The 25 Best PC Games to Play Right Now

As we venture further into 2025, it's time to update IGN's list of the 25 Best Modern PC Games. When we say "best," we're not aiming for an "objective" ranking that would align perfectly with the tastes of every gamer. Such a list can't exist, given how personal preferences can vary dramatically. A grand strategy game that one person adores might be another's tedious slog, and even fans of the same genre often disagree on rankings.

This list reflects the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming enthusiasts, compiled using our Face-Off tool to ensure everyone's voice is heard. It's a celebration of games we love and an invitation for others to explore these titles if they haven't already.

With only 25 slots available, many fantastic recent PC games didn't make the cut. This doesn't diminish their quality; it simply reflects the diversity of gaming preferences within our team. We encourage you to share your own favorites in the comments, using our Playlist tool to craft your personal top 25 or top 100 list.

The Best PC Games

26 ImagesOur criteria focus on "modern" PC games, which includes titles released or significantly updated within the last decade, from 2013 onwards. While we still cherish classics like the original Doom, Half-Life 2, Portal, and others, they've now moved into the realm of all-time greats. For those timeless titles, check out our Top 100 Games of All Time or our genre-specific lists.

Remember, this list is a reflection of our team's collective perspective and is neither definitively "right" nor "wrong." We encourage you to create and share your own rankings using our Playlist tool.

Most recent game updates were made on February 13, 2025.

Under Consideration – Recent Games

Here are some highly rated games from 2024 and 2025 that are too new to rank yet. We'll consider them for the next update:

• 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 is a masterclass in subverting gaming conventions. It plays with your expectations, using your save habits and story choices to deliver a narrative where every decision has profound consequences. This emotionally charged tale emphasizes the importance of every choice, making it a compelling addition to the pantheon of great PC games.

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

24. Balatro

Balatro may seem like a familiar card game at first glance, but it quickly turns your understanding of Texas Hold'em on its head with its innovative deck-building mechanics. Mixing and matching joker cards to create game-changing combos offers endless replayability and strategic depth.

Release Date: February 20, 2024 | Developer: LocalThunk | Last Position: New!

23. Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3 is a testament to the power of historical grand strategy games. It offers a dense yet accessible experience, allowing players to weave intricate narratives through diplomacy, warfare, or cunning plots. Its robust tooltip system makes the game approachable for newcomers while retaining depth for veterans.

Release Date: September 1, 2020 | Developer: Paradox Development Studio | Last Position: New!

22. Hitman: World of Assassination

Hitman: World of Assassination is a treasure trove of meticulously designed assassination scenarios from the modern Hitman trilogy. Each sandbox offers endless opportunities for creative and often humorous kills as Agent 47, making it a thrilling and replayable experience.

Release Date: January 26, 2023 | Developer: IO Interactive | Last Position: 16

21. Doom (2016)

Doom (2016) is a landmark reboot that revitalized the first-person shooter genre with its relentless pace and brutal combat. Its influence is evident in the subsequent wave of games, and its straightforward yet satisfying gameplay remains a benchmark.

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

20. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy VII Remake transforms the iconic RPG into a stunning action game. It reimagines the original's opening hours with breathtaking detail and dynamic combat, setting a new standard for remakes and sequels alike.

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

19. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Resident Evil 4 Remake modernizes a classic, delivering intense action and horror with a fresh yet respectful approach. Its high-intensity encounters and detailed world-building make it a standout in the action-horror genre.

Release Date: March 24, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Last Position: 19

18. God of War

God of War's transition to PC brought its acclaimed story and combat to a wider audience. Its narrative depth and challenging gameplay have cemented its place among the best PC games of the past decade.

Release Date: January 14, 2022 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio | Last Position: 18

17. Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata's blend of action, RPG elements, and a captivating dystopian narrative has earned it a spot on our list. Its dynamic gameplay and engaging story make it a must-play despite initial technical issues.

Release Date: March 17, 2017 | Developer: PlatinumGames | Last Position: 15

16. Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV stands out as the best MMO currently available, offering a rich narrative and extensive content. Its solo-friendly design and challenging end-game raids cater to a wide range of players.

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 expansive world and intricate storytelling make it a standout single-player experience. The PC version enhances this further with additional content and the ability to mod, offering endless exploration and customization.

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

14. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds offers a unique blend of exploration and puzzle-solving within a time loop. Its heartfelt narrative and engaging gameplay make it a standout in the adventure genre.

Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Developer: Annapurna Interactive | Last Position: 12

13. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a masterfully crafted Metroidvania, offering a vast, challenging world filled with secrets and engaging combat. Its ongoing support with free updates has kept the game fresh and exciting.

Release Date: February 24, 2017 | Developer: Team Cherry | Last Position: 25

12. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen elevates the tactical combat experience with new classes, enemies, and a focus on replayability. Its challenging gameplay and modding support make it a favorite among strategy fans.

Release Date: August 29, 2017 | Developer: Firaxis Games | Last Position: 9

11. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

With its expansive world, rich narrative, and stunning graphics, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a benchmark for RPGs. Its recent updates and modding community keep it relevant and engaging.

Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 8

10. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved into a stunning open-world experience with its 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion. Its immersive world and compelling narrative make it a must-play for PC gamers.

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

9. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley revitalized the farming sim genre with its charming gameplay and deep mechanics. Its ongoing support with new patches and extensive modding community keep it a beloved title on PC.

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

8. Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online

GTA V's expansive, detailed world remains unmatched in the open-world genre. Its single-player and online modes, along with creative tools and mods, offer endless hours of entertainment.

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

7. Satisfactory

Satisfactory offers a unique perspective on factory-building, allowing players to construct and manage vast industrial networks. Its engaging gameplay and recent formal launch make it a standout in its genre.

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

6. Half-Life: Alyx

Half-Life: Alyx set a new standard for VR gaming with its polished gameplay and immersive narrative. Its innovative use of VR mechanics makes it a compelling entry in the Half-Life series.

Release Date: March 23, 2020 | Developer: Valve | Last Position: 14

5. Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire's roguelite deck-building mechanics offer endless variety and strategic depth. Its engaging gameplay and daily challenges keep players coming back for more.

Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last Position: 4

4. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium's innovative take on CRPG mechanics and its compelling narrative set it apart. Its detailed world and exceptional writing make it a unique and unforgettable experience.

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

3. Hades

Hades sets the bar for action roguelites with its engaging combat, compelling story, and innovative post-game content. Its rewarding gameplay and memorable characters make it a standout title.

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

2. Elden Ring

Elden Ring's open-world design and challenging gameplay make it an accessible yet rewarding entry in the soulsborne genre. Its expansive world and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC offer endless exploration and challenge.

Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware Inc. | Last Position: 5

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3's ambitious scope and old-school charm make it a standout RPG. Its detailed characters and tactical combat offer an immersive and rewarding experience.

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.

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Upcoming PC Games

We're excited about the following upcoming PC games in 2025, which may earn a spot on this list in the future:

These are our picks for the 25 best modern PC games! With only 25 spots, many incredible games couldn't be included, but we invite you to share your favorites in the comments. Don't forget to check out our other lists for the best games on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.