Thursday, June 11, 2020
In many regards, PC gamers have it better than their console counterparts. One reason why is the sheer breadth of titles available, but this can make it challenging to keep up with the best titles on the platform. We're here to help you out with a shortlist of PC games you need to play — both new and old. Even though it's a few years old (and frankly an obvious choice), The Witcher 3 remains our top pick.
Best Overall: The Witcher 3
This choice may appear a little too obvious, but The Witcher 3 really is one of the best RPGs released on PC. The story is engaging, each sidequest is interesting, and the world CD Projekt RED managed to bring to life feels authentic. It's mind-boggling the first time you fire up Geralt's adventure.
The Witcher 3 is a medieval-inspired experience, following the adventures of Geralt of Rivia as he attempts to track down his protege, Ciri. Along the way, Geralt gets caught up in all sorts of political intrigue, trading his supernatural hunting services for coin and information.
Even the mini-game, Gwent, was such a hit that the developer managed to release a standalone game. It's the whole package, so long as you can overlook the so-so combat system.
Pros:
- Stunning visuals
- Engaging story
- Interesting characters
- Story decisions
- Unique world
Cons:
- Combat is only OK
Best Overall
The Witcher 3
The winds be howling
The Witcher 3 is one of (if not the) best RPGs released on PC. You need to play it. Buy direct from GOG to support the developer and access a DRM-free copy.
Best Battle Royale: Apex Legends
EA decided it would be a good idea to cash in on the Battle Royale fad, and Apex Legends is what subsidiary Respawn Entertainment came up with. Many consider it a free-to-play Battle Royale version of Titanfall, but it's much more than that.
If you're familiar with PUBG, the aim of this game is to dropdown with teammates and be the last team standing. You don't control mechs; instead, it's more of a traditional run-and-gun shooter, but each character available has unique special abilities that keep each round feeling fresh.
It's a fun game, especially with friends, and the amount of customization options available and addictive gameplay make the grind an enjoyable experience. Even with the launch of COD's second Battle Royale, Apex Legends is still a unique experience and one to try out in 2020.
Pros:
- Addictive gameplay
- Unique Battle Royale game
- Free
- Great design
- Fluid movements
Cons:
- Battle Pass costs money
- Other microtransactions
Battle Royale
Apex Legends
One of the best Battel Royale games
Apex Legends is addictive, enjoyable, and well-polished. It's a unique take on the Battle Royale formula without alienating genre fans.
Best RPG: The Elder Scrolls V: Skryim (SE)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of those games that refuses to die. It was released on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC (twice), PlayStation 3 and 4, Switch, and more. It's a game nearly everyone has played, but if you somehow haven't yet traveled to the Nordic lands, you really should.
It's an RPG that lets you take control of a character, immerse yourself in an atmospheric world, and do what you want. You could follow the main questline, carry out sidequests, explore the world, and uncover secrets, or you can do everything. It's entirely up to you.
What makes the Special Edition great on PC is the 64-bit architecture, which allows for many more mods to be installed with less of an impact on performance. There are some killer mods out there for Skyrim that add new lands, quests, items, weapons, perks, and some even overhaul mechanics altogether.
Pros:
- Immense open world
- Immersive atmosphere
- Great gameplay
- A lot of story
- Mods
Cons:
- Mediocre performance
Best RPG
The Elder Scrolls V: Skryim (SE)
Massive world
Skyrim is one of the most-loved RPGs released of all time. Just add mods, and you're good to go for hours upon hours.
Best Racing: Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon is a series many follow for its addictive racing gameplay and online features to foster a virtual petrol head community. The latest installment in the series is a cracking entry, sporting a vast open-world based in Scotland. It's everything Forza Horizon 3 was and more.
You'll be able to race around in your favorite vehicles, destroy most of the environment, and enjoy the experience of driving in multiple seasons — all in glorious 4K.
Pros:
- Incredible graphics
- Excellent gameplay
- Online features
- Big open world
- Soooo many cars
Cons:
- Loading...
- Mediocre matchmaking
Best Racing
Forza Horizon 4
The biggest racer in Scotland
Forza Horizon is a great racing series from Microsoft that focuses on online play, and the fourth installment is the best the series has been yet.
Best Action: Grand Theft Auto V
Chances are you've already played Grand Theft Auto V, but if you haven't, you should. It's the largest entry in the GTA series, following the story of three broken individuals. Aside from the engaging storyline, you can go around and cause havoc across the city, just like in other GTA titles.
While the single-player action is addictive, the real gem is GTA Online, which is a completely separate game provided in the same package. Rockstar updates it with new content weekly, so there's always something fresh to get stuck on. Play it with friends, and you'll have so much fun.
