PC Games have offered some of the most influential experiences in video game history, and this ranking highlights some of the highest-rated titles that left a mark in their respective genres. These games have set the bar for those that came after, so let’s rank the best PC games of all time.
NOTE: This article was last updated on March 27, 2026. We’ll update this list quarterly.
Honorable Mentions
Credits: Blizzard Entertainment
Credits: Relic Entertainment
Credits: Blizzard Entertainment
Credits: Ubisoft
Credits: id Software
I. Diablo
The original Diablo from Blizzard North was a groundbreaking ARPG for its time. Released in 1997, it’s one of the best PC games of all time, thanks to its exceptional gameplay, addictive multiplayer, splendid visuals, replay value, randomized quests, and enemies.
II. Company of Heroes
Relic Entertainment’s Company of Heroes for PC is a 2006 real-time strategy masterpiece, offering a cinematic yet bleak WWII experience. Terrific sound design, visuals, physics-based RTS gameplay, and an emotional narrative about sacrifice make Company of Heroes a generational PC title.
III. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is not only a stellar real-time strategy game that defined the genre in the 2010s, but it’s also hailed as one of the greatest video games of all time. It takes the overall gameplay, mechanics, and storytelling to greater heights while retaining the formula of the original. When it comes to RTS games on PC, it hardly gets any better than StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty.
IV. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Widely regarded as Sam Fisher’s best outing, Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory from Ubisoft is a stealthy treat on PC. It’s a masterful amalgamation of tight stealth mechanics, an intense espionage story, clever NPCs, and realistic visuals that still hold up despite its 21-year age. Unquestionably one of Ubisoft’s finest games ever and a rewarding stealth offering on PC.
V. Quake
id Software’s journey to create the best FPS games on PC led to the creation of Quake, a spiritual successor to Doom, building upon its foundations to offer a unique sci-fi and fantasy experience. With real-time 3D rendering, it was an upgrade over its predecessor, elevated further by fast-paced gameplay, sound design, and visceral violence.
25. Minecraft
Relax, survive, and explore a world of your own creation! | Credits: Mojang Studios
PC Metascore: 93
When Mojang launched its sandbox survival game Minecraft in 2011, it took the world by storm, and not without reason. It’s undoubtedly the ultimate 3D sandbox experience, allowing players to mine blocks inside a pixelated world and build anything that they can imagine. It’s relaxing, peaceful, and one of the finest PC games of all time.
Only a handful of PC games can come close to the standards of the sandbox set by Minecraft, and with so much to do, the world is virtually limitless. You’re the author of this story, and you can simultaneously cherish it as you lay down the building blocks of your next steps. If you ever need a calming distraction on PC, Minecraft is always there to help.
24. Team Fortress 2
A must-play multiplayer FPS! | Credits: Valve
PC Metascore: 92
Despite its 2007 launch, Valve’s multiplayer FPS Team Fortress 2 still has a player base, and it has become legendary in the gaming community. Team Fortress 2 remains a staple in the multiplayer space, thanks to various exciting game modes, humorous characters, an iconic art direction, stylised presentation, and class-based, distinctive gunplay.
Nine different classes offer diverse tactical prowess, and paired with hundreds of weapons to find, purchase, and trade, there’s no limit to the fun one can have. The best part? Team Fortress 2 is completely free, so playing one of the greatest PC games of all time without spending a dime is one of life’s greatest blessings.
23. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
This is Call of Duty at its best! | Credits: Infinity Ward
PC Metascore: 92
The golden age of Call of Duty began in 2007 with Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare on PC. It may not have been a genre-defining or revolutionizing title, but it perfected the Call of Duty formula in a complete package, with an exceptional single-player story and multiplayer experience. It was nothing short of mind-blowing.
It introduced characters like John “Soap” McTavish and Captain Price, who went on to become gaming legends, in an action-packed globe-trotting campaign that hits hard even to this day. Both the multiplayer and the campaign were influential, inspiring all that came after within the genre. There’s no doubt that this is one of the greatest games available on PC.
22. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Welcome to San Andreas with CJ from Grove Street! | Credits: Rockstar Games
PC Metascore: 93
Upon its release, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas became a sensation within the gaming community in 2004, and more than two decades later, it remains one of the greatest titles ever produced by Rockstar Games on PC. There’s only a handful of games like it that realize the promise of living, exploring, and breathing expansive new worlds via video games.
