Best video games to play on PC

PC gaming offers some of the most immersive and visually stunning gaming experiences. The versatility of the platform allows for innovative game designs and extremely high-fidelity graphics. There is a vast library of PC games to choose from, spanning different genres, themes, and gameplay styles. This article unveils the definitive list of the best PC games you simply must play in 2023.

PC gaming has come a long way from the early days of text-based adventures and pixelated graphics. Modern gaming PCs are powerhouses, capable of rendering expansive open worlds and intense action sequences in gorgeous 4K resolution and buttery-smooth frame rates. The keyboard and mouse setup offers unparalleled precision, while specialized gaming peripherals like high-DPI mice, mechanical keyboards and surround-sound headsets heighten the experience.

PC gaming also benefits from greater backwards compatibility compared to consoles. You can play classic games from 20 years ago on a modern rig. The platform offers unlimited backwards compatibility, allowing you to revisit old favorites. PC gaming has something for everyone, whether you enjoy rich storytelling, strategic gameplay, competitive multiplayer or modding communities. This list compiles some of the must-play PC titles across genres.

Unveiling the Best PC Games Across Diverse Genres

PC gaming caters to diverse tastes with a stellar library across genres. These are some of the must-play titles for each genre.

Action-Packed Adventures: Unleash Your Inner Hero

Action-adventure games throw you into the thick of heart-pounding sequences and heroic journeys. These are some of the best titles:

• Red Dead Redemption 2: This epic Western adventure features a sprawling open world and impactful storytelling. The highly cinematic gameplay and incredible attention to detail make it a must-play.

• God of War: Embark on a deeply personal journey across Norse realms with Kratos and Atreus. Intense real-time combat and jaw-dropping visuals bring this mythological world to life.

• Elden Ring: This expansive dark fantasy title offers intense action-RPG gameplay and environment-driven storytelling. With its customization options and seamless co-op, it's one of the best games in recent years.

Thrilling Shooters: Immerse Yourself in Intense Gunplay

Shooters test your aim and reflexes across heart-pounding campaigns and competitive multiplayer. Must-play titles include:

• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive: This legendary competitive FPS has intense 5v5 matches and a thriving esports scene. Master its precise gunplay and team tactics.

• Battlefield 1: Experience the gritty, brutal combat of World War 1 across land, air and sea. Its 64-player matches capture the scale and chaos of war.

• Halo Infinite: Master Chief returns to form in this epic sci-fi FPS bursting with exhilarating single and multiplayer action. The open-ended levels offer multiple paths to victory.

Strategic Masterpieces: Plan Your Way to Victory

Exercise your strategic thinking in turn-based and real-time strategy franchises:

• XCOM 2: Lead an elite paramilitary force against alien invaders in this tense turn-based tactics game. Careful planning is key to gaining an edge in its challenging battles.

• Civilization VI: Build an empire that stands the test of time in this addictive turn-based strategy game. Each playthrough offers new possibilities and competitive AI opponents.

• Total War: Warhammer II: Command thousands of soldiers across vivid fantasy battlefields. This real-time strategy game combines empire management and spectacular battles.

Enchanting RPGs: Embark on Epic Journeys

Role-playing games let you embark on personal journeys and interact with immersive worlds. Acclaimed options include:

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Embody monster hunter Geralt of Rivia in this story-rich dark fantasy world brimming with unforgettable quests.

• Mass Effect 2: Command the starship Normandy and assemble a motley crew to stop a galactic threat in this space opera RPG lauded for its characters and cinematic set-pieces.

• Dragon Age: Inquisition: Lead the Inquisition to restore order in a fantasy world torn apart by chaos. The series' tactical combat and lore-filled world make it a must-play.

Exploring Highly Rated and Award-Winning PC Games

Beyond mainstream popularity and sales, these PC games have won critical acclaim and numerous awards for their design achievements.

Critical Acclaim: Discover the Gems of PC Gaming

These PC games have received overwhelming critical praise for their design, art direction and attention to detail:

• Half-Life 2: This physics-based FPS pioneered immersive storytelling and remains one of the highest rated games. Its dystopian world and gravity gun are iconic.

• Portal 2: Use your wits and the ingenious portal gun to solve devious puzzles in this hilarious and mind-bending title.

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Few worlds feel as fully realized as Skyrim's frosty northern realm. Lose yourself for hundreds of hours in its expansive fantasy setting.

Players' Favorites: Unveiling the Most Loved PC Games

These games have earned devoted player bases thanks to their depth, customization and sheer fun factor:

• Stardew Valley: Escape to Pelican Town for a relaxing farming life simulator. Rave reviews praise its charming world, endearing characters and soothing gameplay.

• Minecraft: This industry phenomenon drops you in a Lego-like sandbox. Craft tools, build imaginative structures and enjoy endless possibilities.

• DOTA 2: This competitive MOBA boasts one of the highest skill ceilings in all of gaming. Master over 100 unique heroes across intense PvP matches.

PC Gaming for All: Essential Titles for Every Taste

PC gaming has something for everyone. Here are must-play titles for both casual and hardcore gamers.

Casual Gamers' Delight: Unwind with Relaxing Experiences

Looking for a calming, feel-good experience? These acclaimed PC titles deliver low-stress fun:

• Stardew Valley: Tend to crops, befriend villagers and fall in love in this charming farming RPG lauded as one of the most relaxing games ever.

• Untitled Goose Game: Honk up mischief as an annoying goose in a quaint village setting. This indie hit offers family-friendly, non-violent fun.

• Journey: Embark on a wordless pilgrimage across hauntingly beautiful desert ruins in this serene, meditative adventure.

Hardcore Gamers' Paradise: Challenge Yourself with Demanding Titles

Think you have what it takes? Test your skills against these notoriously challenging experiences:

• Dark Souls III: This grim action-RPG demands mastery of real-time dodges, parries and relentless foes. Survive this punishing gauntlet for bragging rights.

• Cuphead: Overcome devilishly difficult run-and-gun boss battles. With its gorgeous retro art style, it's both cute and masochistically hard.

• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: Face mythic foes in brutal swordplay combat requiring perfect timing and reactions. This ninja action game is considered one of the hardest ever made.

Conclusion

PC gaming's near-limitless versatility makes it home to legendary franchises spanning decades and genres. This list only scratches the surface of the platform's most outstanding and must-play titles. From critically acclaimed indies to landmark AAA blockbusters, the breadth of gaming excellence on PC is unmatched. Whether you enjoy immersive stories, strategic challenges, adrenaline-fueled action or casual fun, the PC has a library tailor-made for every taste. As gaming technology continues to advance, the platform will keep redefining interactive entertainment.