When thinking about music in games, the first thoughts might go to old 8-bit soundtracks or songs by artists that weren’t even made specifically for games. But in reality, the use of sound in gaming can vary a lot. From original ambient scores to music for boss fights, characters, or even entire gameplay systems designed around rhythm, music plays a major role in a playable experience.

Game scores can make or break a title. The wrong rhythm or tone can lead to an uncomfortable experience, unless that’s exactly what the composer aimed for. Games like Skyrim or Minecraft use music to immerse the player in their world, while soundtracks like The Last of Us enhance the emotional weight of the narrative. In games like Destiny or Dark Souls, music turns battles into something epic and memorable.

How music shapes the gaming experience

Music in video games is often at its best when players don’t even notice it. The most effective soundtracks blend naturally with the environment, shaping mood and atmosphere without pulling focus. Diegetic music, like a tavern melody or a song on an in-game radio, can make the world feel even more alive.

Many games tailor their music to each specific area or moment, using sound to prepare the player emotionally for what lies ahead. In Pokémon, each route, town, and even building has a distinct theme that subtly sets the tone, Lavender Town, for example, is iconic also thanks to its eerie melody.

Some soundtracks are even adaptive. In Destiny 2, raid boss themes evolve during battle, with tracks randomly selected from a set of variations that shift with each phase of the fight. These choices are designed to raise tension and mark key moments without breaking immersion.

The Legend of Zelda series is also known for reactive music. Depending on whether you’re solving puzzles or exploring dungeons, different layers and motifs fade in and out. Music is part of the storytelling and world-building, shaping how players feel before they even do anything.

Sound effects in video games

Not all game audio is music; sometimes it’s a single sound that complements the background themes. Just think of Mortal Kombat’s line “Finish Him!”, the ominous death sound in Dark Souls, or the GTA Wasted screen. These sounds are short but iconic.

In many games, every item and interaction has its own sound, creating a fake tactile feeling in a world where audio becomes part of the gameplay loop. Mobs can be recognized by their specific sounds, showing the level of detail and also improving accessibility.

Game sounds tell you what’s happening and how to react in a fraction of a second, becoming essential in competitive play. In shooters, weapon sounds are chosen to feel responsive, while in racing games, engine tones and muffling effects aren’t just there for realism, they help players control their vehicle. 

7 memorable soundtracks

Some game tracks are just too good to enjoy only during play. If you want to start appreciating game music, here are 7 well-known scores from a dedicated Spotify playlist.

Take Silent Hill 2’s Theme of Laura, a haunting melody that perfectly captures the game’s mood. Then there’s God of War’s God of War, a powerful orchestral piece driving the intensity of Kratos’ journey.

Hollow Knight’s City of Tears stands out as a melancholy yet beautiful soundtrack that inspires mystery and perfectly represents its emotional depth. For fans of action RPGs like Dark Souls or Elden Ring, the Nameless Song or the Elden Ring Main Theme evoke the epicness of the challenges ahead.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s Zelda’s Lullaby is as iconic as it gets, a simple piece that instantly transports players back into adventure. And Death Stranding’s BB’s Theme offers a delicate piece that highlights the game’s unique narrative

Last but not least, another icon: Skyrim’s main theme, Dragonborn, is a powerful chant that perfectly embodies the spirit of the epic main quest.

These tracks have risen to success, becoming part of players’ journeys all over the world.

Music as gameplay

In some games, music isn’t just part of the experience; it’s the core mechanic. Rhythm sets the rules, and staying on beat becomes essential to progress. Crypt of the NecroDancer is a perfect example: a dungeon crawler where every move, attack, and dodge must be perfectly timed to the soundtrack.

Other games turn music into physical movement. Just Dance uses pop songs to challenge players with complex, timed choreography, tracked through motion sensors. Beat Saber blends rhythm with precision and VR immersion, asking players to slice through objects in sync with the beat.

These music-driven games introduced new kinds of challenges, not just timing your button presses, but coordinating full-body movement. They also shaped the history of gaming with arcade cabinets and custom peripherals like Guitar Hero did, opening the door for rhythm mechanics to influence a whole generation of modern titles.

How players interact with music

Sometimes, players don’t just experience music during gameplay, they take it beyond the game. Some even mute the original soundtrack to play their own playlists, especially in open-world or slower-paced games. Others fall in love with the game’s score and keep listening to it through fan-made playlists or official releases.

According to recent surveys, a large part of Gen Z gamers prefers to listen to different music while playing, while many others search for game soundtracks online. Certain tracks, especially from RPGs or atmospheric titles, are often used to relax, focus, or even fall asleep. Different genres also tend to pair naturally with certain music styles. Action and shooter games work well with electronic or rock music, racing games benefit from fast, rhythmic beats, while puzzle and horror titles lean on ambient or dissonant sounds.

Whether they stick with the original music or switch to their own, players have developed a personal way of interacting with game audio. In some cases, music even influences in-game performance, and ends up being as memorable as the game itself.