What are the best PC games of all time?

The best PC game of all time? According to the scores, Half-Life 2 (96/100 (on Metacritic) and Portal 2 (95/100) have topped the rankings for years. But it all depends on what you're looking for: action-RPG epic, brain-teaser, or open-world survival.

Here’s our selection of the best PC games to try at least once in your life, from indie masterpieces to cult blockbusters. Let’s start with our 10 Favorites, then the big one Top 100.

A quick note About our method: This top 10 list includes our favorites Personal favorites—the games that really got our hearts racing, controller (or keyboard) in hand.

For the Top 100 In what follows, we encounter two objective benchmarks: the Metacritic score when it exists, and the’Player ratings on Steam for more recent or independent titles that stand out more there.

And if you're gaming on a MacBook, you should check out our selection dedicated to best Mac games to find what you're looking for.

Our favorites

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a RPG that immerses you in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. You play as a hero infected by a terrible parasite. Your mission: find a cure before it turns you into a monster.

Why this game?

It's a a masterpiece of modern role-playing games. The universe is rich and leaves you with a freedom of choice Huge. Every decision matters and changes the course of your adventure.

For whom?

Perfect for fans of gripping stories and for anyone looking for a deeply immersive narrative experience.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt puts you in the shoes of Geralt of Rivia, a witcher. You set out in search of Ciri, his adopted daughter, who is being pursued by the mysterious Wild Hunt. The story is full of moral choices and political intrigue that shape the game's ending.

Why this game?

It's a real narrative gem. The universe is full of life, with its day-night cycle, dynamic weather, and its supporting characters deep. Each side quest could be a game in its own right.

For whom?

The perfect choice if you love exploring vibrant worlds full of stories and emotions.

3. Portal 2

Portal 2 is probably the only game where a psychopathic robot politely explains to you that you're going to die for the sake of science. It's also one of the best puzzle games ever conceived. Your character, Chell, is trapped in the laboratories of’Aperture Science. Armed with the Portal Gun, you have to solve some riddles by playing with logic, gravity, and portals.

Why this game?

He is adored for his brilliant puzzles and its perfect blend of science fiction, dark humor, and mystery. A standout example of its genre on PC.

For whom?

For the lovers of clever puzzles and absurd humor with a sci-fi twist.

4. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition invites you to rewrite the history of humanity. You lead a historical civilization : You build an empire, gather resources, raise armies, and conquer new territories. This game of strategy gives you immense tactical freedom.

Why this game?

It's no wonder he's considered one of the The Best Real-Time Strategy Games of All Time. The Definitive Edition offers more than 45 civilizations playable and 30 historic campaigns. Each has its own units and technologies, with updated graphics and much tougher AI in single-player mode.

For whom?

A must-have for strategists at heart and those nostalgic for epic medieval battles.

5. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a game of life simulation that takes you out to the countryside. Your character inherits an old farmhouse that needs renovating. Here's what's in store: planting and harvesting, raising animals, fishing, exploring mines—all without any pressure.

Why this game?

It's a game calm and free : No obligations, no timer—you do whatever you want, whenever you want. It’s a warm and welcoming world, with each season bringing its own plants, fish, and events.

For whom?

For all those who want a relaxing game, comforting and full of charm.

6. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a game of’action-adventure which takes place in a universe dark and dreamlike, inhabited by strange creatures. As a nameless young knight, you explore a kingdom in ruins and face formidable enemies. As the adventure unfolds, you unlock new powers to overcome boss tough ones.

Why this game?

He is adored for his demanding gameplay and its vast world, where every corner hides a story.

For whom?

Perfect for challenge seekers and enchanting atmospheres.

7. Half-Life 2

With a 96/100 on Metacritic, Half-Life 2 remains one of the highest-rated first-person shooters in PC history. You play as Gordon Freeman, a silent scientist, in a world overrun by aliens. Resourceful, he helps the human resistance fight off the invaders. Get ready to face enemies formidable challenges and solving physics-based puzzles.

Why this game?

He has revolutionized the genre thanks to its innovative physics engine and its action-integrated storytelling. We love it for its smart scenario and its pacing, which perfectly blends shooting, story, and immersion.

For whom?

Ideal for science-fiction fans who love immersive stories.

8. DARK SOULS III

In this action-RPG signed FromSoftware, you play as an undead knight who must prevent the world from sinking into eternal darkness. Dark Souls III takes you to a ruined medieval fantasy world, where you face fallen knights, titanic monsters, and even forgotten gods.

