2025 is here, and it's time for IGN's updated 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 have differing opinions.
This list reflects the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming team, ranked using our Face-Off tool. It celebrates games we love and encourages you to explore them if you haven't already. Many excellent 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 significantly updated since 2013. Classic titles like Doom, Half-Life 2, and Skyrim remain beloved but are considered all-time classics, not "modern." See our Top 100 Games of All Time for those.
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 for ranking but will be considered in future updates.
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 and uses that to surprise you, remembering your actions and adjusting accordingly. The emotionally resonant story emphasizes the impact of choices. It's subversive, replayable, and melancholic—a truly great PC game.
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. Its wild joker cards create unpredictable combos, challenging your poker expertise.
Check out our Balatro review.
Release Date: February 20, 2024 |Developer: LocalThunk | Last Position: New!
Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 masterfully blends complex grand strategy with compelling human stories. While dense, its tooltip system makes it accessible, letting you shape narratives through military might, diplomacy, or intrigue.
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. Its replayable sandboxes offer endless assassination opportunities, rewarding careful observation and creative problem-solving. Achieving a perfect hit is incredibly satisfying.
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 demon-slaying action set a new standard for first-person shooters, and its influence is still felt today. The pure, satisfying combat remains unmatched.
Check out our Doom (2016) review.
Release Date: May 13, 2016 | Developer: id Software | Last Position: 17
Final Fantasy VII Remake
The Final Fantasy VII Remake successfully reimagines the classic RPG as a stunning action game. It features excellent combat, a beautifully rendered Midgar, and beloved characters. While not a 100% faithful recreation, it's a thrilling and exciting adventure.
Check out our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review.
Release Date: April 10, 2020 | Developer: Square Enix Business Division 1 | Last Position: 20
Resident Evil 4 Remake
The 2023 Resident Evil 4 Remake masterfully modernizes the classic, delivering high-intensity combat and breathtaking visuals. It perfectly captures the original's tension and atmosphere while enhancing the experience for modern players.
Check out our Resident Evil 4 Remake review.
Release Date: March 24, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Last Position: 19
God of War
God of War (2018) is a fantastic reinvention of the series. Its challenging combat, touching story, and gorgeous presentation make it a standout. The PC port allows a wider audience to experience this masterpiece.
Check out our God of War review.
Release Date: January 14, 2022 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Last Position: 18
Nier: Automata
Nier: Automata is a unique action-RPG. It seamlessly blends genres, offering a thrilling journey through a dystopian world with multiple endings. Its frenetic 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 MMORPG and a great Final Fantasy game in its own right. Its compelling story, streamlined solo play options, and challenging endgame content make it a standout MMO.
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 open world, a captivating story, and tons of activities. The PC version enhances the experience with improved visuals and additional content.
Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.
Release Date: November 5, 2019 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 6
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is a captivating space exploration game with a 22-minute time loop. Its exploration, discovery, and compelling mysteries make it a truly unique and rewarding experience.
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. Its beautiful world, challenging combat, and numerous secrets provide dozens of hours of gameplay.
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 builds upon the original's tactical combat, adding new soldier classes, enemies, and a compelling narrative. Its high replayability and modding support make it a must-have strategy game.
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 massive, deep RPG with a sprawling open world, compelling story, and excellent voice acting. Its recent updates further enhance the already impressive experience.
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 RPG. Exploring Night City is a captivating experience, enhanced by the new content and improved gameplay.
Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Release Date: December 10, 2020 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 7
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a relaxing farming simulator with RPG elements. Its charming visuals, mellow music, and endless possibilities 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
Grand Theft Auto V boasts a meticulously detailed open world, a compelling story, and extensive online multiplayer. Its vast content and modding capabilities make it a timeless classic.
Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.
Release Date: April 14, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 11
Satisfactory
Satisfactory lets you build massive, interconnected factories on an alien planet. The satisfaction of creating complex, efficient systems is incredibly rewarding.
Check out our Satisfactory review.
Release Date: March 19, 2024 | Developer: Coffee Stain Studios | Last Position: New!
Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx is a groundbreaking VR experience. Its innovative gameplay, immersive world, and compelling story set a new standard for VR shooters.
Check out our Half-Life: Alyx review.
Release Date: March 23, 2020 | Developer: Valve | Last Position: 14
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire is a masterclass in roguelite design. Its constantly changing decks, powerful relics, and diverse characters ensure endless replayability.
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 exceptional writing. Its deep dialogue, intricate world, 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 phenomenal action roguelite. Its exhilarating combat, captivating story, and endlessly replayable gameplay make it a true masterpiece.
Check out our Hades review.
Release Date: September 17, 2020 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 2
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is an excellent entry point into FromSoftware's challenging games. Its open world, diverse playstyles, and challenging boss battles make it a must-play for soulslike fans.
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 epic RPG. Its deep story, tactical combat, 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 or significantly updated 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 other great games exist; let us know your favorites in the comments! Check out our other best games lists:
Best PS5 Games, Best Xbox Series X|S Games, Best Switch Games
