The 20 Best Video Games of 2022 So Far

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – July 7, 2022

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, 2022 and June 30, 2022 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). We have also excluded DLC.

1 of 21 photo by Focus Entertainment

83 #16 (tie): Hardspace: Shipbreaker

A PC exclusive, Hardspace: Shipbreaker is a space salvage simulation from the developers behind the Homeworld series. You'll need to conduct a series of zero-gravity salvage operations—each a unique puzzle to solve—while a campaign mode adds some story elements to connect your missions. Provided that your spatial awareness skills are up to the task, dismantling space junk can be surprisingly relaxing.

“A satisfying disassembly sim wrapped in cutting workplace commentary, Hardspace: Shipbreaker is a gig well worth taking up.” —PC Gamer

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