Top 25 PC Games to Play Now

As 2025 progresses, it's time to update IGN's list of the 25 Best Modern PC Games. When we talk about the "best," we're not aiming for an objective ranking that aligns universally with every gamer's preferences. Such a list is impossible to create, as personal tastes in gaming genres and styles vary widely. What one person considers a masterpiece, another might find tedious and unengaging. Even within the same genre, individual rankings can differ significantly.

This list represents the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming team. We used our Face-Off tool to rank these games, allowing everyone to contribute to the order. It's a celebration of the games we enjoy and a suggestion for others to explore them if they haven't yet.

With only 25 spots available, many excellent recent PC games didn't make the cut. This doesn't diminish their quality; it's simply a reflection of diverse opinions within our group. Each participant has their own favorites that, while not making the final list, are still cherished.

The Best PC Games

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Our criteria focus on "modern" PC games, which we define as those released or significantly updated within the last 10 years, starting from 2013. This excludes classics like Doom, Half-Life 2, and Skyrim, which have earned their place among all-time greats. For those classics, check out our list of the Top 100 Games of All Time or other genre-specific lists.

Remember, this list reflects our group's perspective and is no more "right" or "wrong" than any list you might create. If you'd like to share your own top 25 or top 100 list of PC games, use 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 games from 2024 and 2025 are too new for us to rank yet. We'll include them in the next round of voting when we update the list:

• 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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25. Undertale

Undertale is a masterclass in subverting expectations within the RPG genre. It's aware of your role-playing and cleverly manipulates it, remembering your saving habits and decisions, and dynamically adjusting the narrative. Its story is emotionally engaging, emphasizing that every choice has consequences, 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 may seem like a straightforward card game based on Texas Hold'em, but its deck-building roguelite mechanics introduce wild joker cards that create unexpected and powerful combos. This game challenges your assumptions and offers a thrilling experience that keeps you engaged.

**Release Date:** February 20, 2024 | **Developer:** LocalThunk | **Last Position:** New!

23. Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3 excels in the grand strategy genre by balancing complex systems with accessible gameplay. It lets you craft narratives through military might, diplomacy, or intrigue. Its nested tooltip system makes it approachable for newcomers while maintaining depth for seasoned players.

**Release Date:** September 1, 2020 | **Developer:** Paradox Development Studio | **Last Position:** New!

22. Hitman: World of Assassination

Hitman: World of Assassination consolidates the ingenious scenarios from the modern Hitman trilogy. Its sandbox environments are rich, rewarding, and highly replayable, offering countless assassination opportunities that require meticulous planning and execution, delivering one of gaming's most satisfying thrills.

**Release Date:** January 26, 2023 | **Developer:** IO Interactive | **Last Position:** 16

21. Doom (2016)

Doom (2016) is a thrilling reboot that captures the essence of the original while pushing forward with intense, fast-paced combat. It revitalized the first-person shooter genre and its influence is evident in subsequent games. The game's simplicity and purity of action make it a standout.

**Release Date:** May 13, 2016 | **Developer:** id Software | **Last Position:** 17

20. Final Fantasy VII Remake

The 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4 modernizes the classic action-horror game, delivering intense combat and a richly detailed world. It captures the essence of the original while offering a fresh experience for both new and returning players.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is available now.

**Release Date:** December 16, 2021 | **Developer:** Square Enix Business Division 1 | **Last Position:** 20

19. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Final Fantasy 7 Remake transforms the opening hours of the original RPG into a dynamic action game. It boldly reimagines the story and characters, delivering an experience that feels like a sequel rather than a remake. Its combat, setting, and characters are beautifully realized, making it a must-play.

**Release Date:** March 24, 2023 | **Developer:** Capcom | **Last Position:** 19

18. God of War

God of War's 2018 release was a game-changer, earning high praise and awards. Its arrival on PC in 2022 made it accessible to a wider audience. The game's reinvention offers challenging combat and a touching narrative, making it a standout in the last decade.

The sequel, God of War: Ragnarok, is now available on PC, but starting with the original is essential for the full experience.

**Release Date:** January 14, 2022 | **Developer:** Santa Monica Studio | **Last Position:** 18

17. Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata overcame initial technical issues to earn a spot on this list. Its action-RPG gameplay is engaging and innovative, bouncing between genres and styles seamlessly. The story, combat, and soundtrack are all exceptional, making it a must-play for any PC gamer.

**Release Date:** March 17, 2017 | **Developer:** PlatinumGames | **Last Position:** 15

16. Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV is not only the best MMO according to IGN but also a fantastic Final Fantasy game. It evolved from its initial launch into a deep, engaging experience with a compelling narrative. The game accommodates solo play while offering robust multiplayer options, making it accessible to all types of players.

**Release Date:** August 27, 2013 | **Developer:** Square Enix Product Development Division 3 | **Last Position:** 21

15. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2's PC port enhances the already stunning open-world experience. With additional activities and details, it's one of the biggest and best single-player games on PC. The multiplayer mode, Red Dead Online, and the ability to mod further enrich the experience.

