PC games offer endless adventures for players all around the world. From epic role-playing games to fast-paced shooters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The variety of gaming experiences available on PC is vast, with options spanning across many genres and styles.
The best PC games combine stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and compelling stories that keep players coming back for more. Some titles have stood the test of time, remaining popular years after their release. Others push technical boundaries, showcasing what modern gaming hardware can achieve. Whether you’re new to PC gaming or a seasoned veteran, finding great games to play is always exciting.
Best PC Games to Play
2025 has already been a fantastic year for PC gaming, with a mix of massive RPGs, creative indies, and long-awaited sequels. Whether you’re into deep single-player adventures, competitive multiplayer, or relaxing simulations, there’s something for everyone. Here are the best PC games to play in 2025.
🌍 1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Genre: Action RPG
- Why Play: FromSoftware’s massive expansion to Elden Ring adds new regions, bosses, and lore. It’s one of the most critically acclaimed DLCs ever released, and on PC it shines with mod support and performance tweaks.
🥷 2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Genre: Open-World Action RPG
- Why Play: Ubisoft finally takes the franchise to feudal Japan, with dual protagonists (a shinobi and a samurai). Gorgeous visuals and stealth-action gameplay make it a must-play for open-world fans.
🚗 3. Mario Kart World
- Genre: Racing / Multiplayer
- Why Play: Nintendo’s iconic racer finally gets a global-scale entry, with cross-platform play on Switch 2 and PC. It’s the most ambitious Mario Kart yet, with massive online tournaments.
🧟 4. Resident Evil 9
- Genre: Survival Horror
- Why Play: Capcom continues its horror renaissance with a chilling new entry. PC players benefit from ray tracing, ultrawide support, and mods that make the experience even scarier.
🏰 5. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
- Genre: Fantasy RPG
- Why Play: BioWare’s long-awaited return to Thedas delivers a story-driven RPG with deep choices, companions, and tactical combat. A must for fans of Dragon Age: Origins and Inquisition.
⚔️ 6. Hades II
- Genre: Roguelike Action
- Why Play: Supergiant Games expands on their award-winning Hades with new gods, weapons, and mechanics. It’s one of the most addictive and stylish roguelikes on PC in 2025.
🏝️ 7. South of Midnight
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Why Play: A visually stunning Southern Gothic adventure with folklore-inspired storytelling. Perfect for players who love narrative-driven experiences.
🕹️ 8. Star Wars Outlaws
- Genre: Open-World Action
- Why Play: The first true open-world Star Wars game lets you live as a scoundrel exploring the galaxy. On PC, mods and performance settings make it the best way to experience it.
🐉 9. Monster Hunter Wilds
- Genre: Action RPG / Co-op
- Why Play: Capcom’s next-gen Monster Hunter offers massive open zones, seamless co-op, and even more creative monster designs. A dream for PC players with friends.
🧩 10. Cocoon (Indie Pick)
- Genre: Puzzle Adventure
- Why Play: From the lead designer of Limbo and Inside, this indie gem blends mind-bending puzzles with stunning design. A short but unforgettable experience.
🏆 Honorable Mentions
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition – the fully polished version with all expansions.
- Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023 GOTY) – still one of the best RPGs to play in 2025.
- Palworld – the monster-collecting survival game that keeps evolving with updates.
- Helldivers 2 – chaotic co-op shooter that’s still hugely popular on PC.
✅ Summary
2025 is shaping up to be one of the strongest years for PC gaming yet. From blockbuster RPGs like Dragon Age: The Veilguard to indie darlings like Cocoon, there’s something for every type of player.
👉 Whether you want to lose yourself in sprawling fantasy worlds, test your skills in roguelikes, or relax with a cozy game, PC is the best place to play in 2025.
1. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver Remastered
The cult classic vampire saga has returned with impressive visual upgrades. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered brings these PlayStation-era gothic adventures to modern systems with enhanced graphics while keeping the core gameplay intact.
Players control Raziel, a vampire lieutenant executed by his master Kain, who returns as a soul-devouring wraith seeking revenge. The remaster features enhanced graphics and restored lost content, making it more accessible to new players.
