The Best PC Games (You Should Be Playing)

This second half of the year has brought a wave of major PC releases, and most of them – but not all, looking at you, Star Wars Outlaws – have been outstanding. It’s been over a year since our last update to The Best PC Games feature, but now seems like the perfect time to explore a number of standout titles you should be playing.

Our selections include a mix of big-budget blockbusters, small indie gems, multiplayer-focused experiences, and even a couple of expansions. Of course, no gaming list would be complete without at least one controversial pick, because what’s a list without a little debate?

It’s also worth noting that these latest recommendations don’t invalidate our earlier picks from 2023 and 2022. Many of those are excellent games not to be missed, and are now available at significant discounts, making them well worth your attention.

For the Emperor! and Henry Cavill

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

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The Warhammer 40,000 universe has inspired countless games over the decades, but only a select few truly capture the grim darkness of the far future. Titles like Dawn of War 1 and 2, Rogue Trader, and Darktide stand out, but if you’re looking for the true experience of playing as a superhuman warrior-monk, try Space Marine 2.

The original Space Marine still holds a place in the hearts of Games Workshop fans. The 13-year wait for the sequel has been a long one, but even without Mark Strong reprising his role as Captain Titus, it was worth it.

Like its predecessor, Space Marine 2 puts players in the boots of Ultramarine Titus, now demoted to Lieutenant, as he charges into battle, shooting, slashing, and obliterating xenos in spectacular fashion. You can really feel the size and power of the marines as they smash through scenery and eviscerate enemies of The Emperor. It’s all very weighty and visceral, like Gears of War without the cover mechanic.

Graphically, Space Marine 2 is breathtaking. The planets, skies, space, and architecture look amazing, but nothing can match the sight of hundreds of Tyranids swarming across the landscape. The iconic Warhammer 40K weapons are a joy to wield and are as devastating as the tabletop versions imply. Some of the larger enemies are eye-popping, and the dodge and parry system is almost Dark Souls-like.

Once the campaign is over, which does happen a bit too soon, the co-operative Operations mode can feel just as much fun, if not more so, letting you play through different missions (each about an hour long) with three other people. There are six classes of Space Marine, each with their own loadouts and special abilities. There’s also the Eternal War PvP mode.

As good as the campaign is, it’s not very long. The biggest complaint about Space Marine 2 is that it can feel like a multiplayer game first and a single-player title, albeit an excellent one, second. However, even if you’re someone like me who usually shuns multiplayer games, the optional Operations co-op mode is hugely enjoyable and has little toxicity.

Buy it from: Steam, Epic Games

Hogwarts S.W.A.T

Tactical Breach Wizards

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Tactical Breach Wizards might not have the stunning graphics seen in many other games on this list, but that hardly matters when you’ve got a turn-based tactics title as good as this.

As the name suggests, TBW puts players in control of a team of modern-day wizards who use spells and magical weapons/abilities to complete objectives in SWAT-style breach missions.

The game features a variety of wizard classes, each with unique powers and spells that allow you to manipulate the battlefield. Instead of relying solely on brute force, players must think strategically, carefully positioning their characters to maximize spell effectiveness while avoiding enemy attacks. If you make a major mistake, you can even rewind turns, encouraging plenty of experimentation.

The game’s emphasis on environmental interactions is another standout feature: for example, you can knock enemies out of windows or use telekinesis to reposition objects, adding a satisfying level of creativity to each mission. But the best part is probably the often-hilarious dialogue.

There are complaints about the pacing and the difficulty spikes, especially among those who don’t play many tactical strategy games. The fact that the game focuses mainly on room-clearing may feel repetitive over time for those who crave more variety in mission design, too.

Buy it from: Steam

For democracy!

Helldivers 2

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Few games have been as much of a revelation as Helldivers 2. Heavily inspired by Starship Troopers, this cooperative squad-based shooter blends intense, strategic gunplay with darkly humorous sci-fi storytelling.

