What are the best video game soundtracks of all time? From the emotional vocals of NieR:Automata and the peaceful ambience of Minecraft to the orchestral scale of Skyrim and the jazz-inspired style of Persona 5, game music spans nearly every genre.
In this 2026 guide, we’ve selected 25 of the best video game soundtracks, covering some of the best video game music and OSTs across RPGs, indie games, action titles, and more. You’ll also find standout tracks, composers, listening styles, and recommendations for studying, relaxing, and building your next gaming playlist.
- For emotional listening: NieR:Automata, Journey, and The Last of Us
- For studying and focus: Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Hollow Knight
- For epic energy: Skyrim, Halo, and Shadow of the Colossus
- For jazz and funk: Persona 5
Top 25 Video Game Soundtracks at a Glance
| Rank | Video Game | Music Style | Must-Listen Track |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NieR:Automata | Orchestral, Vocal, Electronic | Weight of the World |
| 2 | Minecraft | Ambient, Electronic | Sweden |
| 3 | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Adventure, Orchestral | Gerudo Valley |
| 4 | Final Fantasy VII | Orchestral, JRPG | One-Winged Angel |
| 5 | Persona 5 | Jazz, Funk, Pop | Beneath the Mask |
| 6 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Fantasy, Orchestral | Dragonborn |
| 7 | Halo Series | Sci-Fi, Orchestral | Halo Theme |
| 8 | DOOM (2016) | Metal, Electronic | BFG Division |
| 9 | Chrono Trigger | JRPG, Fantasy | Corridors of Time |
| 10 | Journey | Ambient, Orchestral | Apotheosis |
| 11 | Silent Hill 2 | Ambient, Industrial, Rock | Theme of Laura |
| 12 | Undertale | Chiptune, Electronic | Megalovania |
| 13 | Hollow Knight | Orchestral, Atmospheric | City of Tears |
| 14 | Stardew Valley | Ambient, Folk, Electronic | Dance of the Moonlight Jellies |
| 15 | The Last of Us | Acoustic, Ambient | The Last of Us |
| 16 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Western, Orchestral | American Venom |
| 17 | Cyberpunk 2077 | Electronic, Industrial | The Rebel Path |
| 18 | Shadow of the Colossus | Orchestral, Cinematic | The Opened Way |
| 19 | Super Mario Galaxy | Orchestral, Adventure | Gusty Garden Galaxy |
| 20 | Celeste | Electronic, Ambient | Resurrections |
| 21 | Ori and the Blind Forest | Orchestral, Ambient | Ori, Lost in the Storm |
| 22 | Cuphead | Jazz, Big Band | Floral Fury |
| 23 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Folk, Orchestral | The Fields of Ard Skellig |
| 24 | Death Stranding | Ambient, Cinematic | BB's Theme |
| 25 | Final Fantasy X | Orchestral, JRPG | To Zanarkand |
How We Chose the Best Video Game Soundtracks
We selected these 25 soundtracks based on musical quality, memorable themes, their impact on gameplay and storytelling, lasting influence, and how enjoyable they are outside the games. Rankings are subjective, but each OST offers something distinctive that's worth hearing.
25 Best Video Game Soundtracks of All Time
1. NieR:Automata (2017) — An Emotionally Powerful Soundtrack
Composed by Keiichi Okabe and the MONACA team, NieR:Automata blends haunting vocals, orchestral music, and electronic sounds into an unforgettable emotional journey. Listen to Weight of the World, and you'll hear how the music captures the game's themes of loss and hope. If you've played through its ending, these melodies might bring those feelings right back.
- Weight of the World
- City Ruins
- A Beautiful Song
- Emotional Listening
- Cinematic Music Lovers
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
2. Minecraft (2011) — A Relaxing, Nostalgic Soundtrack
C418's gentle piano and ambient electronic music make Minecraft easy to enjoy even when you're not playing. Start with Sweden for a peaceful moment or put on the soundtrack while studying. If you grew up exploring and building in Minecraft, a few familiar notes might take you straight back to those early adventures.
- Sweden
- Minecraft
- Subwoofer Lullaby
- Studying & Focus
- Relaxing & Nostalgia
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) — Iconic Adventure Themes
Koji Kondo gives every corner of Hyrule its own musical identity, from the lively rhythm of Gerudo Valley to the gentle Zelda’s Lullaby. If you've explored Ocarina of Time, these themes can bring familiar places rushing back. Even if you haven't, you'll hear why its memorable melodies became classics of adventure-game music.
