PC gaming has only increased in popularity over the years, which has also fortunately led to more titles being released. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down some of the best PC games, but here are our top picks.
Key Takeaways
- No matter what genre you’re into, the best PC games cover a wide range.
- For those on a budget, there are many free-to-play PC titles, including Destiny 2, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike 2.
- We’ve included cozy PC games like Unpacking, Preserve, and Islanders.
- Anyone hoping to jump into PC games with friends can check out Fall Guys and Overwatch 2.
- PC gaming is bigger now than ever, with over 133 monthly users on Steam alone.
25+ Best PC Games to Play in 2024
You can find games of all genres, including competitive titles, cozy games, and even some puzzle titles. We’ve also considered a range of budgets, with some of the best free PC games ready to be installed.
25. Unpacking
- Highlights: Puzzle
- Publisher: Humble Games
- Developer: Witch Beam
- Availability & Cost: $19.99 on Steam
One of the best PC puzzle games has to be Unpacking. This somewhat frustrating puzzle game has you unbox the belongings of an unseen protagonist as she moves houses throughout her life. Make sure you’ve put everything exactly as it belongs to progress to the next level.
24. Fortnite
- Highlights: Multiplayer, online, third-person shooter, battle royale
- Publisher: Epic Games
- Developer: Epic Games, People Can Fly
- Availability: Free on Epic Games; Download free from Fortnite.com
There’s no way to compile a list of the best PC games without Fortnite being on it. This free-to-play battle arena title is a fantastic shooter that can be played alone or with friends. Squad up and jump in with 100 other players as you collect loot and battle out to be on top.
23. League of Legends
- Highlights: Multiplayer, online, battle arena
- Publisher: Riot Games
- Developer: Riot Games
- Availability: Download free from Leagueoflegends.com
This title from Riot Games utilizes reaction time, strategy, and teamwork to take down the enemy’s nexus and prevent them from doing the same. It’s one of the best MOBAs on PC and has over 100 champions to choose from, each with their own skill set, so you can decide if you want to master one or play a new one every game.
22. Persona 5 Royal
- Highlights: JRPG, Action, Adventure
- Publisher: Atlus, Sega
- Developer: Atlus
- Availability & Cost: $49.99 on Steam
Persona 5 Royal features a beautiful soundtrack to match its stunning visuals. Explore Japan and unlock Personas in this RPG, Action, Adventure title, which has multiple alternative endings to experience. It’s the definitive way to play what can easily be considered one of the best RPGs on PC right now, thanks to the new wealth of content ushered in over the years.
21. Destiny 2
- Highlights: Online, MMO, first-person shooter
- Publisher: Bungie
- Developer: Bungie
- Availability: Free on Steam
One of the best free games that also happens to be one of the best PC games is Destiny 2. This online shooter has a fantastic story that you can choose to pursue alone or with friends. Our favorite part of this game has to be character customization which could take up entire play sessions before you even jump in. Since its release in 2017, the title has gone from strength to strength, with The Final Shape expansion (paid) capping things off nicely… for now.
20. Hi-Fi Rush
- Highlights: Rhythm, Action
- Publisher: Bethesda, Limited Run Games
- Developer: Tango Gameworks
- Availability & Cost: $29.99 on Steam; Included on PC Game Pass
Hi-Fi Rush is an essential weekend-ready action game with a twist. This title incorporates rhythm elements to bring you a whole new and beautiful experience for both your eyes and your ears as you work towards beating the evil executives. While it’s available to buy on Steam, it’s also one of the best PC games on Game Pass, meaning you can play with no added cost. The experience isn’t long, but it’s certainly memorable.
19. Diablo IV
- Highlights: Online-only, Action, RPG, Dungeon Crawler
- Publisher: Blizzard
- Developer: Blizzard, Team 3
- Availability & Cost: $39.99 on Steam; Included on PC Game Pass
For fans of dungeon-crawling action, you owe it to yourself to play Diablo 4. It’s one of the best RPG PC games available and is only getting better over time. You can create your character from six playable classes and then explore the world of Sanctuary, where you complete quests along the way. Those who are into hack-and-slack PvE combat will be right at home with Diablo IV.