Helldivers 2’s missions are designed for four-player human co-op, encouraging players to specialize in different roles and work together. Communication and coordination are essential, especially with the game’s infamous friendly-fire mechanic – one wrong move, and you could accidentally take down your own squad.

The arsenal of weapons and “Stratagems” (powerful call-ins like airstrikes and supply drops) is incredibly satisfying to use, giving players a wide array of tactical options. Whether calling down a mech suit, deploying a turret, or using a supply beacon, players must strategize their loadouts based on the mission and alien threats they face. The diversity of enemies and biomes keeps gameplay fresh, requiring different tactics and making each mission feel unique.

Graphically, Helldivers 2 impresses with detailed alien environments and explosive effects that make each battle feel immersive. However, the difficulty spikes can be punishing, and some players may find the challenge frustrating without a well-coordinated team. Additionally, a few technical issues persist.

Helldivers 2 is a challenging, addictive, and engaging experience that rewards teamwork and strategy. With its blend of tactical depth, humor, and explosive action, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre and a game that continues to improve over time.

Buy it from: Steam

 

Manimal

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred

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If, like me, you’re a more casual Diablo IV player who lost interest after defeating Lilith and couldn’t muster the enthusiasm to return for the new seasons, rejoice: the launch of Vessel of Hatred makes revisiting the ARPG well worth your time.

Vessel of Hatred picks up from the cliffhanger ending, continuing Neyrelle’s story as she carries the demon lord Mephisto to Nahantu. While many players don’t focus much on the plot, this one stands out with its memorable characters, impactful events, and, of course, the obligatory brutal cutscenes.

The new jungle region of Nahantu is a refreshing addition to the sprawling Sanctuary, packed with new enemies, dungeons, and more. It’s also nice to see some green among all the brown. But probably the best element of the expansion is the new Spiritborn class, which offers a flexible approach to combat with its animal-based magic and melee weapons. Experimenting with the jaguar, gorilla, centipede, and eagle spells and synergies really is great fun.

VoH also sees Mercenaries from Diablo 2 and 3 return. These come in the form of a permanent companion or by calling them to help when you perform certain skills. Having one with you all the time really is perfect for misanthropes who want to try some co-op action – you even get to upgrade your computer-controlled friends.

There really is an absolute ton of new stuff to enjoy in Vessel of Hatred, including the excellent, raid-like Dark Citadel co-op mode, and the return of runes. The most common gripes are about the campaign’s relatively short length, the $40 price tag for the expansion, and the bugs – though hopefully, those will be addressed in future updates. Whether you’re looking to jump back into Diablo IV or dive in for the first time, Vessel of Hatred makes diving in all the more worth it.

Buy it from: Blizzard, Steam

A.K.A. Game Pass subscriber booster

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

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Here’s a confession: before Black Ops 6, I hadn’t played a Call of Duty game since 2009’s Modern Warfare 2. But the latest entry in the franchise has garnered glowing reviews, with many calling it the perfect reentry point for lapsed players like me. Best of all, the franchise is now available on PC Game Pass.

The campaign delivers the usual cinematic fare, complete with CIA agents, the Gulf War, international terrorists, and the obligatory weapon of mass destruction. The solo mode offers an interesting variety of gameplay styles, from Hitman-style stealth missions with multiple approaches to an open-world quest. The customizable safe house, packed with secrets to uncover, is a particularly nice touch.

Multiplayer in Black Ops 6 is being hailed as a return to form, with much of the praise directed at the new omni-movement system. This feature lets players sprint, slide, and dive in any direction, adding an entirely new dimension to the gameplay. The classic Prestige leveling system also makes a welcome comeback. As for Zombies, many are calling it the standout mode, featuring a return to round-based gameplay and some excellent new maps.

Of course, there are some familiar complaints, particularly about multiplayer. Hackers, cheaters, and a lack of significant innovation compared to previous years remain sticking points. Many players aren’t fans of the smaller maps, and technical issues and bugs have led to a number of negative Steam reviews.

Hopefully, some of these problems will be addressed, as there’s plenty to enjoy in Black Ops 6 for returning players, newcomers, and long-time fans of the series alike. And if it doesn’t click for you, there’s always the option to cancel your Game Pass subscription.

