
Online gaming may have taken the world by storm, but there are still plenty of offline games out there for players to choose from. With the best offline games for PC, you can game whenever and however you want — no internet connection required. Many of these titles also have online elements, letting you connect with others when possible.
There’s a plethora of offline games on the market. Below, we’ve researched the best of the best and compiled them into this neat list of the 10 best offline games right now.
How we came up with this list
To compile our game roundups, we evaluate critic ratings, audience research, and sought-after gameplay features, leveraging our expertise as gamers and developers to bring you the most accurate and helpful information.
The Best PC Offline Games at a Glance
From casual games to play during quick connection drops to immersive story games offering hundreds of hours of offline play, the options for offline PC games are limitless. Below, see some of the best PC offline games at a glance, including their rating and who may enjoy them the most.
Games | Best for | Rating |
Hades II | Fans of the original Hades games, players looking for a Greek-inspired roguelike filled with combat and dungeon exploration | 4.5/5 on Steam |
Crusader Kings III | Players looking for a personalized gaming experience based on decision-making with high replayability | 91/100 on Metacritic |
Slay the Spire | Players looking for a game that combines a collective card game mechanic with roguelike progression and strategy | 89/100 on Metacritic |
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Fans of The Witcher series, players looking for an action-packed RPG with an immersive storyline to explore | 92/100 on Metacritic |
Civilization IV | Players looking for an offline strategy game offering hours of gameplay that can also be played online with friends | 88/100 on Metacritic |
Stardew Valley | Players looking for a slice-of-life experience that includes farming, fishing, mining, combat, and other activities in a single title | 89/100 on Metacritic |
Minecraft | Players looking for an endless world to take their time exploring, shaping, and building that can be played offline or online | 93/100 on Metacritic |
Return to Monkey Island | Fans of previous Monkey Island games, players looking for a quick, casual offline gaming experience | 87/100 on Metacritic |
Red Dead Redemption 2 | Players looking for a game offering hundreds of hours of exploration, action and adventure, and RPG with Western themes | 97/100 on Metacritic |
Baldur’s Gate 3 | Players looking for an in-depth RPG with the potential for hundreds of hours of gameplay plus high replayability, fans of Dungeons & Dragons | 96/100 on Metacritic |
1. Hades II

Developer | Supergiant Games |
Release Date | May 6, 2024 |
Genre | Rougelike, action role-playing game (ARPG) |
Platforms | Windows, macOS |
Rating | 4.5/5 on Steam |
Best for | Fans of the original Hades games, players looking for a Greek-inspired roguelike filled with combat and dungeon exploration |
Gameplay features | Dungeon crawling, two different paths to progress the storyline, characters from Greek mythology |
Return to the Underworld in Hades II, the sequel to 2020’s Hades release. However, instead of Zagreus, players control his sister, Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, in this roguelike ARPG.
One of the best offline Steam games, this title draws much of its inspiration from the first installment. However, this trending new game also brings a variety of new features to the table. It includes two different routes to take in your journey to defeat Chronos, the titan of time: one leading to Mount Olympus and the other to Tartarus. Hades II also provides a greater focus on magic, introducing Hecate into its cast of Greek mythological figures and implementing a combat resource known as the Magick Bar, which is used for powerful attacks.
2. Crusader Kings III

Developer | Paradox Development Studio |
Release Date | September 1, 2020 |
Genre | Grand strategy wargame, RPG, dynasty simulator |
Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation |
Rating | 91/100 on Metacritic |
Best for | Dynasty building and management, customizable 3D characters, generational gameplay, aspects of religion and culture |
Gameplay features | Dungeon crawling, two different paths to progress the storyline, characters from Greek mythology |
Build, develop, and live out multiple generations in your own dynasty in Crusader Kings III. Create a unique character, customizing different features, before diving headfirst into leadership, where you must make future-altering decisions for your dynasty. From establishing and spreading religion to developing a thriving culture to building the ultimate armies, you spend hundreds of years building the best dynasty possible. As a generational storyline, once your original character dies, you continue playing as their descendants.
Crusader Kings III is best for players looking for an offline experience that offers dozens of hours of gameplay. Each playthrough includes hundreds of years of activities in-game, and players can choose to start again and make different choices the next time.
3. Slay the Spire

