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The best games of 2019

The Verge’s guide to the Xbox One, PS4, Switch, PC, and mobile games you need to play this year

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

By the time December rolls around, the beginning of the year can be a blur.

Twelve months is a long time, and it’s easy to forget what happened yesterday, so you’d be forgiven for losing track of something from months ago. This is especially problem with lists that gather together the best entertainment from a particular year — whether it’s movies, games, or music — and end up jam-packed with experiences released in the later months.

To get around this, we’ve created this landing page dedicated to all the best games of 2019. It’s not a list that we labor over at the end of the year; instead, think of it as a living document, one that will continue to grow as new games come out and delight us. That way we won’t forget anything.

Luckily, 2019 started with a bang, thanks to great games like Resident Evil 2, Wargroove, Devil May Cry 5, and yet another clever reimagining of Tetris — expect things to only get more interesting from there. If you’re ever in need of something new to play, this is the place to check out.

Life is Strange 2 is an uncomfortable sequel that’s powerfully relevant

The full season is a worthy successor

Andrew Webster
Wattam is a touching, whimsical playground from the creator of Katamari

An emotional journey about ice cream and poop

Andrew Webster
The Outer Worlds is a cruel twist on role-playing games’ lone hero stories

It’s easier to live at the end of the world than the end of capitalism

Adi Robertson
Pokémon Sword and Shield are the best Pokémon games in years

The shift to console makes the latest Pokémon bigger and more exciting

Andrew Webster
Untitled Goose Game is a honkin’ good time

GOTY: Goose of the Year

Dami Lee
Death Stranding is a long, bizarre journey that’s both breathtaking and boring

Hideo Kojima’s post-Metal Gear game demands a lot from players

Andrew Webster
Afterparty is a hilarious exploration of the afterlife and binge drinking

Hell hath no fury, but a hangover

Megan Farokhmanesh
Ring Fit Adventure review: two weeks with Nintendo’s charming exercise RPG

Can XP and battles make fitness more fun?

Andrew Webster
Sayonara Wild Hearts is an electrifying ride through a world made of pop culture

From the creators of Year Walk and Device 6

Andrew Webster
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is like a brand-new Zelda adventure on Switch

A classic that doesn’t feel dated

Andrew Webster
Gears 5 is a spectacular return to form

The Coalition revives the franchise in an unexpectedly brilliant fashion

Sam Byford
Control is an excellent supernatural thriller with hints of Metroid

From the creators of Alan Wake and Quantum Break

Andrew Webster
Life is Strange 2 is an uncomfortable sequel that’s powerfully relevant

The full season is a worthy successor

Andrew Webster
Wattam is a touching, whimsical playground from the creator of Katamari

An emotional journey about ice cream and poop

Andrew Webster
The Outer Worlds is a cruel twist on role-playing games’ lone hero stories

It’s easier to live at the end of the world than the end of capitalism

Adi Robertson
Pokémon Sword and Shield are the best Pokémon games in years

The shift to console makes the latest Pokémon bigger and more exciting

Andrew Webster
Untitled Goose Game is a honkin’ good time

GOTY: Goose of the Year

Dami Lee
Death Stranding is a long, bizarre journey that’s both breathtaking and boring

Hideo Kojima’s post-Metal Gear game demands a lot from players

Andrew Webster
Afterparty is a hilarious exploration of the afterlife and binge drinking

Hell hath no fury, but a hangover

Megan Farokhmanesh
Ring Fit Adventure review: two weeks with Nintendo’s charming exercise RPG

Can XP and battles make fitness more fun?

Andrew Webster
Sayonara Wild Hearts is an electrifying ride through a world made of pop culture

From the creators of Year Walk and Device 6

Andrew Webster
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is like a brand-new Zelda adventure on Switch

A classic that doesn’t feel dated

Andrew Webster
Gears 5 is a spectacular return to form

The Coalition revives the franchise in an unexpectedly brilliant fashion

Sam Byford
Control is an excellent supernatural thriller with hints of Metroid

From the creators of Alan Wake and Quantum Break

Andrew Webster