Best games
Best games of 2016
The 224 best games released in 2016, ranked from 35,705 critic and player ratings.
The best game of 2016 is Persona 5, 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: 2016.
- 50 games are listed on this page, carrying 35,705 ratings between them.
- Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 28 September 2026.
Top 50
01
S
Persona 5
Persona 5, a turn-based JRPG with visual novel elements, follows a high school student with a criminal record for a crime he didn't commit. Soon he meets several characters who share similar fates to him, and discovers a metaphysical realm which allows him and his friends to channel their pent-up frustrations into becoming a group of vigilantes reveling in aesthetics and rebellion while fighting corruption.
94
/100
02
B
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Several years after his last adventure, retired fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, is forced back into the world of thieves. With the stakes much more personal, Drake embarks on a globe-trotting journey in pursuit of a historical conspiracy behind a fabled pirate treasure. His greatest adventure will test his physical limits, his resolve, and ultimately what he's willing to sacrifice to save the ones he loves.
93
/100
03
Inside
An atmospheric 2D side-scroller in which, hunted and alone, a boy finds himself drawn into the center of a dark project and struggles to preserve his identity.
92
/100
S
Persona 5
Persona 5, a turn-based JRPG with visual novel elements, follows a high school student with a criminal record for a crime he didn't commit. Soon he meets several characters who share similar fates to him, and discovers a metaphysical realm which allows him and his friends to channel their pent-up frustrations into becoming a group of vigilantes reveling in aesthetics and rebellion while fighting corruption.
94
/100
02
B
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Several years after his last adventure, retired fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, is forced back into the world of thieves. With the stakes much more personal, Drake embarks on a globe-trotting journey in pursuit of a historical conspiracy behind a fabled pirate treasure. His greatest adventure will test his physical limits, his resolve, and ultimately what he's willing to sacrifice to save the ones he loves.
93
/100
03
Inside
An atmospheric 2D side-scroller in which, hunted and alone, a boy finds himself drawn into the center of a dark project and struggles to preserve his identity.
92
/100
04
Rocksmith 2014 Edition - Remastered
The fastest way to learn guitar is now better than ever. With Rocksmith you can learn everything from single notes to chords and advanced techniques, all at your own pace. You'll learn fast because it adapts to your skill level as you play, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player. This remastered version also includes six free bonus songs. "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley & The Wailers "Suspicious Minds" by Elvis Presley "Some Nights" by FUN. "I Want You Back" by Jackson 5 "Hey Ya!" by Outkast "Drops of Jupiter" by Train
92
/100
05
The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Complete Edition
92
/100
06
Rez Infinite
The ultimate version of Sega's psychodelic rail-shooter adventure Rez, fully remastered and evolved, including VR support and additional new content, all by members of the original development team
91
/100
07
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir
Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is an enhanced HD remake of Odin Sphere game for PlayStation 2. Many various adjustments and changes were made in gameplay, considering comments from people who played the original game. While this is enhanced version of the original and it's trying to stay true to it, there are new gameplay and story elements presented in this release, some of which include new boss fights, new attack moves, new background music, and new map area to explore. While the initial idea of the developers was to make just n HD remastered release, it ended up being more of a re-created game version. As such, the game offers both classic mode as well as refined mode with all new elements and new gameplay.
90
/100
08
A
Overwatch
Join the fight for the future in the world of Overwatch and choose your hero from a diverse cast of soldiers, scientists, adventurers, and oddities. Bend time, defy physics, and unleash a dizzying array of extraordinary powers and weapons. Engage your enemies in iconic locations from around the globe in the ultimate team-based shooter.
89
/100
09
B
Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released in March 2016, it is the fourth entry in the Souls series and the final instalment in the Dark Souls trilogy. Set in the decaying kingdom of Lothric, players take on the role of the "Ashen One," an undead warrior tasked with rekindling the First Flame to prevent the world from falling into darkness. The game features challenging combat, intricate level design, and a deep, lore-rich narrative.
