There are some timeless games that, no matter how old they get, always withstand the test of time. Whether they released for the Nintendo 64, the original PlayStation, or even PC, some games are just truly timeless.
If you want to see what games we’ve put on the list as the most timeless, keep reading below!
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Image Credit: CD PROJEKT RED.
No matter your platform, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a stunning game with an intense but lovable backstory. Whether you’re in it for the story of Geralt or you’re drawn in by Yennefer, the game has something for everyone.
Despite being nine years old, it has received patches very recently, which have helped bolster the positive reputation of The Witcher 3. No matter how old this game is, it will always remain timeless.
Minecraft
Image Credit: Mojang Studios.
Minecraft will always be one of the most classic world-building games. It’s been around for a long time and has seen many updates to keep it fresh and full of content. It has been added to many platforms over the years, including PlayStation 3, mobile, and much more.
Whether you like to add mods to spice up your games or you prefer to play vanilla, there is something for everyone to do in Minecraft. It doesn’t matter how old Minecraft gets; it’ll always be one of the most timeless and favorite games.
Portal 2
Image Credit: Valve.
Portal 2 is one of the most timeless physics-based puzzle games you can find. Created by Valve, it remains a part of one of the most loved franchises, and it would be fantastic to see another iteration added to the Portal franchise.
While Portal is fantastic, Portal 2 has even more sarcasm and funny quips from our favorite robot, GLaDOS. Whether you play it in single-player or team up with a friend, there are plenty of head-scratching puzzles to navigate.
World of Warcraft
Photo Credit: Blizzard
Whether you choose to play Classic WoW or retail, there’s something for everyone across both iterations of the game. Retail World of Warcraft keeps the game fresh with constant new updates, while Vanilla WoW lets you relive the nostalgia from your childhood or adolescence.
When it comes to MMOs, World of Warcraft is one of the most timeless games and still has plenty of life in it.
Sims 2
Image Credit: Electronic Arts.
It’s highly debated in The Sims community which Sims game is better, but the large consensus is that Sims 2 is the best of them. Not only did it have the most in-depth gameplay, but it had some amazing cutscenes, and it had stories! There was always drama happening with Don Lothario, a feature that is deeply missed by The Sims 4 community.
The Sims 2 will always be one of the most timeless games in the franchise despite it being so difficult to obtain today. It’s also quite difficult to get it to run on your PC, even if you have the necessary mods to assist.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Image Credit: Bethesda Softworks.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the most iconic games of all time. Despite how janky and bug-ridden it is, players find a way to look past it and enjoy the game for what it is. It’s a highly in-depth fantasy world with fun combat and lovable NPCs. Who could forget the dragons?
Hundreds of hours can easily be sunken into Skyrim, making it one of the most timeless games out there. Luckily, it’s widely available on pretty much every platform, thanks to Todd Howard rereleasing it as much as humanly possible.
Super Mario Bros.
Image Credit: Nintendo.
While technically, I am talking about the first iteration of this franchise, Super Mario Bros. remains timeless. Games are constantly being added to the franchise, breathing new life into it and introducing new players to the series.
Whether you like the challenge of the first game or prefer the simpler but more vibrant worlds of games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder or Super Mario RPG, there’s something for everyone in this franchise.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Image Credit: Konami.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is one of the older titles on our list of timeless games, released in 1997. Despite that, it is still one of the most loved games today, with the franchise being bigger and better than ever.
When it comes to challenging but rewarding Metroidvanias, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is one of the peak games out there. It’s so widely available even today, so why not check it out and see if you fall in love with Alucard?
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
Photo Credit: Nintendo
There have been many iterations in The Legend of Zelda franchise, all with their unique selling points and aesthetics. However, Wind Waker is definitely at the top regarding unique Zelda games. The art style had never been used before in the franchise, making the game feel more friendly to a younger audience.
While it’s relatively hard to obtain today, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker never gets old and will always be one of the most timeless Zelda games.
Journey
Photo Credit: Sony Computer Entertainment.
Journey is such a stunning game. It doesn’t matter how old it gets; the game is gorgeous and relaxing. Whether you play the game alone or with a friend, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Gliding across sand dunes and solving puzzles as you go is one of the best calming experiences in gaming. Luckily, the puzzles aren’t challenging if you’re not one for puzzlers.
Tetris
Photo Credit: Nintendo.
Tetris truly is one of the most timeless games that you can play. Even today, people of all ages are playing Tetris. Whether it’s a remixed version of the game on your mobile, Tetris 99 on your Nintendo Switch, or the original game, there’s a version for everyone. It’s simple and mindless fun, although it can get quite intense.
When it comes to classic arcade games, Tetris is at the top of the list.
Bioshock
Image Credit: 2K Games.
Even though the graphics are a bit dated, the gameplay and story prevail and still make for an epic experience. Whether you’re playing the first game or the second, both have phenomenal stories with a great soundtrack to accompany them.
Whether you’re playing it for the first time or the hundredth time, the plot twists in BioShock will never fail to shock you and give you chills. It’s one of the best dystopian FPS games to exist.
Celeste
Image Credit: Maddy Makes Games, Inc.
One of the most beautiful indie games, Celeste will always be timeless. Even if it’s ten or 20 years from now, Celeste is such an unforgettable game. The soundtrack is stunning, and the story is highly relatable.
