Top 25 Best PC Games As we finish the first quarter of 2024 and prepare for another great year of new and promising games, the time has come once again to refresh IGN’s list of the 25 Best Modern PC Games. But what do we mean by “best?” To be very clear, this is not an attempt at an “objective” ranking that will indisputably line up with the tastes of gamers of all types. That, sadly, can never exist; when one person’s grand strategy masterpiece is another’s boring and impenetrable slog, they’ll never see eye to eye on where that game should rank against others of different genres. Even the personal lists of two people who love the same type of game will rarely line up exactly.
Instead, this is a list of games that IGN’s crew of self-identifying PC gamers recommend as a group, ranked using our Face-Off tool so that everybody got to weigh in on which games they thought should be placed above others. It’s presented in the spirit of recognizing games we love, and encouraging others to try them if you haven’t.
List of the 25 Best Modern PC Games
With only 25 slots to fill, there are tons of amazing recent PC games that didn’t float to the top – but that doesn’t mean we don’t think they’re awesome, too! Everybody who participated in voting has tons of personal favorites that didn’t gain quite enough traction with the group to make the cut, which is inevitable when there are this many games and so many different perspectives.
Top 25 Best PC Games Bear in mind that our criteria for this list narrowed the pool down to focus on “modern” PC games, which means it only covers games released or majorly updated during the past 10 years – in this case, back to the beginning of 2013. We still love games like the original Doom, Half-Life 2, Portal, Skyrim, StarCraft 2, Mass Effect 2, Minecraft, BioShock, KOTOR, Fallout: New Vegas, Batman: Arkham City, and many, many more, but they’ve graduated from modern to all-time classics. To find those you’ll need to check out our list of the Top 100 Games of All Time – or our other lists that strive to capture the best of a given genre.
Most importantly, remember that this list is just our group’s perspective and is no more “right” or “wrong” than a list that you create yourself. Speaking of which: if you have your own ranking you’d like to put out into the world, we’d like to invite you to make your own top 25 (or top 100!) list of PC games using our Playlist tool and share it in the comments.
Most recent game updates were made on March 21, 2024.
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- Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is one of the best modern Metroidvania’s around. It’s beautiful, expansive, and full of delightful secrets to discover that can keep you playing for dozens of hours. The kingdom of Hallownest is a brutal one, and Hollow Knight doesn’t ease you into it. That may have caused a lot of people to bounce off of it initially – but when it finally gets its hooks in you it’s irresistibly hard to put down.
Sprawling caves open up and offer multiple paths to you at any given time, but no matter which way you go there are exciting bosses to fight and significant power-ups to make you stronger. And even though it was already a massive game, Hollow Knight has only gotten bigger since its launch in early 2017. Developer Team Cherry released multiple free updates with new areas and bosses, each harder than the last. But whether you just want to get to the credits, find the true ending, or push even farther than that, Hallownest is a world worth exploring.
The sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, was supposed to be released in the first half of 2023, but Team Cherry delayed it further due to ongoing development. Will 2024 be the year we finally get more Hollow Knight?
Check out our Hollow Knight review.
Release Date: February 24, 2017 | Developer: Team Cherry | Last Position: 7
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
For many younger fans, From Software may be known primarily for its work with the Souls series. But for the elders, the studio won over hearts and minds with the sci-fi mecha action of Armored Core. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon manages to take the tried-and-true fundamentals of the classic series and combine them with the learnings and experience gained over the years of developing the Souls series.
The result is an action-packed, at times brutally difficult, but also carefully calculated action game that rewards smart preparation as much as it does your twitch reflex skills, with some of the most outstanding boss encounters we’ve seen in a long time.
Check out our Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon review.
Release Date: August 25, 2023 | Developer: FromSoftware | Last Position: New
- Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered Top 25 Best PC Games
Not since the Batman: Arkham series has a game so effectively distilled the power fantasy of a fan-favorite superhero and injected it so expertly into our eyeballs. Spider-Man Remastered may be native to the PlayStation 5, but on a high-end PC you can push it even farther than what a console can muster and experience swinging around in the open world of New York City, plus Spidey’s free-flowing combat and a fantastic story, all with the ray tracing wizardry pushed to the limit.
Check out our Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered review. Top 25 Best PC Games
Release Date: August 12, 2022 | Developer: Insomniac Games | Last Position: New
- Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Standing tall as one of the strongest single-player shooters in recent memory, Machine Games’ Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus turned the rebooted Nazi-killing rampage series into a character-driven story that gave BJ Blaskowitz not only a wonderfully satisfying arsenal of alternate-history weaponry, but added new dimension to him as a person and introduced a fantastically evil villain in the gleefully sadistic General Engel. This cautionary tale of fascism conquering America has only become more relevant in the time since it came out in 2017.
Check out our Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus review.
