60 Single-Player PC Games You Absolutely Need to Play (2025 Edition)

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PC gaming can be a pricey hobby, particularly with the increasing cost of graphics cards, but it offers several benefits. Beyond being a versatile device for many tasks, PCs boast the most extensive game library of any platform. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 60 of the best single-player games currently available on modern gaming PCs.

Clair Obscur: Expedition

Classic role-playing games saw a bit of a decline for a while, but they’ve been making a comeback, and *Clair Obscur: Expedition* is a big reason why. It reminds players what they loved about that style of combat, offering a compelling setting that explores mature themes like loss and grief. The game also features well-designed turn-based battles where each character has unique abilities – from Maeve’s stance changes to Lune’s elemental powers and Gustave’s Overcharge system. Combined with challenging, skillful gameplay involving parrying and dodging, *Expedition* is truly one of the top RPGs available.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 has become a major hit, largely because of its immersive world and bold gameplay. The game expertly translates the rules of the popular tabletop RPG Dungeons & Dragons, and boasts a cast of characters that players are quickly falling in love with. The story begins with a compelling hook – you need to remove a parasite from your brain before it transforms you – and unfolds into a massive adventure. You’ll travel through diverse cities and realms, facing endless challenges and discovering countless stories along the way.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition

It’s hard to say anything new about *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt*! Even ten years after its release, this open-world RPG remains fantastic. CD Projekt RED has consistently supported the game with great expansions and updates that take advantage of newer computers and improve the graphics. The story is still excellent, filled with compelling side quests, and combined with a solid combat system, it offers hundreds of hours of enjoyable gameplay.

Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree

As a long-time fan, I honestly think *Elden Ring* and its *Shadow of the Erdtree* expansion are where FromSoftware really perfected everything they’ve been building towards since *Demon’s Souls*. We’re talking that signature, deliberate combat we all love, but now in a massive, gorgeous open world. The boss fights are seriously some of the best they’ve ever made, and the lore is incredibly deep – you really have to dig through item descriptions and talk to everyone if you want to piece it all together. Plus, they’ve added options to make the game more accessible if you’re struggling, which is great. Honestly, for me, *Elden Ring* and *Shadow of the Erdtree* are just the peak of what FromSoftware can do.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar’s made a ton of amazing games, and they basically redefined open-world gaming with *Grand Theft Auto 3* and everything that came after. But honestly, nothing they’ve done has blown me away quite like *Red Dead Redemption 2*. It’s a prequel to the first *Red Dead Redemption*, and you play as Arthur Morgan, living through the last days of the Wild West as part of the Van der Linde gang. What really got me hooked was the incredible story and characters, plus the missions were just a blast. But it’s not just that – the game is *deep*. Even side stuff like hunting or robbing trains feels so realistic and involved. Seriously, I’ve sunk hundreds of hours into exploring that huge, beautiful world and there’s still more to do!

Days Gone Remastered

Originally released on PS4 to mixed reviews, Days Gone has found new life on PC. Modern gaming PCs can easily handle the game’s large groups of zombies. While the main story isn’t particularly memorable, the side quests and the focus on upgrading your motorcycle create a compelling gameplay loop. This makes exploring abandoned places like hospitals and rival gang hideouts a really enjoyable experience.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

Despite a rocky start, *Cyberpunk 2077* has become a fantastic open-world action RPG. You play as V in the year 2077, striving to make a name for yourself in Night City. But a job with your friend Jackie goes wrong, leaving you facing a slow death and haunted by the ghost of Johnny Silverhand. *Cyberpunk 2077*, especially with the *Phantom Liberty* expansion, delivers a compelling story that takes you through all levels of Night City as you uncover the sinister plot by the Arasaka corporation that led to your condition. Beyond the main story, the game boasts many engaging side quests – from feuding with a pop group to philosophical debates with a self-aware taxi AI.