- Gerudo Valley
- Song of Storms
- Zelda’s Lullaby
- Classic Game Music Fans
- Fantasy Adventures
Listen on: Nintendo Music
4. Final Fantasy VII (1997) — Epic Music That Defined a JRPG Generation
Nobuo Uematsu takes you from the tenderness of Aerith's Theme to the dramatic choir and intensity of One-Winged Angel. Each theme gives a character or turning point its own identity. Listen to those two tracks back to back, and you'll understand why Final Fantasy VII remains such a memorable musical journey, even beyond the game.
- One-Winged Angel
- Aerith’s Theme
- Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII
- JRPG Fans
- Epic & Emotional Music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
5. Persona 5 (2016) — An Irresistible Blend of Jazz and Funk
Shoji Meguro's acid jazz, funk, and pop make Persona 5 sound effortlessly stylish, even outside the game. If you're exploring the best video game soundtracks on Spotify, try Beneath the Mask for a laid-back mood or Last Surprise for a burst of energy. You may find both slipping into your everyday playlists.
- Beneath the Mask
- Last Surprise
- Rivers in the Desert
- Jazz & Funk Lovers
- Everyday Listening
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) — An Immersive Fantasy Soundtrack
Jeremy Soule surrounds you with sweeping strings, Nordic-inspired melodies, and powerful choirs that make Skyrim feel enormous. Dragonborn sets an epic tone, while Secunda offers something calmer. If you've wandered through snowy mountains or quiet villages in the game, these tracks can bring back the pleasure of getting lost in its world.
- Dragonborn
- Secunda
- Streets of Whiterun
- Fantasy Music Fans
- Immersive Listening
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
7. Halo Series — Legendary Sci-Fi Themes
The Halo theme's choral opening is instantly recognizable, but there's more to this series than its big battle music. Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori balance stirring orchestration with reflective pieces such as Never Forget. Start with the original theme, then switch to the quieter tracks to hear how Halo gives its science-fiction world both scale and emotion.
- Halo Theme
- Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix
- Never Forget
- Sci-Fi Music Fans
- Epic Orchestral Playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
8. DOOM (2016) — High-Intensity Metal and Electronic Music
Need an instant energy boost? Mick Gordon's DOOM score mixes distorted guitars, industrial electronics, and pounding rhythms to match the game's relentless combat. Start with BFG Division or Rip & Tear; both hit hard even without the action on screen. If you enjoy metal or intense instrumental music, you'll have plenty to turn up loud.
- BFG Division
- Rip & Tear
- Hellwalker
- Metal Music Fans
- Workouts & High Energy
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
9. Chrono Trigger (1995) — Timeless RPG Melodies
Yasunori Mitsuda's melodies carry you through different eras with a mix of mystery, warmth, and adventure. Corridors of Time remains especially captivating, and Chrono Trigger is still among popular video game soundtracks recommended on Reddit. If you played it years ago, these tunes may revive familiar memories; if not, they're a wonderful introduction to classic RPG music.
- Chrono Trigger
- Corridors of Time
- Frog’s Theme
- Classic JRPG Fans
- Nostalgic Fantasy Music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
10. Journey (2012) — An Emotional Orchestral Adventure
Austin Wintory's expressive cello and evolving orchestration invite you to follow Journey's emotional arc from beginning to end. Rather than picking random tracks, start with Nascence and listen toward the soaring Apotheosis. If you've traveled through the game's deserts, the music can bring back that quiet sense of wonder and connection with strangers along the way.
- Nascence
- Apotheosis
- I Was Born for This
- Emotional Listening
- Cinematic Music Lovers
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
11. Silent Hill 2 (2001) — Haunting Music That Redefines Horror
Akira Yamaoka blends industrial noise, ambient textures, and melancholy melodies to make Silent Hill 2 unsettling and strangely beautiful. Try Theme of Laura before the darker tracks to hear that contrast. If you've walked through the game's fog-covered streets, its music can bring back the loneliness and tension of exploring a place that never feels safe.
