Video games have evolved significantly since their inception, with the personal computer playing a pivotal role in shaping the industry into the colossal entity it is today. The allure of PC gaming lies in its remarkable flexibility, allowing for diverse hardware configurations and extensive modability. Gamers appreciate the ability to push both hardware and software to their limits, resulting in visually stunning experiences. Moreover, the platform boasts nearly 40 years of backwards compatibility, enabling players to enjoy countless titles from the past, often with just a few adjustments.
In celebration of this rich history, we present a curated selection of the best PC games of all time, as determined by their Metacritic scores—an aggregate of professional reviews that encapsulate the critical reception of each title.
Disco Elysium
Score: 97/100
Regarded as a pinnacle of narrative design, Disco Elysium immerses players in the role of an amnesiac detective navigating a complex murder mystery. The game offers a plethora of choices and outcomes, showcasing some of the sharpest writing in the medium.
Half-Life 2
Score: 96/100
Half-Life 2 remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its innovative physics and captivating storytelling. Over two decades later, it continues to captivate players, leaving them yearning for a sequel that has yet to materialize.
Grand Theft Auto 5
Score: 96/100
GTA 5 stands as a monumental achievement in gaming, boasting millions of daily players engaged in its expansive online world. Its single-player narrative is equally compelling, featuring three dynamic characters and Rockstar’s signature wit.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Score: 96/100
After an extensive period in Steam Early Access, Baldur’s Gate 3 emerged as a masterclass in role-playing games, continually refined by community feedback. Its depth and ongoing updates solidify its status as one of the greatest RPGs ever created.
BioShock
Score: 96/100
A player firing a machine gun at a Big Daddy in a promotional screenshot for BioShock.
2K Games
The BioShock series has garnered acclaim since its inception, with the original game often hailed as one of the greatest ever made. It masterfully blends first-person shooting with action-adventure elements, offering stunning art direction and an engaging morality system.
Persona 5 Royal
Score: 95/100
Persona 5 Royal epitomizes the essence of modern turn-based RPGs, following a group of teens confronting supernatural challenges. The game ingeniously balances dungeon exploration with a calendar-based social life, rewarding strategic planning with gameplay advantages.
Portal 2
Score: 95/100
With its innovative puzzle design, Portal 2 builds upon the mechanics of its predecessor, delivering a captivating narrative filled with humor and memorable performances. The co-op mode adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it a must-play experience.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Score: 94/100
Skyrim marked a watershed moment for the Elder Scrolls series, propelling it to unprecedented heights of popularity. This action RPG offers vast replayability and extensive modding options on PC, ensuring its place in the hearts of gamers for years to come.
Mass Effect 2
Score: 94/100
Mass Effect 2 stands out as a hallmark of storytelling in gaming, offering a shorter but impactful experience compared to its predecessor. The game culminates in one of the most memorable endings in video game history, making it essential for any RPG enthusiast.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 2
Score: 94/100
As a cornerstone of PC gaming, Civilization 2 exemplifies the enduring appeal of strategy games. While subsequent entries have introduced significant changes, Civ 2 remains a refined classic that continues to resonate with players, despite its limited availability on modern platforms.
