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; subjective preferences inevitably lead to differing opinions on game quality and ranking. Even fans of the same genre will have varying top choices.
This list represents a consensus among IGN's PC gaming staff, using our Face-Off tool to facilitate voting and ranking. 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 perspectives.
The Best PC Games
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Our criteria focused on "modern" PC games (released or significantly updated since 2013). This excludes classics like Doom, Half-Life 2, Portal, and many others, now considered all-time greats. See our Top 100 Games of All Time or genre-specific lists for those.
Remember, this is our group's 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 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 adjusting accordingly. Its emotionally resonant story emphasizes the impact of choices, making it subversive, replayable, and melancholic—a true classic.
Check out our Undertale review.
Release Date: September 15, 2015 |Developer: Toby Fox | Last Position: New!
Balatro
Balatro's clever deck-building roguelite twists Texas Hold'em, allowing wild joker card combinations for explosive point scores. It'll challenge your poker instincts.
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 accessible gameplay, letting you shape historical narratives through warfare, 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 collects the Hitman trilogy's meticulously designed levels, offering endless replayability and creative assassination opportunities.
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 satisfying gameplay remains influential.
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 adding new twists.
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
The Resident Evil 4 Remake masterfully updates the original's action-horror, delivering intense combat 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, boasting challenging combat and a moving story. Its PC port opens it 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's unique blend of genres, engaging combat, and unforgettable soundtrack makes it a standout action-RPG.
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 engaging 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 massive open world, a compelling story, and countless activities, making it one of the best single-player PC games.
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 drives exploration and discovery across a stunning solar system, rewarding curiosity and careful observation.
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.
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, offering high stakes, challenging gameplay, and high replayability.
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 delivers a massive open world, compelling story, and impressive technical achievement.
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 boasts a stunning open world, compelling story, and refined gameplay thanks to post-launch updates.
Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Release Date: February 15, 2022 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 7
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley revitalized the farming sim genre with its charming atmosphere, satisfying gameplay, and extensive modding capabilities.
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 features a meticulously detailed open world, a compelling story, and extensive online multiplayer.
Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.
Release Date: April 4, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 11
Satisfactory
Satisfactory offers satisfying factory building on an alien planet, perfect for solo or co-op play.
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, delivering a compelling story, innovative gameplay, and impressive technical polish.
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, with its ever-changing decks and challenging battles, ensures high replayability.
Check out our Slay the Spire review.
Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last Position: 4
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium innovates on CRPG mechanics, offering unique gameplay and compelling writing in a noir detective setting.
Check out our Disco Elysium review.
Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 3
Hades
Hades is a masterful action roguelite with exhilarating combat, a compelling story, and a deep post-game.
Check out our Hades review.
Release Date: December 6, 2018 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 2
Elden Ring
Elden Ring offers a more accessible entry point to the soulslike genre, with its open world, versatile combat, and challenging boss battles.
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 an epic 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 majorly updated within the past 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.
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Upcoming PC Games
Anticipated 2025 PC game releases:
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
