The past decade has been a transformative time for the gaming industry, with technological advancements, new gameplay mechanics, and storytelling approaches fundamentally altering how we experience games. The games that emerged during this period not only pushed the boundaries of what video games could achieve but also created unforgettable experiences that shaped the direction of the medium. From sprawling open-world epics to emotionally charged narratives, the best games of the last decade continue to resonate with players, setting new standards for the industry. These games are more than just entertainment—they are milestones in the evolution of interactive media, offering both innovation and depth.
One such game is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, released in 2015 by CD Projekt Red. This action RPG took players into the expansive world of The Continent, where they assumed the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter. What sets The Witcher 3 apart is its incredible attention to detail. The world is vast, beautifully crafted, and filled with side quests that often surpass the main cendanabet story in terms of depth and emotional impact. Players can lose themselves for hours, exploring the world, engaging with its characters, and uncovering the many secrets it holds. The narrative choices are meaningful, and each decision made has consequences that alter the course of the story. This level of player agency, coupled with stunning visuals, dynamic combat, and a deeply engaging plot, makes The Witcher 3 one of the best games of the last decade.
Another title that has had an outsized impact on gaming is The Last of Us Part II, released by Naughty Dog in 2020. This sequel to the critically acclaimed The Last of Us took a bold approach by exploring the consequences of violence and revenge. The game’s protagonist, Ellie, embarks on a journey that forces players to grapple with complex moral questions, making The Last of Us Part II not just a game, but an emotional experience. The storytelling is mature and deeply personal, with the game pushing the boundaries of narrative design in video games. It’s a game that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable themes, offering a raw and unflinching look at human emotion and relationships. Its innovative mechanics, immersive world-building, and deeply resonant themes ensure that The Last of Us Part II is a standout of the decade.
No discussion of the best games of the last decade would be complete without mentioning Breath of the Wild. Released by Nintendo in 2017, this open-world installment in the Legend of Zelda franchise redefined the series, taking it in a direction that emphasized exploration, freedom, and creativity. The game’s open world is one of the most dynamic and interactive ever created, with physics-based mechanics that allow players to approach problems in countless ways. From climbing mountains to solving environmental puzzles, Breath of the Wild encourages experimentation, making every player’s experience unique. The game also reinvents the traditional structure of the Zelda series by focusing less on dungeons and more on a holistic experience of discovery. This bold departure from the series’ past earned Breath of the Wild widespread acclaim, establishing it as one of the defining titles of the decade.
These three games—The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The Last of Us Part II, and Breath of the Wild—are among the best games of the past decade because they represent the best of what the gaming medium can achieve. Whether through a rich, living world, an emotionally charged narrative, or a focus on player freedom, each of these titles has set new standards for storytelling and gameplay. They have influenced countless other games and will be remembered as defining moments in the evolution of the industry.
