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The last decade has given us an absurdly good run of games—seriously, some of the titles released in recent years aren’t just great, they’re downright legendary. We’re talking genre-defining RPGs, boundary-pushing open worlds, and narratives so rich they rival Hollywood’s finest.
But let’s get real—there’s only so much time in a day. So, how do you even pick which of these modern classics to prioritize? Well, lucky for you, we’ve sorted through the mountain of must-plays and handpicked the absolute best games of the last decade—the titles that didn’t just entertain but truly left a mark. Ready to fill up your backlog? Here’s what made the cut.
15 – 11: Best Games of the Last 10 Years
15. Monster Hunter: World (2018)
Capcom’s Monster Hunter: World redefined the series, making it more accessible without sacrificing the deep, rewarding combat the franchise is known for. With a seamless open world, dynamic ecosystems, and thrilling cooperative hunts, this action RPG became one of the most popular games of the decade. Its Iceborne expansion further expanded the game with new monsters, mechanics, and challenges.
14. Stardew Valley (2016)
Indie games rarely achieve the kind of widespread appeal that Stardew Valley has. Inspired by Harvest Moon, this farming simulator blends relaxing gameplay with deep mechanics, offering farming, fishing, mining, and social interactions in a charming pixel-art world. The freedom to shape a farm and engage with a dynamic village made it a favorite among casual and hardcore players alike.
13. God of War (2018)
Santa Monica Studio reinvented God of War with a bold new vision that transformed the franchise. This installment introduced an emotional depth to Kratos, exploring his journey as a father alongside his son, Atreus. The over-the-shoulder perspective, seamless combat, and breathtaking world design set a new standard for action-adventure games. With a gripping Norse mythology-inspired story and weighty, strategic combat, God of War stands as one of the best video games of all time, proving that even long-running franchises can evolve in remarkable ways.
12. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020, Updated 2023)
Cyberpunk 2077 had a rocky launch, but after years of updates, it has emerged as one of the best games of all time. The 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty expansion introduced improved mechanics, better AI, and a more immersive open world. The blend of RPG storytelling, cyberpunk aesthetics, and thrilling combat make it a game worth experiencing today.
11. Ghost of Tsushima (2020)
Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima set a new standard for open-world samurai games. The stunning landscapes of feudal Japan, fluid combat, and an emotionally resonant story about honor and duty made it an instant classic. Whether engaging in tense sword duels or exploring scenic vistas, Ghost of Tsushima stands as one of the best video games of the last decade.
10 – 6: Best Games of the Last 10 Years
10. Doom (2016) & Doom Eternal (2020)
The Doom reboot in 2016 revitalized the franchise with blistering fast combat, an aggressive soundtrack, and brutally satisfying gameplay. Doom Eternal pushed the formula even further, adding more movement options and tactical depth. Together, these two games redefined the first-person shooter genre and became some of the most popular games among action fans.
9. Disco Elysium (2019)
A rare gem in the RPG genre, Disco Elysium offers an unconventional experience where dialogue and choices matter more than combat. Its deep narrative, rich world-building, and unique skill system allow for a truly personalized playthrough. It’s easily one of the best video games of all time for players who love intricate storytelling and philosophical depth.
8. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
Despite being on the older end of this list, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a benchmark for open-world RPGs. Its expansive world, branching storylines, and engaging combat helped define the modern RPG experience. Even after nearly a decade, it continues to be hailed as one of the best games of all time.
7. Elden Ring (2022)
FromSoftware perfected its signature Soulslike formula with Elden Ring. The open-world design, atmospheric storytelling, and challenging combat captivated millions of players. Whether exploring the Lands Between or facing off against some of the toughest bosses in gaming, Elden Ring is a masterpiece of design and one of the best games of modern gaming.
6. Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023)
Larian Studios delivered one of the most ambitious RPGs ever with Baldur’s Gate 3. Offering incredible player choice, deep tactical combat, and a sprawling fantasy world, it set a new standard for RPG storytelling. The sheer variety of ways to approach its quests and character interactions makes it a defining game of this era.
Top 5: Best Games of the Last 10 Years
5. Hollow Knight (2017)
A stunning indie metroidvania, Hollow Knight impressed players with its hauntingly beautiful world, tight platforming, and deep lore. Its interconnected world rewards exploration, and its challenging combat makes every encounter feel meaningful. With Silksong on the horizon, this modern classic continues to be one of the most popular games among indie and metroidvania fans.
4. Persona 5 Royal (2019)
Persona 5 Royal refined an already beloved RPG with added story elements, new mechanics, and improved pacing. Its mix of turn-based combat, social simulation, and stylish visuals make it stand out among JRPGs. The Phantom Thieves’ journey through the Metaverse remains one of the best video games of all time in the genre.
