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 10 Video Game Soundtracks at a Glance
| Rank | Video Game | Composer | Style | Start With | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NieR:Automata | Keiichi Okabe | Orchestral, Vocal, Electronic | Weight of the World | Emotional listening |
| 2 | Minecraft | C418 | Ambient, Electronic | Sweden | Studying & relaxing |
| 3 | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Koji Kondo | Adventure, Orchestral | Gerudo Valley | Classic game music |
| 4 | Final Fantasy VII | Nobuo Uematsu | Orchestral, JRPG | One-Winged Angel | JRPG fans |
| 5 | Persona 5 | Shoji Meguro | Jazz, Funk, Pop | Beneath the Mask | Everyday listening |
| 6 | Skyrim | Jeremy Soule | Fantasy, Orchestral | Dragonborn | Atmospheric listening |
| 7 | Halo Series | Martin O'Donnell & Michael Salvatori | Sci-Fi, Orchestral | Halo Theme | Epic playlists |
| 8 | DOOM | Mick Gordon | Metal, Electronic | BFG Division | High-energy listening |
| 9 | Chrono Trigger | Yasunori Mitsuda | JRPG, Fantasy | Corridors of Time | Classic RPG music |
| 10 | Journey | Austin Wintory | Ambient, Orchestral | Apotheosis | Relaxing & emotional |
25 Best Video Game Soundtracks of All Time
1. NieR:Automata (2017) — Keiichi Okabe
NieR:Automata’s soundtrack combines orchestral music, electronic elements, and haunting vocals to create one of the most distinctive modern game OSTs. Composed by Keiichi Okabe and the MONACA team, its emotional and cinematic style makes it a standout soundtrack.
- Weight of the World
- City Ruins
- A Beautiful Song
- Emotional listening
- Cinematic music fans
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
2. Minecraft (2011) — C418
Minecraft’s soundtrack by C418 (Daniel Rosenfeld) uses minimalist piano, ambient textures, and electronic sounds to create a peaceful and nostalgic atmosphere. Its simple melodies have made it one of the most recognizable relaxing game OSTs.
- Sweden
- Minecraft
- Subwoofer Lullaby
- Studying and relaxing
- Ambient playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) — Koji Kondo
Composed by Koji Kondo, Ocarina of Time’s soundtrack uses memorable melodies and atmospheric compositions to define the feeling of adventure. Its iconic themes remain some of the most recognizable music in gaming history.
- Gerudo Valley
- Song of Storms
- Zelda’s Lullaby
- Classic game music fans
- Fantasy playlists
Listen on: Nintendo Music
4. Final Fantasy VII (1997) — Nobuo Uematsu
Final Fantasy VII’s soundtrack helped define the sound of classic JRPG music. Composed by Nobuo Uematsu, it combines orchestral themes, emotional melodies, and memorable character music that remains influential decades later.
- One-Winged Angel
- Aerith’s Theme
- Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII
- JRPG fans
- Emotional orchestral music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
5. Persona 5 (2016) — Shoji Meguro
Persona 5’s soundtrack blends acid jazz, jazz, funk, and pop influences to create a unique style. Composed by Shoji Meguro, the OST gives the game its stylish identity while also working as an enjoyable standalone playlist.
- Beneath the Mask
- Last Surprise
- Rivers in the Desert
- Jazz and funk fans
- Modern game playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) — Jeremy Soule
Skyrim’s soundtrack creates an unforgettable fantasy atmosphere through orchestral arrangements, Nordic-inspired melodies, and powerful choir vocals. Composed by Jeremy Soule, it remains one of the most recognizable fantasy game scores.
- Dragonborn
- Secunda
- Streets of Whiterun
- Fantasy music fans
- Epic orchestral playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
7. Halo Series — Martin O'Donnell & Michael Salvatori
The early Halo games established one of gaming’s most recognizable musical identities through orchestral arrangements, Gregorian-style choir vocals, and cinematic sci-fi themes. Composed primarily by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori, tracks from across the series remain instantly recognizable.
- Halo Theme
- Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix
- Never Forget
- Sci-fi soundtrack fans
- Epic orchestral music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
8. DOOM (2016) — Mick Gordon
DOOM’s soundtrack combines heavy metal, industrial sounds, and electronic production to create an intense modern game score. Composed by Mick Gordon, the music perfectly matches the game’s fast-paced combat and aggressive style.
- BFG Division
- Rip & Tear
- Hellwalker
- Metal music fans
- High-energy playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
9. Chrono Trigger (1995) — Yasunori Mitsuda
Chrono Trigger’s soundtrack is one of the most celebrated JRPG scores ever created. Composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, the OST combines fantasy melodies, orchestral themes, and emotional compositions that remain memorable decades after release.
- Chrono Trigger
- Corridors of Time
- Frog’s Theme
- Classic JRPG fans
- Fantasy orchestral music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
10. Journey (2012) — Austin Wintory
Journey’s soundtrack creates an emotional and atmospheric experience through orchestral arrangements, cello melodies, and dynamic compositions. Created by Austin Wintory, the music captures exploration, wonder, and connection in a way few game OSTs achieve.
