Video Games From 2016 That Are Now Modern Classics

Compared to the changes we saw over the past decade, the difference between games coming out in 2026 and those released in 2016 isn’t as dramatic. A lot of the core gameplay ideas were already solid back in 2016 and haven’t changed much, and while games definitely look better now, the visual improvements aren’t as huge as they were between 2006 and 2016.

2016 was a truly remarkable year for gaming. It felt like incredible game after incredible game was released, becoming instant hits. Many of these titles are now considered modern classics, and it’s a testament to the year’s quality that even a long list of other excellent games could have easily made the cut.

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Dark Souls 3

The End Of All Things Dark Souls

A lot depended on Dark Souls 3, as it was meant to be the final chapter in the Dark Souls story. The game marked the return of Hidetaka Miyazaki as director, after he hadn’t been involved with Dark Souls 2. It was also a chance to win back fans after Dark Souls 2 received a somewhat mixed response. Dark Souls 3 didn’t just meet expectations—it surpassed them, and ultimately defined the ‘soulslike’ genre that continues to influence games today.

While it might not have quite as many unforgettable moments as the original, Dark Souls 3 is a more refined experience. It boasts improved gameplay balance, more intricate armor and weapons, a wider range of spells, and a larger, more diverse world to discover. The game includes memorable boss battles against characters like the Nameless King and Pontiff Sulyvahn, and offers satisfying nods to previous Dark Souls games – a treat for dedicated fans who’ve played the whole series and are eager for a new challenge.

DOOM

The Boomer Shooter Comeback

As a longtime fan of fast-paced shooters, things were looking pretty bleak around 2016. It felt like the classic, over-the-top “boomer shooter” style was totally gone, replaced by a lot of realistic military games and post-apocalyptic RPGs. Then, DOOM came out of nowhere! It was a fresh take on the original game that basically created the first-person shooter back in ’93. Right from the start, it was obvious id Software knew exactly what they were doing and understood what made the original so great.

The new DOOM delivers the fast-paced action, impactful combat, and intense gore that fans loved in the original Doom games, but with updated visuals and gameplay. Battles aren’t just about running around a flat space anymore – now you’ll move through small, dynamic arenas with opportunities to flank enemies. When enemies are weakened, you can finish them off with a powerful move that rewards you with health and ammo. This combination successfully revitalized the classic ‘boomer shooter’ style, and its influence can be seen in subsequent DOOM games and popular indie titles like Warhammer 40k: Boltgun and Prodeus.

XCOM 2

Beat Back The Alien Invasion

The original XCOM game by Firaxis was popular with strategy gamers, but XCOM 2 really brought the series to a wider audience. It kept the challenging, turn-based combat that fans loved, but added new features like close-combat weapons, a greater range of alien types, and missions that demanded more than just shooting – players had to use clever tactics to succeed.

For many players, XCOM 2, especially with the War of the Chosen expansion (which introduced unpredictable alien bosses to every mission), was a truly captivating game. Its combat system, built around chance, made each move excitingly risky, and the ability to customize soldiers – only to potentially lose them forever – created a strong emotional connection to your team. While many strategy games have tried to improve upon XCOM 2, none have managed to replicate the subtle perfection Firaxis created.

Dead By Daylight

The Asymmetry Originator

When Dead by Daylight first launched, it wasn’t an instant hit. The gameplay was an unusual mix of scary survival elements and stealth-focused multiplayer, similar to what you’d find in early Assassin’s Creed games. While it looked like a horror game, it wasn’t particularly frightening, and players overwhelmingly preferred playing as the Killer instead of the Survivor. Many predicted this imbalance would cause the game to fail. Surprisingly, Dead by Daylight has actually become very successful.

After ten years, Dead by Daylight is packed with guest characters from popular horror franchises – you can play as Ash from Evil Dead, the Xenomorph from Alien, or Freddy Krueger from Nightmare on Elm Street. Surprisingly, you can even play as Nicolas Cage, and he’s just himself! The game’s unique, uneven gameplay, which was initially controversial, has become its signature feature, inspiring many similar games based on franchises like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Friday the 13th. However, none have achieved the same success as Dead by Daylight. The game remains popular today, boasting a friendly community and consistent new content.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Wrapping Things Up Like Only Nathan Drake Can

The Uncharted series began as a trilogy, often referred to by fans as “The Original Trilogy.” In 2016, Naughty Dog released Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End as a final chapter. The developers aimed to provide a conclusive ending to Nathan Drake’s story, fleshing out his past before retiring the character. Given the immense popularity of the Uncharted games on PlayStation, this was a significant undertaking.

