20 best PC games to play right now

December 6, 2024

Created by the talented team behind Gris, Neva invites players into a poignant adventure game that explores themes of survival, nature, and loss. In this immersive world, the protagonist must deftly navigate the fine line between life and death, presenting a unique challenge that requires maintaining a delicate equilibrium. Players will encounter deeply emotional narratives set against atmospheric landscapes, emphasizing exploration and intricate puzzles. The storytelling resonates profoundly, reflecting a powerful journey through both personal and natural tragedies.

Neva (photo: Engadget)

Alan Wake 2, developed by Remedy Entertainment, is a psychological survival horror game that serves as a direct sequel to the acclaimed 2010 title. This installment features two compelling protagonists: Alan Wake, a writer ensnared in a nightmarish realm, and FBI agent Saga Anderson, who investigates a series of enigmatic murders in the town of Bright Falls. With a darker tone, the game introduces complex puzzles and survival mechanics that expand upon the gameplay established in its predecessor.

Alan Wake 2 (photo: Engadget)

Balatro offers a fresh take on poker, transforming the familiar card game into a multifaceted experience. With special decks, magical tarot cards, and whimsical jokers, each hand becomes a vibrant spectacle. In this reimagined version, a higher card can yield more points than a royal flush, and the outcomes of individual hands can soar to astronomical values. Yet, a single joker swap can dramatically alter the stakes, reducing totals to mere thousands.

Balatro (photo: Engadget)

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes presents a surreal adventure that intertwines puzzle-solving with visual storytelling. Players step into the shoes of Lorelei, embarking on a journey through a mysterious world filled with strange locales and intriguing mysteries. The game emphasizes exploration and environmental puzzles, showcasing a distinctive aesthetic and a narrative rich with unexpected twists.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes (photo: Engadget)

Cult of the Lamb, crafted by Massive Monster, is a rogue-like game that blends dark humor with quirky charm. Players assume the role of a lamb saved from death by a mysterious entity, tasked with building a cult and cultivating a devoted following. This game masterfully combines action, resource management, and base-building mechanics within a captivating yet eerie atmosphere, making it a standout title in the indie gaming landscape.

Cult of the Lamb (photo: Engadget)

Hades II, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Hades, is developed by Supergiant Games. This roguelike action game follows Melinoë, the sister of Zagreus, as she embarks on a quest to overthrow Kronos. Retaining its dynamic combat and rich storytelling, the sequel introduces new gods, enemies, and mechanics, further enriching the mythological universe established by its predecessor. Players will encounter unique challenges, characters, and narratives while navigating ever-changing dungeons.

Hades II (photo: Engadget)

Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco, immerses players in an expansive open-world action RPG set in a dark fantasy universe. The game offers vast exploration opportunities, dynamic combat, and a complex storyline, allowing for deep character customization. As players traverse this enchanting yet perilous world, they will face formidable foes and powerful bosses while unraveling the mysteries of the Elden Ring.

Elden Ring (photo: Engadget)

Still Wakes the Deep is a narrative-driven horror game from The Chinese Room, known for their evocative storytelling in titles like Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture. Set on an oil rig in the North Sea, the protagonist confronts a terrifying ordeal following an oil spill that triggers a series of horrifying events. Players navigate a dark, atmospheric environment, uncovering a narrative that delves into psychological and supernatural horror elements.

Still Wakes the Deep (photo: Engadget)

Rollerdrome, developed by Rofast, combines fast-paced third-person shooting with roller-skating mechanics in a dystopian future. Players control Kara Hassan, a competitor in a deadly sport that fuses skating with gunfights. The game delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience filled with tricks, combat, and acrobatics, all wrapped in a distinct 1970s retro-futuristic aesthetic, earning praise for its innovative gameplay.