18. Valheim
- Highlights: Sandbox, Survival
- Publisher: Coffee Stain Studios
- Developer: Iron Gate Studios
- Availability & Cost: $14.99 on Steam
Whether you’re hoping to jump in solo or with friends, Valheim is a fantastic sandbox survival game to jump into. Whether you want to pursue the story or not is your choice; instead, you can opt to build a home or explore the landscape. It’s one of the best survival games on PC for its open-ended design, ensuring you’ll have tons to do. Keep in mind that Valheim is still in early access, so certain features are likely to change.
17. Islanders
- Highlights: City Building, Strategy, Puzzle
- Publisher: Grizzly Games, Coatsink
- Developer: Grizzly Games, Coatsink, Stage Clear Studios
- Availability: $4.99 on Steam
If you’re looking for a cozy game to help you relax, then Islanders is the best PC game to jump into. This peaceful city-building game removes all of the intense numbers that can come with city builders and just allows you to place houses, farms, and other elements to improve the lives of your islanders. What’s more, it’s available for the price of a cup of coffee, making it very affordable if you’re working with a tight budget.
16. Helldivers 2
- Highlights: Multiplayer, Third-Person Shooter
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios
- Availability & Cost: $39.99 on Steam
Another fantastic title to play with friends on PC is Helldivers 2. The cooperative third-person shooter has you group up with others, whether it be with friends or other solo players in the game, to tackle missions and battle the environment. It’s immensely popular for a reason, as there’s no other game that delivers the rush of momentum like this, especially with friends. For that reason, it’s an easy pick for the best multiplayer PC games around.
15. Portal 2
- Highlights: Puzzle, Shooter, Multiplayer
- Publisher: Valve
- Developer: Valve
- Availability & Cost: $9.99 on Steam
One of the best PC games of all time is the sequel to a title that is also on this list, Portal 2. This puzzle shooter allows you to buddy up with a friend and tackle the complicated puzzle rooms together, all while using portal technology. The sequel doesn’t quite live up to the original, fine, but it takes a bigger is better approach, combine that with a lengthy co-op campaign, and you’ve got all the makings of an all-star classic all the same.
14. No Man’s Sky
- Highlights: Action, Adventure, Survival
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Developer: Hello Games
- Availability & Cost: $59.99 on Steam
Despite some fans being disappointed with No Man’s Sky at launch, through regular updates the game has shaped up to be one of the best space PC games. With the option to experience full and infinite freedom or follow the story, how you play No Man’s Sky is solely up to you. You can now play with friends, build complicated bases, and explore both lush and hostile terrain. It’s become an incredibly rewarding experience for any fans of the best open world games.
13. Fall Guys
- Highlights: MMO, party, platformer
- Publisher: Epic Games, Devolver Digital
- Developer: Mediatonic
- Availability: Free on Epic Games
If you’re on the hunt for one of the best party games on PC, then Fall Guys delivers. Don’t be fooled by its cutesy art style and cheerful music; however, behind its candy-coated veneer is one of the most frustrating games you will play with friends. You’ll compete in a range of regularly updated series of obstacle courses and mini-games in the pursuit of being the last person (bean?) standing and winning the coveted crown.
12. Preserve
- Highlights: Puzzle, Strategy
- Publisher: Grindstone
- Developer: Bitmap Galaxy
- Availability & Cost: $14.99 on Steam
Preserve is one of the best PC games for anyone looking for an equally challenging and peaceful game to play. Its calming soundtrack will take you away as you place tile pieces to obtain enough points to progress while building habitats and placing animals. The game creates a zen-like atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day at school or work. Keep in mind it’s still in early access, so aspects of the experience will change and be added over time.
11. Teamfight Tactics
- Highlights: Auto battler, battle arena, strategy game
- Publisher: Riot Games
- Developer: Riot Games
- Availability: Free from Riot Games
Whether you’ve played League of Legends or not, Teamfight Tactics is easy to enjoy. This auto-battler is fantastic, with a constantly changing roster. Play solo or with a friend in Double Up as you put together different team compositions and destroy your enemies. It’s one of the best strategy games on PC for its easy to learn but hard-to-master approach that will keep you coming back for countless hours.
