Navigating the ever-expanding PC gaming library can be overwhelming. Whether you’re browsing Steam, Epic Games Store, or PC Game Pass, the choices can paralyze even seasoned players. Do you crave an epic RPG journey? Wuthering Waves awaits. Looking to unleash combos in competitive brawls? Street Fighter 6 is a knockout pick. Want to fight fascists with a fedora? Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has you covered.
At PCMag, our team has spent over two decades reviewing and curating video games with objectivity and expertise. This isn’t a nostalgia-fueled roundup of classics. Instead, it’s a living, breathing list of the best PC games to play right now, no matter your genre preference, rig specs, or preferred input device. And yes—many of them run beautifully on Steam Deck.
Why PC Still Reigns Supreme
PC gaming remains the gold standard for flexibility and depth. Unlike consoles with generational limits, PC libraries stretch across decades and genres. Whether you’re equipped with a top-tier graphics card or gaming on a budget-friendly laptop, there’s a game that fits your setup.
The ecosystem’s openness means you can mod your games, enjoy cross-platform multiplayer, and choose from various storefronts like Steam, GOG, and Fanatical. Even better, services like Xbox Game Pass for PC are making high-end titles more accessible than ever.
The Top Games by Genre: One Must-Play Per Category
Instead of dumping hundreds of titles on you, we’ve distilled the best of the best into 17 genre-defining picks, each backed by expert reviews and user acclaim. Here are some highlights:
- Action – South of Midnight
Set in the myth-rich Deep South, this stylish platformer weaves storytelling with folklore-inspired gameplay. A heartfelt, soulful gem. - Adventure – Myst (Remake)
The iconic point-and-click puzzler gets a stunning VR-ready facelift, offering randomized puzzles and a fresh take on an old island mystery. - Battle Royale – Fortnite
Still evolving, still addictive. Despite its microtransactions, Fortnite offers unmatched accessibility and creative potential. - RPG – The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Bethesda’s classic gets a modern overhaul with all DLCs and a vampire transformation bonus. It’s nostalgia reborn—with mods, of course. - Shooter – Doom: The Dark Ages
A medieval twist on id Software’s signature bloodbath. Use a mace, shield, and even ride dragons. Brutal, grounded, and endlessly fun. - Fighting – Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
SNK brings the heat with comic book visuals, rich combat depth, and crossplay rollback netcode. An essential for fighting game fans. - Stealth – Hitman 3
The culmination of the World of Assassination trilogy, this is your chance to become the ultimate silent killer in richly detailed environments.
Something for Everyone—And More to Explore
Beyond our top picks, we’ve also spotlighted genre-specific lists for over 300 PC games, updated regularly. Whether you’re into horror (Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster), MMOs (World of Warcraft), or racing (Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed), there’s a curated list ready for you.
This collection evolves as new titles arrive. From Baldur’s Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2 to promising newcomers like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Blue Prince, we’ll continue reviewing and reshuffling as the best of 2025 unfolds.
Don’t forget to check out our platform-specific roundups for PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, as well as our Steam Deck picks for gaming on the go.
Build or Upgrade Your Experience
If you’re inspired to dive deeper into PC gaming, check out our companion guides:
- [How to Build a Gaming PC (Step-by-Step)]
- [Best Gaming Keyboards and Mice]
- [Top Steam Deck Accessories]
We’re here to make sure your next gaming session is smooth, immersive, and unforgettable—no matter your budget.
Ready to Play?
Skip the endless scrolling. With expert-backed, genre-spanning picks, our best PC games list is your one-stop guide to quality gaming in 2025. So grab your mouse, keyboard, gamepad—or even a fight stick—and get started.
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