The game’s unique mechanic of shifting between material and spectral realms remains a highlight. This dimension-shifting ability lets Raziel solve puzzles and bypass obstacles that would otherwise block his path.
Combat feels somewhat dated by modern standards, but the atmospheric world design and compelling narrative hold up remarkably well. The voice acting, particularly Simon Templeman as Kain and Michael Bell as Raziel, delivers performances that remain impressive today.
Some outdated game design elements might frustrate newer players. The camera controls and platforming sections can feel clunky compared to contemporary titles, though these issues don’t ruin the experience.
The remaster runs well across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Technical performance is solid with minimal loading times and stable framerates on all platforms.
For those who played the originals, this remaster offers a nostalgic trip through Nosgoth. Newcomers get to experience a dark fantasy story that influenced many later action-adventure games.
These games became cult favorites for good reason. The blend of action, puzzle-solving, and narrative depth created an experience that felt ahead of its time in the late 90s and early 2000s.
2. Elden Ring
Elden Ring has earned its place among the greatest video games of all time. Released by FromSoftware, this action role-playing game combines expansive open-world exploration with the challenging combat the studio is known for.
Players journey through the Lands Between, a vast fantasy realm created in collaboration with George R.R. Martin. The world feels alive and dangerous, filled with unique locations to discover and fearsome enemies to overcome.
What makes Elden Ring special is its freedom. You can tackle challenges in almost any order you choose. Stuck on a difficult boss? Just go somewhere else and come back stronger later.
The game has been lauded as “The greatest game of all time” by many critics. It replaced Bloodborne in many players’ top three games list and has become a favorite among FromSoftware fans.
Combat feels precise and rewarding. Each weapon has unique moves and abilities, letting players develop their own fighting style. The variety of builds possible means no two playthroughs feel the same.
Elden Ring also shines on PC. It runs well on various hardware configurations and is even one of the top played games on Steam Deck, making it portable for those with the device.
The game won numerous awards, including PC Gamer’s Game of the Year 2022. The publication noted that their team “collectively poured thousands of hours” into the game, showing its lasting appeal.
For new players, the learning curve can be steep. Death comes often, but each failure teaches valuable lessons. The satisfaction of finally defeating a challenging boss creates gaming moments you won’t forget.
With its massive DLC “Shadow of the Erdtree” expanding the experience even further, Elden Ring offers incredible value for PC gamers. Few games match its scope, challenge, and sense of adventure.
3. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut stands as one of the best games ever made, offering a unique storytelling experience unlike anything else in gaming. Released as an expanded version of the original title, this game pushes the boundaries of what role-playing games can accomplish.
At its core, this title is a detective story where players solve a murder mystery while battling personal demons. The character skill system lets players shape their detective’s personality and approach to problems in countless ways.
What truly sets Disco Elysium apart is its writing. The game delivers a masterclass in storytelling and characterization through text that’s both profound and often darkly funny. Every conversation feels meaningful and can branch in surprising directions.
The Final Cut version adds full voice acting to every character, bringing the already vibrant world to life even more vividly. The voice performances capture the game’s distinctive tone perfectly, from its moments of absurd humor to its political commentary.
Players explore the city of Revachol, a place filled with history and conflicting ideologies. The game doesn’t shy away from tackling complex topics like politics, class struggle, and personal failure. Yet it handles these themes with remarkable nuance.
While some minor technical issues exist, they rarely detract from the overall experience. The hand-painted art style creates a world that feels both dreamlike and gritty, matching the game’s tone perfectly.
Disco Elysium proves games can be truly modern pieces of interactive political art. It challenges players with difficult choices that have real consequences while examining what it means to be human in a broken world.
Despite its focus on text and dialogue, the game remains engaging throughout. The RPG mechanics allow for significant replayability, as different skill builds lead to entirely different experiences and revelations.
4. Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx marked Valve’s return to the legendary franchise in 2020, but with a significant twist – it’s exclusively for virtual reality. Set between the events of Half-Life and Half-Life 2, players step into the shoes of Alyx Vance as she battles the alien Combine.
