“PC Master Race” is a term that has made quite a reputation in the modern age of gaming. From AAA titles to smaller Indie games, PC gamers have had access to a hefty library since the early days.
Current trends in gaming range from free-to-play titles to a solid $60 release, and it may get confusing to know which game to try next. Worry not! We’ve compiled of list of some top PC games that will remain our all-time favorites.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI (2016)
Simulation/Strategy
Like its predecessors, Civilization VI allows you to direct your people’s journey from nomadic tribes to a vast empire in the near future through rivalry or cooperation with nearby civilizations. This time, the narration is provided by the immortal Sean Bean.
In the case of Civ VI, a novel approach to city building gives it a new flavor, and the climate change mechanics add fresh long-term environmental considerations throughout along with hazards that become apparent in the late game. Major structures like specialized districts and Wonders are placed on their tiles. It has also come the closest of any game in the series to giving its AI leaders clear personalities that are engaging (that doesn’t mean they’re flawless!).
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Open World/Action/Adventure
Red Dead Redemption 2 is the kind of experience that will stick with you long after the final credits have rolled. There is a tremendous amount of detail and just as much passion in this world, from calm scenes where the gang hunts legendary animals and gathers herbs from the side of old rails to moments of dread where the gang leads a furious rebellion against other gangs.
The game’s epic story of devotion, commitment, and the cost of notoriety by Arthur Morgan is just the beginning. Rockstar’s most recent open-world adventure received a fantastic PC port that completely updated and improved the stunning wild western ambiance and added even more activities, unlockables, and unbelievably fine features to its huge globe. It boasts a robust multiplayer option and is undeniably one of the top PC games of all time.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2017)
Open Zone/RPG/Adventure/Action
As one of the best RPGs ever, Divinity: Original Sin 2 has solidified its place in gaming history. It skillfully combines elements of traditional cRPGs with more contemporary mechanics and designs, giving the impression of being both new and old. In addition to adding some incredibly clever new AI, the sequel deepened its systems while also streamlining and removing some of the clunkier parts of its predecessor’s already amazing combat system.
There are also an absurd amount of things available during your adventure. This enormous RPG has more than enough content to keep you coming back, including over 74,000 lines of fully-voiced conversations, custom tags that you can create, and six different origin characters.
Final Fantasy XIV Online (2010)
MMORPG/Action/Adventure
Final Fantasy XIV Online, which is set in the breathtaking realm of Eorzea, is a must-have for both MMORPG gamers and longtime fans of the genre, especially in the wake of Endwalker. It is definitely worthwhile to try out the free trial because of the game’s compelling plot, soaring soundtrack, and gorgeous visuals.
Despite being an MMO, Square-Enix has simplified things to the point where you really don’t have to play with others if you don’t wish to. Even challenging dungeons now allow you to join with computer-controlled party members rather than being forced into a group with strangers, and story quests are designed to be completed solo. It is also a fully-fleshed MMO featuring end-game raiding that can range from being completely accessible to being excruciatingly difficult.
Minecraft (2011)
Open World/Action/Adventure
Even after more than ten years, it’s nearly impossible to suggest another sandbox-creating game over Minecraft. It’s one of the top PC games for creators, to put it simply. Despite being so straightforward, it has become a genuine craze among children and families. However, it also has enough depth and complexity to support sizable communities of game designers, modders, architects, warriors, roleplayers, survivalists, and storytellers.
Although you can play it however you want thanks to its many game modes, the game’s structure is helped by the presence of mobs, hidden treasure, and twisting cave systems. Its sandbox environment never fails to fill your head with lofty ideas, and before you realize it, hours pass while you work block by block toward your next self-made goal. Its scope is further expanded by mods and new maps, and it works best when you and a friend are working together to create your next project.