Disco Elysium – The Final Cut

Disco Elysium – The Final Cut is a truly unique RPG where you play as a detective investigating a case in the city of Revachol, a place experiencing significant social and cultural change. Partnered with Lieutenant Kim Kitsuragi, you’ll navigate the city and uncover its secrets. Unlike many RPGs, Disco Elysium emphasizes dialogue and character interaction over action. What makes it especially interesting is that different parts of the detective’s personality – his thoughts, skills, and even physical attributes – are represented as distinct characters, all contributing to the story and helping you learn about yourself, Revachol, and the wider world.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Okay, so as a gamer, I gotta say the original *Mass Effect* trilogy really lives up to the hype. It’s one of those games everyone talks about for a reason! You play as Commander Shepard, and basically the galaxy is facing total annihilation. You’re tasked with building a team of diverse aliens and humans to uncover the mystery behind these ancient, terrifying enemies called the Reapers. What’s awesome is that your choices *matter*. Seriously, decisions you make throughout the games have a huge impact on everything. Look, the ending of *Mass Effect 3* is… controversial, let’s just say that. But honestly, the whole journey leading up to it is still incredible and totally worth playing, even now.

Prey (2017)

Though unrelated to the 2006 game, *Prey (2017)* is a captivating, immersive experience where you play as Morgan Yu. You work for the TranStar Corporation, conducting questionable experiments aboard the Talos I space station. Things go awry when the station is invaded by the Typhon, a dangerous alien species with the ability to shapeshift. This adds a constant sense of dread – even something as simple as a mug could be a disguised enemy. *Prey* stands out because it lets you solve problems in many different ways, whether through stealth, direct combat, or by using your creativity and tools – like the Goo Gun – to build pathways and avoid threats.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Special Edition

Even though it was released some time ago, *Skyrim* remains the most recent installment in *The Elder Scrolls* series, and it’s easy to see why it’s been the most popular game so far. Set in the land of Skyrim, the game lets you create any character you want and quickly gives you the freedom to explore a vast world. What makes *Skyrim* so enjoyable is the sheer amount of content – hundreds of hours of gameplay are available through both the main story and numerous side quests. Plus, a dedicated community of modders continues to add new features and improvements, extending the game’s lifespan even further. Overall, *The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim* feels like a game you can truly play endlessly.

Fallout 3

If you loved losing yourself in the world of *Skyrim*, but you’re more into post-apocalyptic stuff, you absolutely need to play *Fallout 3*. It drops you into the ruins of Washington D.C. after a nuclear war – they call it the Capitol Wasteland – and your main goal is to find your dad. But honestly, the real fun isn’t the main story, it’s everything *around* it. From the moment you start, there’s just so much to do! I spent hours just wandering around and getting lost in side quests – the writing is seriously good. The gameplay might feel a little old-school now, but the RPG elements are fantastic. You have a ton of freedom to create a character and play exactly how you want, which is awesome.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

After a long wait and countless online jokes, *Hollow Knight: Silksong* is now available! Players take on the role of Hornet in this new adventure, exploring a completely different world and facing off against a wide variety of tough bosses. The game introduces fresh gameplay features, including new ways to heal and the ability to customize Hornet’s attacks. Like the first *Hollow Knight*, *Silksong* is poised to be one of the best games in its genre.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 builds upon the already excellent foundation of the first game, delivering an even more thrilling experience. The sequel boasts a bigger, more engaging story filled with classic Spider-Man villains, and now you get to play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales! The game explores the personal growth of both heroes, their individual struggles, and the looming threat of the Symbiote, making for a truly captivating adventure.

Little Nightmares 2

I recently played *Little Nightmares 2*, and it totally messed with my head! At first glance, it looks like a cute platformer, but don’t let that fool you – it’s seriously creepy. You play as a kid named Mono who finds another girl, Six, stuck in the basement of this awful house, and together you’re trying to escape. The game is set in this place called the Pale City, and it’s full of terrifying enemies and secrets. The visuals are really trippy and unsettling, which really drives home how dangerous this world is for kids like Mono and Six. It’s a surprisingly scary experience!

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Unlike many open-world RPGs that take place in fantasy worlds, *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* is set in a realistically depicted historical setting, focusing on actual places and events. The game follows Henry and his friend Sir Hans after they are ambushed by bandits while on a mission to deliver a message to Trosky. Players will guide Henry as he tries to complete his task and develop as a character. *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* emphasizes realism in its gameplay; finding and maintaining equipment is challenging, and crafting requires careful study. The game offers a massive amount of content, alongside incredibly detailed and immersive first-person sword combat.

Alan Wake 2

The original *Alan Wake* was a fantastic horror game, and its sequel is even better. *Alan Wake 2* lets you play as different characters, uncovering a truly frightening story in unsettling environments. With a brilliant soundtrack and excellent gameplay, it sets a new standard for the horror genre and leaves fans excited to see what Remedy creates next in a potential *Alan Wake 3*.

Death Stranding Director’s Cut

Hideo Kojima’s *Death Stranding* is a unique game and hard to describe simply. You play as a delivery person in a post-apocalyptic world where society has fragmented and connections between people are lost. The main focus is completing delivery jobs, which involves carefully planning routes across challenging landscapes. Unlike many games, the terrain is a major obstacle – you can’t climb everything, so you need to find the best path to avoid damaging your cargo. Add in a complex story about life, death, and the supernatural, along with eerie ghost-like creatures, and you have a truly memorable experience. Though lengthy, it’s a game well worth playing.

The Witness

Created by the designer of *Braid*, *The Witness* is a unique puzzle game built around a single idea: drawing lines. You’ll spend most of your time finding panels with logic puzzles to solve using this simple mechanic. But the game expands dramatically as you realize the entire environment *is* a puzzle, offering new ways to interact and find solutions. Throughout your exploration of the mysterious island, you’ll also hear narration that hints at its history and purpose. The game is beautifully presented, with striking visuals and a lively color scheme that keeps everything engaging.

Ghost of Tsushima

In the open-world game *Ghost of Tsushima*, you play as Jin Sakai, a samurai who survives the first attack by invading Mongols on Tsushima Island. He must then unite the island’s people to fight back. Throughout the game, Jin grapples with concepts of honor and the rigid social structure of feudal Japan. *Ghost of Tsushima* offers satisfying combat, but also allows for stealthy gameplay as you free towns from Mongol control and work your way towards the main villain, Khotun Khan – a relative of Kublai Khan.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

The original *The Last of Us* was a beloved game with a compelling story and memorable characters, but *The Last of Us Part 2* takes things even further. It delivers a more intense and complex narrative, centering on two characters driven by revenge and the search for meaning. The sequel expands on the gameplay significantly and features thrilling boss battles, all while maintaining a realistic feel. The recent PC Remastered version includes even more content with ‘No Return,’ a challenging roguelike survival mode where players can customize their experience with different characters and levels.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

FromSoftware is famous for challenging action RPGs like the *Souls* series and *Elden Ring*, but *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice* is different. It’s much faster-paced and doesn’t reward defensive play. Instead of relying on a shield, *Sekiro* requires players to master enemy attack timings and perfectly parry attacks, breaking their opponents’ defenses for a final, powerful strike. Despite the change in speed, the game still feels like a FromSoftware title, with its unique approach to death and intricately designed levels that encourage exploration. Many consider *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice* to be one of the studio’s best games.

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection

The *Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection* includes two fantastic games: *Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End* and *Uncharted: Lost Legacy*. *Uncharted 4* concludes the story of Nathan Drake and his search for a lasting legacy, while *Lost Legacy* follows new protagonists – familiar faces from previous games – on their own exciting journey. *Uncharted 4* refines everything players love about the series, and *Lost Legacy* takes some creative risks with its gameplay. Both games are highly recommended, even if you’re new to the *Uncharted* series.

Frostpunk 2

The first *Frostpunk* offered a new spin on city-building games, challenging players to create and maintain a city centered around heat sources in a frozen world. The sequel changes things up by giving you a wider view – instead of placing buildings one by one, you now design entire districts with a single click. Despite this broader perspective, *Frostpunk 2* still forces you to make difficult choices to ensure your city’s survival, just like the original. The game also introduces interesting new mechanics, such as managing trade routes and building districts that can positively or negatively affect each other based on their location. All of this is brought to life with stunning graphics and immersive sound design.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

A Plague Tale: Requiem continues the story of A Plague Tale: Innocence, again following siblings Amicia and Hugo as they journey together. This time, they head south searching for a cure to Hugo’s illness. The gameplay builds upon the first game, offering improvements and new abilities for both Amicia and Hugo during combat. Visually, A Plague Tale: Requiem is stunning, boasting incredible graphics and a beautiful art style.

