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 preferences. What one person 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 excluded, but 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 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 RPG expectations, remembering your actions and adapting accordingly. Its emotionally resonant story emphasizes the weight of choices, making it subversive, replayable, and melancholic. 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 bonkers combos. It'll challenge your assumptions and redefine your strategy.

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 allows both veterans and newcomers to enjoy its intricate layers of political intrigue and warfare.

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 meticulously crafted levels. Its replayable sandboxes offer endless opportunities for creative assassinations and hilarious chaos as Agent 47.

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, exhilarating demon-slaying action. Its influence on the FPS genre is undeniable, and its raw power remains captivating.

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 masterfully reimagines the classic RPG as a stunning action game. Its combat is exceptional, Midgar is breathtaking, and the characters are instantly lovable.

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, delivering intense action-horror with stunning visuals and ferocious creatures. A true masterpiece of the genre.

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, a touching story, and gorgeous visuals. Its PC port makes it accessible 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 seamlessly blends action-RPG elements with a captivating dystopian story and multiple endings. Its unique style 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 engaging story, streamlined gameplay, and optional solo content make it accessible to all.

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, immersive Wild West experience with an epic story, countless activities, and a massive online mode. The PC version boasts enhanced visuals and 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 22-minute time loop mechanic. Its mysteries, beautiful visuals, and rewarding exploration make it a unique and unforgettable 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 exploration, and challenging combat. Its secrets and constant updates keep players engaged for countless 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 expands upon the tactical combat of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, adding new soldier classes, enemies, and strategic layers. Its high stakes and replayability make it endlessly engaging.

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 massive, immersive RPG with a sprawling open world, compelling story, and stunning visuals. Its recent updates further enhance its already impressive 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 visually stunning and polished open-world experience in Night City. Its story, characters, and gameplay are captivating.

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 and customization.

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 meticulously detailed open world, engaging story, and extensive online mode provide countless hours of entertainment. Its creative tools and modding capabilities add another layer of depth.

Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.

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

7. Satisfactory

Satisfactory offers a unique and deeply satisfying experience of building massive factories on an alien planet. Its collaborative gameplay and complex systems make it 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 sets a new standard for VR shooters. Its innovative gameplay, immersive world, and compelling story make it 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 masterclass in roguelite design, offering endlessly replayable turn-based combat with diverse characters, cards, and relics. Its daily climbs provide constant fresh challenges.

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 that blends noir detective work with innovative dialogue systems and deep character development. Its writing and storytelling are exceptional.

Check out our Disco Elysium review.

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

3. Hades

Hades is the gold standard of action roguelites, offering exhilarating combat, a captivating story, and a rewarding post-game. Its innovative design and replayability are unmatched.

Check out our Hades review.

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

2. Elden Ring

Elden Ring streamlines the Soulslike formula while maintaining its challenging combat and immersive world. Its open-world design and expansive DLC make it a must-play.

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, memorable characters, and challenging tactical combat. Its ambitious scope and constant updates make it a truly remarkable game.

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 in the last 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024. See All

1. Baldur's Gate III - Larian Studios
2. Hades - Supergiant Games
3. Disco Elysium - ZA/UM
4. Slay the Spire - Megacrit
5. Elden Ring - FromSoftware
6. Red Dead Redemption 2 - Rockstar Studios
7. Cyberpunk 2077 - CD Projekt Red
8. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - CD Projekt Red
9. XCOM 2 - Feral Interactive
10. Dishonored 2 - Arkane

Upcoming PC Games

Exciting PC games coming in 2025:

These are our top 25 modern PC games! Let us know your favorites in the comments, and check out our other best games lists: Best PS5 Games, Best Xbox Series X|S Games, Best Switch Games.