Best PC Games To Play In 2024: Top Picks

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the awesome world of PC gaming? You've come to the right place. Today, we're going to explore the top PC games you absolutely need to play right now. Whether you're into action-packed adventures, strategic challenges, or immersive stories, there's something here for everyone. So, grab your gaming rig, get comfy, and let's jump in!

Why PC Gaming is Still King

Before we get into the games, let's talk about why PC gaming remains so popular. One of the biggest reasons is the sheer flexibility it offers. You can customize your setup, upgrade your components, and tailor your experience to exactly what you want. Plus, PC games often boast better graphics, higher frame rates, and more modding capabilities than their console counterparts. And let's be real, who doesn't love the satisfying click-clack of a mechanical keyboard?

PC gaming also gives you access to a massive library of games, from indie gems to AAA blockbusters. Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG – the options are endless. And with services like Xbox Game Pass for PC, you can play a rotating selection of games for a monthly fee, making it easier than ever to discover new favorites. So, if you're looking for the ultimate gaming experience, PC is where it's at.

The Advantages of PC Gaming

When discussing top PC games, it's essential to highlight the platform's unique advantages. Customization is a major draw; you can tweak graphics settings, remap controls, and even install mods to completely change the game. This level of control is unmatched by consoles, allowing you to optimize performance and tailor the experience to your preferences. For example, if you're running a high-end rig, you can crank up the settings and enjoy stunning visuals. If you're on a more modest machine, you can dial things down and still get a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Versatility is another key advantage. PCs aren't just for gaming; they're also powerful workstations for productivity, creative tasks, and more. This makes a PC a versatile investment, serving multiple purposes beyond entertainment. You can switch seamlessly between gaming, work, and other activities, all on the same device. Plus, the PC ecosystem offers a wide range of peripherals, from gaming mice and keyboards to VR headsets and racing wheels, allowing you to customize your setup to suit your play style.

The sheer variety of games available on PC is astounding. From indie darlings to AAA blockbusters, there's something for everyone. Platforms like Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store offer a vast selection of titles, often with competitive pricing and frequent sales. Additionally, PC gaming has a thriving modding community, which extends the lifespan of many games by adding new content, features, and even entire storylines. This means you can keep discovering new ways to play your favorite games for years to come.

Must-Play PC Games

Alright, let's get to the good stuff – the must-play PC games that you need to check out. I've broken these down into a few categories to make it easier to find something you'll love.

Action and Adventure

For those who love adrenaline-pumping action and epic adventures, these games are a must:

• Elden Ring: From the creators of Dark Souls, this open-world RPG is a masterpiece of challenging combat and exploration. Prepare to die... a lot.
• God of War: Kratos' journey through Norse mythology is a visual and narrative triumph. The PC version looks and plays amazingly.
• Red Dead Redemption 2: An epic Western tale with a sprawling open world and unforgettable characters. You'll lose yourself in this one.
• Cyberpunk 2077: Despite a rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved into a stunning open-world RPG with a compelling story and tons to explore.
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Swing through the streets of New York City as your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man in this action-packed adventure.

Elden Ring: A Deep Dive

Elden Ring has taken the gaming world by storm, and for good reason. This open-world action RPG, developed by FromSoftware, the creators of the Dark Souls series, offers a vast and intricate world to explore, filled with challenging enemies, hidden secrets, and a deep lore crafted in collaboration with George R.R. Martin. The game's difficulty is a major draw for many players. Every encounter feels like a puzzle to be solved, and victory is incredibly rewarding. You'll die a lot in Elden Ring, but each death is a learning experience, pushing you to improve your skills and strategies.

The open world of the Lands Between is a marvel to behold. It's vast, beautiful, and filled with diverse environments, from rolling green hills to towering castles and ominous dungeons. Exploration is a key part of the Elden Ring experience. You'll discover hidden areas, encounter strange creatures, and uncover the secrets of the world as you journey through the Lands Between. The game's combat is as challenging as you'd expect from a FromSoftware title. Timing, positioning, and understanding enemy attack patterns are crucial to success. You'll need to master a variety of weapons, spells, and skills to survive the game's many encounters. Elden Ring is a true masterpiece of the action RPG genre and a must-play for any fan of challenging and rewarding games.