The game showcases what VR gaming can truly achieve when given proper resources and attention. Its physics-based interactions feel natural and intuitive, allowing players to manipulate objects, solve puzzles, and engage in combat in ways that flat-screen games simply cannot match.
Graphically, Alyx stunned players with its detailed environments and atmospheric design. City 17 comes alive with incredible detail – from the disturbing alien growths to the dystopian urban decay.
Combat feels tense and strategic. You’ll physically duck behind cover, manually reload weapons, and use your surroundings tactically. The game’s gravity gloves let you pull distant objects toward you with a flick of the wrist, adding another layer of immersion.
Despite being Valve’s VR return to the Half-Life series, Alyx maintains the storytelling and pacing that made the franchise famous. It blends exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving in a way that feels distinctly Half-Life.
The game received widespread acclaim and is often cited as VR’s first true “killer app.” Five years after its release, many still consider it the benchmark for VR gaming, with few titles approaching its polish and depth.
For those looking for similar experiences, Lone Echo 1 and 2 come closest to matching Alyx’s quality, though modded versions of Skyrim VR and Fallout 4 VR also offer compelling alternatives.
Even for players new to VR, the game’s accessibility options and intuitive design make it approachable. Its structure follows traditional Half-Life style – a linear series of areas filled with carefully crafted moments and encounters.
5. Hades
Hades stands out as one of the best games ever played by many gamers. This roguelike dungeon crawler combines fast-paced action with compelling storytelling in a way few other games manage.
Developed by Supergiant Games, Hades puts players in the role of Zagreus, son of the god of the underworld, as he attempts to escape his father’s domain. Each failed attempt adds to the story rather than feeling like wasted time.
The combat system shines with responsive controls and varied weapons. Players can choose from six different weapons, each offering unique playstyles that keep the experience fresh.
What sets Hades apart is how it handles repetition. Unlike many roguelikes where dying feels punishing, Hades turns each death into a narrative opportunity. Characters remember previous runs and comment on the player’s choices and failures.
The game features gorgeous artwork in Supergiant’s signature style. Every character is fully voiced with excellent performances that bring the Greek gods to life with attitude and personality.
Progression feels rewarding through both narrative developments and gameplay improvements. Players can upgrade their abilities between runs using collected resources, creating a constant sense of forward momentum.
Hades won numerous awards, including PC Gamer’s Best Action Game of 2020. Critics praised its ability to keep players engaged through dozens of hours without becoming stale.
Steam users have overwhelmingly positive things to say about the game, which combines the best aspects of Supergiant’s previous critically acclaimed titles. The depth of combat, storytelling, and character development creates a package that appeals to both roguelike fans and newcomers to the genre.
For PC gamers looking for an action game with depth, Hades offers an experience that remains engaging even after many hours of play.
6. Divinity: Original Sin 2
Divinity: Original Sin 2 stands as a masterpiece in the RPG genre. This game has earned incredible recognition, even ranking as the #1 PC game ever made on gamerankings at one point.
Released by Larian Studios, the game offers players unmatched freedom in a rich fantasy world. The combat system combines turn-based tactics with elemental interactions that create dynamic battlefield possibilities. Players can use water to create ice patches, oil to make flames spread, or electricity to shock enemies standing in water.
Character creation and development shine with depth and flexibility. Players can choose from unique origin characters with personal quests or create their own hero from scratch. Each character can be customized with different skills, abilities, and talents.
The story adapts to player choices in meaningful ways. Decisions made early can impact events hours later, giving real weight to moral choices. This responsiveness makes each playthrough feel unique and personal.
Multiplayer options take the experience further. Friends can join your adventure, making choices that might align with or contradict yours. This creates interesting party dynamics rarely seen in other RPGs.
Many critics consider it one of the best RPGs ever made. The game excels at combining old-school RPG depth with modern design and accessibility.
The Game Master mode deserves special mention. It allows one player to create and run custom campaigns for friends, similar to tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons. This makes it the best tabletop RPG that doesn’t require a table.
