For those who’ve used social media in any respect in 2026, you’ve got most likely seen practically everybody in your buddies checklist posting tales with captions like, “That is me in 2016!” More often than not, these really feel like excuses for individuals to share their most flattering images ever or humbly brag about one thing nice they did 10 years in the past.
However who am I to evaluate? I generally take a stroll down reminiscence lane and fondly reminisce concerning the previous days and the great instances they introduced. After all, it is solely pure for recreation editors to start out excited about what video video games have been like in 2016, remembering what number of bangers we performed and loved again then.
Under are my picks for the perfect video games of 2016. That is primarily based partly on crucial critiques on the time, but additionally alone private opinion on how they’ve aged and held up ten years later.
After all, because of the nature of this checklist, there are certain to be some main slights. We additionally determined to exclude video games like Overwatch. Sure, it was revolutionary on the time, however now you possibly can’t even play it.
10
witness
Make Me Really feel Sensible
Puzzle video games have been standard perpetually, however even again in 2016, The Witness shocked many. In some ways, it was a throwback, successfully forcing gamers to have a pen and graph paper with a view to work out the sport’s resolution.
However, it was the right mixture of difficult however rewarding psychological work, and it was additionally lonely and virtually solitary. ominous The general ambiance of the island the place βThe Witnessβ takes place.
It isn’t for everybody, however for individuals who get pleasure from unconventional and quirky crucial pondering, this recreation is a masterpiece. In actual fact, the one puzzle recreation that is most likely been higher since then is 2025’s Blue Prince, virtually a full decade later.
nice ways
XCOM 2 wasn’t even the most popular technique recreation of 2016, as its title belonged to Civilization VI. XCOM 2 was additionally very effectively obtained on the time, however regardless, many of the awards within the style went elsewhere.
However in 2026, give me XCOM 2. Though this title has obtained higher assist over its lifetime, it nonetheless feels distinctive and totally different from most different turn-based ways video games.
There is a steep studying curve right here, however in the event you’re on this sequence, it is effectively well worth the funding. Do not blame me if 1000’s of hours immediately disappear out of your life at a later date.
8
dishonor 2
To full Arkane
The unique Dishonored was the sport that put the now-legendary Arkane Studios on the map, and the 2016 sequel pushed the sequence even additional in virtually each manner. The trippy, steampunk-esque setting is ideal, and the top-notch motion/stealth gameplay matches it.
This was truly the primary title developed by Arkane Lyon. Arkane Lyon was an offshoot crew that will go on to create one among my favourite video video games, Deathloop. A pedigree like this could offer you a sign of what sort of high quality to anticipate from Dishonored 2.
For those who like motion video games that belief you sufficient to provide you with your individual distinctive options to clear every part, then Dishonored 2 remains to be in your manner.
7
ratchet & crank
want a whole lot of weapons
Ratchet & Clank was clearly already a beloved first-party sequence on PlayStation for a few years. So it was fairly loopy that the remake/reimagining of the unique 2002 recreation truly turned out to be the perfect installment of the sequence thus far.
On the time, this recreation was the perfect instance of “Wow, this is sort of a Pixar film.” And along with gorgeous visuals and loopy particle results, the sport was continuous, raucous motion and one of the crucial entertaining Platinum trophies you possibly can earn.
Rift Aside on PS5 most likely It is a greater recreation today, but it surely’s nonetheless debatable. And it would not matter anyway. 2016’s Ratchet & Clank is among the most enjoyable video games you possibly can get pleasure from with a controller in your palms.
6
doom
bump your head
It was laborious to essentially know what to anticipate from 2016’s DOOM reboot. Certain, it was arguably essentially the most iconic shooter sequence of all time, but it surely was additionally one which felt a bit caught. Fortunately, it quickly turned clear that nobody wanted to fret in spite of everything.
DOOM (2016) is an absolute carnage of gore, metallic, and insanely superior FPS motion. It has been some time since I have been personally actually drawn to shooters, however this title cured that with Mick Gordon’s guitar chugging.
