As 2025 progresses, IGN refreshes its list of the 25 Best Modern PC Games, carefully selected to showcase the pinnacle of gaming experiences from the last decade. But what defines "best"? It's important to clarify that this list isn't an attempt at an "objective" ranking that would universally align with every gamer's preferences. The subjective nature of gaming means that a game cherished as a strategic masterpiece by one might be dismissed as tedious by another. Even among fans of the same genre, personal lists rarely align perfectly.

Instead, this list reflects the collective recommendations of IGN's dedicated PC gaming team, assembled through our Face-Off tool, allowing every member to contribute their insights on game rankings. It's a celebration of the games we adore and an invitation for others to explore these titles if they haven't already.

With only 25 slots available, many fantastic recent PC games couldn't make the cut. This isn't a reflection of their quality but rather the diversity of opinions and the sheer volume of excellent games available. Each participant in the voting process has their own favorites that, while not making the final list, are still considered gems.

The Best PC Games

26 ImagesOur criteria focused on "modern" PC games, meaning those released or significantly updated within the past ten years, starting from 2013. While classics like Doom, Half-Life 2, Portal, Skyrim, StarCraft 2, Mass Effect 2, Minecraft, BioShock, KOTOR, Fallout: New Vegas, and Batman: Arkham City remain beloved, they've transitioned from modern to all-time classics. For those, check out our Top 100 Games of All Time or other genre-specific lists.

Remember, this list represents our collective perspective and isn't inherently "right" or "wrong." If you feel inspired to create your own ranking, we encourage you to use our Playlist tool and share your top 25 (or 100!) PC games in the comments.

Most recent game updates were made on February 13, 2025.

Under Consideration – Recent Games

Highly rated games from 2024 and 2025, such as 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, and Black Myth: Wukong, are too new to rank yet. They'll be considered in the next update.

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Top 100 Video GamesBest Horror Games for PC25. Undertale

Undertale stands out as an inventive RPG that masterfully subverts player expectations. It playfully acknowledges the roleplaying genre, using this awareness to challenge and engage players at every turn. Its narrative emphasizes the impact of player choices, weaving an emotionally charged story that underscores the importance of every decision, making it a memorable addition to the pantheon of great PC games.

Release Date: September 15, 2015 | Developer: Toby Fox | Last Position: New!24. Balatro

Balatro challenges even seasoned Texas Hold'em players, turning the familiar card game into a dynamic deck-building roguelite. With its innovative use of joker cards, the game allows for wild combinations that can skyrocket your scores, making it a thrilling and unpredictable experience.

Release Date: February 20, 2024 | Developer: LocalThunk | Last Position: New!23. Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3 exemplifies the grand strategy genre, offering deep and engaging narratives through various paths to power, from military conquest to diplomatic intrigue. Its complexity is matched by accessibility, thanks to a robust tooltip system that guides newcomers through its intricate layers.

Release Date: September 1, 2020 | Developer: Paradox Development Studio | Last Position: New!22. Hitman: World of Assassination

Hitman: World of Assassination compiles the best of Io Interactive’s modern trilogy into a single, highly replayable experience. As Agent 47, players navigate rich, detailed sandboxes to execute creative and often humorous assassinations, offering endless possibilities for strategic gameplay.

Release Date: January 26, 2023 | Developer: IO Interactive | Last Position: 1621. Doom (2016)

Doom (2016) reinvigorated the classic FPS genre with its relentless action and visceral combat. Its influence on subsequent games is undeniable, offering a thrilling, straightforward experience that stands the test of time.

Release Date: May 13, 2016 | Developer: id Software | Last Position: 1720. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy VII Remake transforms the iconic RPG into a modern action game, beautifully recreating the original while daring to expand its narrative. With engaging combat, a richly detailed world, and beloved characters, it's a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

Release Date: December 16, 2021 | Developer: Square Enix Business Division 1 | Last Position: 2019. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Resident Evil 4 Remake reimagines the action-horror classic, modernizing its gameplay and enhancing its atmosphere. With intense combat sequences and a richly detailed world, it's a testament to Capcom's ability to refresh a beloved title for contemporary audiences.

Release Date: March 24, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Last Position: 1918. God of War

God of War's PC release opened its acclaimed narrative and challenging combat to a broader audience. This reinvention of the series is a standout title, offering a touching story and innovative gameplay that feels fresh and engaging.

Release Date: January 14, 2022 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Last Position: 1817. Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata's action-RPG gameplay and compelling story have earned it a well-deserved spot on our list. Its technical issues resolved, the game's blend of genres and styles, along with its memorable soundtrack, make it a standout experience.

