Most Popular PC Games on Steam 2020: A Deep Dive into Gaming Trends
In 2020, the landscape of PC gaming witnessed remarkable shifts. Over 120 million active users were reported monthly on Steam. This platform emerged as a dominant force. Many players explored new releases and beloved classics. The selection of **most popular PC games on Steam 2020** reflected diverse tastes and groundbreaking experiences.
The video above showcases several standout titles. Each game captivated audiences in unique ways. From vast open worlds to intense multiplayer arenas, a wide array of genres gained significant traction. These games were not merely new releases. Instead, they quickly became focal points within the vibrant gaming community.
Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition: A Post-Apocalyptic Saga
Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition garnered widespread acclaim. Players assumed control of Aloy, a skilled hunter. Her quest involved navigating a robot-dominated post-apocalyptic world. Aloy sought answers about her mysterious past. Combat was highly varied and engaging.
Traps were set, arrows were shot, and explosives were used. Aloy also utilized a spear for close encounters. Evasion maneuvers like dodging and sliding were essential. Defeated machines dropped vital components. These included electricity and metal for crafting. The game’s open-world design was praised. Its compelling story, stunning visuals, and deep combat mechanics also received high marks. Critical reports often highlighted the excellent characterization.
Wasteland 3: Tactical RPG in Frozen Frontiers
Conversely, Wasteland 3 offered a different kind of post-apocalyptic experience. It was set in the harsh, freezing Colorado wastes. Players commanded the last surviving members of Team November. This Ranger squad hailed from Arizona. The game featured squad-based, turn-based combat. Its isometric perspective added to the tactical depth.
Player choices held significant weight. Decisions impacted the game’s world and overall narrative. Environmental hazards were added to revamped combat. A Ranger base served as a central hub. It facilitated quests, research, and material gathering. Players could improve this base over time. A new vehicle also allowed world traversal and supply storage. The main campaign was playable cooperatively with friends.
Microsoft Flight Simulator: The World at Your Fingertips
Shifting gears entirely, Microsoft Flight Simulator delivered unparalleled realism. This game allowed players to pilot aircraft. They could fly virtually anywhere on Earth. The entire planet was meticulously mapped and modeled. Textures and data from Bing Maps were utilized. This created a truly global flight experience.
An astonishing 37,000 airports were included. Each one was modeled for authenticity. Manual work supplemented satellite imaging for this feat. Real daily air traffic was simulated globally. Clouds cast dynamic shadows over landscapes. The graphics and detailing were considered best-in-class. This simulation set a new benchmark for visual fidelity in gaming.
Sea of Thieves: The Ultimate Pirate Adventure
Whereas realism defined Flight Simulator, Sea of Thieves embraced swashbuckling fantasy. Players embodied procedurally generated pirates. Their goal was to achieve pirate legend status. Voyages for trading companies were completed. The game featured a shared open world. Groups of players frequently encountered each other.
Ship sizes varied based on crew numbers. Sloops, brigantines, and galleons were controlled cooperatively. Roles included steering, manning cannons, and navigating. Hostile player encounters were common. Ships sustained damage, causing water ingress. Holes needed patching with wood planks. Water was bailed out using buckets. The Anniversary Update introduced ‘Arena’ mode. This allowed competitive team play on smaller maps. Silver gathering was the primary objective.
Hades: Escaping the Underworld
Moving from high-seas adventure to mythological escape, Hades captivated many. It was a rogue-like action role-playing game. Players controlled Zagreus, son of Hades. His continuous goal was to escape the Underworld. Reaching Mount Olympus was the ultimate aim. Each run presented a random series of rooms. These were filled with enemies and various rewards.
Zagreus utilized weapon attacks, dashes, and magic. These abilities were combined to progress. Olympian gods provided powerful “gifts.” These granted persistent boosts for each run. Rewards were shown for upcoming rooms. Interacting with Underworld characters revealed narrative elements. Quests with additional rewards were also offered. Zagreus’s death meant facing his father. All previous run’s gifts were lost, emphasizing the rogue-like loop.
