Some games, like old friends, stay with us for years, etching their music into our memories and giving us chills with moments of triumph or defeat. Others are like bright flashes that shake the industry and set new standards.
Choosing the "best" games is subjective. For some, it's a nostalgic childhood quest; for others, it's a multiplayer masterpiece that connects thousands. We've gathered the best games of all time, confirmed by the most authoritative ratings.
We also recommend exploring our curated lists of games by genre:
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 in 2004 by Valve, is a legendary first-person shooter. As Gordon Freeman, a silent scientist, you navigate a world occupied by an alien empire. Beyond shooting, you'll solve puzzles, interact with the environment, and use the iconic gravity gun. The story captivates from the outset, with an atmosphere of humanity's struggle for survival that feels incredibly real. The game's physics were groundbreaking for its time and still hold up today. Enemies don't just charge at you; they strategize, flank, and catch you off guard.
Portal 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 95
Download: Steam
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Developer: Valve
Portal 2 delights with its mind-bending puzzles and sharp humor. You'll chuckle at GLaDOS's sarcastic jibes and enjoy Wheatley's endearing yet annoying antics. Their dialogues are memorable and engaging. As you progress, puzzles grow increasingly complex, introducing new mechanics like gels and light bridges. Don't miss out on the multiplayer feature, a highlight of the sequel.
Diablo II
Image: polygon.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Diablo II
Release Date: June 28, 2000
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Diablo II, released by Blizzard in 2000, isn't just a game—it's an era. It became an instant hit and remains the benchmark for action RPGs. In its dark, gothic world, you choose a hero to fight monsters, collect loot, and grow stronger. It's addictively rewarding; every new item or skill upgrade feels like a victory. Even years later, Diablo II stays relevant with 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 immersive universe. As Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter, you navigate a vast, detailed world. Every quest unfolds as a full story with engaging characters and unexpected twists. Moral dilemmas challenge your decisions, making it a cult classic praised for its deep narrative, well-crafted characters, and captivating atmosphere. It's won numerous awards and is considered 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 top strategy game, drawing players back time and again. You lead a civilization from the Stone Age to space exploration, managing cities, science, culture, and economy. Interactions with other civilizations—whether through diplomacy, trade, or war—shape your unique story on each randomly generated map. Expansions like "Gods & Kings" and "Brave New World" add depth with new mechanics, offering endless hours of gameplay.
Fallout 3
Image: newgamenetwork.com
Metascore: 93
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Fallout 3, released in 2008 by Bethesda, is a definitive action RPG with an open world that still holds up today. As a Vault 101 resident venturing out for the first time, you explore the ruins of Washington, facing mutants and bandits. The game offers complete freedom of choice, whether saving the world or engaging in looting. Its atmosphere, from retro radio hits to rusted ruins, makes Fallout 3 an enduring classic.
BioShock
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Developer: 2K Boston, 2K Australia
At first glance, BioShock might seem like a typical action shooter, but it delves much deeper. Set in a distorted 1960s world, it's filled with jazz, propaganda, and lurking dangers. Every detail—from doors to wall inscriptions—tells a dark, mysterious story. Like Twin Peaks, BioShock's imagery leaves a lasting impression, sparking ongoing discussions among players.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 97
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Developer: Rockstar Games
In Red Dead Redemption 2, you play as Arthur Morgan, a hardened outlaw in the Van der Linde gang. Rockstar Games crafted a living world where you can immerse yourself fully, feeling the era of cowboys slipping away. It's about survival and clinging to humanity amidst chaos. Every action has consequences, shaping your path as a noble gunslinger or 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, challenges players with its brutal difficulty, redefining what it means to be a hero. In Drangleic, a beautiful yet merciless kingdom, you'll face constant defeat but keep pushing forward. Souls of fallen enemies serve as currency for leveling up or buying supplies, but death means losing everything. It's a game for those who relish the struggle.
Doom Eternal
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 20, 2020
Developer: id Software
Doom Eternal is all about adrenaline and action. Run, shred monsters, cling to walls, jump, shoot, and explode—repeat. There's no time for breathers, just pure carnage with hellish creatures. The game doesn't aim for deep drama; instead, it offers brilliantly designed gameplay that keeps your heart racing.
Baldur's Gate 3
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 3, 2023
Developer: Larian Studios
Baldur's Gate 3 is a role-playing game where you craft your character and gather a party for epic adventures. It's not about simple tasks but about shaping the story through every decision, from failed jokes to betrayals. The game doesn't restrict you—even burning a forest is possible. Its open-ended nature and deep storytelling have earned it praise from players and critics alike.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 11, 2011
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Skyrim became a legend for its endless stories and exploration. You can dive into its world and decide when your adventure ends, whether following the main storyline or exploring hidden corners. Climb mountains, delve into dungeons, or fight dragons—Skyrim is yours to explore, with no set path.
Mass Effect 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 26, 2010
Developer: BioWare
Mass Effect 2 is more than just an RPG—it's a personal saga of friendship, betrayal, and cosmic adventures. Thrilling shootouts and dialogues shape the fate of entire planets. Choices like risking your life for a distant colony or sparking a romance with an alien are part of the journey. Fans remember it fondly, often reminiscing about missed upgrades or emotional moments.
