Ukraine's gaming legacy: 5 titles still trending worldwide
Ukrainian video games that became global hits (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
In recent years, the Ukrainian video game industry has proven capable of creating world-class projects. Some of these games have become true cult hits and continue to attract thousands of players from around the world. Here are five Ukrainian games that still hold the attention of gamers even years after their release.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Developer: GSC Game World (Kyiv)
Genre: Post-apocalyptic first-person shooter (FPS), survival horror
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series XS
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is the long-awaited continuation of the cult S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, set in the eerie and radioactive Zone surrounding the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
The game combines thrilling first-person shooter mechanics with a vast open world, dynamic weather, day-night cycles, and advanced AI. Players must survive among mutants, anomalies, and hostile stalkers.
The game also offers a deep storyline with multiple endings based on player choices. Despite the Russian invasion, development continued with incredible resilience, and following its release in late 2024, the game received worldwide acclaim and sold millions of copies.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (photo: Wccftech)
Metro 2033/Metro Exodus
Developer: 4A Games (originally based in Kyiv)
Genre: Story-driven first-person shooter, survival horror
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch (Metro Redux)
Based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, the Metro series brought global fame to the Ukrainian studio 4A Games. Metro 2033 introduced players to a grim post-nuclear world where survivors live in metro tunnels and battle mutants and rival factions.
The sequel, Metro: Last Light, refined the gameplay, while Metro Exodus expanded the universe with semi-open world levels set in the wilderness.
The series was praised for its strong narrative, survival mechanics, and atmospheric visuals. With over 10 million copies sold worldwide, Metro remains one of the most successful Ukrainian game franchises commercially and critically.
Metro Exodus (photo: Rozetka)
Cossacks: European Wars
Developer: GSC Game World
Genre: Real-time strategy (RTS)
Platform: PC
Released in 2001, Cossacks: European Wars unexpectedly became a hit among strategy fans worldwide. The game is set in 17th–18th century Europe and features massive battles with thousands of units, historically accurate nations, and complex economic and military systems.
The game stood out for its attention to detail, scale, and historical realism—a rarity at the time. Its success led to several expansions and sequels, making it one of Eastern Europe's most iconic RTS games. Cossacks helped GSC Game World become a leading strategy game developer long before S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
Cossacks: European Wars (photo: Steam)
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter
Developer: Frogwares (Kyiv)
Genre: Adventure / Detective
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Frogwares gained global popularity thanks to its series of detective adventures about Sherlock Holmes. The Devil’s Daughter is a story-rich, semi-open game where players take on the role of the iconic detective investigating a supernatural conspiracy.
Although this installment didn’t receive the highest ratings in the series, it remains a fan favorite among those who enjoy detective gameplay, puzzle-solving, and non-linear dialogues. Frogwares games are often praised for their writing, atmosphere, and unique blend of action and investigation.
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter (photo: Steam)
ATOM RPG
Developer: AtomTeam (Ukrainian indie studio)
Genre: Isometric role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: PC, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch
Inspired by the classic Fallout series, ATOM RPG offers an alternate post-apocalyptic Soviet wasteland full of danger, satire, and depth.
The project began as a crowdfunded indie game and quickly gained attention thanks to its hardcore gameplay, rich world-building, and retro visual style. The game features turn-based combat, deep character customization, and branching quests with many possible outcomes.
Thanks to its authenticity, cultural flavor, and the developers’ passion, ATOM RPG earned cult status among fans of old-school RPGs. The studio has since released an expansion and is working on sequels.
ATOM RPG (photo: Steam)
Previously, we reported that Ukrainian NAVI lost at the PGL Astana CS2 tournament.
Sources: Intersog, Mezha, PC Gamer.
