What makes a game one of the best of all time? Is it groundbreaking mechanics, unforgettable storytelling, or the sheer amount of impact it has on the industry? The greatest games don’t just entertain; they leave a mark on gaming history and continue to influence titles long after their release. The games on this list are more than just beloved classics—they’re masterworks that set the bar for what gaming can be.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Few games have redefined an entire genre the way Breath of the Wild did. Nintendo’s take on open-world exploration shattered conventions, offering players an unmatched sense of freedom.
Unlike traditional Zelda games with structured dungeons, this one lets you forge your own path from the very beginning. The world is massive, filled with dynamic weather, realistic physics, and emergent gameplay that allows for endless experimentation.
Want to set a field on fire and use the updraft to glide to safety? You can. Want to climb the highest mountain just to see what’s beyond it? Go ahead. The game rewards curiosity, encouraging you to explore every inch of Hyrule without hand-holding.
Combat is challenging but rewarding, allowing for creative use of weapons, runes, and even the environment. The story, while subtle, is rich with lore, and uncovering it through memory fragments adds a personal touch.
Even years after release, players are still discovering new mechanics, secrets, and strategies, proving just how deep and well-crafted this masterpiece is. While console players experienced this masterpiece first, PC games have long embraced open-world freedom, and modding communities often push these boundaries even further.
Super Mario 64
When Super Mario 64 launched, it wasn’t just a new Mario game—it was a revolution. It set the gold standard for 3D platforming, introducing smooth, precise movement that still holds up today.
The moment you take control of Mario in Peach’s Castle, you can feel the freedom. Triple jumps, wall kicks, and the ever-satisfying long jump give players an incredible sense of control.
The game’s level design is impeccable, offering a perfect balance of challenge, exploration, and creativity. From the mind-bending vertical climb of Tick Tock Clock to the underwater beauty of Dire Dire Docks, each world feels unique and memorable.
Boss fights are fun, particularly the three epic showdowns with Bowser, which require mastering movement and timing. The camera system, though imperfect by modern standards, was groundbreaking at the time.
The game introduced collect-a-thon mechanics, inspiring countless titles that followed. Even today, speedrunners continue to push Super Mario 64 to its limits, finding new ways to break the game in ways the developers never imagined. It’s a true masterpiece that defined a generation.
Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2 wasn’t just an evolution of its predecessor—it was a complete redefinition of first-person shooters. It introduced a deep, immersive world where physics played a vital role in gameplay.
The Gravity Gun alone changed how players interacted with environments, allowing them to use objects as weapons, shields, and puzzle-solving tools. Its dystopian setting, ruled by the oppressive Combine, is one of the most atmospheric and well-realized in gaming.
The storytelling is seamless, with no cutscenes pulling you out of the experience—everything unfolds in real time. Ravenholm is still one of the most terrifying levels in gaming, with its eerie, zombie-infested streets.
The AI of enemies and allies alike was far ahead of its time, making combat feel dynamic and engaging. The relationship between Gordon Freeman and Alyx Vance added emotional depth rarely seen in shooters.
The level design is masterful, offering everything from tight corridor fights to large-scale battles. The pacing is near perfect, constantly switching between action, puzzles, and moments of quiet tension. It’s no surprise that fans are still waiting (and hoping) for Half-Life 3.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Few games are as immersive and emotionally powerful as Red Dead Redemption 2. Rockstar crafted an open world that feels truly alive, filled with stunning landscapes, wildlife, and NPCs that go about their daily lives independently of the player.
Arthur Morgan is one of the best-written protagonists in gaming, a deeply flawed outlaw struggling with loyalty, morality, and redemption.
The attention to detail is staggering—your horse’s mane grows over time, mud cakes onto your clothes, and each gun has its own level of wear and tear. Combat is weighty and satisfying, whether you’re engaged in an intense gunfight or simply hunting in the wilderness.
The honor system adds layers to the story, affecting how NPCs treat you and altering the game’s powerful ending. The writing is top-tier, with side quests that often carry just as much emotional weight as the main story.
