Tech and Science News
The Best PC Games to Play Right Now
If you buy something through this post, IGN may get a share of the sale. For more, read our Terms of Use.
advertisement
It’s springtime, so we’ve refreshed our list of the 25 best PC games to play right now – and it’s gone through a bit of an overhaul since our previous version from October of 2018.
Before we defined “best” as both games that are at the top of our list of recommendations today and games that were amazing in their heyday, even if those glory days were over. This time around we’ve decided to refocus our picks on the first part of that idea: if you just got a new PC today, what are the games you absolutely have to play right now?
We’re still restricting our top 25 to games released in the last decade, because how do you compare something like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey to a classic like Wing Commander? So if you're wondering why there's no Half-Life 2 on here, that's why.
The team charged with arguing about and ultimately choosing this list includes James Duggan, Miranda Sanchez, Tom Marks, Dan Stapleton, and Brandin Tyrrel, so this list represents our collective thoughts on the decade's highlights. Now let's get on with it!
25. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Last position: 24 (-1)
Release Date: August 21, 2012
IGN’s Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Wiki
There’s a reason Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has been popular for as long as it has: it’s one of the most focused and technical first-person shooters out there, with a heavy reliance on team-based dynamics, game sense, and pure skill. Its challenge and depth don’t just make it one of the toughest competitive shooters to master, it also makes it the most rewarding. CS:GO did a lot to make the Counter-Strike formula appealing to serious players and newcomers alike, and it’s now entirely free-to-play. Competitive matchmaking and a ranking system adds a way to track skill and progress, while built-in casual modes offer a reliable place to practice. Integration with Steam Workshop also allows for quick installation of useful training maps. While Counter-Strike can be an intimidating game to pick up, those with the patience and dedication to learn the complexities of this team-based shooter are in for one heck of a ride.
From our 2012 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive review: “Global Offensive is definitely a Counter-Strike sequel – it looks and feels familiar, with minor tweaks here and there to help balance old issues and surprise longtime players. This is a demanding, skill-based multiplayer game that's as satisfying now as it ever was, but it's for a specific kind of player. If you're not willing to learn to play different than you're used to, look elsewhere. Otherwise, this is a top-tier tactics game that will probably share the long-tailed legacy of its predecessors.”
24. Slay The Spire
Last position: NEW
Release Date: January 23. 2019
In a roguelike, variety is king: Slay The Spire's constantly changing decks of ability cards, powerful relics, and the three drastically different playable characters keeps these turn-based battles fresh and engaging for far longer than they have any right to. Watching your character's attacks, defenses, skills, and powers evolve across its three chapters is a journey, and throwing your hand in at the end of a run knowing you may never see its like again can be like saying goodbye to a friend you were only just getting to know. Of course, the possibility of getting an even better combination the next time through makes it tough to resist hitting the New Game button, and the randomized Daily Climb runs give even veterans a new and interesting way to play every day.
From IGN’s 2019 Slay the Spire review: “Slay the Spire takes some of the best parts of deckbuilding games, roguelikes, and dungeon crawlers and mixes them into a wholly new and extremely satisfying package. It encourages experimentation, gives you time to make mistakes, and will challenge you immensely as you navigate your way through floor after floor of entertaining, puzzle-like fights. It’s an idea so good that it’s inspired a dozen games like it before it even left early access, but is executed so well that none of them even come close to matching it.”
23. Return of the Obra Dinn
Last position: NEW
Release Date: October 18, 2018
We voted Return of the Obra Dinn IGN’s best PC game of 2018, and you don’t have to play much of it to understand why it’s so special. It’s a detective investigation game that actually lets you detect. None of its clues are outlined for you, nothing is glowing or shoved in your face as an interactable object. As you board the Obra Dinn and try to make sense of what happened to its crew and passengers, you do so by literally looking around and drawing your own conclusions. Obra Dinn empowers the player with a locket that lets you hear and see the last moment of a person’s death, but you’re not Batman here with fancy tracking and high tech analysis. Determining someone’s fate is a puzzle to solve, and requires ingenuity – as well as a bit of educated guessing when the dots don’t quite connect all the way. It gives you just enough feedback while you’re filling out every fate that it’s consistently rewarding, which makes Return of the Obra Dinn one of the best adventure-puzzle games around.