With its engaging story, complex characters, and remarkable freedom, Divinity: Original Sin 2 has secured its place among the greatest PC games of all time.
7. Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 has earned its place as the best PC game according to PC Gamer’s Top 100 list. This recognition isn’t surprising given the game’s massive success since its full release.
The RPG masterpiece from Larian Studios offers players an incredibly deep and responsive world. Your choices truly matter, with each decision branching the story in meaningful ways that few other games manage to achieve.
Combat blends tactical turn-based encounters with Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition rules. This creates battles that reward creativity and strategic thinking rather than just brute force approaches.
The character creation system lets players build exactly who they want to be. From choosing unique backgrounds to selecting special abilities, the game supports countless playstyles.
Many PC gamers consider it the best PC game ever made. The attention to detail, from reactive companions to stunning environments, sets a new standard for what players can expect from modern RPGs.
The companions deserve special mention. Each has complex motivations, personal quests, and potential romance options. They react to your decisions, sometimes approving and other times questioning your choices.
Graphics and performance also shine. The game runs well on various PC setups while still delivering beautiful visuals that bring its fantasy world to life.
For players who complete the roughly 100-hour main campaign, several other excellent CRPGs await. Games like Pillars of Eternity 2 and Tyranny offer similar depth for those wanting more tactical RPG experiences.
Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to receive updates and maintains a spot on lists of top PC games to play in 2025. Its blend of storytelling freedom and tactical combat makes it essential for any PC gaming collection.
8. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V stands as one of the most iconic open-world games ever created for PC. Released by Rockstar Games, it offers players a massive, detailed recreation of fictional Los Santos and its surrounding areas.
The game features three playable characters – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – each with unique personalities and storylines that intersect throughout the main campaign. This multiple-protagonist approach adds depth to the narrative and gameplay experience.
GTA V’s world feels truly alive. The attention to detail in the city, from the bustling downtown to the quiet countryside, creates an immersive environment. Weather effects, day-night cycles, and random events make each play session different.
Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced for PC includes both the single-player campaign and access to GTA Online, where players can create their own criminal empire. The Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack gives new players a boost with extra content.
The PC version shines with superior graphics and performance compared to console versions. Players can enjoy higher resolutions, better frame rates, and enhanced visual effects that make Los Santos look stunning.
Modding support is another major advantage of the PC version. The community has created thousands of mods that add new vehicles, weapons, gameplay mechanics, and visual improvements. These mods keep the game fresh even years after its initial release.
The gameplay combines driving, shooting, and exploration in a seamless way. Players can follow the main story or simply cause chaos in the city. Side activities like tennis, golf, racing, and even stock market trading offer breaks from the criminal lifestyle.
Despite being released in 2013, GTA V continues to receive updates and maintains a strong player base. Its enduring popularity speaks to the quality of its design and the freedom it gives players to explore its world.
9. Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire stands as one of the most innovative card games on PC. It blends roguelike mechanics with deck-building strategy, creating a uniquely addictive experience that keeps players coming back for more.
The game challenges you to climb a spire filled with strange creatures and powerful relics. Each run feels different as you build your deck from scratch, making strategic choices that can lead to victory or defeat.
Players choose between four distinct characters, each with unique cards and playstyles. The Ironclad relies on brute strength, while The Silent uses speed and poison. The Defect harnesses elemental orbs, and The Watcher manipulates stances for powerful effects.
Combat works through turn-based card play. You must balance offense, defense, and special abilities to overcome increasingly difficult enemies. Each decision matters, from which cards to add to your deck to which paths to take up the spire.
The game’s difficulty curve hits the sweet spot. It’s challenging enough to keep experienced players engaged but accessible enough for newcomers to enjoy. Steam reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of recent players recommending it.
Critics also praise the game highly. Many consider it one of the most surprising and deep games in recent years. The combination of strategy, randomness, and skill creates a compelling formula that’s hard to put down.
If you enjoy Slay the Spire, similar games like Monster Train offer comparable quality and strategy. Other options include Night of the Full Moon and Meteorfall.
The visual style uses simple but effective art that perfectly matches the gameplay. Sound design enhances the experience without overwhelming it. Every victory feels earned, and every defeat teaches you something new.
