There are more games than ever available on PC right now, and while it’s nice to see so many different genres and styles getting some time in the limelight, it can be hard to find out what games are truly worth your time. Thankfully, we’re here to help with our constantly updated list of the best games we’ve played on PC.
It can be very overwhelming to find a new game to play, as not only has there never been this much choice, but the shiny veneer of new graphics or added features can trick you into trying out games that you don’t even end up liking.
That’s why we decided to curate this list of all the best games our expert team has ever played on PC. We’ve fit in as many genres here as possible, from racing games to zombie shooters all the way to management simulator games, this list should have something for everybody, no matter your gaming tastes.
And if you don’t think anything is striking you yet, then make sure you bookmark this page and return at a later date, as we endeavour to update this list every time we play a new PC game that we love, so you can stay in the loop on all the best latest releases.
And if any PC gamers out there are thinking of expanding how they play, don’t hesitate to check out our other best lists; we’ve covered the best PS5 games, best Xbox Series X/Series S games and the best Switch games, so you know which games on the market are worth your time.
How we test
We play every game we review through to the end, outside of certain exceptions where getting 100% completion, like Skyrim, is close to impossible to do. When we don’t fully finish a game before reviewing it we will always alert the reader.
Absolutely stunning visually
The cars are a dream to drive
Loads of varied events
Lack of ray tracing in the main game
Uses the time loop concept to great effect
Supernatural abilities are a joy to use
Plenty to discover in each hub world
Multiplayer element adds some thrilling chaos
Can get repetitive towards the end
A small number of technical issues
Excellent new RPG elements
Additional mechanics allow for more varied playstyles
Quality-of-life improvements
Improved visuals look fantastic
AI-controlled allied armies are unreliable
Couple of irksome technical issues
Still as tactically deep as ever
Data Hub helps to pinpoint team flaws
Staff Meetings and Deadline Day improve immersion
Match Engine allows for more realistic player behaviour
Arguably not enough features to justify upgrading from FM21
Media conferences still feel like a chore
Well told narrative
Engaging and constantly changing gameplay
Jaw-dropping scenery
The scene with Cutie the elephant
Occasionally less than stellar voice acting
Creepy setting that oozes atmosphere
Fun new survival mechanics
Mercenaries mode is a nice addition for fans
Not as scary as Resi 7
Campaign is a little short
Parkour platforming is incredibly fun
The open-world city is a great playground
Your decisions shape the story
Great cast of characters
Combat is hit and miss
Immunity timer will be divisive
Not scary enough for horror fans
Hugely enjoyable gunplay, with great weapon variety
Grappleshot is incredibly fun to use
Compelling dialogue and engaging new characters
Fantastic multiplayer mode
Open-world sections are generic
Boss battles can be frustrating
Story’s conclusion is anti-climatic
Giant open world to explore, full of things to discover
Rewarding and punishing combat
More content than most players will ever need
Open-class development tree that’s ripe for tweaking
Some fights are very difficult
Great variety of courses and personalities
Hours of gameplay
Great and distinctive art style
Simple controls make designing easy
Occasional technical glitches
Forza Horizon 5
Best racer on PC
Pros
Absolutely stunning visuallyThe cars are a dream to driveLoads of varied events
Cons
Lack of ray tracing in the main game
We were so impressed with Forza Horizon 5 that we gave it a perfect score. This sandbox racer is set in Mexico, featuring a wide range of jaw-dropping biomes from vast deserts to lush jungles. While races offer heart-pounding fun, you can have just as much fun simply exploring the map.
The driving feels fantastic, even if it does have an arcadey slant rather than making the exercise hyperrealistic. You don’t need to be a huge car fan to have fun here, separating Horizon from its more serious Forza Motorsport sibling.
You can play solo or with a group of friends too, making Forza Horizon 5 impressively versatile. So if your squad is fatigued from gunning down in Call of Duty Warzone, this is a fantastic alternative to take for a test drive.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Forza Horizon 5 Review
Elden Ring
Best Souls game
Pros
Giant open world to explore, full of things to discoverRewarding and punishing combatMore content than most players will ever needOpen-class development tree that’s ripe for tweaking
Cons
Some fights are very difficult
Elden Ring is the latest RPG from FromSoftware that brings in a large open world to explore and a compelling narrative, alongside the famous combat and lore from the publisher’s own Dark Souls series. While this game is definitely about fighting and not about talking, it’s great to meet characters that were hinted at in past games and to learn more about the overall lore.
