Some games come and go, but a few leave a mark so deep that players remember them for years to come. These are the titles that shape our memories, spark conversations, and make us fall in love with gaming all over again. When people talk about the highest rated PC console games of all time, they’re talking about the legends that defined entire generations of gamers.
These masterpieces broke barriers in storytelling, visuals, and gameplay. They didn’t just entertain, they changed the way we think about what a game can be. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone who just loves hearing about gaming greatness, this list will take you through the ten most loved, most celebrated, and highest rated PC console games ever made.
So, let’s get into it and explore what made these games unforgettable.
What Makes a Game a 10 Out of 10?
Getting a perfect rating isn’t just about flashy graphics or big budgets. The games that reach legendary status usually do so because they create moments. It’s when gameplay, music, storytelling, and emotion come together so perfectly that players forget they’re holding a controller.
A 10 out of 10 game offers something more than entertainment; it delivers a world you can lose yourself in. Every choice feels meaningful, every soundtrack note hits just right, and every mission leaves an impression. That’s what makes these titles unforgettable.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Release Year: 2015
Genre: Action, RPG
Rating: 9.8/10
When The Witcher 3 released, it set a new benchmark for open-world RPGs. With a Metacritic score hovering in the 90s across all platforms, it became the gold standard for storytelling in gaming. Players step into the boots of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a war-torn world filled with moral choices and unforgettable characters.
Every quest feels alive. Side stories like the Bloody Baron or the Hearts of Stone expansion aren’t just filler; they’re emotional journeys. The visuals, dialogue, and combat system all blend seamlessly to create a masterpiece that still feels modern years later. It’s the kind of game that makes you want to replay it just to experience it differently.
Why it stands out: Deep storytelling, incredible side quests, and an immersive world that rewards exploration.
2. God of War (2018)
Release Year: 2018
Genre: Action, Adventure
Rating: 9.6/10
When Sony Santa Monica reinvented God of War, nobody expected it to be this emotional. Kratos, once known for his rage, became a father trying to guide his son, Atreus. The result? One of the most beautifully written stories in gaming.
The camera never cuts away once during the entire game, pulling players directly into every swing, shout, and heartbreak. The combat feels powerful and fluid, the visuals breathtaking, and the story unforgettable.
It’s not just an action game; it’s a journey about fatherhood, loss, and redemption. Players didn’t just play Kratos; they felt his pain and growth. That’s why God of War remains one of the highest-rated and most loved console games of all time.
Why it stands out: A breathtaking mix of brutal combat, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable father-son moments.
3. Red Dead Redemption 2
Release Year: 2018
Genre: Open World, Action Adventure
Rating: 9.7/10
Red Dead Redemption 2 is what happens when gaming meets cinema. Rockstar created a masterpiece that’s not just a story; it’s an experience. Set in the fading days of the Wild West, the game follows Arthur Morgan, an outlaw wrestling with loyalty and morality as his world collapses around him.
Every inch of its vast world feels handcrafted. From the way the sun hits the snow-capped mountains to the haunting soundtracks that play during emotional moments, everything feels cinematic.
Players didn’t just complete missions; they lived a life. And even after finishing it, many still roam the wilderness just to watch a sunset or ride alongside Dutch’s gang one last time.
Why it stands out: Cinematic storytelling, emotional depth, and an open world that feels almost real.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Release Year: 2017
Genre: Action, Adventure, Open World
Rating: 9.7/10
Breath of the Wild changed how open-world games are designed forever. Nintendo gave players true freedom to climb any mountain, glide across valleys, experiment with physics, and solve puzzles your way.
It’s one of the few games where curiosity is truly rewarded. Every location hides a mystery, every challenge can be approached creatively, and every moment feels like an adventure waiting to happen.
Its physics-based world became a benchmark that inspired countless other games. Even today, players still find new tricks, shortcuts, and moments of awe. Breath of the Wild isn’t just a game; it’s a playground for imagination.
Why it stands out: Freedom, creativity, and the pure magic of exploration.