10. Dredge
- Highlights: Fishing, Adventure, Horror
- Publisher: Team17
- Developer: Black Salt Games
- Availability & Cost: $19.99 from Steam
If you’re on the lookout for one of the best PC horror games, then Dredge is a great option. This oppressive boat-based title makes you venture out into the seven seas as you capture fish, sell your catch to upgrade your ship, and discover untold mysteries. It’s probably the most intense fishing simulator you’ll ever play and an experience you won’t forget any time soon.
9. Call of Duty: Warzone
- Highlights: Multiplayer, first-person shooter, battle royale
- Publisher: Activision
- Developer: Activision
- Availability: Free on Steam
For those who are fans of the Call of Duty franchise, Warzone is one of the best PC shooter games to pick up. You’re thrown into a giant battle royale, where you have to loot crates and travel tactically to attempt to be the last one standing. It evolves the run-and-gun formula of the series’ mainline entries with elements from the genre’s greats, such as PUBG and Fortnite, with the classic CoD style.
8. Portal
- Highlights: Puzzle, Shooter, Multiplayer
- Publisher: Valve
- Developer: Valve
- Availability: $9.99 on Steam
The cult classic Portal is one of the best PC games of all time. Despite releasing almost 20 years ago, the game is still fantastic. While the graphics aren’t stunning compared to modern-day equivalents, this puzzle game is worth trying out for the amazing story alone. If you have a powerful graphics card, then you can experience Portal with RTX; as the name implies, this officially sanctioned mod includes real-time ray tracing and DLSS functionality for incredible lighting.
7. Stardew Valley
- Highlights: Farming Simulator, RPG, Multiplayer
- Publisher: Concerned Ape
- Developer: The Secret Police, ConcernedApe
- Availability: $9.99 on Steam
If you’re looking for the best PC game to destress, then Stardew Valley is a fantastic title. This peaceful farming simulator drops you into an abandoned farm left by your grandfather. Do with it as you wish while also exploring mines and befriending the townspeople. There’s a familiar 16-bit art style combined with gentle music, which delivers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that should keep you coming back.
6. Counter-Strike 2
- Highlights: Tactical, first-person shooter
- Publisher: Valve
- Developer: Valve
- Availability: Free on Steam
Another contender for the best free PC game is Counter-Strike 2. This tactical first-person shooter allows you to play with friends or solo as you protect zones as counterterrorists or plant bombs as terrorists. You would be forgiven for thinking it’s merely an update to the older CS: GO, as CS2 features a ton of new features, making it the definitive strategic shooter on the platform. Be warned: there’s a steep learning curve.
5. Grand Theft Auto V
- Highlights: Action, Adventure
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Developer: Rockstar Games
- Availability: $39.99 on Steam
Grand Theft Auto V is a must-play title. Even with GTA 6 on the horizon now, its predecessor is still one of the best open world PC games to fire up, whether you want to play with friends and jump into some custom maps or just to cruise solo and follow the enriching story. Once you’re done with the lengthy main story, there’s over 10 years of content to play with in GTA Online which receives free expansions and updates to this day, too.
4. Overwatch 2
- Highlights: Online, multiplayer, first-person shooter
- Publisher: Blizzard
- Developer: Blizzard
- Availability: Free on Steam
For those who enjoy playing with friends or want a more competitive title, then Overwatch 2 is one of the best PC games to install. This free-to-play title is a 5v5 first-person shooter with a range of heroes to choose from, so there’s always someone to suit your playstyle. Characters are divided into classes: Tank, Damage, and Support, and your team needs a mix of all three to pull ahead. You’ll complete objectives such as pushing the Payload and fighting for the Control Point.
3. Cyberpunk 2077
- Highlights: Action, RPG
- Publisher: CD Projekt RED, CD Projekt
- Developer: CD Projekt RED
- Availability & Cost: $59.99 on Steam
One of the best PC games of all time is Cyberpunk 2077. It’s quite a hardware-intensive title, but if your PC can handle it, you’ll have a fantastic time exploring the world of Night City, where you get ahold of cybernetic enhancements to complete missions, save yourself, and protect others around you in this harsh life to become a legend. What’s more, through the Phantom Liberty expansion, there’s a new area of Dogtown to explore, as well as new characters to meet, such as Idris Elba’s Solomon Reed.
