As we welcome a new decade, it’s only fitting to look back and reflect on the games that have defined the past 10 years. The last decade has brought us some truly incredible titles across a wide range of genres, from action-packed shooters to emotionally resonant narratives. With so many games released during this time, it can be challenging to narrow down the best of the best. However, in this blog post, we’ll attempt to rank the top games of the last decade, based on critical acclaim, popularity, and overall impact on the gaming industry.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
At the top of our list is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, an open-world RPG developed by CD Projekt Red. Released in 2015, this game not only received critical acclaim but also garnered a massive fan following. With its sprawling world, rich storytelling, and memorable characters, The Witcher 3 set a new standard for open-world RPGs. Players were immersed in a dark and fantastical world filled with moral dilemmas, political intrigue, and epic battles. The game’s expansion packs, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, added even more content and depth to an already impressive experience. The Witcher 3 is a true masterpiece that will be remembered as one of the greatest games of all time.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
In 2017, Nintendo released The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for the Nintendo Switch, and it quickly became a must-play game for any gamer. This open-world adventure game redefined the Zelda franchise with its innovative gameplay mechanics, breathtaking visuals, and vast, open world to explore. Players were able to tackle the game’s challenges in any order they chose, giving them unprecedented freedom and agency in how they played. Breath of the Wild’s attention to detail, clever puzzle design, and sense of wonder make it a standout title in the last decade.
3. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Developed by Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption 2 took the gaming world by storm in 2018. This Western-themed open-world game is a prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption and follows the story of outlaw Arthur Morgan as he navigates the changing landscape of the Wild West. With its stunning graphics, immersive storytelling, and realistic world-building, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a true masterpiece. The game’s attention to detail, complex characters, and moral ambiguity make it a standout title in the last decade.
4. The Last of Us (2013)
Released in 2013 for the PlayStation 3 and later remastered for the PlayStation 4, The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog. The game follows the story of Joel and Ellie as they navigate a world overrun by a deadly fungus that turns people into zombie-like creatures. With its emotional storytelling, memorable characters, and tense gameplay, The Last of Us is a standout title in the last decade. The game’s exploration of themes such as loss, survival, and morality make it a truly unforgettable experience.
5. Dark Souls (2011)
FromSoftware’s Dark Souls, released in 2011, is a challenging action RPG that has gained a cult following over the years. Known for its punishing difficulty, intricate level design, and deep lore, Dark Souls set a new standard for action games in the last decade. The game’s innovative multiplayer features, mysterious world-building, and satisfying combat mechanics make it a standout title in the last decade.
6. Overwatch (2016)
Blizzard Entertainment’s team-based shooter Overwatch took the gaming world by storm in 2016. With its colorful cast of characters, fast-paced gameplay, and emphasis on teamwork, Overwatch quickly became a staple of the competitive gaming scene. The game’s diverse roster of heroes, dynamic maps, and strategic gameplay make it a standout title in the last decade. Overwatch’s success has paved the way for the rise of the esports industry and has inspired a new generation of competitive gamers.
7. Minecraft (2011)
Minecraft, developed by Mojang, was released in 2011 and has since become one of the best-selling games of all time. Known for its sandbox gameplay, players are given the freedom to build, explore, and survive in a blocky, procedurally generated world. Minecraft’s endless creativity, community-driven content, and addictive gameplay make it a standout title in the last decade. The game has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless spin-offs, merchandise, and even educational programs.
8. Fortnite (2017)
Epic Games’ battle royale game Fortnite took the gaming world by storm in 2017. With its colorful graphics, innovative building mechanics, and addictive gameplay, Fortnite quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The game’s constantly evolving world, seasonal events, and competitive gameplay make it a standout title in the last decade. Fortnite’s success has solidified its place as one of the most popular games of all time and has paved the way for the rise of the battle royale genre.
9. Skyrim (2011)
Bethesda Game Studios’ open-world RPG Skyrim, released in 2011, is another standout title of the last decade. The game’s vast, open world, rich lore, and endless quests have captivated players for years. Skyrim’s immersive storytelling, intricate character customization, and expansive modding community make it a standout title in the last decade. The game’s enduring popularity and influence on the RPG genre make it a true classic in gaming history.
10. Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
In 2017, Nintendo released Super Mario Odyssey for the Nintendo Switch, and it quickly became a beloved addition to the Mario franchise. This 3D platformer follows Mario on a globe-trotting adventure to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. With its inventive gameplay mechanics, charming world design, and catchy soundtrack, Super Mario Odyssey is a standout title in the last decade. The game’s attention to detail, colorful visuals, and nostalgic nods to past Mario games make it a must-play for fans of the iconic plumber.
In conclusion, the last decade has given us some truly incredible games that have left a lasting impact on the gaming industry. These 10 titles represent some of the best games of the past 10 years, each offering a unique and unforgettable gaming experience. Whether you’re a fan of open-world RPGs, competitive shooters, or platformers, there’s something for everyone in this diverse list of games. As we look ahead to the next decade, we can only hope that the future of gaming will continue to deliver innovative and groundbreaking titles that capture our imaginations and push the boundaries of what games can achieve.
