2024 has marked an exceptional year for PC gaming. The industry continues to evolve, delivering groundbreaking titles that offer immersive storytelling, intricate gameplay mechanics, and stunning visual experiences. From sequels to beloved classics, to innovative new entries, the games released this year have set high standards. In this guide, we highlight the must-play PC games of 2024, showcasing 25 outstanding titles that have captivated gamers worldwide.
Top 25 PC Games of 2024
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight remains a pinnacle of the Metroidvania genre. Team Cherry's masterpiece, first released in 2017, has only grown with age. The expansive world of Hallownest is beautifully crafted, filled with secrets and challenges that offer hours of exploration. Since its initial release, the game has seen numerous updates and expansions, introducing tougher areas and bosses, making it a continuously enriching experience for both new and returning players.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon marks From Software's return to its beloved mecha franchise. Departing from the Souls series, this game blends high-octane mecha action with modern gameplay mechanics. Players can customize their mechs extensively and engage in intense battles, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience. The game’s intricate design and robust combat system ensure it stands out as a premier title in 2024.
Spider-Man Remastered
Spider-Man Remastered brings the acclaimed PlayStation 5 title to PC, leveraging advanced hardware to enhance its web-slinging action and narrative depth. This remastered version offers improved graphics, faster load times, and all previously released DLCs. It delivers an unmatched superhero fantasy experience, allowing players to swing through the iconic New York skyline and engage in thrilling battles against a rogues' gallery of villains.
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus by Machine Games elevates the series with its compelling narrative and high-octane gameplay. Set in an alternate history where the Nazis won World War II, players join BJ Blazkowicz in his fight against the oppressive regime. The game's poignant commentary on fascism is as relevant today as ever, and its combination of intense action and strong storytelling makes it a standout title.
Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV has evolved from a basic MMO into a complex and engaging narrative experience. With multiple expansions, it now stands strong as both an MMO and a standalone Final Fantasy title. The game's rich storylines, diverse character customization, and expansive world offer players endless hours of gameplay. Each expansion brings new challenges, areas, and characters, ensuring the game remains fresh and exciting.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
The Final Fantasy VII Remake redefines the iconic original with a fully reimagined gameplay system and deeper exploration of its beloved characters. This remake expands upon the original’s story, providing a more immersive and detailed experience. With stunning graphics and an innovative combat system, it captures the hearts of both new players and longtime fans of the franchise.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4 Remake modernizes the 2005 classic, blending action and horror seamlessly. Capcom has retained the essence of the original while updating the graphics, controls, and gameplay to meet modern standards. The result is a game that feels fresh yet nostalgic, offering a thrilling experience for both newcomers and veterans of the series.
God of War
God of War arrived on PC in 2022, bringing its critically acclaimed mix of narrative depth and challenging combat to a new audience. The game follows Kratos and his son Atreus on a journey through the Norse realms, blending intense battles with a touching story about family and redemption. Its stunning visuals and seamless gameplay make it a must-play title on PC.
DOOM
The 2016 reboot of DOOM offers a pure, exhilarating first-person shooter experience. Stripping back to the basics, it delivers relentless action and intense combat. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, coupled with a fantastic soundtrack, creates an adrenaline-pumping experience that is both nostalgic and modern.
Hitman: World of Assassination
Hitman: World of Assassination compiles all scenarios from the recent Hitman trilogy into one definitive package. This collection offers a playground of assassination opportunities, encouraging creativity and precision. Players can approach each mission in multiple ways, making every playthrough unique and engaging.
NieR: Automata
NieR: Automata offers a unique blend of action RPG elements and a deeply engaging story set in a beautifully dystopian future. After rectifying its initial technical issues, the game now runs smoothly on PC, allowing players to fully appreciate its intricate design and emotional depth. Its compelling narrative and innovative gameplay make it a standout title.
Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx sets a new standard for VR gaming, justifying the investment in a VR headset with its immersive gameplay and innovative mechanics. Set between the events of Half-Life and Half-Life 2, the game places players in the shoes of Alyx Vance as she fights against the Combine. Its groundbreaking use of VR technology makes it a landmark title in virtual reality gaming.
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe expands on the original game’s meta-commentary with new content and adventures. This version provides both a fresh experience for newcomers and a substantial update for returning players. Its unique storytelling and innovative gameplay make it a fascinating exploration of narrative and choice in video games.
