In case you’ve been on social media in any respect in 2026, you have certainly seen nearly everybody in your buddies listing put up a narrative with a caption like, “This was me in 2016!” Largely, these sort of simply really feel like excuses for folks to share their most flattering photos ever, or to humble-brag about some cool factor they did a decade in the past.
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However who am I to evaluate? I am all about taking a stroll down reminiscence lane occasionally, fondly remembering the times of previous and the nice occasions they introduced. In fact, it was then pure for a video games editor to additionally begin interested by what video video games had been like again in 2016, which jogged my memory simply what number of bangers we had the pleasure of taking part in on the time.
The next are my picks for the perfect video games of 2016, primarily based partially on vital reception on the time, but additionally my very own private opinion on how they’ve aged and held up a full decade later.
In fact, by the very nature of this listing, there must be some large snubs. I’ve additionally determined to omit video games like Overwatch. Sure, it was revolutionary on the time, however you’ll be able to’t even play it anymore.
10
The Witness
Make Me Really feel Sensible
Puzzle video games have been a factor ceaselessly, however The Witness nonetheless took a ton of individuals without warning again in 2016. In lots of methods, it was a throwback, virtually forcing gamers to interrupt out a pen and grid paper as a way to determine the sport’s options.
Then again, it additionally was the right mixture of difficult but rewarding mind twisters, in addition to a lonely, nearly ominous vibe throughout the island the place The Witness takes place.
It wasn’t for everybody, however in case you’re somebody that is down for some out-of-the-box and wacky vital pondering, the sport is a masterpiece. In actual fact, the one puzzle sport since that’s arguably higher is 2025’s Blue Prince, nearly a full decade later.
Terrific Ways
XCOM 2 wasn’t even the best profile technique sport in 2016, since that title belonged to Civilization VI. XCOM 2 was additionally extraordinarily well-received on the time, however many of the style’s awards went elsewhere regardless.
However in 2026, give me XCOM 2. The title has been supported higher over its lifetime, and it nonetheless manages to really feel distinctive and completely different from most different turn-based tactical video games on the market.
There’s a steep studying curve right here, but it surely’s greater than value investing into totally in case you’ve ever been curious in regards to the collection. Simply do not blame me when 1000’s of hours are all of a sudden gone out of your life at a later date.
8
Dishonored 2
Going Full Arkane
The unique Dishonored was actually the sport that put the now legendary Arkane Studios on the map, and 2016’s sequel pushed the collection additional in almost each doable regard. The trippy, Steampunk-ish setting is immaculate, with top-tier motion/stealth gameplay to match.
This was truly the primary title developed by Arkane Lyon, an offshoot staff that went on to create Deathloop, one in every of my precise favourite video video games of all time. It is that kind of pedigree that ought to present you the extent of high quality you are in retailer for with Dishonored 2.
In case you like motion video games that belief you adequate to determine your individual, distinctive options to get by way of every part, then Dishonored 2 remains to be up your alley.
7
Ratchet & Clank
I Want Many Weapons
Ratchet & Clank had clearly already been a long-time beloved first-party collection on PlayStation, so it was fairly insane {that a} remake/reimagining of the unique sport from 2002 turned out to truly be the perfect entry within the franchise thus far.
This sport was the best instance on the time of, “Wow, this seems like a Pixar film.” And along with the gorgeous visuals and insane particle results, the sport was additionally continuous, raucous motion, in addition to one of the entertaining Platinum trophies you’ll be able to earn.
Rift Aside on the PS5 is in all probability a greater sport today, however even then, it is nonetheless up for debate. And it does not even matter anyway. 2016’s Ratchet & Clank is a few of the most enjoyable you’ll be able to have with a controller in hand.
6
DOOM
Bang Your Head
It was exhausting to essentially know what we must always count on with a reboot of DOOM in 2016. Sure, it was nonetheless arguably probably the most iconic shooter franchise of all time, but it surely additionally was a collection that felt a bit in limbo. Fortunately, we quickly realized nobody had any motive to fret in spite of everything.
DOOM (2016) is an absolute massacre of gore, metallic, and frantically fantastic FPS motion. It had been a while since a shooter had really captivated me personally, and this title remedied that with the primary chug of Mick Gordon’s guitar.
