2025 is here, and it's time for IGN's updated list of the 25 best modern PC games. But what defines "best?" This isn't an objective ranking; subjectivity reigns supreme in gaming. What one person considers a masterpiece, another might find tedious. Even among fans of the same genre, preferences diverge.

This list represents the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming team, ranked using our Face-Off tool. It's a celebration of games we love, encouraging you to explore them if you haven't already. Many excellent recent PC games didn't make the cut—a consequence of limited slots and diverse opinions.

The Best PC Games

26 ImagesThis list focuses on "modern" PC games released or significantly updated since 2013. Classic titles like Doom, Half-Life 2, and Skyrim are legendary, but they've transitioned to "all-time classics." Explore our Top 100 Games of All Time or genre-specific lists for those.

Remember, this reflects our collective 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.

Under Consideration – Recent Games

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

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25. Undertale

Undertale cleverly subverts RPG expectations. It's aware you're playing a game and uses this awareness to surprise you, remembering your saves and choices, constantly adjusting to remind you of the impact of your actions.

Its emotionally resonant story underscores its core message: choices matter, to you and those around you. Subversive, replayable, and melancholic, it's a truly great PC game.

Check out our Undertale review.

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

24. Balatro

Don't let Texas Hold'em mastery fool you; Balatro will challenge your assumptions. This clever deck-building roguelite twists familiar card game mechanics, letting you combine wild joker cards for insane combos.

Check out our Balatro review.

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

23. Crusader Kings 3

Grand strategy games are known for complexity, but Crusader Kings 3 balances depth with accessibility. Weave intricate human stories through military might, diplomacy, or intrigue. Its tooltip system makes it surprisingly approachable for newcomers.

Check out our Crusader Kings 3 review.

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

22. Hitman: World of Assassination

Hitman: World of Assassination unites the excellent Hitman trilogy. Its replayable sandboxes offer endless opportunities for creative assassinations. Mastering each level, observing NPCs, and utilizing tools for a perfect hit is incredibly rewarding.

Check out our Hitman 3: World of Assassination review.

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

21. Doom (2016)

A masterful reboot, 2016's Doom throws you into relentless demon-slaying action. Rip and tear your way through hordes, enjoying the satisfying combat. While Doom Eternal refined the combat, the original's pure, aggressive style remains iconic.

Check out our Doom (2016) review.

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

20. Final Fantasy VII Remake

The 2023 Resident Evil 4 Remake masterfully updates a classic. It retains the original's tension and action, modernizing the graphics and combat for a thrilling experience. Few games capture RE4's essence as well as this remake.

Check out our Resident Evil 4 Remake review.

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

19. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Final Fantasy VII Remake reimagines the classic RPG as a stunning action game. It's a faithful yet innovative recreation, boasting excellent combat, a gorgeous Midgar, and lovable characters. While not a 100% faithful recreation, it's an exciting new adventure.

Check out our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review.

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

18. God of War

God of War (2018) is a phenomenal reinvention of the series. Its challenging combat, touching story, gorgeous presentation, and innovative gameplay make it a standout. The PC port opens it up to a wider audience.

Check out our God of War review.

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

17. Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata's popularity with IGN staff, coupled with positive Steam reviews, secures its place. This action-RPG blends genres seamlessly, offering a unique and captivating experience within a fascinating dystopian setting.

Check out our Nier: Automata review.

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

16. Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV is a fantastic Final Fantasy game and a top-tier MMO. Its story has evolved into a sprawling political thriller. While an MMO, it's surprisingly accessible for solo players, offering both solo and group content.

Check out our Final Fantasy XIV review.

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 epic tale of loyalty and infamy is enhanced by its superb PC port. Its massive open world, detailed atmosphere, and extensive content make it a must-play. The PC version adds even more activities and customization options.

Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.

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

14. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds' 22-minute time loop creates a unique exploration experience. Unravel the mysteries of a dying civilization across multiple planets. Its exploration and discovery mechanics are exceptional.

Check out our Outer Wilds review.

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

13. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a superb Metroidvania, boasting beautiful visuals, expansive exploration, and challenging combat. Its secrets and challenging bosses provide dozens of hours of gameplay.

Check out our Hollow Knight review.

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

12. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen expands on the tactical combat of XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Its challenging missions, permanent death mechanic, and high replayability make it a standout strategy game.

Check out our XCOM 2: War of the Chosen review.

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

11. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt delivers a massive, high-quality RPG experience. Its open world is dense with content, and its story, voice acting, soundtrack, and graphics are exceptional. The recent update further enhances the experience.

Check out our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review.

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

10. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077's 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion significantly improved the game. Exploring Night City is visually stunning, and the gameplay is polished and refined. The expansion adds a compelling new story.

Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.

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

9. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley revitalized the farming sim genre. Its blend of RPG mechanics, satisfying gameplay, and charming atmosphere makes it endlessly enjoyable. The PC version benefits from modding and frequent updates.

Check out our Stardew Valley review.

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

8. Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online

GTA 5's massive and detailed open world remains a benchmark. Its single-player story, side activities, and GTA Online multiplayer mode offer endless entertainment. Modding further expands its possibilities.

Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.

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

7. Satisfactory

Satisfactory delivers a unique factory-building experience. Construct massive automated factories on an alien planet, connecting complex networks of conveyors and power lines. The satisfaction of building and optimizing your factories is incredibly rewarding.

Check out our Satisfactory review.

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

6. Half-Life: Alyx

Half-Life: Alyx is a groundbreaking VR experience. Its innovative gameplay, immersive world, and compelling story set a new standard for VR shooters. It justifies investing in a VR headset.

Check out our Half-Life: Alyx review.

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

5. Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire's roguelite mechanics keep each run fresh and engaging. Its constantly changing decks, powerful relics, and diverse characters provide endless replayability. The Daily Climbs add extra challenge.

Check out our Slay the Spire review.

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

4. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium is a unique RPG. Its innovative mechanics, deep dialogue, and compelling narrative create an unforgettable experience. The writing is exceptional.

Check out our Disco Elysium review.

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

3. Hades

Hades is a top-tier action roguelite. Its exhilarating combat, incredible soundtrack, compelling story, and innovative post-game content make it endlessly replayable.

Check out our Hades review.

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

2. Elden Ring

Elden Ring is an excellent entry point into the Soulslike genre. Its open-world design, streamlined introduction, and versatile combat cater to various playstyles. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC adds even more challenge and content.

Check out our Elden Ring review.

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

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is an ambitious and captivating RPG. Its epic story, memorable characters, and deep tactical combat provide over 100 hours of gameplay.

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 collectively recommended by IGN editors and contributors, all released or significantly updated within the past 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.See All1

Upcoming PC Games

Exciting PC games coming in 2025:

These are our top 25 modern PC games! Many great games were omitted due to space constraints. Share your favorites in the comments! Check out our other best games lists:

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