You get to play as Madeline, and you have to work to climb Celeste, the mountain. It’s a long and arduous journey with lots of difficult jumps and tricks to reach the top of the mountain. It’ll probably be one of the most challenging games you’ll play, but also one of the best.
Okami
Image Credit: Capcom.
While Okami has been out for quite a while, it’s still such a beautiful game. Getting to explore Japanese folklore and mythology through a game can make it more digestible than if you were to read about it. While the game isn’t fully accurate in folklore, it tells you a lot about what you need to know.
With such a unique art style and story, Okami will always be one of the most timeless games released. Unsurprisingly, it’s been released on multiple generations of consoles since its initial release on the PlayStation 2.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Photo Credit: Rockstar Games.
While Grand Theft Auto V most likely takes precedence for being so replayable, San Andreas feels the most timeless. Honestly, it’s a tough decision between any PS2-era GTA games.
However, we’re giving the edge here to San Andreas, thanks to its memorable characters, impressive story, and deep gameplay. Even on subsequent playthroughs, it has such a classic and nostalgic feel that it feels so much nicer to play than GTA V.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Image Credit: Larian Studios.
While Baldur’s Gate 3 only came out in the past year, it has been in early access for even longer than that. Even while in early access, the game had plenty of content to play through. With how much content you get in Baldur’s Gate 3 and the immense amount of choices you can make, it’s easy to say that this game will be timeless.
It doesn’t matter how old it gets; this game will always be one of the best RPGs. There are hundreds of hours of content in BG3, and it has great replayability.
DOOM
Photo Credit: Bethesda.
While I could say this about the original DOOM games, this does apply to the newer iterations in the franchise. The old DOOM games are equally timeless, but the 2016 game is the way to go if you want an updated feel.
Not only is it accompanied by a great soundtrack, but it’s a great, chaotic game to get stuck into. Even if you aren’t a fan of shooters, DOOM is the perfect way to blow off steam.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Image Credit: Capcom.
With the release of Dragon’s Dogma 2, I think it’s fair that we give some love back to Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen. Although the graphics are a little dated, this game has so much fun waiting for you.
Whether it’s messing around with the janky AI or completing the phenomenal story, there’s so much to do in this open world. It’s widely available on various platforms and is one of the most timeless open-world RPGs out there.
Ori and the Blind Forest
Image Credit: Xbox Game Studios.
Ori and the Blind Forest is one of the most beautiful indie games ever released. It’s not all about the gorgeous visuals, either. The music, the level design, and the story are all just gorgeous, and this game will always be timeless.
It’s such a fun but intense platformer with puzzle elements. The story may break your heart, but it’ll be worth it for the fun you’ll have playing the game. Luckily, once you complete this game, you have Ori and the Will of the Wisps to follow up with!
Dark Souls 3
Image Credit: Bandai Namco
Some may consider Dark Souls timeless, but I think that merit goes to Dark Souls 3. Even years later, the graphics are stunning, and the boss fights are intense and thrilling. It has plenty of replayability and value for money. There’s so much to do, even if you play just the base game. It could take you hours and hours to complete.
However, the DLC is where it gets really good and is the best part of the game. Combining the deep and rich lore with the gameplay, Dark Souls 3 is simply timeless.
Civilization 5
Image Credit: 2K Games.
There have been many Civilization games over the years, but none are as groundbreaking as Civilization 5. Not only did it introduce the hexagonal tiles, but it also introduced so many other key features that made the game more accessible for those who prefer to be a pacifist.
It added new wonders to build, research agreements, and more, allowing for science and culture victories to be a viable option. You can lose so many hours in this game and still be nowhere near winning. It’s a great timesink.
Crash Bandicoot: Warped
Image Credit: Sony Computer Entertainment.
The first two Crash Bandicoot games were iconic and had elements that made them timeless. However, Crash Bandicoot: Warped took everything from the first two games, improved on it, and gave players more content to dive into.
The bosses were better, and Crash even got special perks for completing a world! Not only that but there was a whole other secret world to dive into. This game never gets old, no matter how many times you replay it.
Spyro: Year of the Dragon
Image Credit: Sony Computer Entertainment.
Spyro 1 and 2 were fantastic, but there’s just something so iconic and fun about Spyro: Year of the Dragon. Whether you play it in the Reignited Trilogy or the original, they still hold up today.
Nothing beats chasing the egg thieves and hearing their taunts as they run away from you. Both Spyro and Crash are some of the most timeless franchises in gaming.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos
Image Credit: Fox Interactive.
This may be a bit of a controversial one, as there are still plenty of people who don’t know what Croc is. However, it’s such a nostalgic platformer where you get to play as a cute little croc! You have to rescue the Gobbos while tail-swiping enemies and solving puzzles.
Released for the PlayStation, the graphics are obviously dated. However, that doesn’t stop it from giving you hours of fun and playtime.
Tomb Raider (1996)
Image Credit: Aspyr.
It’s a no-brainer that the original Tomb Raider game is timeless. It’s a game many people have grown up with and now enjoy, thanks to the accessible remastered version.
The soundtrack never gets old, and St Francis’ Folly is some of the best level design ever seen in a game. Tomb Raider will always be timeless and one of the best franchises in gaming.
Plenty of other games are timeless, but these are the timeless games that immediately spring to mind. These games leave a long-lasting effect on the brain (and sometimes the heart). If you’re yet to play some of these games, don’t delay. You’re missing out!