God of War: A Norse Saga

God of War is a stunning action-adventure game that reimagines the classic franchise, taking Kratos on a journey through Norse mythology. The game is a visual masterpiece, with breathtaking graphics and a richly detailed world. The PC version takes this even further, with support for higher resolutions, frame rates, and graphical settings, making it a truly stunning experience. The story is a gripping tale of fatherhood, loss, and redemption. Kratos, now a father, must protect his son Atreus as they journey through the dangerous realms of Norse mythology. The characters are well-developed and the relationship between Kratos and Atreus is the heart of the game.

The combat in God of War is visceral and satisfying. Kratos wields his Leviathan Axe with devastating force, and the game's combat system is both challenging and rewarding. You'll need to master a variety of attacks, combos, and skills to overcome the game's many enemies. God of War is more than just an action game; it's a deeply emotional and character-driven story. It's a must-play for any fan of action-adventure games and a highlight of the PC gaming library. The game's world is filled with secrets to discover and puzzles to solve, encouraging exploration and rewarding curiosity. God of War is a triumph of storytelling, gameplay, and visual design.

Strategy and Simulation

If you're more into games that challenge your mind and strategic thinking, check these out:

• Crusader Kings III: A grand strategy game where you manage a medieval dynasty through diplomacy, warfare, and intrigue.
• Civilization VI: Build your empire from the Stone Age to the Space Age in this iconic turn-based strategy game.
• Cities: Skylines: Design and manage your own bustling metropolis in this city-building simulation.
• Total War: Warhammer III: A fantastic blend of real-time battles and turn-based strategy in the Warhammer universe.

Crusader Kings III: A Dynasty Simulator

Crusader Kings III stands out as a premier grand strategy game where you're not just controlling a nation, but an entire dynasty. This game is a complex and fascinating simulation of medieval politics, warfare, and intrigue. You'll navigate alliances, manage your vassals, and plot to expand your power, all while dealing with the day-to-day challenges of running a kingdom. The depth of Crusader Kings III is truly impressive. You'll need to consider everything from your ruler's personality traits to the religious beliefs of your subjects to the strength of your military. You'll forge alliances through marriages, wage wars to conquer new territories, and even engage in espionage and assassination to eliminate your rivals.

The game's storytelling is emergent, meaning that the events of the game are driven by the decisions you make and the actions of the characters within the world. This leads to unique and often unpredictable stories, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting. Crusader Kings III is a game that rewards patience, strategic thinking, and a willingness to learn. It's a deep and rewarding experience that will keep you coming back for more. The game's characters are richly detailed and have their own personalities, motivations, and relationships. This makes the political landscape of the game feel alive and dynamic. Crusader Kings III is a must-play for any fan of grand strategy games.

Civilization VI: The Empire Builder

Civilization VI is the latest installment in the legendary turn-based strategy series, where you guide a civilization from its humble beginnings to a global superpower. This game is a masterpiece of strategic gameplay, offering a wealth of options and choices that will keep you engaged for hundreds of hours. You'll start with a single city and expand your empire by building new cities, researching technologies, and developing your infrastructure. You'll encounter other civilizations, engage in diplomacy, trade, and warfare, and compete for dominance on the world stage.

Civilization VI is known for its deep and complex gameplay mechanics. You'll need to balance your economic, military, and cultural development to succeed. You'll also need to consider the unique strengths and weaknesses of your civilization, as well as the geography of your surroundings. The game's AI opponents are challenging and will adapt to your strategies, keeping you on your toes. Civilization VI offers a variety of ways to win, from military conquest to cultural dominance to scientific achievement. This allows you to tailor your strategy to your play style and preferences. Civilization VI is a must-play for any fan of strategy games and a true classic of the genre.

RPGs and Story-Driven Games

If you're looking for immersive stories and memorable characters, these RPGs are worth your time:

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: A sprawling open-world RPG with a fantastic story, memorable characters, and tons of content.
• Disco Elysium: A unique and innovative RPG with a focus on dialogue, investigation, and character development.
• Divinity: Original Sin 2: A critically acclaimed RPG with deep tactical combat and a rich, reactive world.

The Witcher 3: A Fantasy Epic

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, and for good reason. This game is a sprawling open-world epic with a fantastic story, memorable characters, and an incredible amount of content. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter, as you journey through a war-torn world in search of your adopted daughter, Ciri. The Witcher 3 is known for its richly detailed world, which is filled with fascinating characters, compelling quests, and hidden secrets. The game's story is complex and nuanced, with multiple branching paths and endings. Your choices have a real impact on the world and the characters within it.

