The Best Steam Games to Play Right Now in 2024

Troy Reeder

Path of Exile 2

Steam offers a vast library of games for PC gamers. The platform hosts titles across various genres, from popular shooters to indie gems. Players can find both AAA blockbusters and unique, niche experiences.

Steam’s top-rated games showcase the diversity of its offerings. Titles like Stardew Valley, Hades, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt consistently receive high praise from users. These games stand out for their engaging gameplay, impressive art styles, and compelling narratives.

Best Steam Games to Play Right Now (December 2024)

Steam is a treasure trove of amazing games, with thousands of titles spanning every genre imaginable. But with so many options, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are some of the best Steam games you can play right now:

RankNamePeak Players
1Counter-Strike 21,573,901
2Path of Exile 2539,149
3Dota 2797,599
4Call of Duty®263,402
5Rust186,280
6PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS796,001
7Banana446,433
8Grand Theft Auto V196,707
9Delta Force108,784
10Baldur’s Gate 3107,633
11THRONE AND LIBERTY141,042
12Crosshair X87,928
13Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege72,816
14Team Fortress 268,400
15Stardew Valley116,789
16Apex Legends224,664
17Wallpaper Engine142,248
18War Thunder103,138
19Crab Game54,229
20Football Manager 202468,295
21DayZ68,748
22Sid Meier’s Civilization VI71,148
23Factorio98,901
24EA SPORTS FC 2585,326
25S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl120,960
26Farming Simulator 25135,883
27Hearts of Iron IV93,196
28VRChat52,932
29Warframe76,455
30PAYDAY 238,640
31Cyberpunk 207759,022
32Satisfactory55,414
33Dead by Daylight68,157
34Left 4 Dead 264,114
35The Sims™ 443,773
36The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition37,095
37Euro Truck Simulator 257,242
38Red Dead Redemption 253,300
39Project Zomboid40,813
40ELDEN RING45,231
41Valheim45,375
42Once Human72,963
43Destiny 253,135
44Total War: WARHAMMER III34,504
45Terraria61,068
46HELLDIVERS™ 253,621
477 Days to Die41,726
48The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth49,231
49Rocket League31,057
50Spacewar62,682
51FINAL FANTASY XIV Online35,733
52Garry’s Mod35,672
53Phasmophobia45,706
54Overwatch® 256,607
55RimWorld28,616
56tModLoader47,809
57Cats25,021
58ARK: Survival Evolved40,477
59Palworld40,501
60Lost Ark27,866
61ARK: Survival Ascended24,944
62NARAKA: BLADEPOINT317,932
63Monster Hunter: World104,488
64Crusader Kings III29,187
65MIR420,268
66Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition30,067
67Don’t Starve Together70,580
68Enshrouded42,477
69The First Descendant26,227
70Lethal Company25,636
71Geometry Dash23,434
72Sid Meier’s Civilization V21,771
73New World: Aeternum37,638
74BeamNG.drive25,201
75Fallout 421,872
76Balatro20,995
77Hogwarts Legacy26,281
78Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel37,125
79Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord30,628
80Stellaris23,945
81Europa Universalis IV21,989
82Sons Of The Forest37,631
83Soundpad20,338
84Killing Floor 217,348
85Warhammer 40,000: Darktide22,520
86Arma 320,660
87Unturned22,660
88THE FINALS20,336
89NBA 2K2533,239
90Brawlhalla19,165
91SCUM27,230
92Squad22,537
93Black Desert17,212
94Fallout 7615,276
95The Elder Scrolls Online15,752
96No Man’s Sky20,709
97SUPERVIVE47,774
98Dragon Age™: The Veilguard60,656
99Cookie Clicker12,855
100Crosshair V222,197

New Releases

  • The Rise of the Golden Idol (87% on PC Gamer): This point-and-click adventure game has garnered rave reviews for its clever puzzles, witty writing, and captivating story.
  • Stalker 2 (83% on PC Gamer): This long-awaited sequel to the cult classic S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl delivers a thrilling and atmospheric open-world experience in a post-apocalyptic setting.
  • Factorio: Space Age (92% on PC Gamer): This expansion for the acclaimed factory-building game Factorio takes the gameplay to new heights, literally, with off-world expansion and new challenges.

