The world of PC gaming experienced remarkable growth and innovation in recent years, with industry reports indicating a significant surge in player engagement and new title releases. As highlighted in the video above, 2021 promised to build on this momentum, introducing an exciting array of new experiences for enthusiasts. From highly anticipated sequels to groundbreaking new intellectual properties, the gaming landscape continued to evolve with diverse genres and compelling narratives. Gamers around the globe eagerly awaited these fresh adventures, ready to immerse themselves in virtual worlds filled with action, mystery, and strategic depth.
This article dives deeper into some of the most exciting 2021 PC games discussed in the video, providing additional context and insights. We explore what makes each title stand out and why they captured the attention of the PC gaming community. These upcoming releases aimed to push boundaries, offering players unforgettable journeys and innovative gameplay mechanics. Get ready to discover your next favorite game among these highly anticipated titles.
Hitman 3: Agent 47’s Epic Conclusion
The iconic bald-headed assassin, Agent 47, returned in Hitman 3 to conclude the World of Assassination trilogy. This latest installment promised more gorgeous tropical getaways and architecturally stunning mansions as backdrops for intricate assassinations. The game built upon the successful formula of its predecessors, Hitman 2 which took players to locations like New Zealand and Sapienza. Players anticipated new locations and welcome additions to Agent 47’s diverse arsenal of tools and weapons, ensuring fresh challenges.
Hitman 3’s true brilliance, as many players observed, often lies in executing the most ridiculous and unorthodox kills imaginable. This sandbox approach empowers players to experiment with their environment, transforming mundane objects into deadly instruments. The promise of new gadgets and opportunities fueled the excitement for truly creative and memorable eliminations. This highly anticipated title cemented its place as one of the essential 2021 PC games, offering unparalleled stealth and assassination gameplay.
Far Cry 6: A New Despotic Paradise
Ubisoft’s Far Cry 6 captivated audiences from its initial teaser trailer, which featured the compelling performance of Giancarlo Esposito. His portrayal of the tyrannical antagonist, El Presidente, immediately set a chilling tone for the game’s narrative. The fictional streets of Yara provided a perfect, action-packed setting for this installment in the acclaimed Far Cry series. Players prepared for an intense journey through a vibrant yet oppressive world, rich with revolutionary fervor and dangerous encounters.
The Far Cry franchise is renowned for its wonderfully despicable villains, and El Presidente promised to continue this legacy with a menacing presence. Gamers eagerly awaited the new obstacles and challenges this formidable antagonist would present. Far Cry 6 aimed to deliver another expansive open-world experience, blending intense combat with a compelling story. This title stood out among the exciting 2021 PC games for its potential to deliver a captivating narrative alongside its signature explosive action.
Gotham Knights: The Bat-Family Rises
While Batman games have offered countless hours of grappling onto gargoyles and solving mysteries, Gotham Knights introduced a thrilling new direction for DC Universe adaptations. This game shifts focus to the Bat-Family’s finest, allowing players to step into the roles of Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl, Dick Grayson’s Nightwing, Jason Todd’s Red Hood, and Tim Drake’s Robin. This diverse cast of heroes brought unique abilities and fighting styles to the crime-ridden streets of Gotham City. Players were excited to experience a fresh perspective on vigilante justice, operating outside the shadow of Batman.
One of Gotham Knights’ most anticipated features was its drop-in, drop-out co-op mode, allowing friends to team up and dish out justice together. This Avengers-style, or rather Justice League-style, team-up promised full comic crossover glory, fulfilling many fans’ dreams. The ability to switch between different heroes and combine their skills added significant replayability and strategic depth. This groundbreaking approach made Gotham Knights a standout title among the 2021 PC game releases, appealing to both superhero fans and co-op enthusiasts.
