Getting a perfect score from IGN used to be a once-in-a-generation event. Now, it feels like every other massive triple-A release is a "masterpiece." But look closer. The 10/10 rating isn't actually handed out like candy, even if it feels that way when you're staring at a $70 pre-order button.
Honestly, the "10" doesn't mean a game is flawless. No game is. It means it’s essential. It means that for that specific moment in time, nothing else did it better.
We’ve seen the list grow lately. From the sprawling lands of Hyrule to the grim, punishing corridors of FromSoftware's latest nightmares, the bar for 10 10 IGN games has shifted from "revolutionary technical feat" to "emotional and mechanical perfection." Let’s get into the ones that actually earned that weight and why some of them still make people salty on Reddit.
The Heavy Hitters: When a 10 Was Undeniable
There are games you just knew were going to get it. When The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild dropped in 2017, the gaming world basically stopped spinning. It wasn't just a good game; it was a blueprint. IGN’s Jose Otero called it a "masterclass in open-world design," and he wasn't exaggerating. It changed how we look at horizons. If you see it, you can go there. Simple.
Then came the sequel. Tears of the Kingdom had the impossible task of following up a "perfect" game. Most sequels play it safe. Nintendo didn't. They added Ultrahand. Suddenly, you weren't just exploring; you were an engineer building janky wooden tanks. IGN gave it another 10. Some fans argued it was just "DLC plus," but they’re wrong. The verticality alone—going from the sky to the depths—justifies the score.
FromSoftware’s Reign of Terror
If you want to talk about "prestige" gaming, you talk about Elden Ring.
- It took the Dark Souls formula.
- It smashed it into a massive open world.
- It didn't hold your hand.
- It won.
Mitchell Saltzman’s review emphasized that it was the culmination of everything FromSoftware had been building toward since Demon's Souls. Then, in 2024, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion arrived. IGN did something rare: they gave the DLC a 10/10 too. It’s basically a full game. It’s denser, meaner, and arguably better than the base game.
10 10 IGN Games That People Love to Hate
Not every 10 is a crowd-pleaser. Some are "journalistic" 10s—games that push the medium forward even if they’re polarizing. Take The Last of Us Part II. This might be the most debated 10 in the history of the site.
Technically? It’s a miracle. The animations, the sound design, the way Ellie’s face moves when she’s terrified—it’s unmatched. But the story? Man, people are still screaming about it. IGN’s Jonathon Dornbush praised it as a masterpiece of storytelling. Many players felt it was too bleak, or they hated the perspective shifts. But that’s the thing about a 10; it doesn't have to be "safe." It just has to be bold.
The RPG Renaissance: Baldur’s Gate 3
Nobody expected a CRPG (Computer RPG) to become a mainstream juggernaut. Then Baldur’s Gate 3 happened. Larian Studios didn't just make a game; they made a digital version of Dungeons & Dragons where "no" isn't in the vocabulary.
- You want to talk your way out of a boss fight? Sure.
- You want to turn into a sheep? Go ahead.
- You want to romance a bear? Well... you know the rest.
Leana Hafer’s review for IGN called it the new gold standard. It’s one of those rare 10s where almost everyone agreed. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated gaming joy.
The Modern Masterpieces You Might Have Missed
While the big names grab the headlines, some of the best 10 10 IGN games are actually smaller, more focused experiences.
Hades II recently joined the ranks. Supergiant Games is basically the Pixar of indie gaming—they don't miss. The original Hades was incredible, but the sequel? It’s deeper. It’s more complex. It’s a roguelike that feels like a massive epic.
Then there’s Disco Elysium: The Final Cut.
It’s a game about a sad, drunk detective talking to his own brain.
It has no combat.
It’s all dialogue.
And it’s one of the best things you’ll ever play. Simon Cardy’s review highlighted the sheer brilliance of the writing. It’s a 10 because it does something no other game has ever dared to do with such confidence.
The VR Breakthrough: Asgard’s Wrath 2
VR has always struggled to find its "system seller" outside of Half-Life: Alyx (which, surprise, also got a 10). Asgard’s Wrath 2 changed that for the Meta Quest. It’s a 60-hour RPG that doesn't feel like a tech demo. It feels like God of War in your goggles. Travis Northup’s review was a landmark because it proved VR had finally grown up.
Why Do These Scores Matter?
Look, a review is an opinion. You might play God of War: Ragnarok (another 10/10) and think it’s too "movie-like." That’s fair. But these scores serve as a historical record. They tell us what the industry was aiming for in a specific era.
When Grand Theft Auto V got its 10 back in 2013, it was because the scale was unheard of. In 2026, we’re looking at GTA VI with the same expectation. Will Rockstar get another 10? The pressure is massive.
The Masterpiece List (Short Version)
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (The peak of freedom)
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (The definitive soulslike)
- Baldur's Gate 3 (The RPG king)
- Hades II (The roguelike evolution)
- The Last of Us Part II (The cinematic powerhouse)
- Metroid Prime Remastered (The perfect update)
- Resident Evil 4 Remake (How to do a remake right)
- God of War: Ragnarok (The emotional epic)
- Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (The writing masterclass)
- Inside (The atmospheric indie gold)
What to Do Now
If you’re looking to dive into these masterpieces, don't just pick the one with the coolest cover. Think about what you actually like.
If you want to get lost in a world and feel like a genius, go with Elden Ring or Tears of the Kingdom. If you want a story that will make you stare at a wall for three hours after the credits roll, play The Last of Us Part II or Disco Elysium.
Check your platforms, too. Many of these are on Game Pass or PlayStation Plus Extra now. There's no reason to pay full price for some of the older 10s like God of War (2018) or Super Mario Odyssey.
Start with Baldur's Gate 3 if you have 100 hours to kill. It’s the most "modern" feeling of the bunch and arguably the most rewarding. Just be prepared to lose your social life for a month.