by Bella Mar 26,2025
As we step into 2025, it's time to refresh IGN's list of the 25 Best Modern PC Games. When we talk about the "best," we're not aiming for an objective ranking that would universally satisfy all gamers. The diversity in gaming preferences means such a list can never exist; what one gamer considers a masterpiece, another might find tedious. Instead, this list reflects the collective recommendations of IGN's PC gaming enthusiasts, ranked using our Face-Off tool to ensure everyone's voice is heard. It's a celebration of the games we love and a nudge for others to explore them.
With just 25 slots, many excellent recent PC games didn't make the cut, but that doesn't diminish their quality. Every participant in the voting has their personal favorites that, despite not making the list, remain cherished. This is inevitable given the vast array of games and varied tastes.
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Our criteria focus on "modern" PC games, specifically those released or significantly updated within the last decade, starting from 2013. While we adore classics like Doom, Half-Life 2, Portal, Skyrim, and others, they belong to our list of all-time greats. For those, please see our Top 100 Games of All Time or our genre-specific lists.
Remember, this list represents our collective perspective and is not definitive. We encourage you to create and share your own top 25 or top 100 list using our Playlist tool in the comments.
Most recent game updates were made on February 13, 2025.
We're keeping an eye on highly rated games from 2024 and 2025. These titles are too new for ranking now but will be considered in our next update:
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:
Undertale is a masterclass in subverting expectations. It plays with the conventions of roleplaying games, using your saving habits and decisions to create a dynamic narrative where actions have significant consequences. Its emotionally charged story reinforces the theme that every choice matters, making it a standout in PC gaming.
Balatro redefines the deck-building roguelite genre by twisting the familiar Texas Hold'em mechanics into something wild and unpredictable. With its unique joker cards, it challenges players to create powerful combos, making it a fresh and engaging experience.
Crusader Kings 3 stands out in the historical grand strategy genre by offering a blend of complex systems and accessible gameplay. Its robust tooltip system makes it approachable for newcomers while still providing depth for veterans.
Hitman: World of Assassination compiles the best of the modern Hitman trilogy into a single package. Its sandbox environments offer endless replayability and the thrill of executing perfect assassinations, making it a must-play for stealth enthusiasts.
Doom (2016) revitalized the first-person shooter genre with its relentless pace and satisfying combat. Its influence continues to resonate in modern gaming, making it a timeless classic that holds up well even years later.
Final Fantasy VII Remake reinvents the iconic RPG in a stunning action format. While it takes liberties with the original story, its engaging combat and detailed world make it a compelling reimagining that honors its roots.
Resident Evil 4 Remake modernizes the action-horror classic with enhanced combat and detailed environments. It successfully captures the essence of the original while bringing it up to date for new and returning players.
God of War's arrival on PC allowed a new audience to experience its captivating story and challenging combat. This reinvention of the series is a standout title that showcases the potential of PC gaming.
Nier: Automata blends genres and styles into a unique action-RPG experience. Its engaging story, frenzied combat, and unforgettable soundtrack make it a must-play despite initial technical issues on PC.
Final Fantasy XIV is not only a top-tier MMO but also a fantastic entry in the Final Fantasy series. Its solo-friendly design and expansive world make it a standout choice for both MMO and Final Fantasy fans.
Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC enhances the already massive open-world experience with new content and improved performance. Its expansive sandbox and rich narrative make it one of the best single-player PC games ever.
Outer Wilds offers a unique time-loop adventure where exploration and discovery drive the narrative. Its engaging puzzles and heartfelt story make it a standout in the exploration genre.
Hollow Knight is a modern Metroidvania gem, offering a vast world filled with secrets and challenges. Its beautiful art and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen builds on the tactical brilliance of its predecessor with added depth and replayability. Its guerrilla warfare setting adds a fresh twist to the series, making it a standout in the strategy genre.
With its expansive world and rich narrative, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a benchmark for RPGs. Its recent updates and extensive mod support keep it relevant and engaging for new and returning players.
Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved into a polished masterpiece with its 2.0 patch and Phantom Liberty expansion. Its stunning visuals and deep narrative make it a standout in the open-world genre.
Stardew Valley's enduring appeal lies in its perfect blend of farming simulation and RPG elements. Its modding community and regular updates keep it fresh and engaging for all players.
GTA V's expansive and detailed world sets the standard for open-world games. As it nears the end of its time on this list, we eagerly await GTA 6, which promises to bring new adventures to the series.
Satisfactory offers a personal and immersive take on the factory-building genre. Its satisfying gameplay loop and cooperative elements make it a standout choice for fans of complex systems.
Half-Life: Alyx sets a new standard for VR gaming with its innovative gameplay and immersive experience. Its compelling narrative and polished execution make it a must-play for VR enthusiasts.
Slay the Spire's engaging roguelite mechanics and unique deck-building system keep players coming back for more. Its distinctive art and lore add to its charm, making it a standout in its genre.
Disco Elysium reimagines the CRPG genre with its innovative mechanics and deep narrative. Its exceptional writing and unique setting make it a modern classic in PC gaming.
Hades sets the standard for action roguelites with its engaging combat, compelling story, and innovative post-game content. Its rewarding gameplay loop makes it a standout choice for players.
Elden Ring offers a challenging yet accessible entry into the soulsborne genre. Its expansive world and engaging combat, enhanced by the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, make it a must-play for fans of challenging games.
Baldur's Gate 3 combines ambitious scope with old-school charm, offering a rich narrative and tactical combat. Its continuous updates and extensive content make it a standout in the RPG genre.
Release Date: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Last Position: 1### The 25 Best PC Games to Play Right Now
These 25 games represent the collective recommendations of IGN's editors and contributors, focusing on titles released within the past decade. Updated March 21, 2024.
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10We're excited about several upcoming PC games in 2025 that might make it onto this list in the future:
These are our picks for the 25 best modern PC games! With only 25 spots, many great games couldn't be included, but that's the nature of such lists. Share your favorites in the comments and check out our other best games lists for more recommendations:
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