In the vast, ever-expanding universe of video games, separating the truly exceptional from the merely good can be a daunting task. With countless titles vying for your attention, how do you know which ones genuinely deserve your precious time and hard-earned money? That’s where our curated list comes in. We’re diving deep into the games that transcend their genres, offering unforgettable experiences that every gamer, regardless of their preferred style, absolutely needs to play. These are the definitive experiences, the masterpieces, the titles that define generations and push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. Prepare to discover your next obsession, because these are the ultimate Mustplay games that you simply cannot afford to miss.
From sprawling open worlds that beg to be explored to intimate narratives that tug at your heartstrings, our selection covers a diverse range of genres and playstyles. We’ve meticulously chosen games that have garnered critical acclaim, captured the hearts of millions, and continue to provide immense value years after their release. Whether you’re a veteran gamer seeking your next challenge or a newcomer looking for a perfect entry point into the hobby, this guide is your definitive resource. Get ready to update your wishlist, because these seven amazing games are unequivocally Mustplay titles you need to experience right now.
Unforgettable Single-Player Journeys: A Mustplay Collection
Some games are designed to be solitary experiences, drawing you into rich narratives and complex worlds where you are the sole protagonist. These titles often excel in storytelling, atmosphere, and mechanics, offering deep immersion that can only be achieved when you’re fully focused on the journey. Our first few Mustplay selections fall squarely into this category, promising hours of captivating solo adventure.
1. Elden Ring: A Mustplay Open-World Epic
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring isn’t just a game; it’s a phenomenon. Released in 2022, it quickly dominated sales charts and critical discussions, winning numerous Game of the Year awards. This action RPG takes the studio’s notoriously challenging gameplay and marries it with an expansive, breathtaking open world designed by Hidetaka Miyazaki and co-created with fantasy novelist George R.R. Martin. The Lands Between are a desolate yet beautiful realm, teeming with grotesque creatures, hidden secrets, and formidable bosses.
What makes Elden Ring a definitive Mustplay is its unparalleled sense of discovery and player agency. Unlike previous Souls-likes, the open world allows for exploration and tactical retreat, empowering players to approach challenges in their own way. The combat is fluid, demanding precision and patience, but the satisfaction of overcoming a difficult boss is truly unmatched. It’s a game that respects your intelligence, rarely holding your hand, and rewards perseverance with some of the most memorable moments in gaming history. For those who crave challenge and a truly epic adventure, Elden Ring is an absolute Mustplay experience. 
2. Baldur’s Gate 3: The Definitive RPG Mustplay
Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 has redefined what a modern CRPG can be. Launched to universal acclaim in 2023, it swept every major Game of the Year award, a testament to its incredible depth and storytelling prowess. Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, this game offers an unparalleled level of player choice and consequence, where every decision, no matter how small, can ripple through the narrative in unexpected ways.
The game’s turn-based combat is strategically rich, while its character customization and companion interactions are among the best in the genre. What truly elevates Baldur’s Gate 3 to Mustplay status is its commitment to player freedom and emergent gameplay. You can talk your way out of fights, seduce demons, or simply wreak havoc – the possibilities feel endless. With hundreds of hours of content, incredible voice acting, and a narrative that adapts to your unique playstyle, Baldur’s Gate 3 is not just an RPG; it’s a masterclass in interactive storytelling and a fundamental Mustplay for anyone who appreciates deep narrative and robust role-playing. For more insights into its design, consider exploring developer interviews and post-mortem analyses, often found on reputable gaming news sites.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: A Mustplay Innovation
Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, released in 2023, is a brilliant successor to the groundbreaking Breath of the Wild. It takes the beloved formula of open-world exploration and innovative physics-based gameplay and elevates it to new heights. Link’s latest adventure sees him exploring not just the vast lands of Hyrule, but also mysterious sky islands and treacherous underground caverns, offering a truly vertical and expansive world.
The game introduces new abilities like “Ultrahand” and “Fuse,” allowing players to construct incredible contraptions and combine items in imaginative ways. This emphasis on creative problem-solving is what makes Tears of the Kingdom a genuine Mustplay. Every puzzle, every combat encounter, and every traversal challenge can be approached with an almost limitless array of solutions, fostering a sense of ingenious discovery. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s design philosophy, proving that innovation can thrive within a familiar framework. This title is a Mustplay for fans of adventure, exploration, and ingenious game mechanics. 
4. Red Dead Redemption 2: A Narrative Mustplay Masterpiece
Rockstar Games’ Red Dead Redemption 2, launched in 2018, stands as a monumental achievement in open-world storytelling and environmental design. As a prequel to the original, it places players in the boots of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the dying days of the Wild West. The game’s narrative is a poignant, sprawling epic about loyalty, loss, and the struggle to survive in a rapidly changing world.
What makes RDR2 a profound Mustplay is its unparalleled attention to detail and its living, breathing world. Every NPC has a routine, every animal behaves realistically, and the landscapes are rendered with breathtaking beauty. The slow, deliberate pace allows players to truly inhabit Arthur’s role, forging deep connections with the Van der Linde gang. It’s a game that doesn’t rush you but encourages you to savor every moment, every interaction, and every stunning vista. For those seeking an emotionally resonant story within an incredibly detailed world, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an undeniable Mustplay. Its narrative depth often draws comparisons to classic literature, making it a unique Mustplay experience for story enthusiasts.
Diverse Mustplay Experiences: From Hades to Portal
Beyond the grand narratives and expansive worlds, there are games that offer unique gameplay loops, artistic brilliance, or simply pure, unadulterated fun. These titles might not always fit conventional molds, but their impact and enjoyment factor make them essential additions to any Mustplay list. They showcase the incredible variety and innovation present in the gaming industry today.
