Some games, like cherished friends, remain with us for years; their soundtracks etched in memory, their moments of triumph and defeat still capable of eliciting chills. Others blaze across the industry like meteors, setting new standards. But how does one choose the "best"? For some, the perfect game is a nostalgic childhood adventure; for others, a multiplayer masterpiece that united thousands. We've compiled a list of the greatest games of all time, their status confirmed by the most respected rating systems.
We also invite you to explore our curated selections of games by genre:
**Survival | Horror | Simulators | Shooters | Platformer**
**Table of Contents**
Half-Life 2 | Portal 2 | Diablo II | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Sid Meier's Civilization V | Fallout 3 | BioShock | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Dark Souls 2 | Doom Eternal | Baldur's Gate 3 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Mass Effect 2 | Grand Theft Auto V | Resident Evil 4 | Disco Elysium | RimWorld | Dwarf Fortress | World of Warcraft | StarCraft | Minecraft | Spore | Warcraft III | League of Legends | Undertale | Inscryption | This War of Mine | Hearthstone | Stardew Valley | The Beginner's Guide
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Metascore: 96 Download: Steam Release Date: November 16, 2004 Developer: Valve
Valve's legendary 2004 first-person shooter, Half-Life 2, casts you as Gordon Freeman, a silent scientist thrust into an alien-occupied world. Gameplay extends beyond shooting; you'll solve puzzles, interact with the environment, and wield the iconic gravity gun. The gripping narrative and immersive atmosphere, enhanced by groundbreaking physics for its time, create a truly unforgettable experience. Enemies are intelligent and tactical, adding a layer of challenge beyond simple run-and-gun encounters.
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Metascore: 95 Download: Steam Release Date: April 19, 2011 Developer: Valve
Portal 2 is a delightful blend of mind-bending puzzles and sharp wit. GLaDOS, the sarcastic and sinister AI, and the endearingly annoying Wheatley provide memorable dialogue and interactions. Increasingly complex puzzles introduce new mechanics, such as gels altering surface properties and light bridges, adding layers of strategic depth. The addition of multiplayer further enhances the replayability.
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Metascore: 88 Download: Diablo II Release Date: June 28, 2000 Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Diablo II, a Blizzard Entertainment classic released in 2000, isn't just a game; it's a defining moment in the ARPG genre. Its dark, gothic world is brimming with ominous secrets. Players choose a hero and embark on a perilous journey filled with monster battles, loot collection, and character progression. The addictive gameplay loop, characterized by the rewarding feeling of every new item and skill upgrade, has kept players engaged for decades. Its enduring legacy is evident in its re-releases, continued modding community, and devoted fanbase.
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Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: May 18, 2015 Developer: CD PROJEKT RED
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt immerses players in a vast, meticulously detailed world. As Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter, you'll engage in quests that are more than simple fetch-and-kill missions; each is a fully realized narrative with compelling characters and unexpected twists. The game presents numerous moral dilemmas, challenging players to grapple with complex choices and their consequences. Critically acclaimed for its deep story, well-developed characters, and immersive atmosphere, The Witcher 3 is a true masterpiece.
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Metascore: 90 Download: Steam Release Date: September 21, 2010 Developer: Firaxis Games, Aspyr Media
Civilization V's enduring popularity stems from its ability to provide a unique experience with each playthrough. As the ruler of a civilization, you'll guide its development through the ages, from primitive tools to advanced technology. Building cities, managing resources, advancing science and culture, and engaging in diplomacy or warfare with neighboring civilizations, each game unfolds as a new story on a randomly generated map. Expansions such as "Gods & Kings" and "Brave New World" significantly enhance the depth and replayability.
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Metascore: 93 Download: Steam Release Date: October 28, 2008 Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Bethesda's 2008 open-world Action/RPG, Fallout 3, remains a timeless classic. Emerging from Vault 101, you explore the ruins of Washington D.C., encountering mutants, bandits, and a world of freedom and choice. The game's atmosphere, characterized by retro music, desolate landscapes, and the ever-present threat of radiation, creates a unique and unforgettable experience. Fallout 3 transcends mere gameplay; it offers a nostalgic return to a beloved world.
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Metascore: 96 Download: Steam Release Date: August 21, 2007 Developer: 2K Boston, 2K Australia
BioShock transcends the typical action shooter. Set in a distorted 1960s underwater city, the game's atmosphere is both captivating and unsettling. Every detail, from the environment to the narrative, contributes to a dark and mysterious story. The game's enduring legacy is evident in the ongoing discussions and interpretations surrounding its imagery and themes.
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Metascore: 97 Download: Steam Release Date: October 26, 2018 Developer: Rockstar Games
Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2 delivers a sprawling and immersive experience. As Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the Van der Linde gang, you'll navigate a dying era of cowboys. The game's massive, living world allows for hours of exploration and emergent gameplay, where your choices shape your character's path and the world's response. The freedom to forge your own destiny, as a noble gunslinger or a notorious villain, is a key element of its appeal.
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Metascore: 91 Download: Steam Release Date: March 11, 2014 Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.
Dark Souls II, released in 2014, is a challenging but rewarding experience. Its difficulty is not merely a feature, but a core element of its design philosophy. Players explore the unforgiving kingdom of Drangleic, where death is a constant companion. The souls of fallen enemies become currency for upgrades, creating a high-stakes cycle of risk and reward.
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Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: March 20, 2020 Developer: id Software
Doom Eternal is pure, unadulterated adrenaline. The relentless action, featuring intense combat against hordes of demons, is complemented by fluid movement and a powerful arsenal of weapons. The game eschews lengthy cutscenes in favor of non-stop action, providing a thrilling and visceral gaming experience.
