The best video game soundtracks you can get on Steam

The best video game soundtracks you can get on Steam

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can attest to the transformative power that a game’s soundtrack holds. From the haunting melodies of Link’s Awakening to the pulse-pounding beats of Sonic the Hedgehog, these auditory masterpieces have become an integral part of my gaming journey.


Video game soundtracks can significantly influence a player’s experience, subtly blending into the background (such as in Quiplash) or leaving an unforgettable imprint on a series (like The Legend of Zelda, Doom, Metroid, Sonic, etc.). With advancements in technology, game scores are no longer confined to limited electronic tones, opening up a vast realm of musical possibilities. Today, the music that accompanies our gaming sessions can be as enjoyable and impactful as any standalone song. These tunes inspire determination to reach the next level, encourage relaxation to appreciate the scenery, or get you tapping your feet to the rhythm.

The best video game soundtracks you can get on Steam

Check out our special issue TopMob FM, a week of stories about all the places where music and games connect — retrospectives, interviews, and much more.

Many video game soundtracks can be found on YouTube for listening, but playing the game itself is another option. However, purchasing the soundtrack of your preferred game provides offline playback, transferability across devices without charges, and even burning it onto a CD for car use. You can obtain official soundtracks, or OSTs, from Steam and Bandcamp to enjoy while working, doing household tasks, driving, or playing other games. This also offers a chance to support your favorite game creators financially.

As a dedicated gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that I am always on the lookout for great soundtracks to enhance my gaming experience. Recently, I stumbled upon a fantastic compilation on Steam, offering an array of must-listen soundtracks at affordable prices. Interestingly, if you already own the games, the cost can be significantly reduced even further. In my opinion, these deals are too good to pass up for any music and gaming enthusiast like myself!

1000xResist

1000xResist’s music score varies from ethereal and dreamy to futuristic and occasionally eerie, mirroring the game itself – a harmonious blend for productivity. The rhythms are top-notch, while the lyrics and tunes maintain a quiet, unobtrusive tone, which is quite challenging for video game soundtracks. Composer Drew Redman crafted an impressive 85 tracks for the game, each with distinctive and thematic titles.

Coral Island

Composer Yugo Pratomo of Stairway Games skillfully tailored the upbeat ambiance of life simulation game “Coral Island” with an extensive 174-track soundtrack. The game’s size is matched by the sheer volume of music, adding to the awe-inspiring nature of Pratomo’s work on this project. Each track offers a unique flavor, allowing players to identify their location within the game based on the music playing. Moreover, numerous tracks have variations to accommodate different scenarios, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Cuphead

In the game Cuphead, the tunes might bring to mind your grandparents’ era, yet don’t let that fool you, they still pack a punch! The soundtrack was masterfully created by Kristofer Maddigan, featuring an impressive collection of 56 ragtime and jazz songs. These tracks were recorded live, involving a 13-piece big band, a 10-piece ragtime ensemble, a solo pianist, a vocalist, a tap dancer, and some unexpected extras.

Hollow Knight

Would you kindly provide me with twenty-six songs that evoke the sensation of delving into the mysterious and dimly lit nooks of Hallownest? Certainly! Crafted by Christopher Larkin, these orchestral pieces are impressive in their own right, regardless of the game they were created for. However, when combined with the dynamic, constantly shifting environment of a Metroidvania game, the soundtrack enhances the game’s standing as a truly remarkable work of art.

Sifu

Howie Lee, the composer, created a 31-track score for the acclaimed indie game Sifu, which hit shelves in March 2023. This BAFTA-winning brawler, characterized by its geometric art style and noir influences, is renowned for its impressive fighting mechanics. Lee’s music enhances the overall mood with ambient sounds that sync with powerful beats. The tunes serve as a rhythmic guide for your battles, making the soundtrack an engaging option for studying or working.

Stardew Valley

Just as with every aspect of “Stardew Valley”, its developer, ConcernedApe (Eric Barone), single-handedly undertook the task of composing the game’s music. This self-composed score features a total of 100 lively themes that create an authentic feel as if you are strolling on the cobblestone streets of Pelican Town or exploring the forest.

Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse

Few settings offer the unique blend of ’00s bands reinterpreting ’50s tunes, all set against a backdrop of a zombie-filled town love story. If you’re intrigued, take a listen to the soundtrack and enjoy Death Cab For Cutie crooning “Earth Angel,” Cake’s rendition of “Strangers In The Night,” and The Flaming Lips taking on “If I Only Had A Brain.” –Matt Leone

Terraria

If you often find yourself tapping your foot to the electronic rhythms of Terraria in the dead of night while exploring beneath the earth, then this 60-track soundtrack is perfect for you. Designed with the game’s continuous playstyle in mind, the songs seamlessly flow together to keep you energized and moving forward, whether you’re digging, battling, or constructing. It also makes an enjoyable ambiance for a day spent playing board games with friends.

Tetris Effect: Connected

Immediately when Enhance unveiled the Tetris Effect trailer in 2018, it was clear that an exceptional musical experience was on its way. The audio, skillfully pieced together to respond to gameplay, initially delayed a full soundtrack release. However, now that it’s here, it surpasses all our expectations from six years ago. —ML

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2024-08-06 20:19

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