The 25 Best PC Games to Play Right Now

2025 is well underway, and it's time once again to refresh IGN's list of the 25 Best Modern PC Games. But what do we mean by "best"? This list is not an attempt at an "objective" ranking that will align with every gamer's taste. Such a ranking is impossible to achieve; preferences vary widely, especially when comparing different genres. What one person might consider a strategic masterpiece, another might find tedious and unengaging. Even fans of the same genre often have differing opinions on game rankings.

Instead, this list represents the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming staff, ranked using our Face-Off tool to ensure everyone's voice is heard. It's a celebration of the games we love and an invitation for others to explore them.

With only 25 slots available, many fantastic recent PC games didn't make the cut—but that doesn't diminish their quality. Every voter has their personal favorites that didn't gain enough group support, which is inevitable given the vast number of games and diverse perspectives.

The Best PC Games

26 ImagesKeep in mind that our criteria for this list focus on "modern" PC games, specifically those released or significantly updated within the last 10 years, starting from 2013. Classics like the original Doom, Half-Life 2, Portal, Skyrim, StarCraft 2, Mass Effect 2, Minecraft, BioShock, KOTOR, Fallout: New Vegas, and Batman: Arkham City are no longer considered modern but have earned their place on our Top 100 Games of All Time list and other genre-specific lists.

Remember, this list reflects our collective perspective and is no more "right" or "wrong" than any list you might create. We encourage you to share your own top 25 or top 100 PC games using our Playlist tool 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—we need to let the dust settle—but they will be considered in the next round of voting when we update the list.

Civilization 7Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward VectorDynasty Warriors: OriginsMouthwashingMarvel RivalsIndiana Jones and the Great CircleMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024STALKER 2: Heart of ChornobylLife is Strange: Double ExposureDragon Age: The VeilguardCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Sonic X Shadow GenerationsMechWarrior 5: ClansMetaphor: ReFantazioSilent Hill 2 RemakeWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2Black Myth: WukongYou Might Also Like:

Top 100 Video GamesBest Horror Games for PC25. Undertale

Undertale is a masterclass in subverting expectations, playing with the conventions of roleplaying games to deliver a unique and emotionally charged experience. The game remembers your saving habits and story decisions, constantly adapting in ways that remind you every choice has consequences. It's a testament to the power of storytelling in gaming, with a theme that resonates deeply: every choice you make matters. Undertale is replayable, emotionally resonant, and a worthy addition to the pantheon of all-time great PC games.

Check out our Undertale review.

Release Date: September 15, 2015 |Developer: Toby Fox | Last Position: New!24. Balatro

Balatro takes the familiar concept of Texas Hold'em and turns it into an innovative deck-building roguelite. It challenges you to create wild combinations with its unique joker cards, leading to explosive point-scoring opportunities that redefine the game with each playthrough. It's a fresh take on a classic concept, demanding you rethink your strategies and embrace the unpredictability of the game.

Check out our Balatro review.

Release Date: February 20, 2024 |Developer: LocalThunk | Last Position: New!23. Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3 is a grand strategy game that excels in weaving intricate human stories within its complex systems. Whether through military might, diplomatic marriages, or covert plots, the game offers numerous ways to shape your narrative. Despite the genre's reputation for complexity, CK3 is surprisingly accessible, thanks to its robust tooltip system, making it enjoyable for both veterans and newcomers alike.

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 encapsulates the best of Io Interactive's modern Hitman trilogy, offering a collection of rich, replayable scenarios. As Agent 47, you'll explore sandboxes filled with assassination opportunities, requiring you to observe NPCs, utilize every piece of gear, and execute your missions with precision. The thrill of pulling off a perfect hit undetected is one of gaming's most satisfying experiences.

Check out our Hitman 3: World of Assassination review.

Release Date: January 26, 2023 | Developer: IO Interactive | Last Position: 1621. Doom (2016)

Doom (2016) is a stellar reimagining of the classic game, delivering relentless action as you battle hordes of space demons. Its combat is pure and satisfying, setting a new standard for first-person shooters. While Doom Eternal may have refined the formula, the original 2016 release remains a timeless example of how to break genre conventions and deliver a thrilling experience.

Check out our Doom (2016) review.

Release Date: May 13, 2016 | Developer: id Software | Last Position: 1720. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy VII Remake transforms the iconic RPG into a stunning action game, reimagining the original's opening hours with breathtaking style. It boldly reinterprets characters and story, delivering a fresh yet nostalgic experience. The combat is top-notch, and the city of Midgar is beautifully detailed, making it a must-play for both new players and fans of the original.

Check out our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review.

Release Date: December 16, 2021 | Developer: Square Enix Business Division 1 | Last Position: 2019. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Resident Evil 4 Remake brilliantly modernizes the action-horror classic, retaining the original's tension and pacing while enhancing its visuals and gameplay. It guides you through a series of impressive action sequences, making it a standout title that captures the essence of what made the original so beloved.

Check out our Resident Evil 4 Remake review.

Release Date: March 24, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Last Position: 1918. God of War

God of War's arrival on PC opened up its exceptional story and combat to a wider audience. This reinvention of the classic series is a standout from the last decade, offering a touching narrative and challenging gameplay. Its detailed world and innovative mechanics make it a must-play for PC gamers.

Check out our God of War review.

Release Date: January 14, 2022 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Last Position: 1817. Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata, despite initial technical issues, has earned its place on this list thanks to its "Very positive" Steam reviews. Its action-RPG gameplay is a rollercoaster of genres and styles, set within a fascinating futuristic world. With multiple endings and an unforgettable soundtrack, it's a game that invites exploration and replay.

