Some games are like cherished friends that stay with us for years, etching their music into our memories and leaving us with chills from moments of triumph or defeat. Others are like bright flashes that revolutionize the industry and set new standards. But what makes a game the "best"? It's subjective—while some cherish the nostalgic journeys of their childhood, others revel in multiplayer masterpieces that unite thousands. Here, we've compiled a list of the best games of all time, validated by the most authoritative ratings.
We also encourage you to explore our curated lists of games across various 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, a landmark first-person shooter from Valve released in 2004, immerses you in the role of Gordon Freeman, a silent scientist navigating a world under alien occupation. This game isn't just about shooting; it's about solving puzzles, interacting with the environment, and wielding the iconic gravity gun. The narrative grips you from the start, crafting an atmosphere where humanity's fight for survival feels intensely real. The game's physics, groundbreaking at the time, still impress today, while the AI-driven enemies challenge you with their strategic maneuvers.
Portal 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 95
Download: Steam
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Developer: Valve
Portal 2 offers a delightful blend of mind-bending puzzles and sharp humor. You'll chuckle at the sarcastic quips of GLaDOS, the sinister AI, and the endearing yet irritating antics of Wheatley, the robot sidekick. The game escalates with increasingly complex puzzles and innovative mechanics like gels that alter surface properties and light bridges that add new twists. Don't miss out on the multiplayer mode, a standout feature of this sequel.
Diablo II
Image: polygon.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Diablo II
Release Date: June 28, 2000
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Diablo II isn't just a game; it's a defining moment in the action RPG genre. Launched by Blizzard in 2000, it quickly became a sensation, setting the standard for dark, gothic worlds filled with secrets. As you choose your hero and embark on a perilous journey, you'll fight monsters, gather loot, and grow stronger. Its addictive gameplay ensures that every new sword or skill upgrade feels like a victory, drawing you back even years later.
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 invites you into a richly detailed world where you play as Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter. This vast universe is filled with quests that are more than simple tasks—they're full stories with intriguing characters and unexpected twists. The game challenges you with moral dilemmas, making it a cult classic praised for its deep narrative, well-developed characters, and immersive atmosphere.
Sid Meier's Civilization V
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 90
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Developer: Firaxis Games, Aspyr Media
Civilization V remains a beloved strategy game that players return to time and again. You lead a civilization through the ages, from primitive tools to advanced space travel. The game offers endless replayability with its randomly generated maps and diverse civilizations, each playthrough unfolding a unique narrative. Expansions like "Gods & Kings" and "Brave New World" add depth with new mechanics like religion and espionage.
Fallout 3
Image: newgamenetwork.com
Metascore: 93
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Fallout 3, released in 2008 by Bethesda, is the quintessential action RPG with an expansive open world. You emerge from Vault 101 into the post-apocalyptic ruins of Washington, encountering mutants, bandits, and endless choices. The game's atmosphere, from retro radio hits to the silent stories told by rusted ruins, creates an unforgettable experience. It's not just a game; it's a companion you revisit even after uncovering all its secrets.
BioShock
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Developer: 2K Boston, 2K Australia
BioShock transcends the typical action shooter, diving into a distorted 1960s world filled with jazz and eerie whispers. The game's environment tells a dark, mysterious story, making it a subject of endless discussions and comparisons to iconic shows like Twin Peaks. It's not just about gameplay; it's about the unsettling narrative that lingers long after you've finished playing.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 97
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Developer: Rockstar Games
Red Dead Redemption 2, crafted by Rockstar Games, plunges you into the life of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in a dying Wild West. The game's vast world lets you immerse yourself in the era, with every action rippling through the narrative. Whether you choose to be a noble gunslinger or a notorious villain, the world responds, making your journey uniquely personal.
Dark Souls 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 91
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.
Dark Souls 2, released in 2014, challenges players with its punishing difficulty, a hallmark of FromSoftware's design philosophy. In the haunting kingdom of Drangleic, you'll face relentless enemies and navigate a world where every death is a lesson. The souls of your fallen foes serve as currency, fueling your journey of growth and survival.
Doom Eternal
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 20, 2020
Developer: id Software
Doom Eternal is all about relentless action. Run, shoot, and explode your way through hordes of demons in a game that prioritizes adrenaline-pumping gameplay over narrative depth. It's pure, unadulterated fun that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Baldur's Gate 3
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 3, 2023
Developer: Larian Studios
Baldur's Gate 3 is a true role-playing experience where you craft your character and lead a party through a world of dragons, magic, and intrigue. Every decision you make shapes the story, from failed jokes to betrayals. It's a game that values player choice, offering a narrative that feels personal and impactful.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 11, 2011
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Skyrim is a legend for a reason. Its world is filled with endless stories waiting to be discovered, from climbing mountains to delving into dungeons and battling dragons. The game offers unparalleled freedom, allowing you to explore at your own pace and forge your own path.
Mass Effect 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 26, 2010
Developer: BioWare
Mass Effect 2 is more than just an RPG; it's a personal saga of friendship, betrayal, and cosmic adventure. From thrilling shootouts to dialogues that shape entire planets, every choice you make matters. Whether you're saving distant colonies or sparking romances with aliens, the game offers a deeply engaging experience.
Grand Theft Auto V
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 97
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Developer: Rockstar Games
Grand Theft Auto V offers unparalleled freedom in the virtual city of Los Santos. Whether you're following the plot or causing chaos, the game lets you live out your wildest fantasies. Fly with a jetpack, race against the cops, or simply explore—this is the essence of the GTA experience.
