2025 has arrived, and with it, the time to update IGN's list of the 25 Best Modern PC Games. What do we mean by "best"? This list is not an attempt at an "objective" ranking that would align with every gamer's preferences. Such a list could never exist, given the diverse tastes across different genres. What one person might see as a strategic masterpiece, another might find tedious and unengaging.
Instead, this list reflects the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming team. We've used our Face-Off tool to rank these games, allowing everyone to contribute to the final order. It's a celebration of the games we adore and a suggestion for others to explore if they haven't already.
With only 25 slots available, many fantastic recent PC games didn't make the cut. This is inevitable given the sheer number of games and the variety of perspectives among our team. Everyone involved has their own favorites, which may not have garnered enough group support to be included.
The Best PC Games
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Our criteria for this list focus on "modern" PC games, defined as those released or significantly updated within the last decade, starting from 2013. This means classics like the original Doom, Half-Life 2, Portal, Skyrim, StarCraft 2, Mass Effect 2, Minecraft, BioShock, KOTOR, Fallout: New Vegas, and Batman: Arkham City are now considered all-time classics and can be found on our Top 100 Games of All Time list or other genre-specific lists.
Remember, this list represents our team's perspective and is no more "right" or "wrong" than your own list. We encourage you to create your own top 25 or top 100 list of PC games 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 games from 2024 and 2025 are too new for us to rank yet. We'll include them in the next voting round 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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- Undertale
Undertale is a brilliantly inventive game that subverts expectations at every turn. It plays with the conventions of role-playing games, remembering your saving habits and adjusting the story based on your decisions. The game's underlying message—that every choice you make matters—is supported by an emotionally charged narrative. It's subversive, replayable, and a worthy addition to the pantheon of great PC games.
Check out our Undertale review.
Release Date: September 15, 2015 | Developer: Toby Fox | Last Position: New!
- Balatro
Even if you're a pro at Texas Hold'em, don't expect to breeze through Balatro's scoreboards. This deck-building roguelite twists the fundamentals of card games by allowing you to mix and match a wild collection of game-altering joker cards. These combinations can send your points soaring, forcing you to rethink everything you know about card games.
Check out our Balatro review.
Release Date: February 20, 2024 | Developer: LocalThunk | Last Position: New!
- Crusader Kings 3
Historical grand strategy games are known for their complexity, but Crusader Kings 3 manages to be both dense and accessible. It offers numerous ways to engage with its dynamic world, whether through military might, diplomacy, or espionage. Its robust tooltip system helps newcomers navigate its many layers.
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 compiles the best scenarios from the modern Hitman trilogy into one package. With a variety of rich and replayable sandboxes, you can explore countless assassination opportunities as Agent 47. The thrill of executing a perfect hit without being detected is one of gaming's greatest joys.
Check out our Hitman 3: World of Assassination review.
Release Date: January 26, 2023 | Developer: IO Interactive | Last Position: 16
- Doom (2016)
Doom (2016) is a masterful reimagining of a classic. It throws you into relentless combat against space demons, with satisfying, straightforward action. While its sequel, Doom Eternal, refined the combat, the original's pure, visceral experience remains unmatched. It revitalized first-person shooters and continues to influence the genre.
Check out our Doom (2016) review.
Release Date: May 13, 2016 | Developer: id Software | Last Position: 17
- Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake reimagines the iconic RPG as a full-blown action game, set in the stunning city of Midgar. Its combat is among the best, and its characters are lovingly recreated from the original. While it takes liberties with the story, it's packed with nostalgia and sets the stage for an exciting new adventure.
Check out our Final Fantasy VII Remake review.
Release Date: December 16, 2021 | Developer: Square Enix Business Division 1 | Last Position: 20
- Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4 Remake modernizes the classic action-horror game, delivering intense combat and a richly detailed world. It captures the essence of the original while thrilling new audiences. Its action sequences are unwaveringly impressive, making it a standout title.
Check out our Resident Evil 4 Remake review.
Release Date: March 24, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Last Position: 19
- God of War
God of War made a significant impact on its initial release as a PlayStation exclusive in 2018, and its PC arrival in 2022 opened it to a broader audience. This reinvention of the series features excellent combat, a touching story, and stunning presentation. It's a must-play for PC gamers.
Check out our God of War review.
Release Date: January 14, 2022 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Last Position: 18
- Nier: Automata
Despite initial technical issues, Nier: Automata has earned its spot on this list with its engaging action-RPG gameplay and a captivating futuristic story. Its genre-blending approach, frenzied combat, and unforgettable soundtrack make it a standout title.
Check out our Nier: Automata review.
Release Date: March 17, 2017 | Developer: PlatinumGames | Last Position: 15
- Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV is not only IGN's pick for the best MMO, but it's also a fantastic Final Fantasy game. It has evolved into a sprawling political thriller with rich storytelling and engaging gameplay. Even solo players can enjoy it, thanks to streamlined mechanics.
