In 2024, while console gaming platforms seemed to be caught in a cyclical lull, the PC gaming landscape thrived with remarkable vitality. The resolution of component shortages that had plagued the industry, coupled with the burgeoning popularity of cloud gaming and the rise of PC gaming handhelds, created an unprecedented array of options for gamers eager to indulge in their favorite titles.
This year boasted an impressive lineup, showcasing a diverse range of games from whimsical indie gems like Thank Goodness You’re Here and Balatro to blockbuster AAA adventures such as Indiana Jones and The Great Circle and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The resurgence of beloved classics through remakes and remasters, including Silent Hill 2 and Red Dead Redemption, further enriched the gaming experience, allowing players to revisit cherished memories with a fresh perspective.
Equipped with a gaming rig featuring the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics card, we explored these titles at high resolutions and settings, achieving impressive frame rates. Below, we present our selection of the top PC games for 2024, listed in no particular order.
The 15 Best PC Games of 2024
1. Thank Goodness You’re Here!
This game is a delightful concoction of British absurdity, reminiscent of a collaboration between Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, and the Viz art team. Thank Goodness You’re Here! is a walking simulator designed primarily for visual gags, offering a short yet sweet experience that stands out in the gaming landscape.
2. Helldivers 2
Transforming the original’s top-down action into a third-person squad-based adventure, Helldivers 2 invites players to defend the galaxy against a menacing alien threat. With a satirical twist, it humorously critiques humanity’s role in this dystopian future. Teamwork is essential as players navigate perilous environments, engage in intense firefights, and occasionally face friendly fire from their own nuclear-equipped teammates.
3. Indiana Jones and The Great Circle
Despite initial skepticism regarding its first-person perspective, Indiana Jones and The Great Circle has emerged as one of the finest entries in the franchise. Featuring stunning visuals and a captivating performance by Troy Baker, the game masterfully blends combat, puzzles, and exploration, marking a triumphant return for the iconic archaeologist.
4. Red Dead Redemption
After a lengthy wait, Rockstar’s classic cowboy adventure finally made its way to PC. Red Dead Redemption immerses players in the waning days of the Wild West, following John Marston on his quest for redemption. This port showcases the game at its best, delivering a gripping narrative and an exhilarating experience, especially with the addition of the Undead Nightmare expansion.
5. Star Wars: Outlaws
In a refreshing twist, Star Wars: Outlaws presents an open-world experience devoid of Jedi, allowing players to navigate the galaxy’s underbelly. While it faced some criticism at launch, Ubisoft has diligently addressed early issues, enhancing gameplay mechanics and ensuring a rewarding experience for fans of the franchise.
6. Balatro
As one of the breakout hits of the year, Balatro reimagines poker within a roguelite framework, captivating players with its addictive gameplay. Its simple 2D graphics make it accessible to a wide audience, further solidifying its status as a must-play title.
7. Animal Well
A hidden treasure, Animal Well invites players into a mysterious pixel-art world filled with strange creatures. This Metroidvania-style game emphasizes exploration and discovery, revealing deeper layers of gameplay once the main quest is completed, making it a perfect candidate for fan theories and discussions.
8. Fallout: London
Despite being a mod, Fallout: London garnered significant attention, especially following the success of Amazon’s Fallout series. This ambitious project reimagines Fallout 4 within a British context, introducing new factions, quests, and dark humor that feels authentic to the franchise.
9. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
The Call of Duty franchise continues to dominate the first-person shooter genre, with Black Ops 6 delivering an engaging single-player campaign and a revamped Zombies mode. The introduction of the Omnimovement system enhances multiplayer dynamics, providing players with greater fluidity and strategy in combat.
10. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
After a tumultuous development process, Dragon Age: The Veilguard emerged as a standout title, showcasing BioWare’s storytelling prowess. With its stylized visuals and action-oriented combat, it retains the series’ hallmark narrative depth while introducing exciting new gameplay elements.
11. Silent Hill 2
The remake of Silent Hill 2 elevates the original’s chilling atmosphere with modern enhancements. While it stays true to the source material, the updated visuals and quality-of-life improvements make this iteration a terrifying experience for both new players and veterans alike.
12. God of War: Ragnarok
Following its successful PS5 debut, God of War: Ragnarok arrived on PC, offering an exceptional port that maximizes the capabilities of high-end systems. This action-packed adventure continues to captivate players with its brutal combat and stunning visuals.
13. Black Myth: Wukong
Emerging as a surprise hit, Black Myth: Wukong combines stunning visuals with engaging combat inspired by Chinese mythology. Following the legendary Monkey King, players encounter gods and demons in a dark action RPG that is both accessible and challenging.
14. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Although not a full game, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expands upon one of the most revered titles in gaming history. This DLC offers new landscapes, formidable bosses, and a wealth of content that rivals many standalone games.
15. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
The definitive version of Ghost of Tsushima on PC enhances the original experience, showcasing breathtaking visuals and including the acclaimed Iki Island DLC. Set against the backdrop of feudal Japan, players navigate a rich narrative filled with emotional depth and thrilling combat.
[Shortlist’s gaming rig: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics card (Gigabyte Eagle OC 16GB edition) | Intel Core i5-13600K CPU | Kingston FURY Beast 32 GB DDR5 RAM | Asus ROG STRIX Z690-F GAMING WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard]
