Bethesda and Virtuos have officially revived one of gaming’s most beloved open-world RPGs—The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion—with a remastered edition that launched April 22, 2025. Available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows, and bundled with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, this remaster offers a modernized return to Cyrodiil with significant technical and gameplay enhancements.
Not a Full Remake—But Close
While not a ground-up remake, Oblivion Remastered is a sweeping visual and quality-of-life overhaul, rebuilt using Unreal Engine 5. Players can expect:
- 4K textures and ray tracing support
- Reworked animations and smoother combat transitions
- A redesigned user interface and inventory system
- Native ultra-wide monitor and HDR support
- A newly added sprint mechanic, a long-requested feature from fans
- Improved NPC behavior and smarter enemy AI
These upgrades not only bring Oblivion in line with modern gameplay standards but also aim to fix long-standing quirks from the original Gamebryo engine era.
What’s Included
The remaster includes all previously released DLCs:
- Knights of the Nine
- Shivering Isles
Additionally, a Deluxe Edition offers extras like:
- Exclusive armor sets
- A digital soundtrack
- A high-res artbook chronicling the game’s development and remaster process
Launch Stats & Reception
The remaster exploded in popularity upon release:
- 4 million players in the first 72 hours
- 216,000 peak concurrent users on Steam
- Ranked #3 in U.S. sales charts for its launch week
Reviews on Metacritic and other aggregator platforms have been generally favorable, with critics praising the upgraded visuals, refined leveling mechanics, and performance optimizations. Some criticism remains for the combat system, which retains some of the janky legacy behavior despite improvements.
What About Skyblivion?
While Bethesda’s remaster offers an official refresh, the fan-made Skyblivion project—an ambitious full remake of Oblivion within the Skyrim engine—continues development independently. Still scheduled for late 2025, the project has:
- A fully rebuilt Cyrodiil with updated landscapes and lighting
- Overhauled character models, animations, and voice integration
- Enhanced quest scripting, new creature behaviors, and Skyrim-style combat refinements
Rather than competing, the two projects are now coexisting harmoniously. Bethesda even gifted Skyblivion’s team free keys to the official remaster, a gesture that fans applauded. The Skyblivion devs echoed the sentiment, stating:
“Players will be the true winners—more ways to experience Oblivion is a victory for everyone.”
Controversies & Community Reactions
Ahead of the surprise launch, leaks emerged on Reddit and elsewhere showing internal Virtuos files and trailer assets, sparking theories about the remaster weeks before its announcement.
Also stirring debate were some visual redesigns, particularly armor and character outfits. One example: the Female Huntsman Vest was modified to be more practical and less revealing—leading to divided fan opinions. Some praised the updates for modern sensibility; others lamented the change as a break from nostalgia.
The Verdict: Oblivion Is Back, and Better Than Ever
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the 2006 classic or a newcomer curious about Elder Scrolls before Skyrim, this remaster delivers a polished and inviting way to explore one of the most ambitious RPGs of its era.
With Skyblivion still on the horizon and the remaster already making waves, 2025 marks a renaissance year for Cyrodiil. Between official enhancements and community devotion, Oblivion has never looked more alive.
Best PC Games of All Time
PC gaming has a rich history that spans decades, with countless titles competing for the crown of “best game ever.” From groundbreaking classics like Half-Life and Doom to modern masterpieces such as Baldur’s Gate 3, these games have shaped the industry and created lasting memories for players worldwide. The top PC games of all time combine innovative gameplay, compelling narratives, and technical excellence to create experiences that continue to influence game design today.
What makes a PC game truly great often varies from player to player, with some valuing immersive storytelling while others prize mechanical depth or multiplayer fun. Many of the highest-rated PC games span different genres and eras, showing that excellence in gaming isn’t limited to a particular style or time period. Whether you’re a fan of RPGs, shooters, strategy games, or simulators, the PC platform offers something special for every type of gamer.
1. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Released in 2002, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind stands as a defining RPG experience that changed open-world gaming forever. Unlike later games in the series, Morrowind drops players into its alien world with minimal hand-holding, treating them “like you have a developed prefrontal cortex.”