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's PC version enhances the wild west adventure with additional activities and details. Its sprawling narrative and expansive sandbox make it one of the best single-player PC games, with a robust multiplayer mode to boot.
Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.
Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 6
- Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is a captivating space adventure where you're caught in a 22-minute time loop. Exploring ruins across multiple planets to solve the mystery of your situation is both gorgeous and heartfelt. The game's exploration and discovery elements are unparalleled.
Check out our Outer Wilds review.
Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Developer: Annapurna Interactive | Last Position: 12
- Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a standout Metroidvania with its expansive world and delightful secrets. The challenging yet rewarding gameplay keeps you hooked for hours. Its free updates have only added to its appeal, making it a must-play.
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 builds on the tactical combat of its predecessor, adding new soldier classes, equipment, and aliens. It transforms the setting into a guerrilla war, enhancing the sense of urgency and replayability with procedurally generated maps and mods.
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
With its expansive open-world areas and deep narrative, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a landmark RPG. Its excellent writing, voice acting, and graphics, further enhanced by the 2022 update, make it a timeless classic. The addition of mods keeps the game fresh.
Check out our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review.
Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 8
- Cyberpunk 2077
After its 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 has become a standout title. Its visually stunning open world, refined combat, and engaging story make it a must-play. The addition of new themes in the expansion adds depth to the experience.
Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Release Date: February 15, 2022 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 7
- Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley has reinvigorated the farming sim genre with its masterful blend of RPG mechanics, satisfying gameplay, and mellow music. The PC version is the best way to experience it, thanks to mods and regular updates.
Check out our Stardew Valley review.
Release Date: February 26, 2016 | Developer: ConcernedApe | Last Position: New!
- Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online
GTA V's detailed open world remains a benchmark for the genre. Its single-player campaign, side activities, and bustling city life make it a comprehensive gaming experience. As it reaches the end of its eligibility for this list, we eagerly await GTA 6's arrival.
Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.
Release Date: April 4, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 11
- Satisfactory
Satisfactory lets you build complex factories on an alien world, offering a satisfying experience as you watch your creations come to life. Its launch out of early access in 2024 marks it as a significant addition to the genre.
Check out our Satisfactory review.
Release Date: September 10, 2024 | Developer: Coffee Stain Studios | Last Position: New!
- Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx set a new standard for VR shooters with its innovative gameplay and immersive storytelling. Its detailed combat and puzzles make it a must-play for VR enthusiasts, justifying the investment in a VR headset.
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 keeps battles fresh with constantly changing decks and characters. Its distinctive art and lore make it welcoming and engaging, and we're excited for the early access launch of Slay the Spire 2 in 2025.
Check out our Slay the Spire review.
Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last Position: 4
- Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium modernizes CRPG mechanics with a unique noir-detective setting. Its deep dialogue options and original gameplay, such as debating different parts of your brain, make it a unique experience. The game's writing is some of the best in the industry.
Check out our Disco Elysium review.
Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 3
- Hades
Hades is the gold standard for action roguelites, with its exhilarating combat, incredible soundtrack, and well-written story. Its innovative post-game keeps players coming back for more, making it a masterclass in game design.
Check out our Hades review.
Release Date: December 6, 2018 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 2
- Elden Ring
Elden Ring is an excellent entry point into the soulsborne genre, with its open-world design and versatile playstyle options. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC adds even more challenging content, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
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 is an ambitious role-playing adventure with an epic story and memorable characters. Its tactical combat and meaningful choices offer over 100 hours of engaging gameplay, making it a standout title despite initial bugs that have been addressed since launch.
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 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 All
- Baldur's Gate 3 - Larian Studios
- Hades - Supergiant Games
- Disco Elysium - ZA/UM
- Slay the Spire - Megacrit
- Elden Ring - FromSoftware
- Red Dead Redemption 2 - Rockstar Studios
- Cyberpunk 2077 - CD Projekt Red
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - CD Projekt Red
- XCOM 2 - Feral Interactive
- Dishonored 2 - Arkane
Upcoming PC Games
We're excited about several upcoming PC games in 2025 that might earn a spot on this list in the future:
- Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii - February 20, 2025
- PGA Tour 2K25 - February 28, 2025
- Monster Hunter Wilds - February 28, 2025
- Split Fiction - March 6, 2025
- WWE 2K25 - March 14, 2025
- Assassin's Creed Shadows - March 20, 2025
- Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game - March 25, 2025
- Inzoi - March 28, 2025
- South of Midnight - April 8, 2025
- Doom: The Dark Ages - May 14, 2025
These are our picks for the 25 best modern PC games! With only 25 spots, many incredible games couldn't be included. Let us know in the comments what's on your list that didn't make ours, and be sure to check out our other best games lists, which we update regularly:
- Best PS5 Games
- Best Xbox Series X|S Games
- Best Switch Games
