From large open-world AAA games like Elden Ring to compact yet compelling indie games like Disco Elysium, the best PC games come in many shapes and sizes. But how do you choose which to play first considering the 500+ games you’re likely to have in your Steam and Epic Games Store library? Here, we offer a selection of the top PC games we’re currently enjoying.
With our gaming reviews program, through which we evaluate how well games run on PCs, Laptop Mag started its competition for the best gaming laptop almost two years ago. Recently, we reviewed Halo Infinite, Mass Effect Legendary Edition, and Twelve Minutes.
We were able to review both the Xbox Series X and PS5 when they were released, so don’t discount our coverage of those systems either. Check out the best and worst of Elgato’s streaming technology if you want to start streaming.
Check out our new Star Wars Jedi: Survivor hub as well as the 12 PC games that play fantastically with just a keyboard. Additionally, we just released our Saints Row (2022) preview.
If you enjoy playing games on paper, take a look at our list of the finest virtual tabletop programs. (And if you need assistance, our DND tips). In our System of the Stars article, we meet the therapist who teaches mental health through video games.
We are aware that there are thousands of the best PC games available, including titles like Divinity: Original Sin 2, Doom, and Minecraft, but we are unable to include them all here. The finest PC games available right now are listed below (not in order of preference).
What are the best PC games?
Despite everything that is now occurring, PC gaming and gaming desks had a successful year in 2020. Doom Eternal is the first game that comes to mind as a contender for game of the year. First-person shooter enthusiasts will not be disappointed by Doom Eternal, which has an outstanding single-player campaign that surpasses that of its predecessor.
Doom Eternal gave us some of the purest enjoyment we’ve had playing a video game in a long time thanks to its amazing setting, wonderful original soundtrack, and required quality of life upgrades.
third-person horror action Resident Evil 3 recently came out, and despite not being as fantastic as Resident Evil 2, it still has a strong base because of its thrilling boss battles, suspenseful surroundings, and well-polished combat system.
Searching for a slightly different but Overwatch-like game? We immediately came to the conclusion that Bleeding Edge might be one of the best PC games if Ninja Theory can deliver after launch after plunging headfirst into one of the game’s vibrant landscapes and launching into the chaotic hack-and-slash gameplay.
The Witcher III: Wild Hunt (a fantasy adventure game), Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (a how-to-die simulator), Fortnite (a battle royale game), and Rocket League (a competitive sports game), among others, are fantastic PC games that are available now. Gears 5, is a cover-based shooter.
The Outer Worlds, a first-person role-playing game, and Mortal Kombat 11, a fighting game, all made our list of the best games of 2018 just last year. Our personal favorites include Beat Saber and the action RPG Monster Hunter: World (VR rhythm game).
The best PC games you can play today
1. Elden Ring
In my Elden Ring preview, I referred to the game as “aimless.” It “sometimes mirrors the vacantness observed in other open-world titles,” I asserted, feeling underwhelmed. This statement, which was stated after seven hours of gameplay, no longer accurately captures how I feel after 70 hours with the game, but it’s still there.
The most magnificent feelings I’ve felt while exploring an open environment are provided by Elden Ring’s greatest moments. The terrors that remain in its abandoned plains contrast beautifully with its enormous vastness and sense of freedom.
On the other hand, the game is afflicted by a few dull goals, repeated bosses and enemies, and taxing mini-dungeons. Even after spending several hours riding through The Lands Between, I’m still surprised by them, but those monotonous sections are tiresome.
Other than that, FromSoftware provides a solid mechanical development to its Soulsborne model, offering a level of character diversity that is unequaled, letting the player approach the myriad horrors of this world in any way they see fit.
2. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands has the impression that it was created by a think tank whose sole objective was to win Rami Tabari over to this Borderlands prequel. Borderlands was never my favorite game; something about it simply didn’t click with me, but for this D&D fanatic, Wonderlands is perfect.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is essentially everything I wanted from Gearbox, from the intricate character customization and inventive classes to the mash-up of Dungeons & Dragons inside jokes and the addition of spellcasting.
The inventory and item systems have some noticeable flaws, therefore it isn’t flawless. Even though I would have loved a truly open world, I can’t stop thinking about Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands even when I’m not playing it.
3. Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Kena: Bridge of Spirits, a PS5 exclusive that was just released, is the first video game created by Ember Lab. When it was unveiled at Sony’s Future of Gaming conference, the PlayStation community was surprised by its superb Pixar-like animation. But like with every studio’s debut blockbuster, doubts were beginning to be raised about the gameplay itself.
Even though the experience has some obvious flaws, Kena: Bridge of Spirit’s heart is its greatest strength. The weight of a mountain is lifted by the sweet grin that Kena wears as she tenderly greets the charming forest critters.
The player feels a great sense of fulfillment as they witness the world’s color slowly begin to return after being robbed of it by corruption. The world’s declining condition conveys a story of the people who once lived here, how their lives were robbed from them, and how there is still beauty amid the ruins.
A fantastic, real Balinese soundtrack, a tight fighting system, motivation to explore its ghastly jungles, and a pleasant, beautiful landscape are all present alongside Kena’s palpable character. Although Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a well-known experience, its soul is much more powerful than that of many of the games it draws inspiration from. It’s undoubtedly among the year’s top PC games.
4. Death loop
Death loop is a violent, chaotic mashup of Dishonored, My Super Ex-Girlfriend, Groundhog Day, and other classics. The latter was really created by the same skilled group that worked on Deathloop; the similarities between the two are startling. Death loop offers all the beloved Dishonored features, including supernatural powers, dual-wielding fighting techniques, grim, explorable settings, and ruthless, grating adversaries that summon the entire town for assistance.
Death loop, on the other hand, takes a more contemporary approach, doing away with stuffy old 19th-century royal guardian Corvo in favor of the hip Colt, who has a colorful, sarcastic demeanor a la Samuel L. Jackson and witty one-liners that make you laugh. Colt is close to exclaiming, “Enough is enough! ” given his tense disposition and penchant for profanity. I’ve had it with these time cycles on this island, end of the story.
When you first put yourself in Colt’s position, you are just as ignorant as he is. In order to figure out what the heck is going on and how you’re going to halt this frustrating time loop, you’re also working to put all the puzzle pieces together.
5. Life is Strange: True Colors
When True Colors was revealed, I wasn’t very interested because I had never played a Life is a Strange game—that is, until I watched the trailer. I was surprised to learn that the main character, Alex Chen, had the singing voice of the pop musician mom toon, of which I am a fan. Then I learned about the quaint Colorado hamlet of Haven Springs, and boy am I a sucker for tiny towns. But it wasn’t until I met Alex that I decided to jump.
Alex is a well-written character, I can now say. She and I had a connection that I couldn’t even begin to match with most genuine people. Her ability as an empath was what first caught my attention. I’ve recently started thinking of myself as an “empath,” or someone who feels other people’s emotions very strongly.
I like to think of myself as emotionally intuitive. I’ve spent a lot of time making those around me walk on eggshells, so I can spot when they start to break and can sense when someone is hurting internally. I immediately felt a connection to Alex when I first saw how her strength was shown on screen and how another person’s emotions influenced her.
It seems as though Life is Strange: True Colors was created just for me. I adore the characters, the plot, the options, and all of the rest. When I made each of those decisions, I totally submerged myself in this universe and assumed the identity of Alex Chen. I was merciless when I had to be, nice when I could, and always a badass. One of the best PC games is without a doubt Life is Strange: True Colors.