The PC has always been a system that's been lauded as inherently being the best gaming platform. With its library undebatably being the most vast of any 'console,' it's easy to find a wide variety of fantastic games to enjoy and play. But what about the games that truly stand out and above the rest? The list of 'best PC games of all time' definitely is a long one, but there are a lot of titles that deserve this acclaim that may not come straight to mind.

If you're someone who's looking to try games that are considered some of the best PC games of all time, and you're wondering about what the best ways are to find those games, then worry no more! This guide is filled with a variety of fantastic titles, and you're sure to fall in love with at least one. But make sure that you keep in mind some particularly important factors — namely, the game's playtime, the depth of gameplay, the studio/developers, and the game modes — then you'll be able to easily find the game that you're looking for! Browse this list of the best PC games of all time to see our review of their pros & cons. Once you get to the end, you'll have a firm idea of which of these games is best suited for you!

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is not only the best Call of Duty game ever made, but is also one of the best PC games of all time. With the hype for Call of Duty being at an unprecedented high after the release of Modern Warfare, fans were fiending for their next fix of multiplayer action and destruction. So how exactly did Activision follow up this already groundbreaking title? Modern Warfare 2 was an answer to fans' outcry for more of what they'd discovered they loved so much.

Similar to Modern Warfare, but differently from the previous Call of Duty titles, gameplay is equally focused on multiplayer and single-player modes. In terms of the single-player, Modern Warfare 2 has one of the best storylines that's ever been included in a Call of Duty title. The conflict is standard, with players looking to pretend the nation from foreign invasion through a special operations unit. Each mission in the story is extremely exciting and enjoyable, and the actual story is magnificent — but the short length of the story is definitely noticeable.

The multiplayer is extremely refined, with some of the tightest gameplay in a first-person shooter ever. With iconic maps, weapons, skins, and all of the chaos you can ask for, Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer is as addictive as it is enjoyable.

For most fans of the series, Modern Warfare 2 is the best Call of Duty title, without debate. So if you haven't had the chance to try this title before, and you're a fan of other Modern Warfare titles (or first-person shooters in general), then you should definitely consider giving this fantastic game a try today.

Key Features
  • Sequel to the now infamous Modern Warfare
  • Engrossing and intriguing narrative
  • Gorgeous graphics and iconic soundtrack
  • Single-player and multiplayer
Pros
  • Extremely refined gameplay
  • Detailed and engaging game modes
  • Large amount of customization (weapons, skins, etc.)
Cons
  • Short play time for single-player
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Premium pick

2. Doom Eternal

9.90 / 10
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Doom Eternal is the recently released sequel to the critically acclaimed reboot of Doom (2016), and it's everything that we wanted it to be. Doom (2016) employed some of the most high-octane, fast-paced, graphic, and violent gameplay that fans of first-person shooters have seen in a long time. But what exactly made it stand out in this oversaturated genre?

First and foremost, the unique, goth-apocalyptic aesthetic of Doom, paired with the blood-lusting, skull-crushing anthems that constantly blare out of your screen. Are you getting tired of your first-person shooters not having enough gore and destruction? Do you want to rip, tear, and shoot through most of what you see on the screen? If so, you're probably already a fan of Doom — but, if by chance you haven't had the opportunity to try its sequel yet, it sounds like it's calling out to you!

The gameplay is ridiculously intense, with the protagonist — Doom Slayer — moving at ridiculous speeds as you blast through any enemies in your way. But actual attacks and weapons have also been optimized for improved fluidity of battle. The actual story is relatively short, with players being able to run through it quickly in under 20 hours, but it's also extremely replayable.

There are both single-player and multiplayer modes in Doom Eternal, so after you've beaten the story, you'll have the opportunity to take your newly acquired skills online. However, it's not had the chance to proliferate the market over the course of multiple years. Doom Eternal has already solidified its status as one of the greatest games of the year, and is sure to be considered one of the best PC games of all time in the immediate future.

Key Features
  • Sequel to the acclaimed Doom reboot
  • Thrilling, reactive gore and violence
  • Variety of game modes
  • Single-player and multiplayer
Pros
  • Exciting and satisfying gameplay
  • Gorgeous graphics and soundtrack
  • Lots of replayability
Cons
  • Short play time
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Doom Eternal
Best value

3. Diablo III

9.85 / 10
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Diablo III is a title that's truly been omnipresent in the gaming scene since its release in 2012. Having initially set the title for the fasting selling PC game, the popularity and acclaim of this game were clearly palpable. Although there are important differences, Diablo III essentially functions as an MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online RPG). With millions of players having enjoyed this title for nearly a decade, just what are the elements of its gameplay that make it one of the best PC games of all time?

With a vast and meticulously developed variety of weapons and armor, battle is extremely complex in terms of customization and personal optimization. Through the leveling system of the gain and the gradual acquisition of better, more effective items, players begin to obtain the characters that they're looking for after having put a few hours in. Between quests, a relatively vast realm to explore, and the option to join other players for co-op play, Diablo III is a game that seems simple on the surface, but that's extremely complex underneath.

Create your own ideal character by choosing between seven classes (including demon hunter, wizard, necromancer, barbarian, and more) and individual stats. If you've never played Diablo III, or potentially never played an MMORPG before, you'll be surprised at how much creative control you're given in this game. Battle incorporates strategic and hack-and-slash elements, with positioning of players and coordination of attacks being key.

This is all just scratching the surface of the compelling world that Diablo III has to offer. Whether you're looking for a game to enjoy with friends, or you're simply looking to experience the mysterious world of Diablo, it's definitely worth trying out this now-classic title today. Here's hoping you get as many endless hours of fun out of playing it like so many other hundreds of millions of players have been doing for years.