Carl Johnson’s story about gang corruption, drugs, and crime with the Grove Street Gang is still unforgettable and one of the best narratives Rockstar Games has developed. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas’ impact still lives on, whether through the game itself, memes, the memorable quotes or its various controversies. It’s definitely a must-play if you own a PC.
21. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Become one with the Force! | Credits: BioWare
PC Metascore: 93
BioWare’s RPGs rarely miss the mark, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is undoubtedly one of the studio’s strongest offerings. It’s a quintessential RPG with innovative gameplay mechanics, a distinct combat system, huge explorable worlds, and exceptional presentation, elevated by the classic Star Wars charm that fans know and love.
Depending on whether you’re a Jedi walking on a righteous path or a Sith going against it, your choices will have severe outcomes. The Star Wars magic bleeds through every mission in KOTOR, and it’ll keep you on the edge of your seat for your entire playtime. Widely regarded as one of the greatest PC games of all time, only time will tell if the remake can match the 2003 original’s essence.
20. Divinity: Original Sin II
Before Divinity, this is what you should be playing on PC! | Credits: Larian Studios
PC Metascore: 93
Not only is Larian Studios’ Divinity: Original Sin II one of the greatest modern RPGs, but it’s also one of the best PC games of all time. Designed in the spirit of old CRPGs, Divinity: Original Sin II successfully expands on it and offers a flexible experience with satisfying combat and a tightly-knit story that will keep you addicted.
Divinity: Original Sin II has stood the test of time since its 2017 release, and still rivals the RPGs of today, even towering over some of them. Sure, this game will test your patience in terms of learning the game mechanics and following the enriching narrative, but if you invest your time in it, it’s going to be a game you keep coming back to on PC for years to come.
19. Sid Meier’s Civilization IV
There’s no limit to your control! | Credits: Firaxis Games
PC Metascore: 94
In the turn-based strategy department, only a few titles come close to the greatness of Sid Meier’s Civilization IV, developed by Firaxis Games. Featuring impressive 3D graphics, the ability to cultivate and construct your own civilization with ridiculous detail for a 2005 title, and new ways to expand your territory, the fourth instalment in the series is a certified must-play.
Whether it’s building infrastructure, investing in your military units or pursuing diplomacy, Sid Meier’s Civilization IV works like a large-scale strategic puzzle box, and the pieces are yours to create and fit. It’s a treat for longtime fans of the iconic series and welcoming to newcomers as well, so if you haven’t tried this out yet, you’re missing out on an exemplary PC game.
18. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Toss a coin to your Witcher! | Credits: CD Projekt Red
PC Metascore: 93
CD Projekt Red’s conclusion to Geralt’s trilogy, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, is a breathtaking RPG that deservedly won the 2015 Game of the Year award. Legendary monster hunter for hire Geralt of Rivia’s biggest outing follows his search for the Child of Prophecy, Ciri, and it’s brutal, addictive, and consistently engaging throughout.
The Continent’s ambitious open world is overflowing with activities and events to participate in, quests to complete, monsters to slay, and lively NPCs to interact with, leading to meaningful choices and long-term consequences. All of this combined makes The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt one of the best PC games ever.
17. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Once a classic, always a classic! | Credits: Bethesda Game Studios
PC Metascore: 94
The original The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion from Bethesda was ahead of its time, thanks to the large, explorable open world of Cyrodiil, satisfying gameplay mechanics, unrestricted player agency, allowing you to mould your own journey, and reactive NPCs, ultimately resulting in the creation of one of the best PC games of all time.
Morrowind was already an astonishing RPG, but Oblivion took everything to the next level in 2006, becoming a cornerstone of open-world role-playing titles. It’s easy to spend hours completing quests, helping NPCs, or discovering the mystery behind Oblivion, making it a must-play for PC players around the globe.
16. Red Dead Redemption 2
You’re beyond redemption if you haven’t played this yet on PC! | Credits: Rockstar Games
PC Metascore: 93
It wouldn’t be the greatest PC games of all time list without Red Dead Redemption 2 in it. Rockstar Games’ 2018 cowboy adventure is its most immersive experience yet. Whether you’re taking down Pinkertons, hunting legendary animals, completing the story, exploring Saint Denis, or playing poker and blackjack, no other game has delivered this level of immersion.