Hades (2020)
Roguelike/Action/Adventure/RPG
Without a doubt, Hades is the current pinnacle of the roguelike subgenre. It offers a lot — from its thrilling combat and amazing soundtrack to a clever and well-written narrative with characters that seem to never run out of meaningful things to say. All the way to its deep and innovative endgame scenario, the game keeps you wanting to return for more even after defeating the final boss.
You take on the role of Zagreus, the prince of the underworld and son of Hades. You must battle your way out of hell by making use of numerous weapons and gifts from the Olympian gods. You are brought back to the House of Hades after each unsuccessful attempt to flee, where you can speak with friends and use your chambers to earn upgrades and benefits.
Hollow Knight (2017)
Open Zone/Action/Adventure/RPG
When you enter the world of Hollow Knight, you’re likely to get lost in its lofty caverns, narrow tunnels, and stunning, deserted cities and not want to know how to get out. You’ll gradually learn the history of this world filled with bugs as you jump and slice around it. You’ll come to understand that it has a much richer narrative than you first thought.
Even later in the game, you’ll stumble into enormous places that you had no idea existed. The world feels limitless. When you pass through them, a connection to a well-known location will make sense and feel natural right away.
Easily one of the top PC games in the contemporary Metroidvania genre, you can play Hollow Knight for hours because it is an experience filled with interesting mysteries. Many players first avoid Hollow Knight since it doesn’t ease them into the harsh reality of Hallownest’s realm; nevertheless, once it does, it is incredibly difficult to put down.
Elden Ring (2022)
Open World/Action/Adventure/RPG
With its somber, melancholy settings and cryptic themes, FromSoftware’s Souls series has made a name for itself as one of the greatest gaming series of the past ten years. However, because of its reputation for difficulty, it has undoubtedly driven off at least as many potential players as it has pulled in. Elden Ring doesn’t depart from the Souls series’ established challenge, but it does provide a much more welcome experience because of its sizeable open area, which is a first for the company.
There are memorable encounters, worthwhile rewards, and intimidating boss battles on practically every square inch of its enormously large terrain, making it a wonder to explore. You’ll come across many ‘legacy dungeons’ in each of Elden Ring’s zones that resemble the more linear do-or-die levels of the Souls games, although each one is worth exploring again to discover the mysteries buried inside. In modern gaming, Elden Ring has achieved almost a legendary status and gained a permanent position in the top PC games list.
Disco Elysium (2019)
RPG/Adventure
Disco Elysium uses traditional CRPG mechanics to create something entirely new. It offers unique ways to play, such as debating against 24 different sections of your own brain, each representative of a different skill or trait. The game also allows transplanting of dice rolls and deep dialogue options from Dungeons and Dragons into a less common noir-detective setting.
Disco Elysium is a video game that celebrates language and characters. It is an RPG without action, where all battles are verbal and every discussion is laced with amusing traits from various parts of the player’s own mind who are fighting for attention. For almost every line of dialogue, you have a wide range of options, and what you choose to say has an important bearing on the characters around you. We can’t get enough of its balance between clever and cynical.
XCOM 2 (2016)
Strategy/Action/RPG
The stylish turn-based strategy game XCOM 2 doesn’t give a damn about how you feel. As you fight an alien invasion, you’ll develop a bond with your squad, giving them upgrades, personalizing their equipment, and giving them personalities in their heads. Then, if they make a mistake, you’ll have to watch as a tall, pink mutant with no face tears off their face, with nothing you can do to stop it. It’s excruciating.
Compared to its predecessor, the vast, in-depth game adds new and more potent army classes, equipment, and aliens to the intricate storyline. Replayability is also given a lot of attention. In tactical missions, procedurally created maps prevent you from slipping into a repetitive pattern. On the strategic map, many random events disrupt your build and research orders.
Cities: Skyline (2015)
Simulation
Cities: Skylines is a lovely homage to urban planning, allowing you to sketch out neighborhoods and buildings over a lush setting. You can’t afford to do nothing, though, since as soon as your residents move into their new homes, they start demanding things like jobs, healthcare, and plumbing that doesn’t back up with feces. As a result, you’ll have to put out urban planning fires that literally and figuratively spread throughout your city.
