The best written games of the last 10 years

Gameplay, visuals, music, and story. These are the ingredients needed to create a perfect video game. Being able to nail all four of these categories is a miracle and a near impossibility, but I'd argue that nailing the gameplay or the story is already a great start for a video game trying to make its mark in history.

Here, though, we'll just focus on the story. Video game writing is the sum of good plot, great dialogue, lore, and how it's all delivered. Countless games have shown their narrative ability since the dawn of video games, but today, we will focus only on titles released in the last ten years, after 2016, and how they influenced their writing. The only exception would be made for Kentucky Route Zero, which issued its final act in 2020. We'll roughly rank them based on overall quality, but to be honest, all of these titles are pure masterpieces.

Kentucky root zero

A masterclass in storytelling, delivered across multiple works

If there's one title that pushes the boundaries of the kinds of stories that can be told in the video game format, this is it for sure Kentucky Road Zero. The charm of the game lies not only in the mysterious story of finding the fabled Road Zero that runs through the underground of Kentucky, but also in its art style.

It's not a clear story by any means, full of little lore, and leaves many confused even after a serious playthrough. As a visual novel, it demands your attention, and it invites you to try and find out what's at its core, to try and find some great meaning in everything. There are many smaller ones within one big story as you adopt many different heroes, and you will definitely feel all the sensations in this surreal yet beautiful experience of the game.

Alan Wake 2

So absurd it's actually good

of Alan Wake Writing has always been strange, to say the least. Some love it, others absolutely hate it, but I think there's something to be said for how it works perfectly a la David Lynch and in service of an unrealistic, absurd plot. Twin PeaksInstead of trying to appeal to the public in an effort to please and fit in.

Alan Wake 2's The story takes place in two different “worlds” and character perspectives, Alan's and Saga's, with Alan's terrifying writings directly affecting the events of the game. Expect all the funny clichés and quirky moments you can find inspired by the disturbing work of David Lynch combined with classic Remedy Entertainment storytelling. As a result, it won the Best Story Award at the GOTY Awards in 2023.

Relic of Edith Finch

The most heart-wrenching walking simulator

A book in video game format, Relic of Edith Finch An indie title that puts story above all else. With that, it's no surprise that it manages to do a great job in delivering a story that stays with you for a very long time. As the titular Edith, the last of her line, you set out to uncover what happened to the rest of your family by exploring the stories of individual family members. The game isn't very long, but it keeps you in a tight, bitter, and emotional grip the whole way through.

The atmosphere, music, and visuals all work to deliver these haunting tales coherently, and as such, it's easy to see why it was nominated for seven different awards all tied to story and storytelling, and won the 2017 GOTY Best Story spot. A must-experience for anyone who appreciates a rock-solid story and isn't afraid to shed a few tears.

Silent Hill f

Ryukishi07's layered story will haunt you

A game designed to be played three times to fully understand the depth of its story, Silent Hill f Ryukishi07 showcases the best it has to offer. It's an incredibly necessary commentary on social expectations for women in Showa-era Japan, all things supernatural, cults (in truth silent hill style), and focused on Japanese folklore kitsune. As the writing marries the game's gorgeous and haunting visuals, there's plenty of unique symbolism to dive into.

And because it is a silent hill The game is nothing like it seems. What is real? what not This is psychological horror at its best, and it's a perfect example of an incredible narrator and perspective used as eye tricks. Retracing each layer of the story over the last two playthroughs, the true depth of Hinako's story and what's really going on in Ebisugaoka and what each character's role really is will make you look at your first moments in her shoes with completely different eyes. That right has its own art Silent Hill f is fully committed.

Hades

Winner of the Hugo Award, and for good reason

Hades One of those games that didn't have to lean so hard on its writing to deliver something good, but still did. Its action-packed gameplay alone made it a roguelike hit for Supergiant Games, but it went above and beyond to hit players with a story and dialogue that feels detailed, quirky and unique at every turn. Each person has a voice, and it's clear that a lot of love went into building the world.