10. Spiritfarer
Spiritfarer stands out as a unique addition to the PC gaming landscape. This game blends management mechanics with an emotional story about death and letting go.
You play as Stella, a ferry master who helps spirits complete their final wishes before they move on to the afterlife. The game has no combat or danger, making it a peaceful experience focused on relationships.
The visuals in Spiritfarer are stunning, with beautiful hand-drawn art and animation that brings the world to life. The characters are memorable, each with their own personality and backstory to discover.
Gameplay involves building and improving your boat, cooking meals, crafting items, and exploring a vast world. These activities help you care for the spirits on your journey.
Critics widely praised Spiritfarer, with many naming it one of the Best Games of 2020. Its thoughtful approach to difficult themes sets it apart from other management games.
The game describes itself as a “cozy management game about dying”, which perfectly captures its unusual but effective tone. It balances heavy emotional moments with warm, comforting gameplay.
Spiritfarer features light platforming elements as you move around your boat and explore various islands. The crafting system is deep but accessible, giving players plenty to do without becoming overwhelming.
PC gamers will appreciate the smooth performance and controls. The game runs well on most systems and offers a relaxing alternative to action-packed titles.
Thunder Lotus Games created something special with Spiritfarer—a game that teaches us about loss while celebrating life. Its mix of town management and action-platforming creates a truly memorable experience.
Evolution of PC Gaming
PC gaming has transformed dramatically since its early days, moving from simple text-based games to complex virtual worlds. This evolution has been shaped by both technological breakthroughs and innovative game design.
Early Beginnings
The PC gaming journey started in the 1970s and 1980s with simple text adventures like “Zork” that relied on typed commands rather than graphics. These games tested players’ imagination and problem-solving skills despite technical limitations.
As computers became more powerful, games like Doom revolutionized the industry in 1993. It wasn’t just a game – it was a cultural phenomenon that helped establish first-person shooters as a dominant genre.
The late 1990s saw multiplayer gaming take center stage with titles like Quake III Arena, which focused primarily on multiplayer features rather than single-player campaigns.
Games that defined this era include:
- Half-Life (1998): Redefined storytelling in FPS games
- StarCraft (1998): Set the standard for real-time strategy games
- Diablo (1997): Pioneered action RPG mechanics
Technological Advancements
The 2000s brought massive leaps in graphics processing, enabling games like Crysis (2007) that pushed hardware limits and became benchmarks for PC performance.
Digital distribution platforms, particularly Steam (launched 2003), transformed how players bought and accessed games. This shift from physical media to digital downloads changed the industry’s business model forever.
The 2010s saw PC gaming diversify with indie games gaining prominence alongside AAA titles. Games like Minecraft proved that innovative gameplay could triumph over cutting-edge graphics.
Modern PC gaming now embraces virtual reality, ray tracing, and cloud gaming. The last five years have delivered standout titles like The Witcher 3 which combine technical prowess with rich storytelling.
Hardware improvements continue to drive new possibilities, making PC gaming more accessible while simultaneously pushing the upper limits of what’s possible.
Impact of PC Games on Culture
PC games have transformed modern culture, creating new forms of entertainment and social connection. They’ve sparked competitive scenes and changed how we consume media.
Esports and Competitive Gaming
PC gaming laid the foundation for what we now know as esports. Games like Doom, Quake, and Half-Life pushed competitive gaming into the spotlight. Today, millions watch tournaments featuring titles like League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2.
Prize pools for major competitions now reach tens of millions of dollars. Professional players train like traditional athletes, with dedicated coaches and rigorous practice schedules.
The rise of esports has created new career paths—not just for players, but for commentators, analysts, event organizers, and team managers. Many universities now offer esports scholarships, legitimizing gaming as a serious pursuit.
Countries like South Korea have embraced esports as part of their national identity. Gaming cafes became social hubs, and top players achieve celebrity status similar to traditional sports stars.
Streaming and Content Creation
PC gaming directly fueled the streaming revolution. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming have turned playing video games into viable careers for thousands of content creators.
