly grasp the basics, while seasoned players appreciate its depth.
Stardew Valley
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 89
Download: Steam
Release Date: February 26, 2016
Developer: ConcernedApe
Stardew Valley, created by Eric Barone, offers simple joys like farming and community building. Inheriting an old farm, you can grow crops, raise animals, or explore mines for adventure. Its pixel art, cozy music, and subtle humor create an inviting atmosphere you'll want to return to time and again.
The Beginner's Guide
Image: wired.com
Metascore: 76
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 1, 2015
Developer: Everything Unlimited Ltd.
The Beginner's Guide is less a game and more an art piece, inviting reflection on creativity and burnout. Through mini-games created by a fictional developer, Coda, and guided by a narrator, it lacks traditional gameplay elements but offers profound insights. For a deeper appreciation, consider playing The Stanley Parable, another work by the same developer.
The greatest games of all time are more than just genre-defining masterpieces—they're living stories that connect generations. While this list may evolve, each game has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry and perhaps on your heart as well.