The game has always been novel because of its vibrant community. It has developed into the most comprehensive and enjoyable city builder available, thanks to the best Cities: Skylines mods, updates, and new expansions.
Portal 2 (2011)
Action/Adventure
Despite being more than ten years old, Portal 2 is still impressive in 2023 and is one of the top PC games you can find. Portal 2, a fully developed follow-up to the brief initial game, stands the test of time with its effortlessly humorous narrative and sheer diversity of challenging puzzle chambers.
Any puzzle enthusiast should play Portal 2, thanks to distinct solo and co-op campaigns and plenty more to explore. The size restriction on Steam Workshop levels was eliminated by Valve in 2021, so there are now tonnes of even bigger and better ways to test your scientific competency. You monster.
Rocket League (2015)
Action/Sports
It’s both that easy and that difficult: football with vehicles. For a beginner, Rocket League is a rapid arcade game in which cars collide at speeds of up to 100 mph while occasionally launching the ball into the goal. However, once you master the controls, the race transforms into an aerial acrobatic display with front-flip assists, mid-air spins, and last-second victories. Rocket League is fantastic because it is enjoyable at both of these levels.
Some players are inspired to keep moving up the ranks. Others could get greater inner fulfillment in pulling off that brand-new, showy play. For gamers who enjoy feeling compensated for their practice time, Rocket League is immensely fulfilling. It is simple to be inspired about taking your game to the next level when you concentrate on your own abilities and capabilities. Even if your goal isn’t to work your way to the top of the ladder, a few small changes can have a big impact on how you see the results of your games.
Crusader Kings 3 (2020)
Simulation/Strategy/RPG
The grand strategy game from Paradox lets you play around with every aspect of medieval dynastic life. This is a simulation of a Dark Ages tragedy, with everything from declaring war on children to learning that one of your court members is a cannibal.
For those who haven’t played a grand strategy game before, Crusader Kings 3 is a great place to start, and for CK enthusiasts who have played Crusader Kings 2 before, it continues where that game left off. We really couldn’t have asked for much more from a Paradox game at launch, with an improved user interface, a more thorough tutorial, and even more options to customize your kingdom and engage with other leaders.
With a strong nested tooltip system that enables even strategy novices to enjoy the game’s intricacy, CK3 also succeeds in making these complicated systems as understandable as they have ever been. With the most recent add-on, Royal Court, your ruler can now look their subjects in the eye and pass judgment on them individually in addition to issuing orders that affect the entire realm. Additionally, the expansion incorporates a complex, updated culture system throughout the entire game, giving you more chances to give your empire a distinctive feel with all the advantages and disadvantages that entail.
Half-Life: Alyx (2020)
Action/Adventure
The first Half-Life game from Valve in 13 years served as a reminder of the series’ defining innovation and the reasons its return was so eagerly awaited. Half-Life: Alyx set a new standard for polish in virtual reality shooters and easily joins the top PC games of all time.
Just as the original Half-Life demonstrated that a compelling story could be told in a first-person game without taking control of the camera, Half-Life 2 invented physics-based puzzles and combat. These two games set the foundation for Alyx to reach higher horizons.
Alyx’s scope is undoubtedly less than that of the main Half-Life games. But even though missions there frequently take place in a single structure, the level of interaction you can engage in goes far beyond that of the Gravity Gun. Whether it’s in showy situations like using a wooden beam to play baseball with enemy grenades or just clearing junk off shelves to find extra ammunition. It has that satisfying video game feeling, similar to a shotgun blast in Doom or Mario’s ‘yahoo’, but this time it immerses you in City 17 as much as the approaching Combine ships do.
RimWorld (2013)
Simulation/Strategy
RimWorld is an unforgiving storytelling simulator, played as a strategy and simulation game. Based on your decisions, the game’s AI writes up scenarios that change how things play out, and you need to make sure everything stays in one piece.
