Some games, like cherished old friends, remain with us for years; their music echoing in our memories, their moments of triumph and defeat still sending shivers down our spines. Others blaze across the gaming landscape like brilliant meteors, setting new standards and forever altering the industry. But how does one define the "best"? For some, the perfect game is a nostalgic childhood adventure; for others, it's a multiplayer masterpiece that connected thousands. We've compiled a list of the greatest games of all time, their legendary status confirmed by the most respected rating systems.
Explore our curated selections of games across other genres:
**Survival | Horror | Simulators | Shooters | Platformer**
Table of Content ---
Half-Life 2 | Portal 2 | Diablo II | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Sid Meier's Civilization V | Fallout 3 | BioShock | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Dark Souls 2 | Doom Eternal | Baldur's Gate 3 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Mass Effect 2 | Grand Theft Auto 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 | The Beginner's Guide
Half-Life 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 16, 2004
Developer: Valve
Half-Life 2, a legendary first-person shooter released in 2004 by Valve, casts you as Gordon Freeman, a silent scientist thrust into a world under alien occupation. Your journey transcends simple shooting; you'll solve intricate puzzles, interact with the dynamic environment, and master the iconic gravity gun. The narrative is gripping from the outset, the struggle for human survival rendered so realistically that the pixelated world feels intensely tangible. Its groundbreaking physics engine remains impressive even today, and the intelligent enemy AI, capable of flanking and strategic attacks, keeps you constantly on your toes.
Portal 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 95
Download: Steam
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Developer: Valve
Portal 2 is a delightful blend of mind-bending puzzles and sharp wit. You'll chuckle at the sarcastic quips of GLaDOS, the malevolent AI constantly taunting you, and you'll encounter Wheatley, a robot who's simultaneously endearing and infuriating. Their interactions are memorable and hilarious. The puzzles escalate in complexity with each level, introducing new mechanics like surface-altering gels and light bridges, adding layers of strategic depth. The addition of multiplayer in the sequel is a welcome bonus.
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. Released in 2000 by Blizzard, it instantly became a phenomenon and remains the benchmark for ARPGs. Immerse yourself in a dark, gothic world brimming with ominous secrets. Choose your hero and embark on a perilous journey filled with monster battles, loot acquisition, and character progression. Its addictive gameplay loop—the thrill of each new weapon, each skill upgrade—keeps players hooked for hours. Even today, Diablo II remains remarkably relevant, with re-releases, active modding communities, and a dedicated fanbase, testament to its enduring appeal.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Image: xtgamer.net
Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release Date: May 18, 2015
Developer: CD PROJEKT RED
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a sprawling, richly detailed universe begging to be explored. Play as Geralt of Rivia, a seasoned monster hunter skilled in swordsmanship and magic. The game's vast world is meticulously crafted, its quests far exceeding simple fetch-and-kill missions; they're fully realized narratives with compelling characters and unexpected twists. The game presents numerous moral dilemmas, forcing players to confront complex choices and question the nature of right and wrong. Critically acclaimed and award-winning, The Witcher 3's deep story, memorable characters, and immersive atmosphere solidify its status as a modern classic.
Sid Meier's Civilization V
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 90
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Developer: Firaxis Games, Aspyr Media
Civilization V's enduring popularity is no surprise. This turn-based strategy game allows you to lead a civilization through the ages, from primitive tools to interstellar travel. You'll build cities, advance technology and culture, manage your economy, and navigate complex relationships with neighboring civilizations—forming alliances, engaging in trade, or declaring war. Each playthrough unfolds as a unique story on a randomly generated map, offering endless replayability and strategic depth. Expansions like "Gods & Kings" and "Brave New World" added even more layers of complexity and content, ensuring hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay.
Fallout 3
Image: newgamenetwork.com
Metascore: 93
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Released in 2008, Fallout 3 remains a definitive open-world Action/RPG. Emerging from the confines of Vault 101, you'll explore the ruins of Washington D.C., encountering mutants, bandits, and a world offering unparalleled freedom of choice. You can choose to save the world or succumb to the allure of looting and mayhem. The game's atmosphere is captivating—the retro music, the evocative imagery of the post-apocalyptic landscape, and the pervasive sense of radiation create a truly memorable experience. Fallout 3 transcends mere gaming; it's a nostalgic journey, a comforting return to a familiar and beloved world.