Buy it from: Steam, Game Pass

Read ’em and weep

Balatro

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Many people might shudder at the idea of playing a deckbuilder that uses poker-hand rules, but Balatro delivers far more than you’d expect. This unique roguelike lets players strategize with a creative twist on traditional card mechanics. Each playthrough encourages you to build a deck that evolves as you progress through levels, with the ultimate goal of clearing increasingly complex hands and scoring combinations.

One of the standout features is the sheer variety of cards and upgrades. Every game feels fresh as you adapt your deck, craft powerful synergies, and unlock perks for an extra edge. The roguelike structure means every run is different, offering high replayability value.

The visuals are simple yet effective, and the intuitive interface makes it easy to pick up, even for players unfamiliar with deck-builders or the rules of poker.

Balatro can occasionally feel repetitive, especially if you’re used to roguelikes with a broader variety of content or more dynamic storytelling. The difficulty can spike unexpectedly, too, which can be frustrating for new players who aren’t yet familiar with optimizing their decks.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Balatro shines as a strategic, engaging deck-builder that brings a fresh challenge to card game fans. Its crack-like addictiveness and endless replayability make it worth a try for anyone who enjoys combining luck and strategy. There’s a reason it boasts an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam.

Buy it from: Steam

Pyramid Head never looked so good

Silent Hill 2

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It’s best to have a spare set of underwear at the ready while playing Silent Hill 2. The game doesn’t use cheap and easy jump scares like others in the horror genre – there’s rarely any deafening noises or loud screams accompanying a fright. By the end, you’ll be nervously checking every hidden corner of the room for a concealed mannequin monster ready to jump out and give you a coronary.

Many people weren’t thrilled when they heard that Bloober Team was handling a remake of Silent Hill 2. The studio has a few misses in its back catalog, and not everyone was impressed with The Medium, so fans of the brilliant 2001 horror classic worried the remake wouldn’t live up to the original’s legacy. Thankfully, they silenced the doubters by delivering a fantastic new incarnation of Silent Hill 2.

The remake addresses two of the biggest criticisms of the original: that it was too short and the combat too easy. It’s also received the obligatory visual overhaul, making everything look far better (and far grosser). The new third-person, over-the-shoulder perspective, which replaces the original’s fixed cameras, is arguably the best addition.

The difficulty of the puzzles and combat can be altered – a welcome feature. It also has multiple endings, lots of secrets, collectibles and easter eggs, a load of filters, and a New Game Plus mode (with a Chainsaw!), so the replay value is there.

It’s hard to find many elements to be critical about. Some sections feel like they go on a bit too long, especially the hospital. And maybe don’t play it if you’re feeling depressed. Ultimately, Silent Hill 2 is a remake that’s almost on par with the stunning 2023 version of Resident Evil 4, which is high praise indeed.

Buy it from: Steam

Monkey Magic

Black Myth: Wukong

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The world gasped in amazement when the first clips of Black Myth: Wukong appeared online – many claimed it wasn’t possible for a game to look so good. But the Journey to the West-based title arrived this year with a level of depth and immersion that’s both visually and mechanically astounding.

Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Black Myth is jaw-dropping, with stunning environments and imaginative, meticulously designed characters that captivate players at every turn.

There’s been plenty of debate over whether Black Myth is a Soulslike. It certainly shares many elements with the genre: skillful dodging and well-timed attacks to master, tough bosses, checkpoints that respawn enemies, and an upgradable flask replenished at those checkpoints. However, its more forgiving combat and stamina mechanics, coupled with linear maps, have also drawn comparisons to Jedi: Survivor and God of War.

Combat is a standout feature, as players seamlessly switch between physical attacks, magic, and transformations. Sun Wukong’s ability to morph into different forms and creatures adds a strategic layer, with each transformation bringing unique powers and weaknesses.

There are very few things people dislike about Wukong. But despite not being quite on the same frustration level as most Soulslikes, there are those who say it is still too hard. And there are some performance complaints. Ultimately, though, with an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam (96% positive from over 716,000 reviews), this is one of the best-reviewed games on the platform.