The game is complex. You’re in charge of a group of colonists with various needs, wants, abilities, inner thoughts, and interpersonal issues. It’s similar to raising a family to manage them. You assign them tasks and make sure they don’t completely lose their sanity. This is easier said than done, and eventually, you’ll be handling maniacs, pirate invasions, mental breakdowns, and everything that can possibly go wrong.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
Action/Adventure/RPG/Open World
The Witcher 3 made its name as one of the top PC games in the open-world adventure genre. You play as Geralt, a Witcher who has a remarkable knack for hunting and killing monsters, which makes people around him deeply suspicious. However, this never stops him. As long as vicious monsters and terrible humans roam the world, Geralt makes it a point to deal with them personally.
The game’s superb combat mechanics, graphics, stories, and dialogue (along with character building) set its standards to the highest degree. He journeys through villages, towns, and cities, piecing together tales of all kinds. The base game and its two DLCs build a robust single-player narrative for players. Recently, the game received an update that makes its visuals stand out on current-gen consoles.
Outer Wilds (2019)
Open World/Action/Adventure
The premise of Outer Wilds is rather interesting – the star at the center of your solar system explodes every 22 minutes, restarting the game for you. For every loop, you must make sense of this countdown and discover mysterious surroundings and the cause of this so it stops happening in the future.
Outer Wilds thrives as a game based on the idea of discovery. The architecture is astounding, with twin bodies orbiting each other while a thin stream of ash streams from one to the other or planets constructed from clusters of twisted vines. NPCs, environments, and mystical objects across the galaxy piece the narrative together.
God of War (2018)
Action/Adventure/RPG
Nobody was anticipating God of War to be a magnum opus. Of course, we were suspecting a great game, but God of War outdid itself in every possible way.
After settling into family life in Midgard, Kratos travels with his small son Atreus to the highest peak in the nine kingdoms to disperse his wife’s ashes. Kratos and Atreus’ bond flourishes during this journey with some teachable, heated, and larger-than-life moments.
Kratos’s primary weapon – the Leviathan Axe – gives players a charming tool to bring out the game’s top-notch combat sequences. Along with this, the well-written characters, gorgeous landscapes, and gripping narrative make God of War one of the top PC games you can ever play.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)
Simulation/Open World
“Can I see my house from up here!?” – one of those epic childhood moments come to life with Microsoft Flight Simulator. The game brings near-perfect simulation of the natural world into a virtual space that no other video game has dared to do so far.
This is open-world gaming at its most straightforward or as realistic as you like. Microsoft Flight Simulator is a remarkable accomplishment that allows you to fly freely across the world (yes, a replica of our planet Earth). You can also participate in landing competitions at some of the most notoriously challenging airports or fly through the globe to take in every scenery possible.
Prey (2017)
Action/Adventure/RPG
One of Arkane’s lesser-known games, Prey, makes for a unique first-person action RPG like no other.
Prey provides you with a wide variety of strange, unusual, and frequently thrilling equipment for your toolbox and then lets you choose which ones you want to use the most. Prey prides itself on compelling, sci-fi environments where your wits and reflexes save you from being overwhelmed by different enemy types.
Control (2019)
Action/Adventure
The game’s supernaturally bizarre storytelling and jaw-dropping mechanics make it one of Remedy Entertainment’s unique crafts in recent years. Those who have played Control will agree that it is quite underrated and deserves to be in every top PC games list.
Jesse Faden’s tale of breaking into the offices of the Federal Bureau of Control is filled with an incredible array of skills befitting any competent telepath. Unraveling of the narrative is often accompanied by tense, unusual findings with a memorable cast and an intriguing setting that is founded in a feeling of history.
Stardew Valley (2016)
Simulation/RPG
For the most part, Stardew Valley was developed by a single developer, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, over the course of four and a half years. Every character, story, mechanic, and soundtrack in the game has been crafted with love, and it shows.
