The year 2025 has brought an exciting lineup of PC games, ranging from epic RPGs and intense shooters to innovative indie hits and immersive adventures. Whether you’re a fan of sprawling narratives, competitive multiplayer, or creative gameplay, this guide covers the top PC games you should not miss in 2025.
Top PC Games of 2025
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
A massive RPG that continues to redefine the genre, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers deep storytelling, strategic turn-based combat, and unparalleled player choice. Its rich world and multiplayer options make it a must-play for RPG fans.
2. Helldivers 2
The sequel to the popular cooperative twin-stick shooter, Helldivers 2 delivers intense action, teamwork, and a dynamic sci-fi universe. It’s perfect for players who enjoy cooperative gameplay with friends.
3. Split Fiction
An innovative narrative-driven game blending action and story, Split Fiction has garnered high review scores for its clever design and engaging gameplay.
4. Doom: The Dark Ages
A fresh take on the classic Doom franchise, this title combines fast-paced FPS action with a medieval twist, offering both nostalgia and new thrills.
5. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The latest in the long-running Assassin’s Creed series, this installment features a gripping story, refined stealth mechanics, and a beautifully rendered open world.
6. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
This critically acclaimed RPG returns with enhanced content and features, delivering a profound narrative experience with unique role-playing elements.
7. Valorant
Continuing its dominance as a tactical shooter, Valorant remains a top choice for competitive multiplayer gaming in 2025.
Why These Games Stand Out
- Diverse Genres: From RPGs and shooters to adventure and strategy, 2025 offers something for every type of gamer.
- Strong Multiplayer Options: Many titles emphasize cooperative or competitive multiplayer, enhancing replayability.
- Innovative Gameplay: New mechanics and storytelling techniques push the boundaries of PC gaming.
- High Review Scores: These games are critically acclaimed, ensuring quality experiences.
Summary Table: Best PC Games of 2025
Game Title | Genre | Key Features | Recommended For |
---|---|---|---|
Baldur’s Gate 3 | RPG | Deep story, turn-based combat, multiplayer | RPG enthusiasts |
Helldivers 2 | Co-op Shooter | Teamwork-driven, sci-fi action | Co-op and action fans |
Split Fiction | Narrative Action | Innovative story, engaging gameplay | Story-driven gamers |
Doom: The Dark Ages | FPS | Fast-paced, medieval theme | FPS and nostalgia lovers |
Assassin’s Creed Shadows | Action-Adventure | Stealth, open world, rich narrative | Open-world and stealth fans |
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut | RPG | Deep narrative, unique role-play | Narrative RPG lovers |
Valorant | Tactical Shooter | Competitive multiplayer, skill-based | Competitive FPS players |
With such a rich variety of games available, 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for PC gaming. Whether you’re looking for a sprawling RPG, a fast-paced shooter, or a story-rich adventure, these titles are the best places to start.
PC games offer a vast and exciting world of entertainment for players of all levels. From action-packed adventures to strategic challenges, there’s something for everyone who enjoys gaming on a computer. The best PC games combine stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and memorable stories that keep players coming back for more.
Finding the right PC game depends on what you enjoy. Some people love fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty, while others prefer deep role-playing experiences such as Baldur’s Gate 3. Many excellent games are even free to play, including popular titles like Fortnite and Rocket League.
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 has earned its place as one of the best PC games ever made. Released to critical acclaim, this role-playing game brings the classic Dungeons & Dragons experience to life with stunning visuals and rich storytelling.
The game offers players unprecedented freedom in how they approach quests and interact with the world. Characters remember your choices, and actions have real consequences that shape the story in meaningful ways.
Combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 stays true to D&D 5th edition rules while adding cinematic flair. The turn-based system gives players time to think strategically about each move, creating tense and rewarding battles.
PC Gamer has even ranked it as the best PC game ever released, dethroning previous champion Disco Elysium. This recognition speaks to the game’s exceptional quality and impact on the gaming industry.
The game isn’t just good—it’s a landmark in PC gaming history. Its combination of narrative depth, player agency, and technical achievement has set a new standard for what RPGs can accomplish.
For those looking to play, the game demands decent hardware. The newest AMD Ryzen processors paired with DDR5 RAM provide solid performance for most players, though higher-end systems will deliver the best visual experience.
What makes Baldur’s Gate 3 special is how it connects with players. The companions are complex characters with their own motivations and stories. Your relationships with them evolve based on your choices throughout the journey.
Many critics agree that Baldur’s Gate 3 will stay with players for years to come. Its emotional depth and memorable moments create an experience that transcends typical gaming entertainment.
2. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut stands as a masterpiece in PC gaming. This groundbreaking role-playing game has earned its place at the top, currently ranked as the number one PC game of all time on Metacritic.
What makes this game special is its unique skill system and storytelling approach. Players take on the role of a detective with the freedom to explore an entire city block while making choices that shape the narrative.
The Final Cut version improves upon the original with full voice acting and additional content. These enhancements make an already excellent game even better, creating a more immersive experience for players.
Critics have praised Disco Elysium for its exceptional writing and complex themes. The game tackles political and philosophical ideas without simplifying them, respecting players’ intelligence and ability to engage with difficult concepts.
The game offers remarkable flexibility in how players can approach challenges. Rather than focusing on combat, it emphasizes conversation and thought-based problem-solving, making it stand out in the RPG genre.
Despite some technical issues at launch, most bugs have been fixed in subsequent updates. As RPG Site notes, now that these initial problems have been addressed, the game is “an absolute must-play.”
The Steam store page frequently offers substantial discounts, making this premium gaming experience accessible to more players. The current 75% off sale represents significant value for a game of this caliber.
PCMag describes the game as “a truly modern piece of interactive political art.” This speaks to how Disco Elysium pushes boundaries in gaming storytelling, creating something that feels both innovative and meaningful.
3. Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 stands out as one of the most visually impressive games available for PC. With its stunning graphics and detailed facial capture, it has earned recognition as one of the best-looking games of 2023.
The game builds on the success of the original by enhancing both storytelling and horror elements. Players have praised its unique blend of entertaining horror and surreal scenes that keep them engaged through each twist and turn of the plot. In fact, Alan Wake 2 has been celebrated for having one of the best stories of 2023.
Many gamers consider it a standout title in the horror genre. Some players even rank it above established horror games like Resident Evil, with one player stating it has topped RE4 and RE7 as their favorite horror game.
The facial animation technology deserves special mention. According to gaming discussions, Alan Wake 2 features some of the best facial capture since LA Noire, adding incredible realism to character interactions.
The game’s memorable sequences have made a lasting impression on players. Some gaming sequences in Alan Wake 2 rank among the top 10 most memorable gaming experiences for certain reviewers.
For PC gamers looking for top-tier graphics with RTX features, Alan Wake 2 delivers an exceptional visual feast when played on max settings. The combination of strong narrative, horror elements, and technical excellence makes it a worthy contender on any best PC games list.
4. Fortnite
Fortnite has taken the gaming world by storm since its release. This free-to-play cross-platform game combines battle royale action with building mechanics, creating a unique gaming experience.
Players can join Battle Royale or Zero Build modes where the goal is to be the last person standing. The game regularly updates with new seasons, keeping content fresh and engaging for its massive player base.
Beyond combat, Fortnite has evolved into a cultural platform. The game hosts concerts and live events that millions attend virtually, blurring the line between gaming and entertainment.
The creative mode lets players build their own worlds and game types. This feature has spawned countless user-generated experiences, from racing games to puzzle challenges.
For PC gamers looking for optimal performance, Fortnite runs well on mid-range systems. According to gaming communities, builds with graphics cards like the RX 7700 XT paired with processors such as the Ryzen 7 7700X provide excellent performance.
Fortnite maintains its position as one of the most popular PC games globally, consistently ranking in the top titles by monthly active users. Its accessibility across platforms helps maintain this strong player count.
The game can be downloaded directly from Epic Games. Installation is straightforward, making it easy for new players to jump in and start playing quickly.
While the learning curve can be steep for beginners, the game offers various modes that cater to different skill levels. This accessibility contributes to its continued popularity among both casual and competitive gamers.
5. Myst Remastered
Myst stands as one of the most influential puzzle games ever created. The original 1993 version captivated players with its mysterious island and brain-teasing puzzles. Now, the remastered version brings this classic into modern times with significant improvements.
The latest Myst remake launched in 2021, offering much more than a simple graphics update. It rebuilds the entire experience from the ground up with full 3D environments that players can freely explore.
Visual quality jumps dramatically in the remaster. The mysterious island and its connected Ages now shine with realistic lighting, detailed textures, and atmospheric effects that the original developers could only dream about.
Navigation feels much smoother in the remastered version. Players can move freely through the environments instead of clicking between fixed points as in the original. This change makes exploration more natural and immersive.
The puzzles remain faithful to the original game. Cyan wisely kept the core puzzle design intact while updating the presentation. This approach preserves the challenge that made Myst one of the most successful PC games ever.
Sound design received a complete overhaul too. The ambient audio and effects create a more convincing sense of place. Each location has its unique soundscape that enhances the otherworldly feel of the game.