Buy it from: Steam, Epic Games

Controversy incarnate

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

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There was a lot of outcry when the first Veilguard trailer dropped, showcasing something that looked more like a Disney game than the gritty and often harrowing Dragon Age series we know and love. While it undeniably looks different, it also looks undeniably good. This is a stunningly vibrant and colorful game, especially when played on HDR OLED displays.

While Dragon Age: The Veilguard has plenty of great reviews, it might still be the most controversial entry on the list (yes, even more than Black Ops 6). However, we believe it deserves a spot.

Gameplay-wise, Veilguard is not Baldur’s Gate 3, nor is it the first Dragon Age game with their tactical styles. The combat –and several other elements – is more akin to Final Fantasy XVI: real-time combat with AI opponents you can issue ability commands to, either on-the-fly or via a pause menu. Combined with a slew of different attacks, spells, dodging, and timed blocks, fighting is huge fun and one of the game’s best elements.

Despite the changes, Veilguard still often captures the essence of what makes Dragon Age unforgettable: compelling characters, meaningful choices, and a richly layered world. Fan-favorites like the Grey Wardens, the Templars, and (a redesigned) Morrigan make a return, alongside new allies. The storytelling is done well, and the maps are filled with lore-rich environments and hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Choice and consequence play the usual big roles, there are tons of quests, and you can customize your character to suit your playstyle via their class, skills, armor, weapons, and more. There’s lots here to keep you entertained for a long time.

Despite its strengths, plenty of people hate The Veilguard. The biggest complaint is that it goes too far in its push for inclusivity and diversity, which at times can feel pretty forced. Some can’t get past the cartoonish style, the fact it’s such as a departure from the earlier Dragon Age games, or that you only directly control the main protagonist. While Veilguard splits opinion and is not without its faults, it’s still a very enjoyable RPG with excellent combat that looks great. Just try not to compare it too closely to the earlier Dragon Age games.

Buy it from: Steam, Epic Games

 

Die often and be thankful for it

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

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Yes, this is the second expansion on the list, but it would be a crime to overlook Shadow of the Erdtree, even though it’s been out for a while now. FromSoftware delivers an experience that builds on everything players loved about the original game while introducing several exciting new elements.

One of the main draws of Shadow of the Erdtree is its mesmerizing world, from haunting forests and mysterious ruins to towering landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The whole thing is visually breathtaking: the level of detail and atmospheric lighting make every area feel like a work of art. Each location is layered with secrets and lore that encourage exploration, rewarding players who wander off the beaten path.

A Soulslike is all about the combat, and Shadow of the Erdtree doesn’t disappoint. It introduces new weapon types, magical spells, and abilities that keep battles feeling fresh and dynamic. The improved enemy AI makes encounters even more challenging, while the expansion’s bosses are especially well-crafted, pushing players to master the game’s combat mechanics and delivering a true sense of achievement upon victory.

As with other Soulslikes, including Elden Ring, the biggest hurdle players will face is the difficulty. Shadow of the Erdtree is generally considered to be even harder than the base game, so it’ll likely be too much for those who don’t have the time or inclination to git gud. That’s a shame, as it’s an amazing game and well worth the hours of practice and shouting at the “You Died” screen.

Buy it from: Steam

Honorable Mentions

Hades 2

Hades II excels by expanding on the original’s fast-paced action and rich storytelling, adding new mythological characters and deeper lore. It would have made the final list had it not still been in early access.

Frostpunk 2

Harsh, frozen worlds aren’t fun, and they’re even grimmer when balancing resource management and some horrible ethical dilemmas. Most people prefer the first game, though

Red Dead Redemption

The brilliant first game, actually set after Red Dead Redemption 2, finally arrived on PC more than a decade since its console release, including the Undead Nightmare DLC. It’s great – but not for $50.

Dropped from the list
(Great, but had to make room for others)

You can check out our late 2023 article and early 2023 picks for more awesome games.