The 25 Best PC Games to Play Right Now

2025 is well underway, 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; subjective preferences inevitably clash. What one gamer considers a masterpiece, another might find tedious. Even fans of the same genre rarely agree perfectly.

This list represents the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming staff, ranked using our Face-Off tool. It celebrates games we love and encourages you to explore them if you haven't already. Many excellent recent PC games didn't make the top 25, reflecting the diversity of our tastes.

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 considered all-time greats, deserving of separate recognition (see our Top 100 Games of All Time list).

Remember, this reflects our group's 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 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 subverts expectations in delightful ways. It's aware you're playing an RPG and uses that to surprise you, remembering your saves and choices to create unexpected consequences. Its emotionally resonant story emphasizes the impact of decisions. Subversive, replayable, and melancholy, it's a true classic.

Check out our Undertale review.

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

24. Balatro

Don't let Texas Hold'em skills fool you; Balatro's roguelite deck-building twists things up. Mix-and-match wild joker cards create insane combos, challenging your assumptions.

Check out our Balatro review.

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

23. Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3 balances complex systems with compelling human stories. Whether through military might, diplomacy, or intrigue, you shape historical narratives. Its nested 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 brilliant Hitman trilogy. Its richly detailed, replayable sandboxes offer endless assassination opportunities. Mastering each scenario provides immense satisfaction.

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 is a masterful reimagining. Rip and tear through hordes of demons in gloriously violent combat. Its simplicity and aggressive style revitalized the FPS genre.

Check out our Doom (2016) review.

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

20. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy 7 Remake masterfully reimagines the original as a stunning action RPG. Its combat is superb, Midgar is breathtaking, and the characters are endearing. It's a thrilling new adventure.

Check out our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review.

Release Date: April 10, 2020 | Developer: Square Enix Business Division 1 | Last Position: 20

19. Resident Evil 4 Remake

The Resident Evil 4 Remake flawlessly modernizes a classic. Intense combat encounters and rich detail bring the world to life. It's the definitive version of this action-horror masterpiece.

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) is a phenomenal reinvention of the series. Challenging combat, a touching story, and gorgeous presentation make it a standout. The PC port opens it 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 action-RPG brilliance shines through. Its genre-bending gameplay, fascinating story, and unforgettable soundtrack make it a must-play.

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 compelling political thriller storyline, streamlined solo play options, and challenging endgame content make it accessible to all 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 offers a sprawling tale of loyalty and the Wild West. The PC version enhances the already impressive visuals and adds even more content. It's a massive, unforgettable single-player experience.

Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.

Release Date: November 5, 2019 | 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 solar system through repeated cycles, guided by your ship's log.

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. Explore the vast kingdom of Hallownest, battling challenging bosses and uncovering secrets. Its challenging gameplay and beautiful art style are captivating.

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. Lead a guerrilla force against alien occupation, managing soldier deaths and procedurally generated maps.

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 deep and expansive RPG. Explore its massive world, slay monsters, and unravel compelling narratives. Its writing, voice acting, and visuals are top-notch.

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 open world is stunning. Explore Night City, complete the main story and Phantom Liberty expansion, and engage in thrilling combat.

Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.

Release Date: December 10, 2020 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 7

9. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a relaxing yet engaging farming sim. Build your farm, forge relationships, and explore a charming world. Its modding community adds endless possibilities.

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's massive, detailed world is a benchmark for open-world games. Its single-player campaign and GTA Online offer endless possibilities.

Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.

Release Date: April 14, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 11

7. Satisfactory

Satisfactory lets you build massive factories on an alien planet. Construct complex networks of conveyors and power lines to automate production.

Check out our Satisfactory review.

Release Date: March 19, 2024 | Developer: Coffee Stain Studios | Last Position: New!

6. Half-Life: Alyx

Half-Life: Alyx is a groundbreaking VR experience. Its immersive gameplay, detailed environments, and compelling story set a new standard for VR shooters.

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 keeps things fresh. Its ever-changing decks, relics, and characters offer endless replayability.

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 and writing create a memorable detective experience. Its deep dialogue and character interactions are unparalleled.

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 innovative post-game content make it endlessly replayable.

Check out our Hades review.

Release Date: September 17, 2020 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 2

2. Elden Ring

Elden Ring's open world and streamlined approach to the Soulslike genre make it accessible yet challenging. Its vast landscapes, intricate lore, and epic boss battles are unforgettable.

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 epic RPG with deep storytelling and tactical combat. Its memorable characters, meaningful choices, and extensive gameplay make it a must-play.

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, released or updated within 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! Check out our other best games lists: Best PS5 Games, Best Xbox Series X|S Games, Best Switch Games.