Some games feel like lifelong companions — their music echoes in our memory, and moments of victory or loss still send a shiver down our spine. Others arrive like lightning bolts, reshaping the industry and setting new benchmarks for what games can achieve.
But how do you define the "best"? For some, it’s a nostalgic childhood adventure; for others, it’s a multiplayer phenomenon that brought players together across continents. In this list, we’ve compiled timeless classics, each recognized by leading critics and players alike as some of the greatest games ever made.
Be sure to explore our other genre-based game recommendations:
Survival | Horror | Simulators | Shooters | Platformers
Half-Life 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 16, 2004
Developer: Valve
Half-Life 2 redefined first-person shooters when it launched in 2004. As Gordon Freeman, a silent physicist caught in a dystopian world ruled by alien overlords, you’ll do more than just shoot — you'll solve puzzles, manipulate objects with the iconic Gravity Gun, and immerse yourself in one of gaming's most compelling narratives.
The atmosphere is so immersive that the struggle for human survival feels real. The game’s physics engine was revolutionary at the time and remains impressively solid today. Enemies don’t simply charge — they flank, adapt, and challenge your reflexes, making every encounter intense and unpredictable.
Portal 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 95
Download: Steam
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Developer: Valve
Portal 2 combines clever puzzle design with dark humor and unforgettable characters. GLaDOS, the sarcastic AI overseer, returns with biting wit, while Wheatley, the lovable yet chaotic personality core, adds both comic relief and narrative depth.
As you progress through increasingly complex test chambers, new mechanics such as surface-altering gels and light bridges keep gameplay fresh. The co-op mode introduced in this sequel expands the experience, offering uniquely designed challenges for two players.
Diablo II
Image: polygon.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Diablo II
Release Date: June 28, 2000
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Diablo II isn't just a game — it's a cultural touchstone in the action RPG genre. Released in 2000, it set the standard for dungeon crawlers with its gothic atmosphere, deep character progression, and addictive loot cycle.
Choose a class, dive into a world teeming with monsters, and collect legendary gear that makes every victory feel rewarding. Even decades later, Diablo II continues to attract fans through remasters, mods, and community events. It’s a testament to its enduring legacy.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Image: xtgamer.net
Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release Date: May 18, 2015
Developer: CD PROJEKT RED
Step into the shoes of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a morally complex world filled with political intrigue, ancient myths, and haunting landscapes. The open world is vast, richly detailed, and packed with meaningful quests that offer no easy answers.
Every decision carries weight, shaping your journey and relationships. Praised for its storytelling, world-building, and emotional depth, The Witcher 3 stands as a modern masterpiece that won over 250 Game of the Year awards.
Sid Meier's Civilization V
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 90
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Developer: Firaxis Games, Aspyr Media
Civilization V lets you shape the destiny of an entire civilization, from primitive settlements to interstellar expansion. With turn-based strategy at its core, you’ll manage cities, research technology, wage wars, and forge alliances.
Each playthrough offers a unique experience thanks to procedurally generated maps and diverse civilizations. Expansions like Gods & Kings and Brave New World added religion, espionage, and trade systems, enriching the gameplay and ensuring endless replayability.
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Continue reading for in-depth reviews of Fallout 3, BioShock, Red Dead Redemption 2, Dark Souls 2, Doom Eternal, Baldur’s Gate 3, Skyrim, Mass Effect 2, GTA V, Resident Evil 4, Disco Elysium, RimWorld, Dwarf Fortress, World of Warcraft, StarCraft, Minecraft, Spore, Warcraft III, League of Legends, Undertale, Inscryption, This War of Mine, Hearthstone, Stardew Valley, and The Beginner’s Guide. Each entry highlights why these titles are considered among the greatest games of all time.
Whether you're chasing nostalgia or seeking the pinnacle of modern game design, this list represents the best of what interactive entertainment has to offer — timeless experiences that continue to inspire generations of gamers.
