22 Best Video Game Soundtracks That Have No Business Being This Good (And How to Listen to Them) - Outsider Gaming (2025)

Some video game soundtracks feel like they were crafted by a composer who was given way too much creative freedom (and we can all thank the divines for that).

Nobody asked for Goldeneye’s pause menu to go that hard. Stardew Valley didn’t need to have one of the coziest soundtracks ever written. And yet, here we are, still humming these tunes years later.

Some video games are remembered for their stories, some for their gameplay, but these? These are remembered because the soundtracks went absolutely off.

Let’s celebrate the games whose music had no business being this good, listed here in no particular order. We’ve included the Spotify links for convenience, but simply searching for (most of) these games on your streaming service of choice will bring up their OSTs.

The Best Video Game Music of All Time

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater

The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtrack wasn’t just good—it was era-defining. A mix of punk rock, ska, and hip-hop, it perfectly captured the rebellious, adrenaline-fueled spirit of the late ‘90s and early 2000s skate culture.

Tracks like Goldfinger’s “Superman” and Rage Against the Machine’s “Guerrilla Radio” weren’t just background music; they became anthems, permanently linked to memories of nailing kickflips and grinding endless rails. The soundtrack set a high bar for sports and extreme sports games, proving that the right video game music can elevate an experience from fun to unforgettable.

Goldeneye (Nintendo 64)

The Goldeneye 007 soundtrack is a masterclass in atmospheric video game music, blending tense espionage themes with unexpectedly funky beats. Composers Grant Kirkhope, Graeme Norgate, and Robin Beanland took inspiration from classic Bond scores while injecting a unique energy that made every mission feel cinematic.

Even the pause menu music—a simple, looping track—became an instant classic, proving that sometimes the smallest details in video game soundtracks leave the biggest impressions. Whether sneaking through enemy bases or engaging in chaotic multiplayer battles, Goldeneye’s music made every moment feel cooler than it had any right to be.

Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2

The Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2 soundtrack, composed by Frank Klepacki, is a powerhouse of industrial rock and electronic beats that elevated the intensity of real-time strategy like never before. Tracks like “Hell March 2” became instant classics, fusing militaristic drumlines with heavy guitar riffs to create one of the most recognizable video game soundtracks of all time.

Unlike many strategy games that lean on orchestral compositions, Red Alert 2 opted for an aggressive, high-energy approach that made deploying tanks and launching airstrikes feel even more exhilarating. It’s a prime example of how music in video games can completely transform the player’s immersion, making every battle feel larger than life.

Stardew Valley

The Stardew Valley soundtrack is a testament to how video game music can shape an experience, turning a simple farming sim into something deeply immersive and emotionally resonant. Composed entirely by the game’s developer, Eric Barone, the music shifts beautifully with the seasons—bright and breezy in spring, warm and nostalgic in summer, crisp and reflective in autumn, and peaceful yet somber in winter.

Each track carries a sense of comfort and familiarity, making even the most routine in-game tasks feel rewarding. The combination of soft piano, gentle guitar, and subtle ambient elements creates a timeless charm that keeps players coming back, proving that a well-crafted computer game music score doesn’t need an orchestra to leave a lasting impression.

Bastion

The Bastion soundtrack, composed by Darren Korb, is a stunning fusion of folk, blues, and electronic elements that gives the game its unique identity. Unlike many video game soundtracks that fade into the background, Bastion’s music feels like an integral part of the storytelling, seamlessly blending with the game’s dynamic narration. Tracks like “Build That Wall” and “Setting Sail, Coming Home” carry an emotional weight rarely found in video game music, enhancing the game’s themes of loss, survival, and rebuilding.

The gritty, acoustic tones combined with atmospheric synths create a soundscape that perfectly complements the game’s post-apocalyptic fantasy world, making it a standout example of how music in video games can shape a player’s emotional journey.

Undertale

The Undertale soundtrack, composed entirely by the game’s developer, Toby Fox, is a masterclass in how video game music can enhance storytelling, emotion, and gameplay. Each track is meticulously crafted to fit the game’s quirky, heartfelt, and sometimes unsettling atmosphere, with standout pieces like “Megalovania,” “Spider Dance,” and “His Theme” becoming instant classics.

The soundtrack dynamically shifts based on player choices, reinforcing the game’s themes of consequence and morality. Blending chiptune melodies with orchestral and rock influences, Undertale’s music creates an unforgettable experience that sticks with players long after they’ve put down the game. It’s a perfect example of how music in video games can transcend its medium, becoming iconic in its own right.

Hotline Miami

The Hotline Miami soundtrack is a relentless, neon-drenched assault on the senses, perfectly capturing the game’s chaotic and brutal atmosphere. Featuring a curated selection of synthwave and electronic tracks from artists like Perturbator, M.O.O.N., and Carpenter Brut, the music pulses with an infectious energy that drives the game’s fast-paced, ultra-violent action.