Key Features
  • Third and most popular title Diablo series
  • Hack and slash-based Online RPG
  • Play with friends as you create ideal characters
  • Unique, top-down art style
Pros
  • Extremely detailed combat system
  • In-depth character customization
  • Lots of replayability; exciting gameplay
Cons
  • Always online/multiplayer (can’t play without WiFi)
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Diablo III

Grand Theft Auto V is definitively one of the most popular video games ever made. With the game setting more and more world records each year for its sales and popularity, and it's visible omnipresence in the gaming scene since its release (with its numerous re-releases and alternate iterations), it's easy for most to see why this is one of the best PC games of all time. But if you haven't had the chance to play GTA V before, you might be asking yourself — what exactly is it about Grand Theft Auto V that makes it such a critically acclaimed title?

There are a lot of fantastic things about Grand Theft Auto V. One of the most striking features of the game is its actual story. Playing as three characters with different backgrounds and ideologies, you explore the world of Los Santos as you get to know its underbelly a little too familiarly. Each character has their own compelling traits and viewpoints that make you feel like you truly grow to know them. Missions are extremely detailed and immersive, with gameplay varying from high-intensity battles to casual towing jobs. The beauty of the story of Grand Theft Auto is that it's essentially a (albeit violent) real-life simulator where players are free to explore, admire, and exist in the vast world of GTA V.

The gameplay is similar to previous titles, with driving, third-person shooter, and physical combat elements that all comprise a true tour de force. With such refined gameplay elements and in-game physics — especially in comparison to GTA IV, which was a beautiful title in its own right — alongside a vast arsenal of weapons, vehicles, houses, and so much more to obtain and experience, GTA's gameplay works alongside its story to make it one of the most replayable video games ever released.

All of this doesn't even include GTA Online, which is currently (and has been for a few years) the game's most popular mode. With the active economy and community in the world of GTA Online, you'll have tons left to do once you've completed the game's story. GTA V is a groundbreaking title for the action-adventure genre, but also for video games in general. So it's easy to understand why it is, by far, one of the best PC games ever made.

Key Features
  • Fifth main-line title in GTA series
  • Extremely immersive world with endless list of activities
  • Single-player and multiplayer experience
  • Countless updates made to improve and expand content
Specifications
  • Publisher: Rockstar Games
  • Genre: Action-Adventure
  • Platform: PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC
  • Rating: M
Pros
  • Three main characters to play as
  • Long playtime; extremely replayability
  • Variety of game modes to enjoy
Cons
  • Certain missions feel repetitive
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Grand Theft Auto V

Minecraft is a game with boundless potential for enjoyability that's suitable for players of all ages. As the most popular video game ever created, Minecraft obtained its icon status shortly after its release in November 2011. With its continued popularity — currently, there are 126 million players — there are a variety of reasons that it's still worth it to give the game a chance if you haven't already.

Minecraft is known for its extremely blocky art style with a simplistic yet expressive aesthetic, and its gorgeous accompanying soundtrack. There are five different core game modes: adventure mode, creative mode, survival mode, hardcore mode, and spectator mode.

In Adventure mode, players are able to experience worlds created by users while fighting various enemies and acquiring items. Creative mode allows you to use various objects and resources to create the worlds of your dreams — this is one of the modes that are most popular among players. Then there's spectator mode, which allows you to free roam watch other players without actually playing. Survival mode is similar to adventure mode, spawning players in at varying difficulties and forcing them to collect items to build and defend themselves against enemies. Between these modes and a multiplayer option, there's a ton of different ways to enjoy playing Minecraft.

After nine years of players creating stages, there are tens of thousands of detailed landscapes and worlds for you to view and explore. Minecraft is a game that fans of all types of genres can enjoy; Whether you're looking for a game to enjoy with family and friends, or you want to explore and create worlds of your own.

Key Features
  • Create and experience immersive worlds
  • Single and multiplayer
  • Unique, minimal art style
Specifications
  • Publisher: Mojang
  • Genre: Sandbox
  • Platform: Cross-platform
  • Rating: E
Pros
  • Endless amount of worlds to try
  • Large variety of game modes
  • Intuitive and enjoyable gameplay
Cons
  • Gameplay can feel one dimensional
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The Witcher 3 is one of the most expansive RPG titles ever made. With a staggering amount of DLC, and an even more overwhelming story length, there's an endless amount of elements for fans and newcomers to enjoy from the moment you begin playing. As Geralt of Rivia, a renowned Witcher (person who hunts and slays beasts), you spend this game searching for your daughter, who's running from enigmatic, powerful forces.

The Witcher 3 is as much an homage to the stories it's based on as it is an action RPG experience. With such extreme attention to detail in terms of inclusions of novel-based content, those who are familiar with the series will be positively overwhelmed!

Gameplay is refined and fantastic, with Geralt wielding multiple weapons (one for beasts, one for humans), and having access to a variety of magic. The main missions involve decision trees and NPC interactions that will determine not only the fate of your story but the path of your progression. The world is extremely vast and detailed — but more importantly, it doesn't feel empty, meaning you'll always be able to run as far as your eye can see just for the sake of exploration.

Whether you're exploring everything that its world has to offer, meeting in-game characters and fulfilling quests, or maybe just fighting every enemy within reach, the Witcher 3 has an astounding amount of content to experience that definitively solidifies it as one of the best PC games of all time.

Key Features
  • Vast and expansive Witcher title
  • Variety of quests, NPCs, and areas to explore
  • Shockingly large amount of DLC
  • Single-player experience
Pros
  • Tight and well-defined gameplay
  • Lots of customization
  • Long play time; 100+ (including side content)
Cons
  • Lacking other game modes
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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt