It is often felt that discovering new games becomes harder as one grows older. The sheer volume of releases can overwhelm even dedicated players. Finding those truly special titles among countless options often requires careful curation. The video above offers an excellent starting point for this very quest. It provides a curated list of top-tier recommendations for modern PC games.
This selection goes beyond mere popularity. These are experiences that resonate deeply with game critics. They are staff picks, born from extensive internal debate. This list highlights games from the last decade. It focuses on unique experiences that truly stand out. These titles represent innovation and compelling storytelling. Exploring these recommendations can greatly enrich any gamer’s library.
Unforgettable Modern PC Games to Experience
The world of PC gaming offers immense diversity. From vast online universes to intimate narrative journeys, choices abound. Some titles redefine their genres entirely. Others perfect existing formulas with masterful execution. Here is a deeper dive into some of the most highly recommended modern PC games. These selections ensure memorable and engaging playtimes for enthusiasts.
1. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
This game is often cited as a monumental comeback story. Final Fantasy XIV was notably relaunched after a challenging initial release. It has since become a leading massively multiplayer online game. Its narrative has evolved from simple good-versus-evil. The story now spans a political and fantastical epic. The latest expansion, Shadowbringers, delivers deep character arcs. It also features a self-contained story of exceptional quality. This narrative rivals the best single-player Final Fantasy experiences.
Playing with others is not mandatory for story progression. Square Enix meticulously streamlined the solo experience. Story missions are designed for individual play. Instanced dungeons can even be tackled with AI companions. This feature welcomes players wary of online interactions. However, a fully fleshed MMO experience awaits dedicated players. Endgame raiding offers both accessible and brutally punishing challenges. This duality makes Final Fantasy XIV truly exceptional for all playstyles.
2. Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium stands as a genre-bending masterpiece. It reinvents traditional computer role-playing game mechanics. The game successfully transplants Dungeons and Dragons’ dice rolls. Its deep dialogue options find new life in a gritty noir setting. Players inhabit a down-and-out detective solving a murder. However, the true reward lies in the journey. The world is ludicrously detailed and filled with unique characters. It is driven by some of the finest writing in gaming history.
The game offers truly original gameplay choices. Players can debate 24 different sections of their own brain. Each section represents a distinct skill or trait. This internal conflict shapes the narrative profoundly. Playing Disco Elysium feels remarkably fresh. It is unlike almost anything else available on PC today. Its innovative storytelling and unique mechanics ensure a lasting impression.
3. Nier: Automata
The existence of Nier: Automata itself feels like an anomaly. Director Yoko Taro’s prior game, Nier (2010), was not a commercial success. Yet, it cultivated a passionate, devoted fanbase. Nier: Automata capitalizes on its predecessor’s foundation. It improves upon earlier failures while expanding successes. The game masterfully blends hardcore and fluid combat. Bullet hell shoot-’em-up segments are seamlessly integrated. Visual novel stylings further enrich the experience. Everything coalesces into a truly unique artistic statement.
A frustrating PC port initially plagued the game. Fans diligently fixed it with the essential FAR mod. Despite this, Nier: Automata’s depth endures. Its philosophical ponderings on humanity and existence captivate players. The game also finds humor amidst its profound themes. Each significant story moment is underscored by a haunting soundtrack. Composer Keiichi Okabe delivers an incredible auditory experience. Experiencing its multiple endings—A, B, C, D, and E—is crucial. This layered narrative structure achieves something rarely seen in games.
4. XCOM 2
XCOM 2 elevates its predecessor’s tactical combat. XCOM: Enemy Unknown laid a brilliant foundation. The War of the Chosen expansion further refines this experience. Players navigate a constant threat of permanent soldier death. Every decision made carries significant weight. The game brilliantly reverses the original premise. Instead of defending Earth, XCOM is a guerrilla force. They attempt to liberate the planet from alien occupation. This shift intensifies the desperate struggle.