More than just background noise, the soundtrack becomes an essential part of the experience, syncing seamlessly with the game’s hypnotic rhythm and psychedelic visuals. Few video game soundtracks have achieved such a perfect marriage of sound and gameplay, making Hotline Miami a prime example of how music in video games can shape mood, tension, and player immersion in ways few other mediums can.

Halo: Combat Evolved

The Halo: Combat Evolved soundtrack is one of the most iconic video game soundtracks ever composed, blending grand orchestral compositions with eerie, atmospheric sci-fi tones. Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori crafted a score that immediately set Halo apart, with its signature Gregorian chants and sweeping orchestral arrangements adding an unexpected level of gravitas to an FPS about a super-soldier battling aliens.

Tracks like “Opening Suite” and “Truth and Reconciliation” bring an emotional weight to the action, making every firefight feel cinematic and every quiet moment feel vast and mysterious. It’s a perfect example of how music in video games can elevate a game from a simple shooter to an unforgettable, immersive experience.

Mass Effect 3

The Mass Effect 3 soundtrack delivers an emotional and cinematic experience that enhances the game’s high-stakes narrative, proving how essential video game music is to player immersion. With a team of composers including Clint Mansell, Sam Hulick, and Christopher Lennertz, the score blends sweeping orchestral arrangements with atmospheric synth-driven tracks, perfectly capturing the tension of a galaxy on the brink of annihilation.

Pieces like “Leaving Earth” set a somber, almost hopeless tone, while tracks like “An End, Once and For All” provide a heartbreaking yet triumphant farewell to one of gaming’s most beloved sci-fi sagas. The music in Mass Effect 3 doesn’t just accompany the action—it defines the emotional weight of every decision, making it one of the most powerful video game soundtracks of its era.

Final Fantasy VI

The Final Fantasy VI soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is a landmark achievement in video game music, pushing the limits of what was possible on the SNES. From the hauntingly beautiful “Terra’s Theme” to the bombastic “Dancing Mad,” the score perfectly captures the game’s emotional depth and grand narrative. The highlight is undoubtedly the “Opera Scene,” an ambitious, multi-layered composition that remains one of the most iconic moments in music in video games.

Uematsu’s use of leitmotifs and rich orchestration gives each character and storyline a unique musical identity, making Final Fantasy VI one of the greatest video game soundtracks of all time, proving that even with 16-bit technology, a soundtrack could deliver cinematic levels of emotion and storytelling.

Chrono Trigger

The Chrono Trigger soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu, is a masterpiece of video game music, blending orchestral grandeur with timeless melodies that have remained beloved for decades. Each track is carefully crafted to enhance the game’s time-traveling narrative, from the adventurous and triumphant “Frog’s Theme” to the hauntingly beautiful “Corridors of Time.”

The music doesn’t just accompany the game—it breathes life into its world, making each era feel distinct and emotionally resonant. With its intricate compositions and unforgettable themes, Chrono Trigger stands as one of the finest examples of how music in video games can transcend its medium, becoming just as legendary as the game itself.

Celeste

The Celeste soundtrack, composed by Lena Raine, is a breathtaking example of how video game music can be both emotionally powerful and mechanically integral. Featuring a mix of ambient piano, electronic synths, and dynamic layering, the music evolves alongside the game’s challenging platforming and deeply personal narrative.

Tracks like “Resurrections” and “Reach for the Summit” build tension and triumph in perfect harmony with the player’s struggle, while softer pieces like “Madeline and Theo” offer moments of introspection. The way the soundtrack adapts to gameplay and storytelling makes Celeste a standout example of music in video games, proving that a great score can enhance both the emotional and mechanical depth of an experience.

Katamari Damacy

The Katamari Damacy soundtrack, by multiple composers, is an eclectic, joyful explosion of jazz, pop, and electronic beats that perfectly captures the game’s quirky charm. Unlike most video game soundtracks, which aim for atmospheric immersion, Katamari Damacy leans into pure, unfiltered fun with upbeat vocal tracks and catchy melodies that feel as playful as the game itself.

Songs like “Katamari on the Rocks” set the tone with an infectious energy that makes rolling up objects (and eventually entire continents) feel even more absurdly satisfying. It’s a perfect example of how music in video games can be more than just background noise—it can define the game’s identity and turn every moment into a celebration.

Risk of Rain Series

The Risk of Rain series features some of the most atmospheric and pulse-pounding video game music in the roguelike genre, thanks to composer Chris Christodoulou. Blending progressive rock, electronic synths, and ambient soundscapes, the soundtrack evolves as the intensity of each run escalates. Tracks like “Coalescence” from Risk of Rain 2 mix eerie melodies with driving percussion, perfectly mirroring the tension of exploring an alien world while fighting overwhelming odds.

The way the music shifts between ethereal calm and high-energy chaos enhances the game’s pacing, making it a standout example of how music in video games can shape both mood and momentum.

Minecraft

The Minecraft soundtrack, composed by C418, is a masterclass in subtle, atmospheric video game music that enhances the game’s open-ended exploration. With soft piano melodies and ambient synth textures, tracks like “Sweden” and “Wet Hands” create a sense of nostalgia and tranquility, making even the most mundane tasks feel deeply meditative.