The combat in The Witcher 3 is challenging and satisfying. You'll need to master Geralt's swordsmanship, magic, and alchemy to survive the game's many encounters. The Witcher 3 is more than just a great game; it's a true work of art. It's a must-play for any fan of RPGs and a highlight of the PC gaming library. The game's characters are richly developed and have their own motivations and backstories. This makes the world of The Witcher 3 feel alive and dynamic. The Witcher 3 is a game that will stay with you long after you've finished playing it.

Disco Elysium: A Narrative Masterpiece

Disco Elysium stands out as a truly unique and innovative RPG that focuses on dialogue, investigation, and character development. This game is a masterclass in narrative design, with a compelling story, memorable characters, and a world that is both bizarre and believable. You play as an amnesiac detective tasked with solving a murder in the rundown city of Revachol. But the mystery is just the starting point. Disco Elysium is a game about identity, politics, and the human condition.

Disco Elysium features no traditional combat. Instead, you'll rely on your skills, your wits, and your ability to persuade others to solve the case. The game's dialogue system is incredibly deep and branching, with your choices having a real impact on the story and the characters. Disco Elysium is a game that rewards curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to think outside the box. It's a must-play for any fan of RPGs and a true gem of the PC gaming landscape. The game's characters are quirky and memorable, and the world is filled with fascinating details to discover. Disco Elysium is a game that will challenge your perceptions and leave you pondering its themes long after the credits roll.

How to Choose the Right Game for You

With so many top PC games out there, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are a few things to consider:

• Your preferred genre: Do you love action, strategy, RPGs, or something else?
• Your play style: Do you prefer single-player experiences, multiplayer games, or something in between?
• Your budget: Are you willing to spend money on new games, or are you looking for free-to-play options?
• Your PC specs: Make sure your PC can handle the game's graphics requirements.

Tips for Selecting Your Next PC Game

Choosing the right PC game can be a daunting task, especially with the vast library of titles available. Considering your preferred genre is a great starting point. If you love adrenaline-pumping action, then games like Elden Ring or God of War might be perfect. If you prefer strategic challenges, Crusader Kings III or Civilization VI could be more your style. For those who crave immersive stories and character development, The Witcher 3 or Disco Elysium are excellent choices. Understanding your genre preferences helps narrow down the options and ensures you pick a game you'll genuinely enjoy.

Think about your play style. Do you prefer solo adventures where you can lose yourself in a story, or do you thrive in competitive multiplayer environments? Some games offer both, but others are heavily focused on one or the other. If you enjoy playing with friends or competing against others, look for games with strong multiplayer components. If you prefer a more solitary experience, single-player games with rich narratives and engaging gameplay might be a better fit. Knowing your play style ensures you choose a game that aligns with your gaming habits and preferences.

Budget is another important factor to consider. AAA games can be expensive, but there are also plenty of excellent indie games and free-to-play options available. Services like Xbox Game Pass for PC offer access to a rotating library of games for a monthly fee, making it an affordable way to try out new titles. Free-to-play games can also provide hours of entertainment, but be mindful of potential in-app purchases. Considering your budget helps you make a practical decision and ensures you get the most value for your money. There are countless fantastic games available at various price points, so you're sure to find something that fits your budget.

Finally, make sure your PC meets the game's system requirements. Check the minimum and recommended specs before purchasing a game to avoid disappointment. If your PC doesn't meet the requirements, the game might run poorly or not at all. You can find system requirements on the game's store page or the developer's website. It's also a good idea to read reviews and watch gameplay videos to get a sense of the game's performance and graphics. Ensuring your PC can handle the game is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my picks for the top PC games to play right now. PC gaming is an incredible hobby, and there's always something new and exciting to discover. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, I hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your next adventure. Happy gaming, guys!

PC gaming is a constantly evolving landscape, with new games being released all the time. This means there's always something fresh and exciting to look forward to. The games we've discussed today represent just a small fraction of the amazing titles available on PC. Exploring different genres and trying out new games is part of the fun of PC gaming. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and discover hidden gems. The PC gaming community is vast and welcoming, so there's always someone to share your experiences with.

Ultimately, the best PC game is the one that you enjoy the most. Whether it's a massive open-world RPG, a challenging strategy game, or a narrative-driven adventure, the most important thing is to have fun. PC gaming offers something for everyone, so take the time to explore and find the games that truly resonate with you. With the right game, you can escape into another world, challenge your mind, and connect with others who share your passion. Happy gaming, and may your adventures be epic!