Here we will review and compare the most popular and top PC Games of all time and guide you to select the best games for PC:
With the battle between PS5 and XBOX being the hottest topic of conversation, it is easy to forget that PC gaming is still alive and kicking.
While consoles came and went, PC has been one of the most powerful gaming platforms for generations. In some instances, the immersive experience gamers get from games on PC is usually considered being far more rewarding than its console counterparts.
Now, with many popular PlayStation titles also finding their way to PC, you will hardly find a popular game title that isn’t compatible with it. Yes! PC gaming has never been as prominent as it is today. This is perhaps why more and more gamers are now investing in powerful gaming laptops or desktops.
Table of Contents:
Top PC Games Review
Some of the best PC games today offer gorgeous visuals, high frame rates, and top-notch resolutions. There are a plethora of games that transport you to another realm altogether and keep you glued to your screen for long hours.
In this article, we will name a list of such must-play PC games that will undoubtedly give you the experience of a lifetime. So without much further ado, let’s look at some of the best PC games of all time.
Pro-Tips:
- It is best to look at critic scores and overall reception the game has garnered over its entire run since release. A higher rating on Metacritic, for example, can be the sign of a good game you can hope to enjoy.
- Learn what genre a game belongs to before you buy them. There is a wide range of genres in gaming, such as first-person shooting, action-adventure, role-playing, racing, arcade fighting, platforming. Go for genres you feel most comfortable playing.
- Pay attention to a game’s ESRB rating. If you are someone who gets sick at the sight of blood, then it will be in your best interest to avoid games that have been rated M for maturity.
- Make sure you have the specs required to run a game smoothly on your PC system. A minimum of 8 GB RAM, 4GB Graphic Card GDDR4 and above, a 256GB SSD, and a powerful processor are what you will need to run a game.
- Look for occasional discounts on sites like EPIC and Steam to buy PC at lower prices. Sometimes you might even get a game for free here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q #1) Can I play PC games for free?
Answer: Yes, you can play PC games for free. Occasionally, you will find a popular PC game being distributed for free online at various online game stores. Very often, these games are only made free for a limited period.
Sometimes the offers are so fleeting that it is very difficult to not miss them. Our advice would be to sign-up to these online stores and keep your notifications on. This way, you can grab a game as soon as it is listed as free.
Q #2) Where can I download games for free?
Answer: You can download games for free from the following online gaming sites:
Q #3) Is GTA 5 PC free?
Answer: GTA 5, the fifth outing in Rockstar’s long-running franchise, was a massive success right out of the gate. It is considered being one of the most played online multiplayer games on PC. Originally released in 2013; the game was re-mastered considerably for next-generation PC systems.
Although not free today, GTA 5’s premium edition was made free on the Epic Games Store for a brief period in 2020.
Q #4) Is Steamunlocked illegal?
Answer: We understand the urge to avoid paying the hefty price attached to a game by simply pirating it online. However, the consequences of that can be disastrous.
Steamunlocked is one such place online where gamers can download games for free and the downloading experience offered is mostly safe. The site regularly monitors itself for malicious interference. It is still illegal to download games from there.
Q #5) Can you go to jail for pirating games?
Answer: Piracy of games, just like music and movies, is considered a federal crime in the United States. Illegally downloading a game can result in punishment, ranging from fines to jail time.
That being said, the person distributing games online is more likely to be penalized than the one downloading it. We recommend not pirating games, and instead, wait for a price drop to buy the PC game you can’t afford.
List Of The Best PC Games
Here you will find remarkably impressive and most popular PC games:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Boyfriend Dungeon
- Hades
- Control
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
- World of Warcraft
- Hitman 3
- Resident Evil Village
- Doom: Eternal
- Minecraft
Comparing The Most Popular Games For PC
| Name | Genre | Release Date | Fees | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt | Action-Adventure, Fantasy RPG | May 18, 2015 | $9.99 |  |
| Boyfriend Dungeon | Dating Simulation/Dungeon Crawler | Aug 11, 2021 | $19.99 |  |
| Hades | Action Adventure/ Dungeon Crawler | Dec 6, 2018 | $31.48, $110 for Supergiant Collection Bundle. | |
| Control | Third Person Shooter/ Action Adventure | Aug 27, 2019 | $15.99 | |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator | Real-World Simulation | 1982-11-01 00:00:00 | $59.99 | |
Best games for PC review:
#1) The Witcher 3
Genre: Action-Adventure, Fantasy RPG
Release Date: May 18, 2015.
