PC gaming in 2025 is in a golden age — with cutting-edge remasters, genre-defining indies, and ambitious new IPs redefining what’s possible on the platform. Whether you’re chasing high-stakes multiplayer showdowns or immersing yourself in cinematic single-player adventures, the current PC scene has something for everyone. Let’s break down the games dominating charts, turning heads, and setting trends.
Steam’s Current Kings: Most Played PC Games Right Now
Steam’s real-time data offers a lens into what gamers are truly spending their time on. As of now these games lead in terms of concurrent player counts, with some old favorites showing staying power and new titles making surprise entries.
| Rank | Game | Current Players | Peak Players | Total Hours Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Counter-Strike 2 | 1,689,330 | 1,812,528 | 775M+ |
| 2 | PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS | 709,070 | 1,329,605 | 245M+ |
| 3 | Dota 2 | 597,958 | 644,980 | 290M+ |
| 4 | Apex Legends | 178,233 | 187,819 | 72M+ |
| 5 | Schedule I | 170,822 | 455,652 | 118M+ |
| 6 | Bongo Cat | 150,403 | 166,768 | 45M+ |
| 7 | Monster Hunter Wilds | 149,738 | 548,047 | 113M+ |
| 8 | Rust | 149,385 | 187,702 | 77M+ |
| 9 | NARAKA: BLADEPOINT | 149,299 | 205,593 | 42M+ |
| 10 | Marvel Rivals | 145,238 | 315,153 | 97M+ |
🔍 Observations:
- Counter-Strike 2 still reigns supreme, thanks to its thriving esports ecosystem and improved Source 2 engine upgrades.
- Monster Hunter Wilds’ early access debut in Q1 2025 has clearly struck gold — it’s the fastest-rising new IP this year.
- Bongo Cat — an unexpected hit, often used for streaming overlays and light entertainment, shows how meme culture influences mainstream gaming habits.
Top New and Critically Acclaimed PC Releases
Let’s spotlight some of the freshest titles shaking things up:
1. Blue Prince
A roguelike puzzle adventure where you manipulate an ever-shifting mansion to reach a mythical room. With a Metacritic score of 92 and massive indie buzz, Blue Prince is 2025’s sleeper hit.
2. The Last of Us Part II Remastered (PC)
This long-anticipated PC port features full 4K, unlocked framerates, DLSS support, and a roguelike mode called “No Return.” Benchmarks show 60+ FPS on RTX 4070+ systems at 4K.
3. Promise Mascot Agency
From the creators of Paradise Killer, this quirky title casts you as a Yakuza rep managing mascots in small-town Japan. It’s heartfelt, weird, and refreshingly low-stakes.
4. Sunderfolk (April 23)
A digital tabletop-style RPG that incorporates mobile devices for each player, allowing cooperative storytelling and combat using anthropomorphic heroes.
5. Dark and Darker – Adventure Mode
Season 6 introduces PvE-only mode, letting dungeon delvers enjoy high-stakes loot runs without worrying about PvP ambushes.
Outside the Steam Bubble: Best PC Games from Other Platforms
✔ Minecraft
Still the most versatile sandbox on the planet. Now featuring ray-traced lighting, AI-assisted builds, and integrated education tools.
✔ Fortnite
The Unreal Editor tools and Lego crossovers have turned Fortnite into a platform, not just a battle royale.
✔ The Sims 4
Its free-to-play model and massive modding community continue to drive record engagement across age groups.
✔ Valorant
Riot’s tactical shooter remains a global favorite, regularly breaking esports viewership records.
✔ Balatro
2024’s indie darling blends roguelike deck-building with poker mechanics in a way that’s borderline addictive. It’s been called the “Slay the Spire” of 2025.
✔ Baldur’s Gate 3
Still near the top of “best RPGs of all time” lists. Its intricate branching narrative and true D&D-style gameplay have kept fans coming back through 2025 mods and DLCs.
Genre-Specific Games
Here are the best games of 2025 by genre, giving you a more balanced perspective of critically acclaimed games that might not top player charts but still offer incredible value for different types of gamers.
