Discover the Top New PC Games of 2020: Your Ultimate Guide
Are you constantly searching for the next captivating adventure to dive into on your PC? As you’ve seen in the video above, the gaming landscape of late 2020 has been incredibly vibrant, with a diverse array of titles launching across various platforms. The chase for fresh experiences is constant for many PC enthusiasts, especially with hardware continually advancing and personal game backlogs growing stale. Consequently, identifying the truly exceptional new PC games that offer both innovation and entertainment becomes paramount. The period of September and October 2020 proved to be particularly fertile for exciting releases. This comprehensive guide will delve deeper into some of the most highly-rated and well-received *new PC games 2020*, expanding upon the titles highlighted in the video and providing further insights into what makes them stand out. From challenging roguelikes to sprawling open-world adventures and intense multiplayer experiences, there’s truly something for every type of gamer.Spelunky 2: A Masterclass in 2D Roguelike Platforming
Kicking off our list of remarkable *new PC games 2020* is Spelunky 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed 2D side-scroller. The original Spelunky garnered immense praise for its blend of challenging gameplay and randomized levels. This new installment successfully builds upon that foundation, inviting a new generation of explorers to embark on perilous quests.
Players venture to the moon and other intriguing locations, seeking treasures and rescuing missing individuals. The game’s world is significantly larger than its predecessor, boasting an expanded roster of characters, an increased variety of traps, new items, and enhanced features. Furthermore, the levels are more intricately designed and challenging, offering boundless opportunities for exploration. You can personalize your routes, ride unique mounts like turkeys with distinct abilities, interact with new NPCs, and establish a home base for unlocking characters and finding refuge between expeditions. This intricate design ensures that every playthrough offers a fresh and engaging experience.
Serious Sam 4: Unadulterated FPS Chaos
Next up is Serious Sam 4, a title many fans eagerly awaited, myself included. Developed by Croteam, this entry in the popular FPS franchise delivers exactly what fans expect: an over-the-top arsenal of weapons used to decimate hordes of aliens and monstrous invaders. The narrative places you as Sam Stone, a pivotal member of the Earth Defense Force, battling Mental’s invading forces that threaten humanity’s survival.
This installment reintroduces beloved alien enemies and classic weapons while also introducing exciting new additions to Sam’s toolkit. Players can tear through invaders in a chaotic four-player co-op mode or face thousands of enemies solo. The game’s focus on pure, unadulterated action and massive enemy counts provides a cathartic and high-octane experience that differentiates it from more tactical shooters. Serious Sam 4 proves that sometimes, all you need is a big gun and a bigger alien problem.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2: A Remastered Ride Down Memory Lane
For those who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 represents a nostalgic trip worth taking. This collection meticulously remasters the first two classic games, originally released on platforms like the PlayStation, N64, Dreamcast, and Game Boy. While some previous attempts at modernization, such as Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD, met with mixed reactions, this definitive remake has largely been lauded by critics and players alike.
The game boasts enhanced graphics, faithfully recreated levels, and all the iconic tricks from the original titles, presented in stunning remastered form. Regrettably for many PC gamers, it is an Epic Games Store exclusive, necessitating the Epic Launcher for play. Despite this platform restriction, the game allows players to assume the roles of legendary skaters such as Tony Hawk, Bob Burnquist, and Rodney Mullen. Furthermore, a refreshed soundtrack blends new music with many cherished classic tracks, ensuring the perfect vibe for pulling off gravity-defying combos. This title exemplifies how a well-executed remake can breathe new life into beloved classics and firmly establish itself among the *best PC games 2020*.
Genshin Impact: A Free-to-Play Open-World Marvel
Genshin Impact, from Chinese studio miHoYo, quickly became a sensation among *new PC games 2020*. This free-to-play action RPG offers an expansive open-world fantasy setting rich in magic and adventure. It’s accessible across multiple platforms including Windows, PS4, Android, iOS, and Switch, allowing for broad cross-platform play with friends regardless of their device.
The world of Teyvat, home to various nations worshiping elemental gods, provides a breathtaking backdrop for exploration. Players can seamlessly traverse the environment by swimming, jumping, gliding, and climbing, discovering numerous points of interest. One of the game’s standout features is its enchanting music track, which greatly enhances the immersive experience. Players can switch between and control up to four characters simultaneously, with 24 distinct playable characters available as the story progresses. This dynamic system, combined with support for up to four-player multiplayer, fosters shared journeys through dungeons and the vast world, making it an ideal choice for fans of anime and expansive RPGs looking for *new PC games 2020*.
Mafia: Definitive Edition: A Gritty Remake of a Classic Tale
The iconic open-world title, Mafia, received a stunning remake in its Definitive Edition, establishing its place among the essential *new PC games 2020*. Following the successful remake of Mafia 2, the original game has been meticulously rebuilt from the ground up. Set in the gritty 1930s of Chicago, the narrative follows Tommy Angelo, a humble cab driver who gradually ascends through the ranks of organized crime.
This remaster features an expanded storyline, significantly higher quality graphics, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and the original soundtrack. The Definitive Edition also offers bonus content, granting players a special suit and cab vehicle in Mafia 2 and Mafia 3 Definitive Edition. The enhanced visual fidelity and refined gameplay deliver an authentic and compelling gangster saga, immersing players in a bygone era of Prohibition-era America. This remake serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted narratives within the gaming world.