The game’s setting of Vvardenfell remains unmatched in its creativity. Mushroom towers stretch toward the sky, while ash storms sweep across strange landscapes. Giant insects serve as public transportation. This isn’t your typical medieval fantasy world.
Morrowind’s faction system offered genuine depth. Players could join the Fighters Guild, Mages Guild, House Telvanni, or numerous other groups – each with their own questlines and conflicts. Your choices mattered, and joining one faction often closed doors with others.
The freedom Morrowind provides feels truly revolutionary even today. Want to kill a story-essential character? The game lets you – and then tells you that you’ve broken the main quest. Want to create spells that let you jump across the entire map? Go ahead.
For many players, Morrowind represents “one of the best RPGs of all time despite its faults.” The combat system feels dated by modern standards, with its dice-roll mechanics determining hits and misses. However, these quirks add to its charm rather than detract from it.
The game “surpassed expectations” for many players, even those who approached it years after release. Its depth, storytelling, and world-building continue to attract new players and modders who keep the game alive.
Many fans consider it “the best Elder Scrolls game BY FAR” due to its uncompromising vision. While later entries like Oblivion and Skyrim streamlined many systems, they lost some of the mystery and complexity that made Morrowind special.
2. Deus Ex (2000)
Deus Ex stands as one of the most influential PC games ever created. Released in 2000, this groundbreaking title combined elements of first-person shooters, role-playing games, and stealth gameplay into a cohesive package that still impresses today.
Players take on the role of JC Denton, an augmented agent navigating a dystopian world filled with conspiracy and moral complexity. The game’s strength lies in its freedom of choice — problems have multiple solutions ranging from combat to hacking to social manipulation.
Despite its terrible graphics and inconsistent voice acting by today’s standards, Deus Ex achieves something remarkable. It creates a deeply immersive world where player decisions genuinely matter.
The game received numerous awards and continues to be hailed as the “Best PC Game of All Time” by many publications and players. Its legacy has spawned several sequels, though many fans consider the original unmatched.
What makes Deus Ex special isn’t just its gameplay systems but how they interact with its thought-provoking narrative. The story tackles themes of transhumanism, corporate power, and government control — topics that remain relevant decades later.
Level design deserves special mention too. Each area offers multiple paths and approaches that reward creativity and exploration. This open-ended structure was revolutionary for its time and inspired countless games that followed.
Fans often point to the depth of gameplay systems as Deus Ex’s strongest feature. The skill system lets players specialize in different abilities, from computer hacking to weapon proficiency, further enhancing replay value.
Its place in gaming history is secure, with many developers citing it as a major influence on their work. Few games have managed to blend genres so successfully or create such a convincing and reactive world.
3. Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2 stands as a landmark in PC gaming history. Released in 2004, it quickly became a standard by which other first-person shooters would be measured for years to come.
The game follows scientist Gordon Freeman as he fights against the alien Combine forces that have taken over Earth. Its storytelling happens in real-time, without taking control away from players or using traditional cutscenes.
What set Half-Life 2 apart was its groundbreaking physics engine. Players could interact with the environment in ways never before seen, using the iconic Gravity Gun to turn everyday objects into weapons.
The game earned praise for its varied gameplay. From tense survival horror sections to vehicle sequences and puzzle-solving, it never let players grow bored with any single mechanic.
Critics widely consider it the best single-player shooter ever made for PC. Its Metacritic score reflects this acclaim, with users giving it an average of 9.5/10, placing it as the number one game of all time on that platform.
The characters in Half-Life 2 feel remarkably human. Alyx Vance stands out as one of gaming’s most well-written companions, helping Gordon throughout his journey.
City 17, the dystopian setting where much of the game takes place, remains one of gaming’s most memorable locations. The world-building tells its own story through environmental details rather than exposition.
Some players argue that the original Half-Life was more revolutionary for its time. However, Half-Life 2’s influence on game design cannot be overstated. Many consider it one of the greatest games ever made due to its perfect blend of storytelling, action, and innovation.