2. Elden Ring
- Highlights: Action RPG, Third-Person
- Publisher: Bandai Namco, FromSoftware Inc
- Developer: FromSoftware Inc
- Availability & Cost: $59.99 on Steam
Elden Ring managed to pick up Game of the Year in 2022, and for good reason. Simply put, it’s one of the best PC RPGs you can play right now, allowing you to traverse the landscape as you battle monsters along the way to determine your fate. All the Soulsborne hallmarks are present and accounted for: larger-than-life boss fights, challenging traversal, and endless exploration, but this time, the game takes an open world approach and is all the better for it.
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
- Highlights: Turn-based, RPG, character creation
- Publisher: Larian Studios
- Developer: Larian Studios
- Availability: $59.99 on Steam
After taking Game of the Year last year, Baldur’s Gate 3 takes our top spot for best PC games. This turn-based RPG title, which is based on Dungeons and Dragons, allows you to explore the world of the Forgotten Realms as you recruit new friends and foes to join your party. Embodying the spirit of the most electrifying dungeon masters, Larian Studios’ latest is a landmark release for not only the genre but the platform in general. If you play one game from our list, make it this one.
More of the Best PC Games to Play in 2024
Challenging roguelike set in the Greek underworld. Cost: $19.99
Open-ended space exploration game. Cost: $19.99
Roguelike deck-building action game. Cost: $19.99
Gorgeously animated Metroidvania. Cost: $14.99
Landmark VR shooter set in Valve’s premier world. Cost: $59.99
Encompassing collection of the Hitman trilogy. Cost: $69.99
Survival horror sequel with compelling dual-narratives. Cost: $49.99
Faithful remake of the quintessential horror shooter from 2005. Cost: $39.99
Soft reboot of the series featuring brutal Norse mythology. Cost: $39.99
Massively popular long-running MOBA by Valve. Free on Steam
Hugely successful crafting and survival game made of blocks. Play on Game Pass
Incredibly violent sci-fi shooter that reboots classic franchise. Cost: $19.99
The Bottom Line
The best PC games span not only many genres but also decades from all-star developers. For those cash-strapped gamers, there are many cheap and free PC games to choose from as well. Our list goes through a huge variety of experiences that can push the platform to its limits and can be played on more humble hardware.
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References
- Unpacking on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Fortnite | Download & Play For Free – Epic Games Store (Store.epicgames)
- Fortnite | Free-to-Play Cross-Platform Game – Fortnite (Fortnite)
- League of Legends Homepage (Leagueoflegends)
- Persona 5 Royal on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Destiny 2 on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Hi-Fi RUSH on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- PC Game Pass | Xbox (Xbox)
- Diablo® IV on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Valheim on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Save 65% on ISLANDERS on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- HELLDIVERS™ 2 on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Portal 2 on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Save 60% on No Man’s Sky on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Fall Guys | Download & Play Fall Guys on PC for Free – Epic Games Store (Store.epicgames)
- Preserve on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Teamfight Tactics (Teamfighttactics.leagueoflegends)
- DREDGE on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Call of Duty®: Warzone™ on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Portal on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Portal with RTX on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Stardew Valley on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Counter-Strike 2 on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Grand Theft Auto V on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Overwatch® 2 on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Cyberpunk 2077 on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- ELDEN RING on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Baldur’s Gate 3 on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Save 60% on Red Dead Redemption 2 on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Hades on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Outer Wilds on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Save 66% on Slay the Spire on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Hollow Knight on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Half-Life: Alyx on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- HITMAN World of Assassination on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Alan Wake 2 | Download and Buy Today – Epic Games Store (Store.epicgames)
- Resident Evil 4 on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- God of War on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Dota 2 on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Buy Minecraft for Windows | Xbox (Xbox)
- DOOM on Steam (Store.steampowered)