- Nascence
- Apotheosis
- I Was Born for This
- Relaxing listening
- Emotional orchestral music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
11. Silent Hill 2 (2001) — Akira Yamaoka
Silent Hill 2’s soundtrack blends ambient sounds, industrial rock, and melancholic melodies to create one of the most atmospheric horror game scores. Composed by Akira Yamaoka, it remains memorable for its emotional depth and haunting style.
- Theme of Laura
- Promise
- Promise (Reprise)
- Atmospheric music
- Emotional dark playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
12. Undertale (2015) — Toby Fox
Undertale’s soundtrack is one of the most recognizable indie game OSTs. Written and composed by Toby Fox, it combines chiptune influences, retro sounds, and emotional melodies to create a soundtrack full of personality.
- Megalovania
- Hopes and Dreams
- Death by Glamour
- Indie game music fans
- Nostalgic playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
13. Hollow Knight (2017) — Christopher Larkin
Hollow Knight’s soundtrack combines orchestral music, piano, and atmospheric melodies to create a haunting yet beautiful soundscape. Composer Christopher Larkin captures the mystery and emotion of Hallownest through immersive compositions.
- City of Tears
- Sealed Vessel
- Greenpath
- Atmospheric music
- Fantasy playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
14. Stardew Valley (2016) — Eric Barone (ConcernedApe)
Stardew Valley’s soundtrack is a standout example of relaxing and atmospheric game music. Created by Eric Barone (ConcernedApe), the OST combines gentle melodies, seasonal themes, and cozy arrangements that perfectly capture the feeling of life in Pelican Town.
- Dance of the Moonlight Jellies
- Spring (The Valley Comes Alive)
- Winter (Nocturne of Ice)
- Relaxing playlists
- Studying and background music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
15. The Last of Us (2013) — Gustavo Santaolalla
The Last of Us soundtrack stands out for its emotional and minimalist approach. Composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, the OST uses acoustic guitar, subtle melodies, and atmospheric arrangements to create a powerful sense of loneliness and hope that perfectly matches the game’s world.
- The Last of Us
- The Choice
- All Gone (No Escape)
- Emotional listening
- Atmospheric playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
16. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) — Woody Jackson
Red Dead Redemption 2’s soundtrack captures the atmosphere of the American frontier with cinematic orchestration, western influences, and emotional compositions. Created by Woody Jackson, the score enhances the game’s storytelling while also working as a powerful standalone listening experience. Tracks like “American Venom,” “The Wheel,” and “Red Dead Redemption” are frequently praised by fans for their dramatic and memorable sound.
- American Venom
- The Wheel
- Red Dead Redemption
- Cinematic playlists
- Western music fans
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
17. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) — Marcin Przybyłowicz, P.T. Adamczyk & Paul Leonard-Morgan
Cyberpunk 2077 creates one of the most distinctive futuristic soundscapes in gaming. Its music combines an original electronic and industrial score by Marcin Przybyłowicz, P.T. Adamczyk, and Paul Leonard-Morgan with an extensive collection of in-game radio music, giving Night City its energetic and immersive musical identity.
- I Really Want to Stay at Your House
- Never Fade Away
- The Rebel Path
- Electronic music fans
- Cyberpunk playlists
- Cinematic background music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
18. Shadow of the Colossus (2005) — Kow Otani
Shadow of the Colossus features one of the most powerful orchestral soundtracks in video game history. Composed by Kow Otani, the OST combines sweeping orchestration, choir elements, and emotional melodies to create a sense of scale, mystery, and tragedy.
- The Opened Way
- A Despair-Filled Farewell
- The Sunlit Earth
- Epic orchestral music
- Emotional cinematic playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
19. Super Mario Galaxy (2007) — Mahito Yokota & Koji Kondo
Super Mario Galaxy’s soundtrack brought a cinematic orchestral style to the Mario series. Composed by Mahito Yokota and Koji Kondo, the OST combines sweeping orchestration, memorable melodies, and a sense of wonder that perfectly matches the game’s cosmic adventure.
- Gusty Garden Galaxy
- Rosalina in the Observatory
- Buoy Base Galaxy
- Orchestral game music fans
- Relaxing fantasy playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Nintendo Music
20. Celeste (2018) — Lena Raine
Celeste’s soundtrack combines emotional piano, ambient textures, and electronic sounds to create a powerful indie game OST. Composed by Lena Raine, the music captures themes of challenge, growth, and personal struggle while remaining enjoyable as standalone listening.
- Resurrections
- Reach for the Summit
- Scattered and Lost
- Emotional playlists
- Ambient electronic music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
21. Ori and the Blind Forest (2015) — Gareth Coker
Ori and the Blind Forest’s soundtrack delivers a beautiful blend of orchestral music, emotional melodies, and fantasy atmosphere. Composed by Gareth Coker, the OST captures the wonder and emotion of Ori’s world with cinematic arrangements and memorable themes.