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The Witcher 3 was one of the earliest games for the next generation. It continued the story of Geralt of Rivia – a Witcher that kills monsters for a living. Although we’ve had two Witcher games before it, nobody was ready for how satisfying and content-rich this entry in the franchise was going to be.
The game tells a fascinating story spanning a 40-hour long main campaign. The tales themselves are folkloric, darkly tragic, and occasionally comical.
Aside from the main campaign, hundreds of side-quests easily take the gameplay duration to over 100 hours. You get a large sprawling map to plan your journey, hunt down an array of diverse monsters, and earn tons of rewards.
Features:
- Customizable Weapon and Armor upgrades.
- Two additional expansions launching two full-length campaigns.
- Massive Open-World.
- Combat by Magic and Swords.
- Immersive central storyline.
Verdict: It would be fair to claim that the Witcher 3 revolutionized fantasy RPGs forever. You can see signs of it in many modern role-playing games being released today. Its large open-world map, fascinating characters, compelling protagonist, and exhilarating combat make Witcher an immersive experience on PC.
The game of the year edition is now available for purchase at a whopping 80% discount on Steam and GOG.
Price: $9.99
Website: The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt
#2) Boyfriend Dungeon
Genre: Dating Simulation/ Dungeon Crawl
Release Date: August 11, 2021
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Boyfriend Dungeon is a new PC game, released in August 2021 to solid reception from gamers. The game is a unique blend of two polar opposite genres – dating simulation and dungeon crawl. In the game, you take control of a player that must fight his/her way through dungeons with assistance from a human partner that can turn into a sentient weapon.
The wild concept of this game puts you in the shoes of a protagonist that must crawl through a dungeon filled with peril alongside a weapon that also becomes your love interest. The weapons you yield also reflect human temperaments, which only add to the delightfully absurd premise of this game.
Features:
- Date seven diverse types of weapons.
- Switch between multiple combat styles.
- Roguelite structure.
- A progressive approach to dating, gender, and sexuality.
Verdict: A premise like that of Boyfriend Dungeon might appear too peculiar on paper. However, the game’s presentation and unique blend of multiple genres make this a fun, action-packed, and pleasantly unique title in the dating simulation genre.
It also looks quite polished for an independent game funded on Kickstarter. It is easily one of the best new PC games on the block.
Price: $19.99
Website: Boyfriend Dungeon
#3) Hades
Genre: Action Adventure, Dungeon Crawler
Release Date: December 6, 2018
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Hades is another roguelike game, which is pure action from start to finish. The story follows the journey of Zaegreus, who wishes to transcend to the top despite his Father Hades’ objections.
What makes this game fun is its amazing art design and visually striking combat. It also adds a fun spin to this rarely told tale from Greek Mythology, depicting Hades – the God of Underworld as a very sympathetic figure.
There are only 4 stages in the game, but they are so different from one another that the game never feels repetitive. The dialogue, voice acting, and good mix of weapons and abilities make the game progression feel smooth.
Features:
- Permanent weapon upgrades.
- Seek assistance from Gods of the Greek Pantheon like Athena, Zeus, and Poseidon.
- Hand-painted character and atmosphere design.
- Narrative-driven gameplay progression.
Verdict: Hades seamlessly integrates roguelike elements with a fascinating new spin on a prominent chapter in Greek Mythology. The result is an action-packed game elevated by a striking art style and stellar voice acting.
Price: $31.48, $110 for Supergiant Collection Bundle.
Website: Hades
#4) Control
Genre: Third-Person Shooter, Action-Adventure
Release Date: August 27, 2019,
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The control lets you play as Jesse Faden – the new director of the Federal Bureau of Control. She must harness powerful paranormal abilities to take down a dangerous enemy known only as Hiss, who is corrupting reality.
The game takes heavy inspiration from the game Alan Wake, Remedy Entertainment’s previous game also centered on paranormal activity.
Control is also fondly remembered as one of the first games to employ real-time ray tracing. The game was the recipient of many accolades upon release. It was praised for its unique combination of third-person shooter and magic-based combat.
Features:
- Customizable Weaponry.
- Constantly Shifting Level Design.
- Blend of Modern Weapons and Telekinetic abilities.
- Intriguing Main Storyline.
Verdict: Control offers a thrilling experience by delivering a plot filled with mysteries to unravel. This, along with a seamless combination of magic-based and third-person action through constantly shifting environments, makes the game progression feel fresh and engaging throughout. The boss fights are some of the best we’ve seen from modern PC games.
