By There were some amazing games released in the past decade, from 2010 to 2020.
In between those triple-A game releases, there were also hidden gems that went unnoticed.
Some of those games managed to develop small cults among gamers, who passionately play these games to this day.
I wanted to shed some light on the most underrated games that still hold up as masterpieces.
I’m lucky enough to say that I’ve played every one of these games, and I still play some of them from time to time.
See if you’ve played any of these games.
1. Grim Dawn
Grim Dawn is an iconic game among the hardcore ARPG fans.
Released in 2016, this game still holds itself as one of the top-tier ARPGs in terms of gameplay, progression, and replayability.
The indie developers behind this game are still producing new content and another brand new expansion is on the way.
Grim Dawn is a one-time purchase; there are no microtransactions or pay-to-win elements. It’s a completely single-player experience with tons of build combinations, great level progression, and a massive map to explore.
2. STALKER Anomaly
The original Stalker game was first released in 2007, and it may not count as a game released in this decade. But the Stalker game I’m referring to is the Stalker Anomaly.
Stalker Anomaly is a community-made mod that combines all three Stalker games into one mod pack, and you can download and play it for free.
The Anomaly modpack has also been modified by fellow gamers into various other versions, including the popular GAMMA modpack with hardcore survival elements and Escape From Pripyat modpack with Tarkov-style gameplay elements.
All these games are free and have a cult-like following in the survival gaming community.
3. Elite Dangerous
When it comes to space games, there’s no other game that even comes close to the realism offered by Elite Dangerous.
Elite Dangerous is the only space game that has a one-to-one scale replica of the Milky Way galaxy and you can explore it in its entirety using dozens of realistic space ships.
There are no loading screens in Elite Dangerous, and you get to engage in various activities in space like mining asteroids, trading, fighting space pirates, and more.
Elite Dangerous is a massive game and it has also has a cult-like following. The game is still being supported by the developers.
4. Project Zomboid
Project Zomboid is another iconic game developed by an indie developer.
This game is like the ultimate survival sandbox simulator that challenges you to find your way and survive in a brutal apocalyptic world.
Project Zomboid may seem like a tiny, pixel game on the surface, but it has deep survival and gameplay mechanics that had me scratching my head many times.
You will question your knowledge and skills in gaming after playing this game. It’s that brutal, but in a good way.
5. Metro Series
Metro 2033 is one of the best FPS games ever made, which features a similar atmosphere to games like STALKER and Fallout.
Released in 2010, the game later received an enhanced edition that runs on modern PCs and consoles quite well. Metro 2033 has a solid story and campaign. The sequels of the series are just as good.
Especially the most recent title, Metro: Exodus, is an excellent horror FPS game that deserves a spot on this list.
6. Mad Max
Mad Max is a title that’s on almost everyone’s underrated games list. This game has been around for ages, but it still holds up in terms of gameplay and story.
Some mechanics are a bit rough around the edges, but Mad Max shines in many other areas. Especially, its hand-to-hand combat and vehicle customization are quite impressive.
Overall, the game does a great job of progression and making the players feel immersed in the post-apocalyptic world.
7. Days Gone
Days Gone was first released on PlayStation 4 as a triple-A title made by Sony. But the game did not receive the usual high praise from reviewers.
It’s probably because of the niche-style of gameplay mechanics in the game. Days Gone is similar to Mad Max in many ways. Instead of a car, you are building a motorcycle. And instead of fanatic maniacs, you battle zombies.
Days Gone has fun gunplay, zombies, awesome motorcycles, and, more importantly, it has a very engaging and captivating story.
The game is now available on PC as well.
8. Deep Rock Galactic
Even though this game already has a solid playerbase, I feel like it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
Deep Rock Galactic is truly one of the hidden gems that I’ve been playing for many years. I mostly play this game with my wife and my sister, and it’s the most fun we have playing games.
In Deep Rock Galactic, you play as a space miner who dives into different planets to mine for precious commodities. You bring them back and sell for profit to buy upgrades.
The game features procedural worlds and levels that feel new and unique every time you play it. You can play solo, but I highly recommend playing with a friend.
9. Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds won several awards during its release year, but, similar to highly rated games such as Disco Elysium and Death Stranding, this is not a game for everyone.
This game has a very weird premise, as you are racing against time while exploring planets in your tiny spaceship.
But don’t mistake this game for No Man’s Sky. Outer Wilds is more about solving puzzles and figuring things out on your own. And that’s what makes this a very memorable experience for most players.
10. Deus Ex
Before the whole Cyberpunk 2077 hype, there was Deus Ex. This is the title that first used the cyberpunk aesthetics in a video game.
Deus Ex introduced some unique gameplay elements and mechanics that, at the tim,e were considered groundbreaking. And it’s still one of the most interesting games you can play. Mankind Divided especially deserves at least one playthrough.
11. Quantum Break
Similar to Days Gone, Quantum Break was also a triple-A release on Xbox that went under the radar of many players.
Developed by one of the iconic studios behind titles like Max Payne, this game also came with impressive mechanics like a time-stop feature that blew me away.
Quantum Break also has incredible CGI work with impressive acting from top-level actors.
If you enjoy games like Max Payne, you should give this one a try.
12. BroForce
I can bet you anything that you haven’t heard of this game. BroForce is truly a niche game that comes with impressive gameplay and tons of value for its price.
It’s a retro-style pixel game inspired by classic 80s action movies. In fact, this game has another title called Expendabros, inspired by the Expendables movies. It features all the main characters from the movie, and it’s way too awesome to ignore.
You can grab this game on sale for about $1 dollar. Enjoy it with a controller.
In Conclusion
A great thing about these incredible games is that they often go on sale on Steam for dirt cheap. It goes to show that you don’t always have to spend $70 to enjoy a good game. You can probably buy all these underrated games for that single price.