The Rogue Prince of Persia

After a few months in Early Access, The Rogue Prince of Persia officially launched recently. It’s clear the developers, Evil Empire, listened closely to player feedback. The game boasts beautifully refined 2D platforming with fluid animations and a striking art style that complements its randomly generated levels. Add in quick, skill-based combat, a wide range of weapons, and an intriguing time-bending story about a prince trying to redeem himself – he accidentally caused the disaster he’s now trying to fix – and you’ve got a really enjoyable experience.

Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Middle-earth: Shadow of War greatly improves upon the original game in almost every way. It features the popular Nemesis System, letting you battle unique Orc enemies, each with distinct personalities and combat skills. When Orcs defeat you, they grow stronger, making future encounters even more challenging. The Nemesis System is a standout feature, but the game also offers an engaging story that reimagines the world of Lord of the Rings with a massive war occurring before the events of the books. The overall gameplay is a polished and refined version of the open-world action style seen in many recent games.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

In *Shadow of the Tomb Raider*, Lara Croft is on a dangerous quest for a valuable treasure. But her actions unintentionally trigger a series of events that could destroy the world, and she must now find a way to prevent it. The game features exciting and quick combat, along with opportunities for stealth – Lara can even cover herself in mud to hide! The platforming is a real highlight, and with numerous tombs to explore, *Shadow of the Tomb Raider* delivers everything you’d want in an adventure game.

Black Myth: Wukong

As a fan, I’ve been completely blown away by *Black Myth: Wukong*. It puts a really fresh spin on a familiar story, and honestly, the boss fights are some of the best I’ve ever experienced. The game is just beautiful to look at, but it’s not just about the visuals – the combat feels amazing and really responsive. What I especially loved is how each fight forces you to use every ability and item you’ve unlocked. It’s clear why it broke records on launch – it’s just a fantastic game, and honestly, everything great you’ve already heard is true!

Mafia: The Definitive Edition

The *Mafia* series has gained popularity recently with the release of *Mafia: The Old Country*, but the original *Mafia* remains a great game, especially the Definitive Edition. This updated version boasts improved gameplay, combat, and stunning visuals. The story follows Thomas Angelo, a taxi driver in Lost Haven, who gets caught up with the mob after a car chase. As he rises through the ranks of the Salieri family, the game unfolds through flashbacks as Angelo recounts his crimes to a detective. Plus, the game’s open world, set during the Great Depression, is a unique and enjoyable setting to explore.

Mad Max

When Mad Max was released, many gamers and reviewers were tired of open-world games, so it didn’t get much attention. But over the past ten years, people have come to appreciate it for its fantastic open-world design and fun gameplay. Mad Max stands out because your vehicle, the Magnum Opus, is central to your progress. You’ll spend a lot of time as Max searching for parts and plans to improve your car. The game also features exciting car combat, hand-to-hand fighting, and a variety of ranged weapons.

Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world game that brilliantly brings the world of Harry Potter to life. Set 100 years before the events in the books, you play as a new student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As you experience life as a wizarding student, you’ll also uncover a growing conflict involving goblins and rogue wizards. Any fan of Harry Potter should definitely play Hogwarts Legacy – it perfectly captures the magic and wonder of the books.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

If you’re looking for a darker fantasy RPG experience than *Skyrim*, *Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon* offers a unique take on the Arthurian legends. It features a large open world where you’ll engage in first-person combat using swords, bows, and other weapons. Beyond fighting, you can also gather resources, craft items, and enjoy relaxing activities like sketching and fishing.

Star Wars Outlaws

Star Wars Outlaws has turned things around, proving to be a surprisingly enjoyable game despite a rocky start. The developers listened to player feedback and have released numerous updates, improving everything from stealth mechanics to adding substantial new story content through two expansions. It offers a fresh way to explore the Star Wars galaxy, letting you play as someone other than a Jedi.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Okay, so as a long-time Assassin’s Creed player, I’m really excited about *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. The last couple of games, *Valhalla* and *Odyssey*, felt a little *too* big, you know? Like they were trying to fill things with stuff that wasn’t that interesting. But *Shadows* feels different – it’s really focusing on the fun stuff and making the world a blast to explore. Plus, finally, we’re going to Japan! And we get to play as two characters: Naoe, who’s all about stealth, and Yasuke, a total powerhouse. They team up to uncover what *really* happened to Oda Nobunaga, and they’re up against some early versions of the Templars, of course. It’s shaping up to be a really cool experience.