Spotlight on Category Leaders
Here are some of the genre-defining selections that round out the PC gaming scene in 2025:
- Best Action Game – South of Midnight
A soulful, folklore-infused journey through the Deep South with a magical narrative twist. Its blend of stylized visuals and mythic storytelling offers a slower, more atmospheric alternative to typical high-octane action games. - Best Adventure Game – Myst (Remastered)
This update to the iconic point-and-click classic breathes new life into a timeless title, with VR support and randomized puzzles giving the game modern replayability. - Best Fighting Game – Street Fighter 6
Capcom’s genre flagship remains unmatched in mechanical depth and accessibility, bolstered by its Drive Gauge system and robust single-player World Tour mode. - Best Roguelike/RPG – Monster Hunter Wilds
Not just popular, but praised for evolving the formula with dynamic weather, larger hunting zones, and more immersive AI-driven ecosystems. - Best Strategy Game – StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void
Even in 2025, Blizzard’s final StarCraft II expansion is revered for its campaign design and standalone accessibility, serving as a strategy masterclass. - Best Stealth Game – Hitman 3
The culmination of IO Interactive’s World of Assassination trilogy, offering intricate levels, creative kill opportunities, and replayability that few games in the genre can match. - Best Sandbox/Simulation – Microsoft Flight Simulator (2024 Edition)
The benchmark in technical simulation, with real-time weather, global mapping, and an ever-growing community of aviation enthusiasts. - Best Sports Game – Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2
A remaster that proves the classics weren’t just good in memory—they’re even better when updated for modern platforms.
Trending & Most Anticipated PC Games of 2025
| Game Title | Release Window | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | April 24 | Unique mix of turn-based & real-time combat, Belle Époque-inspired fantasy |
| Post Trauma | April 22 | Retro-styled psychological horror with fixed camera angles |
| Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves | April 24 | Return of the legendary SNK fighting franchise |
| Dune: Awakening | May | Survival MMO set in the iconic Dune universe |
| Elden Ring: Nightreign | May 30 | Mysterious follow-up or expansion tied to 2022’s GOTY |
| The Alters | 2025 | Manage multiple versions of yourself in a deep sci-fi survival sim |
| Black Myth: Wukong | 2025 | Visually stunning Soulslike with Chinese myth roots |
| 2XKO | 2025 | Riot’s League of Legends fighting game, free-to-play |
| Grand Theft Auto 6 | TBA 2025 | The most anticipated game of the decade, reportedly featuring dual protagonists and a modern-day Vice City |
| Skate 4 (aka skate.) | 2025 | Early access builds already earning praise from legacy fans |
Trends Defining the PC Gaming Scene in 2025
- Esports-Led Engagement: Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Dota 2 prove that competitive titles continue to drive player retention and streaming popularity.
- Indie Brilliance: Games like Balatro, Blue Prince, and Promise Mascot Agency show how storytelling and mechanics innovation thrive outside AAA spaces.
- Remakes with Purpose: The Last of Us Part II Remastered and upcoming Onimusha 2 demonstrate how modern remakes are expected to elevate — not just preserve — legacy content.
- Cinematic Storytelling Meets Choice: RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 have raised the bar for branching narratives and world reactivity.
- Survival Crafting Renaissance: Titles like Rust, Dune: Awakening, and The Alters are pushing survival mechanics beyond just base-building and hunger meters.
If you’re building a gaming library or curious about what to play next, now is one of the richest eras in PC gaming history. Whether you’re hunting for high-octane firefights, slow-burn narratives, or genre-defying experiments, 2025 has already delivered — and there’s more to come.
What’s Trending Right Now: Last Epoch Season 2
Last Epoch has experienced a significant resurgence in player engagement following the launch of its Season 2 update, Tombs of the Erased, on April 17, 2025. This substantial content expansion has revitalized the action RPG, drawing both new and returning players into its enriched endgame experience.
Introducing The Woven Faction and Weaver Tree
A standout feature of Season 2 is the introduction of The Woven, a new endgame faction that offers players the opportunity to delve deeper into the game’s lore and mechanics. By collecting Memory Amber from newly added Tombs and Cemeteries of the Erased, players can engage with Woven Echoes—customizable challenges within the Monolith of Fate. Completing these echoes grants points to invest in the Weaver Tree, unlocking powerful passive bonuses that enhance character builds.