Release Date: October 27, 2017 | Developer: MachineGames | Last Position: New
- Final Fantasy XIV
In short, Final Fantasy XIV is not just the best MMO you can play right now, it’s a fantastic Final Fantasy game in its own right. Through its relaunch and subsequent four expansions, FFXIV has slowly morphed from a relatively generic good-versus-evil plot into a sprawling, political, and fantastical thriller. The latest expansion, Endwalker, brings a satisfying conclusion to the game’s now 8+ year storyline, returning some familiar faces, settling old scores, and of course saving the world from the impending apocalypse.
Check out our Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker review.
Release Date: September 30, 2010 (original release) | Developer: Square Enix | Last Position: 16
- Hades
The most popular roguelike of 2020, Hades, has already stood the test of time with multiple Game of the Year awards and a legion of fans. Despite officially releasing in September 2020, it technically began early access in December 2018, making it eligible for this list. You play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he tries to escape his father’s realm and reach the surface world. Along the way, you’ll meet a colorful cast of characters from Greek mythology, all of whom are expertly voice-acted. It’s a game that oozes style, with fast-paced, skill-based combat that encourages experimentation with different weapons and abilities.
Check out our Hades review.
Release Date: September 17, 2020 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Last Position: New
- Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is, at first glance, a charming anime-style open-world action RPG in the vein of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. But spend a little more time with it and you’ll realize it’s much more than that. The combat system is deceptively deep, with a rock-paper-scissors element between different elements that encourages you to swap characters on the fly and exploit elemental weaknesses. The gacha system used for acquiring new characters and weapons may turn off some players, but it’s not necessary to engage with it in order to enjoy the game.
Check out our Genshin Impact review.
Release Date: September 28, 2020 | Developer: miHoYo | Last Position: New
- Death Stranding Director’s Cut
Hideo Kojima’s first independent project after leaving Konami, Death Stranding, is a game that demands patience – and rewards it in kind. The Director’s Cut released on PC in March 2023, adding new story missions, weapons, equipment, vehicles, and quality-of-life improvements to make Sam Porter Bridges’ journey across a fragmented America a bit smoother. It’s a game that’s easy to get lost in, both metaphorically and literally, as you wander across vast landscapes trying to reconnect a broken world.
Check out our Death Stranding review.
Release Date: July 14, 2020 | Developer: Kojima Productions | Last Position: New
- Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Disco Elysium is a unique blend of a detective RPG, a visual novel, and a psychological thriller. You play as a detective who wakes up with a severe case of amnesia and is tasked with solving a murder mystery in the fictional city of Revachol. What sets Disco Elysium apart is its writing – the game is filled with witty dialogue, deep characters, and philosophical musings on politics, morality, and the human condition. The Final Cut, released in 2021, adds full voice acting to the game, bringing its characters to life in a way that wasn’t possible before.
Check out our Disco Elysium review.
Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: New
- Celeste
Celeste is a tough-as-nails platformer that will push your skills and patience to their limits. But despite its difficulty, it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience thanks to its tight controls, clever level design, and touching story about overcoming adversity. Whether you’re climbing a mountain or confronting your inner demons, Celeste will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Check out our Celeste review.
Release Date: January 25, 2018 | Developer: Maddy Makes Games | Last Position: 11
- Destiny 2
Destiny 2 has come a long way since its troubled launch in 2017. Thanks to a steady stream of updates and expansions, it’s now one of the best online shooters you can play on PC. Whether you’re teaming up with friends to tackle challenging raids, competing against other players in the Crucible, or just exploring the game’s gorgeous open worlds, there’s always something new and exciting to do in Destiny 2.
Check out our Destiny 2 review.
Release Date: October 24, 2017 | Developer: Bungie | Last Position: 13
- Control
Remedy Entertainment’s Control is a mind-bending action-adventure game that puts you in the shoes of Jesse Faden, the new director of the Federal Bureau of Control, as she investigates a mysterious government agency and its strange supernatural powers. With its stunning visuals, gripping story, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Control is a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Check out our Control review.
Release Date: August 27, 2019 | Developer: Remedy Entertainment | Last Position: 10
- Subnautica: Below Zero
Subnautica: Below Zero takes everything that made the original Subnautica great – the sense of wonder, the exploration, the survival mechanics – and cranks it up to 11. Set in a frozen alien ocean, Below Zero challenges you to survive in a harsh environment while uncovering the secrets of an abandoned research station. With its stunning underwater environments, terrifying creatures, and immersive gameplay, Subnautica: Below Zero is a worthy successor to the original.
Check out our Subnautica: Below Zero review.
Release Date: May 14, 2021 | Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment | Last Position: New
- Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is a groundbreaking RPG that puts you in the shoes of a detective with a unique set of skills and abilities. As you investigate a murder mystery in the city of Revachol, you’ll encounter a cast of unforgettable characters, engage in deep and meaningful conversations, and make difficult choices that will shape the outcome of the story. With its gorgeous hand-painted art style, immersive world, and thought-provoking narrative, Disco Elysium is a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Check out our Disco Elysium review.
Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Developer: ZA/UM | Last Position: 6
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a breathtakingly beautiful platformer that will tug at your heartstrings and test your platforming skills in equal measure. As the titular Ori, a guardian spirit, you must navigate through a stunningly realized world filled with perilous obstacles, hidden secrets, and unforgettable characters. With its tight controls, gorgeous visuals, and emotional storytelling, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Check out our Ori and the Will of the Wisps review.
Release Date: March 11, 2020 | Developer: Moon Studios | Last Position: 5
- Elden Ring
Elden Ring is the latest masterpiece from the twisted minds at FromSoftware, the studio behind the Souls series and Bloodborne. Set in a dark fantasy world created by acclaimed author George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring challenges you to explore its vast open world, battle its fearsome enemies, and uncover its secrets. With its challenging combat, deep lore, and stunning visuals, Elden Ring is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of 2022.
Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware | Last Position: New
- Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
Endwalker is the highly anticipated fourth expansion for Final Fantasy XIV, the critically acclaimed MMORPG from Square Enix. Set in the aftermath of the catastrophic events of the previous expansion, Endwalker takes players on an epic journey to the far reaches of Hydaelyn and beyond, as they seek to prevent the apocalypse and bring about a new age of light. With its stunning visuals, engaging story, and addictive gameplay, Endwalker is a must-play for any fan of the Final Fantasy series.
Release Date: December 7, 2021 | Developer: Square Enix | Last Position: New
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is widely regarded as one of the greatest role-playing games of all time, and for good reason. With its sprawling open world, rich storytelling, and complex characters, it’s a game that will keep you hooked for hours on end. Whether you’re exploring the war-torn land of Velen, battling monstrous creatures, or embarking on epic quests, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in The Witcher 3.
Check out our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review.
Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 4
- Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a sprawling epic that transports players to the dying days of the Wild West. As Arthur Morgan, an outlaw and member of the notorious Van der Linde gang, you’ll roam across the vast open world of America, hunting bounties, robbing trains, and getting into all sorts of trouble. With its breathtaking visuals, compelling story, and immersive world, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a true masterpiece of interactive storytelling.
Check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.
Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: 3
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild is a game that needs no introduction. Widely regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, it redefined what an open-world game could be with its stunning visuals, innovative gameplay mechanics, and sense of freedom and exploration. Whether you’re scaling mountains, gliding through the sky, or solving puzzles in ancient shrines, Breath of the Wild is an unforgettable adventure from start to finish.
Check out our The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild review.
Release Date: March 3, 2017 | Developer: Nintendo | Last Position: 2
- Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 may have had a rocky launch, but CD Projekt Red has been hard at work fixing the game since then, and it’s now in a much better state than it was at release. Set in the sprawling metropolis of Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 puts you in the shoes of V, a mercenary outlaw trying to make a name for themselves in a world of cybernetic enhancements, corporate intrigue, and high-tech weaponry. With its deep customization options, branching narrative, and immersive world, Cyberpunk 2077 is a must-play for any fan of open-world RPGs.
Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Release Date: December 10, 2020 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: New
- Elden Ring
Elden Ring is the latest masterpiece from the twisted minds at FromSoftware, the studio behind the Souls series and Bloodborne. Set in a dark fantasy world created by acclaimed author George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring challenges you to explore its vast open world, battle its fearsome enemies, and uncover its secrets. With its challenging combat, deep lore, and stunning visuals, Elden Ring is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of 2022.
Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware | Last Position: New
- Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West is the highly anticipated sequel to Guerrilla Games’ hit action RPG Horizon Zero Dawn. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where nature has reclaimed much of the earth, Forbidden West sees protagonist Aloy journeying to the titular forbidden west to uncover the secrets of a mysterious plague that threatens to destroy all life on the planet. With its breathtaking visuals, engaging story, and addictive gameplay, Horizon Forbidden West is shaping up to be one of the biggest games of 2022.
Release Date: February 18, 2022 | Developer: Guerrilla Games | Last Position: New
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild is a game that needs no introduction. Widely regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, it redefined what an open-world game could be with its stunning visuals, innovative gameplay mechanics, and sense of freedom and exploration. Whether you’re scaling mountains, gliding through the sky, or solving puzzles in ancient shrines, Breath of the Wild is an unforgettable adventure from start to finish.
Check out our The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild review.
Release Date: March 3, 2017 | Developer: Nintendo | Last Position: 1
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is widely regarded as one of the greatest role-playing games of all time, and for good reason. With its sprawling open world, rich storytelling, and complex characters, it’s a game that will keep you hooked for hours on end. Whether you’re exploring the war-torn land of Velen, battling monstrous creatures, or embarking on epic quests, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in The Witcher 3.
Check out our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review.
Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: 2
And that’s it for our list of the top 20 PC games of all time! From epic open-world adventures to mind-bending RPGs, there’s something here for everyone. Let us know what you think of our picks in the comments below, and be sure to share your own favorites as well