Imagine your favorite game of all time. Now try to imagine it without any music or sound. It just wouldn’t be the same, would it? Video game soundtracks have an undisputed impact on gaming; the right mix has the power to turn a game into a full-on cinematic masterpiece.
From orchestral scores throughout The Legend of Zelda series to the synth-heavy vibes of Hotline Miami, an exceptional game soundtrack becomes synonymous with the game itself. And in many cases, it might even introduce you to a new favorite artist. FIFA indie sleaze, anyone?
The point is: the best game soundtracks of all time deserve to be acknowledged — so we’ve compiled a definitive list of video game soundtracks that are nostalgic, emotional, and downright iconic.
Let’s get to it.
1. The Legend Of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda soundtracks are, without a doubt, as much a part of what makes the kingdom of Hyrule feel magical and otherworldly as the gameplay itself.
So yes, it’s absolutely safe to say that the fandom loves a good Zelda soundtrack – from the instantly recognizable Legend of Zelda Theme to the full orchestral drama of Skyward Sword.
It’s hard to pick a single standout track, but if we had to, we’d say 1998’s Ocarina of Time by longtime Zelda composer Kōji Kondō. From dramatic pianos and lush strings to tension-building gongs, it has it all — plus that uncanny nostalgic ability to take you right back to your first playthrough.
That said, more recent additions like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are stellar too. Zelda soundtracks never get it wrong, basically.
2. Hotline Miami
There’s no way we could forget one of the most influential indie games of all time — especially when its soundtrack is as defining as the game itself.
Set in the late 1980s, Hotline Miami might feature some of the most brutal combat and mafia massacres, but its synthwave soundtrack is a sheer delight. Developers Dennaton Games (aka Jonatan Söderström and Dennis Wedin) were intent on crafting a soundtrack as close to a film score as possible.
They enlisted artists like M.O.O.N., discovered on Bandcamp, as well as producer Scattle, who reached out after reading a blog post.
The result? An award-winning mix of cult synthwave and brooding electronica that completely sets the mood.
3. Metroid
Is Metroid the GOAT Nintendo franchise? That’s up for debate — but when it comes to soundtracks, it’s definitely up there.
Hirokazu “Hip” Tanaka, the composer of the original, once said he wanted players to “feel as if they were encountering a living creature.” The result is a score that’s both eerie and immersive.
You don’t question whether you’re really on the planet Zebes, battling aliens. This is your life now — and this is the soundtrack keeping you on edge.
4. Metal Gear Solid
Mental. Great fun. Truly bonkers. Those are just a few words that come to mind when thinking about the Metal Gear series.
The same applies to its soundtracks and sound effects, especially in the early games. In fact, some — like the alert sound — have become internet legend, deeply embedded in meme culture.
Soundtrack-wise, Metal Gear Solid is the perfect backdrop for its anime-adjacent chaos crossed with ’80s action movie vibes. There’s suspense, heroism, and plenty of orchestral tension. Game soundtrack perfection.
5. FIFA 09
Kasabian. Kings of Leon. MGMT. The Black Keys. Love them or loathe them, early 2000s FIFA soundtracks were an indie kid’s dream — catapulting emerging bands into the big time thanks to prime sync deals.
But it wasn’t always like that. Before Steve Schnur (EA’s worldwide executive & president of music) came on board, FIFA soundtracks skewed older. “Football doesn’t always have to sound like ‘We Are the Champions’… We wanted the music to sound like a stadium. We wanted football to sound like The Strokes,” Schnur said.
The franchise still releases annual soundtracks — and while the focus has shifted away from guitar-driven tracks, there are always gems to discover.
6. Disco Elysium
Detective RPG Disco Elysium, released in 2019, became an instant cult classic. The soundtrack — courtesy of British Sea Power (now known as Sea Power) — is packed with genuinely beautiful moments.
Whether you were already a fan or discovered them through the game, the mix of original compositions and previously unreleased instrumentals adds serious atmosphere. Revachol just wouldn’t be the same without it.
7. Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow
There’s no denying the music from Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow is as iconic as the games themselves.
Created by Japanese composer Junichi Masuda on a Commodore Amiga — yes, that giant block of a computer — the soundtrack conveys surprisingly rich themes given the tech of the time.
Add in the nostalgia factor, and you’ve got a recipe for defining video game music. Just try listening to the creepy genius of Lavender Town without cracking a smile. Go on, we dare you.
8. Minecraft
Minecraft easily earns its place on this list. As the best-selling video game of all time, its ambient soundtrack — composed by Daniel Rosenfeld, aka C418 — is a minimalist masterpiece.
Subtle and nostalgic, it’s the kind of music you could drift off to sleep to (in a good way). Interestingly, C418’s goal was to make the music nearly invisible — something you only really notice when the game hits a poignant moment.
A bold choice, but one that completely paid off.
9. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Any soundtrack that includes lyrics in a fictional dragon language is an obvious “hell yeah” for this list. Enter: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
The main theme, Dragonborn, is the standout — featuring a “barbarian” choir chanting in full cinematic glory. “This song could literally make anyone feel immortal,” one YouTube commenter claimed, and we totally agree. The rest of the soundtrack is equally captivating — hats off to composer Jeremy Soule for crafting such an immersive sonic world.
10. Dwarf Fortress
We had to go a little left-field eventually. Dwarf Fortress might not be the first name you think of when it comes to iconic soundtracks — especially if you remember its original ASCII graphics — but the 2022 Steam/Itch.io version changed the game.
With full visuals and a gorgeous new score by Dabu and Simon Swerwer, the update brought unexpected beauty.
Some of the most hypnotic guitar-picking in any simulation game? Quite possibly. And once you’ve used a mod to fill your fort with egg men and giant snails, that ambient tune just hits differently.
See the Music with Displate
Want to take your love for these games — and their unforgettable soundtracks — to the next level? There’s no better way than decorating your game cave with our premium metal gaming posters. We’ve got official artwork from your favorite fandoms and beautiful curations from our artists.
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