Every member of the Van der Linde gang has depth, making their fate all the more impactful. The game’s slow pace won’t be for everyone, but it adds to the immersive experience.
The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful, perfectly capturing the game’s tone. By the time you reach the final moments, you feel like you’ve lived an entire life in the Wild West.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3 raised the bar for RPGs with its deep storytelling, rich world, and meaningful player choices. Geralt of Rivia’s journey to find Ciri takes players through a massive, detailed world teeming with life and history.
Every decision matters, often with consequences that don’t become clear until much later. The side quests are some of the best in gaming, sometimes even overshadowing the main story.
Combat is fluid, with a mix of swordplay, magic signs, and alchemy that require strategic thinking. The game’s world is breathtaking, from the war-torn fields of Velen to the vibrant, fairytale-like beauty of Toussaint in the Blood and Wine expansion.
Characters like Yennefer, Triss, and Vesemir add depth to the narrative, each with their own compelling arcs. Gwent, the in-game card game, became so popular it was spun off into its own standalone title.
The expansions add even more content, with Hearts of Stone being one of the best-written DLCs of all time. Few RPGs manage to create such an immersive world where every interaction feels meaningful. The Witcher 3 isn’t just a great RPG—it’s an all-time classic.
Dark Souls
There’s a reason Dark Souls spawned an entire subgenre. Its brutally difficult yet fair gameplay forces players to learn from their mistakes, creating a deeply rewarding experience.
The interconnected world is a masterclass in level design, with shortcuts and hidden paths that make exploration incredibly satisfying. Combat is deliberate and precise, requiring perfect timing, stamina management, and knowledge of enemy attack patterns.
The atmosphere is oppressive, making every step through Lordran feel like a descent into darkness. The bosses are legendary, each a unique challenge that tests your patience and skill.
The game’s cryptic storytelling, told through item descriptions and environmental details, invites players to piece together its lore. Dark Souls thrives on its sense of accomplishment—every victory feels earned.
The online multiplayer system, with invasions and co-op summoning, adds another layer of tension. The risk-reward nature of bonfires and Estus Flasks keeps every decision meaningful. It’s not just a game—it’s a rite of passage for those who dare to master it.
Grand Theft Auto V
When Grand Theft Auto V launched in 2013, it wasn’t just another entry in the franchise—it was a phenomenon. Rockstar created a massive open world that still feels unmatched in terms of detail and interactivity.
Los Santos is alive, from its bustling city streets to the sun-soaked beaches and sprawling deserts. Unlike previous games, GTA V introduced three playable protagonists—Michael, Trevor, and Franklin—each with unique skills and perspectives.
The heist missions are some of the most thrilling moments in gaming, allowing players to plan and execute elaborate criminal operations. The satirical writing is razor-sharp, taking jabs at everything from Hollywood excess to corrupt politicians.
The online component, GTA Online, has extended the game’s lifespan far beyond what anyone expected, with new updates, vehicles, and businesses keeping players engaged.
The driving and shooting mechanics are some of the best in the series, offering smooth controls and satisfying gunplay. Whether you’re robbing a bank, racing supercars, or just exploring the world, there’s always something to do.
Even years later, GTA V continues to be one of the best-selling and most-played games of all time. It set the standard for open-world games and remains a must-play for any gamer.
Among Xbox games, GTA V stands out as a must-play, consistently ranking among the most downloaded and played titles on the platform.
Bloodborne
FromSoftware took the Dark Souls formula and cranked up the intensity with Bloodborne. Unlike the slower, more defensive combat of its predecessor, Bloodborne forces players to be aggressive.
The game rewards quick reflexes, perfectly timed dodges, and relentless attacks. The gothic horror setting is breathtaking, inspired by Lovecraftian nightmares and Victorian architecture.
