Top 10 Video Game Masterpieces of the Last 5 Years Explore the pinnacle of gaming innovation and storytelling with our curated list of the top 10 video game masterpieces released in the last 5 years. From the epic Norse adventures of God of War Ragnarök to the mind-bending narrative of Alan Wake II, and the charming chaos of Donkey Kong Bananza, these games have set new standards for quality and entertainment in the industry. Video games continue to evolve more and more with each passing year, growing from classic titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time to modern sensations like Red Dead Redemption 2. While it is fascinating to see where gaming will go next, the past five years in particular have been home to some of the best games of all time. It is strange to think that it has already been five years since 2021, because in that time some of the best games came out.Top Ten Video Game MasterpiecesThat is why this list will celebrate ten video game masterpieces from the last five years based on aspects such as gameplay, design, narrative, visuals, originality, entertainment value, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. 10 'God of War Ragnarök' (2022) This list has a surprising amount of sequels, including some that were up for Game of the Year, such as God of War Ragnarök. Set shortly after the first game, Fimbulwinter is here, meaning the titular apocalypse event is soon approaching.However, Kratos and Atreus launch a siege on the gods, hoping this will save the realm from destruction. God of War Ragnarök isn't better than its predecessor, but it is still a masterpiece from the past five years. The plot does a great job of depicting the spectacle of the event while also focusing on the grounded and emotional parts of the core narrative, specifically regarding the relationship between Kratos and Atreus.God of War Ragnarök is a heartfelt and epic gaming classic. 9 'Mina the Hollower' (2026) 2026 isn't over yet, but it is already full of remarkable titles, and one of the frontrunners for best game is Mina the Hollower. The titular character ventures to the land of Tenebrous to fix its generator.However, players uncover an even greater darkness and must fight the unrestricted progress of humanity and technology. Mina the Hollower is already one of the best video games of 2026, and it does this as an indie title. The retro aesthetic and worldbuilding contribute to a visually stunning setting, but what's more is its unique mechanics that make the gameplay fluid and kinetic.Clair Obscur Expedition 33 ReviewMina the Hollower is an underrated gem and a magnificent indie effort that proves the genre is at its peak in the last five years. 8 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' (2025) While 2026 isn't over yet, 2025 came and went with some incredible games in stock, including what is undoubtedly considered the best, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. An entity known as the paintress erases an age from the planet every year, and the world's efforts have so far been useless.But with the 33rd try, they hope to stop this villain and save the rest of the world. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was the unanimous Game of the Year winner in 2025, and it earned this honor because of its blend of compelling narrative, intense combat, and unique art style.Besides being visually gorgeous, this game is also innovative with its mix of turn-based combat and real-time events that create an immersive and engaging style of gameplay. 7 'Balatro' (2024) Mina the Hollower may have been the first indie game on here, but it won't be the last, because following it is Balatro. This poker-themed roguelike has players building decks to defeat the hands of the enemy, and with each match the difficulty increases, as does the entertainment.Balatro is quick to play and easy to understand, but its true genius lies in the ability to break the game since it allows players to create any sort of hand they want. This addictive video game is fast-paced but demanding, forcing the player's attention at all times and keeping them engaged with the gameplay and sensory feedback that is a visual explosion.Donkey Kong Bananza ReviewAll these elements prove why it's a video game that is a blast. 6 'Donkey Kong Bananza' (2025) Nintendo has had a magnificent five years, from all-time sales numbers to the Nintendo Switch 2. One game on the latter that wowed everyone was Donkey Kong Bananza.As Void Company tries to steal all the bananas in the world for their selfish wish, DK and Pauline travel through the core of the world to stop them, and maybe get their own wish as well. Fans desperately want a new 3D Mario, but Donkey Kong Bananza is such a novel idea that it not only acted as a suitable alternative, but it also became one of Nintendo's most imaginative games.The smashing gameplay never gets old, and the new world keeps the gameplay fresh. Donkey Kong Bananza is a one-of-a-kind game that shows why Nintendo is known for its creativity. 5 'Alan Wake II' (2023) 2023 was one of the best years for video games in a long time, and one of the three best games from this year is Alan Wake II. Gamers play as the titular novelist who is trying to escape an alternate dimension.But at the same time, a detective is investigating a murder that is suspiciously similar to one of Alan Wake's murder mystery novels.