Top 30 All-Time Greatest Games Revealed

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 from childhood; for others, it's a multiplayer epic that brought thousands together. We've compiled a list of the best games of all time, their status backed by top ratings.

For more variety, explore 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 is a legendary first-person shooter that Valve released in 2004. As Gordon Freeman, a silent scientist, you find yourself in a world dominated by an alien empire. It's not just about shooting; you'll solve puzzles, interact with the environment, and utilize the iconic gravity gun.

The game's narrative grips you from the start, immersing you in an atmosphere where humanity fights for survival, making it feel incredibly real. Its advanced physics for the time still hold up today, and the enemies are intelligent, attempting to flank and surprise you.

Portal 2

Image: steam.com

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

Portal 2 is a delight for both the mind and the funny bone. You'll laugh at GLaDOS's sarcastic remarks and the endearing yet irritating Wheatley. Their dialogues and interactions are memorable and engaging.

As the puzzles become increasingly complex, new mechanics like gels that alter surface properties and light bridges add depth. Don't miss out on the 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, released by Blizzard in 2000, became an instant classic and remains the gold standard for action RPGs. Its gothic world is filled with ominous secrets as you choose your hero and embark on a perilous journey to fight monsters, collect loot, and gain strength.

It's highly addictive; every new item or skill upgrade feels like a victory, making you want to play "just five more minutes." Even years later, Diablo II remains relevant with re-releases, mods, and a dedicated fanbase, united by its compelling story.

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 is a vast universe you'll want to explore thoroughly. As Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter, you navigate a meticulously crafted world where every quest is a story with engaging characters and unexpected plot twists.

The game presents moral dilemmas that challenge your decisions, making it a beloved cult classic praised for its deep narrative, well-developed characters, and immersive atmosphere. It has won numerous awards, cementing its status as a masterpiece.

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 beloved strategy game that players return to time and again. As a civilization's leader, you guide your people from the Stone Age to the space age, managing cities, advancing science, culture, and economy, and deciding how to interact with other civilizations.

Each playthrough offers a unique story on a randomly generated map, with different civilizations and strategies to explore. Expansions like "Gods & Kings" and "Brave New World" add depth with new mechanics like religion and espionage, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay.

Fallout 3

Image: newgamenetwork.com

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

In 2008, Bethesda released Fallout 3, an iconic action RPG with an expansive open world that remains compelling today. As a Vault 101 dweller venturing out for the first time, you explore the ruins of Washington, facing mutants, bandits, and making choices that shape your journey.

The game's atmosphere is unforgettable, with retro hits on the radio, rusted ruins telling silent stories, and a sense of radiation that feels palpable. Fallout 3 is not just a cult classic; it's like an old friend you want to revisit, even knowing all its secrets.

BioShock

Image: steam.com

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

At first glance, BioShock may seem like another action shooter, but it delves much deeper. You're transported to a distorted 1960s world where jazz plays from seashell speakers, posters tout "great ideals," and something sinister lurks in the shadows.

Every element, from doors to wall inscriptions, contributes to a dark and mysterious narrative. Like Twin Peaks, BioShock's imagery leaves a lasting impression, sparking discussions on forums long after its release.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Image: steam.com

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

Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2 immerses you as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the Van der Linde gang, breathing the dust of the prairies as the cowboy era fades. It's about survival and holding onto humanity in a chaotic world.

The expansive, living world lets you forget the plot and simply exist, which players love about RDR. Every action has 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 heroes who face constant defeat yet persist. Fans debate whether it's a brilliant challenge or a masterpiece that redefined game difficulty.

Difficulty is part of its philosophy as you navigate Drangleic, a beautiful yet ruthless kingdom. The souls of fallen enemies serve as your currency for leveling up or buying potions, with the risk of losing everything upon death.

Doom Eternal

Image: steam.com

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

In Doom Eternal, you run, shred monsters, cling to walls, jump, shoot, and explode without pause. It's pure adrenaline, bones cracking, and a vast arsenal at your disposal. The game doesn't aim for deep drama or survival simulation; it's about throwing you into hellish chaos with brilliant gameplay that keeps your heart racing.

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 create your character and assemble a party of intriguing companions for an epic adventure. It's not about simple quests but a rich role-playing experience where every decision, from a failed joke to betrayal, alters the story.

The game allows for true role-playing freedom, with no "right" answers, only the feeling of shaping your own narrative. Both players and critics adore it for its depth and impact.

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 stories. Even after exploring every corner, there's always another hidden secret waiting beneath a snowstorm.

It's an adventure where you decide when it ends, with no forced progression along the main storyline. Climb mountains, delve into dungeons, fight dragons—Skyrim is yours to explore and conquer.

Mass Effect 2

Image: steam.com

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

Ask any Mass Effect fan about their experience, and they'll share stories of forgotten ship upgrades or emotional character losses. It's more than an RPG; it's a personal saga of friendship, betrayal, and cosmic surprises.

From thrilling shootouts to dialogues that shape planetary fates and tough choices, Mass Effect 2 offers a deeply engaging experience.

