The Biggest PC Games of 2020: A Deep Dive into Upcoming Gaming Titles
Are you ready for an unforgettable year in PC gaming? The landscape of interactive entertainment continuously evolves, bringing forth groundbreaking experiences and highly anticipated sequels. As the video above showcases, 2020 promised an incredible lineup for PC gamers, offering everything from meticulously crafted remasters to innovative new intellectual properties. This article delves deeper into some of the **biggest PC games of 2020**, exploring what made them so exciting and what players could expect.
Warcraft III: Reforged – A Classic Reimagined for Modern Gamers
On January 28th, 2020, Blizzard Entertainment brought back a beloved real-time strategy (RTS) classic with *Warcraft III: Reforged*. This definitive edition wasn’t just a simple port; it offered heavily revamped visuals, cinematic cutscenes rendered in stunning 4K, and significant balance changes designed to modernize the gameplay experience. Players received both the base game and its iconic expansion, *The Frozen Throne*, packed with a vast roster of heroes and unique faction units.
While purists debated the specifics of the balance changes, the opportunity to witness pivotal moments like Arthas’s betrayal in glorious high definition was undeniably appealing. Beyond the official campaigns, *Reforged* also supported the robust ecosystem of user-created games, ensuring endless replayability. The original *Warcraft III* had already built a legacy on its rich narrative and strategic depth, and this updated version aimed to introduce that magic to a new generation while rekindling nostalgia for veterans.
Death Stranding – Hideo Kojima’s Unique Vision Arrives on PC
Despite initial claims of being a “glorified walking sim” on its PlayStation 4 debut, *Death Stranding*’s arrival on PC was a monumental event for the gaming community. This visually stunning title from Kojima Productions captivated audiences with its unique premise and breathtaking environments. For PC players, the excitement stemmed from the promise of even greater technical fidelity.
Imagine traversing the desolated American landscape at a buttery smooth 60 frames per second, with potential 4K support pushing the graphical boundaries even further. Moreover, the PC platform opened the door to the glorious world of mods, allowing players to customize and enhance their journey as a “porter” in creative new ways. Published by 505 Games, *Death Stranding* offered a truly distinctive action-adventure experience, blending exploration, resource management, and a compelling narrative into a package unlike any other. Its move to PC broadened its reach significantly, letting a wider audience experience its deep philosophical themes and innovative gameplay loops.
Half-Life: Alyx – Reshaping VR Gaming
Valve may not have counted to three, but *Half-Life: Alyx* marked the first substantial entry in the revered *Half-Life* franchise since 2004. Releasing in March 2020, this title was specifically designed for virtual reality (VR), fundamentally changing how players interacted with the iconic world of City 17. Set before the events of *Half-Life 2*, players stepped into the shoes of Alyx Vance, an integral figure in the Resistance movement.
As Alyx, players fought against the oppressive Combine forces, navigating richly detailed environments and solving complex puzzles using innovative new “gravity gloves.” The game masterfully blended intense combat with environmental interaction, making every encounter feel incredibly visceral and immersive. This wasn’t just a spin-off; *Half-Life: Alyx* was a full-fledged narrative experience that pushed the boundaries of VR technology, proving that virtual reality could deliver deep, story-driven adventures on par with traditional gaming.
Gears Tactics – Strategic Combat in the Gears Universe
Shifting gears from first-person shooters, *Gears Tactics* brought the brutal world of Sera into the turn-based strategy genre. This prequel, set more than a decade before the original *Gears of War* game, tasked players with assembling and upgrading a squad to combat the looming Locust threat. PC gamers received this title on April 28th, 2020, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved universe.
The game boasted a substantial 40-hour campaign, featuring massive boss battles and meticulously ruined environments that perfectly captured the essence of the *Gears* franchise. For fans of tactical games like XCOM, *Gears Tactics* delivered a compelling experience with deep customization, challenging strategic choices, and the satisfying combat encounters *Gears* is known for. It successfully translated the fast-paced, cover-based shooting into a thoughtful, turn-based format, proving the versatility of the franchise.
New World – Amazon’s Ambitious MMO Entry
Amazon Game Studios made a bold foray into the massively multiplayer online (MMO) genre with *New World*, which launched in May 2020. This ambitious title transported players to the mysterious island of Aeternum, a land brimming with both riches and ancient evils. The core gameplay revolved around scavenging for resources, surviving against supernatural threats, and battling the formidable “Corrupted” forces.
Players had the freedom to tackle these challenges solo or band together in large “companies,” fostering a vibrant player-driven economy and warfare system. While the MMO market is notoriously competitive, *New World* aimed to carve out its niche with a unique blend of historical fantasy and action-oriented combat. The game’s focus on player choice, crafting, and large-scale territorial control offered a distinct flavor compared to many established titles.
A Total War Saga: Troy – Myth and Strategy Collide
Creative Assembly’s renowned *Total War* series ventured into the legendary conflicts of the Iliad with *A Total War Saga: Troy*. This historical strategy game immersed players in the epic Trojan War, allowing them to embody legendary figures like Achilles and Odysseus. The game combined grand strategic empire management with massive real-time battles, a hallmark of the *Total War* franchise.
Players were tasked with growing their empire, forging alliances, and leading vast armies in conflicts inspired by ancient myths. The blend of historical accuracy with mythological elements added a compelling layer to the gameplay, letting players rewrite the destiny of one of history’s most famous wars. The strategic depth and the sheer scale of the battles continued to define the *Total War* experience, making *Troy* a highly anticipated entry.
Griftlands – A Roguelike Deck-Builder with a Klei Twist
Klei Entertainment, known for its distinctive art style and engaging gameplay, delivered a compelling card-based roguelike experience with *Griftlands*. Originally conceived as a larger open-world RPG, the game evolved into a more focused, narrative-driven deck-builder, hitting early access on the Epic Game Store before its June 2020 Steam release and late 2020 full PC launch.
