The 25 Best PC Games to Play Right Now

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 is inherent in gaming. What one person considers a masterpiece, another might find tedious. Even within the same genre, personal preferences vary widely.

This list represents a consensus among IGN's PC gaming staff, ranked using our Face-Off tool. It reflects our collective love for these games and encourages you to explore them if you haven't already. Many excellent games didn't make the cut—a consequence of limited slots and diverse preferences.

The Best PC Games

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This list focuses on "modern" PC games (released or significantly updated since 2013). Classic titles like Doom, Half-Life 2, and Skyrim are considered all-time greats, deserving of separate recognition (see our Top 100 Games of All Time).

Remember, this is our perspective. Create your own top 25 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 voting.

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 subverts expectations, cleverly interacting with the player's actions and choices, creating surprising consequences. Its emotionally resonant story emphasizes the impact of choices on both the player and the game's world. It's subversive, replayable, and a truly great PC game.

Check out our Undertale review.

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

24. Balatro

Balatro, a clever deck-building roguelite, twists the familiar Texas Hold'em formula. Its wild joker cards create unpredictable combos, challenging assumptions and demanding strategic adaptation.

Check out our Balatro review.

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

23. Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3 masterfully blends complex grand strategy with compelling human stories. While deeply strategic, it's surprisingly accessible, thanks to its intuitive tooltip system.

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 entire Hitman trilogy, offering a wealth of replayable sandbox levels. The creative assassination opportunities, detailed environments, and satisfying gameplay make it a must-have.

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 incredibly satisfying, and its influence on subsequent shooters is undeniable.

Check out our Doom (2016) review.

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

20. Final Fantasy VII Remake

The Resident Evil 4 Remake successfully modernizes a classic, delivering intense action-horror with stunning visuals and thrilling encounters. It perfectly captures the essence of the original while enhancing it for a new generation.

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 VII Remake masterfully reimagines the original game as a thrilling action RPG. Its combat, stunning visuals, and memorable characters make it a must-play, even for those familiar with the source material.

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 exceptional combat, a touching story, and stunning visuals. Its PC port makes this award-winning game accessible to a wider audience. God of War: Ragnarök is also available on PC.

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 unique blend of action RPG gameplay, compelling story, and unforgettable soundtrack makes it a standout title. The PC version's improved stability further enhances the experience.

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 top-tier MMO and a fantastic Final Fantasy game in its own right. Its engaging story, streamlined gameplay, and optional solo content make it accessible to both MMO veterans and newcomers.

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 offers a massive open world, a compelling story, and countless activities. The PC version boasts enhanced visuals and additional content, making it one of the best single-player PC games.

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 in this beautiful space adventure. Its mysteries, thoughtful design, and charming atmosphere make it a truly unique experience.

Check out our Outer Wilds review.

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

13. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a masterful Metroidvania with stunning visuals, expansive exploration, and challenging combat. Its secrets and ongoing updates keep players engaged for countless hours.

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 its predecessor, adding new challenges, soldier classes, and replayability. The strategic layer and modding community further enhance its longevity.

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 is a sprawling RPG with a massive open world, compelling story, and high-quality production values. Its recent updates further enhance its visuals and gameplay.

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, with its 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion, delivers a stunning open world, compelling story, and refined gameplay. Its visual fidelity is breathtaking.

Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.

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

9. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a relaxing yet engaging farming sim with RPG elements. Its charming visuals, mellow music, and extensive content make it a timeless classic.

Check out our Stardew Valley review.

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

8. Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online

Grand Theft Auto V boasts a meticulously detailed open world, a compelling story, and extensive online multiplayer. Its longevity and modding community ensure continued appeal.

Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.

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

7. Satisfactory

Satisfactory offers a unique blend of factory building and exploration. The satisfaction of constructing complex automated systems 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 sets a new standard for VR shooters. Its innovative gameplay, immersive world, and compelling story make it a must-play for VR enthusiasts.

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 battles, provides endless replayability. Its unique art style and engaging lore further enhance its appeal.

Check out our Slay the Spire review.

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

4. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium reinvents CRPG mechanics with its unique dialogue system and compelling narrative. Its writing and world-building are truly exceptional.

Check out our Disco Elysium review.

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

3. Hades

Hades sets the standard for action roguelites. Its exhilarating combat, memorable characters, and engaging story make it a truly exceptional game.

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 FromSoftware's challenging games. Its open world, versatile combat, and engaging lore make it a must-play for soulslike fans.

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 delivers an epic RPG experience with deep storytelling, tactical combat, and countless choices. Its ambitious scope and polished gameplay make it a standout title.

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 within the past 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.

See All1

Larian Studios2Supergiant Games3ZA/UM4Megacrit5FromSoftware6Rockstar Studios7CD Projekt Red8CD Projekt Red9Feral Interactive10Arkane

Upcoming PC Games

Exciting PC games releasing in 2025:

**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 top 25 modern PC games! Share your favorites in the comments. Check out our other best games lists for more recommendations:

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