Recent Hits

  • Baldur’s Gate 3: This critically acclaimed RPG from Larian Studios offers a deep and immersive Dungeons & Dragons experience with stunning visuals, engaging combat, and a captivating story.
  • Vampire Survivors: This addictive roguelite has taken the gaming world by storm with its simple yet satisfying gameplay loop and endless replayability.
  • Elden Ring: FromSoftware’s latest masterpiece is a must-play for fans of challenging action RPGs. Its vast open world, intricate lore, and rewarding combat make it an unforgettable experience.

Timeless Classics

  • Grand Theft Auto V: Still going strong after all these years, GTA V offers a massive open world, a compelling story, and endless opportunities for mayhem and fun.
  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: This epic RPG from CD Projekt Red is a masterpiece of storytelling, world-building, and character development.
  • Stardew Valley: This charming farming and life simulator offers a relaxing and rewarding escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Hidden Gems

  • Wildermyth: This unique RPG blends procedural storytelling with tactical combat and character-driven narratives.
  • Inscryption: This mind-bending horror game combines card game mechanics with escape room puzzles and psychological twists.
  • Hades: This stylish roguelite from Supergiant Games features fast-paced action, compelling characters, and a captivating story inspired by Greek mythology.

For Steam Deck

  • Vampire Survivors: Perfect for quick sessions on the go, this addictive roguelite is a great fit for the Steam Deck.
  • Hades: The Steam Deck’s controls are well-suited for Hades’ fast-paced action and satisfying combat.
  • Slay the Spire: This deck-building roguelite is another excellent choice for the Steam Deck, offering strategic depth and endless replayability.

Choosing the Right Game for You

With so many great games available on Steam, the best choice for you depends on your preferences and interests. Consider factors like genre, playstyle, and desired experience when making your selection.

Steam’s Features and Benefits

Steam is more than just a digital storefront. It offers a variety of features that enhance your gaming experience:

  • Massive Library: Steam boasts a vast library of games, from AAA blockbusters to indie darlings.
  • Community Features: Connect with friends, join groups, and participate in discussions with Steam’s community features.
  • Cloud Saves: Access your game saves from any computer with Steam Cloud.
  • Automatic Updates: Keep your games up-to-date with automatic updates.
  • Sales and Discounts: Take advantage of frequent sales and discounts on games.
  • Steam Workshop: Download and install mods to enhance your favorite games.

Steam offers a vast and diverse library of games to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for the latest releases, timeless classics, or hidden gems, there’s something for everyone on Steam. With its user-friendly interface, community features, and regular sales, Steam is a must-have platform for any PC gamer.

2024 Gaming in Review

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on the gaming landscape and the trends that shaped the year. Here are some key takeaways:

AAA Games: A Mixed Bag

While 2024 saw some highly anticipated AAA releases, it also witnessed some notable failures. Games like Skull and Bones, Concord, and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League failed to meet expectations, both critically and commercially. These disappointments highlight the challenges faced by AAA studios in a rapidly evolving industry. Factors like development costs, changing player preferences, and increased competition contribute to the risks involved in AAA game development.

Indie Games Continue to Shine

In contrast to some AAA struggles, 2024 was a strong year for indie games. Titles like Balatro, Nine Sols, and Factorio: Space Age garnered critical acclaim and captured the attention of players. These successes demonstrate the creativity and innovation thriving in the indie game development scene. With lower development costs and more freedom to experiment, indie developers often deliver unique and engaging experiences that resonate with players seeking something different.

The Remake and Remaster Renaissance

2024 saw a wave of successful remakes and remasters, including Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Silent Hill 2, Persona 3 Reload, and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. These reimagined classics offer nostalgic experiences for longtime fans and introduce beloved games to new audiences. The popularity of remakes and remasters reflects a desire for comfort and familiarity in a rapidly changing world, as well as a renewed appreciation for classic games.

Genre Diversity and Player Choice

2024 offered a diverse range of games across various genres. From immersive RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 to addictive roguelites like Vampire Survivors and challenging action titles like Elden Ring, there was something for everyone. This diversity caters to a wide range of player preferences and ensures that there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

The Evolving Landscape of the Gaming Industry

The gaming industry is in constant flux, with new technologies, business models, and player expectations shaping its future. AAA studios face increasing pressure to deliver innovative and engaging experiences, while indie developers continue to push boundaries and capture the attention of players. The rise of remakes and remasters also reflects a desire for nostalgic experiences and a renewed appreciation for classic games. As we move into 2025, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to evolve and shape the future of gaming.

