20 best PC games to play right now

Neva

Created by the team behind Gris, Neva is an adventure game focused on survival, nature, and loss themes. Set in a world where the protagonist must navigate their environment while balancing life and death, the game challenges players to maintain this delicate equilibrium.

Players will encounter deeply emotional stories wrapped in atmospheric landscapes, emphasizing exploration and puzzles. The narrative is profoundly moving, reflecting a powerful journey through both personal and natural tragedies.

Neva (photo: Engadget)

Alan Wake 2

Alan Wake 2 is a psychological survival horror game developed by Remedy Entertainment. It is a direct sequel to the 2010 game Alan Wake.

The game features two main protagonists: Alan Wake, a writer trapped in a nightmarish world, and FBI agent Saga Anderson, who investigates a series of mysterious murders in the town of Bright Falls.

The game introduces a darker tone, with complex puzzles and survival mechanics that push the boundaries of the gameplay established in the original title.

Alan Wake 2 (photo: Engadget)

Balatro

Balatro is a unique and multifaceted poker game. Special decks, magical tarot cards, and quirky jokers bring each hand to life. The familiar rules of poker are turned on their heads: a higher card can yield more points than a royal flush, and the results of individual hands can reach astronomical values.

However, a single joker swap can dramatically alter the outcomes, reducing the total to mere thousands.

Balatro (photo: Engadget)

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a surreal adventure game that combines puzzle-solving with visual storytelling.

Set in a mysterious world, players take on the role of Lorelei, embarking on a journey through strange places to unravel the mystery surrounding her.

The game focuses on exploration and solving environmental puzzles, showcasing a unique aesthetic and an engaging narrative filled with intrigue and unexpected twists.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes (photo: Engadget)

Cult of the Lamb

Cult of the Lamb, developed by Massive Monster, is a rogue-like game with a quirky and darkly comedic twist. Players control a lamb saved from death by a mysterious entity, tasked with building a cult and growing a loyal following.

The game blends action, resource management, and base-building mechanics with a charming yet eerie atmosphere. Its distinctive art style and humorous take on cult leadership make it a standout in the indie gaming scene.

Cult of the Lamb (photo: Engadget)

Hades II

Developed by Supergiant Games, Hades II is the sequel to the 2020 hit Hades. This roguelike action game follows Melinoë, Zagreus' sister, as she embarks on a journey to overthrow Kronos.

The game retains its dynamic combat and deep storytelling while introducing new gods, enemies, and mechanics, further expanding the rich mythological universe of its predecessor. Players will face unique challenges, characters, and storylines while navigating ever-changing dungeons.

Hades II (photo: Engadget)

Elden Ring

Developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco, Elden Ring is an open-world action RPG set in a dark fantasy universe. The game offers vast exploration opportunities, dynamic combat, a complex storyline, and deep character customization.

Players can traverse an enchanting yet dangerous world, facing formidable enemies and powerful bosses while uncovering the mysteries of the Elden Ring.

Elden Ring (photo: Engadget)

Still Wakes the Deep

Still Wakes the Deep is a narrative-driven horror game developed by The Chinese Room, renowned for titles like Everybody's Gone to the Rapture.

Set on an oil rig in the North Sea, the story unfolds as the protagonist faces a terrifying ordeal after an oil spill triggers horrifying events.

Players navigate a dark, atmospheric environment, uncovering a narrative that delves into psychological and supernatural horror elements.

Still Wakes the Deep (photo: Engadget)

Rollerdrome

Developed by Rofast, Rollerdrome is a fast-paced third-person shooter with roller-skating mechanics. Set in a dystopian future, players control Kara Hassan, a competitor in a deadly sport that blends skating with gunfights.

The game delivers an adrenaline-filled mix of tricks, combat, and acrobatics, all wrapped in a distinct 1970s retro-futuristic aesthetic. It has been praised for its innovative gameplay that uniquely combines action and movement.

Rollerdrome (photo: Engadget)

Tunic

Tunic is an action-adventure game in which players control a small fox and explore a mysterious world filled with puzzles, secrets, and dangerous enemies.

Inspired by The Legend of Zelda, the game blends exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. It features cryptic language that players must decipher to understand the world and its mechanics.

