Spring 2025 has been a powerhouse season for PC gamers. With a blend of ambitious new IPs, stunning remakes, and long-awaited sequels, the year is already shaping up to be one of the most stacked in recent memory.
From avant-garde RPGs to open-world monster hunts and beautifully reimagined classics, here’s a look at the standout PC games released so far—and a peek at the biggest titles still to come.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Developer: Sandfall Interactive
Arguably the breakout hit of the spring, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a visually arresting RPG that blends French art nouveau with JRPG combat sensibilities. Set in the dreamlike world of Lumière, players become part of the 33rd expedition trying to end the cycle of death caused by the enigmatic “Paintress,” whose brush erases citizens upon reaching age 33.
Inspired by Final Fantasy, Elden Ring, and NieR, the game offers turn-based combat with real-time input mechanics and unforgettable diorama-style environments. The emotionally resonant voice acting and narrative depth have won widespread acclaim. Despite launching the same week as Oblivion Remastered, Expedition 33 sold over 1 million copies in three days and became a surprise Game of the Year contender.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Release Date: February 28, 2025
Developer: Capcom
Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds marks a bold new direction for the franchise. Set in the Forbidden Lands, this installment introduces full narrative integration, including voice lines for both your hunter and your Palico. The world feels more alive than ever, with monsters interacting dynamically with one another, the environment, and even the weather.
The game also introduces mounts and dynamic terrain traversal, and includes a sweeping storyline involving the mysterious “White Specter.” A pre-release Open Beta helped iron out balance and gave early adopters a chance to earn rare gear at launch. It’s already a top seller and a critical favorite.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
A modern resurrection of a classic, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered delivers the 2006 RPG with cutting-edge visuals via Unreal Engine 5. Bethesda’s remaster includes completely overhauled lighting, AI improvements, better animations, and streamlined inventory and UI systems.
Packaged with the Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine expansions, the remaster quickly drew in over 4 million players in just a few days post-launch. With features like sprinting, quality-of-life combat updates, and mod support from day one, this is the definitive way to experience Tamriel’s most eccentric province.
Other Top PC Releases in Early 2025
- Blue Prince (April 10, 2025) – A brilliant roguelike-puzzle hybrid where players explore a shifting mansion to uncover hidden secrets and inherit their family’s estate.
- Split Fiction (March 6, 2025) – From the makers of It Takes Two, this co-op narrative adventure lets players dive into worlds crafted from their own stories.
- Atomfall (March 27, 2025) – A post-apocalyptic RPG inspired by Fallout, set in a rural 1950s-style England after a nuclear incident.
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows (March 20, 2025) – Ubisoft’s long-awaited feudal Japan epic, featuring dual protagonists: the stealthy shinobi Naoe and the powerful samurai Yasuke.
- Two Point Museum (March 5, 2025) – A creative management sim where players build museums packed with absurdly entertaining exhibits.
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (January 23, 2025) – Already a PS5 hit, its eventual PC release is one of the most anticipated of the year.
- Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (January 22, 2025) – A dark fantasy Metroidvania that expands on the success of Ender Lilies.
- Ninja Gaiden II Black (January 23, 2025) – A surprise PC port of the cult-classic action game with enhanced visuals and controls.
- The Talos Principle: Reawakened (April 10, 2025) – A philosophical puzzle sequel brought to life with Unreal Engine 5.
Highly Anticipated PC Titles Still to Come in 2025
- Grand Theft Auto VI (Late 2025) – GTA6 will be Rockstar’s next giant leaps into Vice City with dual protagonists, expansive realism, and online integration.
- Doom: The Dark Ages (May 15, 2025) – A brutal prequel where the Doom Slayer wields a sword, a chainsaw shield, and medieval hellfire in a gothic world.
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (August 28, 2025) – A visually stunning remake of one of Kojima’s best, rebuilt with modern stealth mechanics.
- The Outer Worlds 2 (Expected 2025) – Obsidian’s sequel promises larger worlds, deeper RPG systems, and richer faction dynamics.
- Borderlands 4 (September 12, 2025) – New Vault Hunters, new chaos, and more procedurally-generated mayhem.
- Marvel’s Blade (TBA 2025) – A narrative action game from Arkane Lyon with immersive sim mechanics and vampire slaying galore.
- Hades II (Early Access now, Full Release later 2025) – Zagreus passes the torch to Melinoë in a time-bending, Titan-fighting roguelike sequel.
- Frostpunk 2 (Summer 2025) – A return to the harsh ice-ravaged world where society’s survival depends on tough choices.
- Slay the Spire 2 (Early Access Expected 2025) – A revamped deck-building roguelike with new characters and meta-strategies.
- Anno 117: Pax Romana (Expected 2025) – A leap into Roman times for Ubisoft’s city-building franchise.
- Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (October 2025) – The long-delayed gothic RPG finally emerges with a new developer and fresh direction.
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Expected 2025) – A globe-trotting first-person action-adventure from the makers of Wolfenstein.
- Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl (Expected 2025) – A grim survival shooter drenched in post-nuclear atmosphere and Slavic folklore.
With half the year still ahead and E3-style summer reveals around the corner, 2025 is already delivering a legendary PC lineup. Whether you’re into turn-based drama, hack-and-slash chaos, or slow-burn strategy, there’s something massive waiting for every type of player.
A Look Back At The Top Rated PC Games of 2024
The PC gaming landscape in 2024 has been marked by groundbreaking titles that push technical boundaries while delivering compelling experiences. Games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Alan Wake 2, and Dragon’s Dogma 2 have set new standards across gameplay, storytelling, and innovation.
Top-Rated PC Games of 2024
1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Metacritic Score: 94
- Overview: This expansion to the acclaimed Elden Ring introduces the “Realm of Shadow,” offering up to 30 hours of new content, including challenging bosses and intricate lore. ReviewHub+1ReviewHub+1
2. Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Metacritic Score: 94
- Overview: From the creators of Persona, this fantasy RPG blends turn-based combat with real-time elements, set in a richly detailed world inspired by Belle Époque France. ReviewHub
3. UFO 50
- Metacritic Score: 91
- Overview: A unique collection of 50 retro-style games spanning various genres, created by indie developers including the minds behind Spelunky and Downwell. ReviewHub
4. Tekken 8
- Metacritic Score: 91
- Overview: The latest installment in the Tekken series continues the saga of the Mishima family with refined combat mechanics and a diverse roster of fighters. ReviewHub
5. Caves of Qud
- Metacritic Score: 91
- Overview: A science-fantasy roguelike RPG known for its deep simulation, rich lore, and retrofuturistic setting filled with sentient plants and ancient civilizations. ReviewHub
6. Animal Well
- Metacritic Score: 91
- Overview: An atmospheric metroidvania that challenges players with intricate puzzles and a mysterious underground world to explore. AP News
7. Satisfactory
- Metacritic Score: 91
- Overview: A factory-building simulation game that combines exploration and automation, praised for its depth and engaging mechanics.
8. Balatro
- Metacritic Score: 90
- Overview: An indie roguelike deck-builder that offers a unique twist on poker mechanics, earning accolades including Best Indie Game at the Golden Joystick Awards. Wikipedia
9. Thank Goodness You’re Here!
- Metacritic Score: 90
- Overview: A quirky adventure game set in a fictional British town, where players assist townsfolk with odd tasks in a humorous and unconventional narrative. PCGamesN
10. The Last of Us Part II Remastered
- Metacritic Score: 90
- Overview: The remastered version of the acclaimed action-adventure game brings enhanced visuals and new gameplay modes to the PC platform.
Engaging Gameplay and Graphics
Dragon’s Dogma 2 has captivated players with its expansive open world and dynamic combat system. The game’s climbing mechanics allow players to scale massive creatures during battle, creating thrilling moments of gameplay that feel both strategic and visceral.
Elden Ring continued its dominance with its major expansion, delivering challenging combat and breathtaking environments. The game’s difficulty curve remains steep but rewarding, with boss fights that require patience and skill.
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut finally arrived on PC, bringing its stunning visuals and fluid combat to a new audience. The port features enhanced graphics options that showcase the game’s beautiful landscapes in unprecedented detail.
Technical Standouts:
- Baldur’s Gate 3: Best-in-class physics and reactivity
- Alan Wake 2: Revolutionary graphics using ray tracing
- Dragon’s Dogma 2: Advanced AI systems for companions
Narrative and Storytelling
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle surprised players with its compelling narrative that captures the spirit of the films while crafting a unique gaming experience. The story weaves historical settings with fictional adventures in a way that feels authentic to the character.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes delivered one of the most unique narrative experiences of the year. This puzzle game blends surreal storytelling with challenging gameplay, creating an unforgettable journey that keeps players guessing until the end.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard marks a triumphant return for the series with a rich, character-driven story. The game explores complex themes while maintaining the series’ trademark humor and meaningful character relationships.
Player choices feel consequential in these titles, with branching narratives that respond to decisions in satisfying ways. The writing quality has reached new heights, with dialogue that feels natural and emotionally resonant.
Innovations and Advancements
Baldur’s Gate 3 redefined what players expect from role-playing games with its unprecedented freedom and reactivity. Almost any approach to a problem feels viable, with the game responding intelligently to player choices in ways that make each playthrough feel unique.
Alan Wake 2’s innovative dual-narrative structure allowed players to experience the story from multiple perspectives. The game’s “Mind Place” mechanic created a new way to organize clues and solve mysteries.
Technical innovations have made games more accessible than ever. Adaptive difficulty options, customizable controls, and robust accessibility features have become standard in top titles, allowing more players to enjoy these experiences regardless of physical limitations.
Many leading games now implement AI-enhanced systems that create more dynamic worlds. NPCs with realistic routines, weather systems that affect gameplay, and procedurally generated content have made virtual worlds feel more alive and responsive.
