As we navigate through 2025, it's time once again to update IGN's list of the 25 Best Modern PC Games. When we say "best," we're not aiming for an objective ranking that would satisfy every gamer's taste; such a list is impossible to create. Gaming preferences are highly personal and subjective, especially when comparing across different genres. Instead, this list reflects the collective recommendations of IGN's team of PC gamers, who used our Face-Off tool to rank these games. It's a celebration of the titles we adore and a nudge for others to explore them if they haven't already.

With only 25 slots available, many fantastic recent PC games didn't make the cut, but that doesn't diminish their quality. Each voter had their own favorites, yet the group consensus is what ultimately shaped this list. It's a testament to the diversity and richness of the PC gaming landscape.

The Best PC Games

26 Images

Our selection criteria focus on "modern" PC games, encompassing those released or significantly updated within the last decade, specifically since the start of 2013. While classics like the original Doom, Half-Life 2, Portal, Skyrim, and others are timeless, they belong in our Top 100 Games of All Time list, not here. This list represents our team's perspective and is neither definitive nor exhaustive. We encourage you to create and share your own top 25 or top 100 list using our Playlist tool.

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

Under Consideration – Recent Games

The following highly-rated games from 2024 and 2025 are too new for ranking, but they're on our radar for future updates:

• 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

You Might Also Like:

• Top 100 Video Games
• Best Horror Games for PC

25. Undertale

Undertale is a masterclass in subverting gaming conventions. It plays with your expectations at every turn, remembering your save habits and story choices, and delivering a poignant message about the impact of every decision. Its emotional depth and replayability make it a standout in the PC gaming world.

**Release Date:** September 15, 2015 | **Developer:** Toby Fox | **Last Position:** New!

24. Balatro

Balatro reimagines Texas Hold'em with a roguelite twist, challenging players to master a wild array of joker cards to create game-changing combos. Its innovative approach and high replay value make it a compelling addition to the PC gaming scene.

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

23. Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3 excels in weaving intricate human stories within a dense historical grand strategy framework. Its accessibility and depth make it a must-play for strategy enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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

22. Hitman: World of Assassination

Hitman: World of Assassination consolidates the rich, replayable sandboxes of the modern Hitman trilogy, offering endless opportunities for creative assassinations. Its depth and humor make it a thrilling experience for players.

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

21. Doom (2016)

The 2016 reboot of Doom revitalized the first-person shooter genre with its relentless action and pure, satisfying combat. Its influence continues to be felt in the industry, making it a timeless PC gaming gem.

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

20. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy VII Remake reimagines the iconic RPG with stunning graphics and engaging action combat. It balances nostalgia with innovation, delivering a fresh yet familiar experience that captivates players.

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

19. Resident Evil 4 Remake

The Resident Evil 4 Remake masterfully updates the classic action-horror game, maintaining its tension and excitement while enhancing its visuals and gameplay. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the series.

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

18. God of War

God of War's arrival on PC brought its critically acclaimed story and combat to a wider audience. Its emotional depth and innovative gameplay make it a standout title in the PC gaming landscape.

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

17. Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata's unique blend of action-RPG gameplay, compelling story, and genre-blending mechanics make it a must-play. Its technical improvements on PC have solidified its place on our list.

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

16. Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV stands out as both an exceptional MMO and a fantastic entry in the Final Fantasy series. Its engaging story and accessible gameplay make it a top choice for MMO enthusiasts and RPG fans alike.

**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 expansive world and detailed storytelling make it one of the most immersive single-player experiences on PC. Its PC version enhances the already impressive game with additional content and mods.

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

14. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds offers a unique time-loop adventure that encourages exploration and discovery. Its engaging puzzles and heartfelt narrative make it a standout in the genre of space exploration games.

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

13. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a compelling Metroidvania with a beautifully crafted world and challenging gameplay. Its free updates and expansive content make it a perennial favorite among PC gamers.

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

12. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen enhances the tactical combat and replayability of its predecessor, offering a deeper and more challenging experience. Its guerrilla warfare theme adds a fresh twist to the series.

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

11. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt delivers an expansive open-world RPG experience with rich storytelling and impressive graphics. Its recent updates and extensive modding community keep it relevant and engaging.

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

10. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077's evolution through updates and expansions has transformed it into a visually stunning and engaging open-world adventure. Its narrative depth and technical improvements make it a standout title.

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

9. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley's blend of farming simulation and RPG elements has made it a beloved title in the PC gaming community. Its ongoing updates and modding support ensure it remains a timeless classic.

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

8. Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online

Grand Theft Auto V's detailed and expansive world continues to set the standard for open-world games. Its final appearance on this list due to our 10-year rule underscores its lasting impact on PC gaming.

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

7. Satisfactory

Satisfactory's engaging factory-building gameplay and cooperative multiplayer make it a standout title. Its formal launch out of early access has cemented its place among the best PC games.

**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 gaming with its innovative gameplay and immersive storytelling. Its impact on the VR genre makes it a must-play for PC gamers with VR setups.

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

5. Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire's unique blend of roguelite and deck-building mechanics offers endless replayability and strategic depth. Its engaging gameplay and distinctive art style make it a top pick for PC gamers.

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

4. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium's innovative approach to CRPG mechanics and its rich, detailed world make it a standout title. Its narrative depth and unique gameplay ensure it remains a beloved choice among PC gamers.

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

3. Hades

Hades sets the gold standard for action roguelites with its engaging combat, compelling story, and innovative post-game content. Its excellence across all aspects makes it a must-play for PC gamers.

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

2. Elden Ring

Elden Ring's open-world design and challenging gameplay make it a standout in the soulsborne genre. Its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, adds even more depth and challenge to an already exceptional game.

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

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3's ambitious scope and detailed storytelling offer an unparalleled roleplaying experience. Its tactical combat and engaging narrative make it the top pick for PC gamers seeking a deep RPG adventure.

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

The 25 Best PC Games to Play Right Now

Here are the 25 games that IGN's editors and contributors collectively recommend the most, all released within the past 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.

See All1

Upcoming PC Games

Looking ahead to 2025, there are several exciting PC games on the horizon that could potentially join this list in the future. Here are the titles we're most eagerly anticipating:

These are our picks for the 25 best modern PC games! With only 25 slots, many incredible games couldn't be included, but that's the nature of such lists. We invite you to share your own favorites in the comments and explore our other best games lists, which we update as new, great games are released:

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