All-Time Greatest Games: Top 30

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" games can be subjective, as perfection varies from person to person. For some, it's the nostalgic charm of childhood quests; for others, it's the thrill of multiplayer masterpieces that unite thousands. We've compiled a list of the best games of all time, validated by the most authoritative ratings.

We also recommend exploring our curated selections of games across various genres:

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, a legendary first-person shooter from Valve, was released in 2004. As Gordon Freeman, a silent scientist, you navigate a world under alien occupation. More than just shooting, you'll solve puzzles, interact with the environment, and use the iconic gravity gun. The story captivates from the start, immersing you in a world where humanity fights for survival. The game's physics were groundbreaking for their time and remain impressive today. Enemies are not just targets; they strategize, flank, and surprise you.

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 humor. GLaDOS's sarcastic commentary and Wheatley's endearing yet frustrating antics will stay with you long after playing. Each level introduces increasingly complex puzzles and new mechanics like surface-changing gels and light bridges. The addition of multiplayer in this sequel adds a new layer of fun and challenge.

Diablo II

Image: polygon.com

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

Released by Blizzard in 2000, Diablo II became a benchmark for action RPGs. Set in a gothic world filled with ominous secrets, you choose a hero to battle monsters, collect loot, and grow stronger. The game's addictive nature stems from the thrill of every new sword or skill upgrade. Even years later, Diablo II remains relevant with re-releases, mods, and a dedicated fanbase, uniting millions worldwide.

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, you navigate a meticulously detailed world where every quest unfolds into a rich narrative. The game's moral dilemmas challenge your decisions, making it a cult classic. Praised for its deep story, well-crafted characters, and immersive atmosphere, it has earned numerous awards and widespread acclaim.

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 time and again. Lead your civilization from the Stone Age to space, building cities, advancing technology, and navigating diplomacy or warfare. Each game offers a unique experience on randomly generated maps, with expansions like "Gods & Kings" and "Brave New World" adding depth through new mechanics like religion and espionage.

Fallout 3

Image: newgamenetwork.com

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

Fallout 3, released by Bethesda in 2008, remains a definitive action RPG with an open world that still captivates players. As a Vault 101 resident, you venture into the post-apocalyptic ruins of Washington, facing mutants, bandits, and endless choices. The game's atmosphere, with its retro radio hits and haunting landscapes, makes it an enduring classic.

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 at first, but it delves much deeper. Set in a distorted 1960s world, the game's environment tells a dark, mysterious story through every detail. Its imagery, like that of Twin Peaks, leaves a lasting impression, sparking ongoing discussions among fans.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Image: steam.com

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

In Red Dead Redemption 2, you embody Arthur Morgan, a hardened outlaw in the Van der Linde gang. Rockstar Games crafted a living world where you breathe the dust of the prairies and witness the fading era of cowboys. The game's freedom allows you to forget the plot and simply exist, making every action impactful in this vast, chaotic world.

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 a game for those who relish the challenge of constant defeat and resilience. Set in the merciless kingdom of Drangleic, the game's difficulty is part of its philosophy. The souls of fallen enemies serve as your currency for leveling up or buying potions, with each death a lesson in survival.

Doom Eternal

Image: steam.com

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

Doom Eternal is pure adrenaline, where you run, shoot, and explode through waves of monsters. It's not about deep narratives or survival mechanics; it's about fast-paced, heart-pounding action. The game throws you into the chaos with brilliantly designed gameplay that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

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 gather a party to face epic challenges. Every decision, from dialogue choices to actions, shapes the story. Players and critics alike love it for its depth and the freedom to truly influence the narrative, making it a standout in the genre.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Image: steam.com

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

Skyrim is a legendary adventure where you decide your path. Explore every corner, climb mountains, dive into dungeons, and fight dragons. With no forced progression, the game lets you create your own story, making it an enduring favorite.

