These 10 Game Soundtracks Still Give Players Goosebumps

The best video game soundtracks get imprinted in our heads long after we finish playing them. A great soundtrack can make combat feel intense, a sad scene feel even more emotional or exploring a world feel refreshing. The best soundtracks of video games are often used in content creation. The Doom title track is a fine example; it is both the most recognizable and meme-able music. That said, we will tell you about the best video game soundtracks and why they are popular in this article.

10 Best Video Game Soundtracks of All Time

The best video game soundtracks have been featured in some legendary gaming titles. Games like Skyrim, Hollow Knight, Witcher 3 and Doom are some classic examples. That said, here are our top 10 picks for the best soundtracks of video games.

Some of these titles have also featured on our separate list of the best PC games of all time.

10. DOOM

Doom is on the best video game soundtracks list for its intensity. It is not higher on the list because the classic DOOM music isn't as emotionally varied as the other soundtracks. This track is all about energy and aggression. The heavy electronic and metal mix pushes you forward when you are fighting, making the fights feel intense and fast.

9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is on the list because it is different from typical fantasy music. It is really good at creating an atmosphere and building the game's world. This track uses vocals and folk-style music that feels very different from traditional fantasy themes. The chanting sounds are spooky and unsettling, which fits the tone. It helps make the world feel more real and richer than generic.

8. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is on the list because of its unique style. It depends a lot on playing the game for a long time, and some players enjoy that. Others think it makes the soundtrack less good in the long run. This track blends jazz and chill vocals in a stylish, relaxing way. The smooth rhythm makes it easy to listen to when you are not playing the game.

7. Hollow Knight

The Hollow Knight soundtrack is really good at creating a mood. It is not as varied as the ones higher on the list. It is better at creating an atmosphere than having really dramatic peaks. This piece of music is special for its emotional and atmospheric piano melody. It makes you feel sad and alone, which matches the area's look. The music is not trying to be loud or dramatic. It just builds the mood quietly, which makes it more immersive and impactful.

6. Outer Wilds

The Outer Wilds soundtrack is on the list because it gets better after you finish the game. It is not as big as the five, but it creates a really good atmosphere. It uses a guitar-based theme to make you feel curious and alone. As you play the game more, the song becomes connected to your journey. That is why it feels more powerful after you finish the story.

5. Final Fantasy VII

The Final Fantasy VII soundtrack is on the list because of its impact. It influenced the music of the best RPG games. Some songs are more tied to memories of the game than being good on their own, compared to the top four. This song changed how boss music works in games. It uses a full choir, orchestral style instead of simple loops. The Latin chanting and dramatic tempo shifts make the final battle feel epic and intense.

4. Hades

Unlike action game soundtracks, Hades' music is good both in and outside of gameplay. It is not higher on the list because it is not as historically influential as the other ones competing for the top three. This song changed the way music works in games when you are fighting a boss. It uses simple loops, a big choir and orchestral music. The Latin chanting made players feel like they were fighting something powerful.

3. Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is really high on the best video game soundtracks list because the music is deep despite being an old game. The melodies are still really catchy after all these years, which shows how good the sound is. The track is great because it goes perfectly with the paced combat. The mix of rock music and strong rhythm keeps you energised when you are fighting.

2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has one of the best soundtracks of video games. This track is special because of its powerful choir. They sing in the games made-up dragon language, which makes it feel old and legendary. The deep drums and singing that get louder make you feel like you are part of something. It is a match for the game world of dragons and heroes. That is why people can recognise it even when they are not playing the game.

1. NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata is one of the best video game soundtracks because of its emotional impact. Every song is memorable, and the soundtrack changes mood a lot without feeling weird. It goes from sad to tense to beautiful to intense. What makes it the best is that even people who never played the game listen to it like an album. This song is really powerful because it connects to the story's ending in a big way. It has a lot of languages and singing styles, which are like the game's themes of being human and figuring out who you are.

If you liked our video game best soundtrack picks, then check out the best open-world PC games you can play today.