Pros:
- Three protagonists
- Large open world
- Graphics
- Free online play
- Regular updates
Cons:
- Loading...
- Cheaters
Best Action
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand theft madness
Grand Theft Auto V switches up the usual story structure by adding a further two protagonists to create a unique story-telling experience.
Best Competitive Shooter: Rainbow Six Siege
Ubisoft continues to release updates for Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege tactical shooter, providing players with yet more content to dive through. The popular game mode Terrorist Hunt tasks two squads of players to either attack or defend a specific location, and there's simply no other multiplayer title that matches the tense, skill-driven action.
You'll need to master the art of destruction and gadgetry in this game. Experience a new era of fierce firefights and expert strategy born from the rich legacy of past Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six games. We're big fans of this installment, and if you're looking for a new multiplayer experience, this is it. Our only issue is the steep learning curve, which may put off newcomers.
Pros:
- Unmatched skill-based multiplayer
- Flawless atmosphere
- Regular free updates
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
Best Competitive Shooter
Rainbow Six Siege
Tactical shooting
Rainbow Six Siege is an aggressive strategic shooter from Ubisoft with environmental destruction, tons of tactical gadgets, and an emphasis on team play.
Best Strategy: Total War: Warhammer II
Total War: Warhammer II is one of those strategy games that are a good fit for both newcomers and genre veterans. Included fantasy races provide a healthy diversity of units, and you'll be thrown into heated battles on a grand scale. The campaign is also rock-solid, as other game modes are too.
There's plenty to like about the Total War series, though most releases have come with countless bugs, but Warhammer II hasn't been too bad in that respect. If you enjoy strategy games that task you with empire management, diplomacy, warfare, and more, Total War: Warhammer II has you covered.
Pros:
- Stunning visuals
- Addictive strategies
- Plenty of content
- Unique races
- Not too buggy
Cons:
- Some stability issues
Best Strategy
Total War: Warhammer II
Amazing strategy
Total War games are enormous in scale, and Warhammer II is no different. It takes everything that made the first Warhammer Total War game so good and expands on it.
Best Survival: Frostpunk
Strategy and simulation can often go hand in hand, which is precisely what Frostpunk offers, but so much more. There's not only familiar strategic mechanics, but also a compelling narrative and survival elements that make this one addictive title that can fall under a few categories.
We could have chosen from a few other titles like They Are Billions and possibly even Surviving Mars. Still, Frostpunk is just more polished with interesting features like the dynamic narrative and setting.
Indie developer 11bit Studios has also supported Frostpunk with plenty of free post-launch content. It's a solid, tight survival experience.
Pros:
- Stunning visuals
- Soothing music
- Narrative
- Unique experience
Cons:
- Similar structures
Best Survival
Frostpunk
Survive the cold
Frostpunk is a wonderful, engaging city-builder come survival strategy game that will challenge you with tough tasks and even tougher choices.
Best 4X Strategy: Stellaris
Stellaris is one of the best 4X strategy and sci-fi games out there. You start with your own civilization in vast space and need to develop your empire. The early game is much-loved by fans for making you truly feel as though you're exploring space for the very first time.
Multiple expansions have been released, adding tons of new content and free patches to refresh the game for all Stellaris owners. The game itself is easy to get into but challenging to master, requiring you to manage planets, populations, relations with other civilizations, and ensuring you have enough resources to maintain a fleet.
Pros:
- Solid UI and graphics
- Addictive gameplay
- Plenty of depth
- Replayability
Cons:
- AI is a little dumb
- Steep learning curve
Best 4X Strategy
Stellaris
See what's out there
Stellaris is a 4X strategy game where you'll find yourself exploring space, making friends (and enemies), and fending off against unknown threats.
Best ARPG: Dark Souls III
Dark Souls has a reputation for being difficult, and Dark Souls III lives up to that reputation. You'll be traversing through a moody setting with a stunning atmosphere, taking down punishing bosses. Before picking up this game, we must warn you about incoming headaches, rages, broken keyboards, and possibly monitors, too. There's a reason why game difficulty is often compared to Dark Souls.
After selecting your character, you're essentially tasked with embracing the darkness, making full use of light and bonfires. The overall story is considered to be reasonably open to interpretation, so you go be that stealthy bandit or raging warrior as you tackle anything that stands in your way.
Pros:
- Weighty combat
- Brutal difficulty
- Gorgeous atmosphere
- Creative enemies
Cons:
- May be too hard
- Story can be confusing
Best ARPG
Dark Souls III
Die again and again and again
Dark Souls III is a brutal game. It's an action-RPG that requires you to die and "git gud" as the community would put it. If you fail at killing a boss, try again.
