The 12 Best PC Games To Play Right Now (2024)

PC gaming is perfect for those who prefer mouse and keyboard gameplay, mod support for games, and the best graphics and textures available. While there is a higher initial cost for PC gaming in terms of buying the actual rig, many of the games are cheaper, with frequent Steam sales offering great bargains on the latest titles. While many PC games are available on other platforms, there is a clear focus on PC gaming for modding, getting the best graphical settings, and true freedom of playing between mouse and keyboard or controller.

With so many PC games out there, it can be hard to pick which one to play. Check out our list of the 12 best PC games for 2024 to get started. 

The Best PC Games

1. Minecraft

• Genre: Sandbox
• Release date: November 18, 2011
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Raspberry Pi, Nintendo, iOS, Android
• Gameplay features: Sandbox world-building, exploration, crafting, resource gathering
• Developer: Mojang Studios
• Pricing: $29.99
• Rating: 82/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Creative players who enjoy world-building, exploration, and multiplayer collaboration

Minecraft was a global sensation when it was released and for many years afterward, becoming one of the highest grossing games of all time. The game exploded in popularity for its creative freedom, simple art style, and addictive gameplay. Minecraft still holds up as one of the best PC games as you build your own world, mine for resources, craft items, and build structures from your imagination.

You can play Minecraft by yourself or with friends, with tons of public servers available to join with random players online. The game enjoys frequent updates and a committed player base, with many player-created mod spin-off games if you’re looking for a slightly different experience from the base game. You can easily spend hours playing Minecraft in a single session, but the result will be your very own world you can show off to others. 

2. Elden Ring

• Genre: Action role-playing 
• Release date: February 25, 2022
• Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Windows
• Gameplay features: Interconnected dungeons, fast-paced combat, horseback traversal
• Developer: FromSoftware
• Pricing: $59.99 on PC, $69.99 on console
• Rating: 96/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players who enjoy challenging combat, expansive open worlds, and deep, atmospheric lore

The latest release from the highly regarded FromSoftware, Elden Ring  is one of the most popular games of 2024. It combines Dark Souls-esque mechanics and challenge with world building from George R.R. Martin of “Game of Thrones” fame. In Elden Ring, you’ll explore a rundown world filled with dragons, undead knights, and an assortment of gruesome creatures that attack on sight.

It’s perfect if you’re looking for a slow burn that presents a challenge. You probably won’t feel relaxed while playing, as the world constantly keeps you on your toes. When you finally master the mechanics and start to blitz through bosses, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that is unmatched from most other games. Elden Ring is a truly immersive experience that everyone should try once, and its recently released Shadow of the Erdtree DLC adds even more content to an already large game.

3. Hades

• Genre: Roguelike, action role-playing
• Release date: December 6, 2018
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, macOS, Xbox
• Gameplay features: Procedurally generated dungeons, hack-and-slash gameplay, story-driven narrative with Greek mythology
• Developer: Supergiant Games
• Pricing: $24.99
• Rating: 93/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of roguelike games who enjoy fast, fluid combat and replayable, story-rich experiences

Hades is an action RPG and roguelike game featuring procedurally generated dungeons, roguelike mechanics, and a distinctive art style. You’ll battle a plethora of Greek mythology-inspired villains such as worms, minotaurs, revenants. Hades has been praised for its fluid gameplay, with a mixture of dashing and attack types that require some practice to master. The mixture of compelling combat mechanics with a good use of colors that appear while fighting has led many gamers to hail it as one of the best ever.

Praised for its challenging and dynamic combat, you’ll always be kept on your toes as you navigate the world and encounter different types of enemies. Hades is perfect if you’re into Greek mythology and challenging games.

4. Red Dead Redemption 2

• Genre: Action-adventure
• Release date: October 26, 2018
• Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Google Stadia, Windows
• Gameplay features: Realistic wildlife, horseback riding, dynamic weather, narrative-driven missions
• Developer: Rockstar Games
• Pricing: $23.99
• Rating: 97/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players who want strong storytelling and rich characters

The follow-up to the highly regarded original title, Red Dead Redemption (RDR) 2 features a breathtaking early 20th-century open world. Full of compelling characters, questlines, and side activities, the game perfectly captures a cowboy outlaw vibe while retaining the hallmark features of Rockstar games as one of the most realistic games.

RDR 2 is known for its dynamic non-player characters (NPCs) and world. Depending on your character’s appearance, reputation, and actions, NPCs will respond differently to you as you approach, providing an immersive experience that feels individualized. The game’s callbacks to the previous installment provide a sense of continuity if you played the original, but it isn’t necessary to enjoy RDR 2. 