Video games have gained significant cultural influence, partly thanks to streamers who build communities around shared gaming experiences. Popular streamers impact game sales and trends through their recommendations.
Gaming content goes beyond just gameplay. Commentary, reviews, tutorials, and competitive analysis create rich media ecosystems around popular titles.
This democratization of content creation allows diverse voices to share their gaming experiences. Players from different backgrounds can find representation and connection through these platforms.
The lines between gaming, entertainment, and social media continue to blur. Many non-gamers now follow gaming personalities for their entertainment value, expanding gaming’s cultural reach beyond those who play.
Frequently Asked Questions
PC gaming has a vibrant community with constantly evolving titles and platforms. Many gamers have common questions about what to play and where to find reliable information.
What are the current highest-rated PC games?
As of March 2025, several games stand out with exceptional ratings. Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to receive praise for its complex storytelling and robust gameplay mechanics.
Elden Ring maintains its position among top-rated titles with its challenging combat and expansive world. The game’s constant updates have kept players engaged since its release.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver Remastered has surprised many with its faithful recreation of the classic while adding modern improvements. Critics have praised its updated graphics while preserving the original’s gothic atmosphere.
Which free PC games are recommended for beginners?
For those new to PC gaming, several free options provide excellent entry points. Valorant offers accessible team-based shooting with a gentler learning curve than other tactical shooters.
Genshin Impact remains beginner-friendly with its colorful open world and straightforward action RPG mechanics. The game doesn’t require high-end hardware to enjoy its basic features.
Zenless Zone Zero has gained popularity as a free option with engaging combat and an appealing anime aesthetic that welcomes newcomers to action games.
What are the top 10 critically acclaimed PC games?
Critics consistently rank Disco Elysium: The Final Cut among the most innovative RPGs available. Its unique approach to character development and narrative has earned widespread acclaim.
Half-Life: Alyx continues to set the standard for VR gaming with its immersive world and polished mechanics. Even non-VR gamers recognize its contributions to gaming storytelling.
Hades combines fast-paced combat with exceptional character writing. Its roguelike elements keep gameplay fresh through hundreds of runs.
Black Myth: Wukong has joined the ranks of acclaimed titles with its stunning visuals and combat inspired by Chinese mythology.
Other consistently praised games include The Witcher 3, Hollow Knight, Red Dead Redemption 2, Stardew Valley, Portal 2, and Mass Effect Legendary Edition.
Where can one find trustworthy recommendations for new PC games?
GameFAQs provides player-submitted reviews and guides that offer authentic perspectives on games. Their message boards also contain discussions about upcoming releases.
Professional review sites like IGN provide scored reviews and curated lists from gaming journalists who thoroughly evaluate new titles.
Reddit communities offer player-focused discussions about PC gaming. Subreddits dedicated to specific genres or games can provide targeted recommendations.
Steam’s user review system shows both overall ratings and recent player sentiment, helping identify games that maintain quality over time.
What are some great PC games that can run on low-end systems?
Stardew Valley runs smoothly on almost any modern computer. Its pixel art style and optimized code make it perfect for laptops and older desktops.
Undertale offers a unique RPG experience with minimal system requirements. The game focuses on story and character interactions rather than demanding graphics.
FTL: Faster Than Light provides deep strategy gameplay that can run on basic integrated graphics cards. Its simple visuals hide complex systems that offer hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Older classics like Portal, Half-Life 2, and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind remain accessible on lower-end hardware while delivering exceptional gaming experiences.
What is the most popular PC game in terms of player count at the moment?
As of March 2025, Honkai: Star Rail continues to draw massive player numbers across its PC client and mobile versions. Its gacha mechanics and regular updates maintain a steady player base.
Counter-Strike 2 remains a powerhouse in competitive gaming with consistent daily player counts exceeding one million. The game’s established esports scene contributes to its enduring popularity.
Fortnite experiences periodic surges in players with each new season or major collaboration event. Its latest film crossover brought record numbers back to the battle royale.
League of Legends maintains its position as one of the most-played PC games globally, particularly in Asian markets where its professional leagues draw enormous viewership.
