Top 25 PC Games You Must Play Now

As we dive into 2025, it's time to update IGN's list of the 25 Best Modern PC Games. By "best," we mean games that our team of PC enthusiasts at IGN collectively endorse, using our Face-Off tool to rank them based on our collective preferences. This list is a celebration of the games we love and a recommendation for others to explore.

With only 25 slots available, many outstanding recent PC games didn't make the cut, but that doesn't diminish their quality. Every voter has personal favorites that didn't quite make it into the top group, a testament to the diversity and richness of the gaming landscape.

The Best PC Games

26 ImagesOur criteria focus on "modern" PC games, which means titles released or significantly updated within the last decade, 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 moved into the realm of all-time greats, which you can explore in our Top 100 Games of All Time list and other genre-specific lists.

Remember, this list reflects our team's perspective and is no more definitive than any list you might create. We encourage you to share your own top 25 or top 100 list of PC games using our Playlist tool in the comments.

Most recent game updates were made on February 13, 2025.

Under Consideration – Recent Games

Here are some highly rated games from 2024 and 2025 that are too new to rank yet. They'll be considered in our next update:

• 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 stands out as a masterfully inventive game that subverts RPG conventions. It engages players by remembering their choices and altering the game dynamically, emphasizing the impact of every action. Its emotionally charged story and replayability make it a standout title.

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

24. Balatro

Balatro redefines the deck-building roguelite genre with its innovative use of joker cards, creating wild combos that challenge players to rethink strategies. It's a fresh take on card games that demands attention.

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

23. Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3 offers a deep dive into historical grand strategy, balancing complexity with accessibility. Its rich storytelling and dynamic interactions make it a compelling choice for strategy enthusiasts.

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

22. Hitman: World of Assassination

Hitman: World of Assassination compiles the best of the modern Hitman trilogy into one exceptional package. Its sandbox environments and replayability offer endless assassination possibilities, making it a thrilling experience.

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

21. Doom (2016)

Doom (2016) revitalized the first-person shooter genre with its aggressive combat and simplicity. Its influence is evident in subsequent games, and its enduring appeal secures its place on this list.

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

20. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy VII Remake reimagines the classic RPG with action-packed gameplay and stunning visuals. Its fresh take on beloved characters and story ensures it remains a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

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

19. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Resident Evil 4 Remake modernizes the action-horror classic, delivering intense combat and detailed environments. It successfully captures the essence of the original while offering a thrilling experience for today's gamers.

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

18. God of War

God of War's transition to PC opened it up to a wider audience, showcasing its compelling story and challenging combat. It stands out as a masterpiece of the last decade, worthy of its place among PC gaming greats.

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

17. Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata's unique blend of action-RPG elements and its engaging story make it a standout. Its technical improvements and positive reception have solidified its position on our list.

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

16. Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV stands out as a top-tier MMO and a fantastic entry in the Final Fantasy series. Its engaging story and accessible gameplay make it a compelling choice for both MMO enthusiasts and traditional RPG fans.

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 and detailed narrative make it a must-play PC game. Its stunning visuals and extensive multiplayer mode enhance the experience, making it a standout title.

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

14. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds offers a unique space exploration experience, wrapped in a time loop mystery. Its engaging puzzles and heartfelt story make it a memorable journey for any PC gamer.

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

13. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a beautifully crafted Metroidvania that captivates with its expansive world and challenging gameplay. Its updates and replayability keep players coming back for more.

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

12. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen elevates the tactical combat genre with its intense gameplay and expansive content. Its replayability and modding community make it a staple for strategy fans.

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

11. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

With its expansive world and rich narrative, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a benchmark for RPGs. Its ongoing updates and modding support keep it fresh and engaging.

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

10. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077, with its recent updates and expansion, offers a stunning open-world experience. Its narrative depth and improved gameplay make it a standout title in the modern gaming landscape.

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

9. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley's charming gameplay and continuous updates have solidified its place as a beloved farming sim. Its modding community and expansive content make it a must-play on PC.

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

8. Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online

Grand Theft Auto V's detailed world and engaging gameplay continue to set the standard for open-world games. Its final appearance on this list marks the end of an era, with anticipation building for GTA 6.

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

7. Satisfactory

Satisfactory offers a satisfying factory-building experience with a personal touch. Its recent full launch and engaging gameplay make it a standout in the genre.

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

6. Half-Life: Alyx

Half-Life: Alyx redefined VR gaming with its immersive experience and innovative gameplay. Its polish and engaging narrative make it a must-play for VR enthusiasts.

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

5. Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire's engaging deck-building mechanics and replayability keep players hooked. Its unique art style and challenging gameplay make it a standout roguelite.

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

4. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium offers a unique blend of CRPG mechanics and noir storytelling. Its engaging narrative and fresh gameplay make it a modern classic.

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

3. Hades

Hades sets the standard for action roguelites with its engaging combat and rich narrative. Its replayability and depth make it a must-play for genre fans.

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

2. Elden Ring

Elden Ring's expansive world and challenging gameplay make it a standout in the soulsborne genre. Its recent DLC expansion adds even more depth and excitement.

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

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3's ambitious scope and engaging storytelling make it a top choice for RPG fans. Its tactical combat and ongoing updates ensure it remains a must-play title.

Release Date: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Last Position: 1

The 25 Best PC Games to Play Right Now

25 games that we, the IGN editors and contributors, collectively recommend the most, based on our own tastes, and all from within the past 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.

See All1Baldur's Gate IIILarian Studios2HadesSupergiant Games3Disco ElysiumZA/UM4Slay the SpireMegacrit5Elden RingFromSoftware6Red Dead Redemption 2Rockstar Studios7Cyberpunk 2077CD Projekt Red8The Witcher 3: Wild HuntCD Projekt Red9XCOM 2Feral Interactive10Dishonored 2Arkane

Upcoming PC Games

We're excited about several upcoming PC games in 2025 that might make our list in the future:

• 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

That's our list of the 25 best modern PC games! There are countless other incredible games we couldn't include, but that's the nature of such a limited list. Let us know in the comments which games you think should have made the cut, and be sure to check out our other best games lists, which we update regularly as new great games are released:

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