We’re halfway through the decade, and the 2020s have already seen some incredible games.
There are still some big names set to release in the near future, most notably Grand Theft Auto VI, but the 2020s have already staked their claim as one of the best decades in gaming history.
With that in mind, we wanted to highlight some of the best games of the 2020s thus far.
DOOM Eternal
2016’s DOOM reboot brought a much-needed breath of fresh air to the boomer shooter genre. Its follow-up, 2020’s DOOM Eternal, expands upon the formula in the best way possible.
The old-school style of fast-paced, run-and-gun gameplay is still alive and well here, with the added benefits of everything that makes a good sequel. DOOM Eternal isn’t just more DOOM; it’s a refinement of everything that worked in the past, polishing the gameplay experience and introducing new gimmicks and mechanics that make it one of the best FPS games ever made.
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The highly anticipated sequel to 2017’s Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom is far more than meets the eye.
At first glance, it feels extremely similar to its predecessor, especially with the map of Hyrule feeling like the game. In reality, though, there’s so much new content waiting to be explored. The floating islands in the skies were the highlight before release, but in reality, there’s also an underground world waiting to be discovered.
Then, of course, there are infinite possibilities within the game’s crafting system that allow for an impressive amount of creativity, all on a system widely regarded as underpowered.
Metroid Dread
Ever since the success of the Metroid Prime franchise, the Metroid series has focused on two different styles of games: the home console FPS-style games and remaking the older 2D side-scrollers for handhelds.
Metroid Dread is the first “traditional” Metroid in nearly 20 years. Developed by MercurySteam, who also handled the remake of Metroid II, Dread is an unflinching, authentic Metroid experience that will push you to your limits.
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Baldur’s Gate 3
Larian Studios.
After a somewhat lackluster time in Early Access, Baldur’s Gate 3 is an RPG fan’s dream come true.
There are few games, if any, like it. It’s easily one of the largest, most impressive video games of all time. No matter how many times you play it, or hundreds, if not thousands, of hours you put into the game, you’ll discover something new.
Best of all, there are no real restrictions on how you can play Baldur’s Gate 3. You can enter a scenario and kill everything in sight, or you can talk your way out of conflict.
Elden Ring
FromSoftware, Inc.
One of, if not the, best game from legendary developer FromSoftware.
Elden Ring is the open world game we have always dreamed of. Its action is intense, the difficulty is brutal, and the combat is as visceral as always. What makes Elden Ring truly succeed, though, is the amount of freedom it gives its players.
FromSoftware games work by allowing players to explore, even if they’re not quite ready to reach certain areas. The only thing blocking your progression in certain areas is the difficulty, so if you can meet the challenge, nothing is off-limits.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
The newest entry on our list, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a lock to become 2025’s Game of the Year.
It’s a fantastic throwback to classic JRPGs that combines the best of Final Fantasy, Persona, and Soulslikes. The turn-based combat is enhanced by the dodge and parry system, resulting in a more active combat system that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Where Expedition 33 truly shines, though, is the story and characters. It’s one of the best I’ve ever seen in a video game, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve had to grab a box of tissues several times during my playthrough.
Hades
Indie developer Supergiant Games had already made a name for themselves with Bastion and Transistor. Hades is far and away their best game, though.
The action roguelike is a thrilling combat experience steeped in Greek Mythology and backed by a killer soundtrack. In traditional roguelike fashion, you’ll find yourself getting better and better with every run, with the game constantly encouraging you to keep going.
Super Mario Wonder
Following the success of Super Mario Odyssey, there were a lot of expectations for whatever Super Mario game had to follow it.
Super Mario Wonder is more than up for the task, delivering one of the best 2D Mario experiences in years.
After the disappointment that were the New Super Mario Bros. games, Super Mario Wonder contains so much creativity and imagination that it puts most other developers to shame.
Balatro
Poker is already an addictive game, but Balatro brings that feeling up to 11.
It’s a fantastic combination of the roguelike and deck builder genres that’s both incredibly accessible and shockingly deep.
It’s the most fun I’ve had with a mobile game since Threes; I’ll jump in for a quick game or two, and before long, I’ll realize three hours have flown by.
Vampire Survivors
Before its release in 2022, there weren’t many games out there like Vampire Survivors. It’s a roguelike shoot ’em up where you have to navigate endless hordes of enemies while obtaining power-up after power-up.
It’s a simple formula, yet it works so incredibly well. Like Balatro, it’s an incredibly addictive and satisfying experience when the perfect run comes together. Lining up the right power-ups and strategies feels so, so good.
Tunic
Finji.
Tunic is a wonderful action adventure that feels like a Dark Souls inspired old-school Legend of Zelda experience.
It’s a fantastic throwback to the games of old that does an excellent job of blending nostalgia with modern game design. Tunic thrives on the way it plays on your emotions, not just the feeling of nostalgia, but also fear, bravery, and a childlike wonder that has you exploring through dangerous, unknown terrain.
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
The original Final Fantasy VII Remake was a good, albeit bloated, start to the long awaited Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy. It tried a little too hard with its new and original content, though, and that rubbed a lot of fans the wrong way.
Enter Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which is a more faithful adaptation of the beloved game and its characters. This is the ultimate Final Fantasy VII experience, packed with an impressive amount of video game content to keep you entertained for hours upon hours.
Cyberpunk 2077
CD PROJEKT RED.
When it first launched, Cyberpunk 2077 had no shot of appearing on this list. It was a buggy, unfinished mess that nearly ruined the reputation of developer CD Projekt RED.
Now, several years later, we are singing the praises of Cyberpunk‘s redemption story. This is the game we were all promised a decade ago: a beautiful, open world, futuristic RPG experience that we love getting lost in.
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