The game’s legacy continues through its episodes and the more recent Half-Life: Alyx, but the original Half-Life 2 remains the high point of the series for many fans.
4. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Disco Elysium stands as one of the most critically acclaimed RPGs ever made. The PC version scored an impressive 97 with 12 reviews, making it among the highest-rated games of all time.
What sets this game apart is its unique approach to the RPG genre. Players step into the shoes of a detective with amnesia, solving a murder case in the fictional city of Revachol. There are no traditional combat mechanics here – just conversations, skill checks, and choices that matter deeply.
The Final Cut edition enhanced the original with full voice acting, which makes the experience even better. Every line, from main quests to side conversations, benefits from stellar voice performances that bring the strange world and its characters to life.
The writing in Disco Elysium is exceptional. Its narrative tackles complex themes like politics, identity, and addiction with surprising depth. The game doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects, instead examining them through its unique setting and unforgettable characters.
The skill system breaks from tradition by representing the detective’s thoughts and abilities as characters with their own voices. These skills actually talk to the player, creating internal dialogues that are both amusing and thought-provoking.
Choices matter significantly in Disco Elysium. Players can approach situations as a by-the-book officer or go completely off the rails. The game responds accordingly, crafting a story that feels personal and reactive.
Steam describes it as “groundbreaking”, and many critics agree. Some even consider it one of the best games they’ve played, not just within its genre but across all gaming.
Its artistic vision stands out with a painterly style that creates a world both beautiful and decayed. The soundtrack perfectly complements this atmosphere, enhancing emotional moments throughout the story.
5. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V stands as one of the most impressive video games ever created. Released in 2013, this open-world masterpiece continues to attract players years after its launch.
The game features three playable characters – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – each with unique personalities and storylines. This three-protagonist approach was new for the series and added depth to the narrative.
Los Santos, the fictional city based on Los Angeles, feels alive with its busy streets, varied neighborhoods, and stunning landscapes. The attention to detail in the game world is remarkable, from the changing weather patterns to the realistic behavior of NPCs.
The PC version takes advantage of higher-end hardware with improved graphics, longer draw distances, and smoother frame rates. Players can also enjoy first-person mode, a feature added after the initial console release.
GTA V’s popularity stems partly from GTA Online, the multiplayer component that continues to receive updates. This online mode lets players create their own criminal empires, race through the streets, or simply hang out with friends in a virtual world.
The game has broken numerous records and is widely considered the pinnacle of the series from technical, design, and storytelling perspectives. Its commercial success is unmatched, becoming one of the bestselling games of all time.
Players can spend hundreds of hours exploring the massive map, completing side missions, or just causing chaos. The replay value remains strong even years after release.
The modding community has further extended the game’s life on PC. Mods range from visual enhancements to complete gameplay overhauls, keeping the experience fresh for veteran players.
6. Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 has earned its place among the greatest PC games ever made. The game combines rich storytelling with deep gameplay mechanics that reward player choices in meaningful ways.
Critics agree on its excellence. The game boasts a 97 Metacritic score, making it the highest-rated PC game of all time. It even surpassed longtime champions like Half-Life 2 and Disco Elysium to claim the top spot.
What makes Baldur’s Gate 3 special? For starters, the character depth is exceptional. Players connect with companions who have complex personalities and backstories that unfold throughout the adventure.
The game’s world feels alive with consequences. Every decision can lead to different outcomes, creating a truly personal experience that differs from player to player.
Larian Studios packed the game with content. From the main story to countless side quests, players can spend hundreds of hours exploring without seeing everything the game has to offer.
The combat system strikes a perfect balance between tactical depth and accessibility. Turn-based encounters require thought but remain engaging and exciting even after many hours of play.
PC Gamer gave the game their highest score in 16 years, highlighting just how significant this release was for gaming as a whole.
Fans have embraced it with similar enthusiasm. Many players describe it as having “everything” they could want – lore, depth, story, gameplay, and meaningful rewards for exploration.
