Turn on the music: Here are 30 of the greatest game soundtracks of all time!
Video game music or soundtracks aren’t just great because the music itself is good, but often because of how perfectly it’s used within the game. We all connect with different soundtracks on an emotional level, so we asked around in our office of gamers and the community to find the true gems of video game soundtracks. Here they are: The Greatest Video Game Soundtracks Ever Created.
(Note that the order of this list does NOT represent a ranking)
The Halo series is known for its sweeping orchestral scores that enhance the epic sci-fi atmosphere and intense gameplay. Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori's compositions, such as the iconic Halo theme, have truly become synonymous with the series' grandeur and emotional depth.
© Microsoft Studios
Jesper Kyd's work on Assassin's Creed 2 introduced a blend of Renaissance-inspired music with modern elements, setting a benchmark for historical adventure soundtracks. Tracks by artists such as Jesper Kyd and Lorne Balfe in later installments such as Black Flag and Brian Tyler continued this tradition, incorporating sea shanties that have become iconic, capturing the spirit of piracy and exploration. Assassin's Creed soundtracks always set the mood for the various locations in which the games take place.
© Ubisoft
Borislav Slavov's soundtrack for Baldur's Gate 3 enriches the fantasy RPG experience with its atmospheric orchestration and thematic variety. The music seamlessly adapts to the game's narrative twists and turns, enhancing immersion and emotional engagement.
© Larian Studios
Jonathan Morali's indie-folk soundtrack for the Life is Strange series, featuring tracks by Daughter, Alt-J, Syd Matters, Novo Amor, and Angus & Julia Stone, complements the game's narrative-driven experience. These artists' music enhances the emotional journey a lot.
© Square Enix
Jeremy Soule's compositions for the Elder Scrolls series, most notably Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim, feature a central melody that persists through variations of the main themes, underscoring the continuity and grandeur of Tamriel's lore and landscapes. Fun fact: This iconic theme can also be heard in the Elder Scrolls 6 trailer!
© Bethesda Softworks
Yuka Kitamura's score for Elden Ring blends haunting melodies with powerful orchestral pieces that reflect the game's dark fantasy setting and challenging gameplay. The music adds depth to the game's atmosphere and lore, resonating with players as they make their perilous journey.
© FromSoftware
The Battlefield 2042 theme is a true celebrity among all video game soundtracks here, because everyone will recognize it. This soundtrack has lured its way through all Battlefield titles and has become an epic theme for an epic franchise. Throughout the years, the battlefield theme has changed a bit but at its core it's always provoking the same nostalgia that we felt when playing early Battlefield titles | © EA
C418's minimalist, soft and ambient soundtrack for Minecraft enhances the calm and exploratory nature of the game. The serene melodies evolve with the player's experience, fostering a sense of creativity and wonder in the blocky world.
© Mojang Studios
Shadow of the Colossus is a game that’s often praised for its storytelling and breathtaking landscapes, but its soundtrack is just as unforgettable. The music is incredibly emotional, with each boss having its own unique theme. Every track captures that "David versus Goliath" feel, delivering a different kind of epicness with each encounter. It’s this powerful, varied soundtrack that elevates the intensity and emotion of every battle, making each moment feel truly monumental.
Okay, listen to me. Yes. The music of the original Tetris wasn't played by a 100-piece orchestra with 20 different instruments and so on. BUT what makes Tetris one of the best video game soundtracks of all time is the memories we all associate with that sound. Imagine being 10 years old, sitting in a corner of your room, snuggled up in some pillows, holding your GameBoy and trying to set a new high score in Tetris. I think we can all relate to that feeling and the soundtrack. And if you're still in the mood for the big orchestra, just check out Tetris: Effect!
© The Tetris Company
The music of Kingdom Hearts doesn't just accompany the story; it amplifies the emotional depth of the narrative, enhancing the player’s connection to the characters and the worlds they explore. This unforgettable soundtrack is a major reason why Kingdom Hearts has remained beloved by fans for years. Especially Dearly Beloved from Kingdom Hearts 2 is one of our office favorites here at EarlyGame.
The music of Final Fantasy VII will forever have a very special place in my heart. Especially the main theme, obviously, was a masterpiece for itself, but the whole game was just filled with brilliant soundtracks that are just straight-up great, with some clever use of music during key moments. Every time I hear it, I get hit with nostalgia... and that, in my opinion, is what makes a great game soundtrack truly great. | © Square Enix
In Mass Effect 2, the soundtrack mixes orchestral and electronic music. Tracks like "Suicide Mission" stand out, with their heart-pounding beats making the mission feel truly epic
Mass Effect 3 keeps that energy going but adds more emotional and reflective tunes to match the game’s darker, more desperate atmosphere. Clint Mansell’s "An End, Once and For All" is a highlight, making it even more emotional.
Together, the soundtracks of Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 create an unforgettable audio experience that perfectly matches the epicness of the series, making them some of the best in gaming history.
Ori and the Blind Forest is one of the most beautiful games I have ever played, and the music definitely makes up a big part of what makes this game so beautiful. Tracks like "Ori, Lost in the Storm" and "Restoring the Light, Facing the Dark" are some of the saddest, but also most beautiful tracks out there, both composed by Gareth Coker.
