2020 is a year in which we could all use an escape. There’s so much going on in the world, and so much of it is overwhelming, that even an hour away from the doom and gloom can be a welcome respite. It’s a time when video games can seem more vital than ever.
The best games of 2020
The Verge’s favorite games on console, mobile, and PC
Thankfully, 2020 is also a year full of great interactive experiences. That could mean the return of beloved franchises like Animal Crossing on the Switch, Final Fantasy VII on PS4, or Half-Life in virtual reality, or inventive indie titles like Murder by Numbers or the final act of Kentucky Route Zero. Even Call of Duty has seen a resurgence, thanks to the free and accessible Warzone spinoff.
As with last year, we’re going to be keeping tabs on all of the best games throughout the year. If we play something and recommend it, you’ll find it right here on this landing page, which will be updated regularly, so be sure to check back. And if you see the little “best games of 2020” badge on a review, know that it’s a title we truly love.
Great stories
- Kentucky Route Zero’s final act was worth the wait
- In Murder by Numbers you solve crime with math
- You should play this extremely chill game about serving coffee to vampires and elves
- You don’t play Wide Ocean Big Jacket; you participate
- The Last of Us Part II is uncomfortable and exhausting, but that’s what makes it great
- If Found is a heartfelt game about relationships and the end of the world
- Playing 13 Sentinels on PS4 is like binge-watching an amazing, ambitious sci-fi drama
Action
- Half-Life: Alyx is a satisfying return to City 17
- Doom Eternal is gory, goofy, and metal as hell
- Call of Duty: Warzone is full of clever twists on battle royale
- Streets of Rage 4 is retro in all the right ways
- Star Wars: Squadrons is as good (and as hard) as actually flying an X-Wing
- Spider-Man: Miles Morales gives a fresh style to an already great game
Role-playing
- Final Fantasy VII Remake is a thrilling, thoughtful take on a classic
- Persona 5 Royal is the definitive version of an already brilliant RPG
- One of the Wii U’s best RPGs is even better on the Switch
- Paper Mario: The Origami King is a laugh-out-loud funny RPG on the Switch
- Hades is a roguelike with hot gods to kiss and kill
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a fresh next-gen start for the series
Everything else
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a chill, charming life sim that puts you in control
- The Pedestrian is so much more than its great aesthetic
- Good Job! lets you chaotically smash through your office complex from home
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 is the perfect remaster
- Amnesia: Rebirth is an elegant sequel to a horror classic
- Astro’s Playroom is the PS5’s Wii Sports