From IGN’s 2018 Return of the Obra Dinn review: “Return of the Obra Dinn stands as something wholly unique. An investigative puzzle game with clear goals but completely open ended paths to completing them, it’s a challenging exercise in piecing together a mystery without being spoon fed what to pay attention to. It’s got some small quality of life issues here and there, but the “moment of death” clue-hunting mechanic at its core is an absolute triumph. Return of the Obra Dinn is one of the best detective games I’ve ever played, and now I want so much more of it.”
22. Undertale
Last position: 21 (-1)
Release Date: September 15, 2015
IGN’s Undertale Wiki
Undertale is a delightfully inventive exercise in subverting expectations. It knows you're playing a roleplaying game and messes with you at every turn, remembering your saving habits, following your story decisions, and constantly adjusting itself in surprising ways to remind you that actions have unexpected consequences. An involving and emotionally charged story thematically supports Undertale’s underlying message: every choice you make matters, not just to you but to the people around you. It’s subversive, occasionally confounding, replayable, unapologetically melancholy, and a worthy member of the fraternity of all-time great PC games.
From IGN’s 2017 Undertale review: “It's hard to express just how much I adore Undertale without spoiling anything significant, but that's what I love about it. It tells its story in such a dynamic way, and with such a great understanding of the RPG player’s mindset, that it couldn’t have been told in any other way. It's a masterfully crafted experience that I won't forget any time soon.”
21. FTL: Faster Than Light
Last position: 20 (-1)
Release Date: September 17, 2012
IGN’s FTL: Faster Than Light Wiki
No game simulates the feeling of being in command of a starship flying by the seat of your pants like FTL: Faster Than Light. It's a game you shouldn't expect to survive - more likely, you'll be blasted out of the sky by a vastly superior enemy ship or boarded by a death squad of giant killer insects who massacre your crew. Maybe your life-support system will be hacked and everyone will suffocate. But FTL’s not about winning – it's a story generator, where you get to talk about the time you got a killer beam weapon combo that cuts enemy ships to ribbons while your ship remains cloaked, or vented a boarding party into space. Its tactical combat never gets old, tons of loot and random events keep every game feeling unpredictable, and unlockable ships force you to change up your strategies. And every so often, you might even win.
From IGN’s 2014 FTL: Advanced Edition review: “FTL: Advanced Edition is an incredibly replayable game, and each run gives me something memorable and rewarding – even the ones that end with my entire crew dead. The excellent iPad version has just become my go-to mobile game, since it includes all of the tense decision-making and unpredictability that make it endlessly entertaining on PC. Though I still prefer the speed and accuracy of the PC’s controls, the iPad version is very smooth and a close second.”
20. Hollow Knight
Last position: NEW
Release Date: February 24, 2017
IGN’s Hollow Knight Wiki
Hollow Knight is one of the best modern Metroidvania’s around. It’s beautiful, expansive, and full of delightful secrets to discover that will keep you playing for dozens of hours. The kingdom of Hallownest is a brutal one, and Hollow Knight doesn’t ease you into it, causing 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. Its 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.
From IGN’s 2018 Hollow Knight review: “Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania with a well of content to discover that’s as deep as its labyrinthine caves. The world of Hallownest is compelling and rich, full of story that’s left for you to discover on your own, and built with branching paths that offer an absurd amount of choice in how you go about discovering it. With such a high density of secrets to find and fun, challenging enemies to face, it’s worth spending every moment you can in Hollow Knight.”
19. Stardew Valley
Last position: 18 (-1)
Release Date: February 26, 2016
IGN’s Stardew Valley Wiki
Stardew Valley makes the mundane seem more wonderful. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but marvelously distills the best essence of Harvest Moon's long's genealogy into a simple, accessible, and incomparably addictive game. Tranquil and purposefully provincial, Stardew celebrates the simple joy of watching the fruits of your labor grow. A world of opportunities beckon from the first moments, and while there’s some guidance, you’re free to experiment, change your mind, and play as efficiently or loosely as you wish. Your choices carry the gravity of consequence, but learning what does and doesn’t work, fiddling with your clock management, and discovering ever-more efficient ways to play out your days is half the fun.