Price: $15.99
Website: Control
#5) Microsoft Flight Simulator
Genre: Simulation
Release Date: November 1982
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Microsoft Flight Simulator is a series of games released over three decades that allow you to test your piloting skills. The game has evolved drastically since its inception in the early ’80s to make the flying experience feel more immersive and realistic.
There are 30 airports modeled after their real-life counterparts and 20 different types of planes you can learn to fly with this game.
To make the simulation feel even more realistic, the new versions of the game also involve live traffic, real-time weather, and life-like landscapes. You also get an interactive guidance and checklist system that can be used to hone your flying skills.
Features:
- Detailed and Vivid Landscapes.
- Day and Night engine.
- Aerodynamic modeling.
- Accurate plane interior and exterior designs.
Verdict: Microsoft Flight Simulator is a game for aspiring and established pilots who want to test their flying skills. It is a game with more practical real-world application than any other title on this list.
Despite this, it still manages to be fun because of its near-perfect emulation of real-world earthly elements like weather, day and night shift, and detailed landscapes.
Price: $59.99
Website: Microsoft Flight Simulator
Further Reading => List of the Top Android Games
#6) World of Warcraft
Genre: Online Multiplayer RPG
Release Date: November 24, 2004
You can’t make a list jotting down great PC games and not mention World of Warcraft. This is arguably the game that revolutionized online multiplayer RPGs with its immense scale.
Similar to other MMO RPGs, you create your character, explore its massive open world, hunt monsters, undertake various quests and interact with NPCs (non-playable characters).
This is one of the longest-running MMO RPGs out there. It has grossed over 10 billion dollars since its release 15 years ago and has been cited by many game critics as one of the best MMO RPGs of all time.
Features:
- Create a custom character.
- Hunt Monsters for rewards.
- Upgrade Weapon and Armory.
- Seek out quests from NPCs.
- Collaborate with other players online.
Verdict: World of Warcraft has been around for 15 years now and still retains all the charisma and charm that made it so special in the first place. With the classic version of the game re-released in 2019, this is perhaps a good time for you to try this game if you haven’t already.
Price: $14.99 monthly subscription, $13.99/month, for 3 month subscription, $12.99/month for 6 months subscription
Website: World of Warcraft
#7) Hitman 3
Genre: Stealth, Third Person Shooter
Release Date: January 20, 2021
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Hitman 3 is the eighth game in the main ‘Hitman’ franchise. It is also the third and final entry in the ‘World of Assassination’ series of games, continuing right after 2018’s Hitman 2. In the game, you again assume the role of Agent 47 and execute contracted assassinations against leaders of the providence.
Unlike Hitman 2, this one doesn’t feature a multiplayer mode. However, it more than makes up for it by offering players flexible missions that can be executed any way they wish. You have full freedom to devise the best strategy to take out a particular target. There are tons of innovative and even unintentionally hilarious ways to assassinate a target.
Features:
- Import gameplay and maps from Hitman 1 and 2.
- 6 different locations.
- Switch weapons at will and wear disguises to avoid getting caught.
- Interactive level designs with unlockable shortcuts.
Verdict: Hitman 3 stays true to the spirit of this long-running franchise. It makes certain impressive innovations while still providing gamers with the freedom to operate however, they wish to best execute an assassination. No other game masters in-game flexibility like Hitman does. Hence, this is one game you must try.
Price: $59.99
Website: Hitman 3
#8) Resident Evil: Village
Genre: Horror, Action, Survival
Release Date: May 7, 2021
Resident Evil: Village is a direct sequel to Resident Evil: Biohazard and continues the story of Ethan Winters. In Village, Chris Redfield murders Ethan’s wife right in front of his eyes. Later, through some unforeseen circumstances, he finds himself in a mysterious village where he is being hunted by nefarious adversaries.
This game, while still retaining some of its prequel’s survival horror elements, is heavy on action. So much so that it sacrifices horror for fast-paced thrills. Fans of Resident Evil 4 will love this game while fans looking for the chills of traditional first-person horror may feel a tinge of disappointment.
Features:
- Gothic and Victorian Era Gameplay design.
- Improved Inventory Management Mechanic.
- Buy weapons and supplies or upgrade them.
- Treasures and collectibles spread across the map.
Verdict: Resident Evil: Village is a huge departure from the brutal horror promised in its preceding entry. It is nonetheless fun, thrilling, and harbors elements like sparse ammunition that made the franchise such a famous entry in the Survival Horror genre all those years ago.
