Metacritic names Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3 top games of the decade
Review aggregator Metacritic has updated its rankings of the highest-rated video games of the last decade, with FromSoftware Inc.’s Elden Ring and Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 sharing the top spot.
According to a report published by Gabrielle Castania for TheGamer on June 8, 2026, these rankings are based on the overall Metascore across a rolling 10-year period. Every Game of the Year (GOTY) recipient tracked by the platform maintains a critic score above a 90.
The list highlights a variety of genres that have achieved critical acclaim, ranging from independent RPGs to blockbuster first-party platformers. Metacritic serves as a central hub for professional critic scores, though user metrics from platforms like Steam and the PlayStation Store also provide a secondary perspective on how these titles are received by the public.
For instance, some titles have managed to maintain high scores year after year even as hardware cycles shift.
For players looking to experience these critically acclaimed titles, current retail promotions often include these high-scoring releases. The Xbox Deals Unlocked Sale 2026 has recently featured discounts on over 1,800 games, providing an entry point for fans of top-rated RPGs and racing titles.
Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3 achieve top Metascores
Elden Ring, which launched in 2022, holds a Metascore of 96. Developed by FromSoftware Inc., the action RPG is noted for its massive fanfare and critical acclaim, supported over time by additional content and DLC. While the title is not specifically geared toward beginners in the action RPG space, it has maintained its standing as one of the two highest-rated games of the decade.
Sharing the 96-point mark is Baldur’s Gate 3, released in 2023 by Larian Studios. Metacritic describes it as one of the “deepest and most flexible” story-based games available. Aside from its critic score, it holds a 9.1 user score on Metacritic and an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, backed by approximately 450,000 user reviews.
Persona 5 Royal and Hades 2 follow with elite status
Persona 5 Royal, the 2020 expanded version of the Atlus JRPG, holds a Metascore of 95. The game introduced new characters, dungeons, and activities to the 2017 original, which had already seen significant success in bringing the JRPG series to Western audiences. It maintains an 8.8 user score on Metacritic and a 5.0 rating on Steam with over 30,000 reviews.
Hades 2 also sits at a 95 Metascore following its launch on September 25, 2025. Developed by Supergiant Games, the roguelike sequel made enough of an impression with its visuals and mechanics to win title awards within months of its debut.
While the developer adjusted the game’s ending based on launch feedback, it currently holds an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam and an 8.5 user score on Metacritic.
Critical success across platformers and action-adventure genres
Astro Bot, released in 2024 by Team Asobi, carries a 94 Metascore. The platformer was developed as a celebration of PlayStation history as the PS5 console shortage ended. It currently holds a 9.0 user score on Metacritic, placing it in the “Universal Acclaim” category, and has received over 70,000 user reviews on the PlayStation Store where it holds a 4.79 rating.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End continues to represent the action-adventure genre with a 93 Metascore. The 2016 release remains the highest-selling game in the Naughty Dog series. Its long-term performance is supported by an 8.7 user score on Metacritic and a 4.
75 rating on the PlayStation Store based on more than 230,000 user ratings. The competitive side of the industry also remains active, as seen when M80 coach Rory Jackson confirmed team arrivals for major events this month.
Indie breakthroughs and racing highlights
Disco Elysium stands out as a self-published indie title from developer ZA/UM that reached a 91 Metascore in 2019. Adapted from a novel by Robert Kurvitz, the game features a detective protagonist navigating the world through skill checks and dialogue. It has earned a 4.6 rating on Steam from 50,000 reviewers and an 8.5 user score on Metacritic.
Forza Horizon 5, developed by Playground Games and released in 2021, also holds a 91 Metascore. Set in a traditional depiction of Mexico, the racing game offers various biomes and dozens of vehicles for players to unlock. It maintains an 8.2 user score on Metacritic, categorized as “Generally Favorable,” and carries a 4.6 rating on Steam with over 90,000 reviews.