The game is full of great writing, from the lore pieces to the interactions with the game's various characters, and when combined with the excellent voice acting, it's an experience worthy of a 2021 Literary Hugo Award. It was almost universally praised for its witty story and has earned a place among the best of all video games.

Cyberpunk 2077

A story that hits you right in the feels

Few video game worlds and characters feel so real Cyberpunk 2077. The dialogue, the main campaign, and its brilliant DLC, as well as countless unforgettable side quests that strike deep into your heart with their commentary on mega corporations and hyper capitalism, are all wrapped up in a disgustingly beautiful package.

From the moments Johnny and V share on their desperate journey together to the conversations with characters like Panam, Songbird and Judy, this is a game that leaves you feeling heavy and uncomfortable as the credits roll. The city is full of lore that TTRPG fans are already familiar with, from catchy advertising jingles to datashards that shed light on what went wrong with the world. It's beautiful, it's depressing, and it makes you think about how close we are to the world of 2077.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar takes no hostages with his writing

A game that nails depth and realism in all aspects, Red Dead Redemption 2 Made everyone truly feel like they were in Arthur Morgan's shoes on the fictional western frontier. Aside from the main plot, which is a masterclass in storytelling in itself, the world is also brilliantly delivered through your interactions with NPCs and friends in the camp. It's a game you don't want to believe really exists in this world; It also wants you to take care of everything in it.

This is another game where love and attention to detail is poured into every nook and cranny, not just the surface you scratch when you first walk in. Side quests and random characters all have something to say, and it's all built to feel like you're skin to skin. It's no wonder it's considered one of the most immersive open-world games of all time. While it lost god of war (2018) At the 2018 GOTY Awards, it still won in the Best Story category and received several nominations and minor awards in the same category.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Writing is just one of many things that kill it

At a time when many felt that AAA games were beginning to disappoint, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Blown everyone away as one of the most balanced video game experiences ever. In all categories, from music to gameplay, it somehow managed to deliver with the same quality, and its story is no different. The story, the story and the characters are clearly the result of careful treatment and a labor of love, a testament to the sheer talent and passion behind the project.

The dialogue has been particularly praised for feeling realistic and relatable, which makes sense, considering that an interview with head writer Jennifer Swedberg-Yen talked about striving for HBO series levels of quality in storytelling and character depth. The story is full of heartbreak, and people continue to argue over the game's ending, which is a testament to its enduring quality and explains why it took home so many awards at the 2025 GOTY Show, including Best Story.

Baldur's Gate 3

Larian Studios' Signature Dark Whimsy at Its Best

If you've been playing Larian Studios' games for a while, you know what I mean when I say two words: dark freak. There is a witty quirkness divinity Games that make them both incredibly brutal, while also inspiring childlike wonder. Baldur's Gate 3 Follows in the same vein, offering deep moments with your friends with whom you develop friendships and more, as well as numerous quests that all feel equally well thought out.

The fact that you have so much freedom and liberty as a player with dialogue options based on your build and choices shows that a surprising number of lines were written for the game, and they all honor Larian's signature style. The main story has many scary and tragic turns, but also moments of great hope and fun comedy (try to leave the Astarion behind in the monastery after blowing it up, and you will experience. Cinema). It's almost a miracle how the writers manage to walk such a careful line between different themes and emotions so skillfully.

Disco Elysium

Dark, grotesque, and politically profound

It's not every day you find great prose in a video game, but Disco Elysium Provides exactly that. It took the gaming world by surprise when it was first released in 2019 with its depressing yet charming style and intriguing premise. As an amnesiac cop, the game not only delves into criminal investigations, but delves into the nitty-gritty of philosophy and politics in an incredibly succinct and cool way.

The dialogue feels real because the characters aren't just there to find your next step in the game, but because they're part of the world. And that feels very real, fully thought out and delivered through multiple interactions during your research. Combine all this with how story-driven the game is and all its branching paths based on the choices you make, and it's clear that a lot of love was poured into it. Disco Elysium In a way you'd be hard-pressed to find in many other games released in the last ten years.