With stunning art design and a sense of discovery, Tunic invites players to unlock abilities and uncover the hidden lore of its captivating world.

Tunic (photo: Engadget)

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, developed by Deconstructeam, is an interactive game where players take on the role of a witch exiled to an asteroid. The gameplay involves creating tarot cards that shape the destiny of the protagonist and other world inhabitants, blending card crafting with storytelling.

Featuring hand-drawn illustrations and a captivating narrative, the game delves into themes of fate, free will, and witchcraft. It emphasizes deep character interactions, relationship building, and the creation of a unique magical system through tarot cards.

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood (photo: Engadget)

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, developed by Omega Force, is an adventure game inspired by Japanese mythology.

Players take on the role of a goddess tasked with guiding humanity through battles against demons and other mythological threats. The game combines fast-paced combat with strategic elements and a rich narrative rooted in the world of Japanese deities and spirits.

Set in a visually stunning environment, the game highlights the power of its protagonist while exploring themes of authority, protection, and destiny.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (photo: Engadget)

The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series

The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series is a collection of all four seasons of Telltale’s The Walking Dead, featuring additional content and enhanced visuals. This ultimate edition offers the complete story of Clementine, a young girl who grows into a skilled survivor in a zombie-infested world.

The game emphasizes choice-driven gameplay, where decisions shape the narrative's direction, relationships, and outcomes for the characters. Known for its emotional and gripping storytelling, it delivers an intense and impactful experience.

The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series (photo: Engadget)

Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, is a role-playing video game set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. It follows a group of adventurers infected with a parasitic tadpole that grants them unique abilities.

The game features deep RPG mechanics, allowing players to choose from various races and classes while navigating a branching storyline filled with decisions that can shape the world.

Renowned for its rich narrative, turn-based combat, and player agency, Baldur's Gate 3 emphasizes exploration, storytelling, and character development.

Baldur’s Gate 3 (photo: Engadget)

League of Legends

League of Legends is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Riot Games. It lets players control champions, each with unique abilities, and work in teams to destroy enemy towers while defending their own.

One of the most popular esports games worldwide, League of Legends is known for its deep strategy, team coordination, and frequent updates. These have made it a cornerstone of the gaming world since its release in 2009.

League of Legends (photo: Engadget)

Cocoon

Cocoon, a puzzle-adventure game developed by Geometric Interactive, features a unique world where players control a character who travels between different worlds within spherical environments.

The gameplay revolves around solving intricate puzzles involving moving between worlds and using objects and abilities within each.

The game has been highly praised for its innovative design, beautiful visuals, and atmospheric exploration. It stands out for its minimalist yet deeply engaging narrative structure.

Cocoon (photo: Engadget)

Kentucky Route Zero

Kentucky Route Zero is an adventure game developed by Cardboard Computer. Set in a magical realist version of Kentucky, the game follows Conway, a truck driver attempting to deliver his final load.

The game blends surreal storytelling, vibrant art, and deep dialogues that explore themes of American culture, economics, and personal struggle.

Kentucky Route Zero (photo: Engadget)

Valorant

Valorant is a free tactical first-person shooter developed by Riot Games. The game combines traditional shooter mechanics with hero abilities, creating a strategic blend of gunfights and character powers.

Players form five teams and compete in rounds to either plant or defuse a bomb or eliminate the opposing team.

Valorant has gained significant popularity on the competitive esports scene.

Valorant (photo: Engadget)

Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Square Enix. The game takes place in the fantasy world of Eorzea, where players can choose from various races and classes to embark on quests, participate in large-scale raids, and engage in extensive crafting and trading systems.

Originally released in 2010 and relaunched in 2013 as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, the game has received critical acclaim for its story, world-building, and major content updates.

Final Fantasy XIV (photo: Engadget)

Half-Life 2

The protagonist, Gordon Freeman, travels through a dystopian world controlled by an alien regime known as the Combine. The game is renowned for its innovative physics engine, narrative-driven gameplay, and richly developed world.

Half-Life 2 was praised for its intense atmosphere, storytelling, and advanced gameplay mechanics for its time. It had a lasting impact on the FPS genre and is regarded as one of the greatest video games ever created.

Half-Life 2 (photo: Engadget)

Read also about the 14 top games of December on PC and consoles that will keep you entertained this winter.