PC Gaming Experience
PC gaming in 2024 continues to evolve with technological advancements, expanded game compatibility, and thriving online communities. These elements combine to create an increasingly immersive and accessible experience for players of all levels.
Hardware Advances and Gaming PCs
The PC gaming hardware landscape saw significant evolution in 2024. High-performance Gaming PCs now routinely feature DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 support, delivering unprecedented speed for demanding titles like Tekken 8 and Silver.
Mid-range systems have become more affordable without sacrificing performance. Many gamers can now run AAA titles at high settings without breaking the bank.
Gaming Laptops have closed the performance gap with desktops. New cooling solutions and efficient processors allow for desktop-class gaming in portable form factors. The latest models can handle resource-intensive games like Destiny 2 with impressive frame rates.
Handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck continue to gain popularity. These devices offer remarkable versatility, allowing players to enjoy their PC libraries on the go with performance rivaling the Nintendo Switch but with greater flexibility.
Game Integration and Compatibility
Cross-platform play has become standard in 2024, breaking down barriers between PC gamers and console players. Titles like Balatro support seamless multiplayer regardless of platform.
Game distribution platforms have enhanced their compatibility tools. Steam’s Proton layer now runs most Windows games flawlessly on Linux systems with minimal performance loss.
Cloud gaming services have matured significantly, allowing players to stream demanding games to modest hardware. This technology has made PC gaming more accessible than ever.
Driver optimization has improved dramatically. Graphics card manufacturers now release game-ready drivers simultaneously with major game launches, ensuring smooth experiences from day one for new releases like Tactical Breach Wizards.
Communities and Multiplayer Experience
Online communities continue to thrive around competitive titles like Dota 2. These games regularly update with new content to keep players engaged throughout the year.
Discord has evolved beyond basic chat functionality. New integration features allow gamers to share gameplay directly, coordinate team strategies, and even launch games together seamlessly.
Esports have reached new heights of popularity. Professional PC gaming tournaments now offer prize pools comparable to traditional sports, with dedicated venues and millions of viewers.
Modding communities remain a unique strength of PC gaming. Player-created content extends the lifespan of games far beyond their initial release, with some mods rivaling professional expansions in quality and scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gamers have many questions about this year’s PC gaming landscape. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about 2024’s standout titles, their features, and reception.
What are the nominees for PC Game of the Year 2024?
While official Game of the Year nominees haven’t been finalized for 2024 yet, several titles are already frontrunners. Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to receive recognition despite its 2023 release date.
Black Myth: Wukong has garnered significant attention for its stunning visuals and gameplay. Helldivers 2 has surprised many with its popularity and sustained player base.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is generating buzz for its immersive medieval simulation. Balatro, the poker roguelike, has become a surprising contender despite its smaller scale.
Which 2024 PC game is considered to have the most advanced graphics?
Black Myth: Wukong currently holds the crown for the most advanced graphics in 2024’s PC games. Its detailed character models and environments showcase next-gen visual fidelity.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 has also received praise for its visual presentation, particularly its lighting and creature design. The game pushes current hardware with its expansive open world.
Several upcoming titles scheduled for later in 2024 promise to raise the bar even higher with ray-tracing technology and advanced physics systems.
What are the top-rated multiplayer PC games released in 2024?
Helldivers 2 stands as the breakout multiplayer hit of 2024. The cooperative shooter has maintained a strong player base since launch with its challenging missions and regular updates.
Pacific Drive offers a unique cooperative experience with its driving and survival mechanics. The game has built a dedicated community around its unusual premise.
Smaller multiplayer indies have also found success, with several carving out niches in specific genres like tactical shooters, strategy games, and cooperative puzzlers.
Which PC games launched in 2024 are available for free download?
Several free-to-play titles have made waves in 2024. Some established free games received major updates that essentially relaunched them with new content and features.
New battle royale and MOBA contenders entered the market, attempting to challenge established titles. These games typically offer cosmetic microtransactions while keeping core gameplay free.
Some premium games also offered limited-time free trials or free weekends to attract new players before purchase.
What are the critically acclaimed PC games of 2024?
Balatro has received near-universal acclaim for its innovative card mechanics and addictive gameplay loop. Critics praise its depth despite seemingly simple presentation.
Black Myth: Wukong earned high marks for its technical achievements and combat design. Reviewers particularly highlighted its cultural elements and storytelling.
Helldivers 2 surprised critics with its polished gameplay and successful launch. The game’s mix of humor and challenging cooperative missions resonated with reviewers.
Which new PC games introduced in 2024 are trending on forums like Reddit?
According to Reddit’s r/gamingsuggestions, Balatro, Helldivers 2, and Pacific Drive are generating the most discussion among 2024 releases. These games continue to maintain active communities months after release.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 has a significant following despite mixed reactions to certain gameplay elements. Players debate its systems while sharing discoveries from its detailed world.
Indie games with unique premises often trend briefly but intensely on Reddit, with players sharing discoveries and strategies for emerging titles.