Grand Theft Auto V
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 97
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Developer: Rockstar Games
Grand Theft Auto V lets you cause mayhem in virtual Los Santos with complete freedom. Whether you follow the plot or ditch it to fly over the city, race against cops, or steal cars, the game offers endless possibilities. Its open-world freedom is the franchise's hallmark.
Resident Evil 4
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 11, 2005
Developer: Capcom
Resident Evil 4, released in 2005, revolutionized survival horror. It stripped away slower elements, adding dynamism with eerie corridors, adrenaline-pumping shootouts, and memorable bosses. The game keeps you on edge, constantly shifting between action, puzzles, and cinematic scenes.
Disco Elysium
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 91
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Developer: ZA/UM
Disco Elysium is about falling, rising, and questioning. It blends noir detective stories, philosophical treatises, and psychedelic art. As a detective in Revachol, you must solve a murder while confronting your own inner turmoil. Every frame reveals new insights, and every dialogue choice can lead to failure or revelation.
RimWorld
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 87
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 17, 2018
Developer: Ludeon Studios
RimWorld never lets you relax. Building a base involves managing crises, treating wounds, and making tough survival choices. It's a story generator where you'll laugh at absurd situations or ponder over moral dilemmas. Its replayability comes from discovering new ways to navigate its 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, inspired titles like Minecraft and RimWorld. Its 2022 remake improved its visual appeal. The game generates entire worlds with rich histories and legends, where your fortress becomes part of the epic. There's no set goal; survival and building are the focus, alongside watching your dwarves navigate life's absurdities.
World of Warcraft
Image: worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com
Metascore: 93
Download: World of Warcraft
Release Date: November 23, 2004
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
World of Warcraft offers endless possibilities: explore, complete quests, fight monsters, or engage in PvP. Its world evolves with new lands, stories, and classes added by Blizzard. The community, from hardcore raiders to casual explorers, finds a home here. Azeroth's lore is a saga filled with drama and humor, making WoW a cultural phenomenon.
StarCraft
Image: polygon.com
Metascore: 88
Download: StarCraft
Release Date: March 31, 1998
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
StarCraft, released in 1998 by Blizzard, set the standard for real-time strategy games. It's about building bases, gathering resources, and outsmarting opponents. Its balance between resource management and strategy made it like chess with spaceships. In South Korea, it became a national esport, with professional players and televised matches.
Minecraft
Image: minecraft.net
Metascore: 93
Download: Minecraft
Release Date: November 18, 2011
Developer: Markus Persson, Jens Bergensten
Minecraft's world is made of cubes, where you can build anything from houses to cities. Whether you mine resources, fight monsters, or build in Creative Mode, the freedom is yours. The game's popularity stems from its lack of rules, letting you decide how to play. The community adds endless mods, expanding the possibilities.
Spore
Image: axios.com
Metascore: 84
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 7, 2008
Developer: Maxis
Spore is an ambitious experiment that succeeded in many ways. Its editors let you create unique creatures and spaceships, influencing the world around you. Every playthrough feels unique due to the variety of creatures. While some stages are simple, Spore inspired creativity on a massive scale.
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 strategy genre, allowing you to level them up and use their abilities. Four races with unique tactics and a compelling story featuring iconic characters like Arthas and Illidan made it memorable. Its map editor led to the creation of Dota, spawning 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, a MOBA titan, has set genre standards for over a decade. Riot Games crafted a unique universe and characters, constantly adding new elements. Despite recent challenges like declining skin quality and layoffs, fans hope for its revival. The game inspired the acclaimed animation, Arcane.
Undertale
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Developer: Toby Fox
Undertale, released in 2015, became a phenomenon with its emotional story and innovative mechanics. As a child in an underground world of monsters, your choices shape the narrative. It challenges the notion of violence, featuring memorable characters and a captivating soundtrack by Toby Fox.
Inscryption
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 19, 2021
Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
Inscryption places you in a dark cabin, playing a card roguelike with unconventional rules. Sacrificing weak cards to summon stronger ones is key, but exploring the cabin reveals puzzles and secrets. The game surprises with changing styles and fourth-wall breaks, delving into deeper mysteries 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 an ordinary person surviving in a war-torn city. By day, you manage resources and morale; by night, you scavenge for supplies, facing moral dilemmas. Decisions like robbing the elderly or helping strangers shape your survival story, making it a poignant experience.
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. Its visual design and music add to its charm, making it popular among a wide audience. Even newcomers can quickly grasp the basics, enjoying the game's strategic 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 befriending neighbors. Inheriting an old farm, you can grow crops, raise animals, or explore mines. Its pixel art, cozy music, and subtle humor create an atmosphere you'll want to revisit 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 an art piece that invites reflection on creativity and burnout. Exploring mini-games created by a fictional developer, guided by a narrator, it lacks complex mechanics but offers deep insights. For a fuller experience, play The Stanley Parable first.
The greatest games of all time are more than just genre masterpieces—they're living stories that unite generations. This list may evolve, but each game has left an indelible mark on the industry and perhaps in your heart.
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