The living, breathing open world in Red Dead Redemption 2 is further amplified by the attention to detail and the interactivity. Another thing that deserves a mention is the stellar narrative and the outstanding voice acting, which breathe life into Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang, trying to escape the law during the decline of the outlaws and the Wild West.
15. Elden Ring
One of the finest Souls games on PC! | Credits: FromSoftware
PC Metascore: 94
2022 Game of the Year winner Elden Ring deserves all its flowers. FromSoftware upped the ante and created a Souls experience so special that it stands head and shoulders above other open-world games. Both challenging and grand, Elden Ring immerses you in its fantasy world and rewards you. There’s no hand-holding in this, which makes the experience more satisfying.
Whether you’re a power-hungry Tarnished seeking legendary armaments and hunting all those who stand before the Elden Ring or an eccentric explorer traversing through Limgrave, Caelid, and more, you’ll fall in love with this game in whatever you do. Even after hours of gameplay, there’s going to be something waiting for you in The Lands Between.
14. BioShock Infinite
This is what video games are for! | Credits: Irrational Games
PC Metascore: 94
It’s no shock that 2K’s BioShock Infinite has made this list. Developed by Irrational Games, BioShock Infinite took no time in becoming an all-timer upon its release in 2013, and more than a decade later, it’s still one of the greatest video game stories ever told. One can’t simply miss this must-play experience on PC.
Calling it a mere first-person shooter would be a disgrace, although it does excel in that department, but that’s not the point. The game’s core strength lies in the story taking place in the flying city of Columbia, dealing with heavy themes like religion and racism, while also offering an exhilarating FPS experience. If you’re playing on PC for the first time, cherish it.
13. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Enjoy your stay in the 1980s! | Credits: Rockstar Games
PC Metascore: 94
Rockstar Games’ impressive resume is further elevated by its 2002 open-world classic Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, a neon-drenched window into the 1980s seen through the eyes of Tommy Vercetti. His rise through the criminal underworld is filled with cinematic set pieces, memorable moments, and humorous characters, all hallmarks of Rockstar’s storytelling.
With the freedom to explore and engage at your own pace, the feeling of riding through the well-designed open world of Vice City is unmatched. A multitude of side activities, missions, and minigames make GTA: Vice City endlessly replayable and now’s the best time to revisit one of the best PC games ever before Vice City returns in GTA 6.
12. Mass Effect 2
An iconic sci-fi experience on PC! | Credits: BioWare
PC Metascore: 94
Despite launching in 2010, BioWare’s sci-fi ARPG Mass Effect 2 is still a masterpiece and one of the best PC games of all time. It significantly improves almost every aspect of its predecessor, from refined gameplay to compelling characters, including Commander Shepard, to exceptional atmosphere and visuals.
While an excellent RPG and a fantastic third-person shooter, Mass Effect 2‘s storytelling remains a highlight of the series, with interactions and choices that have meaningful outcomes. Its cinematic presentation will blow you away, and not only is it one of the highest-rated titles ever, but it’s also one of the finest PC games you’ll ever play.
11. Persona 5 Royal
An upgraded version of a larger-than-life RPG! | Credits: ATLUS
PC Metascore: 95
In 2022, ATLUS launched an enhanced version of Persona 5 on PC, titled Royal, and it was an instant hit. Featuring the complete base game, all DLC, and new content for players to unwrap, Persona 5 Royal is undeniably the definitive way to experience the award-winning RPG.
The Phantom Thieves of Hearts’ journey, led by Joker, is unforgettable in all regards and the game’s stylish art direction, engaging turn-based combat, and signature social simulation elements transform Persona 5 Royal into one of the greatest PC games of all time. It’s incredibly easy to lose 100s of hours in it as the vast open world of Tokyo is packed with events to discover.
10. Hades II
Perhaps the finest roguelike dungeon-crawler you’ll play! | Credits: Supergiant Games
PC Metascore: 94
Hades II somehow topped its brilliant predecessor, Hades, in every single aspect. Supergiant Games unleashed a roguelike beast in 2025 with this game. It’s unique enough to feel like a new experience, but it keeps Supergiant’s original charm so as not to alienate fans and goes full throttle in every department. It’s the ultimate dungeon-crawler you’ll play on PC.
