As we dive into 2025, it's time to unveil IGN's updated list of the 25 Best Modern PC Games. When we say "best," we're not aiming for an "objective" ranking that would align perfectly with every gamer's taste. Such a list is impossible to create given the diverse preferences across genres. One person's strategic masterpiece could be another's tedious slog. Even fans of the same genre often have vastly different opinions on what deserves top billing.
This list is compiled by IGN's team of dedicated PC gamers, using our Face-Off tool to collectively decide which games should rise above the rest. It's a celebration of the games we adore, presented in hopes of inspiring others to give them a try.
With only 25 slots, many fantastic PC games released recently didn't make the cut, but that doesn't diminish their quality. Every participant in our voting process has personal favorites that, while beloved, didn't garner enough group support to feature here. That's the nature of having so many excellent games and varied perspectives.
The Best PC Games
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Our criteria focus on "modern" PC games, defined as those released or significantly updated within the last 10 years, starting from 2013. 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 have transitioned from modern to timeless classics. For those, you can check out our Top 100 Games of All Time or other genre-specific lists.
Remember, this list reflects our team's collective perspective and isn't more "right" or "wrong" than any list you might create. We encourage you to craft 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 let the dust settle before including them in our next voting round.
- 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 stands out as a delightfully inventive game that subverts RPG conventions. It's aware of your role-playing habits and cleverly manipulates them, making every choice feel impactful. The emotionally charged story underscores the importance of every decision, making Undertale a memorable and replayable experience.
Release Date: September 15, 2015 | Developer: Toby Fox | Last Position: New!
Balatro
Balatro challenges even seasoned poker players with its deck-building roguelite mechanics. The game's unique joker cards create wild combinations that can skyrocket your scores, making every playthrough unpredictable and exhilarating.
Release Date: February 20, 2024 | Developer: LocalThunk | Last Position: New!
Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 excels in weaving complex historical narratives with accessible gameplay. Whether through military might, diplomacy, or subterfuge, the game allows players to explore myriad ways to influence history.
Release Date: September 1, 2020 | Developer: Paradox Development Studio | Last Position: New!
Hitman: World of Assassination
Hitman: World of Assassination compiles the best of the modern Hitman trilogy into one seamless experience. With rich, replayable sandboxes and a multitude of creative assassination methods, it offers endless thrills as Agent 47.
Release Date: January 26, 2023 | Developer: IO Interactive | Last Position: 16
Doom (2016)
Doom (2016) revitalized the FPS genre with its pure, aggressive action. Its influence is still felt today, making it a timeless classic despite the evolution seen in its sequel, Doom Eternal.
Release Date: May 13, 2016 | Developer: id Software | Last Position: 17
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake transforms the iconic RPG into a thrilling action game. While it takes liberties with the original story, it remains a stunning tribute that sets the stage for new adventures in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
Release Date: December 16, 2021 | Developer: Square Enix Business Division 1 | Last Position: 20
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4 Remake modernizes the action-horror classic with high-intensity combat and rich detail. It captures the essence of the original while thrilling new and returning players alike.
Release Date: March 24, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Last Position: 19
God of War
God of War's arrival on PC expanded its reach, offering a fresh experience for many. Its compelling story, challenging combat, and stunning presentation make it a standout title from the last decade.
Release Date: January 14, 2022 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Last Position: 18
Nier: Automata
Once plagued by technical issues, Nier: Automata has earned its place with its engaging action-RPG gameplay and captivating dystopian narrative. Its "Very positive" Steam reviews reflect its popularity among IGN's staff.
Release Date: March 17, 2017 | Developer: PlatinumGames | Last Position: 15
Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV stands as the top MMO recommended by IGN, offering a rich Final Fantasy experience. Its evolution into a political thriller and solo-friendly design make it appealing to a wide range of players.
Release Date: August 27, 2013 | Developer: Square Enix Product Development Division 3 | Last Position: 21
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC enhances an already massive game with more activities and details. Its sprawling narrative and expansive multiplayer mode make it a must-play for those with capable hardware.
Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 6
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds offers a unique space exploration experience, where every 22 minutes you restart a time loop to uncover mysteries across multiple planets. It's a testament to the joy of discovery in gaming.
Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Developer: Annapurna Interactive | Last Position: 12
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a standout Metroidvania, with its expansive world and challenging gameplay. Its ongoing updates and the promise of a sequel keep fans eagerly engaged.
Release Date: February 24, 2017 | Developer: Team Cherry | Last Position: 25
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen enhances the tactical combat of the original, adding new classes and replayability. Its guerrilla warfare theme adds a fresh twist to the alien invasion narrative.
Release Date: August 29, 2017 | Developer: Firaxis Games | Last Position: 9
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
With its vast open world and rich narrative, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a benchmark for RPGs. Its ongoing support and modding community keep it relevant years after its release.
Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 8
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved with major updates and expansions, turning it into a polished gem. Its immersive open world and compelling narrative make it a standout in the genre.
Release Date: February 15, 2022 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 7
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley revitalized the farming sim genre with its engaging gameplay and community-driven updates. Its modding support on PC makes it an ever-evolving experience.
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. As it exits our modern list due to age, anticipation builds for GTA 6, expected to push boundaries even further.
Release Date: April 4, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 11
Satisfactory
Satisfactory offers a personal touch to the factory-building genre, allowing players to build and manage complex systems on an alien world. Its recent formal launch solidifies its place on our list.
Release Date: September 10, 2024 | Developer: Coffee Stain Studios | Last Position: New!
Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx redefined VR gaming with its polished gameplay and immersive narrative. Its impact justifies the investment in VR for PC gamers, showcasing Valve's innovation.
Release Date: March 23, 2020 | Developer: Valve | Last Position: 14
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire's deck-building roguelite mechanics keep gameplay fresh and engaging. Its unique art and lore make it a welcoming world to revisit time and again.
Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last Position: 4
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium reinvents the CRPG genre with its innovative mechanics and exceptional writing. Despite the departure of key developers, its impact on storytelling in games endures.
Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 3
Hades
Hades sets the standard for action roguelites with its polished combat, engaging story, and innovative post-game. Its difficulty is balanced with rewarding progression, making it endlessly replayable.
Release Date: December 6, 2018 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 2
Elden Ring
Elden Ring serves as an excellent entry point into FromSoftware's challenging games. Its open-world design and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC offer a wealth of content for soulslike fans.
Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware Inc. | Last Position: 5
Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3's ambitious scope and old-school charm deliver an epic RPG experience. Its tactical combat and rich storytelling make it a standout in the genre.
Release Date: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Last Position: 1
The 25 Best PC Games to Play Right Now
These 25 games are the top recommendations from IGN's editors and contributors, reflecting our collective tastes and all released or updated within the last 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.
See All
1Baldur's Gate IIILarian Studios
2HadesSupergiant Games
3Disco ElysiumZA/UM
4Slay the SpireMegacrit
5Elden RingFromSoftware
6Red Dead Redemption 2Rockstar Studios
7Cyberpunk 2077CD Projekt Red
8The Witcher 3: Wild HuntCD Projekt Red
9XCOM 2Feral Interactive
10Dishonored 2Arkane
Upcoming PC Games
Looking ahead to 2025, several exciting PC games are on the horizon, and we're eager to see if any will join our list in the future. Here are some of the most anticipated titles:
- 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 selections for the 25 best modern PC games of 2025. With only 25 spots, many excellent games couldn't be included, but that's the challenge of such a list. Share your own favorites in the comments and explore our other best games lists, which we update regularly:
- Best PS5 Games
- Best Xbox Series X|S Games
- Best Switch Games
