Critically Acclaimed Games
Some games are simply great - the ones critics still talk about years later and that end up on every "best of" list. This list collects 401 critically acclaimed PC games with an average critic score of 85 or more, from huge open worlds to tiny indie hits. Games you can buy right now come first, with the cheapest key prices we could find, so you can finally play the classics you missed for less. Read the FAQ
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- Critically Acclaimed Games
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- Best Games of 2026
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401 results found
- Popular Games
- Hot New Game Deals
- Historical Low Game Deals
- AAA Games on Sale
- Cheap AAA Games Under $10
- 90%+ Off Game Deals
- Under $10
- Free-to-Play Games
- Critically Acclaimed Games
- Hidden Gems
- Best Games of 2026
- Best Games of 2025
- Co-op Games
- PC VR Games
- Roguelike Games
- Cozy Games
- Anime Games
- Story-Rich Games
- Xbox Game Pass Games
- Leaving Xbox Game Pass Soon
Frequently asked questions about Critically Acclaimed Games
What are the best rated games on PC right now?
The top of the list right now is Elden Ring, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Street Fighter 6. Every game here has an average critic score of 85 or more from at least three reviews, and the list updates every day as prices and new reviews come in.
How do you decide which games are critically acclaimed?
We use the average critic score from professional reviews. A game needs a score of 85 or more and at least three reviews, so a single glowing review is not enough. Games you can buy right now come first, and the order also takes into account how popular a game is, so timeless classics like BioShock Infinite and Sid Meier's Civilization VI sit next to modern hits like Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Are there critically acclaimed indie games?
Plenty. Hollow Knight, Balatro and Stardew Valley all scored just as well as the big blockbusters, and they usually cost a fraction of the price. Want more great games that fewer people know about? Our Hidden Gems list is full of them.
Is a high critic score always worth it?
A high score means critics loved it, but taste still matters - a brilliant strategy game is not much fun if you only enjoy shooters. Use the filters at the top to narrow the list down by genre, price or release date, and check the game page for videos, system requirements and every edition before you buy.
Are older acclaimed games still worth playing?
Absolutely - the best games age well, and many of them have since received complete or definitive editions that bundle every expansion in one package. And because they have been out for a while, they go on sale far more often than new releases. Check Cheap AAA Games Under $10 for big games at budget prices, and Historical Low Game Deals for games at the lowest price we have ever tracked.
