Every year, one game is crowned the best of the best. We're looking back at the past 15 winners to see which titles truly earned the honor and which ones haven't aged as well.
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15 Best Casual Games to Play Anytime
15. Destiny
Destiny delivers an absolutely fantastic core shooting experience, with co-op combat that feels thrilling and perfectly tuned even after countless hours. While its story can be a disjointed mess, the addictive loot chase and stellar gunplay create a compelling rhythm. It’s a game built on a rock-solid foundation of action, making its flaws easier to overlook. | © Bungie
14. Dishonored
Dishonored is a masterpiece of player freedom, set in a dark, absorbing world that begs to be explored. Its brilliant level design gives you countless creative tools to tackle objectives through stealth, combat, or clever improvisation. This rich blend of atmosphere, artistry, and choice makes every replay feel like a completely new experience. | © Arkane Studios
13. Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors perfects the "just one more run" formula with its deceptively simple, self-playing chaos. You just move and pick upgrades, yet building a broken, screen-clearing weapon loadout from tons of unlockable items is incredibly satisfying. It’s the ideal gateway into the horde-survival genre, packing a shocking amount of content into quick, addictive sessions. | © Poncle
12. Returnal
Returnal is an atmospheric roguelike that perfectly showcases the PS5's power with its intense combat and seamless, haunting world. Its ever-shifting alien planet and punishing loop are elevated by an incredible, driving soundtrack that pulls you deeper into the mystery. While its challenge is unforgiving, mastering its fluid combat and uncovering its dark story is an intensely rewarding experience. | © Housemarque
11. Fallout 4
Fallout 4 pulls you into a beautifully desolate and deeply compelling post-apocalyptic world brimming with bizarre and tragic stories. While it has some rough edges in its execution, the sheer depth of exploration, customization, and environmental storytelling is utterly captivating. It’s a game that consistently rewards curiosity, making every journey into the Commonwealth a memorable adventure. | © Bethesda Game Studios
10. What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is a powerful collection of short stories, each using inventive gameplay to explore a family tragedy with profound empathy. Its unique visual style and focused, linear exploration pull you completely into its haunting and magical narrative. This is a definitive example of video games as an artistic storytelling medium, leaving a deep and lasting emotional impact. | © Giant Sparrow
9. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End delivers a spectacular, heartfelt sendoff to Nathan Drake, blending blockbuster action with genuine emotional depth. Its breathtaking visuals and cinematic pacing set a new bar for the action-adventure genre, making every chase and puzzle feel thrilling. This is a masterclass in interactive storytelling that remains an absolute must-play. | © Naughty Dog
8. Portal 2
Portal 2 expands on its iconic predecessor with brilliantly inventive puzzles and a hilariously sharp narrative that stands among gaming's best. The co-op mode is a masterclass in communication, offering a completely fresh set of challenges that demand perfect teamwork. It’s a near-flawless blend of witty writing, clever design, and pure creative joy. | © Valve
7. Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 masterfully blends a gripping character-driven story with tight, dynamic third-person shooter combat. It’s a game where your choices carry serious weight, shaping relationships and missions in a way that feels truly consequential. This bold, cinematic approach to storytelling makes its galaxy-spanning adventure an unforgettable experience. | © BioWare
6. Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is a game where your only real progression is knowledge, transforming pure curiosity into vital tools for survival. Its hand-crafted solar system operates on a beautiful, rigid internal logic that makes every discovery feel profound and earned. Unraveling its grand mystery is a uniquely rewarding experience that stays with you long after the journey ends. | © Mobius Digital
5. Astro Bot
Astro Bot has evolved from a charming tech demo into arguably one of the best pure 3D platformers ever made. It’s a joyful, inventive tribute to PlayStation's history that’s packed with creativity and playful humor in every level. If you’ve missed that classic, homegrown PlayStation magic, this game is a triumphant and delightful return to form. | © Team Asobi
4. Hades
Hades sets a new gold standard for the roguelike genre by making every single failed run feel meaningful. Its endlessly addictive hack-and-slash combat is perfectly paired with a deep narrative that unfolds naturally through constant, lively conversations back in the House of Hades. With gorgeous art, an incredible soundtrack, and near-infinite build variety, it creates a gameplay loop that’s dangerously easy to lose yourself in for hours. | © Supergiant Games
3. The Last of Us
The Last of Us delivers a masterclass in storytelling, with a narrative so emotionally powerful and well-paced that it resonates long after the credits roll. Its post-apocalyptic world is hauntingly beautiful, creating an immersive atmosphere that perfectly complements the tense, satisfying combat. This is a landmark experience that reminds you why video games are such a compelling medium. | © Naughty Dog
2. God of War
God of War masterfully transforms a mythic tale into a profound and personal story about a father and son grappling with their legacy. Its combat is a brutal, satisfying ballet of axe throws and shield parries that feels incredible to learn. From the whimsical realms to the deeply emotional character moments, every element creates an unforgettable adventure. | © Santa Monica Studio
1. Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 sets a new benchmark, offering an incredible depth of choice where your decisions genuinely shape the world and its memorable characters. Exploration is constantly rewarding, filled with secrets and dynamic combat that makes clever use of the environment. It's a rich, narrative-driven experience designed to be replayed for years, with each journey feeling uniquely your own. | © Larian Studios
Every year, one game is crowned the best of the best. We're looking back at the past 15 winners to see which titles truly earned the honor and which ones haven't aged as well.