BioShock
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Developer: 2K Boston, 2K Australia
BioShock, while appearing initially as a straightforward action shooter, delves far deeper. The game plunges you into a distorted 1960s world, where jazz music fills seashell speakers, advertising promises a utopian ideal, and an unsettling unknown lurks in the shadows. Every detail, from door handles to wall inscriptions, contributes to a dark and mysterious narrative. Its evocative imagery and thought-provoking themes continue to spark debate and discussion among players, cementing its status as a cult classic.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 97
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Developer: Rockstar Games
Rockstar Games spared no expense in creating Red Dead Redemption 2. You don't just play as Arthur Morgan, a hardened outlaw; you inhabit the dusty plains and witness the fading era of the Wild West. This isn't a world-saving quest; it's a struggle for survival, a desperate clinging to humanity amidst chaos. The vast, immersive world allows for moments of quiet contemplation, a departure from the main plot to simply exist and experience the environment. Your actions shape your legacy—will you become a noble gunslinger or a notorious villain? The game remembers.
Dark Souls 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 91
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.
Dark Souls II is a game for those who relish the thrill of constant struggle and repeated failure. Released in 2014, it continues to spark debate: is it a brilliant, masochistic exercise, or a masterpiece that redefined game difficulty? The difficulty isn't a mere mechanic; it's a core design philosophy. Explore the unforgiving kingdom of Drangleic, where death is a constant companion and the souls of fallen enemies become your currency. The choice is yours: rise again, stronger than before, or succumb to the relentless challenges.
Doom Eternal
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 20, 2020
Developer: id Software
Run, gun, and explode. Doom Eternal is pure, unadulterated adrenaline. There's no time for breath; only the relentless thrill of combat, the satisfying crunch of demon bones, and an arsenal of devastating weaponry. This isn't a game for nuanced narratives or survival strategies; it's a visceral experience of chaotic carnage. The brilliantly designed gameplay keeps your heart pounding from start to finish.
Baldur's Gate 3
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 3, 2023
Developer: Larian Studios
Baldur's Gate 3 is a sprawling RPG where you create your character, assemble a party of companions, and embark on a classic fantasy adventure. Epic dragons, intricate magic systems, political intrigue, and endless dialogue await. Your choices, from casual jokes to acts of betrayal, have profound consequences, shaping the narrative in unpredictable ways. The game embraces player agency, offering a truly immersive and personalized experience, lauded by both critics and players alike.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 11, 2011
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Skyrim's legendary status is well-earned. Even after countless hours of exploration, there are always new secrets to uncover, hidden corners to explore. This sprawling adventure offers unparalleled freedom; you control the pace and direction of your journey. Climb mountains, delve into dungeons, battle dragons—Skyrim is your world, and you dictate the rules.
Mass Effect 2
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 26, 2010
Developer: BioWare
Mass Effect 2 is more than just an RPG; it's a deeply personal saga of friendship, betrayal, and cosmic exploration. Thrilling combat encounters, impactful dialogue choices that shape the fate of entire planets, and difficult moral decisions await. Risk your life for distant colonies, forge romances with alien species, or both. The game's emotional depth and memorable characters create a lasting impact on players.
Grand Theft Auto V
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 97
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Developer: Rockstar Games
Grand Theft Auto V offers unparalleled freedom. Follow the main storyline, or ignore it entirely. Soar through the city with a jetpack, evade the police, or wreak havoc—the choice is yours. The game's open-world sandbox and limitless possibilities are its greatest strengths.
Resident Evil 4
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 11, 2005
Developer: Capcom
Resident Evil 4 redefined survival horror. Released in 2005, it remains a landmark achievement in the genre. It blends the suspense of classic survival horror with dynamic action sequences and memorable boss encounters. The game seamlessly integrates shooting, puzzle-solving, and cinematic cutscenes, creating a consistently engaging and thrilling experience.
Disco Elysium
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 91
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Developer: ZA/UM
Disco Elysium isn't about winning; it's about the journey of self-discovery and the exploration of complex themes. As a detective investigating a murder, you'll grapple with your own flaws and make choices that have far-reaching consequences. The game's unique art style, compelling narrative, and thought-provoking themes create a truly unforgettable experience.
