As 2025 progresses, it's time to revisit and refresh IGN’s list of the 25 Best Modern PC Games. When we say "best," we're not aiming for an "objective" ranking that would universally align with all gamers' preferences. Such a list is impossible to achieve, as personal tastes vary widely. One person's strategic masterpiece might be another's tedious slog, and even fans of the same genre can have vastly different favorites.
Instead, this list reflects the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming enthusiasts, ranked through our Face-Off tool, where everyone had a say in the rankings. It's a celebration of the games we adore and an invitation for others to explore them if they haven't already.
With only 25 slots available, many exceptional recent PC games didn't make the cut, but that doesn't diminish their quality. Each participant in our voting has personal favorites that, while beloved, didn't garner enough group support to be included. This is inevitable given the vast array of games and diverse perspectives.
The Best PC Games
26 Images
Our criteria focus on "modern" PC games, defined as those released or significantly updated within the past 10 years, starting from 2013. Classic games like Doom, Half-Life 2, Portal, Skyrim, StarCraft 2, Mass Effect 2, Minecraft, BioShock, KOTOR, Fallout: New Vegas, and Batman: Arkham City are cherished but have moved into the realm of all-time classics. For those, check out our list of the Top 100 Games of All Time or our genre-specific best lists.
Remember, this list represents our group's perspective and is no more "right" or "wrong" than your own rankings. We encourage you to create your own top 25 or top 100 list 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 us to rank yet, but they will be considered in the next update:
Civilization 7Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward VectorDynasty Warriors: OriginsMouthwashingMarvel RivalsIndiana Jones and the Great CircleMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024STALKER 2: Heart of ChornobylLife is Strange: Double ExposureDragon Age: The VeilguardCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Sonic X Shadow GenerationsMechWarrior 5: ClansMetaphor: ReFantazioSilent Hill 2 RemakeWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2Black Myth: WukongYou Might Also Like:
Top 100 Video GamesBest Horror Games for PC25. Undertale
Undertale is a masterclass in subverting expectations within the roleplaying genre. It cleverly plays with your awareness of its mechanics, remembering your save habits, following your choices, and dynamically adjusting to remind you that every action has consequences. Its emotionally charged story reinforces the theme that every choice matters, making it a subversive, replayable, and melancholic standout among PC games.
Check out our Undertale review.
Release Date: September 15, 2015 |Developer: Toby Fox | Last Position: New!24. Balatro
Balatro may seem like a straightforward deck-building roguelite based on Texas Hold'em, but its unique joker cards create wild combinations that can skyrocket your scores. This game challenges your preconceptions about card games and offers endless replayability.
Check out our Balatro review.
Release Date: February 20, 2024 |Developer: LocalThunk | Last Position: New!23. Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 excels in weaving human stories within the complex framework of historical grand strategy. Whether through military might, diplomacy, or espionage, it provides numerous ways to engage with its dense yet accessible systems, appealing even to newcomers to the genre.
Check out our Crusader Kings 3 review.
Release Date: September 1, 2020 |Developer: Paradox Development Studio | Last Position: New!22. Hitman: World of Assassination
Hitman: World of Assassination compiles the best of the modern Hitman trilogy, offering richly designed sandboxes that encourage creativity and replayability. As Agent 47, you'll explore every detail and exploit every opportunity to execute perfect assassinations.
Check out our Hitman 3: World of Assassination review.
Release Date: January 26, 2023 | Developer: IO Interactive | Last Position: 1621. Doom (2016)
Doom (2016) revitalized the first-person shooter genre with its aggressive, satisfying combat. While Doom Eternal refined the mechanics, the original's simplicity and purity remain unmatched, setting a new standard for single-player action games.
Check out our Doom (2016) review.
Release Date: May 13, 2016 | Developer: id Software | Last Position: 1720. Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake transforms the iconic RPG into a stunning action game, taking bold liberties with its characters and story. Its combat system is top-notch, and the city of Midgar is beautifully detailed, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
Check out our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review.
Release Date: December 16, 2021 | Developer: Square Enix Business Division 1 | Last Position: 2019. Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4 Remake brilliantly updates the classic action-horror game, maintaining its core appeal while enhancing it with modern graphics and gameplay. It delivers intense combat and a richly detailed world, setting a high bar for remakes.
Check out our Resident Evil 4 Remake review.
Release Date: March 24, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Last Position: 1918. God of War
God of War's PC release in 2022 brought its acclaimed combat and emotional storytelling to a wider audience. This reinvention of the series is a standout title of the last decade, deserving its place among the best PC games.
Check out our God of War review.
Release Date: January 14, 2022 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Last Position: 1817. Nier: Automata
Overcoming initial technical issues, Nier: Automata has earned its spot with its engaging action-RPG gameplay and captivating story. Its blend of genres and stunning world design make it a must-play for any PC gamer.
Check out our Nier: Automata review.
