The 25 Best PC Games to Play Right Now

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

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 preferences.

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 excluded, but you can find them on our Top 100 Games of All Time list.

Remember, this is our perspective; your own top 25 is equally valid. Use our Playlist tool to create and share your list 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 to rank, 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

25. Undertale

Undertale subverts RPG expectations, remembering your actions and adapting accordingly. Its emotionally resonant story emphasizes the impact of choices. It's subversive, replayable, and a true classic.

Check out our Undertale review.

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

24. Balatro

Balatro's deck-building roguelite twists Texas Hold'em with wild joker cards, creating unpredictable and exciting combos. Prepare to rethink your poker strategies.

Check out our Balatro review.

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

23. Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3 balances complex grand strategy with compelling human stories. Whether through military might, diplomacy, or intrigue, you shape your dynasty's destiny. Its tooltip system makes it surprisingly accessible.

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 collects the Hitman trilogy's meticulously designed levels. Agent 47's sandbox allows for creative and hilarious assassinations, rewarding exploration and observation.

Check out our Hitman 3: World of Assassination review.

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

21. Doom (2016)

The 2016 Doom reboot revitalized the franchise with intense, visceral combat. Its simple yet effective gameplay remains highly satisfying and influential.

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 modernizes the classic, delivering intense action-horror with stunning visuals and ferocious creatures.

Check out our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review.

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

19. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Final Fantasy 7 Remake reimagines the original as a stunning action RPG, blending nostalgia with innovative gameplay. Its combat is superb, and Midgar is breathtakingly rendered.

Check out our Resident Evil 4 Remake review.

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

18. God of War

God of War (2018) delivers a fantastic blend of challenging combat and a touching story. Its gorgeous visuals and innovative approach make it a standout title.

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 action-RPG gameplay, unique blend of genres, and unforgettable soundtrack make it a must-play. Its multiple endings encourage exploration.

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 MMORPG with a compelling story, streamlined gameplay, and a range of challenging endgame content. It’s accessible even for solo players.

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 expansive world, detailed atmosphere, and gripping story make it a must-play open-world adventure. The PC version enhances an already massive game.

Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.

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

14. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds' time loop mechanic drives exploration and discovery across a captivating solar system. Its mysteries are rewarding, and its atmosphere is unforgettable.

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 with beautiful art, expansive world, and challenging combat. Its secrets and challenging bosses offer 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 2, adding new classes, enemies, and strategic layers. Its high stakes and replayability make it endlessly engaging.

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 offers a massive open world, compelling story, and stunning visuals. Its updated version further enhances this already exceptional RPG.

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 polished open world, engaging story, and improved gameplay make it a standout title. The Phantom Liberty expansion adds even more depth.

Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.

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

9. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley's charming farming sim gameplay, relaxing atmosphere, and endless possibilities make it a timeless classic. Its modding capabilities enhance its replayability.

Check out our Stardew Valley review.

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

8. Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online

GTA V's sprawling, detailed world and engaging gameplay remain unmatched. Its single-player campaign and extensive GTA Online mode offer endless entertainment.

Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.

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

7. Satisfactory

Satisfactory's factory-building gameplay is incredibly satisfying. Building sprawling megafactories on an alien planet is both challenging and 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 sets a new standard for VR shooters. Its immersive gameplay, compelling story, and innovative mechanics make it a must-play VR experience.

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 gameplay, with its ever-changing decks and challenging encounters, keeps things fresh and exciting. Its unique art style and lore add to its charm.

Check out our Slay the Spire review.

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

4. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium's unique RPG mechanics, compelling story, and exceptional writing create a truly unforgettable experience.

Check out our Disco Elysium review.

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

3. Hades

Hades is a masterclass in roguelite design. Its exhilarating combat, compelling story, and endless replayability make it a standout title.

Check out our Hades review.

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

2. Elden Ring

Elden Ring's open world, challenging combat, and deep lore make it a fantastic entry point into the Soulslike genre. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC adds even more 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's ambitious scope, epic storytelling, and deep tactical combat make it a truly exceptional RPG experience.

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 majorly updated in the last 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, and check out our other best games lists:

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