Enhanced Crafting and Itemization
Season 2 brings a suite of improvements to item crafting and customization:
- Set Shattering: Players can now dismantle set items to obtain Set Shards, which can be used to create Reforged Set Items. These items retain set bonuses while allowing for greater flexibility in gear selection.
- Legendary Potential Rerolling: The update introduces the ability to reroll the legendary potential of items, providing more control over endgame gear optimization.
- Experimental Crafting: New crafting materials and methods have been added, enabling the creation of items with unique affixes and properties, further diversifying build possibilities.
Class Reworks and Quality of Life Enhancements
Significant balance changes and quality of life improvements accompany the new content:
- Sentinel Overhaul: The Sentinel class has undergone a comprehensive rework, with updates to passive trees and skills such as Volatile Reversal and Symbols of Hope, enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities.
- New Rogue Skill – Heartseeker: Rogues gain access to Heartseeker, a skill that adds depth to ranged combat strategies.
- Improved Accessibility: The update introduces features like WASD movement support, streamlined inventory management with dedicated storage for dungeon keys, and the ability to skip directly to dungeon bosses after initial completion, reducing repetitive gameplay.
Community Reception and Engagement
The community has responded enthusiastically to Season 2, with players praising the expanded endgame content and the depth added to character progression systems. The introduction of The Woven faction and the Weaver Tree has been particularly well-received, offering new avenues for build customization and strategic planning.
In summary, Tombs of the Erased has significantly enriched Last Epoch’s gameplay experience, solidifying its position in the ARPG genre and attracting a growing player base eager to explore its new challenges and systems.
A Historical Look Back: 2019
2019 was a standout year for PC gaming with dozens of titles receiving high scores from major review sites. Many games pushed graphical boundaries while digital storefronts shaped how players discovered and purchased new titles.
- 2019 delivered several amazing PC games including Resident Evil 2, Control, and Disco Elysium that received scores of 8 or higher from major reviewers.
- The year featured impressive genre diversity with everything from horror titles to innovative puzzle games attracting both critical and commercial success.
- Many 2019 PC games have maintained their relevance and are still recommended as essential gaming experiences years later.
Critical Acclaim and Game Awards
2019 delivered numerous critically acclaimed PC games, with over 50 titles scoring 80% or higher on PC Gamer’s review scale. GameSpot similarly praised many games that scored 8 or above. Major releases like Gears 5 were celebrated for their stunning visuals and technical achievements.
The Game Awards 2019 recognized several standout PC titles. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice won Game of the Year, while other categories highlighted innovations in storytelling, art direction, and gameplay mechanics.
Many games demonstrated exceptional optimization, running smoothly at launch—something that became increasingly important to players tired of poorly optimized releases. Technical stability became a key factor in critical reception rather than just an expected feature.
Influence of Digital Distribution Platforms
Steam continued to dominate the PC gaming marketplace in 2019, though it faced growing competition. The platform’s seasonal sales remained major events for budget-conscious gamers, while its recommendation algorithms helped smaller titles find audiences.
Epic Games Store made waves by securing timed exclusivity deals for several high-profile games. This strategy proved controversial among players but offered developers better revenue splits compared to Steam’s standard terms.
Digital distribution platforms also influenced game design, with more developers embracing live service models and post-launch content updates. This approach allowed games to evolve based on player feedback and extend their lifespans beyond initial release.
Independent games found success through these platforms too, with several indie titles receiving similar acclaim to AAA releases.
Key Titles and Their Impact
2019 brought several groundbreaking PC games that changed gaming standards through innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling. These titles pushed boundaries in their respective genres and created lasting impacts on the industry.
Resident Evil 2: A Polished Remake
Capcom’s remake of Resident Evil 2 reimagined the 1998 classic with modern graphics and gameplay while preserving the original’s horror essence. The game featured photorealistic visuals powered by the RE Engine, creating a terrifyingly immersive experience.
The remake introduced over-the-shoulder camera angles replacing the fixed perspectives of the original, making combat more accessible while maintaining tension. Players could once again experience the intertwined stories of Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield during Raccoon City’s zombie outbreak.