Rollerdrome (photo: Engadget)

Tunic invites players to control a small fox exploring a mysterious world teeming with puzzles, secrets, and formidable enemies. Drawing inspiration from The Legend of Zelda, the game artfully blends exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, featuring a cryptic language that players must decipher to unlock the mechanics of its enchanting world. With its stunning art design and sense of discovery, Tunic captivates players as they unveil hidden lore and abilities.

Tunic (photo: Engadget)

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, developed by Deconstructeam, immerses players in an interactive experience where they embody a witch exiled to an asteroid. The gameplay revolves around crafting tarot cards that shape the destinies of the protagonist and other inhabitants, merging card creation with storytelling. With hand-drawn illustrations and a compelling narrative, the game explores themes of fate, free will, and witchcraft, emphasizing deep character interactions and relationship building.

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood (photo: Engadget)

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is an adventure game inspired by Japanese mythology, developed by Omega Force. Players take on the role of a goddess guiding humanity through battles against demons and mythological threats. The game seamlessly combines fast-paced combat with strategic elements, set against a visually stunning backdrop that highlights the protagonist’s power while exploring themes of authority, protection, and destiny.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (photo: Engadget)

The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series compiles all four seasons of Telltale’s acclaimed series, enhanced with additional content and visuals. This ultimate edition chronicles the complete story of Clementine, a young girl evolving into a skilled survivor in a zombie-infested world. The game emphasizes choice-driven gameplay, where players’ decisions shape the narrative, relationships, and character outcomes, delivering an emotionally gripping experience.

The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series (photo: Engadget)

Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, is a role-playing video game set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Following a group of adventurers infected with a parasitic tadpole that grants unique abilities, the game features deep RPG mechanics, allowing players to choose from various races and classes while navigating a branching storyline filled with impactful decisions. Renowned for its rich narrative, turn-based combat, and player agency, Baldur’s Gate 3 emphasizes exploration, storytelling, and character development.

Baldur’s Gate 3 (photo: Engadget)

League of Legends stands as a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Riot Games. Players control champions with unique abilities, collaborating in teams to destroy enemy towers while defending their own. As one of the most popular esports games globally, League of Legends is celebrated for its deep strategy, team coordination, and frequent updates, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the gaming world since its 2009 release.

League of Legends (photo: Engadget)

Cocoon, a puzzle-adventure game from Geometric Interactive, features a unique world where players control a character navigating between different realms within spherical environments. The gameplay revolves around solving intricate puzzles that involve moving between worlds and utilizing objects and abilities within each. Praised for its innovative design, beautiful visuals, and atmospheric exploration, Cocoon stands out for its minimalist yet deeply engaging narrative structure.

Cocoon (photo: Engadget)

Kentucky Route Zero, developed by Cardboard Computer, offers an adventure set in a magical realist version of Kentucky. Following Conway, a truck driver attempting to deliver his final load, the game blends surreal storytelling, vibrant art, and profound dialogues that explore themes of American culture, economics, and personal struggle.

Kentucky Route Zero (photo: Engadget)

Valorant is a free tactical first-person shooter developed by Riot Games, merging traditional shooter mechanics with hero abilities to create a strategic blend of gunfights and character powers. Players form teams of five, competing in rounds to plant or defuse bombs or eliminate the opposing team. Its significant popularity in the competitive esports scene underscores its impact and appeal.

Valorant (photo: Engadget)

Final Fantasy XIV is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Square Enix. Set in the fantasy world of Eorzea, players can choose from various races and classes to embark on quests, participate in large-scale raids, and engage in extensive crafting and trading systems. Originally launched in 2010 and relaunched in 2013 as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, the game has garnered critical acclaim for its rich story, world-building, and major content updates.

Final Fantasy XIV (photo: Engadget)

Half-Life 2 features protagonist Gordon Freeman navigating a dystopian world under the control of an alien regime known as the Combine. Renowned for its innovative physics engine and narrative-driven gameplay, the game is celebrated for its intense atmosphere and storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on the FPS genre and earning its place among the greatest video games ever created.

Half-Life 2 (photo: Engadget)

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20 best PC games to play right now