RimWorld
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 87
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 17, 2018
Developer: Ludeon Studios
RimWorld is a challenging colony simulator where you'll face constant threats and difficult choices. Manage resources, tend to injuries, and navigate moral dilemmas in a harsh and unpredictable world. The game's emergent storytelling and endless replayability make it a captivating and engaging experience.
Dwarf Fortress
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 93
Download: Steam
Release Date: December 6, 2022
Developer: Bay 12 Games
Dwarf Fortress is a pioneering sandbox game that influenced countless successors. Its procedurally generated worlds, rich lore, and challenging gameplay create a uniquely immersive experience. The 2022 remake modernized the game's presentation while retaining its core gameplay loop.
World of Warcraft
Image: worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com
Metascore: 93
Download: World of Warcraft
Release Date: November 23, 2004
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
World of Warcraft offers a vast and ever-evolving world, filled with quests, dungeons, raids, and a thriving community. Its rich lore, engaging gameplay, and constant updates have cemented its status as a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) giant.
StarCraft
Image: polygon.com
Metascore: 88
Download: StarCraft
Release Date: March 31, 1998
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
StarCraft, released in 1998, set the standard for real-time strategy (RTS) games. Its strategic depth, competitive gameplay, and enduring popularity have made it a cultural phenomenon, particularly in South Korea, where it's a major esport.
Minecraft
Image: minecraft.net
Metascore: 93
Download: Minecraft
Release Date: November 18, 2011
Developer: Markus Persson, Jens Bergensten
Minecraft's blocky world offers unparalleled creative freedom. Build anything you can imagine, explore vast landscapes, or survive against hostile creatures. Its simple yet engaging gameplay and thriving modding community have ensured its continued popularity.
Spore
Image: axios.com
Metascore: 84
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 7, 2008
Developer: Maxis
Spore's innovative creature creation tools and evolving gameplay allowed players to shape their own unique experiences. While some stages were criticized for simplicity, its ambitious scope and creative freedom remain noteworthy.
Warcraft III
Image: warcraft3.blizzard.com
Metascore: 92
Download: Warcraft III
Release Date: July 3, 2002
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Warcraft III revolutionized the RTS genre by introducing hero units with customizable abilities. Its rich lore, diverse factions, and influential map editor—which birthed Dota and the MOBA genre—have secured its place in gaming history.
League of Legends
Image: youtube.com
Metascore: 78
Download: League of Legends
Release Date: October 27, 2009
Developer: Riot Games
League of Legends is a massively popular MOBA, known for its deep gameplay, diverse roster of champions, and the critically acclaimed animated series, Arcane. Despite recent challenges, it remains a dominant force in the esports world.
Undertale
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Developer: Toby Fox
Undertale's unique gameplay mechanics, emotional storytelling, and memorable characters created a cultural phenomenon. Its exploration of pacifism versus violence and its captivating soundtrack cemented its place as a modern classic.
Inscryption
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 19, 2021
Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
Inscryption's meta-narrative, shifting gameplay styles, and unexpected twists create a truly unique and memorable experience. Its blend of card-based combat, puzzle-solving, and unsettling atmosphere is both captivating and unsettling.
This War of Mine
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 14, 2014
Developer: 11 bit studios
This War of Mine offers a stark and realistic portrayal of civilian life during wartime. Its focus on survival, resource management, and difficult moral choices creates a deeply affecting and unforgettable experience.
Hearthstone
Image: hearthstone.blizzard.com
Metascore: 88
Download: Hearthstone
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Hearthstone's accessible yet strategic card battles, combined with its charming art style and connection to the Warcraft universe, have made it a wildly popular collectible card game.
Stardew Valley
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 89
Download: Steam
Release Date: February 26, 2016
Developer: ConcernedApe
Stardew Valley's charming pixel art, relaxing gameplay, and focus on community building have made it a beloved farming simulator. Its surprisingly deep mechanics and endless possibilities ensure high replayability.
The Beginner's Guide
Image: wired.com
Metascore: 76
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 1, 2015
Developer: Everything Unlimited Ltd.
The Beginner's Guide is less a game and more a poignant exploration of creativity, burnout, and the human condition. Its minimalist design and thought-provoking narrative create a unique and memorable experience.
The greatest games of all time are more than just technical achievements; they are living, breathing narratives that resonate across generations. While this list may evolve over time, each game here has undeniably etched its name into gaming history—and perhaps into your heart.