What made the game stand out was its perfect balance of nostalgia and innovation. Familiar locations like the Raccoon City Police Department were redesigned with modern gaming sensibilities, featuring more complex layouts and puzzles.
The critical and commercial success of Resident Evil 2 established a new standard for video game remakes, influencing future revival projects across the industry.
Control: Redefining Action-Adventure
Remedy Entertainment’s Control became one of 2019’s most innovative titles, blending supernatural storytelling with physics-defying gameplay. Set in the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control, players took on the role of Jesse Faden as she navigated a shape-shifting building called the Oldest House.
The game’s standout feature was its destructible environments and telekinetic powers. Players could lift objects, launch debris at enemies, and even fly, all rendered with stunning ray-tracing technology.
Control’s narrative explored complex themes through collectible documents, audio logs, and live-action video segments. The mysterious world-building drew players into its paranormal universe.
The game received multiple awards for its art direction, which combined brutalist architecture with otherworldly visuals. This unique aesthetic, coupled with its innovative gameplay mechanics, cemented Control as one of the most distinct action titles of 2019.
Disco Elysium: An RPG Unlike Any Other
Disco Elysium redefined what role-playing games could be with its text-heavy approach and lack of traditional combat. The game cast players as an amnesiac detective investigating a murder in the fictional city of Revachol.
What set Disco Elysium apart was its skill system—24 different personality traits and cognitive functions that influenced dialogue options and the narrative itself. Rather than combat stats, players developed aspects like “Inland Empire” for intuition or “Encyclopedia” for knowledge recall.
The writing was exceptional, blending dark humor with philosophical depth. Political ideologies, personal trauma, and societal commentary were explored through conversations with richly developed characters.
Despite being ZA/UM’s debut title, Disco Elysium won numerous awards for its narrative innovation. The game proved that RPGs could succeed through storytelling strength alone, influencing a new wave of narrative-focused games.
Hypnospace Outlaw: Nostalgia and Innovation
Hypnospace Outlaw transported players back to the late 1990s internet with its simulated online world. Players became “enforcers” tasked with monitoring the fictional Hypnospace network for illegal content.
The game perfectly captured the aesthetic of early web design with its gaudy GIFs, auto-playing MIDI files, and clunky navigation. This nostalgic recreation was more than visual—it also explored the cultural elements of early internet communities.
What made Hypnospace Outlaw special was how it turned internet browsing into compelling gameplay. Players solved puzzles by navigating between pages, searching for keywords, and understanding the relationships between different user profiles.
The game gradually revealed a deeper story about corporate control and online expression. By examining topics like digital preservation and internet history, Hypnospace Outlaw delivered thoughtful commentary on our relationship with technology while also providing a uniquely entertaining experience.
Outer Wilds and The Outer Worlds: Space Exploration Games
2019 brought two similarly named but very different space games. Outer Wilds featured a time loop mechanic where players explored a solar system before it exploded every 22 minutes. This design encouraged learning and discovery, as knowledge carried between loops.
The handcrafted planets each featured unique physics puzzles and environments. Players pieced together an ancient civilization’s history through exploration rather than combat.
Meanwhile, The Outer Worlds came from Obsidian Entertainment, offering a more traditional RPG experience with a satirical take on corporate space colonization. The game featured branching dialogue, companion characters, and multiple approaches to objectives.
Both games showcased different strengths in space exploration. Outer Wilds emphasized discovery and wonder, while The Outer Worlds focused on narrative choices and character development. Together, they demonstrated the versatility of space settings in gaming.
Red Dead Redemption 2: A Western Epic
Though initially released for consoles in 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 arrived on PC in 2019 with enhanced visuals and features. Rockstar’s western epic followed outlaw Arthur Morgan through the decline of the Wild West.
The PC version took advantage of higher frame rates, increased draw distances, and improved textures. These enhancements made the already stunning open world even more immersive, from snowy mountains to swampy bayous.
What distinguished Red Dead Redemption 2 was its attention to detail. The game simulated realistic animal behavior, changing weather patterns, and complex NPC routines. Characters remembered past interactions, creating a living world that responded to player actions.