5. Elden Ring
Release Year: 2022
Genre: Action, RPG, Fantasy
Rating: 9.5/10
Elden Ring is the definition of epic. FromSoftware took its classic formula of dark fantasy and brutal challenge, then opened it up into one of the most breathtaking worlds ever created. With the storytelling touch of George R. R. Martin, this game became more than just another Souls-like; it became a cultural moment.
What makes Elden Ring stand out is freedom. You can choose your path, your style of combat, and even how you approach the story. One player may spend hours exploring hidden ruins while another faces colossal bosses. Every victory feels earned, every defeat teaches you something new.
It’s not an easy game, but that’s the point. When you finally conquer that impossible boss, it’s pure satisfaction, the kind only the best games can give. Elden Ring proved that challenge and beauty can coexist, earning its spot among the highest rated PC console games of all time.
Why it stands out: A massive open world, satisfying combat, and a dark fantasy story that never stops surprising you.
6. Grand Theft Auto V
Release Year: 2013
Genre: Action, Adventure, Open World
Rating: 9.6/10
Few games have had the cultural impact of Grand Theft Auto V. Released in 2013, it continues to dominate gaming conversations more than a decade later. Rockstar delivered a massive open world set in Los Santos, a living, breathing parody of modern America filled with chaos, humor, and endless possibilities.
The story switches between three unforgettable characters, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, each offering a unique perspective on crime and survival. But what truly made GTA V legendary was its online mode. GTA Online became a phenomenon, offering players a sandbox that still evolves with new content even today.
Whether you’re pulling off elaborate heists or simply exploring the city, GTA V remains endlessly replayable. It’s not just one of the highest rated PC console games ever; it’s one of the best-selling and most influential titles in history.
Why it stands out: Endless freedom, sharp storytelling, and a living world that still dominates gaming today.
7. Cyberpunk 2077 (After Updates)
Release Year: 2020
Genre: Sci-Fi, RPG
Rating: 9.0/10
Cyberpunk 2077 had a rough start, no doubt. But after countless updates, patches, and the game-changing Phantom Liberty expansion, it became one of the most remarkable comeback stories in gaming.
Set in the neon-filled Night City, you step into a world bursting with life, detail, and emotional storytelling. The characters, especially Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves, leave a lasting impression. The quests are deep and often raise real questions about identity, technology, and morality.
Today, Cyberpunk 2077 stands as an example of redemption done right. It went from one of the most criticized releases to one of the most loved, proving that dedication to improvement can turn a flawed gem into a masterpiece.
Why it stands out: A true redemption story that proves how good games can evolve into greatness.
8. Dark Souls III
Release Year: 2016
Genre: Action, RPG, Fantasy
Rating: 9.4/10
Dark Souls III is brutal, mysterious, and endlessly rewarding. FromSoftware perfected its signature style with tight combat, eerie world design, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.
The game doesn’t tell its story directly; instead, it lets you uncover it piece by piece through cryptic dialogue, item descriptions, and environmental clues. That design choice made the Souls series feel like an ongoing puzzle, one that fans still discuss and decode years later.
Its boss fights are legendary, from the Abyss Watchers to the Nameless King. Each victory feels earned, and each area feels distinct and alive with lore. For hardcore fans, Dark Souls III isn’t just a game; it’s a rite of passage.
Why it stands out: Challenging gameplay that rewards mastery and one of the most hauntingly beautiful worlds ever built.
9. Horizon Forbidden West
Release Year: 2022
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Rating: 9.2/10
Horizon Forbidden West is a visual masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on modern consoles. The world is lush, vibrant, and filled with towering robotic creatures that feel alive. Aloy’s journey continues with even more depth, exploring forgotten civilizations, unraveling mysteries, and forming emotional connections.
Its storytelling and world design strike a perfect balance between beauty and danger. Players love how the game blends exploration, combat, and emotion seamlessly. It’s the kind of game that makes you stop just to take in the scenery.
Even years after release, Horizon Forbidden West remains one of the most visually stunning and emotionally grounded gaming experiences.
Why it stands out: Stunning visuals, powerful storytelling, and a heroine who embodies courage and curiosity.