Developer | Mega Crit |
Release Date | January 23, 2019 |
Genre | Deck-building game |
Platforms | Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox |
Rating | 89/100 on Metacritic |
Best for | Players looking for a game that combines a collective card game mechanic with roguelike progression and strategy |
Gameplay features | Roguelike game progression, card collection and deck building, boss battles, turn-based card combat |
Slay the Spire combines roguelike elements with a collectible card game, providing a unique experience that focuses on trial and error, strategy, and a little bit of luck. As you progress through the storyline, you can collect different cards to add to your deck, which you are able to customize and tailor to your gameplay preferences. The ultimate goal is to climb the different levels of a spire, battling different characters and even bosses.
As you climb, you may find yourself without any health. This loss forces you to restart the climb from the bottom of the tower. However, because this is a roguelike title, losses aren’t failures — you collect points you can use to purchase upgrades like new characters or cards to help with your next attempt.
4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Developer | CD Projekt Red |
Release Date | May 19, 2015 |
Genre | Action role-playing game |
Platforms | Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
Rating | 92/100 on Metacritic |
Best for | Fans of The Witcher series, players looking for an action-packed RPG with an immersive storyline to explore |
Gameplay features | Slavic folklore-inspired elements, short- and long-ranged weapon choices, different ways to travel including swimming or climbing, day-night cycle that impacts monster availability |
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the most lauded games of all time. The offering from CD Projekt Red received countless Game of the Year titles, and critics praised it for its incredible immersive world with rich characters. The epic open-world RPG sold more than 30 million copies, and the entire story exists as an offline game with no internet connection required.
In this title, players control Geralt of Rivia, a famed monster hunter on a mission to escape the Wild Hunt — a mythology-based otherworldly being. Along with engaging in combat with various monsters depending on the time of day, players can travel the vast world around them by swimming, running, climbing, and more.
5. Civilization VI

Developer | Firaxis Games |
Release Date | October 21, 2016 |
Genre | 4X, turn-based strategy |
Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox |
Rating | 88/100 on Metacritic |
Best for | Players looking for an offline strategy game offering hours of gameplay that can also be played online with friends |
Gameplay features | Combination of real-time and turn-based strategy, civilization building, civic and military strategy, different routes to winning, single-player or multiplayer options when online |
There have been various Civilization games over the years, but Civilization VI is arguably the best of them all. The 2016 strategy game is one of the most detailed offline games in the franchise. It was praised by critics for its intricate mechanics and addictive gameplay and continues to be one of the most popular world-building games.
From humble beginnings to lush growth and expansion, Civilization VI leads players through several centuries as they build their own thriving civilization. As the years pass, you must decide whether to dedicate your time and resources to your military, tourism, science, or religion. Each of these categories provides a win condition for whichever player advances them the fastest, such as conquering other civilizations through military or religious strategy or developing a budding science program that allows you to reach the stars and beyond.
Players can also compete against friends online, but there are hours of offline gameplay available in this title.
6. Stardew Valley

Developer | ConcernedApe |
Release Date | February 26, 2016 |
Genre | Farm life simulator, RPG |
Platforms | Switch, Windows, macOS, Linux, Switch, iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation |
Rating | 89/100 on Metacritic |
Best for | Players looking for an offline strategy game offering hours of Players looking for a slice-of-life experience that includes farming, fishing, mining, combat, and other activities in a single title |
Gameplay features | Farming and ranching, social simulator elements including marriage, mining, combat, slice-of-life aspects |
Some players of offline games want to have a peaceful and relaxing gameplay experience. Stardew Valley delivers that perfectly. The 2016 game from ConcernedApe gives players the chance to fish and mine in an idyllic rural setting. Although the main focus is to build a thriving farm fit with crops and animals, there is no linear storyline progression, allowing players to tailor their game experience to their preferences.
Farm chores also aren’t the only way you can spend time. Stardew Valley also offers a rich social simulator experience where you slowly get to uncover the history and lore of each character and develop friendships and romances along the way.
7. Minecraft

Developer | Mojang Studios |
Release Date | November 18, 2011 |
Genre | Sandbox |
Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android |
Rating | 93/100 on Metacritic |
Best for | Players looking for an endless world to take their time exploring, shaping, and building that can be played offline or online |
Gameplay features | Different game modes including survival or creative, structure building and design, combat, open-world exploration, PvE and PvP gameplay |
Mojang Studios’ Minecraft is arguably the greatest of all the offline games ever made. In this 2011 sandbox game, you can explore a vast open world with no end, discover two different dimensions with new materials and creatures, and engage in combat with different hostile creatures.Minecraft is also one of the best building games, with the option to build elaborate structures with blocks. There are several game modes, including a creative mode with endless building abilities as well as a survival mode. Part of the appeal is that it can be played on a range of platforms, and it’s also important that a lot of the gameplay can be done without an internet connection. Still, players do have the option to go online and play with friends as well.
8. Return to Monkey Island

