Alright, so 2023 was a pretty wild year for games, right? It felt like every other week, something new and awesome dropped. Trying to pick out the absolute best of the best, the top 10 games 2023, was a tough job. But we did it. We looked at everything from big-name releases to some cool surprises. This list isn’t just about what sold a lot; it’s about the games that really stuck with us, the ones we kept thinking about long after we stopped playing. So, let’s get into it and see which titles made the cut for the ultimate gaming experiences of the year.
Key Takeaways
- Modern Warfare 3 showed up big, proving that the Call of Duty series still has a lot of pull with players.
- Baldur’s Gate 3 really changed the game for RPGs, setting a new bar for how deep and engaging they can be.
- Even older games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V still have a huge following, which is pretty amazing.
- Hogwarts Legacy proved that a good story in a beloved world can draw in tons of people, even if they aren’t hardcore gamers.
- Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, despite their different styles, kept players hooked with their unique worlds and gameplay.
1. Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 3
Okay, so Modern Warfare 3 is here, and it’s… well, it’s another Call of Duty. I know, groundbreaking analysis, right? But seriously, if you’re a fan, you probably already bought it. If you’re not, this probably won’t change your mind.
The main draw is the multiplayer, of course, with a mix of new and classic maps. They’re banking on that nostalgia factor hard. The campaign? Eh, it’s there. It’s got explosions and shooting, but don’t expect a gripping narrative. Zombies mode is back too, if you’re into that sort of thing. Teaming up to combat swarms of the undead sounds like a blast.
Here’s the thing: it’s polished. It plays well. It’s got all the bells and whistles you’d expect. But is it different? Not really. It’s more of the same, which, for some people, is exactly what they want. I mean, the MW3 Season 1 is live, so you can dive into the action with new operators.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Solid gunplay
- Familiar maps
- Zombies mode
- Battle Pass with new content
Ultimately, Modern Warfare 3 is a safe bet. You know what you’re getting. If that’s your jam, then go for it. If you’re looking for something revolutionary, you might want to look elsewhere.
2. Baldur’s Gate 3
Okay, so Baldur’s Gate 3. What can I say? It’s HUGE. Like, seriously, clear your calendar huge. I knew it was going to be big, but I wasn’t prepared for just how big. It’s one of those games where you start playing, and suddenly, it’s 4 AM.
The sheer depth of the story and the choices you can make are insane. I spent a solid hour just creating my character, and then another hour agonizing over which dialogue options to pick. It’s that kind of game. You really feel like you’re shaping your own story. The Baldur’s Gate III is amazing and compelling, despite its intimidating length and vast lore.
I’m not usually a turn-based combat kind of person, but even I got sucked in. It’s strategic, it’s challenging, and it’s surprisingly satisfying when you finally pull off that perfect move. Plus, the world is just gorgeous. I found myself wandering around just to take in the scenery. If you’re looking for a game to get lost in, this is it. Just be prepared to say goodbye to your free time.
3. Elden Ring
Okay, so Elden Ring. What can I say that hasn’t already been said? It’s huge, it’s hard, and it’s incredibly rewarding. I remember when it first came out, everyone was talking about it. I was a bit late to the party, but man, once I started, I couldn’t stop.
The open world is just breathtaking, and the sense of exploration is unmatched. You can literally go anywhere you want from the start, which is both amazing and terrifying. I spent hours just wandering around, discovering hidden dungeons and fighting crazy bosses. Speaking of bosses…
- The boss fights are brutal. Seriously, be prepared to die. A lot. But that’s part of the fun, right? Learning their patterns, figuring out the right strategy, and finally taking them down – it’s such a rush.
- The character customization is awesome. You can build your character however you want, with different weapons, armor, and spells. I went for a strength build with a giant sword, because why not?
- The lore is deep and mysterious. You could spend hours just reading about the world and its history. It’s all very FromSoftware-y, which means it’s both fascinating and confusing at times. I found a female novel to read that helped me understand the story better.
