The **PC gaming landscape** has seen incredible growth and innovation, with developers consistently delivering experiences that redefine what’s possible. From sprawling strategy epics to immersive role-playing adventures and heart-pounding action titles, the horizon is brimming with potential. Understanding the nuances of these **new PC games** allows players to better anticipate their next digital obsession.
Strategy Titans and Historical Epics on PC
Strategy games have long been a cornerstone of the PC platform, thriving on complex mechanics and deep simulation. Two particularly **highly anticipated PC games** in this genre stand out, promising to challenge players’ strategic prowess.
Humankind: Reshaping History
Developed by Amplitude Studios, the creative minds behind the revered Endless Legend and Endless Space, Humankind is poised to revolutionize the 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) genre. Instead of simply adhering to one civilization throughout an entire playthrough, players will traverse six different eras of human history, dynamically evolving their culture by adopting traits from various historical societies.
This innovative approach offers a fresh take on historical strategy, moving beyond the traditional single-culture focus seen in many other **strategy titles**. Scheduled for release in April 2021, Humankind aims to differentiate itself by emphasizing adaptation and cultural fusion, inviting players to carve out a truly unique legacy. It’s a bold move to enter a genre dominated by titans, but Amplitude’s pedigree suggests a title with the depth and polish required to compete.
Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord: Medieval Grandeur Unleashed
After what felt like a decade-long wait, Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord has finally arrived in early access, allowing players to dive into its rich medieval sandbox RPG. This game isn’t just about large-scale battles; it’s a comprehensive simulation of medieval life, allowing players to build armies, establish trade routes, engage in diplomacy, and even start families.
While early access typically comes with its share of bugs, the core experience of seamless warfare and unparalleled player agency has garnered significant praise. Bannerlord represents the ultimate medieval playground, where players’ choices genuinely shape the world around them, making it a truly unique entry among **upcoming PC games** and a testament to ambitious game development.
The Evolving World of PC MMORPGs
Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) continue to captivate vast audiences, offering persistent worlds and endless opportunities for social interaction and adventure. The next wave of **new PC games** in this genre brings fresh perspectives and ambitious designs.
New World: Amazon’s Ambitious Venture
Amazon Studios, known for its ventures beyond gaming, is making a significant push into the MMORPG space with New World. Following the cancellation of their previous title, Crucible, the studio has channeled its focus into this high-fantasy epic. New World throws players into an unforgiving, supernatural colonial world where exploration and survival are paramount.
With a Spring 2021 release window, New World aims to carve out its own niche in a market dominated by established giants like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV. Its blend of action-oriented combat, crafting, and PvP promises a dynamic experience, making it one of the more intriguing **PC exclusives** for its setting and the scale of its ambition.
Corepunk: A Fresh Perspective on Isometric MMOs
Artificial Core’s Corepunk brings a refreshing twist to the top-down MMORPG formula, drawing inspiration from classics like Diablo and Path of Exile while introducing its own unique strengths. The game heavily emphasizes exploration through its innovative “Fog of War” mechanics, encouraging players to meticulously scrounge every nook and cranny of its post-apocalyptic world.
Player progression in Corepunk is defined by choice, whether through engaging in a robust trading economy, delving into challenging dungeons, or participating in PvP combat. Though still in its alpha stage with limited information, the developers are targeting a late 2021 release, hinting at a deep and rewarding experience for fans of isometric **MMORPGs** and exploration.
Star Citizen: The Endless Frontier
Few games embody the concept of ambitious development quite like Cloud Imperium’s Star Citizen. A monumental space combat and trading simulation, Star Citizen has been in a prolonged early access phase since 2014, becoming a notorious example of “development hell” for its extended timeline and incredible scope. However, recent massive roadmaps and consistent updates indicate that the project continues to find its footing.
Despite its tumultuous journey, Star Citizen is hailed as one of the most immersive space simulators available, offering unparalleled detail and freedom within its universe. While a full release date remains elusive—the phrase “maybe next year” has become a running gag—its continuous evolution makes it a permanent fixture on any list of anticipated **PC games**, showcasing the potential of open-ended game development.