- Theme of Laura
- Promise
- Promise (Reprise)
- Atmospheric Horror Fans
- Dark & Reflective Listening
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
12. Undertale (2015) — Unforgettable Melodies from an Indie Classic
Toby Fox packs Undertale with catchy chiptune-inspired melodies that return in surprising forms as you play. You might already know Megalovania, but try Hopes and Dreams to hear the score's more emotional side. Once you notice how familiar themes connect characters and scenes, the whole soundtrack becomes more rewarding to revisit.
- Megalovania
- Hopes and Dreams
- Death by Glamour
- Indie Game Music Fans
- Retro Electronic Playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
13. Hollow Knight (2017) — Hauntingly Beautiful Orchestral Music
Christopher Larkin uses delicate piano, strings, and spacious orchestration to make Hallownest feel mysterious and alive. City of Tears is a beautiful place to begin, while Sealed Vessel reveals the score's dramatic power. If you've explored Hollow Knight's hidden passages, these melodies might take you back to the excitement of finding somewhere new beneath the surface.
- City of Tears
- Sealed Vessel
- Greenpath
- Atmospheric Listening
- Fantasy Music Lovers
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
14. Stardew Valley (2016) — Cozy Melodies for Peaceful Moments
Eric Barone gives each season in Stardew Valley its own gentle personality, making the music perfect when you need to unwind. Dance of the Moonlight Jellies feels especially dreamy, while the spring themes sound bright and welcoming. If you've tended your farm or wandered through Pelican Town, these tunes can bring back the simple pleasure of taking things slowly.
- Dance of the Moonlight Jellies
- Spring (The Valley Comes Alive)
- Winter (Nocturne of Ice)
- Relaxing Playlists
- Studying & Background Music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
15. The Last of Us (2013) — Minimalist Music with Deep Emotional Impact
Gustavo Santaolalla doesn't need a full orchestra to move you. The Last of Us uses sparse acoustic guitar, subtle textures, and silence to make its world feel fragile and human. Listen to the main theme, and you can hear that sense of loss and hope in just a few notes. If you know Joel and Ellie's story, it hits even harder.
- The Last of Us
- The Choice
- All Gone (No Escape)
- Emotional Listening
- Acoustic & Atmospheric Music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
16. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) — A Cinematic Soundtrack of the Wild West
Woody Jackson's score makes Red Dead Redemption 2's open landscapes feel vast and lived-in through Western instrumentation and cinematic tension. American Venom brings the drama, while The Wheel offers a more reflective mood. If you've ridden across the frontier with Arthur Morgan, these tracks may return you to the game's unforgettable journeys and difficult choices.
- American Venom
- The Wheel
- Red Dead Redemption
- Western Music Fans
- Cinematic Listening
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
17. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) — Electrifying Sounds of a Futuristic City
Cyberpunk 2077 combines an industrial electronic score with distinctive licensed radio songs, giving Night City its restless sound. The original score's The Rebel Path is a great place to start; tracks such as I Really Want to Stay at Your House show a softer side. If you've explored the city, you'll recognize how strongly its music shapes the atmosphere.
- I Really Want to Stay at Your House
- Never Fade Away
- The Rebel Path
- Electronic Music Fans
- Futuristic Playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
18. Shadow of the Colossus (2005) — Majestic Orchestral Music for Epic Battles
Kow Otani's sweeping orchestration makes every encounter in Shadow of the Colossus feel enormous, yet there's sadness underneath the spectacle. Start with The Opened Way for the thrilling scale, then try one of the quieter themes. If you've faced the colossi yourself, the music may remind you that victory in this world often comes with an uneasy feeling.
- The Opened Way
- A Despair-Filled Farewell
- The Sunlit Earth
- Epic Orchestral Music
- Dramatic & Emotional Listening
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
19. Super Mario Galaxy (2007) — Uplifting Orchestral Music Full of Wonder
Mahito Yokota and Koji Kondo fill Super Mario Galaxy with joyful melodies and sweeping orchestral arrangements that make every new world exciting. Gusty Garden Galaxy is a perfect introduction: its soaring theme can lift your mood in seconds. If you remember leaping between tiny planets, the music brings that same sense of discovery back into your day.