Yharnam, the game’s central city, is dripping with atmosphere—its streets are filled with grotesque creatures and eerie, abandoned buildings. Boss fights are some of the most terrifying and exhilarating in gaming, from the towering Cleric Beast to the unsettling Orphan of Kos.
The game’s lore is deep but hidden, encouraging players to piece together its disturbing backstory through item descriptions and environmental storytelling. The Chalice Dungeons add a layer of replayability, offering procedurally generated labyrinths filled with deadly enemies.
The risk-reward system of regaining lost health by attacking adds a sense of urgency to every battle. Bloodborne is a masterclass in atmosphere, combat, and world-building, making it one of the most beloved PlayStation exclusives of all time.
For those who endure its challenges, the payoff is unforgettable. Bloodborne remains one of the standout exclusives on the PlayStation Network, drawing in new players with its eerie atmosphere and masterful gameplay.
Super Mario World
Few platformers have aged as gracefully as Super Mario World. Released in 1990 for the Super Nintendo, it remains one of the most polished, creative, and fun platformers ever made.
The game introduced Yoshi, adding a new layer of strategy and mobility to Mario’s moveset. Every level is carefully designed, featuring secret exits, hidden power-ups, and dynamic challenges that never feel repetitive.
The world map was a game-changer, allowing for multiple paths and rewarding exploration. The controls are near perfect—tight, responsive, and satisfying, making even the hardest platforming sections feel fair.
The soundtrack is iconic, with cheerful melodies that still get stuck in players’ heads decades later. Boss fights with Bowser’s Koopalings offer a great mix of challenge and creativity.
The variety in environments, from the spooky Ghost Houses to the fast-paced underground levels, keeps the experience fresh. Even after beating the game, Star Road and Special Zone offer extra challenges for completionists.
Super Mario World is timeless, proving that great design never gets old.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is often hailed as the best in the MGS series, and for good reason. It ditches the futuristic settings of previous games in favor of a Cold War-era jungle, where survival is key.
Unlike its predecessors, Snake Eater introduces a camouflage system that lets players blend into their environment, adding a new layer of stealth. Hunting animals for food, treating injuries in real-time, and managing stamina give the game an immersive survival aspect.
The story follows Naked Snake (later known as Big Boss) on a mission filled with espionage, betrayal, and some of the most emotional moments in gaming.
The boss battles are legendary, especially The End, an elderly sniper whose fight can last for hours if you approach it cautiously. The game’s soundtrack, particularly the James Bond-inspired theme song, is unforgettable.
The blend of stealth, action, and storytelling makes it one of the greatest video game narratives ever told. The CQC (Close Quarters Combat) system added depth to hand-to-hand encounters, making combat more dynamic.
The relationship between Snake and The Boss is one of the most compelling in gaming history. Metal Gear Solid 3 isn’t just a stealth game—it’s a cinematic masterpiece.
The Last of Us
Naughty Dog proved that video games could tell deeply emotional, cinematic stories with The Last of Us. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the Cordyceps infection, it follows Joel and Ellie on a journey that tests their morality, resilience, and trust in each other.
The game’s writing is some of the best in the industry, with dialogue that feels raw, natural, and deeply human. Every encounter is tense, whether you’re sneaking past Clickers or facing ruthless human survivors.
The AI is smart, making every fight unpredictable and forcing players to think strategically. The bond between Joel and Ellie grows naturally, leading to some of the most heart-wrenching moments in gaming.
The environments are hauntingly beautiful, showing nature reclaiming abandoned cities. The crafting system adds an element of survival, making every resource feel valuable. The ending is one of the most debated in gaming, leaving players questioning right and wrong.
With a gripping story, intense gameplay, and unforgettable characters, The Last of Us is an emotional rollercoaster that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 didn’t just redefine survival horror—it reinvented third-person shooters as a whole. The over-the-shoulder camera angle became the new standard, influencing countless games that followed.
The game follows Leon S. Kennedy as he navigates a terrifying European village overrun by the sinister Los Illuminados cult. Unlike previous entries, RE4 balances horror with intense action, featuring some of the most nerve-wracking encounters in gaming.