From IGN’s 2018 Stardew Valley review: “Stardew Valley is a beautiful, fun game that, when all of its parts are pulled together, make for a wonderful countryside adventure. Whether it’s rainy, sunny, snowy, or dusted with pollen drifts through the air, each day offers an abundance of great activities ready to be collected or mastered and new friendships waiting to be made. Even 100 hours in with three in-game years in the books, I still feel like I have so many mysteries to discover, and plenty of items to collect. New items, goals, and events from all the updates since its launch make Stardew Valley more welcoming for new players and extends its life for seasoned farmers, too. The fantastic multiplayer is just the cherry on top of the cake to this marvelous farming RPG.
18. Assassin’s Credd Odyssey
Last position: NEW
Release Date: October 5, 2018
IGN’s Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Wiki and interactive map
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey picks up (mechanically) where Origins left off, continuing the series’ evolution from stealth-sandbox to action/RPG. Taking place roughly 400 years before the events of AC Origins, Odyssey’s rendition of Ancient Greece is as gorgeous as the series (or games in general, quite frankly) has ever been. Traversing its verdant forests and rocky hills or sailing shining seas of the Mediterranean always offers something new to find or an ancient ruin to explore, and its combat is equal parts arcadey fun and ARPG-style strategy. The new skill trees offer dozens of abilities useful both in and out of a fight, though the combat-centric ones like the 300-inspired Spartan Kick and brutally satisfying Shield Breaker often steal the show. While it may not feature the best voice acting the series has ever seen, the main campaign succeeds at offering a compelling story with characters we found ourselves genuinely invested in - although its 50-60 hour critical path does feel a bit bloated with errands and fetch quests. That said, with all there is to explore beyond the confines of the core adventure (historical inaccuracies notwithstanding), Assassin’s Creed Odyssey stands out as a must-play title of the current generation.
From IGN’s 2018 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey review: “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a resounding achievement in world building, environment, and engaging gameplay with occasional problems throughout. Its incredible recreation of ancient Greece is something I’ll want to go back to long after I’ve finished its main story, and its excellent systems mesh together in a way that’s hard to beat. While there are definite rough edges, Odyssey sets a new bar for Assassin’s Creed games and holds its own in the eternal debate over the best open-world roleplaying games ever.”
17. Sid Meier's Civilization VI
Last position: NEW (Civ V was previously 17)
Release Date: October 21, 2016
IGN’s Civilization VI Wiki
You can’t go too far wrong with any of the main games from Sid Meier’s seminal Civilization series, but with the Gathering Storm expansion, Civilization VI has taken its seat as one of the finest. Like all five iterations before it, Civ VI lets you pave your people’s way from nomadic tribespeople to sprawling near-future empire in competition or cooperation with neighbors, this time guided by narration from the undying Sean Bean himself. But here, a unique approach to city building in which major structures like specialized districts and Wonders are placed on their own tiles gives it a distinctive flavor, and the newly added climate change mechanics add new long-term environmental considerations throughout and hazards that manifest in the late game. It’s also come as close as any game in the series to giving its AI leaders definitive and interesting personalities (which is not to say they’re perfect!).
From IGN’s 2016 Sid Meier’s Civilization VI review: “Civilization VI will go down in history as the most fully-featured launch version in the series. Many of those are smartly revamped versions of Civ classics, but it finds its own identity with great new ideas like spread-out cities, customizable governments, research boosts, and leader agendas. And even though the AI has some improving to do, it can put up enough of a fight to make world domination a challenge.”
16. Overwatch
Last position: 9 (-7)
Release Date: May 24, 2016
IGN’s Overwatch Wiki
With an amazing lineup of memorable characters and meticulously balanced abilities, Overwatch is a shooter that bobs and weaves almost perfectly between being the quick-fix adrenaline hit you might want after a long day of work, and the thoughtful, strategic multiplayer experience that becomes the center of evening-long binges with friends. It might not have the most exhaustive list of maps and modes, but the offerings grow with every new seasonal event, and what's already there provides nearly endless opportunities for exhilarating, coordinated play. Overwatch won our 2016 Game of the Year Award, and Blizzard’s trademark polish and commitment to community should keep it as something that we’ll all revisit regularly for years to come.