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered

Even though *Skyrim* is a great open-world RPG, its earlier game, *Oblivion*, was also incredibly well-made. Now, with the *Remastered* version, you can revisit the world of Cyrodiil and experience the start of the Oblivion Gates opening and a Daedric invasion. Beyond the main story, there are tons of side quests and different groups you can join, like the Fighters Guild or the Dark Brotherhood. You could even just become a gladiator if you prefer – the choice is yours!

Atomfall

Rebellion, the studio behind the popular *Sniper Elite* series, stepped away from its usual formula with *Atomfall*. Instead of playing as a sniper taking down Nazis in World War II, *Atomfall* puts you in a mysterious world where you have to explore, gather resources, and piece together the story yourself. Combat is still present, but it’s more challenging – you’re more vulnerable and less equipped than in a *Sniper Elite* game, so you’ll need to be strategic about which enemies you fight.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Rebellion continues to develop its *Atomfall* project, but hasn’t abandoned the popular *Sniper Elite* series. Recently released, *Sniper Elite: Resistance* introduces a new character, SOE Agent Harry Hawker, and features missions that happen alongside the events of *Sniper Elite 5*. As a spin-off title, *Sniper Elite: Resistance* builds on the established gameplay of previous games, offering improvements in everything from moment-to-moment action to overall mission design.

Firewatch

Firewatch is a story-driven adventure game with a simple premise: you play as Henry, a fire lookout at Two Forks tower. On his first day, he receives strange radio calls from an unknown source while also communicating with his supervisor at a distant tower. As things become increasingly mysterious, Henry must uncover the identity of the radio caller and learn more about his elusive supervisor, whom he hasn’t met in person. The game emphasizes exploration and unraveling the story through the environment, rather than combat, and it’s up to the player to navigate the world and discover what’s happening.

Dying Light

Even with sequels available, the original *Dying Light* remains a great game. It’s known for its excellent hand-to-hand combat and smooth parkour movement, letting you explore a zombie-infested city by running across streets and rooftops. The story is engaging too – you play as Kyle Crane, who’s been infected and races against time to find a cure. A unique day-night cycle adds to the experience: daytime is safe for exploring, but nighttime offers better rewards if you can survive encounters with incredibly dangerous zombies called Volatiles. Combined with a creative crafting system for weapons, *Dying Light* often feels like the strongest entry in the series.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

For a long time, the amazing quality of the *Ace Combat* games – both the gameplay and the stories – felt like an open secret. *Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown* introduces a new story within the *Ace Combat* world of Strangereal, focusing on a large-scale war between the Kingdom of Erusea and the Osean Foundation. The game delivers exciting, arcade-style aerial combat, featuring both realistic and fictional fighter jets.

Half-Life 2

Widely considered one of the best games of all time, *Half-Life 2* remains incredibly engaging thanks to its diverse gameplay. It offers a wide range of weapons, enemies, and level designs that still feel fresh today. The game was also groundbreaking for its physics engine, showcased brilliantly by the gravity gun. Coupled with a compelling story told subtly—without relying on cutscenes—it’s clear why *Half-Life 2* continues to be praised as a masterpiece, even in 2025.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

As a huge fan of first-person shooters, I can honestly say the *Halo* series is one of the very best. And now, thanks to *Halo: The Master Chief Collection*, we can replay almost the entire story! You start with the original *Halo: Combat Evolved* and then get to experience *Halo 2*, *Halo 3*, and even the spin-offs like *ODST* and *Halo Reach*. It even includes the beginning of what 343 Industries (now Halo Studios) did with the series, *Halo 4*. What’s really cool is you don’t just play the games normally – you can remix the levels and play through them based on themes, like all the vehicle levels or focusing on specific storylines. Honestly, *Halo: The Master Chief Collection* is the absolute best way to dive into this amazing series, flaws and all.

