The Polygon edition has highlighted the top 50 best games of the year, presenting a comprehensive snapshot of what defined gaming in the recent period. Fans of challenging, atmospheric titles will find much to celebrate as the list unfolds with bold choices and surprising inclusions. The overall tone leans toward bold and memorable releases that made a lasting mark on players across platforms.
The Polygon edition has compiled the TOP 50 best games of the outgoing year. Adepts of “soullikes” will be completely satisfied; the first place was taken by Elden Ring, a sprawling adventure that fused expansive world-building with intricate combat and a sense of mystery that drew players in for hours on end. This year’s lineup demonstrates a wide range of styles, from expansive epics to tight, puzzle-driven experiences, each contributing to a vibrant gaming landscape.
In general, the top ten reads as a surprisingly varied mix of genres, with standout titles showcasing polish, ambition, and inventive design. The third spot goes to a relatively obscure detective title, The Case of the Golden Idol, which earned near-unanimous praise on Steam and captured players with its clever plotting, atmospheric investigation sequences, and satisfying puzzle structure. The ninth place is PowerWash Simulator, a curious inclusion that turned mundane chores into a surprisingly satisfying and meditative gameplay loop, inviting players to experiment with precision and timing while observing the transforming environments around them. Many observers also note that God of War: Ragnarok, a widely anticipated sequel, sits high in the ranking, underscoring the ongoing appeal of large-scale action-adventure narratives and strong storytelling in contemporary games.
Top 10 games of 2022 according to Polygon:
- Elden Ring;
- civilian sleeper;
- The Case of the Golden Idol;
- Vampire Survivors;
- Fortnite;
- repentance;
- Marvel Snap;
- Pokemon Legends: Arceus;
- PowerWash Simulator;
- God of War: Ragnarok.
Expansive, richly detailed, and filled with hidden corners, Elden Ring redefined open-world design with its fearless approach to difficulty and discovery.
Ambient and contemplative, civilian sleeper invites quiet exploration and thoughtful pacing as it nudges players toward reflective play.
A cleverly crafted detective adventure, The Case of the Golden Idol weaves puzzle-solving with narrative intrigue to great effect.
A minimalist yet addictive arcade experience, Vampire Survivors tests reflexes and strategy through waves of foes and escalating challenges.
Fortnite remains a cultural staple, delivering ongoing live events, cross-media collaborations, and a constantly evolving playground for creativity and competition.
A title that leans into intense storytelling and strategic choices, repen tance keeps players engaged with its moral complexity and pacing.
A fast, card-based battler, Marvel Snap blends superhero lore with quick, satisfying matchups and a constantly evolving meta.
A fresh take on a beloved franchise, Pokemon Legends: Arceus pushes exploration and collection into a more open, action-oriented rhythm than previous entries.
A surprising hit that transforms everyday cleaning into a satisfying, almost zen-like activity, PowerWash Simulator emphasizes timing, precision, and reward feedback.
The saga continues with epic set pieces, deeper character development, and a narrative that broadens its mythic canvas while maintaining tight, exhilarating combat and exploration.
Also in the selection were many expected titles, such as signal, neon white, Cult of the Lamb and Stray. The year’s lineup confirms a trend toward varied experiences—from atmospheric adventures and strategic puzzles to big-budget action and experimental simulators—appealing to a broad audience of players seeking depth, novelty, and a little bit of daring in their games. The breadth of genres represented ensures there is something for almost every playstyle, whether one is drawn to meticulous world-building, fast-paced competition, or thoughtful, narrative-driven journeys.
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Note: the list highlights a balance between blockbuster releases and smaller, highly regarded titles that resonated with players across platforms and regions. The insights reflect community reception, critical commentary, and the enduring pull of well-crafted games that offer memorable moments, clever design, and lasting appeal.