PC gaming is experiencing a remarkable surge this year, a phenomenon that transcends mere enthusiasm. The allure of higher frame rates, ultra-wide monitor compatibility, modding capabilities, and robust backward compatibility distinctly sets this gaming format apart from its competitors. One of its most significant advantages lies in its longevity; rather than necessitating a complete system overhaul, players can opt to upgrade individual components over time. This approach not only provides greater control but also enhances long-term value, especially as hardware prices fluctuate and console refresh cycles become increasingly unpredictable.
<h2 id="el-4-Z5TSBTS47JAWDOSYIGNRV7LDSQ" class="defaultstyledStyledHeading-sc-11u52t4-7 dyhjrM h2″>1. Hades II
Metacritic score: 94
Key review: “This year has been stellar when it comes to great games, and Hades II still manages to stand out from the pack” – Gaming Age
Supergiant Games returns with another masterfully crafted roguelike release. Hades II combines fast-paced action, character-driven storytelling, and expressive art, making it one of the year’s most captivating titles. The sequel introduces a richer overworld, more complex upgrade paths, and a broader supporting cast that evolves with each run. Players appreciate its balance of challenge and accessibility, where every defeat imparts valuable lessons. Hades II continues Supergiant’s tradition of delivering games infused with warmth, personality, and unmistakable identity.
<h2 id="el-10-IBBGXIUOTREC5FQXR43X7FU7YA" class="defaultstyledStyledHeading-sc-11u52t4-7 dyhjrM h2″>2. Sektori
Metacritic score: 93
Key review: “Sektori is brutal; it looks to crush you under its sheer force at every turn, such that getting to the game’s end will be one of the most satisfying moments that you’ll find in gaming in 2025” – Player 2
Sektori is a sharp, minimalist PC shooter that emphasizes precision over spectacle. Built around twin-stick mechanics, it immerses players in shifting arenas populated by abstract enemies and escalating threats. Each run is brief yet demanding, encouraging experimentation with upgrades and play styles. Its neon visuals and pulsating electronic soundtrack create a hypnotic rhythm, while its uncompromising difficulty pays homage to the discipline of arcade classics, reimagined for a contemporary PC audience.
<h2 id="el-15-XWPZZDPVNJFV7FJXBRWZIDVXVM" class="defaultstyledStyledHeading-sc-11u52t4-7 dyhjrM h2″>3. Blue Prince
Metacritic score: 92
Key review: “Blue Prince blends puzzles and roguelike exploration into something refreshingly original, clever, calm and unlike anything else you’ve played.” – GamingBolt
At first glance, Blue Prince may seem like a traditional puzzle game, but it is, in fact, a study in structure and expectation. Each playthrough reshapes the interior of a mysterious mansion, compelling players to rethink solutions and abandon familiar patterns. The game’s restraint is its greatest strength, offering minimal guidance while trusting players to piece together its intricate logic.
<h2 id="el-20-RFLJ52H37FCM7AGD62EOAA7YAA" class="defaultstyledStyledHeading-sc-11u52t4-7 dyhjrM h2″>4. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Metacritic score: 91
Key review: “Clair Obscur is an RPG on rocket skates. It takes big swings and lands all of them with a satisfying smack” – The Times
This year’s acclaimed release showcases a level of artistic confidence rarely seen in major titles. Clair Obscur merges surreal French fantasy with turn-based combat and a narrative about resistance in a world ensnared in cycles of destruction. Its stunning aesthetic and elegant mechanics have established it as a defining work of the past year. The animation, music, and voice acting coalesce to create a haunting tone, earning praise for its storytelling and emotional depth without compromising gameplay.