The attention to detail is remarkable. From environmental interactions to dialogue options, Baldur’s Gate 3 consistently surprises players with its reactivity and thoughtfulness.
While following the legacy of its predecessors, the game stands on its own merits. It respects its Dungeons & Dragons roots while creating something fresh and accessible to newcomers.
7. StarCraft 2
StarCraft 2 stands as one of the most influential real-time strategy games ever created. Released by Blizzard Entertainment, it continues the legacy of its predecessor with enhanced graphics, gameplay, and storytelling.
The game’s perfect balance between three distinct races—Terran, Protoss, and Zerg—creates a competitive environment that rewards skill and strategy. Each faction offers unique units and abilities that cater to different playstyles.
StarCraft 2 gained worldwide recognition for its competitive scene. Professional players demonstrate incredible skill with actions per minute that boggle the mind of casual gamers. The game has some of the best matches ever seen in esports.
The single-player campaign shouldn’t be overlooked. It tells a compelling story through the eyes of Jim Raynor as he fights against the corrupt Dominion government. The campaign missions vary greatly, keeping the gameplay fresh throughout.
Critics praised StarCraft 2 extensively upon release. It became the highest-rated PC game of all time on Metacritic when it launched. Many fans consider certain matches like Maru vs. Stats to be among the best gaming moments ever.
The community often debates whether StarCraft 2 is the best competitive game ever made. While opinions vary, its skill ceiling, strategic depth, and spectator appeal put it in rare company.
Memorable tournaments like IEM Katowice showcase why this game endures. The 2019 match between soO and Serral remains a nail-biting example of high-level play.
The game continues to thrive despite its age. Blizzard made it free-to-play in 2017, allowing new players to experience the multiplayer and some campaign content without cost. This move helped maintain an active player base years after release.
8. BioShock
BioShock stands as one of gaming’s most influential titles. Released in 2007, this first-person shooter combined immersive storytelling with unique gameplay mechanics that changed how we think about narrative in games.
The underwater city of Rapture remains one of gaming’s most memorable settings. Its art deco architecture and dystopian atmosphere create a world that feels both beautiful and terrifying at the same time.
What sets BioShock apart is its intelligent storytelling. The game tackles complex themes like objectivism, free will, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The famous twist involving Atlas/Frank Fontaine ranks among gaming’s most shocking moments.
The plasmid system gives players creative freedom in combat. Shooting lightning at enemies standing in water or using telekinesis to throw their projectiles back at them offers satisfaction beyond typical shooters of its era.
BioShock’s “Would you kindly?” revelation forces players to question their agency in games. This meta-commentary on how players blindly follow instructions in video games was revolutionary for its time.
The Big Daddy and Little Sister dynamic creates both emotional and strategic depth. These hulking protectors and their vulnerable charges add tension to every encounter while raising moral questions about exploitation.
Fan opinions about the series vary, with some polls showing 48% of players consider the original BioShock the best in the series, while others prefer the sequels. What’s clear is the lasting impact of the original game.
The attention to detail in Rapture’s design rewards exploration. Every corner tells a story about the city’s rise and fall, making environmental storytelling a key part of the experience.
BioShock proved that games could be both commercially successful and intellectually stimulating. Its influence can be seen in countless titles that followed, cementing its place among PC gaming’s greatest achievements.
9. The Orange Box
The Orange Box stands as one of the greatest deals in gaming history. Released by Valve, this 2007 collection packed five games into one purchase: Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episode One, Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Portal, and Team Fortress 2.
Each game in the collection offers something unique. Half-Life 2 and its episodes continue Gordon Freeman’s fight against alien forces with innovative physics-based gameplay and an engaging story.
Portal introduced players to the mind-bending puzzle mechanics of the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device. This short but sweet experience quickly became a fan favorite for its clever puzzles and dark humor.
Team Fortress 2 rounded out the package with class-based multiplayer action that remains popular even today. The game’s distinct art style and character classes created a shooter experience unlike any other at the time.
