Best games
Best games of 2013
The 205 best games released in 2013, ranked from 41,928 critic and player ratings.
The best game of 2013 is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Legendary Edition, with a critic score of 94/100 — updated September 2026.
How this ranking is built
- Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
- A game only enters the ranking with at least 80 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
- Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
- Release window covered: 2013.
- 50 games are listed on this page, carrying 41,928 ratings between them.
- Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 28 September 2026.
Top 50
01
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Legendary Edition
94
/100
02
S
BioShock Infinite
BioShock Infinite is the third game in the BioShock series. It is not a direct sequel/prequel to any of the previous BioShock games but takes place in an entirely different setting, although it shares similar features, gameplay and concepts with the previous games. BioShock Infinite features a range of environments that force the player to adapt, with different weapons and strategies for each situation. Interior spaces feature close combat with enemies, but unlike previous games set in Rapture, the setting of Infinite contains open spaces with emphasis on sniping and ranged combat against as many as fifteen enemies at once.
93
/100
03
Super Mario 3D World
Super Mario 3D World is a 3D platformer action game for the Wii U, and a follow-up of the Nintendo 3DS installment Super Mario 3D Land. The game builds upon the previous installment, following a similar 3D level-design convention inspired from the 2D platformer titles where players must navigate through a linear-designed level within a time limit to reach a level's Goal Pole. One key aspect introduced in this title is the simultaneous multiplayer: while not the first game in the series to do so, it is the first 3D title in the Mario series to incorporate up to four players cooperating with each other to reach the goal. Players can select their character from a pool of playable characters prior to starting the game, and each of these characters have their own unique playstyle that gives them advantages and disadvantages over other characters. The game makes use of several Wii U exclusive features, such as tapping blocks with the touch screen on the GamePad and blowing into the mic to reveal hidden items and blow away enemies. Various new power-ups are introduced in this title, with the trademark suit being the Cat power-up, which enables characters to perform a melee attack, climb up walls, and leap while midair, as well as the game generally having a cat-based theme.
93
/100
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Legendary Edition
94
/100
02
S
BioShock Infinite
BioShock Infinite is the third game in the BioShock series. It is not a direct sequel/prequel to any of the previous BioShock games but takes place in an entirely different setting, although it shares similar features, gameplay and concepts with the previous games. BioShock Infinite features a range of environments that force the player to adapt, with different weapons and strategies for each situation. Interior spaces feature close combat with enemies, but unlike previous games set in Rapture, the setting of Infinite contains open spaces with emphasis on sniping and ranged combat against as many as fifteen enemies at once.
93
/100
03
Super Mario 3D World
Super Mario 3D World is a 3D platformer action game for the Wii U, and a follow-up of the Nintendo 3DS installment Super Mario 3D Land. The game builds upon the previous installment, following a similar 3D level-design convention inspired from the 2D platformer titles where players must navigate through a linear-designed level within a time limit to reach a level's Goal Pole. One key aspect introduced in this title is the simultaneous multiplayer: while not the first game in the series to do so, it is the first 3D title in the Mario series to incorporate up to four players cooperating with each other to reach the goal. Players can select their character from a pool of playable characters prior to starting the game, and each of these characters have their own unique playstyle that gives them advantages and disadvantages over other characters. The game makes use of several Wii U exclusive features, such as tapping blocks with the touch screen on the GamePad and blowing into the mic to reveal hidden items and blow away enemies. Various new power-ups are introduced in this title, with the trademark suit being the Cat power-up, which enables characters to perform a melee attack, climb up walls, and leap while midair, as well as the game generally having a cat-based theme.
93
/100
04
A
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is the first Zelda game made exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS. It is an indirect sequel to A Link to the Past with the same version of Hyrule but with new characters and gameplay elements. Unlike the series' tradition, many areas of the world are accessible from the beginning of the game and the dungeons can be visited in any order. Puzzles are encountered not only in dungeons but also in the open world, a part of them revolves around the game's 3D visual effect. The 3DS touch-screen display shows the world, dungeon or map depending on where you are.
92
/100
05
A
Grand Theft Auto V
This bundle contains the original version of Grand Theft Auto V, the standalone game Grand Theft Auto Online and the story mode add-on of Grand Theft Auto V.
92
/100
06
D
The Last of Us
The Last of Us is a third-person action-adventure game featuring a mix of exploration, stealth and combat. Players face both infected creatures and hostile human enemies while progressing through varied environments. The game includes a narrative-driven single-player campaign and a competitive online multiplayer mode called Factions. Trophy support is included, and additional downloadable content was made available separately.
92
/100
07
Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut
Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut features approximately 8 hours of director's commentaries and a 45 minute “Making Of” video. It also features an improved visual engine and a complete overhaul of the boss battles. Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut is an expanded game for Deus Ex: Human Revolution which is an action role-playing game. It is the third game in the Deus Ex series, and a prequel to the original Deus Ex (2000). The gameplay—combining first-person shooter, stealth, and role-playing elements—features exploration and combat in environments connected to multiple city-based hubs, in addition to quests that grant experience and allow customization of the main character's abilities with items called Praxis Kits. Conversations between characters feature a variety of responses, with options in conversations and at crucial story points affecting how some events play out.
91
/100
08
Asphalt 8: Airborne
With more than 120 million downloads, the best mobile arcade racing game series reaches a new turning point! Perform dynamic, high-speed aerial stunts with more than 90 licensed dream cars in an intense driving experience powered by a brand-new physics engine.
91
/100
09
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is a remaster of The Wind Waker with an alternate recreation of the original's art style, several gameplay adjustments, a new lighting engine and higher resolution textures.