Honestly, Elden Ring is one of those games that just sticks with you. Even after you’ve finished it, you’ll still be thinking about it. It’s a masterpiece, plain and simple.
4. Red Dead Redemption 2
Okay, so Red Dead Redemption 2 is a classic. I mean, everyone knows it. It’s one of those games that people still talk about years later, and for good reason. You play as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in a gang, and the story is just…wow. It’s a long game, for sure, but it’s worth it. The world is beautiful, the characters are great, and there’s just so much to do.
Here’s a few things that make it stand out:
- The story is amazing. Seriously, it’s one of the best stories in gaming, period.
- The open world is huge and detailed. You can spend hours just exploring and finding new things.
- The characters are all well-developed and interesting. You actually care about what happens to them.
It’s not perfect, though. Some people find the gameplay a bit slow, and it can be a bit of a grind at times. But overall, it’s an incredible experience that everyone should try at least once.
5. Cyberpunk 2077
Okay, so Cyberpunk 2077 had a rough start, we all know that. But honestly? It’s come a long way. I remember when it first came out, it was glitchy, buggy, and just… not what everyone expected. But CD Projekt Red really put in the work to fix things, and now it’s actually a pretty solid game. The world is still amazing, Night City is super immersive, and the story, while maybe not perfect, is definitely engaging.
I think the biggest change was the 2.0 update and the Phantom Liberty expansion. It really changed the game for the better. The revamped perk system is great, and the vehicle combat is actually fun now. Plus, the upgraded police system makes the game feel more alive. It’s not just a bunch of cops spawning out of nowhere anymore. They actually react to what you’re doing.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the improvements:
- Revamped perk system
- Improved vehicle combat
- Upgraded police system
- Better enemy AI
Honestly, if you wrote off Cyberpunk 2077 when it first came out, I’d say give it another shot. It’s a completely different experience now. The visual appeal is still there, and the gameplay is actually good. It’s not a perfect game, but it’s definitely worth playing now.
6. Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy was a big deal, no question. I remember the hype leading up to its release – everyone was talking about it. The idea of finally getting to explore Hogwarts and the surrounding areas in an open-world setting? Pretty awesome. And honestly, the game delivered on a lot of that promise. You get to create your own character, attend classes, learn spells, and fly around on a broomstick. What’s not to love?
The game lets you experience life as a student at Hogwarts in the 1800s.
There was some controversy surrounding the game, which I won’t get into here, but it definitely impacted the overall reception for some people. Regardless, the game itself is pretty solid. The combat is fun, the story is engaging enough, and the world is beautiful to explore. I spent hours just wandering around, discovering new locations and secrets. It’s definitely a game that caters to fans of the Harry Potter universe, but even if you’re not a die-hard fan, there’s still plenty to enjoy.
I think the character customization was a strong point. Being able to create your own witch or wizard and tailor their abilities to your playstyle was really cool. Plus, the different houses added a nice layer of replayability. I’m a Ravenclaw myself, but I’m tempted to play through again as a Slytherin just to see the differences. The Hogwarts Legacy review really goes into detail about the gameplay mechanics.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the key features:
- Open-world exploration of Hogwarts and surrounding areas
- Character customization and house selection
- Spellcasting and combat
- Potion brewing and herbology
- A story set in the 1800s
7. Sea Of Thieves
Ahoy, mateys! Sea of Thieves continues to be a popular pick for those wanting a pirate’s life. It’s one of those games that just keeps on giving, especially if you’ve got a crew to sail with. Whether you’re digging up buried treasure, battling skeletons, or sinking enemy ships, there’s always something to do.
I think the best part is how unpredictable it is. You never know what you’ll find on the open seas. One minute you’re peacefully sailing, the next you’re in a massive storm or fighting off a Kraken. It’s this constant sense of adventure that keeps players coming back for more. Plus, the game looks amazing, and sailing feels surprisingly realistic. It’s not just about combat; it’s about the journey and the stories you create with your friends. I’ve spent countless hours just messing around with my buddies, and we always end up with some hilarious tales to tell. It’s a great game if you want to live the pirate life.