Star Wars: Squadrons: Dogfights in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
For Star Wars enthusiasts, Star Wars: Squadrons offers an unparalleled focus on space combat, distinguishing it as a premier entry among *new PC games 2020*. Developed by EA, this title strips away extraneous elements to concentrate solely on exhilarating first-person multiplayer dogfights. Imagine the space battles of Star Wars Battlefront 2, but upgraded and refined, offering a dedicated and immersive experience.
The game features intense 5v5 space battles, allowing players to extensively modify their starfighters and employ strategic tactics with their squadron. Fans of the classic Rogue Squadron series or those who relished Battlefront’s aerial skirmishes will find much to love here. Combat takes place across iconic planets like Yavin Prime and the moon world of Galatan, utilizing popular Star Wars starships such as X-wings and TIE fighters, all customizable with various looks and loadouts. Notably, the game fully supports virtual reality, offering an incredibly immersive experience for VR players. Beyond multiplayer, a compelling single-player story mode allows players to experience the events surrounding Return of the Jedi from both Imperial and New Republic perspectives, enriching the lore for dedicated fans.
Hades: A Mythic Roguelike Journey Through the Underworld
From Supergiant Games, renowned for their narrative-driven roguelikes, comes Hades, a standout title among the *new PC games 2020*. This hack-and-slash roguelike plunges players into the depths of the Greek Underworld, combining fast-paced action with a progressively unfolding story based on a reimagined Greek mythology. Players control Zagreus, the immortal Prince of the Underworld, who wields legendary powers and ancient Olympian weapons in a desperate bid to escape his father, the God of Death, Hades.
As Zagreus grows stronger, he encounters iconic gods like Zeus, Poseidon, and Athena, who bestow powerful enhancements upon his abilities. The game offers a vast array of character builds, allowing for diverse playstyles, and introduces aid from spectral allies or monstrous foes. Its distinctive cartoonized art style, coupled with cool visual effects and charming text pop-ups during dialogue, creates a visually appealing and engaging experience. Hades is celebrated not just for its challenging combat, but also for its rich storytelling and compelling character interactions, making it a truly unique offering in the roguelike genre.
FIFA 21: The Latest Evolution of Football Simulation
As one of the biggest sports franchises globally, FIFA 21 cemented its place among the *new PC games 2020*, continuing EA’s annual tradition. While historically more dominant on consoles, FIFA has gained significant traction on PC in recent years, captivating football fans worldwide. The allure of FIFA extends beyond simply playing matches; features like “pack openings” in Ultimate Team, where players acquire rare athletes for their dream squads, have become a phenomenon, particularly on platforms like YouTube.
FIFA 21 boasts an impressive scale, featuring over 700 different teams across 90-plus stadiums through 30 distinct leagues around the world. Compared to previous annual iterations, FIFA 21 introduced a substantial amount of new content. This includes Volta Football, a dynamic street football mode set across 20 different playgrounds in a four-a-side format. Furthermore, the immensely popular Ultimate Team mode allows players to construct their ideal squad in a fantasy football scenario, alongside the traditional career mode and classic house rules mode which injects unique twists into matches. While traditionally best played with a gamepad for optimal control, FIFA 21 remains a beloved series for its comprehensive simulation of the beautiful game, even with its often-debated microtransactions.
Baldur’s Gate 3: A Grand Return to the Forgotten Realms
The long-awaited Baldur’s Gate 3 from Larian Studios arrived as one of the most highly anticipated *new PC games 2020*, especially for fans eagerly awaiting new RTX GPUs to experience its graphical fidelity. This action RPG, reminiscent of the Diablo style, invites players back to the beloved Forgotten Realms for an entirely new saga. Building on the legacy of the highly praised Divinity: Original Sin 2, Larian Studios has crafted a sprawling adventure.
Players can select from an extensive pool of Dungeons and Dragons races and classes or meticulously handcraft their own unique character. The journey through this richly detailed world involves battling formidable foes and looting valuable treasures, either solo, with chosen companions, or online with a party of up to four players. The narrative revolves around a budding monstrosity within the protagonist, granting increasing power but at a significant cost. Adhering to the D&D 5E rule set, this game resonates deeply with tabletop RPG enthusiasts. Its visually stunning graphics and captivating narrative make it a must-play for those seeking deep, character-driven RPG experiences among the *best PC games 2020*.
Phasmophobia: Unveiling the Supernatural in Co-op Horror
Taking the top spot for *new PC games 2020* is Phasmophobia, a psychological horror title from Kinetic Games that quickly gained immense popularity. This four-player online co-op game offers a uniquely chilling and incredibly fun experience when played with friends. The premise is straightforward yet terrifying: team up with your companions and utilize an array of ghost-hunting equipment to gather evidence of paranormal activity in various haunted locations.
Players investigate strange occurrences, record evidence of local hauntings, and monitor locations using CCTV cameras or motion sensor equipment from the safety of a truck, or by venturing directly into houses for close-quarters encounters. The game features impressive graphics, but its true strength lies in its immersive sound design, which amplifies the chilling atmosphere. Teamwork is crucial, as players must identify one of over 10 different types of ghosts haunting the locations. Equipment such as EMF readers, thermometers, night vision cameras, and spirit boxes are essential tools in detecting the presence of spirits. Furthermore, Phasmophobia fully supports VR, offering an unparalleled level of immersion for those who dare. While commonly mistaken as a VR-only title, it is fully playable with a standard mouse and keyboard, making it accessible to a wider audience seeking an unforgettable horror experience among the *best PC games 2020*.
