When picking a game, we usually consider the gameplay, storytelling, or unique mechanics it has to offer. However, its music can be easily overlooked. Without music, games just wouldn’t be the same. Like in movies, any game’s soundtrack dictates the feel, atmosphere, and overall reception. We can’t understate its importance and influence as it defines the way we appreciate the games we love. 

Even if you don’t pay attention to the video game music at all, you would definitely notice if there’s no music in the background. The times when 8-bit scores were all that developers could put into their games are long gone. Nowadays, the entire soundtrack of any AAA production can be fully orchestrated and cost thousands of dollars. 

It wasn’t an easy list to put together, but we’ve managed to choose games with the best soundtrack ever written. Most of these games are available on RoyalCDKeys for competitive prices, so wait no more and pick your favorite! 

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

• Release Date: November 10, 2011
• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
• Music Composer: Jeremy Soule
• Metascore: 94

If you've never played Skyrim because you’re living under a rock, there’s still no way you haven’t heard Skyrim’s music at least once. Both the game and its soundtrack are a memorable experience, and Jeremy Soule knew exactly how to capture the atmosphere of cold Skyrim.

The main title theme, “Dragonborn,” has been covered countless times and shared through memes to infinity. Not to mention that it was recorded with a 30-man choir in the game’s made-up dragon language. The game consists of 53 fully-orchestrated tracks, including ambient and combat music, but the theme song is definitely the most recognized one. The iconic beating of the drums and the sound of several trumpets in the background make every dragon fight as intense as ever.

Also, the sound of ghostly choruses while exploring Dwarven ruins adds to the tension and atmosphere of this unpleasant area. Many people consider Skyrim’s soundtrack the best music in the series, and I can sign under that statement with both hands. You can buy Jeremy Soule’s soundtrack separately or stream it through Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal, and Youtube Music.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Anniversary Edition Steam Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• The most popular action RPG to date.
• With a full orchestra and a 30-man choir, Skyrim’s music is considered the best in the series.
• The music reflects the cold lands of Skyrim perfectly.
• Skyrim’s soundtrack is available on almost every streaming platform.
• The opening theme is recognized by almost everyone. 

Dark Souls Remastered

• Release Date: May 23, 2018   
• Developer: From Software
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Music Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
• Metascore: 84

The Japanese composer Motoi Sakuraba isn’t known to a larger audience in western countries, but his musical experience is undeniable. After a quick research, you’ll notice he can compose music in almost every genre. His style is a crossover between progressive symphonic rock, cinematic orchestra, and new age. He also wrote music for well-known series like Tales of .., Star Ocean, Valkyrie Profile, and even the Super Smash Bros. series.

The dark, gothic atmosphere of Dark Souls amplifies perfectly through Motoi Sakuraba’s music. Unlike most games, Dark Souls doesn’t have a continuously playing soundtrack, but it’s present during certain events, e.g., boss fights or cutscenes. This approach makes the music much more memorable and perfectly accompanies the game’s world. Especially when approaching bosses, because violins and trumpets will blast with earnest speed to signify danger getting close by. 

All the music in the Dark Souls series is known for using violins, flutes, and organs to build a universal sound that associates with the popular franchise. Despite the game’s harsh and unforgiving gameplay, you won’t mind dying just a few more times only to hear that epic boss theme. Dark Souls soundtrack can be streamed via Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal, and Youtube Music. 

Dark Souls Remastered Steam Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• Dark Souls is so unforgiving that it created its own genre – soulslike.
• The original score was composed by Motoi Sakuraba – the man behind composing music for other renowned Japanese game series.
• The music is played during certain events instead of playing continuously, making it more memorable.     

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• Release Date: May 18, 2015  
• Developer: CD Projekt RED Studio
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Music Composer: Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikolai Stroinski, Percival
• Metascore: 93
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Witcher 3 is an outstanding game, with the utmost attention to detail when it comes to world-building. Since it’s a Polish game, the Slavonic style, including its medieval folk music, can be seen everywhere. And guess what, the soundtrack correlates with the gameplay really well, whether you’re in combat or traveling through Sklellige’s snowy mountains. Naturally, the combat tracks most easily capture the listener’s attention, as it is exceptionally catchy. 

The visceral screams of Percival’s female vocalist are one of the main elements during tracks like Silver for Monsters or Steel for Humans. Also, they've used instruments you probably never heard about before: yaylı tanbur, gheychak, kemenche, or bouzouki. To anyone familiar with folklore music, Witcher 3’s original score is exceptionally satisfying to listen to. 

However, CDProjekt’s awareness of musical expertise is impressive, as many western players received its music as something fresh and new. Looking at the music of The Wild Hunt as a product, it’s clear that any cent paid will be money well spent. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Soundtrack can be streamed via Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal, and Youtube Music.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt GOTY GOG Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the most polished action RPGs to date.
• A medieval folk soundtrack that captures the atmosphere of a dark fantasy world extremely well.
• Use of many uncommon instruments. 

