There are several aspects of a video game that need to be taken care of for the end product to be of acceptable quality. Everything from graphics to gameplay needs to be top-notch for games to even be considered worth playing by the majority of gamers. This is especially true when it comes to artificial intelligence, and the manner in which games likeCyberpunk 2077have been put to the sword is indicative of just how important AI is to enhance the quality of a video game.
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In this regard, the following video games have been monumental to ensure that AI takes the steps required to challenge and aid the player whenever required. These titles show just how much quality oozes out of a game when its artificial intelligence is absolutely top-notch.
Updated on Jul 21, 2025 by Ritwik Mitra:Artificial intelligence has progressed by leaps and bounds across the board. AI is now capable of doing wonderful things when programmed properly, and the same applies to video games as well. Titles feel more immersive and lived-in when their AI actually feels like a living, breathing being as opposed to just a line of code. Here are some of thebest games that understand the importance of AI in their games.
15Left 4 Dead
Left 4 Deadisone of Valve’s best games, with its sequel improving upon the title even more. Teaming up with a bunch of survivors in a zombie apocalypse never felt so entertaining.
The AI of the game was something else, with zombies reacting realistically depending on where they’re hit. The other special zombies also have special triggers that make their AI quite exciting indeed.
14Unreal Tournament
Unreal Tournamentis one of the most legendary arena shooters of all time. While playing with other people was quite engaging, it was surprising to see just how good the bots are too.
At normal difficulties, bots can be pretty tricky and rely on strategies instead of pure brute force to win games. It made a game against bots pretty engaging, as players strove to outsmart their AI opponents time and time again.
13Star Wars: Republic Commando
Given the sheer number ofStar Warsgames around, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a lot of people haven’t heard ofRepublic Commando. However, it would also be a huge shame, given that this is actually one of the betterStar Warsgames around.
The AI ofRepublic Commandois easily its biggest achievement, being able to trivialize threats that can cause major problems for the player otherwise. As a result, sending out proper orders becomes even more important than getting a headshot or two.
12S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
TheS.T.A.L.K.E.R.series is one of the most underrated trilogies of first-person shooters around. It’s great that another game is being made in this series so that more eyes can be drawn toward this hard yet riveting series of action-adventure games.
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The AI in theS.T.A.L.K.E.R.games can give players a really tough time indeed. It’s not the most perfect artificial intelligence around, but it’s still pretty impressive regardless.
11Rimworld
Rimworld’s ability to tell procedurally-generated stories using its AI story generator is its biggest achievement. This management simulation is such a blast to play through that people can genuinely lose hours playing through this amazing game.
The first few playthroughs are hard, but players who get a hang ofRimworld’s systems will understand why it’s such a beloved title. It’s easy to see why so many people wholeheartedly recommend this amazing simulation game.
Red Dead Redemption 2is the newest game on this list, but don’t let that take away from its massive impact on AI in video games. After all, one need only check out the advanced NPC behavior andaggressive enemy AIto understand just how advanced this game really is.
Rockstarhas consistently set the benchmark when it comes to immersion in an open world. Seeing NPCs go about their usual business like actual people certainly adds to this notion.
9Half-Life
ThefirstHalf-Lifegameis one of the most revolutionary video games of all time. It’s the game responsible for puttingHalf-Lifeon the map and showing just how important AI is in a video game.
The Marines are easily one of the most impressive parts ofHalf-Life. The manner in which these troopers flanked and tried to outsmart the player is still pretty fascinating to this day.
8Bioshock Infinite
Companion AI is one of the hardest things to master in a video game. Games likeResident Evil 4and their frustrating escort missionsshow that friendly AI is just as importantenemy AI, if not more!
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One such game that mastered companion AI wasBioshock Infinite. Many people consider Elizabeth to be one of the best video game characters of all time, and that’s certainly due to her non-intrusive nature asBooker’s companion throughout the game.
7Grand Theft Auto 5
Another Rockstar title that made massive strides in terms of artificial intelligence isGrand Theft Auto 5. It’s one of the major games that shows just how brilliant a game can be when its AI is nigh-perfect.
Pedestrian AI is especially advanced in this regard, with these bystanders reacting in different and realistic ways to the input of the player, especially one that directly affects them!
6Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolationis one of the greatest horror games of all time. The game features aXenomorph that hounds the player at every step of the wayand constantly tries to impede their progress.
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An amazing thing about the AI ofAlien: Isolationis its advanced AI, which reacts to the player’s behavior and learns from its own mistakes. This made for a highly personalized experience as players had to constantly adapt on the fly and try out new ways to escape this extraterrestrial stalker.