<h2 id="el-25-RWYD4NZULNFKZLX5ADY427ML6Q" class="defaultstyledStyledHeading-sc-11u52t4-7 dyhjrM h2″>5. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Metacritic score: 90
Key review: “Pretty and charmingly mean-spirited, this is a game filled with revelations and genuine personality” – Eurogamer
After years of anticipation, Silksong finally arrived, elevating the Hollow Knight formula by focusing on the agile Hornet. This installment offers faster traversal, more expressive combat, and a denser, vertically expansive world filled with new biomes. Its handcrafted environments and challenging boss encounters have made it an essential action platformer. What sets Silksong apart is its fluidity, encouraging aggressive play and inventive navigation through each region, adding depth to speed-running and exploration.
<h2 id="el-30-YEWHRR62NFGIVDGXU7WR7XZJUE" class="defaultstyledStyledHeading-sc-11u52t4-7 dyhjrM h2″>6. Split Fiction
Metacritic score: 90
Key review: “Split Fiction is an absolute masterclass and a big contender for Game of the Year” – PC Games
This experimental narrative adventure stands out as one of the year’s most inventive titles. Split Fiction invites players to navigate parallel storylines in sci-fi and fantasy realms that intersect in unexpected ways. It serves as a reminder of the unique structural explorations that games can achieve, challenging players to consider how decisions in one timeline might subtly ripple into another. Attention to detail is rewarded, inviting players to replay sections to uncover different narrative branches.
<h2 id="el-35-CMIHX5RBJBDQRGVWXAHSJDE4PA" class="defaultstyledStyledHeading-sc-11u52t4-7 dyhjrM h2″>7. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Metacritic score: 90
Key review: “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on PC elevates the already stellar experience with exceptional optimisation, quality-of-life improvements, and expanded gameplay customisation” – Noisy Pixel
The second chapter of Square Enix’s ambitious remake project has found a wider audience with its PC release. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth significantly expands its world, offering more freedom while deepening character arcs. The combat strikes a harmonious balance between action and tactical planning, and the PC version benefits from higher frame rates, enhanced graphical options, and mod support, resulting in an expansive and refined experience.
<h2 id="el-40-6QWOQKYQHNFGJCJB6BCMZQ3GQQ" class="defaultstyledStyledHeading-sc-11u52t4-7 dyhjrM h2″>8. Despelote
Metacritic score: 89
Key review: “Despelote is a moving and masterfully rendered game about soccer, growing up and so much more” – Digital Trends
Small in scale yet rich in emotional detail, Despelote narrates a story about memory, place, and childhood through the lens of football culture in Quito. Its loose structure and conversational tone evoke a sense of lived experience rather than conventional narrative design. The minimalist presentation and strong audio design foster intimacy, aligning perfectly with the game’s reflective approach.
<h2 id="el-45-WQI7QULOL5BT7NMFHUXT7JA5M4" class="defaultstyledStyledHeading-sc-11u52t4-7 dyhjrM h2″>9. The Talos Principle: Reawakened
Metacritic score: 89
Key review: “Everything that was great about The Talos Principle has been made new again with The Talos Principle: Reawakened” – CGMagazine
Rather than merely revisiting the original, The Talos Principle: Reawakened refines its puzzles and philosophical themes for a contemporary audience. The game continues to probe questions about consciousness, faith, and humanity, pairing abstract concepts with meticulously constructed challenges. Enhancements for PC deliver smoother performance and improved visuals, reinforcing its status as one of the medium’s most thought-provoking puzzle experiences.
<h2 id="el-50-3HVUFOPNERGN7NW2WXSK4OIFA4" class="defaultstyledStyledHeading-sc-11u52t4-7 dyhjrM h2″>10. The Seance of Blake Manor
Metacritic score: 89
Key review: “The Seance of Blake Manor is an intriguing detective game with a horror twist that makes every minute count (quite literally)” – GameGrin
The Seance of Blake Manor is a restrained horror game that prioritizes atmosphere over spectacle. Set in 1897 Ireland and largely confined to a single location, it unfolds through environmental clues and subtle tonal shifts. On PC, enhancements in lighting, sound design, and high-resolution assets amplify the sense of unease, establishing it as one of the year’s most effective slow-burn horror titles.