8. Project Zomboid
Okay, so Project Zomboid. This game is brutal, I’m not gonna lie. It’s been around for ages, still in early access, but it’s got this weird charm that keeps people coming back. You’re basically trying to survive a zombie apocalypse, but it’s way more in-depth than just shooting zombies. It’s about managing your hunger, thirst, boredom, and even your mental state. Seriously, your character can get depressed, and that affects how well they function. It’s wild.
One of the coolest things is the upcoming "Build 42" update. I heard it’s gonna revamp the graphics and add even more survival stuff like animal husbandry. Imagine raising chickens while trying not to get eaten. Peak zombie survival, right?
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- The sheer difficulty. Death is pretty much guaranteed; it’s just a matter of time.
- The realistic survival mechanics. You have to actually think about things like finding clean water and dealing with injuries.
- The modding community. There’s a ton of Steam Workshop support, so you can customize the game to your liking.
It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re into hardcore survival games, Project Zomboid is worth checking out. Plus, it’s still pretty cheap, which is a bonus. I think the open-world zombie setting is what makes it so enticing to players.
9. FIFA 23
Okay, so FIFA 23 is still kicking around, even with the new EA Sports FC on the horizon. It’s like that one player who’s past their prime but you still put them in the game because, well, nostalgia. I mean, it’s the last FIFA with the FIFA name, so there’s that.
I’ve been playing FIFA since forever, and honestly, each year it’s the same old thing with slightly better graphics. But hey, who am I to complain when I’m screaming at the TV because my virtual team can’t seem to pass the ball properly? It’s got all the usual stuff:
- Ultimate Team grinds
- Career Mode dreams
- Volta street football shenanigans
And let’s not forget the soundtrack. Every year, there are a few bangers that end up on repeat for months. It’s a solid game, even if it’s basically the same as the last five. Plus, you can still find some good deals on EA gift cards to get some extra packs for Ultimate Team. Just don’t blame me when you pack nothing but bronze players.
10. Grand Theft Auto V
Okay, so GTA V is still here. Honestly, it’s kind of wild how this game just refuses to go away. It came out like, forever ago, and people are still playing it. I guess that says something about the game, right? It’s just one of those titles that has staying power.
I mean, think about it. The story is pretty good, the world is huge and fun to mess around in, and you can basically do whatever you want. Plus, there’s the whole online thing, which I’m not super into, but I know a lot of people are. It’s kind of a timeless classic at this point.
Here’s a quick rundown of why it’s still kicking around:
- The open world is massive and detailed.
- The story mode is actually pretty engaging, even after all these years.
- GTA Online provides endless replayability (if you’re into that sort of thing).
It’s hard to deny the impact this game has had. It’s made a ton of money, and it’s influenced a lot of other games. Whether you love it or hate it, you gotta respect its longevity.
Conclusion
So, that’s our look back at the top games of 2023. It was a pretty wild year for gaming, with a bunch of new stuff and some old favorites still hanging around. We saw some really big games come out, and it was cool to see how different they all were. Some were about big stories, others were just plain fun to play with friends. It just goes to show that there’s something out there for everyone, no matter what kind of games you like. Here’s to another great year of gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
How were these games chosen for the top 10 list?
These games were picked based on how popular they were, how much people enjoyed them, and if they brought new and exciting things to the gaming world in 2023.
Are these games available on other gaming systems besides PC?
Yes, many of these games are available on different game systems like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. You should check each game’s details to be sure.
Are older games included in this 2023 list?
Absolutely! Even if a game came out before 2023, if it was still super popular and played by lots of people this year, it earned its spot on the list.
Will these games get new content or updates in the future?
Game companies often release updates, new levels, or extra content for popular games. This keeps players interested and adds more to the game experience.
Are any of these top games free to play?
Some games on this list are free to play, but most of them you need to buy. Some might also have extra things you can buy inside the game.
How can I decide which game is best for me to play?
The best way to figure that out is to watch some videos of the games, read what other players think, and see if the game’s style looks fun to you.