Man, Uncharted 4 totally delivers on everything it promised. The combat feels like the previous games, but they added a rope swing that changes everything – it makes getting around so much more fluid, and opens up cool new ways to escape or fight. Plus, every level is huge and packed with detail, even if you rush through it like I usually do! The story, which focuses a lot on Nathan’s brother Sam, is the perfect way to end the series. It makes things really personal, but still keeps that classic *Indiana Jonesstyle adventure we all love. Honestly, I can’t think of a better way to wrap up Nathan Drake’s story.

Stardew Valley

Farming Doesn’t Get Any Better

Many simple farming games, like FarmVille and FarmVille 2, were popular for a short time, but Stardew Valley really stood out and has remained a hit. Several factors contribute to its success: its charming retro graphics, catchy music, a steady stream of goals to keep players engaged, and a cast of interesting characters, each with their own routines. Of course, the core farming gameplay is also compelling, offering a satisfying cycle of planting, growing, and harvesting that rewards careful planning and consistent effort.

Many farming games released since 2026 offer similar features, but Stardew Valley was unique in how well it combined and balanced them. Everything connects – growing crops earns you money, which lets you grow more difficult (and valuable) crops, and those crops can be used for building or given as gifts. A typical day involves farming, building, exploring, and getting to know the townspeople, but with so much to do, the game remains engaging and never feels repetitive.

Dishonored 2

The Reigning King Of Immersive Sims

Immersive sims were incredibly popular in the 1990s and early 2000s, much like “boomer shooters,” especially among PC gamers. Games such as Deus Ex and System Shock 2 let players tackle challenges with a remarkable amount of freedom, a quality that continued in the Dishonored series. The original Dishonored was a strong example of the genre, but Dishonored 2 is now considered its high point and remains unmatched.

The game excels in more than just its gameplay. Corvo and Emily both have fantastic abilities, offering a great balance between realistic stealth, exciting action, and a sense of power. But the level design is equally impressive. Each target is in a distinct location that demands a fresh strategy. It’s not simply about finding the best vantage point; from the ever-changing Clockwork Mansion to the heavily guarded Grand Palace, each level challenges you to adapt quickly. The game truly shines when careful planning meets unexpected improvisation, creating a consistently engaging experience.

No Man’s Sky

It Wasn’t A Classic On Day One, But It Sure Is Today

While No Man’s Sky is now considered a classic and one of the best sci-fi games ever made, it had a rough start. The developers made big promises about the game’s features before it launched, but many of those features weren’t actually included. Although the game had a huge, automatically generated universe with countless planets, players quickly found there wasn’t much to do other than travel between planets and gather resources.

When No Man’s Sky first launched, many players weren’t impressed. However, the developers at Hello Games didn’t give up. They’ve released an incredible 38 large, free updates over the years. These updates have dramatically improved the game, adding features like building bases, playing with friends, and a complete storyline. What started as a somewhat empty experience has become one of the most detailed and immersive space exploration games available.

Titanfall 2

An All-Time Great Single-Player Campaign

The original Titanfall was a fast-paced, sci-fi shooter where players fought in multiplayer battles, controlling agile soldiers and powerful, giant robots called Titans. While it introduced some innovative ideas, it didn’t achieve the same widespread popularity as games like Call of Duty. Despite this, the game’s creators, Respawn, decided to make a sequel, adding both an improved multiplayer experience and a full single-player story mode.

Few anticipated how truly exceptional Titanfall 2 would be. While a solid game was expected, the overwhelmingly positive response to its 8-10 hour story campaign was a surprise. Each level introduces a unique and memorable mechanic, like a factory where the environment is constantly changing or the ability to switch between different points in time. The game was so full of creative ideas that its already excellent multiplayer mode almost felt secondary – a rare occurrence for a military shooter in 2016. Titanfall 2‘s single-player campaign is still widely regarded as one of the best ever, and fans continue to hope for a sequel, though one seems unlikely.

Inside

A Physics Platformer So Affecting That People Still Talk About It With Reverence

I was blown away by Playdead’s Limbo – it was such a cool, creepy indie game that told a great story without any talking. Their next game, Inside, just takes everything to another level! It’s still a platformer where you have to figure out clever, physics-based puzzles, but where Limbo relied mostly on its atmosphere to scare you (and, let’s be real, that giant spider!), Inside has so much more variety in its horror. It really keeps you on edge!

In the game Inside, you play as a boy in a red shirt attempting to infiltrate a heavily guarded facility. You’ll face obstacles like security guards, dogs, and even stranger threats – surveillance robots, mind control devices, and enigmatic girls who live in the water. The game culminates in a truly wild and unforgettable ending, especially considering it unfolds without any spoken dialogue. Inside is a landmark indie game and has profoundly influenced the horror platformer genre.

Honorable Mentions:

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Superhot
Overwatch
Hitman
Firewatch
Final Fantasy 15
Battlefield 1
Watch Dogs 2
Civilization 6

2026-02-09 07:37