Top 25 PC Games to Play Now

As we progress through 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 every gamer's preferences. The reality is, gamers' tastes are as diverse as the games themselves. What one player considers a strategic masterpiece, another might find dull or overly complex. Even among fans of the same genre, personal lists rarely match up exactly.

Instead, this list reflects the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming enthusiasts, compiled using our Face-Off tool, which allowed everyone to have a say in the rankings. It's a celebration of the games we adore and a nudge for others to give them a try if they haven't already.

With only 25 slots available, many fantastic recent PC games didn't make the cut, but that doesn't diminish their quality. Everyone involved in the voting process has personal favorites that didn't quite resonate with the group, which is inevitable given the vast array of games and differing opinions.

The Best PC Games

26 ImagesOur criteria for this list focused on "modern" PC games, specifically those released or significantly updated within the last decade, starting from 2013. While we cherish 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, they've transcended from modern to timeless classics. To explore those, check out our Top 100 Games of All Time list or our genre-specific lists.

Remember, this list represents our group's perspective and is neither definitively right nor wrong. If you're inspired to create your own, we encourage you to use our Playlist tool to compile your top 25 or top 100 PC games and share them in the comments.

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

Under Consideration – Recent Games

These highly acclaimed games from 2024 and 2025 are too fresh to rank yet—we need to let the dust settle. They, along with others, 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, cleverly using its role-playing game framework to surprise and challenge players at every turn. It remembers your saving habits, tracks your story decisions, and dynamically adjusts to emphasize the impact of your choices. The game's emotionally charged narrative reinforces the theme that every action has consequences, making it a standout in the pantheon of PC gaming.

Check out our Undertale review.

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

Balatro might seem familiar to poker enthusiasts, but its deck-building roguelite mechanics introduce a wild array of joker cards that can create explosive combos, skyrocketing your scores. It challenges everything you think you know about card games, making it a thrilling addition to the PC gaming landscape.

Check out our Balatro review.

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

Crusader Kings 3 stands out in the historical grand strategy genre by weaving intricate narratives through diplomacy, warfare, and intrigue. Despite its complex systems, it's surprisingly accessible, thanks to its robust tooltip system, inviting newcomers to delve into its rich layers of gameplay.

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 compiles the ingenious scenarios of the modern Hitman trilogy, offering a playground for players to explore and execute assassinations with creativity and humor. The thrill of orchestrating a perfect hit, unnoticed, remains 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) reinvigorated the first-person shooter genre with its relentless pace and visceral combat. Its simplicity and focus on pure action set it apart from its contemporaries, earning it a lasting legacy in the gaming world.

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 brilliantly modernizes the iconic RPG, transforming its turn-based roots into an action-packed adventure. Its stunning visuals and engaging combat system make it a must-play for both new and returning fans.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is available now.

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 masterfully updates a classic, delivering intense action sequences and a richly detailed world. It's a testament to how a faithful remake can still feel fresh and exciting for modern audiences.

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 brought its acclaimed story and challenging combat to a wider audience. Its stunning visuals and emotional depth make it a standout title that continues to captivate players years after its initial release.

The equally well-regarded sequel, God of War: Ragnarok, is now available on PC as well – but this is another saga where you have to start at the beginning to experience it to the fullest.

Check out our God of War review.

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

Nier: Automata overcame its initial technical hurdles to become a beloved action-RPG. Its unique blend of genres, captivating story, and frenetic combat make it a must-play for any PC gamer looking for something truly special.

Check out our Nier: Automata review.

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

Final Fantasy XIV isn't just an outstanding MMO; it's a remarkable Final Fantasy experience. Its engaging storyline, solo-friendly content, and extensive end-game activities make it a compelling choice for both MMO newcomers and veterans.

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 on PC enhances an already massive open-world adventure with additional content and stunning visuals. Its immersive world and deep narrative make it one of the best single-player experiences available 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 breathtaking space adventure that encapsulates the thrill of exploration and discovery. Its time-loop mechanic and engaging puzzles create a unique and unforgettable experience.

Check out our Outer Wilds review.

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

Hollow Knight is a masterpiece of the Metroidvania genre, offering a challenging yet rewarding journey through the haunting world of Hallownest. Its expansive world and free updates have kept players engaged and eager for more.

The sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, was delayed beyond its initial 2023 release window, leaving fans hopeful for a 2025 launch.

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 elevates the tactical combat of its predecessor with new classes, enemies, and replayability options. Its guerrilla warfare theme adds a layer of intensity, making every decision critical.

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 and deep narrative, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt sets the standard for RPGs. Its recent updates and vast modding community ensure it remains a top choice for PC gamers.

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 transformed it into a must-play PC game. Its stunning visuals and engaging narrative make it a standout in the open-world genre.

Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 review.

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

Stardew Valley revitalized the farming sim genre with its charming world and engaging gameplay. Its continuous updates and modding community keep it fresh and exciting for both new and veteran players.

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 detailed and expansive open world remains a benchmark for the genre. Its final appearance on this list, due to our 10-year age limit, doesn't diminish its impact, and we eagerly anticipate the arrival of GTA 6 on PC.

Check out our Grand Theft Auto V review.

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

Satisfactory offers a personal and immersive take on the factory-building genre, allowing players to construct complex networks and witness their creations come to life. Its satisfying gameplay and cooperative elements make it a standout title.

Check out our Satisfactory review.

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 innovative gameplay and immersive narrative. Its impact on the genre and the quality of its VR experience make it a must-play for those with the right hardware.

Check out our Half-Life: Alyx review.

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

Slay the Spire's roguelite deck-building mechanics offer endless variety and challenge. Its engaging gameplay and unique art style make it a standout in the genre, with fans eagerly awaiting the sequel.

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 innovative mechanics and compelling narrative. Its richly detailed world and exceptional writing make it a unique and unforgettable experience.

Check out our Disco Elysium review.

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

Hades sets the bar for action roguelites with its engaging combat, captivating story, and innovative post-game content. Its challenging yet rewarding gameplay keeps players coming back for more.

Hades 2 Early Access is available now.

Check out our Hades review.

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

Elden Ring introduces newcomers to the soulsborne genre with its accessible yet challenging gameplay. Its expansive world and engaging narrative, enhanced by the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, make it a top choice for PC gamers.

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 combines epic storytelling with tactical combat, offering an immersive RPG experience. Its continuous updates and deep narrative make it a standout title in the genre.

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 All1Larian Studios2Supergiant Games3ZA/UM4Megacrit5FromSoftware6Rockstar Studios7CD Projekt Red8CD Projekt Red9Feral Interactive10ArkaneUpcoming 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;

**Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii -** February 20, 2025**PGA Tour 2K25 -** February 28, 2025**Monster Hunter Wilds -** February 28, 2025**Split Fiction -** March 6, 2025**WWE 2K25 -** March 14, 2025**Assassin's Creed Shadows -** March 20, 2025**Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game -** March 25, 2025**Inzoi -** March 28, 2025**South of Midnight -** April 8, 2025**Doom: The Dark Ages -** May 14, 2025

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