Resident Evil Village: A Snow-Covered Nightmare
Resident Evil Village plunged players into a snowy, creepy, and occult place, marking one of the weirdest and most atmospheric entries in the series. This departure from conventional settings intrigued fans, hinting at a new level of horror and mystery. The village itself appeared to be teeming with various deadly creatures, ranging from classic zombies to what looked like terrifying vampires and even potentially werewolves. Protagonist Ethan Winters returned, continuing his desperate fight for survival in this desolate environment.
The game featured an ornate and mysterious castle, serving as a labyrinthine setting for puzzles and horrifying discoveries. Trailers skillfully scattered clues, inspiring fans to furiously piece together theories about the game’s lore and connections. Resident Evil Village promised a truly unique horror experience, blending familiar elements with unsettling new adversaries and environments. This highly anticipated title further solidified its place as a must-play among the thrilling 2021 PC games for horror aficionados.
Deathloop: The Assassin’s Time Loop
Deathloop emerged as an impossibly stylish action-adventure game from Arkane Studios, the acclaimed developers behind titles like Dishonored and Prey. Set on the enigmatic island of Black Reef, players assumed the role of an assassin tasked with breaking a relentless time loop. The objective involved eliminating eight distinct targets before the loop reset, adding a layer of strategic planning to the core gameplay. A rival assassin actively hunted the player, determined to preserve the time loop, creating a dynamic cat-and-mouse challenge.
More than just a first-person shooter, Deathloop offered extensive paths to complete objectives, catering to various playstyles. Whether players preferred stealthy infiltration, reminiscent of Hitman, or a more direct, guns-blazing approach, the game provided ample opportunities. Its innovative mechanics and stunning art direction made it one of the most exciting 2021 PC games. The blend of action, mystery, and player freedom created an immersive and replayable experience.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2: Modern Night Chronicles
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 was a highly anticipated sequel to the 2004 cult classic, bringing the life of a bloodsucker to modern PCs. This RPG transported players to a version of our contemporary world, engagingly close to reality but secretly ruled by ancient vampire clans vying for supremacy. The original game was celebrated for its brilliant quest writing and deep world-building, and the sequel aimed to uphold those high standards. Players expected an intricate narrative woven with compelling character interactions and political intrigue.
Set in Seattle rather than the original’s Los Angeles, Bloodlines 2 offered a fresh urban environment to explore as an undead creature of the night. This often-overlooked city provided a unique backdrop for the game’s dark fantasy elements. The developers promised an RPG that excelled not only in storytelling but also in its combat mechanics, addressing a minor weakness of its predecessor. Bloodlines 2 carved its niche among the 2021 PC games, promising a rich narrative and immersive role-playing experience for fans of supernatural lore.
Halo Infinite: Master Chief’s Return
Master Chief, humanity’s beloved faceless space warrior, embarked on another mission to save humanity in Halo Infinite. Initial glimpses of the game revealed a vast and mysteriously damaged Halo ring, swarming with various alien threats to combat. Players who enjoyed the nostalgia of the Halo Master Chief Collection yearned for a whole new adventure. The return of Master Chief promised the signature epic scale and intense combat that the series is known for.
Notably, the multiplayer component of Halo Infinite was designed as a separate, free-to-play experience, ensuring widespread access to its outstanding weapons and beautifully designed arenas. This decision aimed to bring Halo’s competitive gameplay to an even broader audience. Despite facing a few delays, the game was ultimately expected to arrive in Autumn 2021. Halo Infinite remained a highlight among the exciting 2021 PC games, delivering both a compelling single-player campaign and accessible multiplayer action.
Evil Genius 2: World Domination: Embrace Your Inner Villain
Evil Genius 2: World Domination offered players the chance to embrace their darker side, casting them as a villainous mastermind plotting global conquest. This darkly humorous strategy game allowed players to manage their criminal empire from a custom-designed secret base. Recruiting a motley crew of loyal goons became essential for completing nefarious plans, leading to the ultimate goal of creating a doomsday device. Players had to strategically lay traps and defenses to thwart James Bond-esque spies from infiltrating their precious lair.