5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• Genre: Fantasy, action role-playing
• Release date: May 18, 2015
• Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Windows
• Gameplay features: Narrative-driven quests, rich character interactions, choice-based outcomes, real-time combat
• Developer: CD Projekt
• Pricing: $39.99
• Rating: 92/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: RPG fans who value deep storytelling, meaningful player choices, and immersive fantasy worlds

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is highly praised by players and critics alike for its immersive narrative, bustling open world, and enjoyable gameplay. It is one of the best games to play when you’re bored due to the sheer number of main or side quest activities you can partake in at any time. You take control of Geralt of Rivia, battling demons, monsters, and everything in between as you explore the continent. As a mercenary for hire, you’ll take on quests from the characters you meet across the land, winning favor with the locals in each town you visit.

This title remains one of the best PC games you can play, with plenty of activities\ and a gorgeous world to get lost in. If you’re into games with lots of lore, you’ll also be pleased with this aspect, as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt puts its story front and center. Don’t be put off if you haven’t played the previous two installments, as Witcher 3 is considered the jumping-on point for most players. 

6. Disco Elysium

• Genre: Role-playing
• Release date: October 15, 2019
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Stadia, Nintendo Switch, Xbox
• Gameplay features: Non-linear story, dialogue-heavy gameplay, choice-based progression
• Developer: ZA/UM
• Pricing: $39.99
• Rating: 91/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players who enjoy narrative-rich RPGs with an emphasis on dialogue, player choice, and character development

A narrative-driven RPG that foregoes traditional combat in favor of story and dialogue, Disco Elysium is a unique title that offers tons of character-focused gameplay. Controlling an amnesiac detective, you’ll be tasked with solving a murder in a city full of suspicious characters.

You can customize and upgrade your character through skills, traits, and personality. These form the basis for your skills in the game, which impact upon the story and the dialogue options you have available with certain characters. Disco Elysium combines the best of narrative, character development, and art style to create an immersive experience without traditional gaming combat.

7. Hollow Knight

• Genre: Metroidvania
• Release date: February 24, 2017
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, GeForce Now, Linux, Amazon Luna, macOS
• Gameplay features: Challenging platforming, hand-drawn art, tight combat mechanics
• Developer: Team Cherry
• Pricing: $14.99
• Rating: 90/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of challenging Metroidvania games with deep lore, precise combat, and rich, atmospheric environments

Hollow Knight, set in a stunning hand-drawn world, offers a deep combat setting, rich narrative, and engaging platforming mechanics. You’ll combine melee and magic attacks to defeat enemies you encounter while exploring the Hallownest.

If you’re into challenging gameplay, Hollow Knight will scratch that itch. Its fluid combat feels engaging to play even if it takes some getting used to, and there’s a real sense of reward once you master it. Hollow Knight is one of the best PC games, combining the best of combat mechanics and art style to create a distinct action adventure experience.

8. Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

• Genre: Massive multiplayer online role-playing
• Release date: December 3, 2021
• Platforms: macOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows
• Gameplay features: Expansive world-building, real-time combat, deep character progression, raids, dungeons, crafting
• Developer: Square Enix Creative Studio III
• Pricing: $19.99
• Rating: 92/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players who enjoy rich lore, cooperative content, and an expansive, evolving world

The fourth expansion of the popular Final Fantasy XIV MMO, Endwalker provides a substantial update worth returning for. Endwalker raises the level cap to 90, offers two new playable jobs, introduces new exploration areas, and concludes the long-running story arc between Hydaelyn and Zodiark.

If you enjoyed Final Fantasy XIV and have been looking for a reason to return, the Endwalker expansion offers great new challenges. Not only does it expand the game in meaningful ways, but makes a number of quality of life improvements such as an updated UI, expanded inventory space, and automated gathering and crafting.

9. Rocket League

• Genre: Vehicular soccer
• Release date: July 7, 2015
• Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Windows, GeForce Now, Linux, macOS
• Gameplay features: High-paced vehicular soccer, competitive multiplayer, ranked play, customization of cars
• Developer: Psyonix
• Pricing: Free to play (in-game purchases)
• Rating: 85/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of fast-paced, competitive multiplayer games that combine sports and vehicle combat

Rocket League combines racing with football — what’s not to love? Taking control of a car, you and your teammates will try to score more goals than the opposing team within the time limit. The result is frenzied, high-paced games that provide lots of fun.

