December 13, 2024

Top 15 Single-Player Video Games of the Last Decade

Top Single Player Video Games

This is my personal list of my favorite games that span from 2010 to 2020. The criteria are that it must be a story-driven game that has a focused campaign. Games like Minecraft don’t count. These games were also mainly for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One, as those are the consoles I had at the time. So enjoy my list of the top 15 best single-player games of the last decade.

#1 Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

This game is huge. Both size and reputation. This is an old-time western open-world shooter that you can play in multiple view modes. The story alone is something to experience. Characters as real as the dirt. Shooting and movement that feels as real as possible. Be prepared, though. This wester outlaw game has a few tear-jerking moments.

#2 Fallout New Vegas (2010)

Arguably the best Fallout game in the series. This sequel to a retro post-apocalyptic open-world RPG shooter that made a big impact, Fallout 3. The main story is fun enough. Put a whole world full of mystery in the mix, and you get a massive game. A game with a lot to do and say, you won’t just be sitting at the blackjack table. 


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#3 Mass Effect 2 (2010)

My favorite of the trilogy is getting geared up for a suicide mission in this sci-fi third-person shooter. Meet new characters and gain new crew members as you prepare for the biggest fight of your life. Your actions have consequences, and they can cost you dearly. This is a science fiction nerds’ biggest fantasy, and if you haven’t played, you are truly missing out. 

#4 Bioshock Infinite (2012)

 A post-civil war Confederacy succeeds into the skies. This prequel brings a unique approach to the series. It plays very well for an fps and has a very immersive narrative. Play this mysterious game to find out about all its hidden secrets. Just know that this completely connects to the original Bioshock, so be patient.   

#5 Grand Theft Auto V (2011)

One of the most hyped games of all time, and it delivers! Some of the best satire in any video game to date. Laugh and cringe at this open-world crime shooter. This game has a hilarious story but can still throw in some somber moments. Don’t judge this game until you get to know it.

#6 Portal 2 (2011)

A sequel we never thought we needed. A puzzle fps with lots of wits. This adds a story at a level that is not found in Portal 1. It adds characters and a backstory that fully connects at the end. Trust me. This game will blow your mind.

#7 Far Cry 3 (2012)

Easily the best Far Cry game of all time. This game is an open-world fps. The characters, the plot, the style, the gameplay are all fantastic. This game brought us Vaas. A character that is still being used as an example of how to make a great villain. This compelling fps has a story that will bend reality.

#8 Tell Tale’s The Walking Dead: Season One (2012)

This game has so much heart it’s silly not to complete it. The characters, the choices. All so satisfying and really personalizes the story to you. Choices never felt more important. Warning, the ending is heartbreaking yet leaves a complete experience.  

#9 Dead Space 2 (2011)

This demented TPS (Third-person shooter) sci-fi horror is the scariest, most badass story of all time. Battle with real and imaginary demons as you strive for freedom from the horror.

#10 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

This epic fantasy open-world RPG brings so much to play. Use magic, melee or ranged weapons, or even your fists! The main quest brings a lot of great characters and plot. But what really shines is the whole map, which is filled with story-driven quests. You don’t know what you’ll find just around the corner. Fantasy lovers, this game is a must. 

#11 Fallout 4 (2015)

War never changes. But Fallout does! Take the old Fallout 3 and give it better graphics, better gameplay, and more to do. This story has a lot of twists and is sure to tickle your fancy. Play the main quest to the end for an explosive finale.

#12 Batman: Arkham City (2011)

Batman done right. Fly around Arkham city and feel like batman. From the feeling of your fists clocking a bad guy to seeing his most rivaled villains. You can’t help but become the dark knight. With one of the best batman stories ever told you’ll need to play this one. 

#13 Halo Reach (2010)

One of the most emotionally charged of the Halo games, this fps lands on its feet after all that was teased about the game. Fun and unique shooting with a full cast of Spartans. The campaign leaves you satisfied but also a little sad. 

#14 Gears of War 3 (2011)

What I still consider the last Gears of War game, has to be on this list. It perfectly wrapped up the trilogy and left a satisfying conclusion to the infamous Delta squad. Play as Marcus in this ominous action sci-fi tps.

#15 Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)

It’s a pirate’s life for me, at least in the world of Assassins Creed. Meet famous pirates in this somewhat historically accurate tale based in the world of assassins. The navel fighting is the best part. I still haven’t come across a game that does better naval warfare than this game. Explore and fight in this third-person open-world action-adventure.    

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Ethan Hardy

Ethan Hardy is an avid gamer, beat composer, artist, and writer. He was also a backwoods guide and part of the Conservation Corps in Minnesota. Ethan is currently an editor and author for outdoorskillz.com and twoverbs.com

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