Top 30 Greatest Games of All Time

Some games, like old friends, stay with us for years: their music becomes etched in our memory, and moments of triumph or defeat still give us chills. Others are like bright flashes that shook the industry and set new standards.

Choosing the "best" game is subjective. For some, it's a nostalgic journey back to childhood, while for others, it's a multiplayer masterpiece that brought together thousands of people. Here, we've compiled a list of the best games of all time, their status validated by the most authoritative ratings.

We also recommend exploring our curated lists of games by genre:

Survival, Horror, Simulators, Shooters, Platformers

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

Half-Life 2

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 16, 2004
Developer: Valve

Half-Life 2, released in 2004 by Valve, is a legendary first-person shooter where you play as Gordon Freeman, a silent scientist in an alien-occupied world. This game goes beyond shooting; you'll solve puzzles, interact with the environment, and wield the iconic gravity gun. The immersive story captivates from the start, and the realistic atmosphere of a humanity fighting for survival is unforgettable. Its groundbreaking physics and intelligent enemy AI still impress today.

Portal 2

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 95
Download: Steam
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Developer: Valve

Portal 2 is a mind-bending and humorous delight. You'll enjoy the sarcastic quips of GLaDOS, the sinister AI, and the antics of Wheatley, a robot that's both endearing and exasperating. The game's puzzles grow increasingly complex with innovative mechanics like gels and light bridges. Don't miss the engaging multiplayer mode introduced in this sequel.

Diablo II

Image: polygon.com

Metascore: 88
Download: Diablo II
Release Date: June 28, 2000
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Diablo II, launched by Blizzard in 2000, is more than a game—it's an era. It set the standard for the ARPG genre with its dark, gothic world filled with secrets. Choose your hero and embark on a perilous journey, fighting monsters and collecting loot to grow stronger. Its addictive nature and enduring relevance keep fans coming back, with re-releases and mods ensuring its legacy.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Image: xtgamer.net

Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release Date: May 18, 2015
Developer: CD PROJEKT RED

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers an expansive universe to explore as Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter. The meticulously crafted world features quests that are more than just objectives; they're full stories with rich characters and surprising twists. Moral dilemmas challenge your decisions, and the game's depth, atmosphere, and narrative have earned it countless awards and a place in gaming history.

Sid Meier's Civilization V

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 90
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Developer: Firaxis Games, Aspyr Media

Civilization V remains a top strategy game, drawing players back with its ability to lead a civilization from the Stone Age to the space age. Build cities, advance technology, and decide your diplomatic or military strategy. Each playthrough tells a unique story on a randomly generated map, with expansions like "Gods & Kings" and "Brave New World" adding depth through new mechanics.

Fallout 3

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Metascore: 93
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Developer: Bethesda Softworks

Fallout 3, released in 2008 by Bethesda, is a seminal Action/RPG with an open world that remains compelling. As a Vault 101 resident, you step into a post-apocalyptic Washington D.C., facing mutants, bandits, and making choices that shape your path. The game's atmosphere, from retro radio hits to the haunting ruins, creates an immersive experience that feels like visiting an old friend.

BioShock

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Developer: 2K Boston, 2K Australia

BioShock may appear to be another action shooter, but it delves much deeper. Set in a dystopian 1960s, you're immersed in a world of jazz and idealism gone awry. Every detail, from the doors to the wall inscriptions, tells a haunting story. Its impact on gaming culture is profound, sparking discussions and leaving a lasting impression.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 97
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Developer: Rockstar Games

In Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar Games crafted a masterpiece. As Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the Van der Linde gang, you experience the fading era of the Wild West. The vast, living world lets you forget the plot and simply exist. Your actions have consequences, shaping whether you become a noble gunslinger or a notorious villain.

Dark Souls 2

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 91
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.

Dark Souls II, released in 2014, is for those who dream of being a hero who perseveres despite constant defeat. Its challenging difficulty is part of its philosophy as you navigate the beautiful yet merciless kingdom of Drangleic. The souls of defeated enemies serve as currency for leveling up or buying potions, but be prepared to lose it all upon death.

Doom Eternal

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 88
Download: Steam
Release Date: March 20, 2020
Developer: id Software

Doom Eternal is all about relentless action—running, shooting, and exploding demons. It doesn't aim for deep drama or survival simulation; it's pure adrenaline and gameplay brilliance. The game throws you into the midst of hellish carnage, focusing on fast-paced, heart-pounding action.

Baldur's Gate 3

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: August 3, 2023
Developer: Larian Studios

Baldur's Gate 3 is an RPG where you craft your character and assemble a party of intriguing companions. It's not about simple tasks but about epic adventures, magic, and intrigue where every decision matters. Players and critics alike praise its narrative freedom, allowing you to shape your story with no "right" answers.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 11, 2011
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios

Skyrim is legendary for its endless storytelling. Even after exploring every inch, there's always another hidden corner to discover. This adventure lets you decide your path, whether climbing mountains, delving into dungeons, or fighting dragons. It's your world, and you set the rules.

Mass Effect 2

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 26, 2010
Developer: BioWare

Mass Effect 2 is not just an RPG—it's a personal saga of friendship, betrayal, and cosmic adventures. From thrilling shootouts to dialogues that shape planetary fates, the game offers tough choices and emotional depth. Whether you're saving a distant colony or sparking a romance with an alien, every decision feels significant.

Grand Theft Auto V

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 97
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Developer: Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto V lets you wreak havoc in virtual Los Santos, offering unparalleled freedom. Whether following the plot or going off-script, you can fly with a jetpack, race against cops, or steal cars. Its open-world gameplay is the franchise's hallmark.