Grand Theft Auto V

Image: steam.com

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

Who hasn't caused chaos in virtual Los Santos? That's the allure of GTA V—freedom to follow the plot or ditch it entirely.

Whether flying with a jetpack, racing from the cops, or stealing cars, GTA V's freedom is its hallmark.

Resident Evil 4

Image: steam.com

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

Released in 2005, Resident Evil 4 broke industry norms and remains influential. It transformed survival horror into a more dynamic experience with narrow corridors, adrenaline-pumping shootouts, and memorable bosses.

The game keeps you on edge, seamlessly blending action, puzzles, and cinematic sequences.

Disco Elysium

Image: steam.com

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

Disco Elysium is about falling, rising, and questioning. If you're ready for a game where a wrong dialogue choice can lead to loss, welcome to Revachol.

It's a mix of noir detective story, philosophical treatise, and psychedelic art, where every frame reveals something new. As a detective solving a murder, you must first confront your own reflection.

RimWorld

Image: steam.com

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

RimWorld keeps you on your toes. You can't just build a base; you'll manage crises, treat wounds, and make tough choices about resources.

It's a story generator filled with absurd situations and moral dilemmas, ensuring endless replayability as you navigate survival and chaos.

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 previously outdated appearance.

The game creates entire worlds with history, myths, and religions, where your fortress can become part of an epic saga. There's no goal to "win," just to survive, build, and witness your dwarves' heroic or humorous antics.

World of Warcraft

Image: worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com

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

In WoW, you can do almost anything—explore, complete quests, fight monsters or players, and form teams for dungeons or raids.

Its enduring appeal lies in its evolving world, constant updates, and vibrant community. Azeroth's lore is a saga filled with drama, humor, and unexpected twists.

StarCraft

Image: polygon.com

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

Released in 1998, StarCraft set the standard for real-time strategy games. It's a game of strategy, planning, and quick mouse clicks, akin to chess but with spaceships and alien swarms.

It became a cultural phenomenon, especially in South Korea, where it turned into a national esport with professional players and televised matches.

Minecraft

Image: minecraft.net

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

Minecraft's world is made of cubes where you can build anything from a simple house to an entire city. Whether you want to adventure, mine resources, or relax in Creative Mode, the choice is yours.

Its popularity stems from its limitless freedom, with a community constantly adding new mods and worlds.

Spore

Image: axios.com

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

Spore is an ambitious experiment with unique editors where you can create creatures and spaceships from unconventional parts. Every step influences the world, making each playthrough unique.

It inspired millions to create and showed that games can be entire universes where you're the director, despite some simpler stages.

Warcraft III

Image: warcraft3.blizzard.com

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

Warcraft III, released in 2002, introduced heroes to the RTS genre, allowing you to level them up and use their unique abilities. With four distinct races and a compelling story featuring iconic characters like Arthas and Illidan, it remains beloved.

Its map editor sparked the creation of Dota, birthing the MOBA genre.

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 that has set MOBA standards for over a decade. Unlike Dota 2, it created its own universe and characters, constantly evolving with new content.

Despite recent challenges like declining skin quality and layoffs, loyal fans hope for its revival, especially after the success of the animated series Arcane.

Undertale

Image: steam.com

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

Undertale, released in 2015, made waves with its emotional story and unique mechanics. As a child falling into a monster-filled underground, your choices shape the narrative, questioning the necessity of violence.

Its memorable characters and captivating soundtrack composed by Toby Fox have cemented its place as a beloved phenomenon.

Inscryption

Image: steam.com

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

In Inscryption, you play a card roguelike in a dark cabin with Leshy, sacrificing weak cards to summon stronger ones. But the real intrigue begins as you explore the cabin, uncovering puzzles, secrets, and strange artifacts.

The game constantly surprises with style changes, fourth-wall breaks, and deeper layers involving PC files and World War II secrets.

This War of Mine

Image: steam.com

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

In This War of Mine, you're an ordinary person surviving in a war-torn city. By day, you manage resources and morale; by night, you scavenge for supplies, making tough decisions about helping others or ensuring your group's survival.

It's a game that challenges you with moral dilemmas and 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 millions into its Warcraft-themed world. Its visual design and music add to its charm, making it a beloved entry in the collectible card game genre.

Stardew Valley

Image: steam.com

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

Stardew Valley offers simple joys like farming and befriending neighbors. As you inherit an old farm, you can grow crops, raise animals, or explore mines, with total freedom in how you spend your days.

Created by Eric Barone, its pixel art, cozy music, and subtle humor create a warm atmosphere you'll want to return to.

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 invites reflection on creativity and burnout. Through mini-games created by the fictional Coda, guided by a narrator, you explore themes without complex mechanics or puzzles.

It's an experience that encourages introspection, best appreciated after playing The Stanley Parable.

The greatest games of all time are not just genre masterpieces; they're living stories that connect generations. While the list may evolve, each of these works has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry and, perhaps, in your heart.