Resident Evil 4
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 11, 2005
Developer: Capcom
Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the survival horror genre when it was released in 2005. It blends eerie atmospheres with dynamic action, featuring shootouts in destructible environments and memorable bosses. The game keeps you on your toes, transitioning seamlessly between combat, puzzles, and cinematic moments.
Disco Elysium
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 91
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Developer: ZA/UM
Disco Elysium is a game about falling and rising, asking profound questions without easy answers. Set in the noir-inspired city of Revachol, you play as a detective solving a murder while confronting your own demons. It's a blend of detective work, philosophical musings, and psychedelic art, creating an experience unlike any other.
RimWorld
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 87
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 17, 2018
Developer: Ludeon Studios
RimWorld is a relentless survival game where you manage a colony on the edge of space. From battling fires to rationing food, every decision is crucial. It's a story generator that offers endless replayability, with each playthrough presenting new challenges and absurd situations.
Dwarf Fortress
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 93
Download: Steam
Release Date: December 6, 2022
Developer: Bay 12 Games
Dwarf Fortress is the grandfather of sandbox games, inspiring titles like Minecraft and RimWorld. Its 2022 remake brought the game's complex world-building to a new audience, with detailed histories, myths, and even religions. Your task is to survive and build, watching as your dwarves navigate epic tales and everyday challenges.
World of Warcraft
Image: worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com
Metascore: 93
Download: World of Warcraft
Release Date: November 23, 2004
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
World of Warcraft offers a world where you can do almost anything. From exploring beautiful landscapes to engaging in epic raids, the game's evolving world and strong community keep players coming back. The lore of Azeroth is a rich saga filled with drama and humor, making it a true cultural phenomenon.
StarCraft
Image: polygon.com
Metascore: 88
Download: StarCraft
Release Date: March 31, 1998
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
StarCraft, released by Blizzard in 1998, set the standard for real-time strategy games. It's a game of strategy and resource management, akin to chess but with spaceships and alien swarms. Its impact on gaming culture, especially in South Korea, turned it into a national esports phenomenon.
Minecraft
Image: minecraft.net
Metascore: 93
Download: Minecraft
Release Date: November 18, 2011
Developer: Markus Persson, Jens Bergensten
Minecraft is a world of endless possibilities built from cubes. Whether you're building a castle, exploring for resources, or battling monsters, the game's freedom is its greatest strength. The community's mods add even more depth, making each playthrough unique.
Spore
Image: axios.com
Metascore: 84
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 7, 2008
Developer: Maxis
Spore is a bold experiment in game design, allowing you to create creatures and spaceships from your wildest imaginations. The game's editors let you shape your universe, with every decision influencing the world around you. It's a testament to the power of creativity in gaming.
Warcraft III
Image: warcraft3.blizzard.com
Metascore: 92
Download: Warcraft III
Release Date: July 3, 2002
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Warcraft III introduced heroes to the real-time strategy genre, allowing you to level up and equip characters with unique abilities. With four distinct races and a rich narrative featuring iconic characters like Arthas and Illidan, the game remains a beloved classic. Its map editor also birthed the MOBA genre through Dota.
League of Legends
Image: youtube.com
Metascore: 78
Download: League of Legends
Release Date: October 27, 2009
Developer: Riot Games
League of Legends is a cornerstone of the MOBA genre, captivating players worldwide with its unique characters and evolving universe. Despite recent challenges, its impact on gaming and culture, including the animated series Arcane, remains significant. Loyal fans continue to hope for its resurgence.
Undertale
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Developer: Toby Fox
Undertale is a game that challenges players with its emotional depth and innovative mechanics. As a child navigating a monster-filled underground world, your choices shape the narrative, prompting reflection on violence and empathy. Toby Fox's captivating soundtrack adds to the game's enduring appeal.
Inscryption
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 19, 2021
Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
Inscryption blends card game mechanics with a dark, immersive narrative. You're trapped in a cabin, playing a mysterious game that demands sacrifices and strategic thinking. The game constantly evolves, breaking the fourth wall and delving into deeper mysteries, including secrets tied to your own PC.
This War of Mine
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 14, 2014
Developer: 11 bit studios
This War of Mine places you in the shoes of civilians struggling to survive in a war-torn city. By day, you manage resources and repair your shelter; by night, you scavenge for supplies, making tough moral choices. The game's focus on the human cost of war creates a profoundly moving experience.
Hearthstone
Image: hearthstone.blizzard.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Hearthstone
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Hearthstone brought the thrill of collectible card games to a wider audience, blending accessibility with the rich lore of the Warcraft universe. Its charming visual design and engaging gameplay have made it a staple in the genre, captivating millions of players.
Stardew Valley
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 89
Download: Steam
Release Date: February 26, 2016
Developer: ConcernedApe
Stardew Valley offers a peaceful escape into rural life, where you can farm, raise animals, and explore. Created by Eric Barone, the game's pixel art and cozy atmosphere invite you to return time and again, finding joy in its simple pleasures and subtle humor.
The Beginner's Guide
Image: wired.com
Metascore: 76
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 1, 2015
Developer: Everything Unlimited Ltd.
The Beginner's Guide is more an art piece than a traditional game, inviting reflection on creativity and burnout. Through a series of mini-games created by the fictional developer Coda, guided by a narrator, you explore themes of art and personal struggle. For a fuller experience, consider playing the developer's other game, The Stanley Parable.
The greatest games of all time are not just genre-defining masterpieces; they are living stories that connect generations. While this list may evolve, each of these games has left an indelible mark on the industry—and perhaps on your heart.