Unlike many video game soundtracks that drive action or tension, Minecraft’s music embraces minimalism, allowing players to immerse themselves in their creations while the soundtrack gently underscores their journey. It’s a perfect example of how music in video games can be both understated and profoundly emotional, shaping the experience without overwhelming it.

Mega Man

The Mega Man series is a prime example of how video game music can turn fast-paced platforming into an unforgettable experience. With its chiptune-driven compositions, the series features some of the most instantly recognizable melodies in gaming history. Tracks like “Dr. Wily’s Castle” from Mega Man 2 deliver an adrenaline-pumping mix of electronic beats and catchy hooks that push players forward through the game’s relentless challenges.

Despite the limitations of early hardware, the Mega Man series proved that computer game music didn’t need an orchestra to be iconic—it just needed a killer melody, tight composition, and an energy that matched the action on screen.

Donkey Kong Country

The Donkey Kong Country soundtrack, composed by David Wise, is a groundbreaking achievement in video game music, blending atmospheric soundscapes with unforgettable melodies. From the relaxing yet haunting “Aquatic Ambience” to the high-energy “Stickerbush Symphony,” the music perfectly complements the game’s lush environments and dynamic platforming.

The soundtrack’s use of layered instrumentation and ambient effects was ahead of its time, pushing the Super Nintendo’s capabilities to create a rich, immersive experience. Few video game soundtracks capture such a wide emotional range, proving that even in the 16-bit era, music in video games could be just as powerful and memorable as in film or television.

Sonic the Hedgehog

The Sonic the Hedgehog series has consistently delivered some of the most energetic and memorable video game music in the industry, with its high-speed gameplay perfectly matched by catchy, adrenaline-fueled tracks. From the funky basslines of “Green Hill Zone” in the original Sonic the Hedgehog to the rock-infused anthems of Sonic Adventure 2, the franchise has always embraced bold, vibrant soundscapes.

The music doesn’t just complement the action—it drives it, making every loop, dash, and jump feel even more exhilarating. Few video game soundtracks capture a game’s essence as well as Sonic’s, proving that music in video games can be just as fast-paced and dynamic as the gameplay itself.

Persona 5

The Persona 5 soundtrack is a masterclass in stylish, jazz-infused video game music, seamlessly blending acid jazz, funk, and rock to create an atmosphere that oozes personality. Composed by Shoji Meguro, tracks like “Last Surprise” and “Beneath the Mask” perfectly capture the game’s rebellious themes and urban aesthetic.

The groovy basslines, smooth saxophone melodies, and dynamic arrangements elevate not just the gameplay but the entire mood of the experience. More than just background music, Persona 5’s score is an essential part of its identity, proving that music in video games can be as stylish and unforgettable as the worlds they bring to life.

Doom (2016)

The Doom (2016) soundtrack, composed by Mick Gordon, is a relentless, pulse-pounding assault of heavy metal that perfectly matches the game’s high-speed, demon-slaying action. Featuring distorted guitar riffs, industrial synths, and crushing percussion, tracks like “Rip & Tear” and “BFG Division” don’t just complement the gameplay—they fuel it, making every shotgun blast and glory kill feel even more intense.

Unlike traditional video game soundtracks, Doom dynamically layers its music, increasing in intensity as the action escalates, ensuring that the player is always immersed in the chaos. It’s a prime example of how music in video games can be a core part of the gameplay experience, pushing players to move faster, hit harder, and embrace the sheer brutality of combat.

Tropico

The Tropico (2007) soundtrack is a vibrant celebration of Latin and Caribbean rhythms, bringing an infectious energy to the game’s lighthearted take on a brutal dictatorship. Featuring a mix of salsa, mambo, and traditional Cuban-inspired melodies, the music perfectly sets the tone for managing an island paradise with an iron fist (or a velvet glove).

Unlike many video game soundtracks that fade into the background, Tropico’s lively instrumentation—complete with horns, congas, and upbeat guitar riffs—makes even the most mundane administrative tasks feel like a tropical fiesta. It’s a fantastic example of how music in video games can establish a game’s identity, in this case transporting players to a small totalitarian island with every note.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Skyrim soundtrack, composed by Jeremy Soule, is one of the most immersive and cinematic video game soundtracks ever created, transforming the world of Tamriel into a living, breathing fantasy epic. From the thunderous Nordic chants of “Dragonborn” to the serene beauty of “Far Horizons,” the music dynamically shifts to match the player’s journey, making exploration, combat, and quiet moments feel equally grand.

The orchestral compositions blend seamlessly with the game’s vast open world, reinforcing the sense of adventure and discovery. Few examples of music in video games have achieved such a legendary status, with Skyrim’s soundtrack continuing to resonate with players long after their quest has ended.

Honorable Mentions

• Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
• Chrono Cross
• Fire Emblem: Three Houses
• Vampire Survivors
• Cuphead
• Death Stranding
• Hollow Knight

FAQ: The Best Video Game Soundtracks Worth Experiencing