From its spectacular art style, captivating performances, to its insane addictive gameplay, you’ll feel right at home in Hell when playing Hades II. And the best part is, even after investing hundreds of hours exploring the Underworld, defying Gods, and collecting Boons, you still won’t get bored. There’s no excuse for a PC player not to have this in their library already, it’s that good.
9. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Bethesda’s RPG prowess is on full display! | Credits: Bethesda Game Studios
PC Metascore: 94
When it comes to ranking the greatest PC games of all time, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim must secure a spot on the list. Winner of more than 200 GOTY awards, this 2011 RPG from Bethesda remains the studio’s magnum opus (until The Elder Scrolls VI), and you can spend more than 100 hours in the world of Skyrim without getting bored.
Simply put, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has all the correct recipes in its ambitious cookbook for an unparalleled RPG experience: an epic narrative with the Dragonborn as the protagonist, a massive open world of Skyrim saturated with quests and activities, and intricate yet satisfying mechanics that’ll hook you once you’re finally awake.
8. Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn
Allow this RPG to change your life! | Credits: Beamdog/BioWare
PC Metascore: 95
Back in 2000, BioWare developed one of the most sensational RPGs on PC with Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn. It delivers an authentic D&D experience through its isometric perspective and rich world. The tight story is filled with engaging quests and characters with unique personalities, not to mention the freedom of approach.
With the ability to shape your own adventure and a lively world teeming with possibilities, Shadows of Amn is one of those games that’ll completely consume you. A deep and layered RPG experience, Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn was an achievement upon release, and it has aged like fine wine.
7. Portal 2
The only bad thing about Portal 2 is that it ends! | Credits: Valve
PC Metascore: 95
Valve has never missed with their single-player offerings, especially with their sequels, and that doesn’t change with Portal 2. Rarely do you find a game this hilarious, this witty, and this rich in detail, but Valve has done it again, as they always have. This 2011 mind-bending puzzle-solving platformer is a fantastic experience from start to finish.
It evolves the concept of the original Portal in ways beyond imagination, and offers an excellent platforming experience that will satisfy not only ardent fans of the original but also newcomers to the series. With a tremendous story, environment design, and mechanics, Portal 2 is simply one of the greatest games you’ll ever play on PC. There’s nothing like it.
6. BioShock
Anyone on PC with the slightest interest in gaming should dive into BioShock! | Credits: 2K
PC Metascore: 96
When they say BioShock is a shooter unlike any you’ve ever played on PC, they’re telling the truth. It’s unbelievably immersive, thrilling, intense, confusing, amusing and extremely dark. Not only is the story bleak and forces you to make tough decisions, but it will also move you and show you what a true masterpiece looks and plays like.
2K’s story-rich first-person shooter is a technical masterpiece that holds up even to this day, nearly two decades after its 2007 release. It’s not your run-of-the-mill first-person shooter, and that’s a very good thing. Drenched in 1950s art design, the craftsmanship that went into realizing the Rapture and immersing players is worthy of admiration. It’s one of the finest games you’ll ever play, period.
5. Grand Theft Auto V
You’ll move to Los Santos for more than just the weather! | Credits: Rockstar Games
PC Metascore: 96
Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto V remains an evergreen open-world game that you’ll go back to over and over again. It’ll be easier to count players who haven’t played Grand Theft Auto V than those who have, and there’s a multitude of reasons for that. From the hilarious story, rich open world, and electric soundtrack to the addictive gameplay loop, everything is top-notch.
Juggling three protagonists is easier said than done, but Rockstar Games pulled it off successfully with Michael, Trevor, and Franklin in a masterful story about corruption and crime. Grand Theft Auto 5 is a timeless classic and holds up more than a decade after its 2013 release. Before Grand Theft Auto VI arrives, boot this up on your PC and fall in love with Los Santos.
4. Baldur’s Gate 3
Undeniably one of the greatest RPGs ever made! | Credits: Larian Studios
PC Metascore: 96
There’s only a single game that offers an authentic D&D experience on PC, and that’s Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3. This game dives into the rich and expansive history of the D&D franchise and excels at presenting it through the video game medium. It’s no surprise that this game won the Game of the Year award in 2023.