Life is Strange: True Colors

• Release Date: September 10, 2021
• Developer: Square Enix
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
• Music Composer: Angus and Julia Stone/Various artists
• Metascore: 81

The presence of Life is Strange is unique on this list since this game doesn’t have an original score. However, this game is half the story, half the music. The acoustic, original songs by Angus and Julia Stone are simple, yet the acoustic guitars and vocals create a truly immersive experience. Their songs are about delivering empathy since Alex (the main protagonist) is very sensitive, and the score portrays her actual state of mind. Despite being so soothing, the songs can also make you feel sad somehow.

Alex loves to play guitar and sing, and her version of Radiohead’s Creep is quite amazing. The game also has a lot of diegetic music you can hear during your playthrough. Whether it’s the jukebox at the bar or the turntable at your apartment, songs like Lately by Metronomy or Thank You by Dido are ear-catching and show that licensed music plays an important role in the score. 

You’ll immediately notice that music is the foundation of True Colors and is an integral part of the game. The characters enjoy playing and listening to various songs in the game as it’s filled with pop-rock songs which are pleasurable to listen to. I’m sure that most people will find the game and its soundtrack helpful when dealing with the same issues as the main character.

Life is Strange: True Colors Steam Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• Life is Strange: True Colors is a third-person adventure game, where your decisions play an important role during the story.
• Instead of the original score, the game uses licensed music from various artists.
• The presence of famous bands and singers like Radiohead and Dido.
• Great to listen outside the game.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

• Release Date: December 3, 2019 (PC)
• Developer: 343 Industries
• Platforms: PC, Xbox One
• Music Composer: Michael Salvatore, Martin O’Donnell 
• Metascore: 85

Back in the early 2000s, Halo redefined what a first-person shooter could be, but its great soundtrack left a similar mark in the gaming industry. I mean, a full orchestral score in a video game in 2004? Nowadays, it’s nothing special, but back then, the budget for video games wasn’t nearly as high as it is today. 

The angelic choir and a vast arrangement of strings raised a generation of gamers and achieved legendary status. Halo alone features a fantastic, groundbreaking atmosphere, and the music constantly drives you to keep pushing on. I’ve included the entire collection of Halo games since every installment is outstanding in terms of its original score.

Michael Salvatore’s and Martin O’Donnell’s compositions are masterful, not only as a standalone set of songs but they perfectly fit the humans desperately fighting for their lives in a war against an alien alliance known as The Covenant. It’s also worth mentioning the guest appearance of remarkable guitarist Steve Vai, who’s responsible for the rock n’ roll rendition of Halo Theme in Halo 2. All in all, Halo wouldn’t be the same without its iconic music, and it’s easily the sole reason to get familiar with the series.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection Xbox Live Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• One of the best fps series to date that raised a generation of gamers.
• A full orchestral score, iconic to the entire series.
• Guest appearance of one of the greatest guitar players in the world – Steve Vai.   

Doom Eternal

• Release Date: March 20, 2020
• Developer: Bethesda Softworks
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
• Music Composer: Mick Gordon
• Metascore: 88

Are there any fans of heavy-metal riffs and djent solos? Since Doom’s Reboot in 2016, its soundtrack sounds like it was specifically made for metalheads. Besides, is there a better feeling than slaying hordes of monsters during the outstanding rendition of Harbinger or At Doom’s Gate?

Mick Gordon has plenty of game soundtracks in his portfolio, but it looks like Doom sealed the deal for him. The expectations were high for its sequel, and Gordon delivered an even better score this time, taking everyone to distortion heaven (or hell). Doom Eternal’s soundtrack takes inspiration from the industrial metal genre, mixing phasers, synths, and crunchy, distorted guitars, delivering killer tunes. 

The amount of outstanding tracks this game provides is almost ridiculous. Even the ambient music when moving between arenas consists of heavily distorted guitars. The game's tempo is hella fast, so the music must keep up with it. One of the best parts of many songs is when a corrupted synthesizer soars over these heavy guitars, creating a melodic soundscape that sounds as crunchy as the demon bones you’re tearing through. It sounds bizarre, but it's even more surprising how well it works together.

Doom Eternal Steam Key is available on RoyalCDKeys. 

Key Features

• Doom Eternal is the sequel to the warmly received Doom reboot in 2016.
• Its soundtrack is perfect for every metalhead wanting to headbang during the immense extermination of monsters.
• A perfect rendition of old classics like Harbinger or At Doom’s Gate.  

Hades

• Release Date: September 17, 2020
• Developer: Supergiant Games
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Music Composer: Darren Korb
• Metascore: 93

Hades feels and plays like an indie game, and it was one of the best titles released in 2020. The title is a roguelike game made of flesh and blood, which should appeal to any fan of the genre. Even if roguelikes don’t fit you by any means, Supergiant Games created a memorable experience that might change your tune. However, we’re here to talk about the music, and the score composed for Hades is quite exceptional.