Key Takeaways

  • Steam provides a wide range of games for different tastes and preferences
  • User reviews and ratings help identify popular and high-quality titles on the platform
  • Steam’s library includes both major releases and innovative indie games

Access Denied Message

Steam users may encounter a “Sorry, you have been blocked” message when trying to access certain features. This error typically indicates a temporary restriction on account activities. The block can stem from various reasons, including suspicious behavior or violations of Steam’s community guidelines.

Users facing this issue should first verify their account security. Checking for unauthorized access and changing passwords is a good starting point. Steam Support may need to be contacted if the problem persists.

Some common triggers for account blocks include:

  • Posting inappropriate content
  • Using automation tools
  • Engaging in market manipulation

To avoid future blocks, users should:

  1. Review Steam’s community guidelines
  2. Use only official Steam services
  3. Protect account credentials

Patience is key, as some blocks lift automatically after a set period. During this time, affected users can still access their game library and make purchases, but community features may be limited.

Blocked Access to PCMag Website

PCMag’s website is currently inaccessible. Users trying to visit pcmag.com may see an error message. This issue affects access to PCMag’s game reviews and recommendations. The problem could stem from various causes, including server issues or network problems. Readers seeking PCMag’s content may need to wait or find alternative sources temporarily. PCMag typically offers valuable insights on PC gaming and Steam titles. Their curated lists often highlight top games across genres. While the site is down, gamers can explore other reputable gaming news outlets for similar information.

Why Steam Blocks Accounts

Steam may block accounts for various reasons. Security measures often trigger these blocks to protect users and the platform. Submitting certain words, phrases, or SQL commands can prompt restrictions. Malformed data entries may also lead to blocking. These actions aim to prevent online attacks and maintain community safety. Users experiencing blocks should review their recent activities and Steam’s guidelines to understand and resolve the issue.

Resolving Access Issues

Contact the website administrator to report the blockage. Provide details about your activities when the error occurred. Include the Cloudflare Ray ID displayed at the bottom of the error page. This information helps identify and address the issue promptly.

Consider using a different internet connection or device to access the site. If the problem persists, check for any browser extensions or VPNs that might interfere with access. Clearing browser cache and cookies can also sometimes resolve such issues.

Common Questions About Steam Games

Top Steam Games by Player Count

Steam’s most-played games change frequently. As of November 2024, popular titles include Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and PUBG: Battlegrounds. New releases and updates can quickly shift these rankings. Check Steam’s official stats page for the latest data on current player numbers.

Best Free Games on Steam

Several high-quality free-to-play games are available on Steam:

  • Dota 2 (MOBA)
  • Path of Exile (action RPG)
  • Warframe (sci-fi shooter)
  • Team Fortress 2 (team-based FPS)
  • Destiny 2 (MMO shooter)

These games offer extensive content without upfront costs, though optional in-game purchases are available.

Top-Rated Narrative Games

Steam users highly rate these story-driven games:

  1. Red Dead Redemption 2
  2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
  3. Disco Elysium
  4. What Remains of Edith Finch
  5. Firewatch

These titles offer compelling narratives, rich character development, and immersive worlds.

Steam Games for Low-End PCs

Players with older hardware can enjoy these less demanding games:

  • Stardew Valley
  • Terraria
  • FTL: Faster Than Light
  • Undertale
  • Celeste

These games offer engaging gameplay without requiring high-end graphics cards or processors.

Rising Steam Games of 2024

New releases gaining traction in 2024 include:

  1. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (expansion)
  2. Starfield
  3. Baldur’s Gate 3
  4. Hades II
  5. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Player interest in these titles has increased due to positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Multiplayer Games for Online Fun

For gaming with friends, consider these options:

  • Valheim (survival crafting)
  • Phasmophobia (co-op horror)
  • It Takes Two (co-op adventure)
  • Sea of Thieves (pirate adventure)
  • Among Us (social deduction)

These games support online play and offer varied experiences for different group sizes and preferences.