Monster Hunter Wilds

With stunning worlds and improved gameplay, *Monster Hunter Wilds* might be the best *Monster Hunter* game yet. While it has fewer monsters than some previous titles, the core gameplay is incredibly polished. The story is a quick and enjoyable journey through the Forbidden Lands, where you’ll help reunite a child named Nata with his family. You’ll face a variety of monsters – both new and familiar – using one of 14 different weapon types. New features like rideable mounts and the ability to switch between two weapons during combat add even more depth, making each weapon feel unique and offering a fresh experience.

Returnal

Returnal is a unique, high-quality roguelite shooter where you play as Selene, a space pilot who crash-lands on the alien planet Atropos. The game is a thrilling and visually stunning adventure as Selene tries to uncover the source of a mysterious signal, the White Shadow. However, she’s caught in a time loop – every time she dies, she relives the crash. Expect fast-paced, challenging combat with intense dodging and opportunities to upgrade your weapons. The story is compelling, drawing inspiration from mythology as Selene fights to escape Atropos.

Sleeping Dogs

Originally developed as a continuation of the *True Crime* series, *Sleeping Dogs* delivers a video game experience remarkably similar to a Hong Kong action film. You play as Wei Shen, an undercover cop tasked with dismantling a powerful triad gang from within. Gameplay is diverse and takes place in an open world, featuring everything from high-speed driving and car combat to fluid martial arts and gunfights. The game beautifully captures the atmosphere of Hong Kong, showcasing the city’s contrasts between modern commercial districts and vibrant entertainment areas.

Metro Exodus

The first two *Metro* games offered straightforward, linear experiences, but *Metro Exodus* changed things up by giving players much more freedom to explore. While not a fully open-world game, *Metro Exodus* lets you approach challenges in different ways and encourages exploration. Resources are limited, as always in the *Metro* series, so searching for supplies is key. This exploration also helps you find materials to upgrade your weapons, which you’ll need against both human and mutated enemies. The story follows Artyom, his wife Anna, and their Ranger companions as they leave the Moscow Metro and venture into the Russian wilderness aboard a train.

Gears of War: Reloaded

The original *Gears of War*, released in 2006, was groundbreaking for its graphics and improved upon the slower, turn-based shooting found in many games at the time. *Gears of War: Reloaded* demonstrates that the first game remains excellent today, offering a compelling campaign filled with exciting moments, a diverse arsenal of weapons, and significant visual enhancements that leverage modern gaming technology.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells is a standout indie game that excels in almost every way. Even basic actions like moving and exploring feel incredibly satisfying. The game boasts a huge variety of weapons and a clever progression system that rewards both skill and curiosity, making each playthrough enjoyable. Add in stunning pixel art that brings the epic boss battles to life, and a wealth of extra content, and you’ve got a side-scrolling adventure that’s hard to stop playing.

Detroit: Become Human

Quantic Dream’s games often spark debate, but *Detroit: Become Human* is widely considered their best work. The game focuses on storytelling, with players primarily engaging through conversations and crucial decisions. Set in a world where advanced androids are treated as slaves, *Detroit: Become Human* lets you experience three separate stories, each from the perspective of a different android, as you grapple with difficult moral dilemmas.

Portal 2

The original *Portal* was a unique game, especially because it focused on puzzle-solving instead of combat. It paved the way for *Portal 2*, which expanded on everything that made the first game great. *Portal 2* continues Chell’s story, picking up sometime after the original, as she tries to escape the Aperture Science facility with the help of the portal gun. The game brings back the iconic AI, GLaDOS, and introduces a new character, Wheatley. *Portal 2* also features a surprisingly rich story, revealed through exploration of the long-abandoned origins of Aperture Science – starting with its humble beginnings as a bathroom curtain company.

Outlast

I’ve played a lot of scary games where you hide and sneak around, but *Outlast* really stuck with me. What makes it so effective is that it’s based on the real and disturbing history of the MK Ultra experiments the CIA used to conduct. You play as Miles Upshur, a journalist who goes to investigate a creepy asylum called Mount Massive, hoping to uncover the truth. Of course, things go horribly wrong – the patients are all messed up from unethical experiments, and suddenly you’re just trying to survive and get out with the evidence! The game uses a night vision camera as your main way of seeing, which is awesome, but you’re constantly stressed about the battery dying. Seriously, being stuck in the dark with those guys is terrifying, so you *have* to manage your power!