From IGN’s 2016 Overwatch review: “Overwatch is an incredible achievement in multiplayer shooter design. It bobs and weaves almost perfectly between being the quick-fix adrenaline hit you might want after a long day of work, and the thoughtful, strategic multiplayer experience that becomes the center of evening-long binges with friends. It might not have the most exhaustive list of maps and modes, but it provides nearly endless opportunities for exhilarating, coordinated play, and when you’re the one at the center of it, it feels like nothing else.”
15. XCOM 2
Last position: 15 (0)
Release Date: February 5, 2016
IGN’s XCOM 2 Wiki
XCOM 2 builds on the brilliant, high-stakes tactical combat of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and its War of the Chosen expansion made it even better. It has the same tension of going from a technologically inferior underdog to powerful war machine, with the constant threat of the permanent death of your customized soldiers looming over every decision. However, it turns the formula of defending Earth from alien invaders on its head by boldly recasting XCOM as a guerrilla force attempting to liberate the planet from alien occupation, making the situation feel even more desperate than ever. This bigger, deeper sequel adds not just complexity in the form of new and more powerful soldier classes, equipment, and aliens, but also a huge focus on replayability. Procedurally generated maps keep you from falling into a repeatable pattern in tactical missions, frequent random events on the strategic map shake up your build and research orders, and of course mods galore.
From IGN’s 2016 XCOM 2 review: “With a focus on variety and replayability, this sequel has an answer to most of my complaints about 2012’s excellent XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and aside from some mostly cosmetic bugs, it comes together brilliantly. Thanks to a new spin on the same great tactical combat, plus unpredictable maps and randomized objectives and loot, XCOM 2 is an amazing game I’ll easily put hundreds of hours into.”
14. Resident Evil 2
Last position: NEW
Release Date: January 25, 2019
IGN’s Resident Evil 2 Wiki
Resident Evil 2 has set the bar impossibly high for remakes and remasters of classic games by reimagining the 1998 original. But more importantly, it’s become the gold standard of survival horror in 2019. The derelict corridors of the Racoon City Police Department are brimming with both tension and action, which is a difficult balance to achieve in and of itself, but is just the beginning of Resident Evil 2’s triumphs. Each item, weapon, and enemy is part of a brilliant ecosystem that either hastens or hinders your progress through it. Even your run-of-the-mill zombie presents a unique obstacle in the sense that the ones you’ve already “killed” sometimes come back “life.” It’s up to you to decide whether or not it’s worth it to expend valuable resources like shotgun shells or plywood boards to deal with them for good. As new elements are introduced old ones gain new meaning, and the bigger picture becomes a bit more clear. Throw in an excellent narrative, brilliant level design, and a wealth of addition modes and playthrough options, and Resident Evil 2 is more than worthy of your time.
From IGN’s 2019 Resident Evil 2 review: “Capcom did a fantastic job of resurrecting all the best parts of the classic Resident Evil 2 and making them look, sound, and play like a 2019 game. If you’re of the mind that the series had lost its way for a while there, this game is very much a return to form. The zombie combat is satisfying and exploring the dilapidated ruins of Raccoon City is a thrill. The one big letdown is that the two characters’ stories aren’t different enough to make the second playthrough as rewarding as the first, even after unlocking the 2nd Game mode. But whichever you choose to play as, the experience of playing through the new Resident Evil 2 for the first time establishes a new standard for remaking classic games.”
13. Celeste
Last position: 14 (+1)
Release Date: January 25, 2018
IGN’s Celeste Wiki
Celeste’s 2D platforming levels are as challenging to figure out as they are satisfying to complete. Hidden throughout those levels are a wealth of secrets, some of which push the skills it teaches you to the absolute limit. But its greatest triumph is how it blends that platforming with a sincere story and an incredible soundtrack that make it a genuinely impactful game too.