The open-world map is epic in scale, with the beginning of the game not pushing towards any missions or tasks, giving the player the chance to traverse the lands and get to grips with the new gameplay mechanics, including a fully-fledged jump button.
If you’re interested in diving into a challenging but rewarding RPG with a fantastic aesthetic, Elden Ring is the perfect game to check out this year. While this title won’t be for everyone, due to the inherently difficult gameplay, it’s worth the glory if you’re willing to step up to the plate.
Reviewer: Alastair Stevenson
Full Review: Elden Ring
Deathloop
An excellent time-bending shooter
Pros
Uses the time loop concept to great effectSupernatural abilities are a joy to usePlenty to discover in each hub worldMultiplayer element adds some thrilling chaos
Cons
Can get repetitive towards the endA small number of technical issues
Deathloop feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the other AAA games on the market. Instead of having traditional levels to play through, Deathloop locks you into a time loop which can only be broken by assassinating eight targets before the weekend is over.
Interestingly, you can’t simply jump into each location guns blazing to take down your targets, as you must instead do some sleuthing and clever time manipulation in order to put your carefully assembled dominos in place.
Throw in some absurdly fun supernatural abilities and the capability for online players to invade your game, and Deathloop becomes an absolute joy to play. If you’ve been complaining that modern games are all too similar, this is one of the best PC games that you buy right now.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Deathloop Review
Crusader Kings 3
Best strategy game
Pros
Excellent new RPG elementsAdditional mechanics allow for more varied playstylesQuality-of-life improvementsImproved visuals look fantastic
Cons
AI-controlled allied armies are unreliableCouple of irksome technical issues
Crusader Kings 3 may look like a bore that only a history nerd could love, but it’s actually a ridiculously fun create-your-own-adventure epic, as you can become the ruler of any kingdom you fancy and change historical events for the better or worse.
You can take your crown seriously and try to conquer as much land as possible, or just have a ruddy good time by spending your money on parties and sleeping with every character that looks your way. There’s an excellent RPG system at play here, so you can make different builds with each character.
Strategy games such as Crusader Kings have understandably been intimidating for new players in the past, but this time round there’s an excellent tutorial, accompanied by detailed guides. It’s well worth a go if you have even the faintest interest in history, or you simply just want to wreak havoc as King of England.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Crusader Kings 3
Football Manager 2022
Best sports game
Pros
Still as tactically deep as everData Hub helps to pinpoint team flawsStaff Meetings and Deadline Day improve immersionMatch Engine allows for more realistic player behaviour
Cons
Arguably not enough features to justify upgrading from FM21Media conferences still feel like a chore
You may be repulsed by the idea of a game that involves spreadsheets and emails, but Football Manager 2022 is a surprisingly entertaining game. You can take control of any football team you fancy, and then fiddle with every aspect of the club, from what style of football you should be playing to what kind of salary your scouts should be getting.
Playing as Newcastle will grant you a whopping £200 million war chest in the latest iteration, allowing you to build up your own title-winning team from scratch. The introductions of the Data Hub and an expanded Transfer Deadline improve the immersion of being a head coach too, making this the best entry in the series yet.
It may not offer the end-to-end excitement of FIFA, but if you’ve ever wondered what managing a football club would be like, then Football Manager 2022 is your best opportunity.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Football Manager 2022 Review
It Takes Two
The best co-op game
Pros
Well told narrativeEngaging and constantly changing gameplayJaw-dropping scenery
Cons
The scene with Cutie the elephantOccasionally less than stellar voice acting
Most multiplayer games are focused on pitting everyone against each other, but It Takes Two takes another approach. This is a co-op game that requires two players to work together, as a married couple in the process of divorce are magically turned into dolls.
With a new Toy Story-esque perception, there’s a fantastic variety of locations to explore here, from the innards of a grandfather clock to a ski resort inside a snow globe. As a platformer, you’ll be required to time your jumps and solve a number of puzzles.