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Though it’s set furthest in the future, potentially making it the closest thing to a final game in the *Metal Gear* series, *Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance* is a big change of pace. It moves away from the stealth and strategy the series is known for, and instead focuses on fast-paced, over-the-top action. You play as Raiden, now almost entirely cyborg, at the height of his abilities. Developed by PlatinumGames, *Revengeance* boasts a fantastic combat system that emphasizes both long, satisfying combos and precise parrying to create opportunities for powerful counterattacks. The game’s Zandatsu system, which lets you slice through almost anything – from enemy limbs to structural supports – makes it incredibly fun to play. Add in a wildly over-the-top story about private military companies and a comically villainous Senator, and you’ve got an action-packed thrill ride.

Resident Evil

Before the 2019 remake of *Resident Evil 2* set a new standard for remakes, the series was already praised for its reimagining of the original *Resident Evil*. First released on the GameCube in 2002, this remake later came to PC with improved graphics and other enhancements. Even today, *Resident Evil* remains a uniquely terrifying survival horror game. Its clever level design and excellent gameplay combine challenging puzzles with intense action, all while keeping players on edge with limited resources like weapons and ammunition.

Watch_Dogs 2

The first *Watch Dogs* game didn’t quite live up to expectations, falling short with its graphics, story, and characters. However, *Watch Dogs 2* was a significant improvement. Instead of a grim protagonist like Aiden Pearce, the second game features a group of energetic young adults starting their lives and unexpectedly battling a controlling government that uses advanced technology to monitor people. The main character, Marcus Holloway, is much more engaging than Pearce, and his hacker group, DedSec, embarks on a thrilling, exciting, and often moving journey to dismantle the ctOS 2.0 system.

Silent Hill f

After more than ten years, the popular *Silent Hill* series is back, starting with last year’s impressive remake of *Silent Hill 2*. Now, a brand new story, *Silent Hill f*, has been released. Set in 1960s Japan, the game follows Hinako, a schoolgirl struggling with family issues who seeks comfort in her friends. But when a strange fog descends on her town of Ebisugaoka, she finds herself in a fight for survival. While *Silent Hill f* features more action than previous games, it still delivers the chilling atmosphere and scares that fans expect from the series.

Dying Light: The Beast

The latest installment in the *Dying Light* series, *The Beast*, is being praised as a return to the core strengths of the original game. While *Dying Light 2 Stay Human* was successful, the developers at Techland recognized it had strayed from what made the first *Dying Light* special. *The Beast* continues Kyle Crane’s story after the events of *The Following*, and offers even better parkour movement, along with enhanced melee and ranged combat. All of this is set within a new, diverse open world filled with varied zombie enemies and environments to discover.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a complete remake of a beloved classic RPG, bringing it to life in full 3D. It’s the first game in the sprawling Trails series and follows Estelle Bright and her brother Joshua as they begin their careers as bracers – members of a peacekeeping organization striving to climb the ranks. The Trails series is extensive, but full of great stories, and this remake is the perfect place to start your adventure.

Blue Prince

Puzzle games, particularly those made by independent developers, come in many different forms. But Blue Prince truly stands out. The game traps you in a strange mansion called Mt. Holly, where the layout constantly changes. You explore the mansion by choosing which room to enter through each door, adding a unique twist to the gameplay. Blue Prince features a variety of puzzles as you search for the elusive Room 46. Just when you think you’re making progress, the house reshuffles every morning! It’s the kind of game you can play for a quick 15 minutes or lose yourself in for hours as you try to unravel the mysteries of Mt. Holly and find your way out.

Commandos: Origins

Okay, so the *Commandos* series is a classic for a reason, right? And the newest one, *Commandos: Origins*, totally proves that this style of gameplay still holds up today. It’s a prequel, taking you back to the very beginning of the original crew’s story in World War 2. The maps are all new and really challenging, and they’ve updated the graphics to make everything look great. You’ll be using every skill and ability your commandos have to complete a ton of different objectives – it really keeps you on your toes!

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2025-10-06 17:21