In *Griftlands*, players took on various jobs, collected unique cards, and utilized them for either combat or negotiation during branching dialogue sequences. This innovative twist on the *Slay the Spire* formula offered a fresh perspective on the roguelike genre, emphasizing character interaction and decision-making alongside strategic card play. The signature Klei art style and witty writing further enhanced the game’s charm, making each run a memorable experience.
Supergiant Games, celebrated for titles like *Bastion* and *Transistor*, introduced an isometric hack-and-slash roguelike with *Hades*. While different in style from their previous efforts, *Hades* quickly garnered critical acclaim for its genuinely great combat, intricate level design, and, perhaps most notably, its staggering amount of story content. Available in early access and slated for a Q3 or Q4 2020 PC release, it immediately stood out.
Players controlled Zagreus, Prince of the Underworld, as he repeatedly attempted to escape his father’s domain. Each new run, despite inevitable death, brought forth new dialogue, character interactions, cutscenes, and flashbacks, slowly unveiling a rich narrative intertwined with Greek mythology. Taking aid from the Olympian gods and battling iconic foes like the Hydra and Fury Sisters, *Hades* masterfully blended action with storytelling, making every failure feel like progress.
Humankind – A 4X Strategy Game Redefining Civilization
Amplitude Studios, known for its acclaimed strategy titles *Endless Legend* and *Endless Space*, entered the historical 4X genre with *Humankind*. This game offered a fresh take on guiding a civilization through various eras, from cave dwellers to advanced technological societies. Players established empires based on trade, influence, or military might, but with a unique twist.
Unlike traditional historical strategy games, *Humankind* allowed players to custom-build their empire by combining elements from different civilizations throughout history. This innovative mechanic led to an immense amount of gameplay diversity and strategic possibilities, fostering truly unique playthroughs. Set for a 2020 release, *Humankind* promised to challenge genre conventions and provide a deeply replayable experience for strategy enthusiasts.
Legends of Runeterra – Riot Games Enters the CCG Arena
Riot Games, the developer behind the global phenomenon *League of Legends*, expanded its universe with a collective card game (CCG) called *Legends of Runeterra*. This free-to-play title brought the iconic champions and spells of Runeterra to a new strategic format. Launching for PC alongside mobile platforms in 2020, after a period of beta testing, it offered a different way to experience the *League of Legends* lore.
Beyond the standard champion and spell cards, *Legends of Runeterra* featured a unique “Expeditions draft mode.” This mode allowed players to create random decks on the fly and upgrade them across multiple games, adding a fresh layer of challenge and variety. The game aimed to be accessible to newcomers while offering enough strategic depth to satisfy seasoned CCG players, leveraging the massive popularity of its source material.
Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond – A VR Return to WWII
Exclusively for Oculus Rift, *Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond* marked the franchise’s immersive return to World War II, this time in virtual reality. Players assumed the role of an agent for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), undertaking dangerous missions across air, sea, and land in Europe. This title aimed to deliver the most immersive depiction of the Second World War yet seen in the series.
The VR format promised to bring an unparalleled level of presence and intensity to the classic *Medal of Honor* gameplay, from intense firefights to stealth operations. Multiplayer was also confirmed, promising competitive and cooperative experiences within the VR landscape. While finer details were initially scarce, the prospect of experiencing WWII through the eyes of a VR agent was a compelling proposition for fans of historical shooters and virtual reality technology.
The Settlers – Building a New World with Classic Charm
Ubisoft Blue Byte, known for its work on the *Anno* series, revisited its long-standing *The Settlers* franchise with a new installment slated for 2020. The series has historically offered a charming blend of city-building, resource management, and strategic conquest. The question for this new title revolved around what fresh elements it could introduce while retaining the beloved core mechanics.
Utilizing the Snowdrop Engine, the game promised visually appealing environments and detailed animations, bringing the bustling settlements to life. While gameplay specifics were anticipated, the return of *The Settlers* excited fans eager for a modern take on its classic formula. The series has always focused on intricate production chains and economic growth, which, when combined with exploration and military expansion, forms a unique and engaging strategy experience.
Roller Champions – Ubisoft’s High-Octane Sports Experience
Ubisoft surprised many at E3 with *Roller Champions*, a free-to-play 3v3 sports title that launched in Q1 or Q2 2020 for PC. Often likened to a blend of *Rocket League* on skates with elements of racing, the game focused on fast-paced, competitive action. A subsequent pre-alpha demo demonstrated its intriguing mechanics and high replayability.
In *Roller Champions*, players gained followers, unlocked cosmetic items, and competed for glory in vibrant arenas. The core loop involved grabbing a ball, skating laps around the arena, and scoring goals while defending against opponents. Its free-to-play model and accessible, yet deep, gameplay aimed to attract a wide audience, providing a fresh and energetic sports gaming experience on PC.
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands – Journey to the Afterlife
For players who might have given up on understanding the convoluted lore of *World of Warcraft*, *Shadowlands* promised a unique and compelling setup as its next major expansion. The expansion launched in 2020, tearing the boundary between Azeroth and the afterlife, known as the Shadowlands. This cataclysmic event opened up an entirely new realm for players to explore.
Players journeyed across five distinct zones, conquered four new dungeons, and pledged allegiance to powerful new Covenants, each offering unique abilities and rewards. This represented a massive amount of new content, including significant narrative developments and gameplay systems. While some concerns lingered about potential gameplay pitfalls, *Shadowlands* aimed to revitalize the venerable MMO with a fresh setting, engaging story, and substantial new experiences for its dedicated player base.
