2025 is well underway, and it's time to refresh IGN's list of the 25 best modern PC games. But what constitutes "best"? This isn't an objective ranking; subjectivity is inherent in game preferences. What one gamer considers a masterpiece, another might find tedious. Even among fans of the same genre, rankings vary wildly.
This list represents 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 cut—a consequence of limited slots and diverse perspectives.
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 are excluded, residing instead in our Top 100 Games of All Time list.
Remember, this is our 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 for ranking 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 subverts RPG expectations, remembering your actions and adapting accordingly. Its emotionally resonant story emphasizes the impact of choices. Subversive, replayable, and melancholy, it's a true classic.
Check out our Undertale review.
Release Date: September 15, 2015 |Developer: Toby Fox | Last Position: New!
Balatro
Balatro's deck-building roguelite twists Texas Hold'em with wild joker cards, creating unpredictable combos. Its clever mechanics will challenge even seasoned card players.
Check out our Balatro review.
Release Date: February 20, 2024 |Developer: LocalThunk | Last Position: New!
Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 balances complex grand strategy with compelling human stories. Its accessible tooltip system makes its depth enjoyable for newcomers and veterans alike.
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 compiles the Hitman trilogy's inventive assassination scenarios. Its replayable sandboxes offer endless opportunities for creative mayhem.
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 revitalized the franchise with intense, visceral combat. Its simple yet effective gameplay remains highly satisfying and influential.
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 masterfully modernizes the original's action-horror, delivering intense combat and stunning visuals. It perfectly captures the spirit of the classic while enhancing it for a new generation.
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 reimagines the classic RPG as an action game, featuring stunning visuals, engaging combat, and a compelling story. It's a must-play for fans and newcomers alike. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is available now.
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
God of War (2018) delivers a fantastic blend of challenging combat and a touching story. Its gorgeous presentation and innovative gameplay make it a standout title. God of War: Ragnarok is also available on PC.
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 story, and unforgettable soundtrack makes it a compelling experience. The PC version's improved performance solidifies its place on this list.
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 thriving community. It's accessible to both MMO veterans and newcomers.
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 massive open world, a compelling story, and countless activities. The PC version enhances the experience with additional content and improved performance.
Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.
Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 6
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds' time loop mechanic creates a unique and rewarding exploration experience. Its beautiful visuals and captivating mystery make it a standout adventure game.
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 art, expansive exploration, and challenging combat. Its constant updates and the upcoming Silksong keep it fresh.
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 with high stakes and endless replayability. Its challenging gameplay and strategic depth make it a must-play.
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 countless quests. Its updated visuals and extensive modding community ensure its continued relevance.
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 stunning open world, engaging story, and refined gameplay. Its visual fidelity is breathtaking.
Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Release Date: February 15, 2022 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 7
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley's charming farming sim gameplay, relaxing atmosphere, and endless possibilities make it a timeless classic. Its modding community adds even more depth.
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's massive and detailed open world, engaging story, and extensive online mode make it a must-play. It's a landmark achievement in open-world gaming.
Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.
Release Date: April 4, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 11
Satisfactory
Satisfactory's factory-building gameplay is incredibly satisfying. Constructing sprawling factories and automating production is deeply rewarding.
Check out our Satisfactory review.
Release Date: September 10, 2024 | Developer: Coffee Stain Studios | Last Position: New!
Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx is a groundbreaking VR experience. Its innovative gameplay, immersive story, and high-quality production 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's addictive roguelike gameplay, diverse characters, and constant replayability make it a standout title. Its unique art style and lore are captivating.
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, compelling story, and exceptional writing make it a truly unforgettable experience. Its innovative approach to storytelling is groundbreaking.
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. Its exhilarating combat, captivating story, and rewarding gameplay loop make it endlessly replayable.
Check out our Hades review.
Release Date: December 6, 2018 | 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. 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 and ambitious RPG with a compelling story, deep character interactions, and challenging tactical combat.
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 within the past 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.
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Upcoming PC Games
Exciting PC games slated for 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