For those seeking options, the remaster includes both free movement and classic point-and-click navigation. This flexibility allows players to experience the game in their preferred style.
Die-hard fans might still enjoy the Myst Masterpiece Edition for its 2D charm. However, the remaster stands as the definitive way to experience Myst today, especially for newcomers.
The puzzles might frustrate some modern players used to more straightforward challenges. Yet this difficulty remains part of Myst’s identity and appeal. The satisfaction of solving these puzzles without hand-holding creates a rewarding experience.
6. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 marks a strong return to form for the franchise. Released in late 2024, this entry has earned praise as the best CoD in years, bringing players back to what made the series great.
The game shines brightest in its multiplayer mode. With 16 new maps, there’s plenty of variety for competitive players. Critics agree that the gunplay is absolutely fantastic, which is crucial for a shooter of this caliber.
Black Ops 6 also sees the welcome return of classic Zombies mode. This cooperative experience remains a fan favorite and adds significant value to the package.
While the multiplayer and Zombies modes receive high marks, the campaign doesn’t quite reach the same heights. It’s been described as unable to stack up to the greats of the series, though it still delivers the cinematic action sequences fans expect.
The game takes a somewhat safe approach compared to recent entries. Some reviewers note it retreats to the classic trinity of campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies rather than attempting bold innovations.
For PC gamers, performance is solid across various hardware configurations. The game features detailed graphics settings that allow players to fine-tune their experience based on their system capabilities.
Currently, Steam offers the game at 30% off its regular price, making it an appealing time for players who haven’t yet jumped in.
The community response has been largely positive, with veteran players appreciating the return to a more traditional Call of Duty experience. Server stability and anti-cheat measures have shown improvement over previous entries.
7. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver Remastered
The Legacy of Kain series has made a triumphant comeback with the remastered versions of Soul Reaver 1 and 2. These cult classic action-adventure games have been refreshed for modern systems including PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo platforms.
The remastered collection features enhanced graphics that breathe new life into the gothic world of Nosgoth while staying true to the original artistic vision. Players who loved these games in their original form will appreciate how the improvements highlight the atmospheric environments without changing what made them special.
One notable aspect of this remastered package is the restoration of previously lost content. Fans of the series will find new material to explore that wasn’t available in the original releases, adding extra value for both newcomers and returning players.
The gameplay mechanics remain largely unchanged, focusing on what worked in the original versions. This choice preserves the unique experience that earned these games their devoted following in the first place.
The Soul Reaver games tell the story of Raziel, a vampire lieutenant betrayed by his master Kain. Players control Raziel as he seeks revenge, shifting between material and spectral realms to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
What sets these games apart is their compelling narrative. The bold storytelling and atmospheric world-building have stood the test of time, proving why they developed such a passionate fan base.
For those unfamiliar with the series, these are competent third-person action-adventure games that combine combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. The remastered versions make them more accessible to modern gamers while preserving their unique identity.
The collection has been praised for being more than just a nostalgia trip, offering genuine entertainment value that stands up against contemporary games. Both titles can now be enjoyed with improved visuals and performance on current hardware.
8. DOOM
DOOM stands as a legendary title in PC gaming history. The original game, released in 1993, revolutionized first-person shooters with its fast-paced action and innovative 3D graphics.
Many gamers consider the original DOOM to be the best in the series. Its simple yet effective gameplay loop of shooting demons, finding keys, and navigating maze-like levels created an addictive experience that holds up even today.
The franchise has evolved significantly over the years. DOOM II expanded on the formula with new weapons and enemies, while DOOM 3 took a horror-focused approach. The 2016 reboot brought the series back to its roots with modern visuals and mechanics.
DOOM Eternal, released in 2020, pushed the combat system even further. Many fans believe it has the best combat system in the series, with refined movement options and a greater emphasis on resource management.
The influence of DOOM on PC gaming cannot be overstated. It popularized shareware distribution, modding communities, and multiplayer deathmatch modes. These innovations shaped how games were developed and played for decades.
What makes DOOM special is its accessibility combined with depth. Players can enjoy blasting demons with minimal strategy, or master advanced techniques like rocket jumping and weapon combos.
The iconic soundtrack deserves special mention too. From the original MIDI tracks to Mick Gordon’s heavy metal compositions in newer titles, music plays a key role in creating DOOM’s intense atmosphere.
Even after nearly three decades, DOOM remains relevant through constant reinvention while staying true to its core identity: fast movement, powerful weapons, and hordes of demons to destroy.
9. Planescape: Torment
Planescape: Torment stands as one of the best RPGs of all time. Released in 1999, this game breaks traditional RPG molds with its unique story and setting.