Why this game?

It's worth a visit for its mysterious and profound universe. The game is renowned for its boss levels, which are notoriously difficult: each fight is intense, and every victory is as precious as it is satisfying.

For whom?

For the dark fantasy fans and players looking for a challenge and pure satisfaction.

9. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition invites you to explore the icy lands of Skyrim through your character, a Child of the Dragon capable of wielding mysterious powers. Your goal: to defeat Alduin, the World-Eater, a legendary dragon said to destroy the world.

Why this game?

It offers a total freedom : You can follow the main quest or simply wander through its world. The possibilities for exploration are endless. Its open-ended progression system lets you choose your own playstyle fight.

For whom?

The perfect choice for adventurers at heart and fans of infinite open worlds.

10. Minecraft

The world's most popular game, Minecraft Don't set any specific goals for yourself. You make up your own story, and your imagination dictates the rules. You can build, explore, survive or just daydream. With Creative, Adventure, Survival, and Multiplayer modes to choose from, every game is a unique experience.

Why this game?

Minecraft is much more than just a game: it's a platform for unlimited creativity. You shape your own world from start to finish. Whether you like to build, explore, or survive, the gameplay remains simple and accessible. In fact, kids love it just as much as adults do.

For whom?

Creative minds, explorers, dreamers, young and old: Minecraft is a game for everyone.

Top 100 Best PC Games of All Time

📌 A small clarification This list is based on Steam reviews and Metacritic scores. It is not limited to recent games.

1. Hades

2. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

3. RimWorld

4. Dead Cells

5. Resident Evil 4

6. Celeste

7. Mount & Blade: Warband

8. INSIDE

9. Dishonored

10. Split Fiction

11. South Park: The Stick of Truth

12. The Walking Dead

13. Doki Doki Literature Club!

14. Cuphead

15. God of War

16. Half-Life

17. Persona 5 Royal

18. Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition

19. Left 4 Dead

20. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

21. It Takes Two

22. Divinity: Original Sin 2, Definitive Edition

23. DOOM

24. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

25. Batman: Arkham City, Game of the Year Edition

26. Cult of the Lamb

27. Kenshi

28. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition

29. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind® Game of the Year Edition

30. Dust: An Elysian Tail

31. Quake II

32. Monkey Island™ 2 Special Edition: LeChuck’s Revenge™

33. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition

34. Umineko When They Cry, Story Arcs

35. Shadow Man Remastered

36. Dead Space 2

37. Company of Heroes

38. World of Goo

39. Diablo

40. ELDEN RING

41. BioShock Infinite

42. Mass Effect (2007)

43. Devil May Cry HD Collection

44. Rayman® Origins

45. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Chaos Theory®

46. Legend of Grimrock

47. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

48. DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT

49. Bayonetta

50. Final Fantasy VII

51. Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition

52. Okami HD

53. Zero Escape: The Nonary Games

54. Full Throttle Remastered

55. Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

56. Red Dead Redemption 2

57. Total War: SHOGUN 2

58. Child of Light

59. Grim Fandango Remastered

60. Tomb Raider (1996)

61. Crusader Kings III

62. Command & Conquer™ Remastered Collection

63. The Last of Us™ Part II Remastered

64. Valkyria Chronicles™

65. Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee®

66. Black & White

67. Monster Hunter: World

68. Borderlands 2

69. Prison Architect

70. Dishonored 2

71. Divinity: Original Sin, Enhanced Edition

72. Total War: EMPIRE, Definitive Edition

73. Darksiders™

74. Life is Strange Remastered

75. Max Payne

76. Forza Horizon 5

77. Far Cry 3

78. Assassin's Creed® Brotherhood

79. BioShock® 2

80. System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster

81. Starcraft

82. World of Warcraft: Legion

83. Arx Fatalis

84. Counter-Strike 2

85. Cyberpunk 2077

86. Dragon Age: Origins, Ultimate Edition

87. Call of Duty®: Black Ops II

88. The Sims 3

89. Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition

90. Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm

91. Natural Selection 2

92. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

93. Street Fighter™ 6

94. SimCity™ 4 Deluxe Edition

95. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

96. Final Fantasy XV

97. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl

98. Dragon Age II: Ultimate Edition

99. Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition

100. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

As you can see, there’s no shortage of cult-classic PC games. No matter what your preferences are, there’s truly something for everyone! So? Which of these games are you most excited to (re)discover? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

And for even more PC games that are worth checking out:

• What are the best PC co-op games?
• What are the best PC management games?