3. Outer Wilds (2019)
Outer Wilds is a game that thrives on discovery. Its time-loop mechanic and non-linear exploration create an experience that feels deeply personal and rewarding. The sense of wonder and existential storytelling make it one of the best games for those who love thought-provoking narratives.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Nintendo reinvented open-world design with Breath of the Wild, offering unparalleled freedom and creativity. Players could tackle objectives in any order, interact with the environment in emergent ways, and lose themselves in the sprawling world of Hyrule. It remains one of the best video games of all time and continues to influence game design today.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 takes the top spot as the most immersive and meticulously crafted game of the last decade. With stunning visuals, unparalleled world-building, and a deeply emotional narrative, it is the gold standard for open-world storytelling. Arthur Morgan’s journey is a triumph of character writing, and the world feels truly alive, making this one of the best games of all time.
Honorable Mentions
While the main list highlights the best games of all time from the past decade, plenty of other titles deserve recognition. These popular games have left a lasting impact and continue to be favorites among players.
Celeste (2018) – A beautifully crafted platformer with tight controls and a touching story about overcoming personal struggles.
Bloodborne (2015) – A gothic horror take on the Soulsborne formula, offering fast-paced combat and unforgettable atmosphere.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) – A precision-based action game with intense swordplay and a steep but rewarding difficulty curve.
Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020) – A stunning reimagining of a beloved classic, blending action and strategy in an emotionally charged RPG.
Control (2019) – A mind-bending action-adventure game filled with supernatural phenomena and a unique, shifting world.
Hades (2020) – A rogue-lite masterpiece combining satisfying combat, rich storytelling, and endlessly replayable gameplay.
Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019) – A perfect example of how to modernize a classic survival horror experience.
The Last of Us Part II (2020) – A divisive yet undeniably ambitious narrative-driven game that pushed storytelling in gaming to new heights.
Hitman 3 (2021) – The ultimate stealth sandbox, perfecting the trilogy’s formula of open-ended assassination missions.
Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018) – The best Spider-Man game ever made, delivering exhilarating web-swinging and a heartfelt story.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2017) – A deep, tactical RPG with unmatched freedom in decision-making and cooperative play.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (2022) – A standout JRPG with an emotionally gripping story and an expansive open world.
Forza Horizon 5 (2021) – One of the most visually stunning and fun open-world racing games ever created.
Death Stranding (2019) – Hideo Kojima’s genre-defying “strand” game, offering a meditative and cinematic experience.
Subnautica (2018) – A terrifying yet beautiful underwater survival game filled with mystery and exploration.
Hollow Knight: Silksong (upcoming) – While not released yet, its predecessor has cemented this sequel as one of the most anticipated games ever.
Slay the Spire (2017) – The game that popularized rogue-like deckbuilding, offering endless strategic depth.
Monster Hunter Rise (2021) – A refined, fast-paced take on Monster Hunter with vertical movement and deep customization.
Outer Worlds (2019) – A fun, choice-driven sci-fi RPG for fans of Fallout: New Vegas.
FAQ: Finding the Best Games to Play from the Last 10 Years
Which games are considered the best video games of all time from the last decade?
Some of the best video games of all time released in the past ten years include Red Dead Redemption 2, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. These titles have received widespread critical acclaim and are highly regarded by players.
What are the most popular games from the last 10 years?
Among the most popular games of recent years are Cyberpunk 2077, God of War (2018), Doom (2016), Ghost of Tsushima, and Hades. These games have maintained large player bases and continue to be frequently discussed in gaming communities.
What is the best open-world game from the past decade?
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is often considered the best open-world game of the last decade due to its innovative design, freedom of exploration, and interactive world. Other top open-world titles include Red Dead Redemption 2, Elden Ring, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Cyberpunk 2077 (post-updates).
Which RPGs from the last 10 years are must-play games?
The best RPGs of the decade include Baldur’s Gate 3, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Persona 5 Royal, Disco Elysium, and Divinity: Original Sin 2. These games offer deep character development, meaningful choices, and engaging combat systems.
What are some of the best action games released in recent years?
Top action games from the past decade include God of War (2018), Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Doom Eternal, Bloodborne, and Ghost of Tsushima. These titles are known for their fluid combat, intense gameplay, and immersive storytelling.
Which indie games have been among the best games of all time?
Hollow Knight, Disco Elysium, Hades, Celeste, and Stardew Valley have all been praised as some of the best indie games ever made. These games offer unique gameplay experiences, strong narratives, and engaging mechanics that rival many AAA titles.
Are there any recent strategy or simulation games worth playing?
For fans of strategy and simulation, Factorio, Slay the Spire, RimWorld, Cities: Skylines, and XCOM 2 are standout choices from the last ten years. These games provide deep systems and rewarding gameplay loops.
What are some of the best multiplayer games from the past decade?
Popular multiplayer games from the last ten years include It Takes Two, Monster Hunter: World, Forza Horizon 5, Valorant, and Among Us. These games offer cooperative and competitive experiences that have captivated players worldwide.
Which games are great for storytelling and narrative-driven experiences?
The Last of Us Part II, Disco Elysium, Death Stranding, Outer Wilds, and Red Dead Redemption 2 are among the best games for players looking for deep, immersive storytelling. These titles offer rich narratives that rival the best films and novels.
What is the best Soulslike game from the past 10 years?
Elden Ring is widely regarded as the best Soulslike game of the last decade, offering an open-world twist on the formula. Other notable entries include Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Dark Souls III.