90
/100
10
F
Dota 2
Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena video game and the stand-alone sequel to the Defense of the Ancients (DotA) mod. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.
90
/100
11
One Finger Death Punch
90
/100
12
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm
89
/100
13
Rayman Legends
89
/100
14
The Stanley Parable
88
/100
15
Pokémon X, Y
88
/100
16
Guacamelee! Gold Edition
88
/100
17
The Room Two
88
/100
18
Kentucky Route Zero
88
/100
19
Pokémon X
87
/100
20
The Swapper
87
/100
21
TowerFall Ascension
87
/100
22
Tearaway
87
/100
23
Year Walk
87
/100
24
Star Citizen
87
/100
25
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
86
/100
26
FIFA 14
86
/100
27
Rogue Legacy
86
/100
28
XCOM: Enemy Within
86
/100
29
Guacamelee!
86
/100
30
Mass Effect 3: Citadel
86
/100
31
A
Final Fantasy XIV Online
85
/100
32
A
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
85
/100
33
Papers, Please
85
/100
34
DmC: Devil May Cry
85
/100
35
BattleBlock Theater
85
/100
36
Europa Universalis IV
85
/100
37
BIT.TRIP Presents... Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien
85
/100
38
Risk of Rain
85
/100
39
Cookie Clicker
85
/100
40
Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Edition
85
/100
41
Everlasting Summer
85
/100
42
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
85
/100
43
S
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag
85
/100
44
Saints Row IV
84
/100
45
Trine 2: Complete Story
84
/100
46
RESOGUN
84
/100
47
TagPro
84
/100
48
S
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
83
/100
49
Monaco: What's Yours Is Mine
83
/100
50
FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn
83
/100
A
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is the first Zelda game made exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS. It is an indirect sequel to A Link to the Past with the same version of Hyrule but with new characters and gameplay elements. Unlike the series' tradition, many areas of the world are accessible from the beginning of the game and the dungeons can be visited in any order. Puzzles are encountered not only in dungeons but also in the open world, a part of them revolves around the game's 3D visual effect. The 3DS touch-screen display shows the world, dungeon or map depending on where you are.
92
/100
05
A
Grand Theft Auto V
This bundle contains the original version of Grand Theft Auto V, the standalone game Grand Theft Auto Online and the story mode add-on of Grand Theft Auto V.
92
/100
06
D
The Last of Us
The Last of Us is a third-person action-adventure game featuring a mix of exploration, stealth and combat. Players face both infected creatures and hostile human enemies while progressing through varied environments. The game includes a narrative-driven single-player campaign and a competitive online multiplayer mode called Factions. Trophy support is included, and additional downloadable content was made available separately.
92
/100
07
Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut
Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut features approximately 8 hours of director's commentaries and a 45 minute “Making Of” video. It also features an improved visual engine and a complete overhaul of the boss battles. Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut is an expanded game for Deus Ex: Human Revolution which is an action role-playing game. It is the third game in the Deus Ex series, and a prequel to the original Deus Ex (2000). The gameplay—combining first-person shooter, stealth, and role-playing elements—features exploration and combat in environments connected to multiple city-based hubs, in addition to quests that grant experience and allow customization of the main character's abilities with items called Praxis Kits. Conversations between characters feature a variety of responses, with options in conversations and at crucial story points affecting how some events play out.
91
/100
08
Asphalt 8: Airborne
With more than 120 million downloads, the best mobile arcade racing game series reaches a new turning point! Perform dynamic, high-speed aerial stunts with more than 90 licensed dream cars in an intense driving experience powered by a brand-new physics engine.
91
/100
09
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is a remaster of The Wind Waker with an alternate recreation of the original's art style, several gameplay adjustments, a new lighting engine and higher resolution textures.
90
/100
10
F
Dota 2
Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena video game and the stand-alone sequel to the Defense of the Ancients (DotA) mod. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.
90
/100
11
One Finger Death Punch
90
/100
12
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm
89
/100
13
Rayman Legends
89
/100
14
The Stanley Parable
88
/100
15
Pokémon X, Y
88
/100
16
Guacamelee! Gold Edition
88
/100
17
The Room Two
88
/100
18
Kentucky Route Zero
88
/100
19
Pokémon X
87
/100
20
The Swapper
87
/100
21
TowerFall Ascension
87
/100
22
Tearaway
87
/100
23
Year Walk
87
/100
24
Star Citizen
87
/100
25
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
86
/100
26
FIFA 14
86
/100
27
Rogue Legacy
86
/100
28
XCOM: Enemy Within
86
/100
29
Guacamelee!
86
/100
30
Mass Effect 3: Citadel
86
/100
31
A
Final Fantasy XIV Online
85
/100
32
A
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
85
/100
33
Papers, Please
85
/100
34
DmC: Devil May Cry
85
/100
35
BattleBlock Theater
85
/100
36
Europa Universalis IV
85
/100
37
BIT.TRIP Presents... Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien
85
/100
38
Risk of Rain
85
/100
39
Cookie Clicker
85
/100
40
Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Edition
85
/100
41
Everlasting Summer
85
/100
42
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
85
/100
43
S
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag
85
/100
44
Saints Row IV
84
/100
45
Trine 2: Complete Story
84
/100
46
RESOGUN
84
/100
47
TagPro
84
/100
48
S
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
83
/100
49
Monaco: What's Yours Is Mine
83
/100
50
FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn
83
/100
Frequently asked questions
What is the best game of 2013?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Legendary Edition currently tops the ranking with a score of 94/100 across 138 ratings. Ranking updated September 2026.
How is this ranking built?
Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.