Top Games You Must Play Before You Die: Video games have evolved into one of the most influential and immersive forms of entertainment in the world. From the rise of pixelated classics to the high-definition graphics and expansive open-world experiences of modern gaming, there’s no shortage of iconic titles to explore.
For those who are passionate about gaming, certain games have garnered such critical acclaim and fan appreciation that they are often considered “must-plays” before you die.
These games have defined genres, pushed technological boundaries, and shaped gaming culture in ways that continue to resonate with players.
In this guide, we will walk you through some of the top games across different genres that have left an indelible mark on the gaming world, as well as why they are considered essential. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a seasoned veteran, these games are worth experiencing.
Top Games You Must Play Before You Die
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
Why You Should Play It:
One of the most groundbreaking games of the last decade, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild redefined the open-world genre. With a vast, seamless world, intuitive physics-based puzzles, and a freedom of exploration, it broke away from traditional Zelda formulas.
Players can climb mountains, paraglide across vast landscapes, and solve puzzles in creative ways without being forced down a specific path. Its beautiful art style, incredible world-building, and innovative mechanics make it a must-play for any fan of open-world games or action-adventure games.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Why You Should Play It:
The Witcher 3 is one of the most celebrated RPGs of all time. Developed by CD Projekt Red, the game is known for its stunning narrative, complex characters, and vast open world. Players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, as he embarks on a quest to find his adopted daughter and battle monstrous forces.
What sets this game apart is its rich storytelling, nuanced decisions that affect the game’s outcome, and the amount of detail in the world itself. It’s an immersive, emotional experience that blends fantasy with gritty realism.
3. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Why You Should Play It:
Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece of modern gaming. Set in the American Wild West, the game combines an incredibly detailed open world with a compelling story about loyalty, survival, and the passing of an era. Its narrative is one of the most emotionally engaging you’ll find in gaming, and the gameplay is as immersive as it gets.
The interactions with NPCs, the slow-building relationships with your gang, and the atmospheric environments create a game that feels alive and real. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game where every small detail matters, making it one of the most rewarding games to explore.
4. Super Mario 64 (1996)
Platform: Nintendo 64, Virtual Console, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch
Why You Should Play It:
Super Mario 64 is the game that pioneered the 3D platformer genre and influenced countless games that followed. The game’s world design was revolutionary for its time, offering a sense of freedom in the way players could explore environments and tackle challenges.
Mario’s acrobatic moveset, the creative level design, and the introduction of collecting Power Stars laid the foundation for 3D platformers and has remained influential to this day. For anyone who appreciates video game history and the evolution of 3D gameplay, Super Mario 64 is a must-play classic.
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5. Half-Life 2 (2004)
Platform: PC, Xbox, PS3, Linux
Why You Should Play It:
Half-Life 2 redefined first-person shooters when it was released in 2004. With its brilliant narrative, revolutionary physics, and unmatched immersion, it set a new standard for storytelling and gameplay in FPS games. The game introduces the player to a dystopian world controlled by alien forces, with protagonist Gordon Freeman at the forefront of a resistance movement.
The narrative is delivered organically without cutscenes, making the story feel more natural and immersive. The game’s physics-based puzzles and combat, combined with its gripping atmosphere, made Half-Life 2 an instant classic.
6. Dark Souls (2011)
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Why You Should Play It:
Dark Souls is often cited as one of the best action RPGs of all time, known for its challenging gameplay, intricate level design, and dark fantasy setting. It rewards players who persevere through its punishing difficulty with deep lore and an incredibly satisfying combat system.
The game encourages exploration and punishes impatience, making each victory feel earned. Though it’s not for the faint of heart, the sense of accomplishment and the rich world-building make Dark Souls a game that many gamers believe is worth the difficulty.
7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, VR, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Why You Should Play It:
Skyrim is the epitome of a game that invites players to get lost in its world. As the Dragonborn, players are thrust into a massive fantasy world filled with quests, dungeons, dragons, and numerous factions to join. The sheer amount of content and ways to customize your character makes Skyrim endlessly replayable.
Its open-world exploration, combined with a dynamic weather system and day-night cycle, ensures that every time you play, there’s something new to discover. For fans of fantasy RPGs and open-world exploration, Skyrim is a must-play experience.
8. Portal 2 (2011)
Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Linux, Mac
Why You Should Play It:
Portal 2 is a unique puzzle-platformer that combines mind-bending physics puzzles with a humorous and engaging story. You play as Chell, solving puzzles in a test facility using a portal gun that creates inter-dimensional doorways. What makes the game so special is its clever writing, witty dialogue, and unexpected plot twists.
The puzzles increase in complexity as you progress, offering both challenge and satisfaction. Whether playing solo or with a friend in the cooperative mode, Portal 2 is a brilliantly designed game that showcases Valve’s mastery of both gameplay mechanics and narrative.
9. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Platform: PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Why You Should Play It:
Final Fantasy VII is a cornerstone of the JRPG genre and one of the most beloved games of all time. Set in the dystopian world of Gaia, you play as Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins a group of rebels to fight a megacorporation that’s draining the planet’s life force. The game blends turn-based combat with a richly detailed story, exploring themes of identity, loss, and environmentalism.
The characters are iconic, and the game’s twists and turns continue to leave a lasting impact on players. Final Fantasy VII also had a recent remake that brought the original’s legacy into the modern era, giving both old and new players a reason to revisit this classic.
10. Minecraft (2011)
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile
Why You Should Play It:
Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time, and for good reason. It’s a sandbox game where players can build, explore, and survive in procedurally generated worlds made up entirely of blocks. Whether you want to build intricate structures, mine for resources, or engage in survival challenges, the freedom of Minecraft offers endless possibilities.
Its community-driven content, mods, and updates continually expand the game, making it feel fresh no matter how many hours you put in. It’s a game that has transcended generations and remains relevant thanks to its creativity and simple yet deep mechanics.
FAQs
Why are these games considered must-plays?
These games are considered must-plays because they represent the best of what video games can offer. Whether through innovative gameplay, revolutionary graphics, exceptional storytelling, or unique design, these games have had a lasting impact on the industry and players worldwide.
Are these games accessible to new players?
While some of these games can be challenging or have steep learning curves (like Dark Souls), most of them are accessible to new players. Games like Minecraft, Super Mario 64, and The Witcher 3 offer varying difficulty levels and allow for customization based on the player’s skill level.
Are all these games available on modern platforms?
Many of these games are available on a wide range of platforms, including consoles, PC, and sometimes even mobile devices. Several games, like Final Fantasy VII and Skyrim, have been remastered or re-released on modern platforms, making them more accessible.
How long does it take to play these games?
The time it takes to play these games varies widely. For example, Super Mario 64 can be completed in a few hours, while The Witcher 3 and Skyrim can take over 100 hours to fully explore, depending on how much side content you engage with.