89
/100
10
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is an open-ended country-life RPG! You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
89
/100
11
Hyper Light Drifter
89
/100
12
Owlboy
89
/100
13
The Witness
88
/100
14
S
Battlefield 1
88
/100
15
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
88
/100
16
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
88
/100
17
Forza Horizon 3
88
/100
18
World of Warcraft: Legion
88
/100
19
A
Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration
88
/100
20
S
Titanfall 2
87
/100
21
RimWorld
87
/100
22
Orcs Must Die! Unchained
87
/100
23
Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest
87
/100
24
S
Doom
87
/100
25
S
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered
87
/100
26
A
Dishonored 2
86
/100
27
Pony Island
86
/100
28
Pokémon Sun
86
/100
29
Orwell: Keeping an Eye on You
86
/100
30
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD
86
/100
31
Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR
86
/100
32
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
85
/100
33
XCOM 2
85
/100
34
Total War: Warhammer
85
/100
35
B
Ratchet & Clank
85
/100
36
Gears of War 4
85
/100
37
FIFA 17
85
/100
38
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
85
/100
39
Thumper
85
/100
40
Pokémon Moon
85
/100
41
SuperHot
85
/100
42
Day of the Tentacle Remastered
85
/100
43
SpeedRunners
84
/100
44
Salt and Sanctuary
84
/100
45
OneShot
84
/100
46
ICEY
84
/100
47
Severed
84
/100
48
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
84
/100
49
Hearts of Iron IV
84
/100
50
OneShot
83
/100
Rocksmith 2014 Edition - Remastered
The fastest way to learn guitar is now better than ever. With Rocksmith you can learn everything from single notes to chords and advanced techniques, all at your own pace. You'll learn fast because it adapts to your skill level as you play, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player. This remastered version also includes six free bonus songs. "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley & The Wailers "Suspicious Minds" by Elvis Presley "Some Nights" by FUN. "I Want You Back" by Jackson 5 "Hey Ya!" by Outkast "Drops of Jupiter" by Train
92
/100
05
The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Complete Edition
92
/100
06
Rez Infinite
The ultimate version of Sega's psychodelic rail-shooter adventure Rez, fully remastered and evolved, including VR support and additional new content, all by members of the original development team
91
/100
07
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir
Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is an enhanced HD remake of Odin Sphere game for PlayStation 2. Many various adjustments and changes were made in gameplay, considering comments from people who played the original game. While this is enhanced version of the original and it's trying to stay true to it, there are new gameplay and story elements presented in this release, some of which include new boss fights, new attack moves, new background music, and new map area to explore. While the initial idea of the developers was to make just n HD remastered release, it ended up being more of a re-created game version. As such, the game offers both classic mode as well as refined mode with all new elements and new gameplay.
90
/100
08
A
Overwatch
Join the fight for the future in the world of Overwatch and choose your hero from a diverse cast of soldiers, scientists, adventurers, and oddities. Bend time, defy physics, and unleash a dizzying array of extraordinary powers and weapons. Engage your enemies in iconic locations from around the globe in the ultimate team-based shooter.
89
/100
09
B
Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released in March 2016, it is the fourth entry in the Souls series and the final instalment in the Dark Souls trilogy. Set in the decaying kingdom of Lothric, players take on the role of the "Ashen One," an undead warrior tasked with rekindling the First Flame to prevent the world from falling into darkness. The game features challenging combat, intricate level design, and a deep, lore-rich narrative.
89
/100
10
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is an open-ended country-life RPG! You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
89
/100
11
Hyper Light Drifter
89
/100
12
Owlboy
89
/100
13
The Witness
88
/100
14
S
Battlefield 1
88
/100
15
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
88
/100
16
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
88
/100
17
Forza Horizon 3
88
/100
18
World of Warcraft: Legion
88
/100
19
A
Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration
88
/100
20
S
Titanfall 2
87
/100
21
RimWorld
87
/100
22
Orcs Must Die! Unchained
87
/100
23
Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest
87
/100
24
S
Doom
87
/100
25
S
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered
87
/100
26
A
Dishonored 2
86
/100
27
Pony Island
86
/100
28
Pokémon Sun
86
/100
29
Orwell: Keeping an Eye on You
86
/100
30
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD
86
/100
31
Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR
86
/100
32
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
85
/100
33
XCOM 2
85
/100
34
Total War: Warhammer
85
/100
35
B
Ratchet & Clank
85
/100
36
Gears of War 4
85
/100
37
FIFA 17
85
/100
38
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
85
/100
39
Thumper
85
/100
40
Pokémon Moon
85
/100
41
SuperHot
85
/100
42
Day of the Tentacle Remastered
85
/100
43
SpeedRunners
84
/100
44
Salt and Sanctuary
84
/100
45
OneShot
84
/100
46
ICEY
84
/100
47
Severed
84
/100
48
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
84
/100
49
Hearts of Iron IV
84
/100
50
OneShot
83
/100
Frequently asked questions
What is the best game of 2016?
Persona 5 currently tops the ranking with a score of 94/100 across 1,064 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.