Since its 2016 release, Stardew Valley has established itself as a cornerstone in the PC gaming industry. Since then, no other game has been able to properly imitate its superb fusion of RPG principles, a pleasant gameplay loop, gorgeously calm music, and an ever-expanding list of things to do as you pass the time living a peaceful life of a farmer, away from the cityscapes.
Genshin Impact (2020)
Open World/RPG/Action/Adventure
When this game was released, almost everyone went, “Oh, is this a free-to-play Breath of the Wild?”, And who could blame them? The game’s graphics and movement mechanics were much like the famous Zelda game.
However, time over time, Genshin Impact has evolved to be one of its own kind of experience unmatched by any other game in the free-to-play market. The game has 48 playable characters (and more to come), three enormous primary locations to explore, and significant events and activities for players every season. Along with its narrative campaign, the game has many fantastic side quests, companion character events, and side tales that give players a chance to learn more about the characters, solve puzzles, find collectibles, and participate in time-limited activities.
Dota 2 (2013)
MOBA/Action/RPG
We all have that one friend with 8000+ hours on Dota 2. Maybe you are that friend? We’re not judging. After all, the free-to-play MOBA game set out to be an industry-defining e-sport title almost a decade ago.
Dota’s 2 incredibly subjective playstyle makes it unique to each player’s experience. Do you enjoy farming gold for later upgrades? Do you like to be stealthy and sneak out your opponent’s next move? From a huge roster of 123 heroes to choose from, Dota 2 caters to your individual skillset. Go ahead, give it a try. Maybe it’ll become your next hobby.
Grand Theft Auto 5 (2013)/ GTA Online (2015)
Open World/Adventure/RPG/Action
Arguably one of the best modern open-world games created by Rockstar Games, GTA 5’s legendary campaign sequences and things to do in Los Santos didn’t stop at its single-player experience.
With more than 150k active online players at a time, GTA Online is an ever-expanding universe with new missions, heists and co-op activities. Rockstar has claimed they’re not stopping anytime soon, and the GTA Online world will keep getting updates. However, we’re more excited to see what’s in store with GTA 6’s potential, the following entry to the series. In the meantime, if you enjoyed the previous GTA games, GTA 5 is surely one of the top PC games you shouldn’t miss.
Slay the Spire (2019)
Roguelike/Strategy
Rogulikes spiritually thrive on variety. In fact, novelty is what keeps the gameplay loop fresh and alive. Slay the Spire’s dynamic ability card decks and three wildly diverse playable characters keep these turn-based fights exciting and compelling, which paints a larger picture for its genre than we might assume it to be.
With each play, there’s a chance you might probably never see it again. The emotional resilience the game asks you to have makes this experience worthwhile. It is quite the journey to watch your character’s skillset and powers mature across its three chapters.
Apex: Legends (2019)
Battle Royale/Action
From Respawn Entertainment, the makers of Titanfall, Apex Legends dropped with many surprises. Nobody saw this legendary game coming, and within the first 24 hours of its release, the community was hooked.
The classic gunplay and movement mechanics from Titanfall stayed, and fans were all for it. Apex Legend’s free-to-play model brought live service that evolved its characters, maps, modes, and more. The game’s lore, character abilities, and worldbuilding keeps fans excited, and we’re in no doubt that the game will only evolve going forward.
Dredge (2023)
Action/Adventure/RPG
On the surface, Dredge seems like a simple fishing game with a misadventure or two. Even its soothing graphics and worldbuilding make it seem so. However, Dredge is much deeper than that.
Moving or fishing is the only way to pass the time, and you’ll soon discover that exploring the nighttime waters can net you more rewards. However, this is where things get more interesting: paranormal or supernatural sequences mess with your sanity. Dredge thrives on messing with your head. Deciding whether or not you should be exploring the waters is up to you. Will you come back in one piece? Not up to you.