Addictive gameplay, stellar characters, brilliant writing and an immersive world will draw you in quicker than you can boot up your PC. While the sheer amount of content, lore, and the world itself can be overwhelming at first, the more hours you put into Baldur’s Gate 3, the more it’ll become your definitive standard for how an RPG should be.
3. Half-Life
The right game on the right PC can make all the difference! | Credits: Valve
PC Metascore: 96
One of life’s greatest pleasures of owning a PC is getting to play the Half-Life series, starting with Valve’s original Half-Life, released in 1998. This game is special; it revolutionized the entire genre and set a golden standard of how video games should be. Half-Life almost feels like an interactive movie with how immersive and alive the world feels.
Valve blends action and adventure with new technologies to create a terrifyingly realistic world with brilliant characters. From the storyline, gameplay, writing, to the sound effects, Half-Life is nothing short of a video game miracle. Gordon Freeman being mute only adds to the game’s immersion and ambience. It’s without a doubt the best PC game you’ll ever play.
2. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
A rich and non-traditional RPG! | Credits: ZA/UM
PC Metascore: 97
PC games don’t get much better than Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, an unconventional 2021 RPG from ZA/UM following a troubled detective struggling to solve a murder while figuring out his own identity and the world around him. Focusing more on a unique skill system and dialogue instead of combat, Disco Elysium is one of the most unique PC games you’ll ever experience.
The Final Cut not only includes the base game but also new content and full voice work that brings the characters to life, making the investigations more immersive. It’s a true work of art, with a mesmerising painterly art style, clever gameplay, unparalleled freedom of choice, and satisfying progression.
1. Half-Life 2
Credits: Valve
Credits: Valve
Credits: Valve
Credits: Valve
Credits: Valve
PC Metascore: 96
Remember how we said Valve never missed with their single-player offerings, especially with their sequels? Half-Life 2 is the prime example of that statement. Rarely does a sequel absolutely wash its exceptional predecessor, but Half-Life 2 did. Yet again, Valve revolutionized the genre in 2004 and took video game pleasure to brand new heights.
The physics-based environment, the tight storytelling, gorgeous environment and the snappy gunplay, whether it’s with the Gravity Gun or Gordon Freeman’s iconic crowbar, there’s barely anything to dislike in Half-Life 2. Everything about this game is remarkable, and if you have a PC with a knack for quality gaming, Half-Life 2 will blow your mind.
Best PC Games by Category
The best in their respective categories on PC! | Credits: Rockstar Games
Take a look at some of the best this list has to offer, picked according to specific categories on PC:
Best Open World: Red Dead Redemption 2
Best RPG: Baldur’s Gate 3
Best Story: Half-Life 2
Best Indie: Hades II
Best Platformer: Portal 2
Most Anticipated Upcoming PC Games
Are you ready for what’s in store? | Credits: IO Interactive
The majority of 2026 is still left, which means more games to look forward to on PC:
Pragmata – April 17, 2026
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight – May 22, 2026
007 First Light – May 27, 2026
Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls – August 6, 2026
Phantom Blade: Zero – September 9, 2026
Silent Hill: Townfall – 2026
RANKINGGAME1Half-Life 22Disco Elysium: The Final Cut3Half-Life4Baldur’s Gate 35Grand Theft Auto V6BioShock7Portal 28Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn9The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim10Hades II11Persona 5 Royal12Mass Effect 213Grand Theft Auto: Vice City14BioShock Infinite15Elden Ring16Red Dead Redemption 217The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion18The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt19Sid Meier’s Civilization IV20Divinity: Original Sin II21Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic22Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas23Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare24Team Fortress 225Minecraft
Do PC exclusives exist?
Yes, PC does have its fair share of exclusives. Half-Life, Portal, and Team Fortress 2 are some of the best examples.
Does PC have a subscription service like PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass?
No, PC does not have a dedicated subscription service. However, subscription services do exist on PC, like EA Play and PC Game Pass, etc.
Do PC games have next-gen versions?
No, PC games do not have separate next-gen versions. The games that launch on PC are already the most technologically advanced versions, featuring unlocked FPS, Path Tracing, etc.
Can you play multiplayer games on PC with players on other platforms?
Yes, games that support cross-play allow you to play with players on other platforms from your PC.
So, what are your favorite PC games of all time? Let us know your thoughts and opinions on this list in the comment section below.
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