10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Release Year: 2011
Genre: Open World, RPG
Rating: 9.5/10
“You’re finally awake.” That line alone has become iconic in gaming culture. Skyrim is the ultimate open-world fantasy experience: dragons, dungeons, magic, and endless possibilities.
Released in 2011, Bethesda’s masterpiece redefined player freedom. You can be a warrior, thief, mage, or a mix of all three. The modding community gave it eternal life, turning it into a game that evolves even today.
From slaying dragons to exploring snowy peaks, Skyrim delivers a sense of wonder few games have ever matched. Even after more than a decade, new players continue to discover it for the first time, and old fans keep returning for one more adventure.
Why it stands out: Limitless freedom, endless replayability, and a fantasy world that defined a generation.
How These Games Changed the Industry
Each of these titles didn’t just succeed; they reshaped how games are made and experienced. The Witcher 3 showed how deep side quests can enrich storytelling. God of War proved that even the fiercest characters can have emotional depth. Red Dead Redemption 2 blurred the line between film and gameplay.
Zelda and Elden Ring reinvented exploration, GTA V redefined open-world freedom, and Skyrim created a modding revolution that turned players into creators. Together, these games raised the expectations for what the medium could achieve.
Gaming evolved from simple entertainment to something deeply artistic, emotional, and meaningful, and these masterpieces led the charge.
Why These Games Stand Out
What makes these games stand above thousands of others isn’t just graphics, combat, or big budgets. It’s the way they make you feel. Each one has something unique and an emotional heartbeat that connects deeply with players.
The Witcher 3’s world feels alive, every character written with care. God of War’s emotional depth made players cry. Red Dead Redemption 2 captured human struggle better than most movies. Breath of the Wild and Elden Ring gave players pure creative freedom.
These aren’t just games; they’re memories that stick with you long after the credits roll. You remember the first dragon you slayed in Skyrim, the last sunset you watched in Red Dead Redemption 2, or the heartbreak of the Bloody Baron’s story in The Witcher 3. That’s why they’re the highest rated PC console games of all time, because they aren’t just played, they’re lived.
Honorable Mentions
Some incredible games just barely missed the top ten but still deserve love:
• Mass Effect 2 is known for its gripping choices and unforgettable crew.
• Resident Evil 4 Remake is a modern twist on a survival horror classic.
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is pure superhero joy with heart and polish.
These games show how creativity and innovation continue to evolve gaming even years after release, they still attract new players and glowing reviews.
Final Thoughts
These ten highest rated PC console games are the heart of gaming history. They remind us why we fell in love with games in the first place, for the stories, the challenge, and the shared passion that connects gamers worldwide.
Whether you’re riding through the Wild West, fighting gods, or exploring fantasy realms, these games prove one thing: gaming isn’t just entertainment, it’s an art form that brings millions together.
If you’re looking for more great titles to play this year, check out Top Rated Games of 2025 You Can Play Right Now, a fresh look at the best modern releases continuing gaming’s legacy.
Which one of these legends holds a special place in your heart? Share your favorite moments in the comments and keep the gaming conversation alive.
FAQs
Q1. What is the highest rated PC console game of all time?
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Red Dead Redemption 2 often share the top spots with near-perfect ratings.
Q2. Which game has the best storytelling?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is praised for its deep emotional storytelling and unforgettable characters.
Q3. Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth playing now?
Absolutely. With updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, it’s now a polished and immersive experience.
Q4. What makes Elden Ring so special?
Its massive open world, unique lore by George R. R. Martin, and rewarding combat make it revolutionary.
Q5. Which game offers the best replay value?
Skyrim and GTA V offer endless freedom, mods, and content that keep players hooked for years.
Q6. Are these games available on multiple platforms?
Yes, most of these titles are available on both PC and major consoles.
Q7. Which game is the most visually stunning?
Horizon Forbidden West stands out for its breathtaking graphics and lifelike world design.
Q8. What genres do these games cover?
They span across action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, and open-world RPGs, offering something for every kind of gamer.