What made The Orange Box special wasn’t just the quantity of games but their quality. Each title could have stood on its own as a full-price release. Reddit users still debate their favorite game from the collection, with many citing Portal as their top pick.
The value proposition was so strong that The Orange Box is considered by some to be the greatest deal in gaming history. For the price of one game, players received three Half-Life titles, the revolutionary Portal, and the enduring multiplayer shooter Team Fortress 2.
The collection’s influence extends beyond its initial release. It introduced many players to Valve’s game design philosophy and showcased the company’s storytelling abilities. Some publications even rank it among the best PC games of all time.
The Orange Box proved that game compilations could be more than just recycled content—they could be landmark releases that shape gaming history.
10. Minecraft
Minecraft stands as one of the best-selling games of all time, and for good reason. Released in 2011, this blocky sandbox game gives players complete freedom to build, explore, and survive in procedurally generated worlds.
The game’s simple premise hides its incredible depth. Players gather resources during the day and fight off monsters at night, all while crafting tools and building structures. The beauty lies in its accessibility—anyone can pick it up and start playing within minutes.
Many PC gamers have shown remarkable dedication to Minecraft. Some players report playing daily for nearly 7 years, a testament to its enduring appeal and endless possibilities.
Minecraft’s modding community deserves special recognition. Thousands of user-created modifications transform the game in countless ways, adding new items, mechanics, and even total conversions. This flexibility keeps the experience fresh even for veteran players.
The game’s multiplayer component further cements its place among PC gaming greats. Friends can build together, compete in minigames, or simply explore the vast, blocky landscapes side by side.
Minecraft appears on multiple lists of the best PC games, including PC Gamer’s top 100 and PC ZONE’s top 10. Its cultural impact extends beyond gaming into education, architecture, and digital art.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Mojang in 2014 brought the game to even more platforms, but PC remains the definitive way to experience Minecraft. The mouse and keyboard controls provide precision for building, while the hardware supports larger render distances and smoother performance.
With its constant updates, vibrant community, and limitless creative potential, Minecraft has earned its place among the greatest PC games ever made. Its influence on gaming culture and game design continues to grow, even more than a decade after its initial release.
History of PC Gaming
PC gaming has evolved dramatically from simple text-based adventures to complex virtual worlds that push hardware to its limits. This journey spans decades of innovation, shaped by pioneering developers who established foundations for genres we enjoy today.
The Rise of PC Gaming
PC gaming began in the 1970s with text-based adventures like “Colossal Cave Adventure.” The 1980s brought color graphics and more sophisticated gameplay. Games like “King’s Quest” by Sierra Entertainment showcased new visual possibilities.
The 1990s marked a golden era with groundbreaking titles. Quake and Unreal Tournament revolutionized multiplayer first-person shooters. Strategy games like “Command & Conquer” and “StarCraft” created new competitive scenes.
PC gaming hardware evolved alongside games. Sound cards, 3D accelerators, and faster processors enabled more immersive experiences. This period also saw the rise of CD-ROM technology, allowing for larger games with full motion video and voice acting.
The 2000s brought online gaming to the mainstream with titles like “World of Warcraft” and digital distribution platforms like Steam, forever changing how players purchased and accessed games.
Influential PC Game Developers
Several studios shaped PC gaming’s direction through innovative design and technical excellence. Valve Corporation transformed gaming with Half-Life 2, which many consider one of the greatest games ever made. Their Steam platform later revolutionized digital distribution.
Blizzard Entertainment created genre-defining titles across multiple categories:
- StarCraft – Competitive real-time strategy
- Diablo – Action RPG dungeon crawlers
- World of Warcraft – Massively multiplayer online games
id Software pioneered 3D graphics with “Doom” and “Quake,” establishing technical standards others would follow. Their game engines powered countless titles beyond their own.
BioWare built their reputation on storytelling excellence with RPGs like “Baldur’s Gate” and “Dragon Age.” CD Projekt Red later joined these ranks with The Witcher series, combining narrative depth with open-world design.
