- The best video game stories every gamer should experience
- What makes a great story in a video game?
- 1. The Last of Us (Naughty Dog)
- Why it’s worth it:
- 2. Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar Games)
- Why it’s worth it:
- 3. Bioshock Infinite (Irrational Games)
- Why it’s worth it:
- 4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (CD Projekt Red)
- Why it’s worth it:
- 5. Mass Effect Trilogy (BioWare)
- Why it’s worth it:
- Practical tips for enjoying story-driven games
- Conclusion: Which video game story will you try next?
The best video game stories every gamer should experience
What’s up, my gaming fam? Have you ever jumped into a video game and found yourself more engrossed in the twists, turns, and tales than you ever expected? Yep, I’ve been there too. Today, we’re diving into some of the most exciting stories in video games. These are the kind of storylines that don’t just entertain but stick with you long after you’ve turned off your rig.
Games have evolved far beyond button-mashing and leveling up. Modern video games are essentially interactive movies with deep lore, memorable characters, and incredible plot twists. So whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer chasing impactful moments, this list has something for everyone. Let me guide you through some of the **best stories in video games** I’ve personally experienced. Trust me, these games are worth every minute!
What makes a great story in a video game?
Before I jump into the list, let’s take a sec to understand what sets a game with an enjoyable story apart from the rest. A **great video game story** typically has:
- Relatable or unique characters: Whether you’re controlling the hero or side characters, you need to care about what happens to them.
- World-building: A sense of immersion where the world feels lived-in and filled with history.
- Choices that matter: Good games make you invest emotionally by letting you decide the fates of characters or kingdoms.
- Plot twists: Unpredictable surprises that make your jaw drop. No spoilers here, but trust me, every game on this list has at least one of those!
With that out of the way, let’s dive into my top picks for games with the most **exciting stories**.
1. The Last of Us (Naughty Dog)
Alright, let’s start with a classic. The Last of Us set the bar insanely high. The game is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. You play as Joel, a hardened survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, who is tasked with escorting a young girl named Ellie across the U.S. amidst a zombie-like outbreak.
Why it’s worth it:
- The Joel and Ellie dynamic is one of the best relationships ever written in a game.
- The world is dark, gritty, and feels truly dangerous.
- Incredibly heart-wrenching moments that often leave you speechless.
Pro Tip: Take your time with this one. Don’t rush through the environments because you can learn a ton about the world through little details like abandoned houses and notes you find along the way.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar Games)
The Wild West has never been more beautifully tragic. In **Red Dead Redemption 2**, you step into the boots of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw struggling with his own morality as his gang slowly disintegrates. Every mission in this epic journey feels like another chapter in an incredible novel.
Why it’s worth it:
- The conflicting personalities of the gang members make for some incredible drama.
- Every choice Arthur makes feels like it could change the entire course of the game.
- The immaculate attention to detail in the story and environment pulls you in hard.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to Arthur’s honor system. Whether you play as a virtuous gunslinger or a ruthless criminal, your actions will shape the world and change interactions with characters dramatically.
3. Bioshock Infinite (Irrational Games)
Buckle up. Bioshock Infinite is as mind-bending as they come. You’re Booker DeWitt, tasked with saving a mysterious girl named Elizabeth from a floating city called Columbia. Without dropping too much info, the game’s ending will leave you questioning reality.
Why it’s worth it:
- The interplay between Booker and Elizabeth builds one of the best emotional arcs in gaming.
- It explores themes like American exceptionalism, racism, and quantum physics – yes, really!
- The ending turns the entire story on its head, making you want to play through it again.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush the final sequence. Seriously, set aside uninterrupted time so you can fully absorb the mind-blowing plot finish.
4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (CD Projekt Red)
When people talk about the **best game stories**, **The Witcher 3** always makes the cut. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with his own personal baggage. What makes this game’s story stand out isn’t just the main plotline but the epic world of side quests that feel just as fleshed out as the central narrative.
Why it’s worth it:
- Geralt’s personal quest to find his missing adopted daughter provides some intense emotional moments.
- The world-building is out of this world, with kingdoms, factions, and cultures begging to be explored.
- The side characters – like Yennefer, Triss, and Ciri – are written so expertly that you’ll miss them when the credits roll.
Pro Tip: Go off the beaten path! The side quests are often just as engaging (or more) as the main missions. Some even have plotlines that span across several in-game hours.
5. Mass Effect Trilogy (BioWare)
This one’s for all you sci-fi lovers. Imagine a space opera where you decide the fate of galaxies – yep, that’s the Mass Effect Trilogy. Commander Shepard is one of the most recognizable heroes in gaming, and you’ll guide him (or her) through life-changing decisions, alien romances, and full-scale space battles.
Why it’s worth it:
- The sheer amount of player choice. From who you save to who you romance, your decisions matter and drastically alter your experience.
- The complex political systems and interspecies relations make for a super compelling universe.
- The relationships you forge across the trilogy give it real emotional weight, especially during those final moments.
Pro Tip: Import your saves from one game to the next! This allows for maximum story continuity, ensuring decisions from the start of the first game carry all the way to the trilogy’s epic conclusion.
Practical tips for enjoying story-driven games
By now, you must be itching to fire up one of these story-rich games. But before you go, let’s chat about a few ways to really enjoy the narratives these games offer:
- Set aside time: Story-driven games are best enjoyed when you can immerse yourself without distractions. Try to grab some long play sessions if possible.
- Explore everything: Often, smaller details and side quests reveal more about the game’s world and characters. Don’t stick entirely to the main plot!
- Talk to everyone: Don’t skip character interactions. Conversations shape a story-based game and often lead to unexpected twists or emotional moments.
- Take your choices seriously: Many story-based games let you choose narrative paths. Think carefully about your actions because they often impact the long-term outcome.
Conclusion: Which video game story will you try next?
At the end of the day, gaming is about getting lost in new worlds – and these are some of the best stories to get lost in. The characters, plots, and dramatic turning points in these games are top-tier, and they’ll not only entertain you but also make you think.
So, which one will you check out next? Whether it’s Arthur Morgan’s tragic Wild West ride or Commander Shepard’s intergalactic war, I promise these games will keep you hooked from start to finish.
If you enjoyed this list or decide to try one of these awesome games, drop me a comment with your thoughts! Now, get out there and start experiencing some of the most exciting stories in video games.