Best Games from 2016 We’re Still Obsessed With

If you happen to’ve been on social media in any respect in 2026, you’ve got absolutely seen nearly everybody in your mates listing submit a narrative with a caption like, “This was me in 2016!” Largely, these type of simply really feel like excuses for folks to share their most flattering footage ever, or to humble-brag about some cool factor they did a decade in the past.

However who am I to evaluate? I am all about taking a stroll down reminiscence lane once in a while, 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 enthusiastic about 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 crucial reception on the time, but additionally my very own private opinion on how they’ve aged and held up a full decade later.

10

The Witness

Make Me Really feel Sensible

Puzzle games have been a factor endlessly, however The Witness nonetheless took a ton of individuals without warning again in 2016. In loads of methods, it was a throwback, virtually forcing gamers to interrupt out a pen and grid paper in an effort to work out 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 if you happen to’re somebody that is down for some out-of-the-box and wacky crucial considering, the sport is a masterpiece. Actually, the one puzzle sport since that’s arguably higher is 2025’s Blue Prince, nearly a full decade later.

Terrific Techniques

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 a lot 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 totally 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 price investing into absolutely if you happen to’ve ever been curious concerning the sequence. Simply do not blame me when 1000’s of hours are immediately 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 sequence additional in almost each attainable 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 workforce that went on to create Deathloop, considered one of my precise favourite video video games of all time. It is that form of pedigree that ought to present you the extent of high quality you are in retailer for with Dishonored 2.

If you happen to like motion video games that belief you adequate to determine your individual, distinctive options to get by every part, then Dishonored 2 continues to be up your alley.

7

Ratchet & Clank

I Want Many Weapons

Ratchet & Clank had clearly already been a long-time beloved first-party sequence 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 so far.

This sport was the best instance on the time of, “Wow, this seems to be like a Pixar film.” And along with the beautiful visuals and insane particle results, the sport was additionally continuous, raucous motion, in addition to one of the vital entertaining Platinum trophies you possibly can earn.

Rift Aside on the PS5 is most likely a greater sport lately, 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 possibly can have with a controller in hand.

6

DOOM

Bang Your Head

It was arduous to essentially know what we must always anticipate 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 sequence that felt a bit in limbo. Fortunately, we quickly realized nobody had any purpose to fret in any case.

DOOM (2016) is an absolute massacre of gore, metallic, and frantically great FPS motion. It had been a while since a shooter had actually 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 sequence 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 not possible to surpass. Many anticipated a little bit of a sophomore stoop for no matter got here subsequent, no disrespect to the studio in any way.

After which, Inside got here out in 2016, and everybody’s fears had been instantly laid to relaxation. To today, 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 closing act not like anything in video video games so far. Do not look something up if you happen to’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, unique 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 Fingers 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.

Actually, the mod support and extra content material continues on in full pressure a whole decade later, with the sport additionally remaining persistently within the higher echelons of the Steam playerbase trackers as effectively. For any such sport to handle any such endurance ten years later, it is one thing particular.

Stardew is a sport you possibly can play endlessly, and it looks as if many individuals absolutely intend to take action. Attempt it out, and you may most likely perceive why.

2

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s Finish

Say Drake, I Hear You Like Your Weapons

There’s most likely not a extra well-respected identify within the gaming trade as Naughty Canine, and whereas they’ve clearly had a lot of prolific and medium-defining sequence alongside the way in which, Uncharted was what actually bought 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 large deal.

Upon lastly attending to go hands-on with it in 2016, we shortly discovered that the workforce 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 sequence, it had earned that proper.

What’s right here continues to be extremely action-packed, whereas additionally managing to really feel like a sport that is merely essential 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 loads of totally 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… Properly, 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 complete roster of video games actually 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 yr looking back, however DS3 is the title that I and many different avid gamers merely cannot cease coming again to.

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