- Ori, Lost in the Storm
- Naru, Embracing the Light
- Restoring the Light, Facing the Dark
- Fantasy playlists
- Emotional orchestral music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
22. Cuphead (2017) — Kristofer Maddigan
Cuphead’s soundtrack brings 1930s jazz, big band, and ragtime influences into video game music. Composed by Kristofer Maddigan, the OST features energetic arrangements and live instrumentation that perfectly match the game’s classic animation style.
- Floral Fury
- Ruse of an Ooze
- Baking the Wondertart
- Jazz and big band fans
- Retro-style playlists
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
23. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) — Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikołaj Stroiński & Percival
The Witcher 3’s soundtrack blends Slavic folk influences, orchestral arrangements, and powerful vocals to create one of the most immersive fantasy game OSTs. Created by Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikołaj Stroiński, and Percival, the music brings the world of The Continent to life.
- The Fields of Ard Skellig
- Silver for Monsters...
- The Trail
- Fantasy playlists
- Folk and orchestral music fans
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
24. Death Stranding (2019) — Ludvig Forssell
Death Stranding creates a unique atmosphere of isolation and connection through both Ludvig Forssell’s original score and carefully selected licensed music featured throughout the game. Together, its ambient, electronic, and emotional tracks give the journey its distinctive cinematic identity.
- BB’s Theme
- Don’t Be So Serious
- Asylums for the Feeling
- Ambient listening
- Cinematic playlists
- Emotional background music
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
25. Final Fantasy X (2001) — Nobuo Uematsu, Masashi Hamauzu & Junya Nakano
Final Fantasy X features one of the most emotional RPG soundtracks ever created. Composed by Nobuo Uematsu, Masashi Hamauzu, and Junya Nakano, the OST combines piano, orchestral arrangements, and memorable melodies to create a deeply emotional listening experience.
- To Zanarkand
- Besaid Island
- A Fleeting Dream
- Emotional game music
- JRPG soundtrack fans
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
How We Chose the Best Video Game Soundtracks
There is no completely objective way to rank the best game soundtracks, so this list focuses on music that works both inside and outside the games.
We considered five main factors:
Musical quality: composition, arrangement, production, and variety
Memorability: how recognizable the soundtrack and its signature themes remain
Impact on the game: how effectively the music supports atmosphere, storytelling, and gameplay
Long-term influence: the soundtrack’s reputation and influence beyond its original release
Standalone listening value: whether the OST remains enjoyable as an album or playlist outside the game
The final ranking is editorial rather than definitive, and different genres naturally appeal to different listeners.
Best Video Game Soundtracks by Mood and Genre
Video game soundtracks come in many styles. Here are some top picks by mood and genre.
Best Video Game Soundtracks for Studying and Focus
| Soundtrack | Why It Works for Studying | Try These Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| Minecraft | Minimalist, calm and rarely distracting | Sweden, Minecraft |
| Stardew Valley | Warm, repetitive and relaxing | Dance of the Moonlight Jellies |
| Journey | Gentle orchestral music with few distractions | Nascence |
| Hollow Knight | Atmospheric piano and orchestral textures | Greenpath, City of Tears |
| Skyrim | Long ambient passages ideal for background listening | Secunda |
Best Epic Video Game Soundtracks
Skyrim — Jeremy Soule. Epic fantasy orchestration with powerful choir themes.
Halo — Martin O'Donnell & Michael Salvatori. Iconic sci-fi themes and cinematic arrangements.
Shadow of the Colossus — Kow Otani. Grand orchestral music with dramatic scale.
Best RPG Video Game Soundtracks
These RPG soundtracks are known for emotional storytelling and memorable character themes. For more high-quality game and album downloads, see our Qobuz FLAC download guide.
Final Fantasy VII — Nobuo Uematsu
Chrono Trigger — Yasunori Mitsuda
NieR:Automata — Keiichi Okabe
Persona 5 — Shoji Meguro
Best Indie Game Soundtracks
Undertale — Toby Fox
Hollow Knight — Christopher Larkin
Celeste — Lena Raine
Cuphead — Kristofer Maddigan
Popular Video Game Soundtracks Recommended on Reddit
Gaming and music communities on Reddit often recommend many of the same OSTs that appear in our list. Recent discussions include recurring mentions of Final Fantasy, The Witcher 3, Undertale, Zelda, Chrono Trigger, Ori, Skyrim, and Hollow Knight.
If you’re looking specifically for background music while studying or working, calmer OSTs such as Minecraft, Skyrim, Stardew Valley, and Hollow Knight are especially common recommendations.
Best Video Game Soundtracks on Spotify
10-Track Video Game Soundtrack Starter Playlist
| # | Track | Game |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Weight of the World | NieR:Automata |
| 02 | Sweden | Minecraft |
| 03 | Gerudo Valley | The Legend of Zelda |
| 04 | One-Winged Angel | Final Fantasy VII |
| 05 | Beneath the Mask | Persona 5 |
| 06 | Dragonborn | Skyrim |
| 07 | Halo Theme | Halo |
| 08 | BFG Division | DOOM |
| 09 | Corridors of Time | Chrono Trigger |
| 10 | Apotheosis | Journey |
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.