From IGN’s 2018 Celeste review: “Celeste is a surprise masterpiece. Its 2D platforming is some of the best and toughest since Super Meat Boy, with levels that are as challenging to figure out as they are satisfying to complete. Hidden throughout those levels are a wealth of secrets and collectibles, some of which push the skills it teaches you to the absolute limit, along with enough end-game content to keep you playing for dozens of hours. But the greatest triumph of Celeste is that its best-in-class jumping and dashing is blended beautifully with an important and sincere story and an incredible soundtrack that make it a genuinely emotional game, even when your feet are planted firmly on the ground.”
12. Fortnite Battle Royale
Last position: 8 (-4)
Release Date: September 26, 2017
IGN’s Fortnite Wiki and interactive map
Fortnite’s Battle Royale quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, but its fast and frequent updates have shown it’s more than just a flash in the pan. Its free-to-play format and relatively simple shooting mechanics make it a significantly more accessible take on the battle royale shooter. But that’s coupled with unique building tools that push its skill cap sky high.
From IGN’s 2018 Fortnite Battle Royale review: “Mastering Fortnite Battle Royale’s many systems is worth every second of investment. Whether you go it alone or queue up with a squad, even if you’re the first to die or you actually manage to earn the Victory Royale, Fortnite’s zany style and unique blend of shooting and building almost never offers anything less than an outstanding time. It may not be the first battle royale game, and it certainly won’t be the last, but Fortnite sets itself apart from the crowd by giving you the freedom and tools to express your own personal playstyle.”
11. League of Legends
Last position: 7 (-4)
Release Date: October 27, 2009
IGN’s League of Legends Wiki
League of Legends is at the forefront of the esports explosion. Back when the only big MOBA was the original Defense of the Ancients, League took the formula and tweaked it, resulting in a more accessible game that still offers immense depth for those who want to dive in deep. Its 132 heroes are fun, varied, and tough to master, and can be customized even further by rune and mastery systems. Developer Riot Games is also pioneering new practices in competitive gaming, hiring teams to play seasons and earn spots in exciting playoff matches, just like you’d see in traditional sports. 20 years down the line, the documentary that looks back on the beginning of esports will credit League of Legends as the tipping point.
From IGN’s 2014 League of Legends review: “Even though you play on the same few maps with similar items, there’s so much depth and strategy going on that no two matches of League of Legends ever feel the same. It’s distinctive style encourages surprise attacks and frequent use of skill-shot powers, and its colorful art style makes everything pop on the screen. Learning how to make the most of its characters and to become an asset to a team is a long and challenging process, but once you’ve got it down, it’s incredibly satisfying to work together to destroy your enemies in this amazing MOBA.”
10. Dota 2
Last position: 6 (-4)
Release Date: July 9, 2013
IGN’s Dota 2 Wiki
MOBAs have earned a reputation for being dense and difficult to learn, but immensely strategic for those who put in the time. Spend some quality time with Dota 2 and you’ll understand why. Though all matches take place on one map, and there’s only one objective, its 100+ characters and thousands of item combinations make each round feel unique. And because every second matters, matches are always exciting even when they seem slow. Are you farming gold? Are you scouting the enemy? Or crossing the map to help out a teammate? Or heading back to base to heal? Its complexity can scare players off, but those who stick through it will be rewarded with some of the most strategic gameplay around.
From IGN’s 2013 Dota 2 review: “Dota 2 deserves its intimidating reputation, and it probably won’t suit you if you’re looking to play casually. There’s a huge time investment before you can even enjoy a game, let alone feel competent at it. But once you start to learn its secrets, there’s a wild and exciting variety of play here that’s unmatched, even by its peers. It’s a challenge of knowledge as well as reflexes, and success is a rush. The fact that it’s completely and totally free to play in the way we wish all free-to-play games could be isn’t just one of the most generous propositions anywhere in gaming, it creates a level playing field where skill and cooperation is paramount. May the best team win.”
9. Warframe
Last position: NEW
Release Date: March 25, 2013
IGN’s Warframe Wiki and interactive map
Warframe first launched six years ago, but it just keeps getting better and better. It’s an often overlooked co-op action game that can quickly be summed up as “space ninjas,” and t’s undoubtedly grown past that moniker over the years. You can dash through space ships at breakneck speeds, smash and shoot enemies with dozens of varied weapons, fly over and explore large open world areas, and more recently even follow a story line that’s surprisingly engaging compared to where Warframe started. The look and feel of Warframe has evolved over the years as well, with far-stretching systems changes and huge graphical overhauls that keep it from looking dated. Digital Extremes is one of the most dedicated developers around, and constant free updates and additions mean Warframe always stays engaging and fresh. But even as more content comes, there are already enough missions to play and items to collect to keep you playing for hundreds of hours.