Developer | Terrible Toybox |
Release Date | September 19, 2022 |
Genre | Point-and-click, adventure |
Platforms | Switch, Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, iOS, Android |
Rating | 87/100 on Metacritic |
Best for | Fans of previous Monkey Island games, players looking for a quick, casual offline gaming experience |
Gameplay features | 2D graphics, narrative-based puzzle solving, hints, casual mode for newer players |
Relive the nostalgia or discover a new love for Monkey Island with this 2022 point-and-click title. Return to Monkey Island modernizes the popular 2D graphics and gameplay of previous installments in the series, providing a casual game to dedicate a few hours to when internet isn’t available. Although this game builds off previous Monkey Island titles, it’s also suitable for new players. There’s even a casual mode designed for players who may not have as much experience.
One of the features that makes this offline game special is its use of a hint system. A normal part of gaming is looking up guides and tutorials online to show you the best way to play a game. With Return to Monkey Island, however, hints encourage players to enjoy this game completely offline, both in terms of gameplay and meta gaming.
10. Red Dead Redemption

Developer | Rockstar Games |
Release Date | October 26, 2018 |
Genre | Action, adventure |
Platforms | Windows, PlayStation, Xbox |
Rating | 97/100 on Metacritic |
Best for | Players looking for a game offering hundreds of hours of exploration, action and adventure, and RPG with Western themes |
Gameplay features | Wild West themes, role-playing elements, open-world exploration, nonlinear storyline |
Although Red Dead Redemption 2 has a large online community, this beloved Western-theme game can also be played completely offline. When you embark on an offline playthrough of Red Dead Redemption 2, it can offer a new experience, allowing you to focus more on open-world exploration, quests, and the main storyline without the destruction of other players.
Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a vast world — one filled with unique NPCs, hidden secrets and interactions, and beautiful landscapes. Offline play gives you the opportunity to truly take your time uncovering everything this popular title has to offer.
10. Baldur’s Gate 3

Developer | Larian Studios |
Release Date | August 3, 2023 |
Genre | RPG |
Platforms | Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox |
Rating | 96/100 on Metacritic |
Best for | Players looking for an in-depth RPG with the potential for hundreds of hours of gameplay plus high replayability, fans of Dungeons & Dragons |
Gameplay features | Detailed character customization, decision-making with multiple outcomes, Dungeons & Dragons-inspired gameplay |
Based on Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur’s Gate 3 brings many beloved features of the popular tabletop game to life in this 2023 release. One of the most popular aspects of this game is its level of customization, with players able to alter and customize nearly every feature of their character. This goes beyond appearance, with customization branching to classes, races, and even morality through decision-making.
While Baldur’s Gate 3 does offer an online component where you can team up with friends, its hundreds of hours of playing and replaying are perfect for the offline player. As you progress through the story, you meet several different characters, each with a unique story and personality to get to know. Along with its highly immersive storyline and world, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers turn-based combat with mechanics similar to Dungeons & Dragons.
How To Choose the Best Offline Games for PC
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for offline gaming. When it comes to choosing the best offline games for PC, keep these key considerations in mind:
- Consider the time commitment: Some offline games, like Baldur’s Gate 3, can take hundreds of hours to fully explore every decision and choice. While considering the amount of time you’d like to commit to a game, you can also gauge the game’s replayability.
- Decide if you want online capabilities: Not all offline games have to stay offline. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Civilization VI can be enjoyed offline as well as online with others.
- Pick a genre: Offline PC games come in nearly every genre. Whether you’d rather sit down with cozy slice-of-life games like Stardew Valley or explore more action-packed options like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, decide what genre you’d like to play.
Take Your Gaming On the Go
Offline games come in a variety of forms, offering an option for every player. When it comes to picking the best offline games for PC, consider those that offer immersive gameplay that can keep you entertained for hours.
Whether you’re looking for the best way to pass the time without an internet connection or a virtual adventure to enjoy both on and offline, there are hundreds of PC games to explore and play today.
Best Offline Games for PC FAQ
Still have questions about the best offline games to play? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the topic.
What Games Can I Play Offline for Free?
In terms of genre, there are various free PC games that you can play offline. Essentially, it all depends on what your taste is. Some players download Mac games like Modern Combat Domination or Red Crucible 2. Some players may prefer to get their fix via consoles or mobile games offline, of which there are also free options. One thing is clear: You don’t have to worry about running out of choices if you’re wanting to play offline games.
What Game Apps Work Offline?
There’s a vast array of Android games and iOS games on the market, currently free of charge. Some of the most acclaimed mobile offline games of all time include Angry Birds and Candy Crush. These titles can be predominantly played offline, but players can go online to upload their scores and see their friend’s results.
What Are the Best Online and Offline Games?
It’s hard to say what the best online and offline game ever is — it’s all subjective, after all — but there are a few major contenders. Grand Theft Auto V, for instance, is one of the most successful online games ever, and one of the top-selling offline games. There are plenty of other titles that can cross over between offline and online play.