I firmly believe that video games are the type of experience that remains within, deep in some recess of the mind, long after you finish a game. Even without well-written stories or being bogged down with less-than-ideal game mechanics, games tell stories in different ways, and those stories help shape who we are, how we act and think, and influence us in daily life. There are too many games everyone should play, so let’s narrow it down a little.
From experiences and memories made with friends to tear-jerking stories of loss and empowerment, here are 10 video games everyone should play once!
Note: This list includes a broad range of genres and, for the most part, personal preferences that I feel everyone should try at least once. You likely won’t like all the games listed here, and that’s okay! Everyone has a unique list of must-play games, so feel free to share yours in the comments!
Stardew Valley
It is so regrettable that countless players will immediately ignore Stardew Valley due to its pixel graphics. Those gamers want high-fidelity visual sensations, and nothing else will compare.
Well, to those players I say you’re missing out on one of the most enjoyable, relaxing, and rewarding experiences in the indie gaming scene.
If you ever played Harvest Moon, one of the original farming RPGs from back in the day, Stardew Valley takes the same basic premise but expands upon and improves everything. You can upgrade your house, plant and harvest crops, care for various animals, befriend villagers, get married and have children, explore underground caves where you’ll fight slimes and other monsters, and live a peaceful life on a farm.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
I prefer Fallout to Elder Scrolls. But I would be a fool not to consider the cultural impact of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It is arguably one of the most popular video games in recent history and is still going strong even after over a decade.
Seriously, please take a look at its Steam metrics. Skyrim retains more players per day than many multiplayer games achieve!
So, what makes Skyrim a must-play? From the carefully crafted game world that oozes immersion and life-like vibes, to the countless side quests and stories, and let’s not forget the first time you fight a dragon. It’s a memorable experience, and most gamers have tales of their adventures in Skyrim.
RimWorld
I think RimWorld will be the most divisive of the many games on this list. The strategy genre is already relatively niche compared to, say, first-person shooters, and the appearance and open-ended nature of RimWorld make it challenging to grasp for some.
That being said, if you spend time learning the basics of this ever-popular colony sim, you’ll find a rewarding and addictive experience that lives up to its premise as a story generator.
Every pawn has likes, dislikes, skills, passions, and relationships that affect how they interact with the world. Then, you have raids to contend with, crafting, base building, exploration, and end-game events to experience. It’s an entire world worth of content to interact with.
Resident Evil 4
If you’re worried about the horror aspect of Resident Evil 4, don’t! Despite being a survival horror game that helped influence the genre as a whole, Resident Evil 4, especially its recent remake, takes a more action-oriented approach. Sure, you’ll jump a few times and cower in particularly dark and dank scenes, like in the lab in the late game, but most of the time, you’re popping heads and dropkicking grannies carrying pitchforks.
As someone who loves horror games but jumps at the slightest scare, with my wife laughing beside me, I fell in love with Resident Evil 4 all over again. I played it with its original release ages ago, and the remake is often superior.
You have a ton of action and upgradable weaponry, unique enemies, and even ads to wipe the floor with, a compelling and occasionally strange story that remains captivating from the get-go, and the overall Resident Evil lore and world still going strong decades later!
The Last of Us Part 1
I’ve only ever played the first game, so I cannot speak with any authority regarding the second part. Still, The Last of Us remains one of the most extraordinary storytelling experiences I’ve ever experienced in gaming.
From the moment the action starts, it is captivating, heartbreaking, and energizing. While morally gray in almost every regard, the characters come across as likable, charismatic, and enthralling.
The world-building, background lore, slight scares, crafting, third-person combat, and exploration kept me coming back for more. Seriously! I beat this game 11 times in total, with another playthrough planned once the PC release is ironed out more.
Red Dead Redemption 2
I can likely count on one hand the number of video games that genuinely struck a chord with me and left me in absolute awe after completing the main story. Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of those games, and, to this day, I find myself having great difficulty coming back and replaying the entire campaign. It’s too heartbreaking and emotional.
That being said, the nearly 100 hours I spent playing through the story the first time, then the many tens of hours I spent roaming the world while locked in Chapter 2, remain one of my most cherished gaming memories.
Eventually, I’ll return for a complete playthrough. But the tale of Arthur Morgan and his merry band of outlaws remains thoroughly ingrained. Red Dead Redemption 2 features some of the greatest world-building in gaming, with an expansive landmass that feels genuinely alive. Sure, the controls can feel clunky, but it doesn’t matter as the whole experience adds up.
BioShock
I played BioShock through in its entirety upon release, way back in 2007, and then returned for a playthrough once per year for nearly a decade after. I also bought the tie-in novel, reading through it immediately after each playthrough.
It’s because of the atmosphere. Very few other video games have captured the same atmosphere as BioShock. Sure, the combat is somewhat clunky, especially by today’s standards, and the series tapered off into relative obscurity following the third game’s release. Still, the first game remains an absolute staple.
It is psychological, thrilling, slightly spooky, and builds a world I wish we could explore in far more detail. A pseudo-open-world would do nicely, with room to explore the neighborhoods and shops Ryan and his ilk built.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
I have to be honest; I’ve never finished The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. It’s not because I think it’s a bad game, not by any means of the definition. Instead, it’s because of the controls more than anything else. I hate the way Geralt moves and interacts with the environment. It pulls me out of the game and frustrates me to no end.
That being said, after completing the first few regions and listening to the raving reviews of nearly everyone, I can see the genuinely exceptional game underneath the messy controls. The stories are incomparable, especially the side quests.
Furthermore, the creature design remains some of the best. The game brings to life countless horrors that we’ve all likely read about in fantasy and supernatural fiction, but this time, we get to slice off said horrors’ heads with a silver sword.
If you can look past the clunk, there’s a memorable and exceptional RPG that’ll consume hundreds of hours of your time, making it one of the best games everyone should play at least once!
Days Gone
Not enough people have played Days Gone! It is such an underrated classic that, upon release, received so many negative reviews from critics and gamers that Sony pulled any chance of a sequel despite reportedly positive sales numbers. It’s a damn shame.
I can understand the criticisms people have, however. Many characters are wholly unlikable, and some voice acting leaves much to be desired. However, if you can look past that, there’s a living, breathing world with so much potential.
Despite taking nearly 70 hours to finish a single playthrough, I never felt Days Gone overstayed its welcome. I wanted more. It’s one of the only games that, immediately after finishing, I booted up another in New Game+. I don’t do that. Not ever.
The motorcycle mechanics, third-person combat, crafting, exploration, and horde battles make for an instantly memorable experience that built a cult following.
Left 4 Dead 1/2
Valve is known for countless iconic hits, like Portal and Half-Life. Despite their undying popularity, I chose not to consider those for this list. Instead, I’m closing out with Left 4 Dead. Of all the Valve games, the Left 4 Dead series brings me the most joy and replayability.
To this day, I’m still playing Left 4 Dead. I met countless friends playing Left 4 Dead, some of which I still play with today, and I have so many fond memories of slaying zombies and clearing maps.
After hundreds of hours in the game, I believe it’s the perfect cooperative shooter. Look at games like Back 4 Blood; they fail and die out. No one can compete with the original.
What are your must-play games everyone should play at least once? Let us know in the comments below!