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.

4 of 21 photo by Iceberg Interactive

83 #16 (tie): Strange Horticulture

Released in January, this short indie puzzle game casts you as the owner of a plant store in a quaint small town. As you explore the lands surrounding your store for new specimens to add to your collection, you'll also become entwined in a centuries-old occult mystery. The overall vibe is relaxing, but the puzzle-solving can be tricky at times. And, yes, you can pet the cat.

“I was pleasantly surprised by Strange Horticulture. It sports an extremely satisfying loop of collecting, cataloging, and solving puzzles.” —Movies Games and Tech

Where To Buy