Best Adventure: Terraria
Terraria is nearly a decade old, but it's a darling. It's now a classic adventure PC game that continues to attract countless thousands of players each day. The cute 2D pixel graphics matched by addictive and deep gameplay make this one of the best adventure games you can buy on PC.
There are so many items it's unreal. You start with a character in a strange new world, where you'll have to mine down, build a home, recruit helpful NPCs, take down bosses, and hunt down powerful items. There's so much to do, whether you prefer fishing, mining, combat, boss tackling, or random events. It's a huge game.
Once you're done with everything that's on offer — which will take ages — there are plenty of mods and even an expert mode to really put your skills to the test. Bring some friends for yet more entertainment. Think of Terraria like a 2D side-scrolling Minecraft with so, so, so, so much more content.
Pros:
- So many items
- Addictive gameplay
- Plenty of content
- Gorgeous graphics
- Multiplayer
Cons:
- You'll lose countless hours
Best Adventure
Terraria
Explore and build anything
Terraria is an adventure game that lets your imagination run wild with plenty to do, mine, build, and explore. Bring some friends for some good times.
Best Simulation: Euro Truck Simulator 2
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a huge, popular game and remains to be one of my all-time favorites. Sure, it's a simulator about truck driving, and you're probably wondering, "why would I want to endure hours of driving?" That's what I thought when I was recommended it, but developer SCS has done an excellent job at recreating the experience of driving an actual truck across the UK and mainland Europe.
The map has been scaled down, and places aren't anywhere near real sizes, but overall it's a super-fun game to lose hours in. Coupled with actual truck driving are business management (you can hire new drivers, buy new trucks, build and develop bases), in-depth customization and the freedom to go anywhere you want, however you want. When you're ready to take a job, pick up a trailer, and get cracking. It doesn't take a powerful PC to play ETS2 too.
Pros:
- Amazing gameplay
- Licensed trucks
- Plenty to do
- Multiplayer mod
Cons:
- Cities are so small
Best Simulation
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Making all the deliveries
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a game you'd think you won't enjoy, but once you hit the open road in your new cab, it becomes an absolute joy to play.
Best Life Simulation: Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is one of those interesting games that took the gaming world by storm. Harvest Moon and other life simulation games are usually console-bound, aside from The Sims. ConcernedApe decided this would simply not do and brought about a killer experience for PC gamers to enjoy.
In Stardew Valley, you move into the area after inheriting a piece of land from a relative, and it's down to you to sort it all out, pull up trees, plant crops, construct buildings, raise animals, and much more. It's not just about farming, too, since there are caves to explore, monsters to slay, and fish to catch.
The game goes through the four seasons, and there are even activities held by the nearby village. Multiplayer works well with multiple players able to live on the same farm, housed in their own buildings.
Pros:
- Addictive gameplay
- Gorgeous design
- Multiplayer
- Plenty to do
- Countless crops and animals
Cons:
- Somewhat limited for some
Best Life Simulation
Stardew Valley
Grow your own farm!
Stardew Valley is another one of those indie games you'd buy on a whim, only to find out there's so much depth here. It's a killer simulation game with plenty to offer.
Best Creative: Minecraft
Minecraft is a blocky world where everything is a block, including your character. You can mine these blocks, build with them, make strange contraptions, defeat bosses, explore mysterious locations, download and install mods, and join your friends to create worlds together.
It's a game that has been around for years, sees a steady, but slow stream of updates with new content (bees!), and has millions upon millions of people playing worldwide. If you fancy building something, designing your own home, or recreating the Death Star to scale, this is the game you need.
Pros:
- So much to do
- Best played with friends
- So many mods
- Works on most devices
Cons:
- Updates are slow
Best Creative
Minecraft
Unleash your creativity
Build anything you can think of in the wonderful world of Minecraft. This has become the best-selling game of all-time, topping Tetris, for a good reason.
Best Indie: Cuphead
Cuphead is quite literally a work of art, sporting 1930-themed hand-painted backdrops, frame-by-frame hand-drawn sprites, with some of the most imaginative, whimsical, and wacky boss battles ever seen in gaming. It's a side-scrolling shooter that pays homage to several classic design principles, across both art and gaming.
You've got directional shooting, bullet-hell levels, and vaudevillian art fused to create a game that assaults your eyes and your brain, with its sheer beauty and diabolical difficulty. As a game, Cuphead certainly won't appeal to everyone, being mainly focused as a boss-killer, but it's a shining beacon of creativity.
