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 reigns supreme in gaming. What one person considers a masterpiece, another might find tedious. Even fans of the same genre will have differing opinions.
This list represents the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming team, ranked using our Face-Off tool. It reflects our shared enthusiasm and aims to inspire you to try these fantastic games.
Many excellent recent PC games didn't make the cut—a consequence of limited slots and diverse preferences. Everyone involved has personal favorites that didn't garner enough group support.
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 are timeless, but they've graduated to "all-time classics" status. For those, explore our Top 100 Games of All Time list or genre-specific lists.
Remember, this is our perspective. Create your own top 25 (or 100!) 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 they'll be considered in our next update.
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 is a brilliantly inventive RPG that subverts expectations. It's aware you're playing a game and uses that knowledge to surprise you, remembering your saves, choices, and adjusting accordingly. Its emotionally resonant story emphasizes the impact of every decision. It's subversive, replayable, and melancholic—a true classic.
Check out our Undertale review.
Release Date: September 15, 2015 |Developer: Toby Fox | Last Position: New!
Balatro
Don't let Texas Hold'em expertise fool you; Balatro's scoreboards are a different beast. This clever deck-building roguelite mixes and matches wild joker cards, creating bonkers combos that'll redefine your strategy.
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 intricate, it's surprisingly accessible, guiding newcomers through its layers with a helpful tooltip system.
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 unites the brilliant scenarios from IO Interactive's Hitman trilogy. Its replayable sandboxes offer endless assassination opportunities, rewarding exploration, observation, 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, gory combat redefined first-person shooters, setting a new standard for aggressive, satisfying action.
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 flawlessly modernizes the classic, delivering intense action-horror with stunning visuals and ferocious creatures. It captures the original's essence while thrilling a new generation.
Check out our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review.
Release Date: December 16, 2021 | Developer: Square Enix Business Division 1 | Last Position: 20
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake masterfully reimagines the original as a stunning action RPG. Its combat is superb, Midgar is breathtaking, and the characters are charmingly recreated. While not a 100% faithful recreation, it's a fantastic adventure.
Check out our Resident Evil 4 Remake review.
Release Date: March 24, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Last Position: 19
God of War
The 2018 God of War is a phenomenal reinvention of the series, boasting challenging combat, a touching story, and stunning visuals. Its PC release makes it 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 journey blending genres and styles. Its unique futuristic dystopia, 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, even for solo players. Its compelling story, streamlined mechanics, and optional solo content make it accessible and enjoyable, regardless of your MMO experience.
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 tale of loyalty and the Wild West. The PC version enhances its already impressive atmosphere with added content and activities.
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 mystery, exploration, and heartfelt story make it a truly unique 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 with beautiful visuals, expansive world, and countless secrets. Its challenging but rewarding gameplay keeps players engaged for hours.
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 tactical combat of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, adding complexity, replayability, and a desperate guerrilla war setting.
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 update further enhances the 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, delivers a gorgeous and refined open-world experience. Its story, characters, and combat are top-notch.
Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Release Date: February 15, 2022 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 7
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a beloved farming simulator that blends RPG mechanics, satisfying gameplay, and a relaxing atmosphere. Its modding capabilities on PC enhance the experience.
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 campaign, numerous side activities, and the ever-evolving GTA Online.
Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.
Release Date: April 4, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 11
Satisfactory
Satisfactory lets you build massive, complex factories on an alien world. The satisfaction of creating and managing these intricate systems is incredibly rewarding.
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 is a masterclass in roguelite design. Its constantly changing decks, powerful relics, and diverse characters keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Check out our Slay the Spire review.
Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last Position: 4
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium reinvents CRPG mechanics, placing you in a noir-detective setting where you debate with your own thoughts and make impactful choices.
Check out our Disco Elysium review.
Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 3
Hades
Hades is a top-tier action roguelite with exhilarating combat, a fantastic soundtrack, and a compelling story. Its innovative post-game keeps you coming back for more.
Check out our Hades review.
Release Date: December 6, 2018 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 2
Elden Ring
Elden Ring streamlines the soulslike experience while maintaining its challenging combat and open-world exploration. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC adds even more content.
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 with deep storytelling, tactical combat, and countless choices.
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 incredible games exist. Share your favorites in the comments! Also, check out our other best games lists:
Best PS5 Games, Best Xbox Series X|S Games, Best Switch Games
