2025 is well underway, and it's time to refresh IGN's list of the 25 best modern PC games. But what constitutes "best"? This isn't an objective ranking; subjectivity in gaming is inevitable. What one gamer considers a masterpiece, another might find tedious. Even among fans of the same genre, preferences vary widely.
This list represents the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming team, ranked using our Face-Off tool. It reflects our shared enthusiasm and encourages you to explore these titles if you haven't already. Many excellent recent PC games didn't make the cut—a consequence of limited slots and diverse perspectives.
26 Images
This list focuses on "modern" PC games released or significantly updated since the beginning of 2013. Classic titles like Doom, Half-Life 2, and Skyrim are excluded, but you can find them on our Top 100 Games of All Time list or genre-specific lists.
Remember, this is our perspective. Create your own top 25 (or 100!) using our Playlist tool and share it in the comments!
Most recent game updates were made on February 13, 2025.
These highly-rated 2024 and 2025 games are too new for ranking but will be considered in 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
Undertale subverts expectations, playfully acknowledging its RPG nature. It remembers your actions, adjusting the narrative and reminding you of consequences. Its emotionally resonant story underscores the importance of choices, both personal and interpersonal. Subversive, replayable, and melancholy, it's a true classic.
Check out our Undertale review.
Release Date: September 15, 2015 |Developer: Toby Fox | Last Position: New!
Don't let Texas Hold'em expertise fool you; Balatro's unique deck-building roguelite will challenge your assumptions. Its wild joker cards create unpredictable combos, making for exhilarating and often chaotic gameplay.
Check out our Balatro review.
Release Date: February 20, 2024 |Developer: LocalThunk | Last Position: New!
Crusader Kings 3 masterfully blends complex systems with compelling human stories. While retaining the genre's depth, it boasts improved accessibility, making its layered gameplay enjoyable for both veterans and newcomers.
Check out our Crusader Kings 3 review.
Release Date: September 1, 2020 |Developer: Paradox Development Studio | Last Position: New!
Hitman: World of Assassination unites the ingenious scenarios from the modern Hitman trilogy. Its replayable sandboxes offer endless opportunities for creative and often humorous assassinations. Mastering the environments and achieving perfect hits is incredibly satisfying.
Check out our Hitman 3: World of Assassination review.
Release Date: January 26, 2023 | Developer: IO Interactive | Last Position: 16
The 2016 Doom reboot is a masterful reimagining of a classic. Its relentless, visceral combat redefined first-person shooters, setting a new standard for aggressive, high-octane action. Its influence is still felt today.
Check out our Doom (2016) review.
Release Date: May 13, 2016 | Developer: id Software | Last Position: 17
The 2023 Resident Evil 4 Remake successfully modernizes a classic, retaining the original's thrilling action-horror while enhancing visuals and gameplay. Its intense combat and richly detailed world make it a standout.
Check out our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review.
Release Date: December 16, 2021 | Developer: Square Enix Business Division 1 | Last Position: 20
Final Fantasy 7 Remake masterfully reimagines the original, transforming it into a stunning action RPG. Its combat is exceptional, Midgar is breathtaking, and the characters are charmingly recreated. It's a must-play for any Final Fantasy fan.
Check out our Resident Evil 4 Remake review.
Release Date: March 24, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Last Position: 19
God of War (2018) is a phenomenal reinvention of the series, boasting challenging combat and a deeply moving narrative. Its stunning visuals and innovative gameplay make it a standout PC title. Play it before tackling the sequel, Ragnarok.
Check out our God of War review.
Release Date: January 14, 2022 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Last Position: 18
Nier: Automata delivers a wildly entertaining journey blending genres and styles. Its unique blend of action RPG gameplay, compelling dystopian narrative, and unforgettable soundtrack make it a must-play.
Check out our Nier: Automata review.
Release Date: March 17, 2017 | Developer: PlatinumGames | Last Position: 15
Final Fantasy XIV is a fantastic Final Fantasy game and a top-tier MMO. Its compelling story, streamlined gameplay (even solo play is possible), and challenging endgame content make it a standout online experience.
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 offers a sprawling, immersive Wild West experience. The PC version enhances the already impressive visuals and adds even more content, making it one of the best single-player PC games ever.
Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.
Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 6
Outer Wilds is a captivating space exploration game with a unique time loop mechanic. Its beautiful world, compelling mysteries, and rewarding exploration make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Check out our Outer Wilds review.
Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Developer: Annapurna Interactive | Last Position: 12
Hollow Knight is a superb Metroidvania with stunning visuals, expansive gameplay, and countless secrets. Its challenging yet rewarding gameplay and constantly expanding content make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Check out our Hollow Knight review.
Release Date: February 24, 2017 |Developer: Team Cherry | Last Position: 25
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen expands on the tactical combat of its predecessor, adding new soldier classes, enemies, and strategic layers. Its high stakes, permadeath mechanics, and immense replayability make it a tense and rewarding experience.
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 is a massive, deeply engaging RPG. Its vast open world, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals make it a timeless classic, further enhanced by recent updates and a wealth of mods.
Check out our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review.
Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 8
Cyberpunk 2077, with its 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion, delivers a breathtaking open-world experience. Its polished combat, compelling story, and stunning visuals make it a must-play.
Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Release Date: February 15, 2022 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 7
Stardew Valley's masterful blend of RPG mechanics, satisfying gameplay, and relaxing atmosphere has made it a beloved farming sim. Its endless possibilities and modding support make it a timeless classic.
Check out our Stardew Valley review.
Release Date: February 26, 2016 | Developer: ConcernedApe | Last Position: New!
Grand Theft Auto V's meticulously detailed open world, engaging story, and expansive online mode remain unparalleled. Its density of content, creative tools, and modding support make it a must-have.
Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.
Release Date: April 4, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 11
Satisfactory's satisfying factory-building gameplay provides an engaging experience of creating sprawling, complex megafactories on an alien planet.
Check out our Satisfactory review.
Release Date: September 10, 2024 | Developer: Coffee Stain Studios | Last Position: New!
Half-Life: Alyx is a groundbreaking VR experience. Its innovative gameplay, immersive world, and compelling story set a new standard for VR shooters.
Check out our Half-Life: Alyx review.
Release Date: March 23, 2020 | Developer: Valve | Last Position: 14
Slay the Spire's constantly evolving gameplay, with its diverse card decks, powerful relics, and unique characters, ensures endless replayability.
Check out our Slay the Spire review.
Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last Position: 4
Disco Elysium's innovative RPG mechanics, compelling noir setting, and exceptional writing create a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Check out our Disco Elysium review.
Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 3
Hades is the pinnacle of action roguelites. Its exhilarating combat, incredible soundtrack, and compelling narrative make it a truly exceptional game.
Check out our Hades review.
Release Date: December 6, 2018 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 2
Elden Ring is an accessible yet challenging entry point into the Soulslike genre. Its open world, versatile combat, and engaging story make it a standout title.
Check out our Elden Ring review.
Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware Inc. | Last Position: 5
Baldur's Gate 3 is an ambitious and epic RPG. Its deep story, tactical combat, and countless choices create a truly immersive experience.
Check out our Baldur's Gate 3 review.
Release Date: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Last Position: 1
25 games collectively recommended by IGN editors and contributors, all released within the past 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.See All
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Exciting PC games slated for 2025:
These are our top 25 modern PC games! Many other great games exist. Share your favorites in the comments and check out our other best games lists (updated regularly):
Best PS5 Games, Best Xbox Series X|S Games, Best Switch Games
LATEST ARTICLES 21
2025-05
Super Tiny Football is rolling out its most significant update to date with the Super Tiny Bowl Update, making it easier than ever to hit the field and build your dream team. This update removes the hard paywall, introduces new rewards, and expands customization options, all just in time for the Big
Author: ZacharyReading:0
21
2025-05
Apple is reportedly facing significant financial setbacks with its Apple TV+ service, primarily due to the high costs associated with producing premium films and television series. A report from The Information, which is behind a paywall, indicates that the company is incurring losses exceeding $1 b
Author: ZacharyReading:0
21
2025-05
The legendary Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin Shihuang are making a grand entrance into the world of Lords Mobile! This collaboration seamlessly merges ancient history with mobile gaming, delivering a wealth of exclusive rewards and introducing exciting new gameplay elements. Players can fully im
Author: ZacharyReading:0
21
2025-05
Two Point Museum DLCAs of now, Two Point Studios and SEGA have not announced any downloadable content (DLC) for Two Point Museum. However, rest assured that we are keeping a close eye on any updates from the developers. We'll make sure to keep you in the loop with all the latest news on potential DL
Author: ZacharyReading:0
