Discover the Best Pro Evolution Soccer Games Ranked from Worst to Best
Having spent over a decade analyzing football simulation games, I've developed a particular fondness for the Pro Evolution Soccer series—or eFootball as it's now known. My journey with this franchise began in 2006 with PES 6, and since then I've probably clocked over 5,000 hours across various installations. Today I want to walk you through my personal ranking of these games from what I consider the weakest entries to the absolute masterpieces that revolutionized virtual football.
Let's start with what many fans consider the low point: PES 2014. This was the first installment built for the Fox Engine, and frankly, it showed all the growing pains of a transition year. The physics felt off, player movements were clunky, and the AI displayed some frankly bizarre decision-making. I remember defenders would sometimes just freeze during counterattacks, creating situations where attacking felt almost unfair. The game shipped with approximately 600 player faces—a step down from previous titles—and featured noticeably fewer licensed teams than its main competitor. While Konami promised revolutionary changes, what we got felt half-baked and rushed to meet deadlines.
Moving up the ladder, PES 2018 represents what I'd call a solid but unspectacular entry. The gameplay was polished enough, with improved ball physics and more realistic player collisions. However, it suffered from what I call "incrementalism"—just enough changes to justify a new release without truly pushing boundaries. MyClub mode felt like a pale imitation of Ultimate Team, and the lack of major licenses continued to hurt its appeal. Still, the core football was decent, with midfield battles particularly well-represented. I probably put about 200 hours into this version before moving on.
Now we reach what I consider the turning point: PES 2020. This was where the series truly found its modern identity. The subtle improvements in player individuality made stars feel genuinely different to control. I'll never forget how playing as Barcelona made Messi feel uniquely Messi—his dribbling, passing arcs, and even his running animation captured his real-life counterpart beautifully. The game introduced "Matchday" mode, which created a fantastic sense of community around real-world fixtures. With over 700 officially licensed players and improved tactical depth, this was the first PES in years that made me excited about the franchise's future.
The crown jewel, in my opinion, remains PES 2013. This was the pinnacle of the series' classic era before the engine transitions began. The gameplay was near-perfect—responsive controls, intelligent AI, and that magical "one more game" quality that's so hard to capture. I've probably played over 800 matches in PES 2013, and it still holds up today. The master league was deep, the editing community was thriving, and the overall package felt complete. It's interesting to note how this relates to the reference about Shaquille O'Neal—just as Shaq dominated basketball through sheer physical presence and skill, PES 2013 dominated the football simulation landscape through its unparalleled gameplay mechanics. Both represented peak performance in their respective domains, setting standards that others struggled to match.
What made PES 2013 so special was its understanding of football's rhythm. Passing had weight but never felt sluggish, player movements were fluid without being arcade-like, and the learning curve rewarded dedication. I remember countless nights staying up with friends, discovering new strategies and marveling at how no two matches ever felt identical. The game celebrated football's creativity in ways that modern titles often sacrifice for competitive balance.
Looking at the series' evolution, it's clear that technological transitions often came with growing pains, but when Konami got it right, they created magical football experiences. The shift to free-to-play with eFootball 2022 was rocky, but recent updates have shown promising signs of a comeback. As someone who's been through all the highs and lows, I believe the series' strength has always been its soul—that intangible quality that makes virtual football feel authentic. While not every installment hit the mark, the best PES games created memories that stay with players for years, much like legendary athletes who define eras in their sports. The series may have changed its name and business model, but for dedicated fans, that pursuit of the perfect football simulation continues.
