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 player considers a masterpiece, another might find tedious. Even fans of the same genre will have differing opinions.
This list represents a collective recommendation from 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 recent PC games didn't make the cut—a consequence of limited slots and diverse preferences.
The Best PC Games
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Our criteria focused 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." For those, explore our Top 100 Games of All Time list.
Remember, this list reflects our group's 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 to rank yet, but will be considered in future voting.
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 acknowledges the player's awareness of the genre, constantly surprising them with consequences and reminding them that choices matter profoundly. Its emotionally resonant story underscores the impact of actions on oneself and others. Subversive, replayable, and melancholic, it's a truly great PC game.
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 fiercely competitive. This clever deck-building roguelite twists familiar card game mechanics. Its wild joker cards create unpredictable combos, forcing players to rethink their strategies.
Check out our Balatro review.
Release Date: February 20, 2024 |Developer: LocalThunk | Last Position: New!
Crusader Kings 3
Known for complex systems, grand strategy games also offer compelling human stories. Crusader Kings 3 excels in both areas, providing multiple paths to storytelling—military might, diplomacy, or intrigue. Despite its depth, it's surprisingly accessible, thanks to 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
Combining the Hitman trilogy's meticulously designed scenarios, Hitman: World of Assassination is a must-have. Its replayable sandboxes offer endless opportunities for creative assassinations, rewarding exploration and observation. The thrill of a perfect, undetected hit is unparalleled.
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, 2016's Doom throws players into relentless combat against space demons. Its aggressive, satisfying action revitalized the FPS genre. While Doom Eternal refined the combat, the original's purity and simplicity remain captivating. Its influence is still felt today.
Check out our Doom (2016) review.
Release Date: May 13, 2016 | Developer: id Software | Last Position: 17
Final Fantasy VII Remake
The 2023 Resident Evil 4 Remake masterfully modernizes the original's action-horror, thrilling both veterans and newcomers. Its rebuilt environments, intense combat, and ferocious creatures create a truly immersive experience. It surpasses other attempts to emulate RE4's style.
Check out our Resident Evil 4 Remake review.
Release Date: March 24, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Last Position: 19
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake successfully reimagines the original as a stunning action game. It playfully reworks iconic characters and the story, feeling more like a sequel than a remake. The combat is exceptional, Midgar is breathtaking, and the characters are charmingly recreated. It's a must-play, setting the stage for a new adventure.
Check out our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review.
Release Date: December 16, 2021 | Developer: Square Enix Business Division 1 | Last Position: 20
God of War
A 2018 PlayStation exclusive, God of War made a huge impact, winning IGN's Game of the Year. Its PC release broadened its reach. The game's challenging combat, touching story, gorgeous presentation, and innovative approach make it a standout title. God of War: Ragnarok is also available on PC, but this is the essential starting point.
Check out our God of War review.
Release Date: January 14, 2022 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Last Position: 18
Nier: Automata
Initially hampered by PC issues, Nier: Automata now shines with overwhelmingly positive Steam reviews. This action-RPG seamlessly blends genres and styles, offering a captivating futuristic dystopia with multiple endings. Its frenzied combat and unforgettable soundtrack make it a worthwhile experience.
Check out our Nier: Automata review.
Release Date: March 17, 2017 | Developer: PlatinumGames | Last Position: 15
Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV is not just IGN's top MMO pick; it's a fantastic Final Fantasy game. Its evolution from a troubled launch to a sprawling political thriller is remarkable. Even solo players can enjoy the streamlined story missions and dungeons. The endgame raiding offers both accessible and challenging 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
Arthur Morgan's epic tale of loyalty and infamy is enhanced by the PC version's improvements. The vast, detailed Wild West atmosphere, numerous activities, and extensive multiplayer mode (Red Dead Online) make it a massive and compelling experience. Mods further expand its possibilities.
Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.
Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 6
Outer Wilds
In Outer Wilds, a 22-minute time loop drives exploration and discovery across multiple planets. This beautiful space adventure encourages curiosity, with a helpful ship log guiding players. The Echoes of the Eye expansion adds more puzzles and tension.
Check out our Outer Wilds review.
Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Developer: Annapurna Interactive | Last Position: 12
Hollow Knight
A top-tier Metroidvania, Hollow Knight offers a beautiful, expansive world with countless secrets. Its challenging gameplay and rewarding exploration, coupled with free updates adding content, make it a captivating experience. The highly anticipated sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, remains in development.
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 expands on the tactical combat of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, adding depth and replayability. The guerrilla warfare setting against alien occupation intensifies the tension. New soldier classes, equipment, and procedurally generated maps enhance the challenge and strategic depth. Mods offer further customization.
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
A deep and lengthy RPG, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt boasts a massive open world filled with monsters, mysteries, and compelling stories. Its writing, voice acting, soundtrack, and graphics remain impressive, even after a recent update. The extensive modding community adds further replayability.
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 has significantly improved since its launch. The 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion enhanced its visuals, combat, and skill systems. Exploring Night City is a unique experience, further enhanced by ray-tracing and DLSS. The main story and expansion offer over 50 hours of gameplay.
Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Release Date: February 15, 2022 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 7
Stardew Valley
Since its 2016 release, Stardew Valley has revitalized the farming sim genre. Its blend of RPG mechanics, satisfying gameplay, mellow music, and endless activities makes it a captivating and endlessly replayable experience. The PC version benefits from modding and early access to updates.
Check out our Stardew Valley review.
Release Date: February 26, 2016 | Developer: ConcernedApe | Last Position: New!
Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online
GTA V's meticulously detailed map remains a benchmark for open-world games. Its vastness, dense content (campaign, side activities, and bustling city life), creative tools, and modding possibilities make it exceptional. This is its final appearance on this list due to the 10-year age limit, but it will undoubtedly remain a classic.
Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.
Release Date: April 4, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 11
Satisfactory
Inspired by Factorio, Satisfactory lets players build massive, interconnected machines to tame an alien world. The satisfaction of creating and optimizing complex factory networks is deeply rewarding. Its recent full release after a long early access period solidifies its position.
Check out our Satisfactory review.
Release Date: September 10, 2024 | Developer: Coffee Stain Studios | Last Position: New!
Half-Life: Alyx
Valve's VR masterpiece, Half-Life: Alyx, showcases innovative VR gameplay and storytelling. Its polished visuals, intense combat, clever puzzles, and compelling narrative justify investing in VR. It sets a high 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's roguelite gameplay keeps things fresh with diverse cards, relics, and characters. The evolving character builds and randomized Daily Climbs provide endless replayability. Its distinctive art style and compelling lore further enhance the experience. A sequel is in early access.
Check out our Slay the Spire review.
Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last Position: 4
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium revitalizes CRPG mechanics with its unique noir detective setting and innovative dialogue system. Debating with different aspects of your own mind adds a unique layer to the gameplay. Its exceptional writing and compelling characters make for a truly memorable experience.
Check out our Disco Elysium review.
Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 3
Hades
Hades sets the standard for action roguelites. Its exhilarating combat, incredible soundtrack, compelling story, and innovative post-game content create an unforgettable experience. Dying is part of the fun, leading to new conversations, upgrades, and challenging runs.
Check out our Hades review.
Release Date: December 6, 2018 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 2
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is an excellent entry point into the soulslike genre. Its open-world design, streamlined introduction, and adaptable playstyles make it more accessible than previous FromSoftware titles, while still offering challenging boss battles and a captivating world. 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 a massive, ambitious RPG with epic storytelling, memorable characters, and meaningful choices. Its tactical combat is true to its Dungeons & Dragons roots. Despite initial bugs, Larian Studios has consistently provided updates and improvements.
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! Check out our other best games lists for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.