This newest model of DOOM was so superior that id Software program hasn’t regarded again since. DOOM Everlasting and The Darkish Ages have proven that the collection has no plans to decelerate any time quickly, and the 2016 sport is to thank for this.
5
INSIDE
Wait No, Let Me Again Out
Playdead’s first title, Limbo, was a monochromatic indie darling that appeared almost unattainable to surpass. Many anticipated a little bit of a sophomore stoop for no matter got here subsequent, no disrespect to the studio by any means.
After which, Inside got here out in 2016, and everybody’s fears had been instantly laid to relaxation. To this present day, it is nonetheless very simply argued as the perfect atmospheric, side-scrolling puzzle-platformer on the market.
The sport begins off bizarre, will get even weirder within the center, and nonetheless manages to have a last act not like the rest in video video games thus far. Do not look something up in case you’ve by no means performed it. Simply dive proper in.
4
Titanfall 2
Nonetheless a Case for GOAT FPS Marketing campaign
The unique Titanfall was well-liked on XBOX, but it surely was additionally a multiplayer-only title that solely appealed to gamers with these inclinations. Consequently, Titanfall 2 boasting a brand-new, authentic single-player marketing campaign felt like a little bit of a wildcard.
And oh boy, did it find yourself being unimaginable. Ten years later, and it nonetheless has an extremely robust case to be the perfect, pure FPS expertise that is ever been launched.
The titans are endlessly cool. The gunplay and wall-running motion is exact and fluid. The boss fights are spectacles. The story is ridiculously enjoyable. Pound for pound, 2016 actually may’ve given us the perfect FPS ever.
3
Stardew Valley
Get Your Palms Soiled
On the exact opposite finish of the gaming spectrum from Titanfall 2 is Stardew Valley. This life/farming sim completely took the world by storm, and it is truthfully by no means regarded again.
In actual fact, the mod assist and extra content material continues on in full drive a whole decade later, with the sport additionally remaining constantly within the higher echelons of the Steam playerbase trackers as effectively. For this sort of sport to handle this sort of endurance ten years later, you recognize it is one thing particular.
Stardew is a sport you’ll be able to play ceaselessly, and it looks as if many individuals totally intend to take action. Strive it out, and you will in all probability perceive why.
2
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s Finish
Say Drake, I Hear You Like Your Weapons
There’s in all probability not a extra well-respected identify within the gaming business as Naughty Canine, and whereas they’ve clearly had lots of prolific and medium-defining collection alongside the way in which, Uncharted was what actually obtained them their flowers initially. As such, the conclusion of Nathan Drake’s story in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s Finish, was set to be a enormous deal.
Upon lastly attending to go hands-on with it in 2016, we rapidly discovered that the staff delivered, after which some. Certain, a minority of gamers may argue that UC4 is a bit too cinematic and dialogue-heavy for its personal good, however by the fourth sport within the collection, it had earned that proper.
What’s right here remains to be extremely action-packed, whereas additionally managing to really feel like a sport that is merely vital and was about to have a second. Whether or not or not this actually was the top of Drake’s journey, we nonetheless do not know. However I do know I am not alone once I say I am prepared for extra from Uncharted every time Naughty Canine is feeling as much as it.
1
Darkish Souls III
Nonetheless Peak FromSoftware
Ask a Soulsborne fan their favourite sport within the style, and you are going to get lots of completely different responses. The unique Darkish Souls has the wonderful, interconnected map. Bloodborne has the vibe. Sekiro has the precision-based fight. Elden Ring has the liberty of exploration. Darkish Souls 2 has… Uhh… Nicely, nevermind.
For me, I give the crown to Darkish Souls 3, and that’s actually saying one thing when you think about simply how robust FromSoftware’s whole roster of video games really is. Certain, it’s kind of extra linear than a few of its brothers and sisters, however that additionally works for its profit.
It is probably the most replayable From sport on the market, has the perfect boss fights, and nonetheless a few of the most breathtaking, brutally difficult areas ever if you do not know what you are getting your self into. 2016 was a loaded 12 months looking back, however DS3 is the title that I and many different avid gamers merely cannot cease coming again to.
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