Like Dark Souls III, some people may find the challenges in Cuphead a little too challenging to overcome.
Pros:
- Gorgeous art style
- Amazing animations
- Creative bosses
- Addictive gameplay
- Fun multiplayer
Cons:
- May be too difficult
Best Indie
Cuphead
Settle your debt with the Devil
Cuphead is a cute, yet challenging platformer that focuses on taking down difficult bosses as a teacup to settle your debt with the devil.
Best City Management: Cities: Skylines
Cities: Skylines has been out for some time now, but it still remains to this day as one of the best city management games out on PC. Developer Colossal Order created something magical, with every citizen being simulated as they go about their business.
You'll be able to start with a budding village community and transform the surrounding area into a bustling city as more people decide to buy property and move into your new metropolis. It's not all that easy, however. It's essential an eye is kept on cash flow and available public services.
Oh, and never forget the traffic!
Pros:
- Great aesthetics
- Traffic simulation
- Addictive gameplay
- Solid DLC
- Amazing community mods
Cons:
- Traffic simulation
Best City Management
Cities: Skylines
Build your own city
Cities: Skylines is the best city management game on PC. Period. It takes everything that made the classic SimCity games so good and adds some excellent 3D effects and QOL improvements.
Best Free-To-Play: Path of Exile
Path of Exile isn't just a game; it's a journey. If you love RPGs where you can select and build a character through level progression and skill tree point allocation, this is the game for you. It's also jam-packed full of loot, allowing you to kit out your budding adventurer with some high-hitting, fancy looking gear.
Much like Diablo, the game aims to progress through the story, taking down hordes of enemies. After that, the game truly begins with end-game content in the form of maps, as well as additions from all the different leagues that are ran regularly. These allow you to start fresh each season to take part in the new content.
It's social-based, too, featuring a huge user-driven market with in-game items used as currency. There's a fairly steep learning curve, but once you've got into the groove and find a playstyle and character build that suits you, it becomes one hell of an addiction. I, personally, have invested hundreds upon hundreds of hours and loved each and every moment.
Pros:
- Addictive gameplay
- Rolling leagues
- So much loot
- Can play with up to 7 friends
- Some incredibly fun playstyles
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
Best Free-To-Play
Path of Exile
Craft your own adventure
Path of Exile is the spiritual successor to Diablo 3. I understand that Diablo 4 is in the works, but you should totally check out this free-to-play action RPG. It's incredible.
Best Sports: Football Manager 2020
Football Manager has been around for decades. It was originally called Championship Manager, and I thoroughly enjoyed those versions on MS-DOS. Today, we've been blessed with Football Manager 2020, which brings with it the latest transfer updates, as well as plenty of improvements. While it's a yearly release, much like FIFA, I find there to be more added with each edition here.
The aim of the game is quite simple. You need to take control of a team and lead them to victory in local leagues as well as international cups. It's not quite that simple, though. There's a lot of depth here, including player scouting, statistics, development, youth, morale, media, and much more. It's easy to decimate your winning streak with nothing but a player substitute.
Still, once you get the hang of the mechanics and start winning matches, it becomes a rush to keep clicking the advance button, much like Civilization. Just one more day in-game turns into an entire weekend lost and forgotten.
Pros:
- The best manager game
- So much depth with so many teams
- Fully licensed
- Budding community with transfer updates
- Gorgeous UI
Cons:
- So much to master
- Match outcomes can be unfair
Best Sports
Football Manager 2020
Proper footy
This ain't no American Football game. This is proper football. Take the job as manager of your favorite sports team, or start from within the grassroots scene with your local squad and see how far you can take the boys (or girls).
Bottom line
So many great PC games have been released over the years, but there's one that always stands out: The Witcher 3. It's now used as a benchmark of what new RPGs should be in terms of quality, and that's great for all PC gamers. It's an encapsulating story, a gorgeous world, and packed full of interesting characters. You'll sink a whole lot of hours into this game, and that's not taking into account GWENT, the side card game that's been spun off into its own title.
If you're not a fan of RPGs, there are plenty of other games available, whether you like adventure games or even just racing games. Check them out, or try all of them.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Rich Edmonds is a staff reviewer at Windows Central, which means he tests out more software and hardware than he cares to remember. Joining Mobile Nations in 2010, you can usually find him inside a PC case tinkering around when not at a screen fighting with Grammarly to use British words. Hit him up on Twitter: @RichEdmonds.
Richard Devine is a Reviews Editor at Windows Central. You'll usually find him deep in hardware, gaming, both or drinking root beer for which he openly has a mild addiction.
0 comments:
Post a Comment