This newest model of DOOM was so nice that id Software program hasn’t seemed again since. DOOM Everlasting and The Darkish Ages present that the sequence has no plans to decelerate anytime quickly, and 2016’s video games will be pleased about this.
5
inside
Please wait, let me cease.
Playdead’s first title, Limbo, was a black-and-white indie darling that appeared practically unattainable to high. Many anticipated a little bit of a sophomore droop, no disrespect to the studio, as to what would occur subsequent.
Then, in 2016, βInsideβ was launched and everybody was afraid. instantly I lay down and rested. To today, this recreation is well debated as the perfect atmospheric side-scrolling puzzle platformer.
The sport begins out bizarre however will get even. more bizarre Alongside the best way, you may nonetheless have a ultimate act not like anything in video video games thus far. If you have not performed it, do not look something up. Leap proper in!
4
titanfall 2
GOAT FPS marketing campaign nonetheless lively
The unique Titanfall was standard on the XBOX, but it surely was additionally a multiplayer-only title that solely appealed to gamers with that inclination. In consequence, Titanfall 2, which boasts an all-new and authentic single-player marketing campaign, felt like a little bit of a wildcard.
And oh, it turned out unbelievable. Ten years later, it nonetheless makes an extremely robust case for being the perfect pure FPS expertise ever launched.
The Titans are nonetheless cool. Capturing and wall operating actions are exact and fluid. The boss battles are a sight to behold. The story is de facto fascinating. Pound for pound, 2016 could have really introduced us the perfect FPS of all time.
3
stardew valley
get your palms soiled
On the reverse finish of the sport to Titanfall 2 is Stardew Valley. This life/farming sim has undoubtedly taken the world by storm and to be trustworthy, we have by no means seemed again.
In actual fact, mod assist and extra content material are nonetheless in full drive a full decade later, and the sport persistently stays on the high of the Steam playerbase tracker. You already know it is particular {that a} recreation like this nonetheless has this sort of endurance ten years later.
Stardew is a recreation you possibly can play perpetually, and it looks like lots of people plan on doing so. Attempt it and you will most likely see why.
2
Uncharted 4: The Finish of Thieves
I heard Drake likes weapons.
There may be maybe no extra revered title within the gaming business than Naughty Canine. many In the course of a prolific and middling sequence, Uncharted was the primary to make them bloom. Due to this fact, the ending of Nathan Drake’s story in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s Finish is: large transaction.
After we lastly set to work on it in 2016, we rapidly noticed that the crew was profitable after which some. Certain, a couple of gamers would possibly argue that UC4 itself is simply too cinematic and dialogue-heavy, however by the fourth recreation within the sequence, it is earned that proper.
What we’ve right here remains to be extremely action-packed, however on the similar time it simply feels necessary and like a recreation to return. for a second. Is that this it? Actually We nonetheless do not know if that was the tip of Drake’s journey. However I do know I am not alone in saying I am prepared for extra Uncharted sequels each time Naughty Canine feels prefer it.
1
darkish souls iii
From Software program nonetheless at its peak
Ask any Soulsborne fan what their favourite recreation within the style is and you will get a wide range of solutions. The unique Darkish Souls has a tremendous interconnected map. Bloodborne has ambiance. SEKIRO has precision-based fight. Elden Ring provides free exploration. Darkish Souls 2 has… effectively… by no means thoughts.
Personally, I’d give the crown to Darkish Souls 3. Actually That is saying one thing contemplating how robust From Software program’s total lineup of video games is. Admittedly, it is slightly extra linear than its different siblings, however that additionally works to its benefit.
This has essentially the most replayability of any From recreation, has the perfect boss fights, and if you do not know what you are getting your self into, it is a few of the most breathtakingly brutal and difficult areas ever. Wanting again, 2016 was a satisfying 12 months, however DS3 is a vital title to me. many Different avid gamers cannot cease coming again to this recreation both.