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is an exploration-focused game that tasks players with unraveling cosmic mysteries in a time-looping adventure. Its intellectually stimulating puzzles and thrilling exploration make it a standout title. The game's unique mechanics and captivating story offer a deeply rewarding experience for those who enjoy uncovering secrets and solving complex puzzles.
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V continues to set the standard for open-world games, combining storytelling, exploration, and action in a living world teeming with activities and narratives. The game's vast open world, engaging missions, and robust online mode ensure it remains a popular choice among gamers.
Dishonored 2
Dishonored 2 builds on its predecessor, offering a complex world of intrigue and stealth. With robust gameplay mechanics that cater to multiple styles of play, players can choose between different characters and abilities, making each playthrough unique. Its intricate level design and compelling story make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
XCOM 2
XCOM 2 enhances the tactical gameplay of its predecessor, introducing new challenges and systems. Players must adapt and strategize in new ways against alien forces, making every decision critical. The game’s depth and complexity provide a rewarding experience for those who enjoy strategic planning and tactical combat.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is renowned for its narrative depth and expansive world. Even years after its release, it continues to be a benchmark for RPGs, offering a rich, immersive experience that is both broad and deep. Its intricate storylines, memorable characters, and vast open world make it a timeless classic.
Cyberpunk 2077
Following significant updates and expansions, Cyberpunk 2077 has matured into a more stable and enriching experience. The game explores complex themes in a meticulously crafted world, offering a narrative that delves into the human condition and the impact of technology. Its detailed environment and engaging gameplay make it a noteworthy title in 2024.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 combines narrative depth, breathtaking visuals, and expansive gameplay into one of the most comprehensive gaming experiences available on PC. Its sprawling tale of the Wild West, coupled with its realistic world and detailed characters, offers a deeply immersive experience.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring blends open-world exploration with the challenging combat of the Souls series, offering a vast, rewarding world filled with adventure and peril. The game's intricate design, compelling story, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title in 2024.
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire is a standout in the roguelike genre, offering innovative card-based gameplay that keeps the experience fresh and engaging through endlessly replayable challenges. Its unique mechanics and strategic depth make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium offers a revolutionary take on RPG mechanics and narrative storytelling. Its deep, text-driven adventure challenges players intellectually and emotionally, providing a unique gaming experience that is both thought-provoking and engaging.
Hades
Hades sets a high bar for what a roguelike can be, with its dynamic combat system, deep narrative integration, and continuously evolving challenges. The game’s innovative design and engaging story make it a standout title in 2024.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 marries old-school RPG mechanics with modern design, offering an expansive role-playing experience that’s both deeply strategic and richly storied. Its intricate gameplay and compelling narrative make it a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
FAQs
What are the best PC games of 2024? The best PC games of 2024 include Hollow Knight, Armored Core VI, Spider-Man Remastered, Wolfenstein II, Final Fantasy XIV, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Resident Evil 4 Remake, God of War, DOOM, Hitman: World of Assassination, NieR: Automata, Half-Life: Alyx, The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe, Outer Wilds, Grand Theft Auto V, Dishonored 2, XCOM 2, The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, Elden Ring, Slay the Spire, Disco Elysium, Hades, and Baldur’s Gate 3.
Which game is considered the best Metroidvania experience in 2024? Hollow Knight is considered the best Metroidvania experience in 2024, thanks to its expansive world, intricate secrets, and continuous updates that add new challenges.
Is Spider-Man Remastered worth playing on PC? Yes, Spider-Man Remastered is worth playing on PC. It offers enhanced graphics, faster load times, and includes all previously released DLCs, delivering an unmatched superhero fantasy experience.
What makes Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus stand out? Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus stands out due to its compelling narrative, high-octane gameplay, and poignant commentary on fascism, making it both relevant and engaging.
How has Cyberpunk 2077 improved since its initial release? Cyberpunk 2077 has seen significant updates and expansions that have stabilized the game and enriched the experience. The detailed environment and engaging gameplay now offer a more polished and enjoyable experience.
What sets Elden Ring apart from other open-world games? Elden Ring sets itself apart from other open-world games with its blend of open-world exploration and challenging combat, intricate design, and compelling story, providing a vast and rewarding experience.
Conclusion
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the titles highlighted in this guide not only define the current pinnacle of PC gaming but also hint at the future directions of this ever-expanding medium. Whether you're a veteran gamer or new to the scene, each of these games offers a unique experience that showcases the best of what PC gaming has to offer. The year 2024 has truly been remarkable for PC gaming, with a diverse range of genres and styles that cater to every type of player.