Release Date: March 17, 2017 | Developer: PlatinumGames | Last Position: 1516. Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV is not only a top MMO but a remarkable Final Fantasy experience. Its journey from a troubled launch to a beloved epic showcases Square Enix's dedication to creating a rich, engaging world that caters to both solo players and group enthusiasts.

Release Date: August 27, 2013 | Developer: Square Enix Product Development Division 3 | Last Position: 2115. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2's expansive world and deep narrative make it one of the most impressive single-player experiences on PC. Enhanced with additional content and mods, it's a must-play for those with capable hardware.

Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 614. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds offers a unique space exploration experience, where players unravel mysteries within a 22-minute time loop. Its blend of exploration, discovery, and puzzle-solving makes it a standout title in the genre.

Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Developer: Annapurna Interactive | Last Position: 1213. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a masterful Metroidvania, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience within the haunting world of Hallownest. Its expansive world and engaging combat have earned it a dedicated following, eagerly awaiting its sequel.

Release Date: February 24, 2017 | Developer: Team Cherry | Last Position: 2512. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen elevates the tactical combat of its predecessor with new classes, equipment, and aliens. Its focus on replayability and the thrill of guerrilla warfare against alien forces make it a standout strategy game.

Release Date: August 29, 2017 | Developer: Firaxis Games | Last Position: 911. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

With its vast open world, deep RPG mechanics, and compelling narrative, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a benchmark for the genre. Its recent updates and extensive modding community keep it fresh and engaging.

Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 810. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077's 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion have elevated it to new heights. With its stunning visuals, deep narrative, and expansive world, it's a must-play for fans of immersive RPGs.

Release Date: February 15, 2022 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 79. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley has redefined the farming sim genre with its engaging gameplay, charming world, and extensive modding support. Its latest updates continue to enhance the experience, making it a perennial favorite.

Release Date: February 26, 2016 | Developer: ConcernedApe | Last Position: New!8. Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online

Grand Theft Auto V's expansive and detailed world sets the standard for open-world games. Its final appearance on this list due to our 10-year age limit marks the end of an era, but its legacy will endure as we anticipate GTA 6.

Release Date: April 4, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 117. Satisfactory

Satisfactory offers a unique factory-building experience in a first-person perspective, allowing players to create complex networks and automate production. Its recent full release out of early access solidifies its place on this list.

Release Date: September 10, 2024 | Developer: Coffee Stain Studios | Last Position: New!6. Half-Life: Alyx

Half-Life: Alyx is a testament to Valve's innovation, setting a new standard for VR shooters. Its immersive gameplay and polished experience make it a compelling reason to invest in VR technology.

Release Date: March 23, 2020 | Developer: Valve | Last Position: 145. Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire's roguelite deck-building mechanics offer endless variety and replayability. Its engaging gameplay, unique art style, and upcoming sequel make it a standout title in the genre.

Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last Position: 44. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium reimagines the CRPG genre with its innovative mechanics and deep narrative. Its unique setting and exceptional writing make it a modern classic, despite uncertainties about its sequel.

Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 33. Hades

Hades sets the bar for action roguelites with its engaging combat, compelling story, and innovative post-game content. Its difficulty is balanced by rewarding progression, making it a masterclass in game design.

Release Date: December 6, 2018 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 22. Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a gateway to the soulsborne genre, offering a challenging yet accessible experience. Its expansive world and challenging DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, cement its place as a modern classic.

Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware Inc. | Last Position: 51. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3's ambitious scope and old-school style make it a standout RPG. Its deep narrative, tactical combat, and ongoing updates from Larian Studios make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Release Date: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Last Position: 1### The 25 Best PC Games to Play Right Now

25 games that we, the IGN editors and contributors, collectively recommend the most, based on our own tastes, and all from within the past 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.See All1Baldur's Gate IIILarian Studios2HadesSupergiant Games3Disco ElysiumZA/UM4Slay the SpireMegacrit5Elden RingFromSoftware6Red Dead Redemption 2Rockstar Studios7Cyberpunk 2077CD Projekt Red8The Witcher 3: Wild HuntCD Projekt Red9XCOM 2Feral Interactive10Dishonored 2ArkaneUpcoming PC Games

Looking forward to 2025, we're excited about several upcoming PC games that might make their way onto future lists. Some of the most anticipated titles include:

These are our picks for the 25 best modern PC games! Due to the limited spots, many incredible games couldn't be included. Share your own list in the comments, and don't forget to explore our other best games lists, which we update regularly as new, great games are released:

Best PS5 GamesBest Xbox Series X|S GamesBest Switch Games