As we move further into the 2020s, it’s fascinating to look back at the games that have defined the past decade. From the explosive rise of open-world games to the quiet evolution of narrative-driven experiences, the past ten years have seen incredible shifts in how we play and slot qris what we play. The games of the last decade have introduced innovative mechanics, stunning visuals, and stories that have left a lasting impact on the gaming community. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best games from 2015 to 2025 and discuss what makes them so memorable.
One of the earliest standouts of the decade is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015), a masterpiece that set a new standard for open-world RPGs. Developed by CD Projekt Red, The Witcher 3 transported players into the vast, dark world of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter on a quest to find his adopted daughter. The game’s expansive open world, complex moral choices, and deep narrative are still widely regarded as some of the best in gaming history. The ability to shape the story through player choices, the rich character development, and the beautifully realized world all contributed to The Witcher 3‘s continued legacy as one of the greatest games of all time.
Moving forward, Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) took the gaming world by storm with its unprecedented attention to detail. Rockstar’s prequel to Red Dead Redemption brought players into the boots of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as they navigate the decline of the Wild West. The game’s open world is filled with life, from the interactions between characters to the subtle changes in weather and landscape. The narrative, which focuses on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival, is gripping, and the level of environmental storytelling is unparalleled. The slow, deliberate pace of the game, combined with its stunning visuals and realistic mechanics, made Red Dead Redemption 2 a true tour de force.
Another significant title that helped define the decade is The Last of Us Part II (2020). Following the story of Ellie after the events of the original game, The Last of Us Part II pushed boundaries both in terms of storytelling and gameplay. The game’s nuanced exploration of trauma, revenge, and forgiveness made it one of the most emotionally challenging experiences in gaming. It polarized fans due to its bold narrative choices, but it also showcased the ability of video games to tackle complex, adult themes in a way that felt authentic and impactful. The game’s incredible visual fidelity and the intricacies of its gameplay also set new standards for the industry.
As we entered the mid-2020s, Elden Ring (2022) became a cultural phenomenon. From the creators of Dark Souls, Elden Ring took the best elements of the studio’s previous games and expanded them into a massive open world. With input from author George R. R. Martin, the game’s lore is rich and complex, offering an unparalleled sense of mystery and exploration. The sense of freedom in Elden Ring is unlike anything seen before in a Souls-like game, and it’s that openness combined with its punishing difficulty that has made it one of the most talked-about games in recent years.
Additionally, Cyberpunk 2077 (2020), despite its rough launch, has seen a remarkable resurgence over the past few years. The RPG set in the dystopian Night City is a prime example of how a game can evolve post-launch to reach its full potential. Thanks to significant updates and fixes, the game now offers a deeply engaging world filled with stories, characters, and choices. Its blend of futuristic technology, gang warfare, and corporate intrigue makes it one of the most ambitious RPGs of the last decade.
In conclusion, the best games of the decade have demonstrated how video games can evolve in terms of storytelling, gameplay, and world-building. From deeply personal, narrative-driven experiences like The Last of Us Part II to sprawling, open-world epics like The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2, these titles have pushed the boundaries of what gaming can achieve. As we look ahead to the next decade, it’s exciting to imagine what the future holds for gaming and how the medium will continue to evolve.