From IGN’s 2018 Warframe review: “Warframe isn’t an easily approachable game, but it’s one that’s worth getting comfortable with. It’s a game that never stops growing from a developer who is passionate about working with its community. It also just feels amazing to play, with a satisfying kill-collect-craft loop that’s supported by a mountain of player choice and some wonderfully responsive movement mechanics. Some of its systems are needlessly complex and improperly explained, making it easy to get overwhelmed or burnt out, but there’s just so much to do here that Warframe always excitingly pulls me back with its next update.”
8. Dead Cells
Last position: 11 (+3)
Release Date: August 7, 2018
IGN’s Dead Cells Wiki
Dead Cells offers flexibility in a way few games do. Each easily digestible run through its beautifully detailed and shifting levels goads you to push the limits of your ability, and crushes you when you get too comfortable. There are layers of strategy and tactics buried not only in the immediate choices you make, but in the grander metagame, making it one of the best action platformers around.
From IGN’s 2018 Dead Cell’s review: “Dead Cells is rewarding in its flexibility in a way few games are. Each easily digestible run through its beautifully detailed and shifting levels instills a feeling of discovery and familiarity. It goads you to push the limits of your ability, and mercilessly crushes you when you get too comfortable. There are layers of strategy and tactics buried not only in the immediate choices you make, but in the grander metagame each run builds toward. Dead Cells is a triumphant union of instinct, forethought, fun, and failure.”
7. Monster Hunter: World
Last position: NEW
Release Date: August 9, 2018
IGN’s Monster Hunter: World Wiki
Monster: Hunter World is a new chapter for the series, and its innovations and changes have made a traditionally difficult to get into game significantly more accessible. Killing giant dinosaurs and mounting ice and fire breathing dragons is a thrill few other games deliver in such spectacular fashion, and it’s all made even more fun when you coordinate your kills with up to three friends. Add in a deep and nuanced customization system and more equipment and weapons than you can imagine, and World will keep you playing for ages. It took a while for Monster Hunter: World to come to PC, and when it finally did it had some performance and control problems. But World has been updated and fine tuned since launch to work out the kinks, and it’s now an absolute must-play. The PC port now runs great and has more control options than its console counterparts – it even has an HD texture pack to download to make it look even crisper at higher resolutions. That support – plus non-stop events and added content (even if they are a little delayed on PC) – make Monster Hunter: World worth checking back in on again and again.
From IGN’s 2018 Monster Hunter: World review: “Whether or not it's the best, this is certainly the most audacious Monster Hunter game. World takes a dramatic leap into a look, feel, and size that feels truly new, simultaneously staying true to the series’ ideals by maintaining the addictive loop of combat, intimidating monsters and meaningful upgrades that fans love. The sheer depth and commitment required is still intense, but it clearly isn’t Capcom’s aim to court a casual crowd. This is as all-consuming and incredible a ride as ever.”
6. Apex Legends
Last position: NEW
Release Date: February 4, 2019
IGN’s Apex Legends Wiki and interactive map
As the battle royale genre grew and evolved, Apex Legends developer Respawn was clearly watching. Its take on the hugely popular mode improves upon standard battle royale mechanics to make this shooter one of the best – if not the best – in the growing arena. As with all battle royale games, Apex Legends challenges you to be the last squad standing on its singular map as a wall of energy forces players closer together. The loop of dropping quickly, looting, and then outsmarting and outshooting opponents is incredibly fun, regardless of whether or not you win. Apex Legends' maintains the stellar shooting we saw in Titanfall 1 and Titanfall 2 – save for the Mozambique, but even Respawn is in on that joke. And as part of the Titanfall universe, the lore behind Apex Legends and its characters are a neat way to flesh out the identity of the game series further. Its charming and unique characters are an excellent spin on the blank canvases we usually have jumping into an arena. Their abilities allow for players of all skills to contribute to their team, and regardless of who you're playing with, the innovative ping system makes communicating important information to teammates far easier. Respawn's good communication and game updates keep us excited to see how it'll continue to grow Apex Legends' exciting gameplay.
