This year has been truly incredible for PC gaming. Players have explored vast new worlds, experienced gripping stories, and enjoyed countless hours of fun. We saw huge blockbuster hits and amazing indie games rise to the top. Therefore, it is time to look back and celebrate the most outstanding titles. This guide will walk you through our definitive list of the best PC games of the year, based on reviews, player feedback, and major industry awards. Whether you love epic adventures or clever puzzle games, there is something here for everyone.
Our Official List of the Best PC Games of the Year 2024
The year 2024 delivered an exceptional lineup of games that many are already calling modern classics. These titles have set new standards for quality, innovation, and pure entertainment. Consequently, they represent the peak of what PC gaming has to offer. We have carefully selected the titles that truly defined the year.
Balatro: The Addictive Poker Roguelike
Balatro was a breakout success that took the gaming world by storm. This poker-inspired roguelike is incredibly easy to learn but offers amazing depth. Players build a deck of cards to create powerful poker hands and score massive points. Moreover, its simple design and deep strategy have made it a hit with all types of gamers. PC Gamer even named it their Game of the Year, solidifying its place as one of the best PC games of the year. You can read more about their decision on the PC Gamer website.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
FromSoftware returned with a massive expansion for its 2022 masterpiece. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is much more than a simple DLC. In fact, many describe it as feeling like ‘Elden Ring 1.5’ because of its huge size and scope. The expansion adds new lands, new bosses, and deepens the game’s lore. Additionally, it provides a brutal challenge that is incredibly rewarding to overcome. This expansion proves that even a few years after its release, Elden Ring continues to be a top contender for the best PC games of the year.
Black Myth: Wukong
This action RPG is based on the famous Chinese novel *Journey to the West*. Black Myth: Wukong impressed everyone with its stunning graphics and intense combat. Players take on the role of the ‘Destined One’ to battle mythical creatures in a beautiful world. Furthermore, the game blends a familiar soulslike challenge with a unique setting, creating a fresh experience. It deservedly won Best Action Game at The Game Awards 2024 and Ultimate Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards, making it a standout title.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
From the creative minds behind the popular *Persona* series comes a new JRPG masterpiece. Metaphor: ReFantazio offers a completely new fantasy world filled with memorable characters and a complex story. The game is not afraid to explore deep themes. It has also been praised for its masterful plot twists that keep players guessing from start to finish. For fans of role-playing games, this title is an absolute must-play and a clear choice for one of the year’s top games.
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 has been a massive multiplayer hit. This cooperative shooter has players teaming up to fight for Managed Democracy across a chaotic galaxy. The gameplay is frantic, fun, and always exciting. For this reason, it won Best Multiplayer Game at both The Game Awards and the Golden Joystick Awards. Its incredible success showcases the power of uniting players on PC and console. This strategy is central to modern cross-platform app development and helped make it one of the best PC games of the year.
Other Contenders for the Top PC Games of the Year
Beyond the major award winners, several other titles made a huge impact in 2024. These games showcase the incredible variety available on PC and are certainly among the best PC games of the year in their own right. Each offers a unique and memorable experience that is well worth your time.
- Hades II: Even while in early access, this sequel has managed to improve upon the flawless gameplay of the original. It offers more weapons, gods, and challenges in the underworld.
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II: A true visual showcase. This game features breathtaking graphics and a powerful story, driven by an amazing performance from its lead actress.
- Dragon’s Dogma 2: Despite a few technical issues at launch, this RPG is celebrated for its fantastic sense of adventure and unique pawn system that lets you hire other players’ companions.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: Many fans see this as a huge return to form for the series. Its fast-paced multiplayer, slick gunplay, and new ‘Omnimovement’ system make it a top-tier shooter.
- Pacific Drive: This unique survival game puts you in a station wagon as you explore a mysterious and dangerous zone. Your car is your only lifeline, and you must upgrade it to survive.
Looking Ahead: Most Anticipated PC Games of 2025
As we celebrate the hits of 2024, it’s also exciting to look at what’s coming next. The year 2025 is already shaping up to be another fantastic year for PC gamers, with huge sequels and new adventures on the horizon.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
The sequel to the 2018 hit RPG promises a bigger world and a more refined experience. It continues the story of Henry in a historically accurate medieval world. Additionally, the developers have improved the combat system to make it more accessible while keeping its realistic feel. Fans are eager to dive back into this immersive world.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
This upcoming turn-based RPG has already become a surprise Game of the Year contender for 2025. It combines classic JRPG elements with modern, real-time actions like parrying. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, its visuals are absolutely stunning. The game’s beautiful world and engaging story have generated significant buzz.
Other Highly Anticipated 2025 Titles
The list of exciting games for 2025 keeps growing. Many of these titles are sequels to beloved series that need to honor the original while pushing boundaries, a challenge also seen in other media like the Jurassic World franchise. Here are a few more to watch:
- Monster Hunter Wilds: The next major entry in Capcom’s beloved monster-slaying series.
- Civilization VII: The legendary strategy game returns for another installment of world domination.
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows: This long-running series finally takes players to the highly requested setting of feudal Japan.
- DOOM: The Dark Ages: A medieval-themed prequel that promises more of the fast-paced action the series is known for.
Why PC Gaming Continues to Offer the Year’s Best Games
In conclusion, the PC platform remains the best place for variety and innovation in gaming. It is home to massive AAA blockbusters, groundbreaking indie games, and everything in between. The titles highlighted in this guide represent the very best of an outstanding year. They offered new worlds to explore, deep stories to experience, and fun gameplay to master.
As technology improves, developers continue to push creative limits. This leads to more immersive and exciting games for everyone. The titles we’ve covered are excellent examples of why so many people are passionate about this hobby. Ultimately, this list of the best PC games of the year is just the beginning. There are always more amazing games waiting to be discovered, and the future of PC gaming has never looked brighter.
