Explore the 10 best video game soundtracks of all time, featuring iconic scores that elevate storytelling, enhance gameplay, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Music is an essential part of video games, shaping the emotional depth of a story, intensifying action sequences, and immersing players into vast, digital worlds.

A great video game soundtrack can turn an ordinary moment into an unforgettable experience, making every battle, exploration, or cutscene more engaging.

Whether it’s orchestral masterpieces, electronic beats, or atmospheric soundscapes, certain video game soundtracks have transcended gaming to become cultural icons.

Here’s a look at the 10 best video game soundtracks of all time, each of which has left a profound impact on players worldwide.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)

Few game soundtracks are as iconic as that of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Composed by Koji Kondo, this masterpiece set a new standard for video game music with its emotionally rich melodies and seamless integration into gameplay.

Tracks like “Zelda’s Lullaby”, “Gerudo Valley”, and “Song of Storms” have become legendary among gamers, with each tune evoking strong nostalgia.

The in-game ocarina mechanic, where players learn and play melodies, made the soundtrack an interactive part of the experience.

Whether traveling through Hyrule Field or solving puzzles in Dungeons, the game’s music adapts to every situation, heightening the sense of adventure.

2. Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Composed by Nobuo Uematsu, Final Fantasy VII’s soundtrack is widely considered one of the greatest in RPG history. The score balances emotional depth and intensity, matching the game’s epic storyline and deep character development.

Tracks like “Aerith’s Theme”, “J-E-N-O-V-A”, and the legendary “One-Winged Angel” have become anthems in gaming culture.

Final Fantasy VII’s music does more than accompany the story—it amplifies the emotions players feel, making heartbreaking moments even more poignant and battles more thrilling.

With sweeping orchestration and unforgettable melodies, Final Fantasy VII set a new benchmark for RPG soundtracks.

3. Chrono Trigger (1995)

Chrono Trigger’s soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu, is a timeless classic that transports players across different time periods, each with its own distinct musical identity.

From the mysterious “Corridors of Time” to the emotional “Frog’s Theme”, the music in Chrono Trigger is more than background noise—it’s a storytelling tool.

Mitsuda’s use of melancholic piano, energetic battle themes, and mystical melodies creates an immersive world where every location and event feels unique.

The game’s music is so beloved that it has inspired orchestral concerts, remixes, and cover albums, proving its lasting impact on the gaming world.

4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

No soundtrack embodies epic fantasy adventure quite like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Composed by Jeremy Soule, the game’s music captures the essence of exploration, danger, and grandeur.

The powerful “Dragonborn” theme, performed by a men’s choir chanting in the Dragon Language, is instantly recognizable and sets the stage for heroic battles.

Meanwhile, the tranquil and atmospheric background music, such as “Far Horizons”, enhances the sense of freedom as players traverse snowy mountains, lush forests, and ancient ruins.

The soundtrack’s versatility makes it one of the best in open-world RPG history, perfectly complementing Skyrim’s immersive experience.

5. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

Halo: Combat Evolved introduced one of the most iconic and recognizable soundtracks in video game history. Composed by Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori, the Gregorian-style chants of the main theme instantly immerse players in the game’s sci-fi setting.

The music seamlessly transitions between intense orchestral battle themes and ambient tracks that heighten the tension of exploration.

Songs like “Truth and Reconciliation” and “Perilous Journey” add to the atmosphere, making every firefight feel cinematic.

The Halo series’ music has since become synonymous with heroism and mystery, solidifying its place among gaming’s greatest scores.

6. NieR: Automata (2017)

Few games have a soundtrack as emotionally evocative as NieR: Automata, composed by Keiichi Okabe.

The game’s hauntingly beautiful music, featuring ethereal choirs, melancholic piano, and electronic beats, perfectly complements its philosophical themes of existentialism and humanity.

Tracks like “Weight of the World”, “City Ruins”, and “Amusement Park” evoke a sense of loneliness and wonder, reflecting the dystopian world of NieR: Automata.

The dynamic nature of the soundtrack, where music shifts seamlessly between exploration, battle, and cutscenes, creates an emotionally charged experience that lingers long after the game ends.

7. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

Red Dead Redemption 2’s soundtrack, composed by Woody Jackson, captures the essence of the Wild West with an emotional depth rarely seen in games.

Featuring a blend of orchestral pieces, folk-inspired guitar, and blues melodies, the music enhances the game’s narrative of loyalty, loss, and redemption.

Tracks like “Unshaken” and “That’s the Way It Is” hit with profound emotional weight, especially in key story moments.

The soundtrack not only sets the mood for the sprawling, open-world Western but also reinforces the personal struggles of protagonist Arthur Morgan. It’s a masterclass in how music can shape a game’s emotional impact.

8. Persona 5 (2016)

Stylish, upbeat, and jazz-infused, Persona 5’s soundtrack is one of the coolest and most recognizable in gaming. Composed by Shoji Meguro, the game’s music blends acid jazz, rock, and funk, making every moment feel vibrant and dynamic.

Tracks like “Last Surprise”, “Beneath the Mask”, and “Rivers in the Desert” enhance the game’s rebellious themes and urban setting.

Whether you’re infiltrating a palace, hanging out in Tokyo, or battling shadows, Persona 5’s music keeps players engaged with its catchy rhythms and energetic beats.

The game’s soundtrack has achieved cult status, spawning concerts and remixes that continue to captivate fans worldwide.

9. Dark Souls (2011)

The Dark Souls series is known for its atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful music, and the original game, composed by Motoi Sakuraba, is a standout.

Unlike traditional RPGs, Dark Souls uses music sparingly, reserving its grand orchestral pieces for boss battles, making each encounter feel monumental.

Themes like “Gwyn, Lord of Cinder” and “Ornstein & Smough” elevate the tension and grandeur of these battles, making them unforgettable.

The game’s use of silence and ambient sounds also enhances the feeling of loneliness and dread, adding to its dark and oppressive atmosphere.

10. Undertale (2015)

Composed by Toby Fox, Undertale’s soundtrack is a perfect mix of nostalgia, emotion, and excitement. Tracks like “Megalovania”, “Heartache”, and “Hopes and Dreams” create a sense of joy, tension, and emotional depth, making the game’s moments all the more impactful.

The soundtrack adapts to the player’s choices, reinforcing the themes of consequences and morality.

With its chiptune-inspired sound and deeply emotional tracks, Undertale’s music has cemented itself as one of the most beloved in gaming history.

A great soundtrack can transform a game into an emotional and immersive experience, making every moment feel more profound.

Whether it’s the nostalgic melodies of Zelda, the sci-fi grandeur of Halo, or the emotional weight of NieR: Automata, these soundtracks prove that music is an integral part of gaming. Which of these iconic scores is your favorite?