This sequel is notably bigger and deeper. It introduces more powerful soldier classes and equipment. New alien types add complexity to encounters. A huge focus on replayability is evident. Procedurally generated maps prevent predictable tactical missions. Frequent random events on the strategic map shake up planning. Modding support further extends its longevity. XCOM 2 ensures endless tactical challenges for players.
5. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V presents an incredibly detailed open world. Its sprawling map remains an industry benchmark. Other open-world games continue to aspire to its standard. The environment is not just large; it is incredibly dense. Excellent content fills every corner of Los Santos. This includes the campaign’s driving, shooting, and three-protagonist story. Numerous side activities also offer diversions. The city bustles with sights, sounds, and constant activity. Its seedy underbelly is authentically depicted. There is always something to do, explore, or interact with. Both single-player and Grand Theft Auto Online provide immense value. Creative tools further expand player possibilities. The game is truly amazing on multiple levels. It becomes even more insane with community-made mods.
6. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
Divinity: Original Sin 2’s Definitive Edition has secured its place. It is considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made. The game flawlessly blends classic CRPG elements. More modern mechanics and design principles are also integrated. It manages to feel both old and new simultaneously. The sequel improved its already incredible combat systems. Systems were deepened while clunkier bits were smoothed out. The AI was introduced with notable intelligence. An overwhelming amount of content is available for players. Six different origin characters are offered. Custom tags allow for personalized characters. Over 74,000 lines of fully voiced dialogue immerse players. This massive RPG ensures countless hours of replay value.
7. Slay the Spire
Variety is paramount in roguelike games. Slay the Spire excels in this aspect. Its constantly changing decks of ability cards keep gameplay fresh. Powerful relics offer game-altering bonuses. Four drastically different playable characters provide diverse strategies. These elements keep turn-based battles engaging for extended periods. Watching character attacks, defenses, and skills evolve is a core joy. This progression occurs across its three chapters. Finishing a run can feel bittersweet. The unique combination of cards may never be seen again. However, the possibility of an even better combination is enticing. This makes hitting the “new game” button almost irresistible. Randomized daily climbs offer fresh challenges for veteran players every day.
8. Half-Life: Alyx
Valve’s return to the Half-Life universe was long awaited. This first entry in 13 years reminded players of the series’ innovation. Half-Life: Alyx has set a new standard for VR shooters. The original Half-Life pioneered storytelling without camera control. Half-Life 2 established physics-based puzzles and combat. Alyx continues this legacy of groundbreaking design. Its full-length campaign is a horrifying battle. Combine soldiers, zombies, and headcrabs present constant threats. Three-dimensional puzzles challenge player ingenuity. Even reloading a weapon becomes a desperate struggle for survival. The fantastic ending, without spoilers, made the lengthy wait feel justified. This game is a must-play for virtual reality enthusiasts.
9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Deep, lengthy RPGs are a cherished PC gaming staple. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt provides an enormous amount of sophisticated content. Its massive open-world areas impress greatly. Both scope and density are exceptionally high. These areas are generously dotted with great monsters. Tantalizing mysteries are waiting to be solved. Personal stories unfold across the vast landscape. The Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions are essential. They further enrich an already epic experience. This game represents one of gaming history’s most impressive productions. Reams of excellently written dialogue are performed by a stellar voice cast. An incredible original soundtrack complements the journey. Its graphics are both a technical and artistic achievement. The Witcher 3 is a benchmark for the open-world RPG genre.
10. Portal 2
Portal 2 secures the top spot for its final year on this list. It is about to age out of the “last decade” window (launched in 2011). No other game in the past ten years has achieved so much. Its impeccable level design is legendary. The charming personality of its characters captivates players. Exceptional and varied puzzle systems challenge the mind. Players feel smarter just by progressing through its levels. A separate co-op campaign demands collaborative thinking. This makes it one of the best multiplayer experiences. Valve consistently creates games with timeless designs. Portal 2 built upon its brilliant predecessor. It added to the mind-bending puzzles and world-building. It feels as clever and unique in 2020 as it did at launch. If Portal 2 has never been played, it should be the top gaming priority. It remains a masterclass in puzzle design for modern PC games.