© Moon Studios
F-Zero is a legendary racing game series known for its high-speed action and futuristic settings, and its music is a big part of what makes it so memorable. The soundtrack is packed with energetic, adrenaline-pumping tracks that perfectly match the intense pace of the game. Definitely worth a listen! | © F-Zero
Detroit: Become Human was a masterpiece in game history in terms of story and narrative design. What many didn't notice is that the music in Detroit played a crucial role in the storytelling. The soundtrack, composed by three different artists—Philip Sheppard, Nima Fakhrara, and John Paesano—each tailored their music to one of the game’s main characters: Kara, Connor, and Markus.
Each character’s theme matches their personal journey and emotions. Kara’s music is soft and emotional, showing her protective nature and the innocence she tries to keep safe. Connor’s theme is more mechanical and tense, reflecting his role as an android detective torn between his job and finding himself. Markus’ music is strong and powerful, representing his role as a leader in the android revolution.
© Quantic Dream
Composed primarily by Greg Edmonson for the earlier games and later by Henry Jackman, the soundtrack is filled with epic orchestral pieces that perfectly capture the spirit of the game. Overall, the soundtrack of Uncharted is a key element that brings the gameplay to another level, making every daring leap and narrow escape feel like a blockbuster moment.
© Naughty Dog
The Last of Us is not only loved for its gripping narrative and emotional depth, but also for its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. Composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, the music perfectly complements the game's themes of survival, loss, and the fragile connections between its characters.
Santaolalla’s use of acoustic guitar and subtle atmospheric sounds creates a very emotional soundtrack that perfectly matches the bleak, post-apocalyptic world of Joel and Ellie. The music feels like an additional character in the game, conveying emotions that go beyond what the characters say.
© Naughty Dog
In God of War, the themes for Kratos and Atreus are deeply interconnected, symbolizing their relationship. Atreus' theme is composed with elements from both Kratos' and Faye's (Atreus' mother) themes. The use of the first three notes of each character's motif in Atreus' theme creates a symbolic link between father and son, which is just a piece of art in this stunning video game.
In Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the music is incredibly subtle. On its own, it might not be something you'd listen to casually, but it's used in such a perfect, intentional way that it enhances the gameplay experience. You barely notice the melodies from older Zelda games unless you really pay attention. But when you reach the final boss, the music becomes orchestral and powerful, creating a huge emotional impact because of the contrast with the more subtle music earlier in the game.
© Nintendo
The Super Smash Bros. Brawl Main Theme, crafted by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu, is a real highlight, known for its epic, orchestral vibe that really sets the stage. On top of that, the game brings in music from classics like Metal Gear and Sonic the Hedgehog, making it a killer mix of iconic tracks that hit home with gamers from all over. | © Nintendo
Yasunori Nishiki's soundtrack for Octopath Traveler blends modern orchestration with nostalgic 16-bit stylings, perfectly complementing the game's retro-inspired visuals and intricate storytelling. Each character's theme reflects their unique personality and journey, adding to the overall experience.
© Square Enix
Woody Jackson's scores for Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2 capture the essence of the Wild West with sweeping western themes and atmospheric ambient pieces. The music, including standout tracks like "That's the Way It Is" and the poignant "House Building Song," immerses players in the rugged landscapes and emotional depth of the games' story.
© Rockstar Games
Junichi Masuda's music for Pokémon Red and Blue is nostalgic and catchy, with memorable 8-bit melodies that define the Pokémon experience. The music heightens the sense of adventure and is truly nostalgic, leaving a lasting impression on players.
© The Pokémon Company
Bill Kiley's synthwave soundtrack for Katana Zero perfectly complements the game's stylish, fast-paced action and noir-inspired story. The music's energetic beats and atmospheric tones synchronize with the player's precise movements and create an addicting experience.
© Devolver Digital
Furi's soundtrack features contributions from several synthwave artists, creating a dynamic and intense musical backdrop for the game's boss battles and fast-paced combat. The music's pulsating rhythms and electronic beats drive the game's exhilarating gameplay and atmospheric storytelling.
© The Game Bakers
Wilbert Roget's 2nd score for Helldivers 2 uses militaristic orchestrations combined with electronic elements to capture the heroic nature of the co-op shooter. The music enhances the tactical gameplay and camaraderie between players, making each mission feel epic and immersive - ready to spread some democracy?
© Arrowhead Game Studios
One of the coolest things about Metal Gear Solid's music is how it changes with the gameplay. When you're sneaking around or caught in a fight, the music ramps up, making everything feel more intense and immersive. Tracks like "Encounter" are legendary for their heart-pounding beats that crank up the tension when you're spotted by enemies, making those moments even more thrilling.
© Konami
Koji Kondo's iconic music for The Legend of Zelda series, especially Ocarina of Time and Wind Waker, captures the essence of adventure and exploration. The music underscores Link's heroic journey with memorable themes that have become timeless gaming classics.
© Nintendo
The Need for Speed series is known for its high-octane racing tracks, and Underground 2 and Most Wanted on PS2 feature adrenaline-pumping electronic and rock compositions by Saki Kaskas and Jeff van Dyck. The music energizes the racing experience and makes every chase and race unforgettable. Plus, it's truly nostalgic - didn't we all linger in the start screen of Underground 2 to listen to Riders on the Storm?
© Electronic Arts
There are many factors that make a game great. Beautiful graphics, dense atmosphere, cool quests and NPCs, a nice storyline - but there is one thing that can immediately make us excited, nostalgic or bring back memories: the music! A great score can really enhance a game. So here are some of our favorite game soundtracks of all time.