Impact on Modern Gaming Culture
PC games have shaped how we play and think about video games today. They’ve introduced innovations that changed the industry forever and built communities that continue to influence gaming culture.
PC Modding Communities
PC gaming stands out for its vibrant modding communities where players create new content for existing games. Games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Minecraft have thrived for years largely due to user-created modifications.
These mods range from simple texture changes to complete game overhauls. Counter-Strike, one of the most successful competitive shooters ever, began as a Half-Life mod before becoming its own phenomenon.
Modding communities have served as talent pools for the industry. Many professional game developers started by creating mods. Companies like Valve and Bethesda actively support modding, recognizing its value in extending game lifespans and building player loyalty.
The freedom to modify games has pushed innovation forward. When players can change games to fit their vision, they often create features that developers later adopt in official releases. This creator-player relationship is unique to PC gaming and continues to influence gaming culture globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
PC gaming offers incredible variety and quality across genres. Players often debate which games deserve top spots in various categories, from storytelling masterpieces to technical achievements that run on modest hardware.
What are considered the top 10 PC games based on storytelling?
The storytelling champions of PC gaming include Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, with its deep character development and complex moral choices. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt gives players a rich narrative with meaningful consequences.
BioShock stands out for its philosophical themes and plot twists. Mass Effect 2 balances character-driven stories with epic space adventure. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind creates a rich world filled with unique lore and complex factions.
Planescape: Torment, Red Dead Redemption 2, Life is Strange, Portal 2, and Kentucky Route Zero round out the list with their innovative approaches to game narratives.
Which single-player PC games rank highest in gaming history?
Half-Life 2 revolutionized first-person storytelling with its seamless narrative and physics-based gameplay. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim offers hundreds of hours of exploration and adventure in a massive open world.
Deus Ex (2000) combined RPG elements with FPS gameplay in ways that still influence games today. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt set new standards for open-world storytelling and quest design.
Portal, Disco Elysium, RimWorld, Divinity: Original Sin 2, and Control have also earned their places as single-player masterpieces that pushed boundaries in their respective genres.
What are the best free-to-play PC games of all time?
Fortnite combines building mechanics with battle royale action, attracting millions of players worldwide. League of Legends has dominated the MOBA scene for over a decade with its competitive depth.
Path of Exile offers Diablo-like gameplay with incredibly deep character customization. Warframe delivers fast-paced ninja action with constant updates and expansions.
Apex Legends, Hearthstone, Destiny 2, Dota 2, Valorant, and CS have all proven that free games can offer premium quality experiences without requiring an initial purchase.
What games make the list of top 5 best PC experiences to date?
Half-Life 2 consistently ranks at the top for its revolutionary gameplay and narrative techniques. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt raised the bar for open-world games with its storytelling and quest design.
Grand Theft Auto V offers unprecedented freedom and detail in its open world. Portal 2 delivers perfectly paced puzzles with memorable characters and dialogue.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut rounds out the top five with its innovative approach to RPG mechanics and mature storytelling about politics, addiction, and redemption.
What titles are the best PC games suitable for low-end hardware configurations?
Stardew Valley offers hundreds of hours of farming and relationship-building that runs on almost any PC. FTL: Faster Than Light delivers tense spaceship management with minimal system requirements.
Bioshock provides atmospheric first-person action that still works on older machines. Undertale tells a touching story through simple but effective 2D graphics.
Minecraft with its blocky graphics can run surprisingly well on modest hardware. Older classics like Doom, Hitman Blood Money, and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare run well on aging systems while still delivering quality experiences.
What game currently holds the title of most played among PC gamers?
League of Legends consistently maintains one of the largest player bases in PC gaming, with millions of daily active users. Counter-Strike 2 has carried the tactical shooter torch with an enormous competitive community.
Fortnite’s regular updates and crossover events keep players coming back across all platforms. Minecraft continues to attract players of all ages with its limitless creativity and regular updates.
Roblox technically functions as a platform rather than a single game but hosts millions of concurrent players. Valorant, Apex Legends, and PUBG also maintain impressive player counts in the battle royale and competitive shooter space.
