2025 is well underway, and IGN's refreshed list of the 25 Best Modern PC Games is here. But what constitutes "best?" This isn't an objective ranking; subjectivity in gaming is inevitable. What one person considers a masterpiece, another might find tedious. Even fans of the same genre will disagree on rankings.
This list represents a consensus among IGN's PC gaming staff, ranked using our Face-Off tool. It's a celebration of games we love, encouraging you to explore them if you haven't already. Many excellent recent PC games didn't make the cut—a consequence of limited slots and diverse preferences.
The Best PC Games
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This list focuses on "modern" PC games (released or majorly updated since 2013). Classic titles like Doom, Half-Life 2, and Skyrim are considered all-time greats, found on our Top 100 Games of All Time list.
Remember, this is our perspective. Create your own top 25 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 to rank yet, 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 RPG expectations. It's aware you're playing a game, using that awareness to surprise you, remembering saves and choices. The emotionally charged story emphasizes the impact of choices, making it subversive, replayable, and melancholy.
Check out our Undertale review.
Release Date: September 15, 2015 |Developer: Toby Fox | Last Position: New!
Balatro
Balatro, a clever deck-building roguelite, twists Texas Hold'em. Mixing and matching wild joker cards creates crazy combos, challenging your assumptions.
Check out our Balatro review.
Release Date: February 20, 2024 |Developer: LocalThunk | Last Position: New!
Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 balances complex grand strategy with compelling human stories. Military might, diplomacy, and intrigue intertwine, while a helpful tooltip system enhances accessibility.
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 scenarios. Rich, replayable sandboxes offer endless assassination opportunities, rewarding exploration and creative problem-solving.
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. Its relentless, aggressive action set a new standard for first-person shooters, influencing many games that followed.
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 high-intensity combat and stunning visuals. It perfectly captures the original's essence while enhancing it for modern gamers.
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 transforms the original into a stunning action game, blending nostalgia with innovative gameplay. Its combat is exceptional, Midgar is breathtaking, and the characters are endearing.
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 of the series, boasting challenging combat and a touching story. Its PC port makes this masterpiece accessible to a wider audience.
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 wildly entertaining, genre-bending journey through a captivating dystopian world. Its frenzied combat and unforgettable soundtrack make it a must-play.
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 compelling story, streamlined gameplay, and engaging endgame content make it accessible to both MMO veterans and newcomers.
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, detailed Wild West adventure. The PC version enhances the already massive game with additional content and impressive visuals.
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 captivating space exploration game with a 22-minute time loop. Its unique gameplay, beautiful visuals, and compelling mystery make it a standout.
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, filled with secrets, challenging bosses, and rewarding exploration. Its expansive world and continuous updates keep it fresh.
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 expands upon the tactical combat of its predecessor, adding new classes, enemies, and a compelling narrative. Its high replayability and modding support ensure long-lasting engagement.
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, expansive RPG with a massive open world, compelling story, and stunning visuals. Its recent updates and extensive modding community keep it relevant.
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, enhanced by the 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion, delivers a stunning open world and compelling narrative. Its refined combat and visual fidelity make it a must-play.
Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Release Date: February 15, 2022 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 7
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a charming farming simulator with RPG elements. Its relaxing gameplay, beautiful music, and extensive modding support make it a timeless classic.
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, detailed open world, engaging campaign, and extensive online mode make it a timeless classic. Its modding capabilities add even more depth.
Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.
Release Date: April 4, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 11
Satisfactory
Satisfactory offers a unique factory-building experience. Its satisfying gameplay loop and collaborative multiplayer aspects make it highly engaging.
Check out our Satisfactory review.
Release Date: September 10, 2024 | Developer: Coffee Stain Studios | Last Position: New!
Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx sets a new standard for VR shooters. Its innovative gameplay, immersive world, and compelling story make it a must-play for VR enthusiasts.
Check out our Half-Life: Alyx review.
Release Date: March 23, 2020 | Developer: Valve | Last Position: 14
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire's addictive roguelite gameplay, diverse characters, and replayability make it a standout. Its unique art style and lore add to its charm.
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 innovative mechanics and compelling writing. Its noir setting and memorable characters create an unforgettable experience.
Check out our Disco Elysium review.
Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 3
Hades
Hades is a masterful roguelite with exhilarating combat, a compelling story, and an endlessly replayable endgame. Its engaging characters and soundtrack enhance the experience.
Check out our Hades review.
Release Date: December 6, 2018 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 2
Elden Ring
Elden Ring's open-world design, challenging combat, and compelling lore make it a standout soulslike experience. Its recent DLC further enhances its replayability.
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 epic RPG with a massive scope, compelling story, and deep tactical combat. Its memorable characters and countless choices create an unforgettable adventure.
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, and check out our other best games lists!
Best PS5 Games, Best Xbox Series X|S Games, Best Switch Games
