10 Best Video Games Ever Made (2010 – 2020)

Video games have shaped stories, memories, and pure excitement in countless ways. The past decade delivered experiences that defined a generation of players. Worlds grew larger, characters became richer, and adventures felt truly alive. Some titles created universes that stay in hearts long after the screen fades. These games stand as unforgettable milestones that changed how gaming feels, sounds, and connects. So, let’s dive into the ten best video games ever made from 2010 to 2020 and discover what made them so legendary.

10. Stardew Valley

Release Year: 2016

One of the best life sim games of all time

Stardew Valley is one of those games that quietly took over the gaming world with its peaceful charm and satisfying depth. It lets you live out the simple dream of running your own farm, growing crops, raising animals, and making friends with the townsfolk. What makes it special is how easily it pulls you into its relaxing rhythm while still keeping you hooked for hours. The gameplay keeps expanding as you figure out new systems. Even with all that, none of it feels overwhelming because you’re shaping your farm exactly how you want.

Players love the freedom to build, explore, and connect with every character. Each moment feels rewarding as they design their farms and uncover hidden treasures. Stardew Valley redefined the simulation genre by blending exploration, creativity, and community in perfect harmony. Every visit feels like coming home, and that feeling alone makes it unforgettable among the best games of the decade 2010 to 2020.

9. Portal 2

Release Year: 2011

Puzzle adventure filled with humor and clever mechanics

Portal 2 builds everything around using portals to outsmart rooms that seem impossible at first glance. The gameplay stays tight with puzzles that encourage creative thinking as you experiment with physics, timing, and problem-solving. It naturally finds its own place when people talk about the best video games ever made due to its pure mechanical fun.

Even after finishing the main story, the co-op mode offers a completely new experience with creative teamwork challenges. Every level encourages thought and coordination in the most entertaining way possible. Its blend of storytelling and clever puzzles still feels unmatched years later. Portal 2 manages to be both hilarious and smart without ever losing momentum.

8. Dark Souls

Release Year: 2011

Action RPG built around challenge and discovery

Dark Souls redefined the idea of adventure by making every discovery meaningful and every success rewarding. It created a world that pushed players to learn through exploration and determination. The storytelling unfolded through atmosphere and design, turning every castle corridor and forgotten ruin into a history lesson waiting to be uncovered. It offered challenge, but more importantly, it brought growth through persistence and curiosity.

Additionally, the atmosphere felt hauntingly captivating, with each environment carrying mystery and history. The journey across kingdoms and ruins revealed new layers of wonder that lingered long after completion. Its memorable boss battles symbolized endurance and courage. Dark Souls continues to inspire countless other games with its perfect balance of challenge, design, and storytelling elements that remain timeless.

7. God of War

Release Year: 2018

A mythic action adventure packed with emotion and epic scale

God of War reimagines a legendary saga through the powerful bond between Kratos and Atreus. The narrative unfolds with depth and emotion, where every moment carries weight and meaning. The seamless transition between story and combat keeps the adventure flowing naturally. Each encounter showcases a masterful balance of raw strength and heartfelt storytelling. Its powerful narrative, grand scale, and fluid combat make it a clear highlight among the best video games of the late 2010s, without ever losing its raw essence.

The world design delivers awe and discovery at every step. Each realm tells a unique story filled with ancient mysteries, fierce enemies, and unforgettable moments. The evolving bond between Kratos and Atreus forms the heart of the adventure, blending strength with emotion in the most natural way.

6. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Release Year: 2019

A stealth-action adventure rooted in ancient Japan

FromSoftware once again delivered an unforgettable experience that pushed creativity to another level. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice showcased how innovation and precision can completely reshape action-adventure gameplay. The developers poured unmatched dedication into crafting intense sword combat built around reflex, timing, and mastery. Every clash feels deliberate, demanding awareness and rhythm that few titles ever achieve.

Set in a beautifully realized world inspired by feudal Japan, Sekiro captures the essence of resilience and focus through its relentless duels. The blend of stealth, exploration, and one-on-one combat drives a sense of growth that defines the player’s entire journey. FromSoftware’s design brilliance shines through fluid motion, evolving tactics, and the constant pursuit of perfection.