Best of all, only one person needs a copy of the game in order for two to play online. So you’ll be able to buy it now and convince a mate to experience one of the absolute best PC games with co-op multiplayer.
Reviewer: Thomas Deehan
Full review: It Takes Two Review
Resident Evil Village
Best horror game
Pros
Creepy setting that oozes atmosphereFun new survival mechanicsMercenaries mode is a nice addition for fans
Cons
Not as scary as Resi 7Campaign is a little short
Resident Evil Village may not be the scariest entry in the series, but it’s still a fantastic survival-horror game thanks to the abundance of vampires, werewolves and monsters baying for your blood.
Village has a great focus on combat compared to its predecessors, which may be frustrating for those who enjoyed the terror of sneaking past indestructible enemies. Despite this, the game still features a creepy and tense atmosphere that will linger in the memory long after the credits. The visuals look outstanding too if you’re able to crank up the graphics settings.
If you’re looking for a sweet but short campaign, with plenty of tropes to delight horror fans, then Resident Evil Village is one of the best PC games that’s currently available.
Reviewer: Alastair Stevenson
Full review: Resident Evil Village Review
Two Point Campus
Best management simulator
Pros
Great variety of courses and personalitiesHours of gameplayGreat and distinctive art styleSimple controls make designing easy
Cons
Occasional technical glitches
Jumping from Resident Evil Village, one of the most high-octane games on this list, to one of the most entertaining simulation games we’ve played in a while, is Two Point Campus. Our reviewer thought that this game blended the management elements perfectly with quirky graphics and interesting characters to create a unique experience.
A large portion of this game is dedicated to customisation, as you’re tasked with creating your university campus from the ground up. You need to ensure that your campus is up to standards, with enough rooms like Student Lounges and Libraries to meet every student, and staff needs.
We loved how easy it was to customise your space, with options of funky decor like a Clown Dresser or Gothic Bookcase. And that’s not to mention how entertaining the courses are, with students taking Knight classes and Cooking seminars, it’s so easy to get lost in this world for hours on end making sure your campus is the best in town.
Reviewer: Gemma Ryles
Full review: Two Point Campus Review
Dying Light 2 Stay Human
Best zombie game
Pros
Parkour platforming is incredibly funThe open-world city is a great playgroundYour decisions shape the storyGreat cast of characters
Cons
Combat is hit and missImmunity timer will be divisive Not scary enough for horror fans
Dying Light 2 may look like your bog-standard zombie slasher on the surface, but it actually feels very different to the likes of Resident Evil thanks to its top-notch parkour system.
You’re able to climb up skyscrapers, soar through the air with a glider and even somersault over the undead. This makes fleeing from hordes of zombies even more fun, especially during the night when there are even more frightening monsters lurking in the streets.
Those looking for a proper horror game will likely be disappointed here, as Dying Light 2 is more interested in high-octane action than building up a creepy atmosphere. But if you’re squeamish and don’t fancy soiling your pants, this is likely the best zombie game for you.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Dying Light 2 Review
Halo Infinite
Best multiplayer shooter
Pros
Hugely enjoyable gunplay, with great weapon variety Grappleshot is incredibly fun to useCompelling dialogue and engaging new charactersFantastic multiplayer mode
Cons
Open-world sections are generic Boss battles can be frustrating Story’s conclusion is anti-climatic
Halo Infinite is one of the most popular shooters on PC right now. Its online multiplayer is free to play, and is well worth trying out with a group of friends, although you will need to pay upfront to experience the sixth mainline campaign in the series.
Master Chief once again stars in this latest outing, proving as resilient as ever following a crushing defeat by a new enemy: the Banished. He’s joined by a fantastic cast of characters, while also benefiting from a new grappling gun that allows you to zip across a battlefield in a blink of an eye.
The shooting mechanics are fantastic here too, with plenty of heart-pounding shootouts with a huge variety of sci-fi weapons. The new open-world map is admittedly disappointing, feeling somewhat empty and lifeless, but that’s easily forgivable when the gunplay is so much fun.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full review: Halo Infinite Review
FAQs
As of February 2022, the current most played games on Steam are Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2 and PUBG: Battlegrounds.
Yes, Fortnite is free to play on PC. Just install the Epic Games Store, and you can download it from there.
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