Top 25 Must-Play PC Games
- By Matthew
- Mar 13,2025
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. Many excellent recent PC games didn't make the top 25—this is inevitable given the sheer number of games and diverse perspectives.
The Best PC Games
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This list focuses on "modern" PC games released or significantly updated since 2013. We acknowledge and appreciate classic titles like Doom, Half-Life 2, and Skyrim, but they've transitioned to "all-time classics." See our Top 100 Games of All Time or genre-specific lists for those.
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 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 cleverly subverts RPG expectations, remembering your actions and adapting accordingly. Its emotionally resonant story emphasizes the impact of choices. Subversive, replayable, and melancholic, it's a true classic.
Check out our Undertale review.
Release Date: September 15, 2015 |Developer: Toby Fox | Last Position: New!
Balatro
Balatro, a deck-building roguelite, transcends simple card matching. Its wild joker cards create unpredictable combos, challenging your Texas Hold'em 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. Accessible yet deep, it offers diverse paths to power 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 unites the Hitman trilogy's meticulously crafted levels. Its replayable sandboxes offer endless opportunities for creative assassinations.
Check out our Hitman 3: World of Assassination review.
Release Date: January 26, 2023 | Developer: IO Interactive | Last Position: 16
Doom (2016)
A masterful reboot, Doom (2016) delivers relentless, visceral combat against hordes of demons. Its influence on subsequent shooters is undeniable.
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 thrilling action game, retaining its iconic characters and story while adding new twists.
Check out our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review.
Release Date: April 10, 2020 | Developer: Square Enix | Last Position: 20
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4 Remake flawlessly modernizes the original's action-horror, delivering intense combat encounters and a richly detailed world.
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) delivers a fantastic reinvention of the series, blending challenging combat with a touching story. Its PC port enhances its already impressive visuals.
Check out our God of War review.
Release Date: January 14, 2022 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Last Position: 18
Nier: Automata
Nier: Automata's blend of action-RPG gameplay, unique style, and multiple endings makes it a memorable experience. Its PC version has overcome initial technical issues.
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 with a compelling story, streamlined gameplay, and a variety of end-game content.
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 open world, a captivating story, and extensive activities, enhanced further by its PC port's improvements and mod support.
Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.
Release Date: November 5, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 6
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds' time loop mechanic drives exploration and discovery across a captivating solar system, rewarding curiosity and patience.
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 challenging combat. Its numerous updates have only enhanced its already massive content.
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 delivers intense tactical combat and high stakes, with procedurally generated maps and challenging boss encounters.
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 offers a massive open world, a compelling story, and stunning visuals, enhanced by recent updates and extensive mod support.
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 visually stunning open world and a compelling story, enhanced by years of post-launch improvements.
Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Release Date: December 10, 2020 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 7
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley's charming farming sim gameplay, mellow soundtrack, and endless possibilities make it a relaxing yet engaging experience, enhanced by mod support and frequent updates.
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 vast and detailed open world, engaging story, and extensive multiplayer mode (GTA Online) provide endless entertainment, boosted by mod support.
Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.
Release Date: April 14, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 11
Satisfactory
Satisfactory offers a unique and satisfying experience of building massive factories on an alien planet, enhanced by its cooperative multiplayer.
Check out our Satisfactory review.
Release Date: March 19, 2024 | Developer: Coffee Stain Studios | Last Position: New!
Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx sets a new standard for VR shooters, delivering a compelling story, innovative gameplay, and impressive visuals.
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, with its ever-changing card decks and diverse characters, provides endless replayability.
Check out our Slay the Spire review.
Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last Position: 4
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium's unique RPG mechanics, deep dialogue, and compelling narrative create a truly unforgettable detective experience.
Check out our Disco Elysium review.
Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 3
Hades
Hades is a masterclass in roguelite design, with exhilarating combat, an incredible soundtrack, and a compelling story with memorable characters.
Check out our Hades review.
Release Date: September 17, 2020 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 2
Elden Ring
Elden Ring's open-world design, challenging combat, and rich lore make it a standout soulslike experience, enhanced by its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.
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 delivers a massive and ambitious RPG experience 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 last 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. Share your favorites in the comments! Check out our other best games lists:
Best PS5 Games, Best Xbox Series X|S Games, Best Switch Games