5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Release Year: 2015

An unforgettable monster-hunting adventure across a vast open world

CD Projekt Red turned an already beloved franchise into a masterpiece with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This open-world fantasy epic revolutionized the RPG genre with its powerful storytelling and unforgettable quests. Geralt of Rivia’s journey across war-torn kingdoms set a new gold standard for deep narratives. From side stories to intense moral choices, the game pushed boundaries at every step. It’s no wonder it stands among the best video games of the decade 2010 to 2020.

Furthermore, the expansion packs only strengthened its reputation. The game world overflows with memorable moments and lively characters. Players found themselves lost for hours, following side quests that mattered just as much as the main plot. The developers truly poured their hearts into every line of dialogue and scene.

4. Grand Theft Auto V

Release Year: 2013

A crime-filled open-world saga set in Los Santos

This list of the best video games of the past decades would be incomplete without Grand Theft Auto V. The game pulled players into the wild, unpredictable world of Los Santos. Every street corner brought excitement, from high-speed chases to daring heists. Its story followed three unforgettable characters, each chasing personal dreams driven by chaos and ambition. The humor, freedom, and sheer energy made the city pulse with life. GTA V perfectly showcased what open-world storytelling could achieve in gaming history.

The connection between Michael, Franklin, and Trevor shaped one of gaming’s most iconic tales. Their lives intertwined through loyalty, crime, and madness in ways that kept players hooked for hours. Los Santos became a playground filled with danger and thrill. Every mission delivered surprises, from quiet planning to explosive action. The vast world created endless memories and stories that continue to be shared to this day.

3. The Last of Us

Release Year: 2013

A post-apocalyptic story of survival and connection

The Last of Us brought emotion through sharp storytelling and unforgettable characters. Its post-apocalyptic setting carried tales of connection, loss, and strength. The chemistry between Joel and Ellie shaped one of gaming’s most powerful narratives. Every conversation mattered, and every decision carried weight. It wasn’t about survival alone; it was about finding purpose amid chaos. That’s why it remains one of the best games of 2010 to 2020, a remarkable story that left a lasting mark.

Moreover, the pacing stayed grounded while the story unfolded through haunting quiet moments and fierce confrontations. As time passed, the bond between the two grew through shared pain and small victories. Every scene added another layer to their trust and growth. Meanwhile, the world outside mirrored their inner struggles, constantly shifting between hope and despair. Through its depth and emotion, it became unforgettable.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Release Year: 2017

A limitless adventure through boundless landscapes and imagination

Breath of the Wild redefined open-world design by encouraging discovery at every turn. The freedom to explore, climb, and experiment turned its vast landscape into a playground full of wonder. The game never forced direction, allowing players to approach puzzles and challenges in their own way. Its design proved that less direction often means more immersion. Even now, many modern adventures draw inspiration from its approach.

Beyond exploration, the music, characters, and world-building worked together beautifully. Every corner held secrets waiting to be found, and progress always felt rewarding. That seamless balance between creativity and structure shaped an experience both calm and exciting. Breath of the Wild reminded players that adventure thrives when boundaries disappear and imagination leads the way, forever securing its place as a timeless example of what open-world gaming should be.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Release Year: 2018

The best action-adventure game of all time

Rockstar is a studio that understands atmosphere better than anyone else, and Red Dead Redemption 2 proves that effortlessly. From the first step into the wilderness, the world feels alive in ways few can imagine. Every moment here is handcrafted with intent. The weight of its realism draws players into a living experience that constantly surprises through quiet moments and grand adventures alike. Indeed, it remains among the best video games of 2010s.

Beyond its technical brilliance, the true essence lies in how seamlessly it connects atmosphere, design, and human emotion. Wildlife behavior feels authentic, weather shifts affect tone, and even random encounters turn into unforgettable memories. Every movement in its world seems deliberate, shaped by care and patience. Towns bustle with believable detail, conversations sound natural, and the smallest actions build a sense of presence. All of this makes Red Dead Redemption 2 undeniably one of the best video games released in the last decade, celebrated for pure artistry and unmatched realism.