Ranking the Top 10 Games to Play on PC

When it comes to gaming on PCs, the sky's the limit. Compared to consoles from Sony and Microsoft, or handhelds from Nintendo and Steam, a PC offers quite a bit in terms of personalization. Savvy gamers with some technical know-how can alter their hardware to improve their gaming experience, build out their PC setup with cutting-edge peripherals, and take their gaming to a professional level. 

In fact, the vast majority of eSports competitions take place on PCs. While it’s not uncommon for fighting and sports simulations to remain the focus of consoles, PC setups are the clear winner in terms of functionality at the pro level. Unsurprisingly, some of the world’s most innovative and memorable games have also been released first to PCs—and the same with mods.

Let’s take a look at just how influential PC gaming is. Back in the late 1990s, Half-Life hit the market. This first-person shooter game bridged elements of adventure, survival, and horror, quickly becoming a breakout hit. The game became so popular that dozens of players decided to craft their own mods, aka modifications. These mods were fan-created programs that modified the game’s original content. 

One mod took off in popularity, gaining a large enough following that official game developers took notice. From 1998’s Half-Life spawned the very first Counter-Strike game, which began as a mod. Anyone with a passing interest in eSports knows that Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is one of the hottest FPS games on the market and one of the most lucrative eSports a gamer can pursue at the professional level.

When viewed in this way, PC gaming is a lot more than just another way to play. If you’ve been thinking about making the switch from a console or handheld device, then take a look at some of the top games available on PC. We’ve ranked some of the best games on the market based on their respective category, from classics to survival games to dungeon crawlers.

The Best 10 Games to Play on PC

Our criteria for the best games in each category are playability, production value, narrative, innovation, and providing a satisfying challenge. First up: classic games.

Classic: Blackjack

While it makes sense to think about hardboiled video games in relation to PC gaming, the reality is that you can play just about any game on a PC—classics included. Casino gaming, though not included under traditional video games, remains hugely popular around the world. The vast majority of gamers today find casino deals via online platforms like www.OddsChecker.com rather than heading to physical establishments. 

Though casino gamers have dozens of titles to choose from, we recommend blackjack. Blackjack (also known as 21) has a lower house edge than any other card game, along with a long list of strategies that can help you improve your skills. In terms of playability and providing a mental challenge, there’s no better option in the realm of classics.

Sports Simulation: Forza Horizon 5

Sports simulations are a massively popular genre thanks to their accessibility and recognition. Compared to other categories, sports sims are easier to pick up and start playing. Forza Horizon 5 is a racing simulation that offers just about every type of gaming experience, from player-versus-player racing to imaginative and entertaining missions. The former is a particularly satisfying take on racing simulations, as Forza Horizon 5 nails its cooperative mode, letting you take to the streets with a friend. 

Open-World RPG: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

An open-world role-playing game is all about immersion. Compared to other titles, these games let players fully step into the shoes of a character and dive into a fantastical new world. Anyone who enjoys fantasy realms has likely heard of The Witcher, whether the books, the Netflix series, or the PC games. In the game, it’s all about the details and luminous side quests. Some missions offer resources that you’ll need later on, while others impart tough lessons. But each twist and turn leads to a more meaningful gaming experience.

MMO: Final Fantasy 14

MMO stands for massively multiplayer online, which means these games take players straight into a busy and exciting new world. In Final Fantasy 14, MMO features are just about as lean and perfect as they can be. Players are able to join up with friends to go on raids, take down enemies, uncover exotic weapons, and so much more. On top of that, the game includes heavy RPG influences, which provide a highly riveting storyline that underpins every single mission. 

Fighting: Street Fighter 6

If you’re new to gaming, you might be surprised to learn that fighting games are a genre all of their own. In fact, some fighting game diehards stick to the traditional arcade setup rather than download a PC game. In Street Fighter 6, your PC setup will do just fine. First, its mechanics are seamless, letting players combine moves and take down enemies. Second, it offers a light RPG mode for those who want a narrative. Third, the game is perfectly packaged for a PC release, meaning the learning curve is minimal.

Dungeon Crawler: Hades

Dungeon crawlers are a bit more niche than other genres—but the premise is simple: escape a dungeon one room at a time. Top dungeon crawlers like Hades also procedurally generate each level, meaning you won’t play the same game twice. But Hades also lands a few other punches, including a winding storyline that directly informs the weapons and moves you have access to. Given most people have a passing familiarity with the Greek pantheon, you’ll likely recognize a few characters along the way.

FPS: DOOM

Back in 1992, DOOM redefined the concept of a first-person shooter. But what makes this retro game stand the test of time—especially when other hits like Counter-Strike are available? DOOM can’t be beaten for a few reasons. First, its hardcore weapons and legions of demons provide excitement at every turn. Second, its heightening challenges will push any gamer to the brink—in a good way. Third, it has a stellar soundtrack that not even the 2016 reboot could top.

Puzzle: Disco Elysium

Let’s rewind a bit. Just like a classic game such as blackjack, not all PC titles need to be fast, violent, and demon-centric like DOOM. In fact, one of the highest-rated PC games of all time is a puzzler that follows a detective with amnesia who won’t stop until he’s solved a mystery. The game is unusual for a few reasons, including its oil-paint-inspired design. However, it’s the satisfying mystery and storyline that makes this RPG puzzle game so memorable within the puzzle category and far beyond.

Real-Time Strategy: Crusader Kings 3

Just like puzzle games and classics like blackjack, real-time strategy (RTS) games offer players the chance to put their critical thinking skills to the test. In Crusader Kings 3, players step into the shoes of a dynastic royal. It blends elements of role-playing within the context of resource allocation, just like a civ-builder, and medieval politics. This makes the game perfect for those who like to carefully build and expand on a strategy—without leaving the narrative completely.

Survival: Rust

Survival games are a hugely popular niche within gaming, with each title offering its own premise and challenge. In Rust, players spawn with absolutely no resources (not even clothes) onto an island where they must outwit and out-survive other real-life players. This technically makes the game an MMO title as players interact with others, adding a delectable element of uncertainty that might either help or hinder.

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