Resident Evil 4

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 96
Download: Steam
Release Date: January 11, 2005
Developer: Capcom

Resident Evil 4, released in 2005, revolutionized survival horror by introducing dynamic action. From eerie corridors to intense shootouts and memorable bosses, the game keeps you on edge. Its influence on the industry continues to be felt two decades later.

Disco Elysium

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 91
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Developer: ZA/UM

Disco Elysium is about falling and rising again, asking questions that even the developers might not answer. Set in Revachol, it blends a noir detective story with philosophical and psychedelic elements. As a detective solving a murder, you'll face personal and existential challenges.

RimWorld

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 87
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 17, 2018
Developer: Ludeon Studios

RimWorld is a story generator where you manage a colony, facing constant challenges like fires, infections, and resource scarcity. It's a mix of humor and survival, where you'll navigate absurd situations and tough decisions, making each playthrough unique.

Dwarf Fortress

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 93
Download: Steam
Release Date: December 6, 2022
Developer: Bay 12 Games

Dwarf Fortress is the grandfather of sandbox games, inspiring titles like Minecraft and RimWorld. Its 2022 remake improved its visuals, but its core remains—a world generator that creates entire histories and myths. Your fortress becomes part of an epic tale, where survival and building are the only goals.

World of Warcraft

Image: worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com

Metascore: 93
Download: World of Warcraft
Release Date: November 23, 2004
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

World of Warcraft offers endless possibilities—exploring, questing, fighting, and teaming up with others. Its enduring appeal comes from its evolving world, active community, and rich lore. Whether you're a hardcore raider or a casual explorer, WoW has something for everyone.

StarCraft

Image: polygon.com

Metascore: 88
Download: StarCraft
Release Date: March 31, 1998
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

StarCraft, released in 1998 by Blizzard, set the standard for real-time strategy games. Its simple premise—building, gathering, and battling—requires strategic thinking and quick decisions. It became a cultural phenomenon, especially in South Korea, where it sparked a professional esports scene.

Minecraft

Image: minecraft.net

Metascore: 93
Download: Minecraft
Release Date: November 18, 2011
Developer: Markus Persson, Jens Bergensten

Minecraft's world of cubes offers endless possibilities—build, explore, or survive. Its popularity stems from its freedom and the community's creativity, with mods adding new dimensions to the game. Whether you're crafting a home or embarking on an adventure, Minecraft captivates players of all ages.

Spore

Image: axios.com

Metascore: 84
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 7, 2008
Developer: Maxis

Spore is an ambitious experiment, letting you create unique creatures and spaceships. Its editors encourage creativity, and each playthrough feels distinct. While some stages may be simplistic, Spore's scale and innovation inspired countless players.

Warcraft III

Image: warcraft3.blizzard.com

Metascore: 92
Download: Warcraft III
Release Date: July 3, 2002
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Warcraft III introduced heroes to the RTS genre, allowing for leveling and unique abilities. Its four distinct races and engaging story, featuring characters like Arthas and Illidan, left a lasting impact. The map editor also birthed the MOBA genre with Dota.

League of Legends

Image: youtube.com

Metascore: 78
Download: League of Legends
Release Date: October 27, 2009
Developer: Riot Games

League of Legends is a global phenomenon, setting the standard for MOBAs. Its original characters and universe, along with continuous updates, keep the game fresh. Despite recent challenges, its loyal fanbase remains hopeful for its revival.

Undertale

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 92
Download: Steam
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Developer: Toby Fox

Undertale took the world by storm in 2015 with its emotional depth and innovative mechanics. As a child in an underground world of monsters, your choices shape the narrative. Its memorable characters and soundtrack make it a true phenomenon.

Inscryption

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 85
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 19, 2021
Developer: Daniel Mullins Games

Inscryption starts as a card roguelike in a mysterious cabin but quickly evolves into something more. Exploring the cabin reveals puzzles and secrets, and the game constantly surprises with its style shifts and meta-narrative. It's a deep dive into a world that blurs the lines between game and reality.

This War of Mine

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 83
Download: Steam
Release Date: November 14, 2014
Developer: 11 bit studios

This War of Mine places you in the shoes of ordinary people in a war-torn city. By day, you manage survival tasks; by night, you scavenge for supplies. The game's tough decisions and moral dilemmas reflect the harsh realities of war.

Hearthstone

Image: hearthstone.blizzard.com

Metascore: 88
Download: Hearthstone
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Hearthstone made card battles accessible and engaging, drawing from the Warcraft universe. Its charming visuals and music add to its appeal, making it a beloved game among millions.

Stardew Valley

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 89
Download: Steam
Release Date: February 26, 2016
Developer: ConcernedApe

Stardew Valley, crafted by Eric Barone, offers simple joys like farming and befriending neighbors. Its pixel art and cozy atmosphere invite you to return time and again, offering endless possibilities in a world of your own making.

The Beginner's Guide

Image: wired.com

Metascore: 76
Download: Steam
Release Date: October 1, 2015
Developer: Everything Unlimited Ltd.

The Beginner's Guide is an art piece that prompts reflection. Through a series of mini-games created by a fictional developer, you explore themes of creativity and burnout. It's a thought-provoking experience, best appreciated after playing The Stanley Parable.

The greatest games of all time aren't just genre masterpieces—they're living stories that unite generations. While this list may evolve, each game has left an indelible mark on the industry and perhaps in your heart.