5. Hades: A Roguelike Mustplay Gem
Supergiant Games’ Hades, released in 2020, took the roguelike genre by storm, proving that repetition doesn’t have to be monotonous. Players take on the role of Zagreus, prince of the Underworld, as he repeatedly attempts to escape his father, Hades. Each run is different, thanks to procedurally generated levels and a vast array of boons from the Olympian gods, but the genius lies in its narrative design.
Unlike most roguelikes where death is simply a reset, in Hades, every death advances the story, revealing more about the characters and the lore of the Greek mythological setting. The fast-paced, fluid combat is incredibly satisfying, and the stunning art style and incredible voice acting immerse you completely. Hades is a Mustplay because it masterfully blends addictive gameplay with a compelling, character-driven story that unfolds with each attempt. It’s a shining example of how to innovate within a challenging genre, making it accessible and utterly engaging. This game is a Mustplay for anyone looking for a stylish, challenging, and endlessly replayable experience. You can often find discussions about its unique narrative structure on gaming forums and dedicated fan wikis.
6. Stardew Valley: The Ultimate Cozy Mustplay
ConcernedApe’s Stardew Valley, launched in 2016, is a testament to the power of passion projects. This charming farming and life simulation RPG allows players to escape the corporate grind and build a new life in the idyllic Pelican Town. You inherit a dilapidated farm, and from there, the possibilities are vast: grow crops, raise livestock, mine for resources, fish, forge relationships with townsfolk, and even get married.
Stardew Valley is a Mustplay because of its incredible depth, soothing gameplay loop, and endless replayability. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation and progression, allowing players to set their own pace and goals. The game has received continuous free updates, adding new content and further cementing its status as a beloved classic. It’s a game that provides comfort and a sense of accomplishment, making it an ideal Mustplay for anyone seeking a low-stress, highly rewarding experience. Its community is vibrant, constantly sharing tips and strategies, making it a truly living game and a perpetual Mustplay. For tips on maximizing your farm’s output, exploring community guides is always a good idea.
7. Portal 2: A Timeless Puzzle Mustplay
Valve’s Portal 2, released in 2011, remains a benchmark for innovative puzzle design, sharp writing, and brilliant humor. As a first-person puzzle-platformer, it challenges players to navigate complex environments using the iconic Portal Gun, which creates two inter-spatial portals. The game builds upon the original’s groundbreaking mechanics with new elements, a longer campaign, and a fantastic co-op mode.
What makes Portal 2 an enduring Mustplay is its ingenious level design, which constantly introduces new concepts and twists on existing ones, pushing players to think outside the box. The narrative, driven by the sardonic AI GLaDOS and the bumbling Wheatley, is laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly poignant. It’s a masterclass in pacing, escalating difficulty, and character development, all wrapped in a visually distinctive package. Even over a decade later, its puzzles are fresh, its humor is timeless, and its impact on game design is undeniable. Portal 2 is a definitive Mustplay for anyone who appreciates clever puzzles, witty dialogue, and a truly unique gaming experience. 
Why These Games Are Mustplay Experiences
The games on this list represent the pinnacle of their respective genres, showcasing innovation, compelling storytelling, and exceptional gameplay. They offer hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of entertainment and have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. Each one provides a unique reason to be considered a Mustplay, whether it’s the boundless freedom of an open world, the emotional depth of a narrative, or the sheer joy of overcoming a clever challenge.
These titles aren’t just critically acclaimed; they’ve also resonated deeply with millions of players worldwide, fostering communities and inspiring countless discussions. They demonstrate the power of video games as an art form, capable of delivering experiences as profound and engaging as any other medium. Understanding what makes these games tick can also provide insight into broader industry trends, such as the increasing demand for player agency and rich, evolving narratives, which are often discussed in gaming industry reports.
Expanding Your Mustplay Horizons
While these seven games offer incredible starting points, the world of gaming is vast. If you’ve enjoyed the epic scope of Elden Ring, you might want to explore other challenging ARPGs like Dark Souls or Bloodborne. If the narrative depth of Baldur’s Gate 3 captivated you, consider diving into other CRPG classics like Divinity: Original Sin 2 or Pillars of Eternity. For fans of Stardew Valley’s cozy charm, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a similar escape, while Terraria provides a more adventurous sandbox experience. The key is to find what aspects of these Mustplay games resonate most with you and then seek out titles that offer similar strengths.
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Many games that become Mustplay titles often blend genres or introduce novel mechanics. Keep an eye on upcoming releases and independent developers, as they often push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming. Engaging with gaming communities, reading reviews from trusted sources like Metacritic, and watching gameplay videos can also help you discover your next Mustplay adventure.
Conclusion: Your Next Mustplay Adventure Awaits
We’ve journeyed through seven incredible games that stand as pillars of modern gaming, each offering a distinct and unforgettable experience. From the challenging grandeur of Elden Ring and the narrative richness of Baldur’s Gate 3, to the inventive freedom of Tears of the Kingdom and the emotional depth of Red Dead Redemption 2, these titles represent the very best of what interactive entertainment has to offer. We also celebrated the addictive loop of Hades, the comforting embrace of Stardew Valley, and the timeless genius of Portal 2 – all undisputed Mustplay games.
Each of these games is a Mustplay for a reason, promising countless hours of engagement, wonder, and pure fun. They are more than just games; they are cultural touchstones, artistic achievements, and powerful examples of how digital worlds can captivate and inspire. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into these incredible Mustplay experiences and discover why millions of players around the globe consider them essential. Pick your next adventure from this list, grab your controller or mouse and keyboard, and immerse yourself in a world waiting to be explored. Which of these Mustplay games will you conquer first?