- Gusty Garden Galaxy
- Rosalina in the Observatory
- Buoy Base Galaxy
- Uplifting Listening
- Orchestral Game Music Fans
Listen on: Spotify | Nintendo Music
20. Celeste (2018) — Emotional Electronic Music That Inspires
Lena Raine blends gentle piano with pulsing electronic textures to mirror Madeline's difficult climb in Celeste. Resurrections captures both struggle and determination, while Reach for the Summit feels like a hard-earned release. If you've pushed through the game's toughest levels, hearing these tracks again can remind you how satisfying progress feels, one attempt at a time.
- Resurrections
- Reach for the Summit
- Scattered and Lost
- Emotional Electronic Music
- Motivational Listening
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
21. Ori and the Blind Forest (2015) — Enchanting Music from a Magical World
Gareth Coker brings Ori's forest to life with flowing strings, expressive vocals, and cinematic melodies. Start with Ori, Lost in the Storm for the score's emotional atmosphere, then try Restoring the Light, Facing the Dark for more urgency. Even if you haven't played the game, you'll hear a vivid story unfolding through the music alone.
- Ori, Lost in the Storm
- Naru, Embracing the Light
- Restoring the Light, Facing the Dark
- Fantasy Music Lovers
- Emotional Orchestral Listening
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
22. Cuphead (2017) — A Lively Throwback to Vintage Jazz
Kristofer Maddigan's Cuphead score brings swinging brass, lively percussion, and vintage big-band energy to every boss fight. Put on Floral Fury, and you'll hear why the soundtrack works just as well away from the game. If you enjoy classic jazz or ragtime, you'll appreciate how its playful arrangements echo the game's hand-drawn 1930s cartoon style.
- Floral Fury
- Ruse of an Ooze
- Baking the Wondertart
- Jazz & Big Band Fans
- Retro Music Playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
23. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) — Folk-Inspired Music for a Dark Fantasy World
The Witcher 3 mixes Slavic folk influences, powerful vocals, and orchestral textures to give the Continent its earthy identity. The Fields of Ard Skellig captures the beauty of exploration, while Silver for Monsters... drives the action. If you've crossed Skellige's windswept islands or ridden through Velen, the music can return you to those places almost instantly.
- The Fields of Ard Skellig
- Silver for Monsters...
- The Trail
- Folk & Fantasy Music Fans
- Immersive Adventures
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
24. Death Stranding (2019) — Atmospheric Music for a Lonely Journey
Ludvig Forssell's original score gives Death Stranding its eerie, isolated atmosphere, while carefully chosen licensed songs add warmth at key moments. Try BB's Theme to hear the score's emotional side. If you've crossed the game's empty landscapes, you may remember how powerful it felt when a song began after a long, difficult journey.
- BB’s Theme
- Don’t Be So Serious
- Asylums for the Feeling
- Ambient Listening
- Cinematic & Reflective Music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
25. Final Fantasy X (2001) — Beautiful Piano Melodies and Emotional Themes
Final Fantasy X is filled with melodies that linger long after you've heard them. Nobuo Uematsu, Masashi Hamauzu, and Junya Nakano blend piano, orchestral writing, and atmospheric sounds across Spira. Begin with To Zanarkand for its quiet emotion, then try Besaid Island for a gentler mood. If you know Tidus and Yuna's story, these themes may feel especially personal.
- To Zanarkand
- Besaid Island
- A Fleeting Dream
- JRPG Fans
- Emotional Piano Music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
Best Video Game Soundtracks by Mood and Genre
Looking for a particular sound? These picks help you find an OST that fits your mood or favorite genre.
Best Video Game Soundtracks for Studying and Focus
Minecraft — Calm ambient piano for concentration.
Stardew Valley — Cozy, relaxing background melodies.
Hollow Knight — Gentle, atmospheric instrumentals.
Best Epic Video Game Soundtracks
Skyrim — Sweeping fantasy orchestration.
Halo — Powerful sci-fi themes and choirs.
Shadow of the Colossus — Dramatic orchestral battles.
Best RPG Video Game Soundtracks
Final Fantasy VII — Iconic character themes.
Chrono Trigger — Timeless melodies and adventure.
Persona 5 — Catchy jazz, funk, and pop.
Want to save this starter playlist for offline listening? See our guide on how to download Spotify playlists to MP3. You can also compare reliable Spotify playlist downloaders.