The game puts players in the role of “The Nameless One,” an immortal character who wakes up in a morgue with no memory. Each death brings him back to life, but at the cost of his memories.
What sets Planescape: Torment apart is its exceptional writing. The game asks philosophical questions about identity, mortality, and redemption rather than focusing solely on combat. The story unfolds in the bizarre city of Sigil, a place where portals connect to multiple planes of existence.
The companions in this game rank among the best in the RPG genre. From Morte, a floating skull with a sharp tongue, to Fall-From-Grace, a chaste succubus who runs an intellectual brothel, each character has depth and purpose.
Unlike many RPGs, Planescape: Torment allows players to talk their way through many situations. Combat exists but isn’t the main focus. Intelligence and wisdom stats matter as much as strength.
Some fans consider it the best video game ever made, a bold claim that speaks to its impact. The Enhanced Edition, released in 2017, updated the game for modern systems while preserving what made it special.
The game shows its age visually, but the Enhanced Edition runs at modern resolutions and includes quality-of-life improvements. These updates make it more accessible without changing its core experience.
Players looking for action-packed gameplay might find Planescape: Torment slow. However, those who enjoy rich storytelling and thought-provoking themes will discover a game that remains relevant despite its age.
10. Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2 stands as one of the most influential PC games ever created. Released in 2004, it redefined what players expect from first-person shooters. The game received exceptional review scores, with PC Gamer UK giving it 96% and PC Gamer US awarding it an impressive 98% rating.
The game’s physics system was truly groundbreaking for its time. Players could interact with objects naturally, creating dynamic solutions to puzzles and combat situations. The Gravity Gun weapon became iconic by letting players grab and throw items at enemies.
Half-Life 2 tells its story without cutscenes, keeping players in control throughout the entire experience. Characters talk directly to you while moving through the game world, creating a more immersive experience than most games of its era.
The varied environments prevent gameplay from getting stale. From urban areas to coastal highways, each section introduces new challenges and mechanics. Vehicle segments provide a welcome change of pace from the on-foot combat.
Critics widely consider it a masterpiece, with IGN declaring it “the best single-player shooter ever released for the PC”. Its combination of storytelling, physics, and combat created a template that games still follow today.
The game continues to attract new players despite its age. Some newcomers are amazed by how well it holds up, with one Reddit user recently declaring it “the best game of all time” after playing it for the first time.
Half-Life 2 features exceptional voice acting that brings its characters to life. Antagonist Dr. Breen and allies like Alyx Vance feel real thanks to nuanced performances and well-written dialogue.
The game’s legacy extends beyond its initial release, spawning two additional episodes and inspiring countless other titles. Its influence on game design, storytelling techniques, and technical innovation cannot be overstated.
Game Genres
PC gaming offers diverse experiences through different game genres. Each type of game brings unique gameplay mechanics and challenges for players.
Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
RPGs let players step into another world and become someone else. These games focus on character development and storytelling. Players can customize their characters, make choices that affect the game world, and level up abilities over time.
Popular RPGs include The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. These titles offer massive open worlds to explore with hundreds of quests.
Modern RPGs often blend elements from other genres. Some feature real-time combat while others use turn-based systems. Many RPGs include:
- Character progression systems
- Dialogue choices
- Equipment management
- Large worlds to explore
- Branching storylines
These games typically take 40+ hours to complete, providing excellent value for players who enjoy deep stories.
First-Person Shooters (FPS)
FPS games put players directly behind the gun with a first-person perspective. This genre focuses on fast reflexes, accuracy, and tactical thinking. Players aim and shoot at enemies while navigating through environments.
Shooter games consistently rank among the top revenue-generating genres for PC gaming. Popular FPS titles include Counter-Strike 2, Call of Duty, and DOOM Eternal.
Modern FPS games often include:
- Multiplayer competitive modes
- Weapon customization
- Character abilities
- Movement mechanics
- Team-based objectives
The FPS genre has evolved beyond simple shooting. Many games now incorporate strategic elements, resource management, and story-driven campaigns.
Strategy Games
Strategy games challenge players’ planning and decision-making skills. These games require careful resource management, tactical positioning, and long-term planning rather than quick reflexes.
The genre includes turn-based games like Civilization VI and real-time strategy (RTS) titles like StarCraft II. Strategy games remain one of the top five revenue-generating genres on PC.
Players typically manage:
- Resource collection and spending
- Unit production and movement
- Base or empire building
- Technology research
- Diplomatic relations with AI factions
These games appeal to players who enjoy methodical planning and outsmarting opponents. Many strategy games offer both single-player campaigns and competitive multiplayer options for those seeking a challenge against human players.
Graphics and Performance
PC gaming offers incredible visual experiences and smooth gameplay when your system meets the requirements. The right hardware can make games look stunning while maintaining good frame rates.
High-Resolution Graphics
Today’s best PC games push visual boundaries with photorealistic environments and characters. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2 showcase what’s possible with high-end graphics cards and processors.
Resolution matters greatly. 4K gaming (3840×2160) provides four times the pixel count of standard HD, creating sharper images and better detail. Some games even support 8K for those with compatible displays.
Texture quality, lighting effects, and draw distance also impact visual fidelity. Games like Control and Baldur’s Gate 3 use ray tracing to create realistic reflections and shadows that transform the gaming experience.
The most visually impressive titles often include:
Frame Rate Considerations
Frame rate represents how many images your computer can produce per second. Higher is better, with 60 frames per second (fps) considered the sweet spot for smooth gameplay. Competitive gamers often aim for 144+ fps for faster reaction times.
Hardware limitations can create frame rate drops during intense gameplay moments. This stuttering breaks immersion and can make action games harder to play.
Most gamers face a choice: higher resolution or higher frame rates. 4K gaming at high frame rates requires top-tier hardware like RTX 4080 or 4090 graphics cards and powerful CPUs.
Setting adjustments help balance visual quality and performance:
- Lower shadow quality for better performance
- Reduce draw distance in open-world games
- Turn off motion blur and depth of field for competitive advantage
- Use upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR to boost frame rates
Digital Foundry analyses help gamers understand which settings impact performance most in popular titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
PC gaming offers a diverse range of experiences across various genres and hardware requirements. Players often wonder about which titles stand the test of time and which new releases are worth their time and money.
What PC games are considered classics by the gaming community?
Several PC games have earned legendary status among gamers. GameFAQs archives show titles like Half-Life 2, The Witcher 3, and StarCraft remain highly regarded years after release.
These classics continue to influence modern game design. Myst Remastered brings back the puzzle-solving adventure that changed gaming in the 1990s with updated visuals while maintaining its mysterious atmosphere.
Many classic RPGs like the original Baldur’s Gate series paved the way for modern successors such as Baldur’s Gate 3, showing how beloved gameplay mechanics evolve over time.
What are the latest critically acclaimed PC games?
Baldur’s Gate 3 has received extraordinary praise for its deep role-playing systems and responsive world. Critics highlight its branching narrative and tactical combat as setting new standards for RPGs.
Alan Wake 2 builds on its predecessor with more refined horror elements and storytelling. Its psychological thriller aspects and visual design have earned it multiple awards.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut continues to receive acclaim for its unique approach to the RPG genre, focusing on dialogue, character development, and philosophical themes rather than combat.
Which free PC games offer the best gameplay experience?
Fortnite remains one of the most popular free-to-play games, regularly updating with new seasons and crossover events. Its building mechanics and frequent content updates keep millions engaged.
Competitive games like League of Legends, Valorant, and Apex Legends offer deep gameplay systems without requiring initial purchase costs. These games make money through optional cosmetic items.
Some free indie games on platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store provide surprising depth and quality, with regular giveaways allowing players to build substantial libraries without spending money.
What are some popular PC games that can run on low-spec hardware?
Stardew Valley runs smoothly on almost any modern computer, making the farming simulation accessible to players with basic hardware.
Among Us gained massive popularity partly because it can run on low-end PCs and laptops, with its simple graphics hiding engaging social deduction gameplay.
Classic games available on PC platforms like Counter-Strike 1.6 and older Civilization titles offer deep gameplay experiences while requiring minimal system resources.
Which PC games are currently dominating the multiplayer scene?
Battle royale games continue to hold strong player bases, with Fortnite leading through constant evolution and collaborations with major entertainment brands.
Competitive shooters like Valorant and Counter-Strike 2 maintain dedicated communities focused on skill development and team-based tactics.
MMORPGs including Final Fantasy XIV and World of Warcraft sustain large player populations through regular content updates and expansions that keep long-term players engaged.
How do the top PC games of 2025 compare to previous years?
2025’s games show increased emphasis on player choice and consequences. Baldur’s Gate 3 exemplifies this trend with its remarkably reactive world responding to player decisions.
Technical advancements have raised the bar for visual fidelity. Alan Wake 2 demonstrates how lighting and environmental detail can enhance storytelling and atmosphere.
Indie games continue gaining mainstream recognition. Smaller studios now regularly compete with AAA publishers for awards and player attention, creating more diverse gaming experiences.