Dark Fantasy, Roguelikes, and Immersive RPGs on PC
The RPG genre, with its deep narratives and character progression, finds a natural home on PC. This next selection showcases a range of experiences from grim fantasy shooters to beloved roguelikes and epic tabletop adaptations.
Witchfire: Blending Dark Souls and Doom
From the developers behind The Vanishing of Ethan Carter and Bulletstorm, Witchfire promises a unique blend of dark fantasy and first-person shooter mechanics. Metaphorically speaking, it’s like taking the brooding atmosphere and challenging combat of a Miyazaki title and injecting it with the raw, visceral energy of an id Software classic like Doom.
Despite the first trailer appearing back in 2017, details have been minimal, with only glimpses of its “Souls-like mechanics” available. This narrative-driven adventure with heavy shooter elements is looking incredibly promising, and according to reports, it’s slated for a 2021 release, aiming to deliver a potent mix of challenge and engaging storytelling to **PC exclusives**.
Darkest Dungeon II: Madness Continues
Red Hook Studios’ Darkest Dungeon II follows up on one of Steam’s most celebrated roguelike titles, continuing its gritty, Lovecraftian take on psychological horror. Players will once again guide a band of ill-fated adventurers through terrifying forms of madness, facing insurmountable odds with permadeath looming over every decision.
True to the original’s core concepts, this sequel promises no hand-holding, keeping players in the dark and challenged from time to time. The upcoming launch will be an early access preview exclusively on the Epic Games Store in 2021, allowing fans to experience the next chapter of this relentlessly difficult yet incredibly rewarding **roguelike** adventure.
Baldur’s Gate 3: The D&D Legacy Endures
Larian Studios, renowned for their critically acclaimed RPGs, is gearing up for the full release of Baldur’s Gate 3. This highly anticipated title aims to be their biggest release yet, inviting both old fans and newcomers into its magical world rooted deeply in the lore and mechanics of Dungeons & Dragons. Its faithfulness to the franchise’s roots ensures a rich, tactical experience.
While the intricate mechanics derived from D&D might seem intimidating to new players, the game’s stellar reviews during its Steam Early Access phase are a good sign of its approaching launch. Baldur’s Gate 3 represents not just an evolution in the series but a significant milestone for **CRPGs** on PC, delivering a narrative depth and strategic combat rarely seen.
High-Octane Action and Unhinged Humor
For players seeking adrenaline-pumping combat or a healthy dose of irreverent humor, the next set of **upcoming PC games** delivers on both fronts, promising explosive gameplay and memorable characters.
Shadow Warrior 3: Lo Wang’s Stylish Return
Devolver Digital brings back the legendary warrior Lo Wang in Shadow Warrior 3, an over-the-top shooter designed for pure, unadulterated fun. Players will slice, dice, and shoot their way through hordes of demons using a dynamic blend of free-running movements and an arsenal of serious firepower. It’s like a martial arts film combined with a heavy metal concert.
While the core gameplay remains true to its predecessors, the focus this time is on slaying abominations with unprecedented style and flair. Expected to arrive on PC sometime next year, Shadow Warrior 3 promises to be a vibrant, fast-paced addition to the **FPS genre**, catering to those who enjoy bombastic action and a touch of crude humor.
Postal 4: No Regerts: Embracing the Absurd
Running with Scissors returns with Postal 4: No Regerts, a comedic first-person shooter that fully embraces its legacy of outrageousness. For anyone familiar with the weirder corners of PC gaming, Postal needs no introduction. This installment returns to the series’ roots, continuing the story of the infamous Postal Dude, whether anyone asked for it or not.
No Regerts aims to elevate the absurdity by introducing a handful of new weapons, expanded quests, and, surprisingly, co-op multiplayer. Currently in its alpha stage, with an expected release next year, the game’s consistent dedication to raunchiness and dark humor ensures it will maintain its cult status among **PC games** that dare to be different.
