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 game preferences. What one player considers a masterpiece, another might find tedious. Even among fans of the same genre, rankings will differ.

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 top 25, reflecting the diverse perspectives of our voting team.

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 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 for ranking, 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 RPG expectations, remembering your actions and adapting accordingly. Its emotionally resonant story emphasizes the impact of choices. Subversive, replayable, and melancholy, it's 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, transcends basic card-matching. Its wild joker cards create bonkers combos, challenging your Texas Hold'em expertise.

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. Accessible yet deep, it offers military might, diplomacy, and intrigue.

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 unites the Hitman trilogy's scenarios. Its rich, replayable sandboxes offer endless assassination opportunities and satisfying stealth gameplay.

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, delivering intense, visceral combat against hordes of demons. Its influence on the FPS genre is undeniable.

Check out our Doom (2016) review.

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

20. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy VII Remake successfully reimagines the classic RPG as a thrilling action game, retaining the charm of the original while innovating.

Check out our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review.

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

19. Resident Evil 4 Remake

The Resident Evil 4 Remake masterfully modernizes the classic, delivering intense action-horror with stunning visuals and thrilling encounters.

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's PC port brings its excellent combat and touching story to a wider audience. A standout title with gorgeous visuals and innovative gameplay.

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 unique blend of genres, captivating story, and unforgettable soundtrack make it a must-play action-RPG.

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 story, streamlined gameplay, and engaging endgame content make it a standout.

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's enhanced PC version delivers a massive, immersive open-world experience with a compelling story, extensive activities, and robust multiplayer.

Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.

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

14. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds' time-loop mechanic drives exploration and discovery across a beautifully rendered solar system. Its mystery and heartfelt story are captivating.

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, offering expansive exploration, challenging combat, and a captivating world.

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 its predecessor, adding new classes, enemies, and strategic depth. High stakes and replayability are key.

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 offers a massive, detailed open world, compelling story, and superb 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, delivers a stunning open world, compelling story, and refined gameplay.

Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.

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

9. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley's blend of RPG mechanics, satisfying gameplay, and relaxing atmosphere makes it a timeless classic. Modding options enhance the PC experience.

Check out our Stardew Valley review.

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

8. Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online

GTA 5's meticulously detailed open world, engaging campaign, and expansive online mode offer endless possibilities. Mods further expand the experience.

Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.

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

7. Satisfactory

Satisfactory's satisfying factory-building gameplay, combined with its cooperative mode, provides endless hours of engaging fun.

Check out our Satisfactory review.

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

6. Half-Life: Alyx

Half-Life: Alyx sets a new standard for VR shooters, delivering a compelling story, innovative gameplay, and stunning visuals.

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 constantly evolving gameplay, diverse characters, and replayability make it a compelling roguelite.

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, compelling narrative, and memorable characters create a truly unforgettable experience.

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, offering exhilarating combat, a compelling story, and endless replayability.

Check out our Hades review.

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

2. Elden Ring

Elden Ring's open-world design, challenging combat, and rich lore make it a standout soulslike experience. The 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's ambitious scope, epic storytelling, and deep tactical combat create a truly immersive RPG 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.

See All1

Larian Studios2Supergiant Games3ZA/UM4Megacrit5FromSoftware6Rockstar Studios7CD Projekt Red8CD Projekt Red9Feral Interactive10Arkane

Upcoming PC Games

Exciting PC games coming in 2025:

**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

This list represents our top 25 modern PC games. Many other great games exist. Share your favorites in the comments! Check out our other best games lists for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.