The best games to play on OLED monitors are obviously the ones that can maximize their capabilities. Either visually stunning or fast-paced games are ideal since OLEDs are the best you can get for both categories. They offer substantially better contrast and color, plus most of them have high refresh rates and near-instantaneous pixel response times.
They are expensive, but those characteristics basically justify the premium you pay for them. OLED TVs are the same way, but we’ve come to the conclusion that HDR movies deserve OLEDs in the same way these games do. Of course, the cost of entry can be way too expensive for some since the display type is still new in the mainstream monitor market.
It’s also a fact that OLEDs are more difficult to manufacture and have lower yields per batch than regular LED screens. The cost per diagonal inch is at least twice as much, so there is a reason why many are still shy from the panel type. However, more and more are showing up each day, so it makes sense to get the best games for OLED monitors to experience what they have to offer.
Why OLEDs are Better for the Best Games
Games are more complicated now when it comes to both the visuals and their gameplay dynamics. OLED gaming monitors typically have high refresh rates, most of which are at either 240Hz or 360Hz for current models. On the other hand, true HDR also demands high contrast ratios, although OLEDs are capable of infinite outputs in this regard.
The only real weakness of OLED imaging is their lower brightness outputs due to their lack of powerful backlight units. However, that’s fine since it never really affected visuals and the cinematic appeal of the titles below. Per-pixel illumination has its limits, but the benefits far outweigh these minor issues.
Color coverage and accuracy are also considerably better, so visuals and details pop out more. Due to the high saturation levels, it can be harder to make them editing-grade, but that’s not a main concern for gaming purposes. However, we did get fantastically low deltaE averages from some models, so it’s not impossible to make them suitable for editing work as well.
However, one of the biggest advances is the blur-free performance these new monitors are capable of. E-Sports fans will love OLED since they are more vibrant than the extremely fast IPS and TN options out there. Every model we’ve reviewed aced this part of the tests, so there is no doubt that they are the best option now for competitive gaming.
The Best Games for OLED Monitors in 2024
Here are the current games we used to test and review the recent (and upcoming) OLED gaming monitors:
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 has created a massive following ever since it dropped due to the unlimited and less toxic fun it presents. The game is set in a futuristic setting that has striking similarities with pop culture movie icon Starship Troopers. You play as elite soldiers who drop into various planets to fight either giant bugs or armageddon-causing cybernetic organisms.
What makes Helldivers 2 one of the best games for OLED monitors is the varying environments and effects like weather on each planet. The fiery deserts, humid jungles, and pockmarked moon-like surfaces just look gorgeous on OLEDs, not to mention the explosions, lasers, and dust that fly in your face after you drop the 500kg.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare III/Warzone 2
MW3 or Warzone 2 maybe a controversial pick for any writer or reviewer simply because it’s a love it or hate it title that gets rehashed every release. However, its undeniable that it offers hours and hours of multiplayer action and a ton of content. Its both fast-paced and graphics-heavy unlike CSGO, so it will put any OLED gaming monitor to the test.
Some competitive COD gamers may argue that the infinite contrast ratio of OLEDs may be detrimental to this game. However, for us mortals, dynamic and engaging sequences and graphics are more important for enjoyment. Environments in both Warzone and every new season map just look way better on OLED, so be careful not to get distracted and get fragged in the game.
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 crashed and burned when it decided to follow the demands to rush its release instead of perfecting it like fine wine. However, no one can argue that it is one of the most visually stunning games out there, with its heavy use of ray tracing and complex 3D models or environments. Night City is just teeming with interesting things like futuristic cars or architecture and action sequences that are award-worthy if they were to happen in movies.
The lighting, neon glows, and details of the game pop out even more on OLED panels. Stalking through the city at night or just going for a drive is a visual treat, provided that you have the PC specs to match the game’s hefty requirements. Its worth a replay if you just got an OLED monitor, especially since there are several ways to progress the story with varying endings.
Ghosts of Tsushima Director’s Cut
Ghosts of Tsushima stunned the gaming populace when it first came out on the PS4. The lush art style and the perfect capture of the Kamakura period is a sight to behold, especially now that it has been reimagine for the PC master race. Every scene is a gem, from the intense sword duels to the gentle sway of leaves and cherry blossom petals.
The vibrant colors and deep contrast of OLED monitors will exponentially enhance what this title has to offer. It also has a bonus mode called Kurosawa mode, which is an homage to Akira Kurosowa’s distinct filming style in black and white. You can say never again to washed-out scenes by using that option if you play on an OLED screen.
Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West is another PlayStation port with unique and primal environments. It is similar to Ghosts of Tsushima in the sense that the vegetation, hills, and weather make up at least 50% of the impact it has on your peepers. It also offers substantially better fidelity thanks to improved ray tracing and compatibility with powerful GPU features like Nvidia’s DLSS 3 with super-resolution upscaling.
With that being said, choosing it as one of the best games for OLED monitors is a no-brainer. The panel will max out what it has to offer with regard to eye candy. We also noticed a bit of persistence in quick transitions on the old title when we played it on an LED TV, but that’s not the case here, thanks to the higher framerate and instant pixel response time.
Tekken 8
Tekken 8 requires lightning-fast reflexes and a screen that can catch up with the quick combinations needed to win a bout. It’s been visually upgraded even if it’s limited to 60 FPS, with sparks and neon glow lines spewing out from every hit you land. The character models and arenas have also been improved, so getting a fast monitor with full-color coverage and contrast is ideal.
Speed matters in fighting games since pros usually rely on the frames to execute and connect combos and moves. Again, OLED comes in first when it comes to this requirement since it is the fastest monitor type we have right now. It’s also justifiable to go with a new display for the latest release since it is always guaranteed that the graphics will be improved.
STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order
A gaming guide isn’t complete if it doesn’t have a Star Wars game like Fallen Order or one of the classics like KOTOR. The 2nd chapter of Cal Kestis’ adventure focuses on escaping the tyranny of the Galactic Empire and continuing the guerilla war under Saw Gerrera. Star Wars games always involve thousands of blaster fire, sparking lightsaber duels, and lush otherworldly environments.
Watching the glow of the lightsaber in the dark alone using an OLED monitor is worth every penny. Fallen Order has a lot of dark scenes as well, so its contrast ratio will make every duel pop. Any game that takes place in space looks exponentially better on it, so we’re sure that you will be tremendously happy with the upgrade.
About the Author: Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen has the right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear and create reviews that accentuate the seldom-explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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