Top Modern PC Games: Essential Picks for PC Gamers
You are looking for the best PC games to play. The video above highlights some excellent choices. These recommendations focus on titles from the last decade. They represent games that offer unique experiences. Many genres are covered here. Our expanded look provides more detail on why these games truly stand out.
1. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn – An Evolving MMO Masterpiece
Firstly, Final Fantasy XIV is an outstanding massively multiplayer online game. It is also a fantastic Final Fantasy title. Its story started simply. Over time, it became a deep political thriller. This was thanks to several major expansions. The most recent, Shadowbringers, offered great payoffs. It also told a compelling self-contained story. This narrative rivals the best in the series.
Do not be put off by the online aspect. Square Enix has made playing alone easy. Story missions are designed for solo play. Dungeons now have computer-controlled party members. This means you do not need to group with strangers. Of course, it remains a full MMO. End-game raiding challenges players. These challenges range from accessible to very tough.
2. Disco Elysium – A Unique Detective Story
Secondly, Disco Elysium took classic RPG elements. It then made something truly modern. Dice rolls and deep dialogue are featured. These are like Dungeons and Dragons. They are set in a rare Noir detective world. This game offers new ways to play. Players can debate 24 parts of their own brain. Each part represents a skill or trait. Your detective starts at a low point. A murder must be solved. The journey is very rewarding. Its detailed world and characters drive the story. It boasts some of the best writing in any game. Playing Disco Elysium feels fresh. It is unlike anything else on PC.
3. Nier Automata – Philosophy and Fluid Combat
Next, Nier Automata is a game that pushes boundaries. The first Nier game struggled in 2010. Yet, it gained a devoted fanbase. Nier Automata built on that legacy. It learned from past mistakes. It combined fluid combat with bullet-hell segments. Visual novel storytelling also played a part. Everything merges into a new experience. Its PC port was initially flawed. Fans fixed it with the FAR mod. This shows the game’s strength.
Nier Automata explores deep ideas. Humanity, pain, and humor are central themes. Its big story moments have a haunting soundtrack. Keiichi Okabe created this music. Players must experience this game fully. This means playing through multiple endings. Endings B, C, D, and E are important. They build to something unique. Few games attempt this level of narrative depth.
4. XCOM 2 – Tactical Alien Liberation
Following that, XCOM 2 improves on its predecessor. It builds on the high-stakes combat of XCOM Enemy Unknown. The War of the Chosen expansion made it even better. Players feel the tension. They start as underdogs. Then they become a powerful force. Permanent death of customized soldiers is a constant threat. This impacts every decision. The game flips the script. XCOM is now a guerilla force. It liberates Earth from aliens. This makes the situation more desperate. This sequel is bigger and deeper. It adds new soldier classes. Powerful equipment and aliens are introduced. Replayability is a huge focus. Maps are procedurally generated. This stops repeatable patterns. Random events shake up strategic decisions. Many mods are available. They refresh the game whenever you want.
5. Grand Theft Auto V – A Vast Open World Playground
Furthermore, Grand Theft Auto V sets a high standard. Its massive, detailed map is impressive. Other open-world games strive to match it. The world is not just huge. It is also full of great content. This includes the driving, shooting, and story. Its three protagonists drive the campaign. Many side activities are available. The city is bustling with life. Sights, sounds, and human activity are everywhere. A seedy underworld is also present. So much can be done, explored, and played with. This applies to both single-player and online modes. Great creative tools are also included. The game is truly amazing. Players can make things completely insane with mods too.
6. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – A Modern RPG Classic
Another excellent choice is Divinity: Original Sin 2. The Definitive Edition solidifies its place. It is one of the greatest RPGs ever. It blends classic CRPG elements. Modern mechanics and designs are also included. It feels both old and new. The combat system improved greatly. Its systems are deeper. Clunky parts were smoothed out. Brutally smart new AI was introduced. An overwhelming amount of game content is here. There are six different origin characters. Players can create their own with custom tags. Over 74,000 lines of dialogue are fully voiced. This massive RPG offers endless replay value. Players will return to it again and again.
7. Slay the Spire – The Addictive Roguelike Deck-Builder
Then there is Slay the Spire. Variety is key in a roguelike game. This game delivers it consistently. Its decks of ability cards change constantly. Powerful relics appear. Four very different characters are playable. These keep turn-based battles fresh. They remain engaging for a long time. Watching your character evolve is a journey. Attacks, defenses, and skills change. This happens across its three chapters. Finishing a run is unique. The combination of cards may never be seen again. It can feel like saying goodbye. But the next run promises something even better. This makes starting a new game hard to resist. Randomized daily climbs offer fresh challenges. Even veterans find new ways to play every day.
8. Half-Life: Alyx – A VR Revolution
Moreover, Half-Life: Alyx brought back innovation. Valve’s first Half-Life game in 13 years was awaited. The series is known for pushing boundaries. The original Half-Life told stories in first-person. Half-Life 2 pioneered physics-based puzzles. Alyx now sets a new VR shooter standard. Its full-length campaign is amazing. It presents a horrifying battle. Players face Combine soldiers, zombies, and headcrabs. Three-dimensional puzzles are everywhere. Reloading a weapon becomes a desperate struggle. The ending is fantastic. It truly made the long wait feel worthwhile.
9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – An Epic Fantasy Adventure
Furthermore, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a cornerstone of PC gaming. Deep and lengthy RPGs are its specialty. This game offers a huge amount of content. Its massive open-world areas are impressive. Both scope and density are notable. These areas are filled with things to do. Great monsters need slaying. Tantalizing mysteries await. Personal stories unfold everywhere. Adding the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions is a must. These add even more value. It is a true epic. This game is also a production marvel. It has excellent writing. A stellar voice cast performs the dialogue. An incredible original soundtrack is present. Its graphics are a technical and artistic achievement.
10. Portal 2 – The Timeless Puzzle Masterpiece
Finally, Portal 2 holds a special place. It is still highly recommended for modern PC games. This game has aged incredibly well. Its level design is impeccable. The charming personality shines through. Exceptional puzzle systems make you feel smarter. Its co-op campaign adds more. It requires collaborative thinking. This makes it one of the best multiplayer experiences. Valve creates timeless designs. Portal 2 iterated on its predecessor. It added to brilliant puzzles and world-building. It feels as clever today as it did at launch in 2011. If you have not played Portal 2, do so. It should be your top gaming priority.