Atmospheric Adventures and Spine-Chilling Horrors
From captivating narratives in steampunk worlds to terrifying co-op ghost hunts, these **new PC games** offer unique atmospheric experiences that push the boundaries of immersion and fear.
Syberia: The World Before: A Steampunk Saga Continues
Kate Walker’s adventures continue in Syberia: The World Before, the latest installment in Benoît Sokal’s acclaimed spelunking series. Players are drawn into an intricately designed steampunk world, ripe with secrets waiting to be discovered. The game promises to elevate the atmospheric gameplay to new heights, delivering an even more immersive third-person perspective, especially for those with high-end computers.
This entry carries the torch of its predecessors, offering a rich narrative and engaging puzzles that have come to define the Syberia series. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of expertly crafted adventure games and a compelling addition to the roster of upcoming **PC exclusives**.
Phasmophobia: Documenting the Paranormal with Friends
One of Steam’s biggest hits of the past year, Phasmophobia, has captivated players with its unique co-op horror premise. This early access experiment thrives on players documenting paranormal activity with friends, where the catch is that the specters are far from friendly. The developers have been continually supporting the game, adding new maps, ghost types, and evolving the experience.
The game excels at creating emergent scares and hilarious player interactions through its emphasis on communication and ritual performance to lure entities out. Its full release is slated for next year, and it continues to be a go-to title for groups looking for a genuinely terrifying yet fun experience among **co-op horror games**.
The Outlast Trials: Multiplayer Mayhem in Horror
Red Barrels, the masters of psychological terror, are bringing their frightening survival horror series into the multiplayer realm with The Outlast Trials. No longer will players suffer alone against terrifying creatures; now, they can bring their friends into a series of challenging gauntlets, all in an effort to escape a sadistic playground. It’s a bold evolution for the series, adding new layers of strategy and shared dread.
Players must employ every survival instinct, strategize efficient ways to overcome threats, and solve puzzles that will inevitably test the bonds of friendship. While details are still emerging, it’s clear that The Outlast Trials, expected next year, aims to make players “shit their pants” collectively, offering a fresh take on **survival horror games** for PC.
Unique Experiences and Destructive Delights
Finally, we look at titles that offer truly distinct gameplay loops, from voxel-based destruction to serene survival, showcasing the incredible breadth of creativity in the **PC gaming** world.
Teardown: The Ultimate Destructible Sandbox
Teardown, an early access title that quickly gained acclaim on Steam, is renowned as the ultimate destructible game. Featuring fully voxel-based environments, everything within its world can be blown up, smashed, or rearranged. The main objective involves planning elaborate heists, using the environment’s destructibility to create escape routes or gain access to prized possessions.
Its early access phase already offers a campaign with an escalating story and interesting characters, with more content continuously dropping. Teardown’s unique physics-driven gameplay makes it a standout among **new PC games**, promising a full release very soon for those who love creative destruction and puzzle-solving.
Among Trees: A Cozy Escape
Exclusive to the Epic Games Store, Among Trees offers a beautiful and cozy survival experience that stands in stark contrast to the high-stress demands of many modern games. It invites players to become one with nature, escaping the woes of the urban jungle to find solace and adventure within a vibrant, explorable forest.
The goal is refreshingly simple: enjoy day-to-day activities like cooking food, crafting tools, and making your cabin an extra chill space for introspective moments. Currently in early access, with a major release hopefully next year, Among Trees is a perfect example of a calming yet engaging **survival game** for PC, offering a tranquil alternative for players seeking peace.
The **upcoming PC games** discussed here represent just a fraction of the innovation and excitement bubbling within the industry. From challenging strategy to immersive RPGs and unique indie experiences, the future of **PC gaming** promises a diverse and rich tapestry of worlds to explore. Each of these titles, whether launching in full or arriving in early access, contributes to the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape that makes PC gaming so compelling.
