The best video game soundtracks

23 days ago, by Enzo

Video game music has long been viewed as little more than background noise. Yet, over the decades, it has established itself as a true art form in its own right, capable of rivaling the greatest film soundtracks. From iconic 8-bit melodies to grandiose orchestral compositions, soundtracks shape our emotions, enhance immersion, and leave a lasting impression on players. In this article, we invite you to discover a selection of the best soundtracks. Let’s get started!

Let’s begin with a composition that has become legendary, one that everyone has surely heard at least once. The main theme of Skyrim, Dragonborn combines a symphony orchestra with a choir singing in the fictional Dragon language, giving the game’s universe an epic and mythological sound identity. For those who want to spend 3 minutes and 55 seconds productively today, click here.

An iconic orchestral piece composed by Nobuo Uematsu for the video game Final Fantasy VII, One-Winged Angel is introduced during the final battle against the character Sephiroth. This theme has become one of the most recognizable in the entire franchise and a milestone in video game music.

Still on the topic of legendary music, Gerudo Valley is an iconic theme composed by Koji Kondo for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Released in 1998 on the Nintendo 64, this track is known for its dynamic blend of Spanish guitar and lively rhythms that evoke the desert and the warrior culture of the Gerudo people.

Some games feature a collection of soundtracks, each as enjoyable as the next. This is particularly true of Minecraft, with its soothing tracks composed by C418; Shadow of the Colossus, with its epic and emotional music; and Halo: Combat Evolved, with its more orchestral scores. In a different genre, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers music that adapts wonderfully to situations and the environment, enhancing immersion in the American West.

Finally, how could we conclude this selection without mentioning Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and its exceptional soundtracks? Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier, and Miki Martz delivered an impressive performance at the 2025 Game Awards, an event during which the title won numerous awards, including Best Original Score.

In conclusion, it is clear that video game soundtracks no longer merely accompany the action; they have become an essential part of it. Whether orchestral, electronic, or minimalist, they contribute to the storytelling, the emotional impact, and the identity of these works. Through this selection, we can see just how much music can elevate the gaming experience and leave a lasting impression. Proof that video games are, more than ever, a total art form.