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 have differing opinions.

This list reflects the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming team, 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 cut—a consequence of limited slots and diverse perspectives.

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

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 to rank yet, 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, remembering your actions and adjusting the game accordingly. Its emotionally resonant story emphasizes the impact of choices. 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 Texas Hold'em with wild joker cards, creating unpredictable combos. Its unique mechanics will challenge your assumptions.

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. Its accessible design makes it enjoyable for both veterans and newcomers.

Check out our Crusader Kings 3 review.

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

22. Hitman: World of Assassination

Collecting the Hitman trilogy, World of Assassination offers richly detailed, replayable scenarios. The thrill of creative assassinations and perfect getaways is unmatched.

Check out our Hitman 3: World of Assassination review.

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

21. Doom (2016)

A masterful reboot, Doom (2016) delivers relentless, visceral combat. Its influence on the FPS genre is undeniable, and its simple yet satisfying gameplay remains highly enjoyable.

Check out our Doom (2016) review.

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

20. Final Fantasy VII Remake

A stunning reimagining of a classic, Final Fantasy VII Remake transforms the original's opening into a thrilling action RPG. Its combat is superb, and Midgar is breathtakingly recreated.

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, retaining the tension and action while enhancing visuals and gameplay. It's a masterclass in reimagining a beloved title.

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, boasting challenging combat and a deeply moving story. Its PC port is a must-play for those who missed it.

Check out our God of War review.

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

17. Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata is a genre-bending action RPG with a captivating dystopian story and multiple endings. Its unique blend of gameplay and memorable soundtrack make it a standout.

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 with a compelling storyline and streamlined gameplay. Even solo players can enjoy its expansive world and engaging story.

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 gripping story, and countless activities. The PC version enhances the already impressive experience with additional content.

Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.

Release Date: November 5, 2019 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 6

14. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds is a captivating space exploration game with a unique time loop mechanic. Its beautiful world and engaging mysteries make for a truly rewarding 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 superb Metroidvania with stunning visuals, expansive gameplay, and countless secrets to uncover. Its challenging but rewarding gameplay keeps players engaged for 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 builds upon the tactical combat of its predecessor, adding new classes, enemies, and strategic depth. Its high stakes and replayability make it a standout.

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 exceptional production values. Its recent updates further enhance the experience.

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, is a visually stunning open-world RPG with a captivating story and refined gameplay.

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 charming farming simulator with RPG elements, a relaxing atmosphere, and endless replayability. Its modding community adds even more depth.

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 boasts a meticulously detailed open world, a compelling campaign, and the ever-evolving GTA Online. Its creative tools and modding capabilities add to its longevity.

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, interconnected factories on an alien planet. The satisfaction of creating complex, efficient systems is incredibly rewarding.

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, showcasing innovative gameplay and immersive storytelling. It's 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 is a masterfully designed roguelite with endless replayability. Its constantly evolving gameplay keeps things fresh and exciting.

Check out our Slay the Spire review.

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

4. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium is a unique RPG with innovative mechanics and exceptional writing. Its noir setting and deep character interactions create a memorable experience.

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, compelling story, and innovative post-game content make it a must-play.

Check out our Hades review.

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

2. Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a fantastic entry point into the Soulslike genre, offering challenging combat, a vast open world, and a compelling narrative. Its 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 is an epic RPG with deep storytelling, tactical combat, and countless choices. Its ambitious scope and polished gameplay make it a top-tier 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 significantly updated within the past 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.

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Upcoming PC Games

Exciting PC games coming in 2025:

These are our top 25 modern PC games! Many other great games exist; 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