As a long-overdue sequel to the 2004 cult favorite, Evil Genius 2 garnered significant excitement within the strategy game community. The game promised to expand upon the original’s unique blend of base-building, minion management, and satirical humor. Its engaging premise and strategic depth positioned it as one of the most anticipated 2021 PC games. Players looked forward to orchestrating elaborate schemes and basking in the glory of global domination, all while maintaining a wry sense of humor.
Ghostwire: Tokyo: Supernatural Urban Legends
Ghostwire: Tokyo presented a unique mystery set in the heart of a Tokyo where citizens mysteriously vanished, leaving the streets filled with supernatural creatures. The game drew heavily from unsettling Japanese urban legends, bringing them to terrifying life within a vibrant cyber city. While the apparitions were chilling, players possessed powerful abilities to confront and defeat these strange entities. The combat system was notably described as a fusion of karate and magic, offering a visually stunning and dynamic fighting experience.
Despite the player’s formidable powers, many of the spectral adversaries still appeared terrifying to face. Encounters with creatures like a schoolgirl back-flipping and screaming with hair-framed mouths promised genuinely unsettling moments. Ghostwire: Tokyo captivated players with its blend of action, horror, and cultural folklore, distinguishing itself among the 2021 PC games. This title offered a fresh take on urban fantasy, combining thrilling combat with a deeply atmospheric setting.
Humankind: Redefining Civilization
Humankind from Amplitude Studios aimed to redefine the 4X genre, often playfully pitched as “Civ, but more.” This ambitious strategy game allowed players to guide a tribe from nomadic settlements through ancient civilizations and into the modern era. A key innovation was the ability to define and evolve a people’s culture in each distinct historical era, with decisions carrying over throughout history. This unique mechanic enabled players to create fascinating hybrid cultures, cherry-picking the best aspects of various historical legacies.
The game also boasted a graceful and aesthetically pleasing visual style, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere crucial for long strategy sessions, similar to the enduring appeal of games like Civilization VI. Humankind promised to pack all human history into a coherent and engaging strategy game experience, a challenging feat in game development. Its innovative approach to culture and history made it a highly anticipated entry among the 2021 PC games, attracting strategy enthusiasts looking for fresh challenges.
More Exciting 2021 PC Game Releases: Honorable Mentions
Beyond the main highlights, several other compelling titles contributed to the excitement of 2021 PC game releases. These honorable mentions showcased a wide array of innovative concepts and captivating gameplay styles, promising diverse experiences for every type of gamer. Each title brought its unique flavor to the PC gaming landscape.
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Sable: This beautifully animated open-world exploration game captivated players with its vast deserts and ancient ruins, all set to a mesmerizing soundtrack. It offered a serene journey of discovery.
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Backbone: A detective noir adventure where players stepped into the trench coat of Howard Lotor, a raccoon private eye. This unique premise promised intriguing interrogations and investigations within a dystopian world.
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Book of Travels: An enchanting online RPG, this title promised an experience unlike any seen before, focusing on unique social interactions and a journey-based narrative rather than traditional questing.
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Stray: Players explored a neon-drenched cyber city as a stray cat in this adventure game, offering a unique perspective on urban exploration and environmental puzzling. The feline protagonist quickly charmed audiences.
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Maquette: A first-person puzzle game that ingeniously played with size and perspective, unfolding a heartfelt love story through its innovative mechanics. It challenged players to think creatively about their environment.
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The Artful Escape of Francis Vendetti: This side-scrolling, head-banging rock adventure tasked players with helping Francis find his stage persona before his debut performance. It delivered a vibrant, music-infused journey.
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Chorus: A dark and deadly space combat shooter where players embodied the skilled warrior Nara, engaging in intense dogfights and exploring a rich, mysterious universe. It offered fast-paced action and a compelling narrative.
These diverse titles underscored the richness and variety within the landscape of exciting 2021 PC games. The year delivered a treasure trove of experiences, appealing to every preference and showcasing the boundless creativity of game developers. The PC gaming community eagerly anticipated the opportunity to dive into these new and innovative worlds.
