Some games feel like lifelong companions—haunting melodies, unforgettable victories, and moments that still send shivers down your spine. Others blaze through the gaming world like meteors, setting new benchmarks and redefining entire genres.
But how do you define the "best" game? For some, it's a nostalgic childhood adventure; for others, it's an online phenomenon that connected millions. We’ve compiled a list of timeless classics, backed by the most respected industry ratings, to help guide your next great playthrough.
We also recommend exploring our curated lists across other popular genres:
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 is widely regarded as one of the most influential first-person shooters in gaming history. Released in 2004 by Valve, this groundbreaking title follows Gordon Freeman, a silent theoretical physicist who finds himself thrust into a dystopian world ruled by an alien empire.
The gameplay blends combat, physics-based puzzles, and immersive storytelling with seamless precision. From the moment you pick up the iconic Gravity Gun, you're drawn into a meticulously crafted universe where every detail feels alive. Enemies don’t just charge blindly—they flank, strategize, and react dynamically to your actions.
With its revolutionary Source Engine, Half-Life 2 set new standards for environmental interaction and realism. Even today, over two decades later, the game holds up remarkably well and continues to inspire modern FPS design.
Portal 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 95
Download: Steam
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Developer: Valve
Portal 2 builds on the brilliance of its predecessor, delivering a masterclass in puzzle design and dark humor. As Chell, you navigate a series of increasingly complex test chambers created by the sarcastic AI GLaDOS and the clumsy but endearing Wheatley.
New mechanics like propulsion gels, light bridges, and aerial faith plates expand the gameplay possibilities while maintaining the core loop of spatial reasoning and clever problem-solving. The addition of co-op mode adds another layer of depth, allowing two players to tackle puzzles together.
Valve’s signature writing shines here—every line of dialogue is sharp, witty, and memorable. Portal 2 isn’t just a puzzle game—it's a narrative experience wrapped in a science experiment.
Diablo II
Image: polygon.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Diablo II
Release Date: June 28, 2000
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo II redefined the action RPG genre when it launched in 2000. Set in a gothic, demon-infested world, Diablo II gives players the freedom to choose from multiple character classes, each with deep skill trees and unique abilities.
You’ll battle hordes of monsters, collect legendary loot, and grow stronger with every victory. The game’s addictive loot cycle and class diversity kept players engaged for years—many still revisit it today through mods and remastered editions.
Diablo II’s impact on the gaming world cannot be overstated. It laid the foundation for future ARPGs and inspired countless imitators, yet none have quite captured its magic.
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 is more than just a video game—it’s a living, breathing open-world epic. You step into the boots of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a morally complex world filled with political intrigue, supernatural creatures, and difficult choices.
CD Projekt Red delivered a vast, beautifully detailed world where side quests are often as compelling as the main story. Every decision carries weight, shaping the fate of characters and regions alike.
With massive expansions like Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, The Witcher 3 offers hundreds of hours of content. Its emotional storytelling, stunning visuals, and rich lore earned it universal acclaim and numerous Game of the Year awards.
Sid Meier's Civilization V
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 90
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Developer: Firaxis Games, Aspyr Media
Civilization V is the definitive entry in the long-running strategy franchise. Developed by Firaxis Games, it lets you build and lead a civilization from ancient times to the space age.
The game introduces hex-based movement, making tactical warfare and city placement more strategic. Each leader has unique traits and agendas, creating dynamic interactions between civilizations.
Expansions like Gods & Kings and Brave New World added religion, espionage, and cultural diplomacy, significantly enhancing gameplay depth. Whether you're playing a short match or a 100-hour campaign, Civilization V remains one of the best turn-based strategy games ever made.
Fallout 3
Image: newgamenetwork.com
Metascore: 93
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Fallout 3 brought post-apocalyptic storytelling into the modern era. Set in the ruins of Washington D.C., you play as a Vault Dweller stepping into a radioactive wasteland filled with mutated creatures, rogue factions, and moral dilemmas.
Bethesda’s open-world design allows for true player freedom—explore crumbling buildings, scavenge for supplies, or engage in brutal gunfights. The VATS system introduced a fresh way to experience combat, blending real-time shooting with pause-and-aim mechanics.
The haunting soundtrack, retro-futuristic aesthetic, and atmospheric radio stations all contribute to Fallout 3’s enduring appeal. It's not just a game—it's a journey through a broken world trying to rebuild itself.
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