Video games have gone through distinct periods of growth and change. It all started with arcades, which were dominant before home consoles even existed. Early consoles like the Atari 2600 then appeared, followed by the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) which really popularized gaming. More recently, around the 2010s with consoles like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, high-definition graphics and online gaming transformed the industry.
As a gamer, I remember classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the original Pokemon Red and Blue, and Half-Life 2 being huge – they were super popular and everyone was playing them! Looking at games from the 2010s, it’s tough to say what the best games of the decade are, but there were definitely some that really changed the game and left a lasting impact.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Kicking Things Off
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim was a landmark game that helped define a new era of open-world adventures, quickly becoming a classic. While previous Elder Scrolls games offered open worlds, Skyrim took things to another level with its diverse landscapes, engaging quests, and rewarding character progression.
Since its release in 2011, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim has appeared on nearly every gaming console, and continues to sell well even though its graphics aren’t the most modern. This proves that truly fun gameplay, like in Skyrim, can make players overlook how a game looks.
Grand Theft Auto 5
Three Characters Are Better Than One
Even though Grand Theft Auto 5 came out just before the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, it was a huge success. Its popular online mode keeps people playing and buying the game even today.
This game was groundbreaking for its time, letting players control three different characters in a vast, open world with a captivating story. The heists were a standout feature, both in the main game and the online mode, because players could approach them in various ways.
Dead By Daylight
Horror Games Reborn
Most popular multiplayer games are fast-paced shooters, like Call of Duty. That’s what makes Dead by Daylight so unique – it’s a horror game where winning is a real challenge. It’s become a hub for all things horror, featuring both original characters and collaborations with popular franchises like Halloween, Stranger Things, Resident Evil, and Silent Hill, among others.
And they even included Nicolas Cage, which is a huge win for the developers! Every match, whether you were playing as the hunter or the hunted, offered a fresh experience, and players consistently enjoyed it.
Stardew Valley
A Life-Sim To End All
Stardew Valley demonstrates that a game doesn’t need high-end graphics to be captivating. Its charming pixel art style has drawn players into this relaxing life simulation since its release in 2016. Over time, the game has expanded with more ways to customize your experience, including different farm layouts to choose from when you begin.
In Stardew Valley, players could build and manage their farm however they liked, and choose who they wanted to live in town, all without a strict storyline. It was designed to be a calming and enjoyable game to play at your own pace, offering a relaxing break from everyday life, even without dramatic events.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Going Open-Air
Although The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was originally released for both the Wii U and the Switch, it’s largely remembered as a key game that helped launch the Switch. Many believe the Switch wouldn’t have been successful without a major hit like Breath of the Wild.
The game’s freedom was especially impressive, letting players creatively use the physics – for example, freezing water to create new paths. Exploring felt rewarding thanks to features like climbing and the paraglider, and even though the battles were tough, landing a successful counterattack was really satisfying.
Destiny 2
Checking Back In
Since launching in 2017, Destiny 2 has remained popular, evolving through updates, expansions, and a free-to-play version. While player numbers sometimes drop between major releases, it’s a game many players keep installed and return to when they’re looking for something to play.
Many players find themselves returning to this game regularly – it’s a reliable source of fun. They enjoy collecting rewards from events and then taking a break. The satisfying character development, diverse worlds, and impressive arsenal of weapons all contribute to its status as one of the best shooters released in the last ten years, and really highlight the skill and hard work of the team at Bungie.
Fortnite
A Platform, Not A Game
Originally announced in 2011, Fortnite started as a game where players defended against zombies, and that’s how it was first released in 2017. But after the popular Battle Royale mode was added, Fortnite became much more than just a game—it evolved into a full-fledged platform for entertainment and social interaction.
Since its launch, Fortnite has seen an incredible number of collaborations, bringing in characters from popular franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and DC, and even completely changing the game’s map – as seen with the Simpsons update. Of all the battle royale games released in the 2010s, Fortnite is the one that has remained successful worldwide and continues to expand its player base.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Feed A Horse, Ride A Cowboy
I think Grand Theft Auto 5 really hit a wider audience because it felt so current, you know, with the modern setting. But Red Dead Redemption 2 was something else. It was clearly made for a different type of gamer. I mean, driving cars and pulling off heists with all the latest gadgets is fun, but honestly, nothing beats being an outlaw in the Wild West. Those bandits just have a way cooler vibe, in my opinion.
While hijacking trains was incredibly exciting, the game was truly about the end of the Wild West era. Players guided Arthur Morgan, choosing whether to seek redemption or remain a hardened outlaw. Regardless of the path taken, the game delivered a powerfully emotional and captivating story filled with action, heart, and a sense of sadness.
Elden Ring
Freedom Of Challenge
FromSoftware became increasingly popular with each new game in the style of Demon’s Souls after its release in 2009, but Elden Ring was a massive breakthrough. It kept the familiar features of character and class customization, allowing players plenty of freedom, but introduced a vast, open world to explore.
Players could challenge bosses and explore areas in any order, allowing them to adjust the difficulty to their liking. While still challenging, Elden Ring was one of FromSoftware’s most approachable games because of its open world and the freedom to create different character builds.
Baldur’s Gate 3
You Do You
Baldur’s Gate 3 successfully revived a beloved series that hadn’t seen a new installment in decades. Its rapid popularity stems largely from the incredible level of customization it offers. Players have unprecedented freedom in how they create and develop their characters, choosing from a vast array of options, classes, and engaging in dynamic conversations with meaningful choices.
The game offered many ways to solve problems, considering your character’s personality, species, and previous choices. Battles were strategically engaging, providing a satisfying challenge beyond the main story, and you could even play with a friend in co-op mode.
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2026-02-06 16:38