10 Best Games To Play Before It’s Too Late

Summary

Play iconic, genre-defining games across open worlds, RPGs, adventures.
From Skyrim’s vast sandbox to Disco Elysium’s sharp narrative and No Man’s Sky’s cosmic freedom.
Don’t hoard games – scratch these classics off your bucket list before time runs out.

It’s tough to choose what to play when there are so many great games available. Many people end up collecting games faster than they can play them, resulting in huge libraries with titles that sadly go undiscovered due to a lack of time.

Look, as a gamer, I know we all have a huge backlog, right? But seriously, if you’re looking for the absolute *must-play* games – the ones that really matter – don’t put it off any longer! Time flies, and you don’t want to miss out. This list will help you finally pick through all those games you own but haven’t gotten around to, and make sure you’ve experienced the best before it’s too late. Let’s tackle that ‘games to play before you die’ list and start checking titles off!

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Dream Of Every Gamer, Made True

As a gamer, one of the things that *really* grabbed me about Skyrim was fighting dragons in this huge, open world – it’s a fantastic fantasy experience. Seriously, people have poured millions of hours into *The Elder Scrolls V*, and it’s sparked so much creativity! We’re talking endless memes, thousands of mods, and this amazing community that’s built up around loving everything about the land of Tamriel. It’s become way more than just a game; it’s a whole metaverse fueled by fans.

Honestly, I think this might be Bethesda’s best game ever – though you’ll definitely find fans debating whether *Oblivion* or *Morrowind* is better! But what *really* gets me is how huge and open the world is. It’s just begging to be explored, and I’ve lost countless hours wandering around places like Markarth and the hills near Solitude. There are *so* many things to discover, you could easily spend months getting lost in it. Seriously, if you’re an adventure fan, you *need* to play this game – it’s a must-play!

Disco Elysium

No RPG Can Compare To This

Disco Elysium is a truly unique and challenging game, created by a team of brilliantly eccentric developers. It’s unlike anything else out there, and while it can be frustratingly difficult at times, it boasts an incredibly compelling story, exceptional writing, fantastic voice acting, and gameplay that will keep even seasoned RPG fans on the edge of their seats.

What makes *Disco Elysium* so compelling, even though it’s a challenging game, is the intricate social environment of Revachol and the dynamic between the Detective and his partner, Kim. It briefly evokes memories of classic *Shadowrun* games like *Dragonfall*, but ultimately stands out with its intense atmosphere and incredibly detailed world – a prime example of how strong writing can elevate an RPG.

Return To Monkey Island

The Resurrection Of One Of The Best Adventure Games

The history of game design boasts classics like the *Monkey Island* series, created by Lucasfilm Games and led by designers such as Ron Gilbert, Tim Schafer, and Dave Grossman. *Return to Monkey Island* is a recent addition to this beloved franchise, developed by Ron Gilbert and Terrible Toybox, and is a game enjoyable for players of all ages.

The *Monkey Island Collection* is available on Steam and other platforms, but this game specifically captures everything that made the original series so beloved, with a beautifully praised art style. If you’ve never experienced the hilarious adventures of Guybrush Threepwood, now’s the perfect time to start!

Fable: The Lost Chapters

Stop Chasing That Chicken, And Get That Sword Out Of The Stone

Considered a groundbreaking game, *Fable: The Lost Chapters* was one of the first to let players experience a character’s entire life, from childhood to old age. Created by Peter Molyneux and the talented team at Lionhead Studios, it uniquely delved into the contrast between good and evil. Players became known as Heroes in the world of Albion, tasked with battling monsters and bandits, and usually earning a few scars along the way.

Fable: The Lost Chapters blends dark themes, fantasy elements, and humor into a captivating story about a family of heroes. These heroes are destined to defend Albion from a threat that could signal the end of legendary times. Players can create their own unique character and explore a large, magical world, uncovering an ancient and sinister plot.

No Man’s Sky

Reach For The Stars, Never Cease Exploring

If you’re looking for a truly immersive space exploration experience, check out *No Man’s Sky*. This open-world game lets you explore millions of planets and a seemingly endless universe, and it’s better than ever. The recent ‘Voyagers’ update added ship crafting and impressive new Corvette-class ships, sparking incredible creativity among its many fans.