Monster Hunter: World
Open Zone/Action/Adventure/RPG
In the intricate and lavish world of Monster Hunter, you face enormous creatures that deserve tales to be written about. Monster Hunter: World expands on everything the franchise does right and brings you massive landscapes to explore. The Rotted Vale’s ominous clouds of veiled underbelly and the bright, magical Coral Highlands are a few examples of serving backdrops for dangerous encounters with different kinds of beasts.
With elaborate planning and equipment organization before each battle, it feels more like a fighting/exploration game than a button-mashing hack-and-slash. Although climbing the gear tree can feel overwhelming with 14 different weapon types (each with different movesets) and hundreds of items to craft, Monster Hunter is still the most accessible entry in the series.
Doom Eternal (2020)
Action/Adventure/RPG
After the success of Doom (2016), the sequel expands on what the first one did best. Rip and tear your way through hordes of enemies with some epic music to fuel your bloodlust. It’s one of the top PC games lovers of the franchise have hugely appreciated.
Doom Eternal adds glory to gore – you may cut foes in half, pull eyeballs out of sockets, and stomp on demons’ faces with massive boots in this over-the-top celebration of blood and violence. Not all combat is this aggressive, though. It’s smart to play defensively sometimes, taking a halt mid-battle and strategizing your next best move. Since enemies have weak points to target and weaponry that you can disable, it’s up to you how you use your vicinity, power-ups, and abilities to your advantage.
Alien Isolation (2014)
Horror/Adventure/Survival
The game’s creative use of technology and stealth blends in together, making it one of the best horror games available on PC. Essentially, you’re being tracked by aliens, and you need to make use of hiding spots, wits, and creative planning to escape. Remember, no one can hear you scream in space.
Antiquated computers and flickering monitors from Isolation’s environments create a solid sense of isolation and eeriness out in space. The alien itself is one of the most legendary video game nightmares ever created.
Call of Duty: Warzone (2020)/ Warzone 2.0 (2022)
Battle Royale/Action
Call of Duty’s world saw an appropriate elaboration whilst creating Warzone. A free-to-play battle royale, Warzone plays like the genre’s greatest hits to date.
The added twist is that you can respawn if you win a quick 1v1 battle against someone who’s looking to respawn too. This makes for some seriously cool comebacks. Warzone 2.0 expanded on this concept, and now you can experience 2v2 battles as well.
Each round’s structure is provided by contracts, which may instruct you to locate several chests, defend a specific area to expose the next play circle, or track down an enemy whose location has been revealed on the map. The gameplay loop lets you earn cash that you spend on loadouts and other upgrades throughout the match.
Destiny 2 (2017)
Open World/Looter-Shooter/Action/Adventure/MMO
Bungie’s open-galaxy (yes, we’re calling it that) shooter might be one of the best MMO experiences you’ll have on PC. The game started with a focus on co-op story-based modes and expanded to larger events and seasonal expansions. These new additions brought in new raids, dungeons, and epic boss battles that made for some amazing moments, especially if you team up with a bunch of friends.
While Destiny 2 is more than an endless loot quest, much of its beauty comes from how well-executed each gameplay element is. From throwable flaming knives to creating zones of healing for your mates… the design truly speaks to you. New seasons build on this by fusing an exciting story, complex gameplay, and innovative puzzle elements.
The Sims 4 (2014)
Simulation/RPG
Recently, Sims 4 went free-to-play, and with over 14 expansions to choose from, the game undoubtedly has a lot of content in store for you. While the default game is fun as it is, expansions add something new to the life of your Sims, such as magic spells, a tropical island world, or themed furniture set for your adolescent bedroom needs.
From their fascinating walks of life, the characters have entire relationships, ambitions, traumas, and much more – making for a unique experience as you dive into these lives and create narratives around them. If you love creating worlds and controlling them, Sims 4 will easily become one of the top PC games you have ever played.
