The 20 Best Video Games of 2021 So Far

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – July 7, 2021

Which games impressed professional reviewers the most during the first half of the year? Above, we rank the best-reviewed videogames released between January 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021 by Metascore. Games must have at least 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible for inclusion.

Note that ...

If a game was released on multiple platforms, we included only the version receiving the largest total number of reviews (usually, but not always, the PS5 or PS4 version).

Multi-game compilations and newly released ports of games released in prior years on other platforms are excluded, unless they are substantially different from the prior release(s) (for example, an HD remaster of a previous-gen game that also adds some new content).

13 of 21 photo by Worldwalker Games

86 #8 (tie): Wildermyth

This year's highest-scoring new title as of midyear is a procedurally generated tactical RPG set in a hand-painted, papercraft-style 2D world called the Yondering Lands. An indie title (from Worldwalker Games) that's exclusive to PC, Wildermyth has been earning praise for its emphasis on storytelling and character development since it emerged from early access in June.

“I am utterly in love with Wildermyth. With this full release bringing it to five main campaigns and fleshing out endless generic ones, it will satisfy your RPG craving like nothing else.” —PC Gamer

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