One of the most popular games of all time, Rocket League holds up as one of the best PC games you could play, and its free-to-play nature makes it the perfect game to play with friends. Microtransactions are purely cosmetic, so you never have to worry about being at a disadvantage over anything other than your skill level.

10. Cyberpunk 2077

• Genre: Action role-playing
• Release date: December 10, 2020
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Google Stadia
• Gameplay features: Futuristic RPG, choice-based progression, first-person combat, hacking mechanics
• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Pricing: $59.99
• Rating: 86/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players who enjoy futuristic RPGs with narrative depth, open-ended exploration, and immersive world-building

Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the most anticipated games before its release, and while there were some launch issues, it lived up to the hype for most players. An action role-playing game set in the far future, Cyberpunk 2077 features an immersive storyline with a vast, dynamic open world. In many ways, the game’s open world feels more lifelike than others on this list, with dynamic AI and events that change based upon your actions throughout the game.

The game has enjoyable combat and driving mechanics, and the world of Night City is truly brilliant to explore both during the day and at night. Now that its early launch bugs have been resolved, the game is more than worth investing some time into.

11. Diablo IV

• Genre: Action role-playing, dungeon crawling
• Release date: October 17, 2023
• Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Windows
• Gameplay features: Isometric action RPG, fast-paced combat, dungeon crawling, loot-based progression
• Developer: Blizzard Team 3 and Blizzard Albany
• Pricing: $49.99
• Rating: 86/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans who love loot-driven progression, intense combat, and dark fantasy worlds

A top-down action RPG that boasts an immersive world, engaging narrative, and tons of character class customization, Diablo IV is one of the best titles to play on PC. Continuing the story from the previous games, you’ll be tasked with exploring the world of Sanctuary, taking on challenges and battling demonic forces as you go.

You can play Diablo IV solo or with friends. The game has smart NPC companions, so you’re never at a disadvantage if you choose to play alone. Extensive loot and crafting features keep you constantly gaining power as you progress through the world. You have the choice of multiple character classes such as Barbarian, Sorceress, or Rogue, adding replay value to the game.

12. Half-Life 2

• Genre: First-person shooter
• Release date: November 16, 2004
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Linux
• Gameplay features: First-person shooter, physics-based puzzles, immersive storytelling
• Developer: Valve Corporation
• Pricing: $9.99
• Rating: 96/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: FPS fans who enjoy story-driven campaigns, innovative mechanics, and immersive world-building

Despite its age compared to the other entries on this list, Half-Life 2 holds up as one of the best games to play on PC. A first-person shooter (FPS) developed by Valve, the title was praised for its physics engine, compelling story, and environmental interaction. At the time of its release, Half-Life 2 redefined what was possible in the FPS genre.

In Half-Life 2, you’ll battle alien forces on a dystopian world, unlocking new weapons as you progress through the story. Its mechanics help maintain its place as one of the best PC games two decades later, and its low price makes it highly worth picking up.

The Best PC Games at a Glance

Want to find the best PC game but pressed for time? Check out this table:

What To Look For in the Best PC Games

When selecting the best PC games, consider these key factors:

• Gameplay mechanics: Look for games with well-designed mechanics that match your preferred play style, whether that's fast-paced action, strategy, or immersive role-playing.
• Story quality: Choose games offering compelling narratives with deep plots, engaging characters, and immersive worlds.
• Character development: Opt for titles that provide meaningful character customization, progression, and the ability to influence and develop characters.
• Replayability: Seek out games with a variety of activities and dynamic content that encourage you to return.
• Community: Choose games with a supportive community where players share tips, strategies, and experiences.
• Performance and stability: Look for games known for smooth performance and stability, ensuring a seamless experience with minimal technical issues.

There are a seemingly infinite number of PC games out there, which can make actually choosing a single thing to play so difficult. This list narrows it down to the most highly rated titles across a multitude of genres. You can watch gameplay by the best YouTube gamers to get a more insightful look into whether the game appeals to you.

Best PC Games FAQ

If you still have questions about the best PC games, we answer the most common ones below.

Do You Need a Good Computer To Play the Best PC Games?

Yes, for some of them. A good way to check is to use Can I Run It? and get it to scan your PC’s specs. It’ll tell you if you can run a particular game on this list.

Can You Play PC Games on Mac?

Some of these titles are available on Mac, but not all. Check the best PC games table for a quick glance at which games are available on Mac.

Are Any of the Best PC Games Free?

Some of the best PC games such as Rocket League are free, but most are paid.