From IGN’s 2019 Apex Legends review: “Apex Legends makes squad-based battle royale work better than thought possible, even when playing with a randomly matched team. Its intuitive communication system makes strategic teamplay achievable without a word, and the eight unique legends each have cool abilities that are rewarding without feeling like restrictive roles. It all takes place in Kings Canyon, which is a fascinating sci-fi map that leads to tense encounters filled with all of the pristine gunplay and polish from the Titanfall series, and its free-to-play setup doesn’t pressure you to pay to keep up. Apex Legends has the goods to be a true challenger to Fortnite’s dominance.”
5. Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition
Last position: 10 (+5)
Release Date: September 14, 2017
IGN’s Divinity: Original Sin 2 Wiki
Divinity: Original Sin 2’s Definitive Edition has cemented it as one of the greatest RPGs of all time. It masterfully mixes pieces of classic cRPGs with more modern mechanics and designs, feeling old and new at the same time. The sequel has improved upon its predecessor's already incredible combat by deepening its systems while simultaneously simplifying and smoothing out its clunkier bits - not to mention it introduced some brutally smart new AI. There's also an overwhelming amount of game here to play. With six different origin characters, custom tags to make your own, and over 74,000 lines of fully voiced dialogue, this massive RPG has more than enough to keep you coming back to it.
From IGN’s 2017 Divinity: Original Sin 2 review: “Divinity: Original Sin 2 may have been designed in the spirit of decades-old RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 2, but that legacy serves only as a foundation for the expansive game Larian has built on top of it. Few other RPGs allow such a wide range of flexibility while also supporting rewarding combat and a powerful story, all in a world that feels alive in the ways it reacts to you and goes about its business without you. It's a rare RPG that I’ll want to play through again and again, driven by the feeling that so many fascinating and surprising paths remain undiscovered, some of which might lead to different outcomes for the NPCs I’ve grown to care about – even the rats. When that happens, you're experiencing something worth remembering, and Divinity: Original Sin 2 will be remembered as one of the greats.”
4. Minecraft
Last position: 3 (-1)
Release Date: November 18, 2011
IGN’s Minecraft Wiki
Minecraft is the greatest video game about playing with blocks. It’s excellent for many reasons, but the most important is that it both encourages and enables a childlike sense of wonder. That mountain in the distance? You can burrow into it. You can make your home inside it and cover it with lava so it’s spooky and cool. And then you can dig deep into the ground to find treasure and fight monsters. Some dedicated players have even recreated famous spaceships and even built working virtual 3D printers within their worlds. Minecraft can be played as a do-what-you-want sandbox, but there are enough game systems and rules to structure your time into a “campaign,” if that’s what you’re after. Few games have set the world on fire like Minecraft, and it’s likely few ever will in the same way again.
From IGN’s 2011 Minecraft review: “Like any review, my feelings on Minecraft are the result of my experience with it. Maybe you don’t thrive off random adventures like I do, or maybe you won’t feel the same sense of accomplishment I did when I completed my first house. If not, then you likely haven’t or won’t enjoy Minecraft in the same way. And that’s OK. Minecraft, more than any other game I know, isn’t about playing it a specific way; it’s an open-world, a blank page just daring you to jump in and do with it what you will. The question, then, isn’t what you need to do to succeed, what’s needed to win, but what are you willing to do to make your dreams come to life?”
3. Grand Theft Auto V
Last position: 4 (+1)
Release Date: April 4, 2015
IGN’s Grand Theft Auto V Wiki and interactive map
Grand Theft Auto V’s sprawling, yet meticulously detailed map is still the high bar to which all other open-world games aspire. Not only is it huge, it’s incredibly dense with excellent content – not just the driving and shooting and three-protagonist story that make up its campaign, and not limited to the numerous side activities, but all the sights, sounds, and bustling activity you'd expect to find in a city teeming with humans, seedy underbelly included. With so much to do, explore, and play with, both in single-player and Grand Theft Auto Online, plus great creative tools and mods, it’s truly amazing on multiple levels.