Price: $59.99
Website: Resident Evil: Village
#9) Doom: Eternal
Genre: Survival, Action, First Person Shooter
Releasing: March 20, 2020
If 2016’s Doom was pure fun, 2020’s Doom Eternal goes a step further, delivering a game that massively improves over its already impressive prequel. The sequel again puts you in the helmet of ‘Doom Guy’ as he continues to eradicate demons and foil the alien Makyr’s plans of world domination.
Although it features a compelling plot, it is secondary to its high-octane action that has you at the edge of the seat from start to finish. The hardcore gore-filled action is only elevated by the heavy-metal music that seamlessly blends with its beautiful and chaotic visuals.
Features:
- Wide range of upgradeable weapons.
- Diverse Hordes of Demons and Enemies to fight.
- Multiplayer Battle Mode available.
- Two standalone DLC campaigns are available.
Verdict: Doom Eternal is a love letter to fans of this gruesome first-person shooter. Everything from its campaign, level design, visuals, and soundtrack make an everlasting impression on you. It is undoubtedly one of the best PC games to have come out in recent memory.
Price: $59.99
Website: Doom Eternal
#10) Minecraft
Genre: 3D Sandbox
Release Date: November 18, 2011
In Minecraft, players are made to explore a blocky terrain that is infinite and grows as you build more stuff. Players have the freedom to do whatever they want on the terrain they are afforded by the developers. You can craft items, extract raw materials and discover materials in your exploration.
There are several game modes available here to keep the premise interesting. You can collaborate or compete with other players for the world’s resources and even fight computer-generated mobs. Players also have the freedom to create new items and assets, thanks to the game’s flexible gameplay mechanics.
Features:
- Switch between first-person and third person objectives.
- Team up with other players on world-building missions.
- Procedurally generated 3D world.
- Create custom player skins.
Verdict: Minecraft launched way back in 2011 and has evolved enormously since then. It is one of the most streamed games on Twitch. Despite its blocky, heavily pixelated aesthetics, the game delivers an immersive experience because of how flexible its gameplay mechanics are.
Price: Free
Website: Minecraft
Other Great PC Games
#11) Horizon Zero Dawn
Genre: Action-Adventure, Open World
Release Date: August 7, 2020
Horizon zero dawn is a fun open-world action-adventure RPG set in a post-apocalyptic future ruled by deadly machines. You assume the role of Aloy and join her as she tries unraveling the mystery surrounding her machine-infested world. The game was a PS4 exclusive before being ported to PC with extra features and an improved frame-rates option.
Price: $49.99
Website: Horizon Zero Dawn
#12) Disco Elysium
Genre: RPG
Release Date: Oct 15, 2019
One of the most thought-provoking games to come out in 2019, Disco Elysium is a critically acclaimed game published by ZA/UM. The game allows you to take control of an amnesiac detective charged with solving a murder mystery. This game is extremely bold and features no combat at all. Instead, you are required to make difficult choices to move forward.
Price: $39.99
Website: Disco Elysium
#13) Valheim
Genre: Sandbox, Survival, Co-Op
Release Date: Feb 2, 2021
Valheim is an engaging survival game, developed by a five-person team. You play a slain Viking who starts with nothing as you build and battle your way through the perilous world of Valheim. Valheim is a game best experienced with friends.
You get to explore a massive open world, build your longship and base, craft items, battle various beasts and aimlessly wander around its virtual world with your friends.
Price: $19.99
Website: Valheim
#14) Nioh 2
Genre: Action Adventure
Release Date: Feb 5, 2021
If you are looking for a souls-bourne type game, then Nioh 2 is the perfect game for you. Developed by Team Ninja, Nioh 2 is a fun hack-and-slash game with enough challenges to keep you engaged.
Unlike the previous game, the sequel allows you to create your original character and fight some of the most terrifying ‘Yokai’ (the game’s major antagonists) with improved combat mechanics.
Price: $49.99
Website: Nioh 2
Conclusion
If you are looking for the most diverse library of games, it will serve you better to invest in a gaming laptop or desktop instead of a console. All the games mentioned above are some of the best PC games right now to have graced the industry in recent years.
Some of these are award-winning titles that are still raved about and streamed on popular streaming platforms like Twitch.
There is something for everyone on PC. If you are looking for a narrative-driven sword and sorcery epic, then you will love the Witcher 3. If you are looking for a dating simulator masquerading as a dungeon crawler, then you will adore Boyfriend Dungeon. If mind-bending third-person shooters are your thing, then you will find plenty to admire in Control.
Research Process:
- We spent 14 hours researching and writing this article so you can have summarized and insightful information on what games you will enjoy most.
- Total games researched – 35
- Total games shortlisted – 14