The exquisite combat is extremely polished and only heightened by a killer soundtrack that perfectly matches the game’s roguelike tenets. The music composed by Darren Korb combines ancient-greek instruments (lyres and flutes) with modern metal. Every level has multiple songs attached to them, so expect a different “feel” every time you enter a certain location. 

Most of the songs have two stages: it usually starts with a clean guitar tone in a funky manner. Then, the distortion kicks in at around the three-minute mark and gets the blood flowing. Usually, you can’t help it and start headbanging to it as if you were listening to a Megadeth song. The score can also be relaxing and slow-paced during peaceful moments, but it knows precisely when to go hard to pump up the adrenaline.

Hades Xbox Live Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• Hades is the best roguelike game of 2020.
• The unusual mix of Greek instruments with modern metal.
• Every location has multiple songs attached to them.   

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

• Release Date: May 14, 2021 
• Developer: BioWare
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
• Music Composer: Jack Wall, Sam Hulick
• Metascore: 86

In Mass Effect Legendary Edition, almost everything is remastered, including graphics and gameplay. However, one thing remained untouched: the original score. Mass Effect’s music is heavily influenced by the works of Vangelis and Tangerine Dream. It features a vintage, analog synth sound and multi-layered approach that perfectly fits the galactic world of Mass Effect. 

The first installment’s music is a tribute to 80’s sci-fi movies. There’s a lot of synth use, many horns, and some piano sections that come together epically. Mass Effect’s music also varies between the installments, with Mass Effect 2 and 3 representing a more serious tone. It evolves into a more orchestral, cinematic experience to show the maturation of the series. 

The live instrumentation of Mass Effect’s sequels appeals to me the most, as it's great to listen to outside of the games and more approachable for a larger audience. However, I assume everyone’s mileage will vary, though.

Mass Effect - Remastered: Legendary Edition Origin Key is available on RoyalCDKeys. 

Key Features

• Mass Effect is a classic sci-fi action RPG in every aspect – including music.
• The original score varies between installments, switching between synth and electronic music to more epic, orchestral themes.
• The music is heavily influenced by the works of Vangelis and Tangerine Dream.   

Dead Space

• Release Date: October 20, 2008
• Developer: EA Redwood Shores
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
• Music Composer: Jason Graves
• Metascore: 86

Our list wouldn’t be complete without at least one horror game. First Dead Space was a huge phenomenon in 2008, as the game delivered psychological thrills and gruesome action comparable to F.E.A.R. from 2005. Dead Space still stands out as one of the creepiest gaming experiences horror enthusiasts can find, and every horror fan knows how important sound design is to deliver the sense of uncertainty.

Whether it’s the creepy strings playing at the start of the game or the industrial ringing when you encounter a necromorph, the sound design will make your hair curl. It’s not hard to find a track you'll immediately love since Jason Graves understands the franchise perfectly and opted to create the scariest soundtrack possible. Did he succeed? It’s up to you to decide.

Dead Space Origin Key is available on RoyalCDKeys. 

Key Features

• Dead Space is probably the scariest third-person shooter ever created.
• Outstanding sound design including the mesmerizing soundtrack.
• Jason Graves composed music for the entire Dead Space trilogy, each offering something new and distinct from its predecessor.

Assassin’s Creed 2

• Release Date: March 9, 2010
• Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
• Music Composer: Jesper Kyd
• Metascore: 86

Jesper Kyd wrote several videogame scores, but his award-winning work for Assassin’s Creed 2 is considered the best in his career. While recording this mesmerizing soundtrack, Kyd had a 30-piece orchestra and a 13-person choir. Assassin’s Creed 2 is already a classic and is rewarded with a must-play badge on Metacritic, so if you’ve never played it, then you should catch up as soon as possible.

He exceptionally blends lush instrumentation and rich vocals to capture the atmosphere of Rennaisance Italy – the period during which the game’s action is set. Earth, the opening theme, has been listened to over 30 million times on Spotify, making it his most popular song on the platform. He created a unique mix that balances the rich, classical themes of the Rennaisance with the modern world. 

The same song reprises several times throughout the game, which varies both tempo and instruments used. From excellent piano pieces to violin solos, the soundtrack offers as much atmosphere as the visuals and art design of the actual game. It’s also my favorite soundtrack out of all Assassin’s Creed games, and I find it very listenable while working or simply relaxing.

Assassin’s Creed 2 Ubisoft Connect Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• Assassin’s Creed 2 is considered the best game in the series.
• The score was composed of a 30-piece orchestra and a 13-person choir.
• Assassin’s Creed 2 soundtrack is Jesper Kyd’s most popular score.
• Great to listen while working or studying.