30 Greatest Video Games Ever Made

Some games, like cherished old friends, remain with us for years; their music echoing in our memories, their moments of triumph and defeat still sending shivers down our spines. Others blaze across the gaming landscape like brilliant meteors, setting new standards and forever altering the industry. But how do we choose the "best"? For some, the perfect game is a nostalgic childhood adventure; for others, it's a multiplayer masterpiece that connected 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 Content ---

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, Valve's legendary 2004 first-person shooter, casts you as Gordon Freeman, a silent scientist thrust into a world under alien occupation. Beyond shooting, you'll solve puzzles, interact with the environment, and master the iconic gravity gun. The immersive narrative and remarkably advanced physics for its time remain captivating. Enemies are intelligent, flanking and outsmarting you, creating a truly challenging experience.

Portal 2

Image: steam.com

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, provides constant comedic mockery, while Wheatley, a charming yet incredibly annoying robot, adds to the memorable dialogue and interactions. The puzzles progressively increase in complexity, introducing new mechanics like surface-altering gels and light bridges. The addition of multiplayer in the sequel enhances the experience.

Diablo II

Image: polygon.com

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

Diablo II isn't just a game; it's a landmark achievement in the ARPG genre. Blizzard's 2000 release instantly captivated players and remains a benchmark today. Explore a dark, gothic world brimming with secrets, choose your hero, and embark on a perilous journey filled with monster battles, loot collection, and character progression. Its addictive gameplay loop, re-releases, and thriving modding community ensure its enduring appeal.

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 sprawling, richly detailed universe begging to be explored. Play as Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter adept at swordplay and magic. The vast world is meticulously crafted, with quests that extend beyond simple fetch-and-kill missions, offering compelling narratives and complex characters. The game's moral dilemmas and immersive atmosphere contribute to its status as a critically acclaimed 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's enduring popularity stems from its engaging gameplay loop. Lead a civilization through the ages, from primitive tools to space exploration. Build cities, manage resources, advance science and culture, and forge alliances or wage war with your neighbors. The randomly generated maps and diverse civilizations ensure that each playthrough offers a unique and replayable experience.

Fallout 3

Image: newgamenetwork.com

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

Bethesda's 2008 release, Fallout 3, remains a landmark open-world Action/RPG. Emerging from Vault 101, you explore the ruined wasteland of Washington D.C., encountering mutants, bandits, and enjoying unparalleled freedom of choice. The game's atmospheric retro soundtrack, evocative visuals, and compelling sense of post-apocalyptic survival have cemented its place as a beloved classic.

BioShock

Image: steam.com

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

BioShock transcends the typical action shooter genre. Set in a distorted 1960s underwater city, the game's atmosphere is both captivating and unsettling. Every detail, from the environment to the cryptic inscriptions, contributes to a rich and mysterious narrative. Its thought-provoking themes and unforgettable imagery continue to spark discussion among players.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Image: steam.com

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

Rockstar Games delivers a meticulously crafted experience in Red Dead Redemption 2. As Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the Van der Linde gang, you'll experience the dying days of the Wild West. The vast and immersive world allows for hours of exploration and engaging gameplay, with player choices shaping Arthur's destiny and leaving lasting consequences.

Dark Souls 2

Image: steam.com

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

Dark Souls II challenges players with its unforgiving difficulty, which is integral to its design philosophy. Explore the beautiful yet brutal kingdom of Drangleic, where death is a constant threat. The souls of fallen enemies become your currency, offering opportunities for character progression, but also the risk of losing everything upon death.

Doom Eternal

Image: steam.com

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

Doom Eternal delivers a relentless and exhilarating experience. Run, gun, and explode your way through hordes of demonic enemies. The focus is on fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled combat, with little time for respite. The game's masterful design and intense gameplay make it a standout in the first-person shooter genre.

Baldur's Gate 3

Image: steam.com

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

Baldur's Gate 3 offers a deep and engaging RPG experience. Create your character, gather a party, and embark on a classic fantasy adventure. The game's emphasis on player choice and impactful consequences ensures that every decision shapes the narrative, leading to a highly replayable experience.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Image: steam.com

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

Skyrim's enduring popularity stems from its vast and explorable world. The game offers a seemingly endless amount of content, with a main storyline that can be pursued at your own pace. Explore mountains, dungeons, and fight dragons in a world that truly feels limitless.

Mass Effect 2

Image: steam.com

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

Mass Effect 2 is a memorable RPG experience known for its compelling characters and impactful choices. The game's blend of thrilling action, narrative depth, and difficult decisions creates a personal and emotional journey through space.

Grand Theft Auto V

Image: steam.com

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

Grand Theft Auto V offers unparalleled freedom in its open-world environment. Engage in the main storyline, or explore the city of Los Santos at your own pace. The game's vast possibilities and lack of restrictions allow for endless replayability.

Resident Evil 4

Image: steam.com

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

Resident Evil 4 redefined survival horror with its dynamic gameplay and memorable boss encounters. The game blends tense exploration with intense action sequences, creating a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

Disco Elysium

Image: steam.com

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

Disco Elysium is a narrative-driven RPG that prioritizes introspection and impactful dialogue choices. The game's unique art style and philosophical themes create a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience.

RimWorld

Image: steam.com

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

RimWorld is a challenging colony simulator that throws unexpected events at the player. Manage resources, deal with injuries, and make difficult moral choices to ensure the survival of your colonists. The game's unpredictable nature and emergent storytelling make for a highly replayable experience.

Dwarf Fortress

Image: steam.com

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

Dwarf Fortress is a complex and highly detailed simulation game where players manage a colony of dwarves. The game's intricate systems and emergent gameplay create a unique and highly replayable experience.

World of Warcraft

Image: worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com

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

World of Warcraft's enduring popularity is due to its vast world, engaging community, and consistently updated content. Explore Azeroth, complete quests, engage in PvP combat, and participate in raids with a large and active player base.

StarCraft

Image: polygon.com

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

StarCraft set the standard for real-time strategy games. Its strategic depth and competitive gameplay have made it a cultural phenomenon, particularly in South Korea, where it's a major esport.

Minecraft

Image: minecraft.net

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

Minecraft's blocky world and open-ended gameplay allow for limitless creativity and exploration. Build, explore, and survive in a world defined by your imagination.

Spore

Image: axios.com

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

Spore's unique creature creation tools and evolving gameplay offer a unique and creative experience.

Warcraft III

Image: warcraft3.blizzard.com

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

Warcraft III introduced hero units to the real-time strategy genre, adding a new layer of strategic depth and replayability.

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 massively popular MOBA, known for its extensive roster of champions and competitive gameplay.

Undertale

Image: steam.com

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

Undertale's unique gameplay mechanics and emotional narrative make it a memorable and impactful RPG.

Inscryption

Image: steam.com

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

Inscryption's blend of card-based gameplay and meta-narrative elements creates a unique and surprising experience.

This War of Mine

Image: steam.com

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

This War of Mine offers a stark and realistic portrayal of civilian life during wartime, forcing players to make difficult moral choices.

Hearthstone

Image: hearthstone.blizzard.com

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

Hearthstone's accessible gameplay and charming art style made it a massively popular collectible card game.

Stardew Valley

Image: steam.com

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

Stardew Valley's charming pixel art, relaxing gameplay, and heartwarming story make it a beloved farming simulator.

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 a unique and thought-provoking game that explores themes of creativity, burnout, and the nature of artistic expression.

The greatest games of all time are more than just genre-defining masterpieces; they are living narratives that connect generations. While this list may evolve over time, each title has undeniably etched its place in gaming history—and perhaps, in your heart as well.