Check out our Nier: Automata review.

Release Date: March 17, 2017 | Developer: PlatinumGames | Last Position: 1516. Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV is not only IGN's pick for the best MMO but also a fantastic standalone Final Fantasy game. Its journey from a troubled launch to a beloved MMORPG is remarkable, offering a rich storyline and versatile gameplay that caters to solo players and group enthusiasts alike.

Check out our Final Fantasy XIV review.

Release Date: August 27, 2013 | Developer: Square Enix Product Development Division 3 | Last Position: 2115. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2's PC port enhances the wild western experience with more activities and details. Its expansive map and deep narrative, combined with extensive multiplayer options and mod support, make it one of the most comprehensive single-player and multiplayer experiences on PC.

Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.

Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 614. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds is a mesmerizing space adventure where you're trapped in a 22-minute time loop, exploring a solar system filled with mysteries. Its focus on discovery and exploration is unparalleled, encouraging you to delve into the unknown and unravel the secrets of an ancient civilization.

Check out our Outer Wilds review.

Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Developer: Annapurna Interactive | Last Position: 1213. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a standout Metroidvania, offering a beautiful, expansive world filled with secrets and challenges. Its brutal yet rewarding gameplay, along with free updates and expansions, keeps players engaged for hours. The eagerly awaited sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, promises to continue this legacy.

Check out our Hollow Knight review.

Release Date: February 24, 2017 |Developer: Team Cherry | Last Position: 2512. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen enhances the tactical combat and tension of the original XCOM: Enemy Unknown, casting you as a guerrilla force fighting alien occupation. With new soldier classes, equipment, and procedurally generated maps, it offers a deep and replayable experience.

Check out our XCOM 2: War of the Chosen review.

Release Date: August 29, 2017 | Developer: Firaxis Games | Last Position: 911. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

With its vast open-world areas and rich content, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a pinnacle of PC RPGs. Its narrative depth, stunning visuals, and mod support make it an enduring classic, continually updated to remain relevant and engaging.

Check out our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review.

Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 810. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077's 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion have elevated it to new heights. Its visually stunning world and refined gameplay make it a standout, while the expansion adds new themes and a compelling narrative, cementing its place among the best modern PC games.

Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.

Release Date: February 15, 2022 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 79. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley has revitalized the farming sim genre with its engaging RPG mechanics, satisfying gameplay, and charming world. The PC version, with its mod support and regular updates, remains the best way to experience this beloved game.

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's detailed open world remains a benchmark for the genre, offering a rich single-player campaign and expansive multiplayer experience. As it exits this list due to our 10-year rule, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of GTA 6, expected on PC in 2026.

Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.

Release Date: April 4, 2015 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 117. Satisfactory

Satisfactory builds on the foundation laid by Factorio, offering a first-person perspective on constructing complex factories. Its satisfying gameplay and recent launch out of early access have cemented its place among the best modern PC games.

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 polished and immersive experience that justifies investing in VR hardware. Its innovative gameplay and gripping narrative make it a landmark title in the Half-Life series.

Check out our Half-Life: Alyx review.

Release Date: March 23, 2020 | Developer: Valve | Last Position: 145. Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire's ever-changing decks and innovative gameplay keep its roguelite battles fresh and engaging. Its hand-drawn art and unique lore create an inviting world that players return to time and again, eagerly awaiting the launch of Slay the Spire 2.

Check out our Slay the Spire review.

Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last Position: 44. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium reinvents the CRPG genre with its noir-detective setting and innovative mechanics. Its deep narrative and exceptional writing offer a unique experience, even as the future of its sequel remains uncertain.

Check out our Disco Elysium review.

Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 33. Hades

Hades is the pinnacle of the action roguelite genre, offering exhilarating combat, a compelling story, and innovative post-game content. Its challenging yet rewarding gameplay and outstanding soundtrack make it a must-play for PC gamers.

Check out our Hades review.

Release Date: December 6, 2018 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: 22. Elden Ring

Elden Ring offers a welcoming entry point into the soulsborne genre, with its open-world design and versatile gameplay. The addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC further enhances its challenge and depth, making it an essential modern PC game.

Check out our Elden Ring review.

Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware Inc. | Last Position: 51. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is an ambitious RPG that combines epic storytelling with tactical, turn-based combat. Its detailed world and meaningful choices offer over 100 hours of engaging gameplay, making it a standout title on this list.

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 that we, the IGN editors and contributors, collectively recommend the most, based on our own tastes, and all from within the past 10 years. Updated March 21, 2024.

See All1Baldur's Gate IIILarian Studios2HadesSupergiant Games3Disco ElysiumZA/UM4Slay the SpireMegacrit5Elden RingFromSoftware6Red Dead Redemption 2Rockstar Studios7Cyberpunk 2077CD Projekt Red8The Witcher 3: Wild HuntCD Projekt Red9XCOM 2Feral Interactive10Dishonored 2ArkaneUpcoming PC Games

There are some big upcoming PC games headed our way in 2025, and we can't wait to see if any of these will earn a spot on this list in the future. The PC games we are most excited about are as follows:

Those are our picks for the 25 best modern PC games! Obviously, there are dozens of incredible games we couldn't include, but that's what happens when you only have 25 spots. Let us know in the comments what's on your list that didn't make ours, and be sure to check out our other best games lists — we update them whenever new, great games are made:

Best PS5 GamesBest Xbox Series X|S GamesBest Switch Games