From IGN’s 2013 Grand Theft Auto V review: “Grand Theft Auto V is not only a preposterously enjoyable video game, but also an intelligent and sharp-tongued satire of contemporary America. It represents a refinement of everything that GTA IV brought to the table five years ago. It’s technically more accomplished in every conceivable way, but it’s also tremendously ambitious in its own right. No other world in video games comes close to this in size or scope, and there is sharp intelligence behind its sense of humour and gift for mayhem. It tells a compelling, unpredictable, and provocative story without ever letting it get in the way of your own self-directed adventures through San Andreas.”
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Last position: 2 (0)
Release Date: May 19, 2015
IGN’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Wiki and interactive maps
Deep, lengthy RPGs are a staple of PC gaming, and very few have put a larger chunk of sophisticated content forward than The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has. Its massive sandbox open-world areas impress, both in terms of scope and density; they’re generously dotted with great monsters to slay, tantalizing mysteries to solve, and personal stories to unfurl. It’s also one of the most impressive overall productions in gaming history, with reams of excellently written dialogue performed by a stellar voice cast, an incredible original soundtrack, and graphics that qualify as both a technical and artistic achievement.
From IGN’s 2015 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review: “Though the straightforward and fetch-quest-heavy main story overstays its welcome, the option of joyfully adventuring through a rich, expansive open world was always there for me when I’d start to burn out. Even if the plot isn’t terribly interesting, the many characters who play a part in it are, and along with the excellent combat and RPG gameplay, they elevate The Witcher 3 to a plane few other RPGs inhabit.”
1. Portal 2
Last position: 1 (0)
Release Date: April 19, 2011
IGN’s Portal 2 Wiki
Portal 2 claims the top spot because, in the past decade, nothing else has struck so many chords so perfectly. No game accomplishes so much so well. Its impeccable level design, charming personality, and exceptional and varied puzzle systems make us feel smarter just for getting through it. Plus, its co-op campaign requires a different sort of smarts that remains one of the best multiplayer experiences with pals around. Valve is a developer that, presumably because of the time it takes to make its incredible games, creates a feeling of timelessness in its design. Portal 2 – which iterated on and added to the brilliant puzzle design and world-building of its predecessor – feels just as clever and unique as it did in 2011. Simply put, if you’ve never played Portal 2, your top gaming priority right now should be to do just that.
From IGN’s 2011 Portal 2 review: “The original Portal benefitted from its brevity. It had a concise story paired with inventive first-person puzzle mechanics that challenged you to be creative while pulling the trigger. Portal 2 makes the original look like the prototype it was. It's filled with a larger cast of characters vividly brought to life through brilliant writing and some of the best voice acting in video games. Its puzzles are challenging without being unreasonable, and, once you're finished with the single-player mode, one of the best co-operative experiences on the market awaits. Valve cuts no corners and finds ways to make you care about everything from the major characters to the cubes used to solve puzzles. From the beginning of the single-player story to the end of the co-op mode, Portal 2 is a novel, unforgettable experience.
Those are our picks for the April 2019 update! Obviously there are dozens of incredible games we couldn't include, but that’s what happens when you only have 25 spots.
We ended up bumping nine games off with this refresh – and like we said at the top of the page, a large part of that was a refocusing of our criteria to be more about what we’d recommend you pick up right this moment, rather than games that were monumental at the time they released but may have since aged a bit.
With that in mind, here are the games that fell off with this update: The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, Mass Effect 2, Fallout: New Vegas, World of Warcraft, Rocket League, Metal Gear Solid 5, The Witness, Spelunky, and Sid Meier’s Civilization 5. Again, all amazing games, but some like The Witness just had to make room for new picks while others like New Vegas just aren’t the first thing we’d tell you to run out in buy in 2019.
We’ll be back for another update in October and we’ll see how things have shaken out by then. Your picks may vary of course, so be sure to let us know in the comments what your favorite PC games of the last 10 years are!
Also make sure to check out our lists of the 25 Best PS4 Games, the 25 Best Xbox One Games, and the 25 Best Nintendo Switch Games.