The inventory system, complete with its iconic attaché case, adds a layer of strategy as you carefully manage resources. The enemies, especially the eerie Regeneradors, keep tension high throughout the game.
Boss fights like the towering El Gigante and the terrifying Verdugo are unforgettable. The pacing is near perfect, alternating between high-octane shootouts and slower, suspenseful moments.
Ashley’s AI, while sometimes frustrating, adds another challenge as you must protect her while fending off enemies. The game’s Mercenaries mode extends replayability, offering bite-sized action-packed challenges.
Even after multiple remasters, Resident Evil 4 remains one of the greatest survival horror experiences ever created.
Minecraft
It’s hard to overstate the impact Minecraft has had on gaming. It’s not just a game—it’s a platform for creativity, learning, and limitless possibilities. The blocky aesthetic may seem simple, but the depth of gameplay is staggering.
Players can build anything, from towering castles to entire cities, limited only by their imagination. Survival mode adds a layer of challenge, requiring resource gathering, crafting, and defending against the game’s iconic enemies like Creepers and Endermen.
The game’s procedurally generated worlds ensure that no two experiences are the same. Redstone mechanics allow for complex creations, including functioning computers and elaborate contraptions.
The community has kept Minecraft alive for over a decade, with mods, texture packs, and servers offering endless content. It’s become an educational tool, teaching kids about coding, architecture, and engineering.
The soundtrack, composed by C418, is minimalist yet deeply nostalgic. Few games offer the same level of freedom and longevity as Minecraft. It’s more than a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon.
Doom (1993)
When Doom launched in 1993, it wasn’t just a game—it was a revolution. It defined the first-person shooter genre, introducing fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled combat that still holds up today.
The game throws you into the role of the Doom Slayer, an unnamed space marine battling hordes of demons on Mars. The action is relentless, with no cutscenes or slow exposition to get in the way of pure, chaotic fun.
The weapons are legendary, from the satisfying shotgun to the devastating BFG 9000. Level design is another standout feature, offering maze-like corridors filled with secrets, traps, and ambushes.
The soundtrack, a mix of heavy metal-inspired MIDI tracks, perfectly complements the intense gameplay. Multiplayer deathmatches, one of the first of their kind, paved the way for modern competitive shooters.
The game was so influential that it practically created the “Doom clone” subgenre before FPS games became their own distinct category. Even decades later, Doom remains just as thrilling, proving that great gameplay is timeless.
Whether you’re playing the original or one of its countless mods, there’s no denying its impact on gaming history.
Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV has one of the greatest comeback stories in gaming history. When it first launched in 2010, it was widely considered a disaster, plagued with technical issues and lackluster content.
But instead of abandoning it, Square Enix made the bold decision to completely rebuild the game from the ground up. The result? Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, an MMO that has since become one of the best in the genre.
The game offers an engaging story that rivals single-player Final Fantasy titles, filled with political intrigue, ancient mysteries, and unforgettable characters. The class system is flexible, allowing players to switch jobs without creating a new character.
Dungeons and raids are expertly designed, offering some of the most thrilling encounters in MMO history. Expansions like Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers only made the game better, adding rich new storylines, breathtaking environments, and challenging content.
The community is one of the friendliest in any MMO, making it a great experience for both newcomers and veterans. The soundtrack, composed by Masayoshi Soken, is nothing short of incredible, featuring some of the best music in gaming.
Regular updates keep the game fresh, ensuring there’s always something new to do. Today, Final Fantasy XIV isn’t just a great MMO—it’s one of the best Final Fantasy games ever made.
Conclusion
These games aren’t just classics—they’re landmarks in gaming history. Each one redefined a genre, introduced groundbreaking mechanics, or told unforgettable stories that resonated with millions of players. Whether you’re reliving old favorites or discovering these masterpieces for the first time, one thing is certain: these games stand the test of time.
What do you think? Are there any games you’d add to this list? Let’s hear your thoughts!