Mass Effect 2

Image: steam.com

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

Mass Effect 2 is more than an RPG; it's a personal saga of friendship, betrayal, and cosmic exploration. From thrilling shootouts to dialogues that alter the fate of planets, every choice matters. Whether risking your life for a colony or sparking a romance, the game offers a deeply engaging experience.

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 virtual Los Santos. Whether following the plot or causing chaos, the game lets you fly, race, or steal without constraints. Its open-world design and dynamic gameplay make it a timeless classic.

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 adding dynamism to the genre. With its eerie corridors, adrenaline-pumping shootouts, and memorable bosses, the game keeps you on your toes, blending horror with action seamlessly.

Disco Elysium

Image: steam.com

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

Disco Elysium is about falling and rising, asking questions without clear answers. Set in Revachol, you play a detective solving a murder while grappling with personal demons. The game blends noir, philosophy, and art, creating a unique experience where every dialogue choice matters.

RimWorld

Image: steam.com

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

RimWorld challenges you to manage a base amidst constant crises. From putting out fires to rationing food, every decision affects your colony's survival. Its story-generating nature ensures endless replayability, filled with both humor and hardship.

Dwarf Fortress

Image: steam.com

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

Dwarf Fortress, the grandfather of sandbox games, creates entire worlds with rich histories and legends. Released in 2006 and remade in 2022, it offers an immersive experience where you build and survive, witnessing epic tales unfold.

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, from exploring diverse landscapes to engaging in epic raids. Its evolving world, rich community, and captivating lore make it a cultural phenomenon, attracting players of all types.

StarCraft

Image: polygon.com

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

StarCraft, released in 1998, set the standard for real-time strategy games. Its simple yet deep gameplay, requiring strategic planning and quick thinking, became a cultural phenomenon, especially in South Korea, where it birthed a thriving esports scene.

Minecraft

Image: minecraft.net

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

Minecraft's blocky world offers endless creativity and adventure. Build anything from homes to cities, mine resources, or fight monsters. Its freedom and active modding community keep players engaged, making it a timeless classic.

Spore

Image: axios.com

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

Spore's unique editors let you create creatures and spaceships, offering a highly personalized experience. Despite some simpler stages, its ambitious scope inspired players to explore and create, making it a memorable experiment in gaming.

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 strategy genre, allowing for deeper gameplay and storytelling. With four distinct races and a map editor that birthed Dota, it remains a beloved classic for its innovation and community-driven content.

League of Legends

Image: youtube.com

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

League of Legends has been a dominant force in the MOBA genre for over a decade. Despite recent challenges, its dedicated fanbase and the impact of its universe, including the acclaimed series Arcane, keep it relevant and beloved.

Undertale

Image: steam.com

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

Undertale's 2015 release sparked widespread discussion with its emotional depth and innovative mechanics. As a child in an underground world, your choices affect the story, challenging traditional gaming tropes. Its memorable characters and captivating soundtrack make it a standout indie game.

Inscryption

Image: steam.com

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

Inscryption combines card battles with eerie exploration in a dark cabin. Its unconventional rules and immersive puzzles keep you engaged, while the game's meta-narrative and surprises ensure a unique 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 puts you in the shoes of civilians surviving a war-torn city. By day, you manage resources and morale; by night, you scavenge for supplies. The game's chilling decisions and realistic portrayal of war make it a poignant experience.

Hearthstone

Image: hearthstone.blizzard.com

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

Hearthstone made card games accessible and engaging, drawing millions into the Warcraft universe. Its charming visuals and music, along with strategic depth, have cemented its place in gaming culture.

Stardew Valley

Image: steam.com

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

Stardew Valley offers a tranquil escape where you inherit a farm and decide your path. Whether growing crops, raising animals, or exploring, the game's charm lies in its simplicity and the joy of everyday tasks. Created by Eric Barone, it's a testament to the power of solo development.

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 less a game and more an art piece, inviting reflection on creativity and burnout. Through a series of mini-games and a narrator's guidance, it offers a unique, thought-provoking experience. For a deeper appreciation, consider playing The Stanley Parable by the same developer.

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