No Man’s Sky is all about the joy of exploring a vast universe, making new discoveries, and simply trying to survive. It also boasts a remarkably friendly and welcoming community of players from all walks of life. If you’re looking for a game to experience, No Man’s Sky should definitely be at the top of your list.

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The Game That Introduced Gaming To A Whole Generation

Hidden within the magical forests of Hyrule Kingdom is a famous story: the adventure of Link and his trusty, though occasionally pesky, companion, Navi. *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time* was a turning point for the beloved Zelda series, and for many players, it was their first experience with Link’s heroic journey.

The game’s title actually refers to Princess Zelda, the other main character. She’s destined to protect the kingdom of Hyrule and the powerful Triforce from the evil Ganondorf. *Ocarina of Time* remains a fantastic game with excellent dungeons, puzzles, and gameplay, and it looks great thanks to its recent release on the Nintendo Switch. Players with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription can easily enjoy it.

Neverwinter Nights I & II

Adventures In The World Of Dungeons & Dragons

While everyone is currently raving about *Baldur’s Gate 3*, it’s important to remember *Neverwinter Nights*, another exceptionally well-written and challenging *Dungeons & Dragons* game series. *Neverwinter Nights I* tells a unique story of love, loss, tragedy, and redemption, starting with your arrival on the plague-ridden Sword Coast and taking you all the way to the depths of Hell. The game features four interconnected campaigns and allows you to create a highly customizable character based on the 3rd Edition D&D rules, offering almost limitless replayability.

I absolutely loved the second game too! It’s such a compelling story about unlikely heroes fighting their way to the top, with really complex characters – you’ve got genuine heroes, villains you almost understand, and everyone’s driven by these powerful, relatable desires. It truly felt like the choices *I* made were changing the world. Looking back, both these games just feel like BioWare at their absolute best – they’re often overlooked, which is a shame, and I honestly think every gamer should experience them at least once.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

The Game That Marked A Before And After In The Series

Whether it’s the unforgettable music, compelling gameplay, or challenging difficulty, *Castlevania: Symphony of the Night* is widely considered the best game in the *Castlevania* series. Every fan of Konami’s franchise knows the story of Alucard, Dracula’s son-a thoughtful, conflicted half-vampire haunted by his father’s dark legacy and burdened by his own unique nature.

The game’s lineup is now complete with the addition of the witch Maria Renard and the famous vampire hunter, Richter Belmont, forming an incredible team of heroes to fight against evil. Featuring incredibly enjoyable gameplay, a wide range of cool abilities, and unforgettable boss battles, *Symphony of the Night* is a must-play title for anyone who loves a good challenge.

Final Fantasy IX

A Truly Magnificent Tale Of Adventure And Friendship

Many *Final Fantasy* fans debate which game is the best, but *Final Fantasy IX* consistently stands out. It’s celebrated for its compelling story, optimistic themes, and a meaningful message about the power of friendship and love overcoming darkness – a core value of the *Final Fantasy* series. The game starts with a complex plot: a daring kidnapping attempt, but the princess actually *wants* to escape her mother, a queen fixated on starting a war.

The game’s antagonist is Kuja, a captivating villain players will quickly despise, who is fixated on the power held by Princess Garnet. Alongside Zidane, a charming thief and performer, and Vivi, a deeply compelling Black Mage, players will embark on a journey to escape the Kingdom of Alexandros. Their flight will uncover a sinister conspiracy that could destroy the world. This is a story exploring themes of empathy, internal struggles, responsibility, love, and courage, transcending all boundaries. It’s a truly exceptional game – a must-play for any serious gamer.

Horizon: Zero Dawn

After Playing This, You Will Never Look At Your Roomba With The Same Eyes

In a world dominated by powerful machines that inspire fear, a young woman named Aloy, rejected by her own tribe, rises as humanity’s last hope. While seeking justice for an attack on her village, she discovers a dark history about the world and the origins of the machines that now rule it.

Horizon: Zero Dawn is more than just entertainment; it’s a thought-provoking story about the power of technology and the dangers of using it irresponsibly. It’s a truly special game that every gamer should experience at least once in their lifetime.

2025-09-15 00:15