Crusader Kings III: Dynasty and Diplomacy
In stark contrast to action-packed rogue-likes, Crusader Kings III offered grand strategy. This dynasty simulator was set in the Middle Ages. Players managed vast noble houses and their family lines. Cadet branches could form with independent heads. Renown was a new resource for asserting control. Characters were now rendered with full 3D models. This replaced the previous 2D portraits.
Character traits influenced stats and behavior. Acting against one’s traits increased stress levels. A genetic system passed characteristics to descendants. Players selected from five distinct lifestyles. Each lifestyle featured three skill trees. These enhanced related skills significantly. Playable regions had unique tenets and bonuses. The map was notably four times more detailed. Its slightly larger size also improved strategic depth.
Risk of Rain 2: Third-Person Rogue-like Thrills
Another popular rogue-like on the list was Risk of Rain 2. This game was a third-person shooter. Players controlled a survivor stranded on an alien planet. Environments were navigated, and monsters were killed. Looting chests yielded items. These boosted offensive and defensive capabilities. The goal of each level was to locate a teleporter. This teleporter was randomly placed. Once activated, players defended against an alien onslaught. Bosses were included in these waves. Killing aliens granted experience and currency. Currency opened chests, which randomly dropped items. Over time, game difficulty increased. This spawned more powerful creatures. New characters, items, and modifiers were unlocked through achievements. The game transitioned from 2D to a full 3D environment. Online multiplayer supported up to four players.
Among Us: The Social Deduction Phenomenon
While Risk of Rain 2 focused on survival, Among Us thrived on social interaction. It became an overnight sensation in 2020. This online multiplayer game was about social deduction. Despite its 2018 release, its popularity exploded. The game took place in a space-themed setting. Players were assigned one of two roles. Most were crewmates, while others were imposters.
Four to ten players were supported per game. One to three players were randomly selected as imposters. The remaining players were crewmates. Three distinct maps were available. Crewmates completed mini-game tasks around the map. These involved maintenance work on vital systems. Imposters received fake task lists. They blended in with crewmates. Sabotaging systems, using vents, and murdering crewmates were their abilities. Crewmates won by completing all tasks. They also won by identifying and eliminating all imposters. Imposters won by killing enough crewmates. Their numbers needed to equal crewmate numbers. Sabotage countdowns also led to imposter victories.
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout: A Zany Battle Royale
Fall Guys offered a different take on multiplayer competition. It was a platformer Battle Royale game. Inspiration was drawn from game shows like Takeshi’s Castle. Up to 60 players competed in each match. Players were represented by jelly bean-like figures. They navigated 3D playing fields. Jumping, grabbing, and diving aided gameplay. The goal was to qualify for subsequent rounds. This was done by completing randomly selected mini-games. Some mini-games involved racing to a finish line. Others added teamwork elements. Obstacles appeared for added complexity. Slow players or those failing requirements were eliminated. The final round featured a smaller player count. A randomized mini-game determined the winner. The last player standing claimed victory. Cosmetics and emotes allowed character customization.
Cyberpunk 2077: A Futuristic RPG Epic
Finally, Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the most anticipated titles. It was an upcoming first-person open-world RPG in 2020. CD Projekt developed and published the game. It quickly became one of the most pre-ordered games on Steam. Players assumed the role of V, a mercenary. V’s appearance and background were fully customizable. Voice, face, hairstyle, body type, and clothing could all be changed.
The perk tree offered extensive options. These included melee, blades, handguns, and hacking. Cyberware implants provided military-grade abilities. Cover mechanics, aiming, and double-jumping were key actions. Three types of ranged weapons were available. Each could be customized and modified. Weapon use improved accuracy and reload speed. The game even offered non-lethal choices. It was possible to complete the game without killing anyone. Cyberpunk 2077 was widely regarded as the biggest game release of that year.
These selections exemplify the enduring appeal of **popular Steam games 2020**. Each title contributed significantly to the gaming conversation. They offered diverse experiences for a global audience. The strength of PC gaming continues to be its variety and innovation. Players were given countless hours of entertainment. Steam remains a vital hub for discovering these compelling adventures.