Availability varies by soundtrack, publisher, region, and streaming platform, so check the official album or artist page before adding a track to your playlist. If you want to save Spotify playlists for offline use, see our Spotify lossless music guide.
How to Download Video Game Soundtracks for Offline Listening
Can You Download Video Game Soundtracks from Spotify?
Spotify and other streaming services support offline listening within their apps, but those downloads are generally intended for playback inside the service rather than as standard MP3 or FLAC files. If you use YouTube Music for game soundtracks, see how to listen to YouTube Music offline.
If you want to organize game music for playback on other compatible devices, Sidify All-in-One provides additional output options.
Download Video Game Soundtracks with Sidify All-in-One
Found a game soundtrack you love? Sidify All-in-One lets you download your favorite video game OSTs and playlists to 320kbps MP3 or other formats for offline listening. Save tracks like NieR:Automata, Minecraft, and Final Fantasy soundtracks, then enjoy them on your phone, MP3 player, or other devices anytime. Learn more about the Sidify All-in-One music converter.
With Sidify All-in-One, you can:
- Download complete video game soundtrack playlists at once
- Save game OSTs for offline listening without opening Spotify or Apple Music
- Keep song titles, artists, album names, and cover artwork
- Convert video game soundtracks to MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, ALAC and AIFF
- Transfer your favorite game music to MP3 players, USB drives, and car audio systems
- Burn video game soundtracks to CDs or set your favorite tracks as ringtones and alarms
Want to play your saved game music on a console? See our guides for playing music on PS4, playing music on PS5, or playing Apple Music on PS5, and using music on Xbox One. The same exported audio files can also be organized for Nintendo Switch, depending on the game and device workflow.
How to Download Video Game Soundtracks with Sidify
Follow these simple steps to save your favorite video game OSTs for offline listening.
Step 1. Select a Music Platform Open Sidify All-in-One and choose the streaming service where your favorite game soundtrack is available.
Step 2. Add Your Video Game Soundtrack Search for the OST, album, or playlist you want to save, then add it to Sidify.
Step 3. Customize Output Settings Choose your preferred format, audio quality, and output folder before conversion.
Step 4. Download and Enjoy Offline Click the convert button to save your video game soundtracks. You can then listen to them on your phone, MP3 player, car audio system, or other devices.
FAQs About Video Game Soundtracks
What is the most iconic video game soundtrack?
There are many iconic video game soundtracks, including The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Final Fantasy VII, Halo, Minecraft, and NieR:Automata. Their memorable themes have remained popular with players for years.
Which video game has the best soundtrack?
It depends on the style you enjoy. Try NieR:Automata for emotional orchestral music, Persona 5 for jazz and funk, Minecraft for ambient music, DOOM for metal, and Skyrim for epic fantasy orchestration.
What is the most popular video game song?
Some of the most recognized video game songs include Halo Theme, One-Winged Angel, Megalovania, and Minecraft’s Sweden. These tracks are widely remembered beyond their original games.
What are the top 10 gaming songs?
Ten iconic tracks to start with are Weight of the World, Sweden, Gerudo Valley, One-Winged Angel, Beneath the Mask, Dragonborn, Halo Theme, BFG Division, Corridors of Time, and Apotheosis.
What are the top 10 video game soundtracks of all time?
Our top 10 are NieR:Automata, Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Final Fantasy VII, Persona 5, Skyrim, Halo, DOOM, Chrono Trigger, and Journey.
Where can I listen to video game soundtracks?
Many video game soundtracks are available on Spotify and Apple Music, including Spotify and Apple Music soundtracks such as NieR:Automata, Minecraft, Final Fantasy VII, Persona 5, and Skyrim. Some Nintendo soundtracks, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, are available through Nintendo Music. Streaming availability may vary by soundtrack and region.
Sidify All-in-one Music Converter
Download and convert music from major streaming services in one place. Save your favorite game soundtracks for offline listening on Windows or Mac.
Conclusion
Great video game soundtracks can stay with us long after the game ends. From legendary RPG themes to relaxing indie melodies, these OSTs continue to be enjoyed by players around the world.
Found a soundtrack you love? Sidify All-in-One makes it easy to save your favorite video game OSTs for offline listening. You can download complete playlists, keep song information, and enjoy your favorite game music on your phone, MP3 player, car audio system, and other devices.