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Metascore: 96 Download: Steam Release Date: August 3, 2023 Developer: Larian Studios
Baldur's Gate 3 is a sprawling RPG where player choices significantly impact the narrative. Character creation, party composition, and decision-making throughout the game create a deeply personalized experience. The game embraces player agency, allowing for unconventional choices with meaningful consequences.
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Metascore: 96 Download: Steam Release Date: November 11, 2011 Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Skyrim's enduring popularity is due to its vast and explorable world. The game offers freedom in its approach, allowing players to follow the main storyline at their own pace or explore the many side quests and activities. The expansive world and engaging gameplay have made Skyrim a beloved classic.
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Metascore: 96 Download: Steam Release Date: January 26, 2010 Developer: BioWare
Mass Effect 2 is a narrative-driven RPG that blends thrilling action with impactful choices. The game's compelling story and memorable characters have made it a fan favorite, known for its emotional depth and impactful decisions.
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Metascore: 97 Download: Steam Release Date: September 17, 2013 Developer: Rockstar Games
Grand Theft Auto V offers a vast and dynamic open world, allowing players to engage with the game in various ways, from following the main storyline to exploring the city and engaging in various activities. The freedom and variety of gameplay have cemented its place as a popular title.
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Metascore: 96 Download: Steam Release Date: January 11, 2005 Developer: Capcom
Resident Evil 4 redefined survival horror with its dynamic gameplay and memorable characters. The blend of intense action sequences and puzzle-solving keeps players engaged throughout its thrilling storyline.
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Metascore: 91 Download: Steam Release Date: October 15, 2019 Developer: ZA/UM
Disco Elysium is a narrative-driven RPG that prioritizes dialogue and character development over traditional combat. Its unique approach to storytelling and exploration of philosophical themes has garnered critical acclaim.
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Metascore: 87 Download: Steam Release Date: October 17, 2018 Developer: Ludeon Studios
RimWorld is a challenging colony simulator where players must manage resources, relationships, and unexpected events to ensure the survival of their settlers. Its unpredictable nature and emergent gameplay create a unique experience with each playthrough.
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Metascore: 93 Download: Steam Release Date: December 6, 2022 Developer: Bay 12 Games
Dwarf Fortress is a complex and highly detailed colony simulator known for its intricate world generation and emergent gameplay. Its unique style and depth have influenced many subsequent games in the genre.
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Metascore: 93 Download: World of Warcraft Release Date: November 23, 2004 Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) known for its expansive world, engaging lore, and strong community. Its longevity and consistent updates have cemented its place as a leading title in the genre.
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Metascore: 88 Download: StarCraft Release Date: March 31, 1998 Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
StarCraft is a real-time strategy (RTS) game that set a high standard for the genre. Its strategic depth and competitive scene have contributed to its lasting legacy.
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Metascore: 93 Download: Minecraft Release Date: November 18, 2011 Developer: Markus Persson, Jens Bergensten
Minecraft's blocky world and open-ended gameplay have made it a global phenomenon. Its creative possibilities and diverse gameplay options have attracted millions of players worldwide.
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Metascore: 84 Download: Steam Release Date: September 7, 2008 Developer: Maxis
Spore is a unique life simulation game that allows players to create and evolve their own creatures and civilizations. Its innovative creature editor and expansive gameplay have made it a memorable title.
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Metascore: 92 Download: Warcraft III Release Date: July 3, 2002 Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Warcraft III introduced hero units to the RTS genre, adding a new layer of strategic depth and character development. Its influential map editor also played a significant role in the development of the MOBA genre.
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Metascore: 78 Download: League of Legends Release Date: October 27, 2009 Developer: Riot Games
League of Legends is a massively popular MOBA game known for its competitive gameplay and extensive lore. Its influence on the genre and its impact on the gaming industry are undeniable.
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Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: September 15, 2015 Developer: Toby Fox
Undertale is a role-playing game that subverts traditional RPG mechanics and storytelling conventions. Its unique approach to combat and narrative has made it a critically acclaimed and beloved title.
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Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: October 19, 2021 Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
Inscryption is a unique card-based roguelike that blends deck-building mechanics with exploration and puzzle-solving. Its meta-narrative and unexpected twists have made it a memorable and critically acclaimed game.
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Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: November 14, 2014 Developer: 11 bit studios
This War of Mine offers a unique perspective on war, focusing on the survival and moral choices of civilians caught in conflict. Its mature themes and challenging gameplay create a thought-provoking experience.
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Metascore: 88 Download: Hearthstone Release Date: March 11, 2014 Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Hearthstone is a popular collectible card game (CCG) based on the Warcraft universe. Its accessible gameplay and engaging mechanics have made it a successful and widely played title.
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Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release Date: February 26, 2016 Developer: ConcernedApe
Stardew Valley is a charming farming simulator that offers a relaxing and engaging experience. Its pixel art style, cozy atmosphere, and diverse gameplay options have made it a beloved title.
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Metascore: 76 Download: Steam Release Date: October 1, 2015 Developer: Everything Unlimited Ltd.
The Beginner's Guide is a unique and thought-provoking game that blends gameplay with meta-narrative and philosophical themes. Its unconventional approach to storytelling creates a memorable and reflective experience.
The greatest games of all time are not merely genre-defining masterpieces; they are living narratives that unite generations. While this list may evolve, each entry has undeniably etched its name into gaming history—and perhaps into your heart.
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