It’s no secret that 2022 is off to a raucous start with multiple game of the year contenders hitting within the first couple of months of the year. Even with highly-rated hits like Elden Ring, Dying Light 2, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Horizon Forbidden West building the foundation of exceptional games of the year, there’s a lot still yet to release. This list will be your guide to every gaming experience Game Informer considers a must-play in 2022, encompassing the best games you can play on platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC, among others.
Below you’ll find a list of the top-scoring games of 2021, beginning with the top scorer and going down. Any game that scores between a 10 and an 8.5 makes the cut. Each entry also features a small blurb and a link to the full review. We’ll update the list with eligible titles as the year progresses, so be sure to bookmark this page if you ever need recommendations on what to play next. Have fun!
10 
Elden Ring
From Software’s dark fantasy action RPG offers up an incredible, unforgettable adventure. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
9.75 
Tunic
Tunic is a wonderous adventure replete with mystery, discovery, and heart. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
9.5 
Dying Light 2 Stay Human
Techland has crafted a monster of a sequel that is bigger and better in almost every way. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: February 4, 2022 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), TBA (Switch)
9.25 
Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
Endwalker caps off a story over a decade in the making in spectacular fashion and cements it as one of the series’ best entries. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Mac
Release Date:
Horizon Forbidden West
Zero Dawn was a great proof of concept, but Forbidden West shows Guerrilla Games still has plenty of thought-provoking and compelling places to take Aloy’s adventures. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Release Date:
9 
Destiny 2: The Witch Queen
Bungie has crafted an excellent expansion, but it is squarely targeted at its most fervent players. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
8.75 
Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7 serves as a showcase for Polyphony Digital’s love of automobile and racing culture, and delivers one of the best racing experiences on the market today. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Release Date:
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus charts an exciting new direction for the series, while still maintaining many of the core tenets that made Game Freak’s franchise so beloved in the first place. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
8.5 
Young Souls
Young Souls may not shatter the mold for beat ’em ups, but its well-designed combat and impressive presentation make it a stand-out. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date: August 17, 2021 (Stadia), March 10, 2022 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)
For more of our top reviews from recent years, head to the links below.
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