**Release Date:** October 26, 2018 | **Developer:** Rockstar Games | **Last Position:** 6

14. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds is a captivating space adventure that revolves around a 22-minute time loop. It encourages exploration and discovery across multiple planets, with a helpful log to track your progress. The game's expansion, Echoes of the Eye, adds even more depth to the experience.

**Release Date:** May 28, 2019 | **Developer:** Annapurna Interactive | **Last Position:** 12

13. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a standout Metroidvania game with a beautiful, expansive world full of secrets. Its challenging gameplay and multiple free updates since its launch have kept players engaged. The anticipation for its sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, continues to grow.

**Release Date:** February 24, 2017 | **Developer:** Team Cherry | **Last Position:** 25

12. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

XCOM 2 builds on the tactical combat of its predecessor with the War of the Chosen expansion enhancing it further. It shifts the narrative to a guerrilla force liberating Earth, adding complexity and replayability through procedural maps, random events, and mods.

**Release Date:** August 29, 2017 | **Developer:** Firaxis Games | **Last Position:** 9

11. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a landmark RPG with a vast, detailed open world. Its narrative, voice acting, and visuals are top-notch, and it remains relevant thanks to updates and mods. It's a testament to the depth and quality of PC gaming.

**Release Date:** May 19, 2015 | **Developer:** CD Projekt Red | **Last Position:** 8

10. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077's PC version was transformed by the 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion, enhancing its visuals and gameplay. The game's open world of Night City is unique, and the additional story content with Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba adds significant depth.

**Release Date:** February 15, 2022 | **Developer:** CD Projekt Red | **Last Position:** 7

9. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley revitalized the farming sim genre with its engaging gameplay and charming world. It's best experienced on PC, where mods and updates enhance the experience. Its enduring appeal makes it one of the best games available on the platform.

**Release Date:** February 26, 2016 | **Developer:** ConcernedApe | **Last Position:** New!

8. Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online

GTA V's detailed open world sets the standard for open-world games. Its campaign, side activities, and bustling city life offer endless entertainment. While it's the last time on this list due to our 10-year rule, its legacy will continue in other lists and with the upcoming GTA 6.

**Release Date:** April 4, 2015 | **Developer:** Rockstar Games | **Last Position:** 11

7. Satisfactory

Satisfactory builds upon the factory simulation genre with an up-close perspective of complex machinery. Its satisfying gameplay and recent formal launch from early access earn it a spot on this list, showcasing the joy of building and managing a megafactory.

**Release Date:** September 10, 2024 | **Developer:** Coffee Stain Studios | **Last Position:** New!

6. Half-Life: Alyx

Half-Life: Alyx set a new standard for VR shooters with its innovative gameplay and polish. Its full-length campaign and VR-specific mechanics make it a compelling reason to invest in a VR headset. It's a testament to Valve's dedication to the Half-Life series.

**Release Date:** March 23, 2020 | **Developer:** Valve | **Last Position:** 14

5. Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire's roguelite gameplay keeps players engaged with its ever-changing decks and characters. Its hand-drawn art and unique lore make each run feel fresh and exciting. The anticipation for Slay the Spire 2 only adds to its appeal.

**Release Date:** January 23, 2019 | **Developer:** MegaCrit LLC | **Last Position:** 4

4. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium reimagines CRPG mechanics with its noir-detective setting and innovative gameplay. Its writing and world-building are exceptional, offering a unique experience. Despite internal changes at ZA/UM, its impact on the genre remains undeniable.

**Release Date:** October 15, 2019 | **Developer:** ZA/UM | **Last Position:** 3

3. Hades

Hades sets the standard for action roguelites with its engaging combat, soundtrack, and story. Its difficulty is balanced with rewarding progression, and its post-game content keeps players coming back. It's a masterclass in game design from Supergiant Games.

Hades 2 Early Access is available now.

**Release Date:** December 6, 2018 | **Developer:** Supergiant Games | **Last Position:** 2

2. Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a perfect entry point into the soulsborne genre. Its open-world design and flexible playstyle make it accessible while maintaining the series' challenging nature. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC adds even more content, cementing its place on this list.

**Release Date:** February 25, 2022 | **Developer:** FromSoftware Inc. | **Last Position:** 5

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is an ambitious roleplaying adventure that combines epic storytelling with old-school tactical combat. Its detailed characters and meaningful choices create an immersive experience. Continuous updates from Larian Studios ensure it remains a top choice for PC gamers.

**Release Date:** August 3, 2023 | **Developer:** Larian Studios | **Last Position:** 1

The 25 Best PC Games to Play Right Now

These 25 games are our collective recommendations from IGN's editors and contributors, based on our tastes and all released 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 2Arkane

Upcoming PC Games

We're excited about several upcoming PC games in 2025 that might earn a spot on this list in the future:

These are our picks for the 25 best modern PC games! Due to the limited spots, many incredible games couldn't be included. Let us know in the comments which games you think should have made the list, and check out our other best games lists, which we update regularly:

• Best PS5 Games
• Best Xbox Series X|S Games
• Best Switch Games