The narrative explored themes of loyalty, redemption, and the changing American frontier. With its compelling story and technical achievements, the PC release cemented Red Dead Redemption 2 as one of the most ambitious open-world games ever created.
Death Stranding: Gaming’s Divisive Masterpiece
Hideo Kojima’s first post-Konami project arrived on PC in late 2019 (with a wider release in 2020), bringing his unique vision to the platform. Death Stranding cast players as Sam Porter Bridges, a courier traversing a post-apocalyptic America to reconnect isolated communities.
The game’s core gameplay focused on traversal and balance mechanics. Players had to carefully manage cargo while crossing challenging terrain, creating a unique experience centered on movement rather than combat.
Death Stranding featured an all-star cast including Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, and Léa Seydoux. Their performances brought emotional depth to the surreal narrative about connection and isolation.
Critics and players were divided—some praised its innovation while others criticized its repetitive gameplay. Regardless, Death Stranding’s blend of cinematic storyt
Frequently Asked Questions
PC gaming enthusiasts often have questions about standout titles from 2019. These games continue to influence the gaming landscape even in 2025, with many remaining relevant through updates, expansions, and active player communities.
What were the top-rated PC games released in 2019?
According to GameSpot reviews, several PC games scored an 8 or higher in 2019. Standout titles included Control, Disco Elysium, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. These games received critical acclaim for their innovative gameplay mechanics and storytelling.
The Outer Worlds also earned high marks for its rich RPG elements and humor. Other notable releases like Apex Legends and Resident Evil 2 Remake demonstrated excellence in their respective genres.
Many publications and gaming sites included these titles in their year-end “best of” lists, confirming their quality and impact on the industry.
Which 2019 PC games have the best single-player campaigns?
Control offered one of the most compelling single-player experiences with its supernatural setting and unique combat. Disco Elysium provided an innovative detective RPG experience with deep narrative choices and consequences.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order delivered a satisfying story-driven adventure that combined exploration with lightsaber combat. Metro Exodus impressed players with its atmospheric post-apocalyptic journey across Russia.
A Plague Tale: Innocence surprised many with its emotional storytelling and stealth gameplay mechanics. These games showed that single-player experiences remained vibrant in 2019.
How do PC games from 2019 compare to those released in 2020 and 2021?
Games from 2019 established foundations that later titles built upon. Many 2019 releases focused on strong narratives and refined gameplay mechanics rather than technical showcases.
The 2020-2021 period saw increased emphasis on visual fidelity and next-gen features, while 2019 titles concentrated more on core gameplay innovations. Despite technological advancements in later years, several 2019 games remain benchmarks in their genres.
Games like Disco Elysium continue to influence RPG design, while titles like Apex Legends helped establish battle royale as a mainstream genre that evolved through subsequent years.
Are there any PC game titles from 2019 that received significant updates or expansions?
Apex Legends has received numerous seasons of content, characters, and map changes since its 2019 launch. The game continues to evolve with regular updates that keep its player base engaged.
Control received two major expansions: “The Foundation” and “AWE,” which expanded its mysterious world and even connected it to other games by the developer.
No Man’s Sky, though released earlier, received its significant “Beyond” update in 2019, continuing its redemption story with substantial new features and improvements.
Which 2019 PC games are still actively played and supported in 2025?
Apex Legends maintains a strong player base in 2025, with ongoing competitive scenes and regular content updates. The game’s free-to-play model has helped sustain its longevity.
Rainbow Six Siege, while released earlier, received significant updates in 2019 that contributed to its continued success and player engagement through 2025.
Several single-player titles from 2019 have received next-gen updates or remasters, allowing them to remain relevant on modern hardware. Their strong gameplay foundations have helped them stand the test of time.
What awards or recognitions did the best PC games of 2019 achieve?
Disco Elysium dominated many award ceremonies, winning numerous “Best Narrative” and “Best RPG” awards. The game also received recognition for its original score and art direction.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2019, beating out strong competition. The title was praised for its challenging combat and world design.
Control received multiple awards for its technical achievements and artistic direction. These recognitions helped cement 2019 as a strong year for innovative game design across various genres.
