10 Video Game Masterpieces That You Need to Play

Some games just hit differently. Whether it’s the story, the world, or just how fun it is to play, it instantly grabs you. Meanwhile, some games embrace innovative and daring concepts, while others concentrate on subtle details that enhance the overall experience. No matter the approach, they all stick with you long after you put the controller down. Ultimately, that’s what this list of can’t-miss video game masterpieces is all about: games you’ll remember and keep coming back to.

10. Super Metroid

Samus Aran is back, and she’s tougher than ever. In Super Metroid, you’re chasing down a stolen baby Metroid from Ridley on the strange and dangerous planet Zebes. Along the way, you explore weird areas, pick up power-ups, and unlock spots you couldn’t reach before. You also get an automap and can shoot in eight directions, which feels awesome. Nintendo and Intelligent Systems spent a couple of years crafting the music, atmosphere, and gameplay, and it really shows. It’s no wonder this game basically set the standard for the Metroidvania style.

9. God of War

In God of War, you follow Kratos, a Spartan warrior who rises to become the God of War. In the early games, he hunts down the Olympian gods in a brutal, unforgettable quest. Then, the Norse-era games follow him and his son Atreus on a path of redemption. As for development, mostly handled by Santa Monica Studio, the series spans consoles, side games, and remasters. God of War is an exciting game filled with crazy combat, unforgettable characters, and epic moments.

8. Half-Life 2

Gordon Freeman wakes up in the occupied City 17 and, together with Alyx Vance, takes charge in Half-Life 2. After the Seven-Hour War ends and Earth has fallen, the Black Mesa incident feels like ages ago. Then, you grab your crowbar again and dive into a world overrun by aliens, where survival depends on you. Along the way, the game mixes insane physics, intense combat, and mind-blowing world-building. Plus, Episodes One and Two continue the story with more action, clever puzzles, and unforgettable moments.

7. Baldur’s Gate 3

You wake up infected with a mind flayer parasite, and suddenly, things get wild in Baldur’s Gate 3. Meanwhile, strange powers start emerging, and you’ll have to decide: resist the corruption or embrace it. Then, gather a party of up to four and explore the Forgotten Realms. At the same time, combat is super strategic, with tons of classes, races, and powerful spells. Relationships matter, choices do too, and honestly, every decision hits differently. On top of that, with co-op play, hand-crafted Origin heroes, and a story that reacts to you, no two adventures are ever the same.

6. Bioshock

In BioShock, things get crazy fast. At first, you use a basic arsenal, but soon you realize your body is the deadliest weapon. Then, inject plasmids, and suddenly you’re zapping enemies with electricity, freezing them solid, or sending killer hornets flying from your veins. On top of that, you can hack devices, craft ammo, and turn the environment itself into a trap. Also no two encounters are the same, so you’ll play it differently every time. Explore an insane art deco underwater world, engage in creative combat, and discover why BioShock continues to captivate players.

5. Elden Ring

Elden Ring is just insane. FromSoftware took everything that made Dark Souls awesome and blew it up into this massive open world. Occasionally, while exploring the Lands Between, a massive boss unexpectedly appears and disrupts your day. The brutal combat keeps you sweating, and dying is basically part of the fun. Then you grind, get better gear, and come back swinging. Between crazy exploration, hidden secrets everywhere, and fights that actually make your heart pound, this game is easily one you’ll never forget.

4. Grand Theft Auto 5

GTA 5 is fun chaos that happens in Los Santos’ wild streets. You can wander around the city and, honestly, do almost anything, follow the story, or just mess around. Playing as Trevor, Michael, or Franklin feels wild because their personalities clash in all the right ways, making every moment unpredictable. The city is packed with missions, side stuff, and moments that’ll make you laugh, panic, or just marvel. Combat can get brutal, heists are insane, and GTA Online lets you do whatever you want. No matter how often you play, it always feels fresh and exciting.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde Gang are on the run in Red Dead Redemption 2. With federal agents and bounty hunters closing in, the gang must rob, steal, and fight across America’s rugged heartland. At the same time, Arthur wrestles with loyalty and his conscience as tensions rise within the gang. Meanwhile, the world around him feels alive; you can hunt, craft, explore, or simply roam. The story grips you, the details stun you at every turn, and every choice truly matters. It’s an unforgettable adventure and easily ranks among the top games you can experience.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt drops you into Geralt of Rivia’s world, a monster hunter on the trail of his adopted daughter, Ciri. From the start, the world feels alive, full of villages to wander, monsters to battle, and hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered. Furthermore, the decisions you make influence the treatment you receive from others, the quests you uncover, and even the game’s conclusion. Combat keeps you on edge, while magic hits hard, and every adventure feels unique. Altogether, with its sweeping story, enormous open world, and unforgettable characters, this game easily stands out as one of the best experiences you can have.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild completely shook up open-world gaming when it launched in 2017 for Switch and Wii U. You can explore Hyrule however you want, solve puzzles creatively, and take on epic boss fights quickly if you’re daring. On top of that, with its stunning cel-shaded visuals, amazing soundtrack, and playful physics, every moment feels alive. As a result, critics loved it, and it’s easy to see why so many call it the best game out there. In addition, its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, takes it even further.