Release Date: March 17, 2017 | Developer: PlatinumGames | Last Position: 1516. Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV stands out as not only the best MMO but also a remarkable Final Fantasy game. Its engaging story and accessible gameplay make it a standout, even for those new to MMOs.
Check out our Final Fantasy XIV review.
Release Date: August 27, 2013 | Developer: Square Enix Product Development Division 3 | Last Position: 2115. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2's PC version enhances its already expansive world with more activities and details. It's a massive single-player experience with an equally robust multiplayer component, making it a must-play for PC gamers.
Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.
Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 614. Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds offers a unique time-looping adventure across multiple planets, encouraging exploration and discovery. Its engaging puzzles and atmospheric world make it a standout in the genre.
Check out our Outer Wilds review.
Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Developer: Annapurna Interactive | Last Position: 1213. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a stunning Metroidvania with a vast world full of secrets and challenges. Its difficulty and depth keep players engaged, and ongoing updates continue to expand its already impressive content.
Check out our Hollow Knight review.
Release Date: February 24, 2017 |Developer: Team Cherry | Last Position: 2512. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen elevates the tactical combat of its predecessor with new classes, equipment, and a focus on replayability. Its guerrilla warfare setting adds a layer of tension and excitement to every mission.
Check out our XCOM 2: War of the Chosen review.
Release Date: August 29, 2017 | Developer: Firaxis Games | Last Position: 911. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
With its massive open-world and deep RPG mechanics, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers one of the richest gaming experiences available. Its ongoing support and modding community ensure it remains a top choice for PC gamers.
Check out our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review.
Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 810. Cyberpunk 2077
After its 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 has become a must-play for its stunning visuals and engaging narrative. Its exploration of futuristic themes and technology makes it a standout title.
Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Release Date: February 15, 2022 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 79. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley has revitalized the farming sim genre with its charming gameplay and extensive content. Its modding community and regular updates keep it fresh and engaging for PC players.
Check out our Stardew Valley review.
Release Date: February 26, 2016 | Developer: ConcernedApe | Last Position: New!8. Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online
Grand Theft Auto V's detailed and expansive world remains a benchmark for open-world games. Its single-player and multiplayer components offer endless hours of entertainment, though it's reaching the end of its time on this list due to our 10-year limit.
Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.
Release Date: April 4, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 117. Satisfactory
Satisfactory offers a satisfying experience in building complex factories on an alien world. Its detailed mechanics and cooperative play make it a standout in the genre.
Check out our Satisfactory review.
Release Date: September 10, 2024 | Developer: Coffee Stain Studios | Last Position: New!6. Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx sets a new standard for VR gaming with its polished gameplay and immersive story. It's a compelling reason to invest in VR, offering an unforgettable experience.
Check out our Half-Life: Alyx review.
Release Date: March 23, 2020 | Developer: Valve | Last Position: 145. Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire's roguelite deck-building gameplay is endlessly engaging, with its varied characters and randomized elements ensuring every run feels fresh. It's a must-play for fans of strategic games.
Check out our Slay the Spire review.
Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last Position: 44. Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium reinvents the CRPG genre with its unique setting and innovative mechanics. Its deep storytelling and rich world make it a standout among modern PC games.
Check out our Disco Elysium review.
Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 33. Hades
Hades sets the bar for action roguelites with its engaging combat, compelling story, and innovative post-game content. Its difficulty is balanced by rewarding progression, making it a top choice for gamers.
Check out our Hades review.
Release Date: December 6, 2018 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 22. Elden Ring
Elden Ring offers a welcoming entry into the soulsborne genre with its open-world design and versatile gameplay. Its challenging yet rewarding gameplay and expansive world make it a top pick.
Check out our Elden Ring review.
Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware Inc. | Last Position: 51. Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 offers an ambitious and detailed roleplaying experience, reminiscent of classic BioWare RPGs. Its tactical combat and engaging story make it a standout title, despite some initial bugs.
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 that we, the IGN editors and contributors, collectively recommend the most, based on our own tastes, and all from within the past 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.See All
1Baldur's Gate IIILarian Studios
2HadesSupergiant Games
3Disco ElysiumZA/UM
4Slay the SpireMegacrit
5Elden RingFromSoftware
6Red Dead Redemption 2Rockstar Studios
7Cyberpunk 2077CD Projekt Red
8The Witcher 3: Wild HuntCD Projekt Red
9XCOM 2Feral Interactive
10Dishonored 2ArkaneUpcoming PC Games
We're excited about several upcoming PC games in 2025, which may earn a spot on this list in the future:
These are our picks for the 25 best modern PC games! While many incredible games didn't make the cut due to limited slots, we're eager to hear about your favorites in the comments. Don't forget to explore our other best games lists, which we update regularly:
Best PS5 GamesBest Xbox Series X|S GamesBest Switch Games
Latest Downloads
Downlaod
Top News
![Unnatural Instinct – New Version 0.6 [Merizmare]](https://imgs.34wk.com/uploads/05/1719570120667e8ec87834c.jpg)
