The best PC game reviews and what they mean for the player

Choosing what to play on PC these days can be a real nightmare.Every year, thousands of titles are released on Steam alone. Algorithms bombard you with recommendations, you see clips on social media, and then there are the expert reviews from outlets like PC Gamer, Rock Paper Shotgun, and PCGamesN. With so much on offer, it's normal to end up with more games on your wishlist than free time to actually sit down and play them.

To make things a little easier for you, in this article we have compiled what works best right now in the world of PC gamingFrom the top 10 trending games most frequently played by gaming journalists, to lists of timeless "masterpieces" and mentions of titles that have disappointed critics. All of this. Reorganized, explained in detail and commented on in Spanish from SpainSo you have a very complete guide when you search for "pc game reviews" and want to go directly to what's really worthwhile.

How the media chooses the best PC games of the moment

In publications like PC Gamer, the selection of “The 10 best PC games to play right now” It's not done haphazardly. It's not a historical list or a sales ranking, but an up-to-date snapshot of what the team is truly hooked on right now.

The first thing they look at is if the team is truly playing for that titleIt makes no sense to only recommend classics from twenty years ago if you're looking for something fresh that's worth your time today. That's why they conduct frequent internal surveys among writers and contributors to find out what games they're spending their free time on.

Another key criterion is to value if now is the best time to enter each gameMany games launch poorly or with issues, but after several patches, expansions, or major updates, they transform into spectacular experiences. The opposite also happens: titles that have a phenomenal start and then fizzle out. The list is reviewed at least once a month to ensure it always feels up-to-date.

Furthermore, they ask themselves a very simple question: “Would I recommend it to a colleague?”Beyond technicalities like design, performance, or depth, the essential factor is whether the editorial team feels that the game deserves to be tried by everyone. This almost "word-of-mouth" filter makes the list more human and less impersonal than a simple ranking of scores.

Therefore, the monthly list combines very recent releases with titles from the previous year that continue to receive content or have now found their best form. It's not just a collection of reviews; it's a living guide designed to help you decide what deserves your time right now.

The 10 best PC games to play right now

The most recent selection is from JanuaryWith a somewhat quiet start to the year in terms of releases, but with some big names like a new Resident Evil already on the horizon, there are ten games that clearly stand out on our writers' PCs while we wait for those future blockbusters.

1. Arc Raiders

Arc Raiders appeared in November 2025 and has been a huge success within the extraction shooter genre.The premise is clear: enter a dangerous zone, get loot, and get out alive. However, unlike other games of this type where the experience can turn into a festival of ultra-aggressive players, Arc Raiders opts for an "aggression-based" matchmaking system that reduces toxicity and allows for less stressful matches if you prefer.

This mechanism has generated intense debates within the communitySome believe it reduces the competitive tension, but many critics see it as the game's key differentiator. The PC Gamer editorial team has collectively dedicated over 100 hours to Arc Raiders, making it clear that if you're interested in the genre, it's a safe bet.

2. Europa Universalis 5

Europa Universalis 5 is the latest installment in Paradox's legendary historical strategy saga, also released in November 2025. It is such a complex game that it can intimidate even veterans, but that is precisely a significant part of its charm: it simulates politics, economics, diplomacy and wars over centuries in enormous detail.

The reviews agree that the title sometimes It seems to creak under the weight of everything it tries to encompass.But they also point out that the set of systems and how they relate to each other is some of the best work Paradox has done since Hearts of Iron 4. If you love deep strategy games where every decision feels important, this is one of the most highly recommended in the current catalog.

3. Hollow Knight: Silksong

The highly anticipated sequel to the original Hollow Knight finally arrived in September 2025.And it quickly became the most played game within the PC Gamer team. Silksong maintains the challenging Metroidvania essence of the first game, but puts a spin on mobility, level design, and gameplay.

One idea is repeated in the expert reviews: It is tough, demanding, and sometimes borders on cruel.But once you get into its "flow," it's almost impossible to put the controller down. The feeling of traversing a dark and seemingly endless world, with new secrets at every turn, has earned it outstanding reviews and a place on many personal game of the year lists.

4. Battlefield 6

The sixth numbered installment of Battlefield, released in October 2025, marked a significant return for the franchise.The single-player campaign is not entirely convincing, and many media outlets recommend going directly to multiplayer, which is where the game truly shines.

In that competitive aspect, DICE and the studios involved have managed to recapture the essence of “large-scale battles” which had become somewhat diluted in previous installments. There are complaints about the number of large maps available from the start and about some details of the progression system, but the consensus is that this is a true rebirth of the franchise, with room for improvement through updates.

5. Elden Ring: Nightreign

Nightreign is a cooperative spin-off of Elden Ring that arrived in May 2025 and it has ended up being one of the most controversial games within the FromSoftware community. In terms of design, it's ruthless even by the studio's standards: hostile decisions towards the player, small details designed to unsettle, and a level of difficulty that many describe as sadistic.

The curious thing is that, despite those criticisms, There are writers who confess to continuing to play games until the early hours of the morning.The blend of cooperation, route discovery, and the classic satisfaction of overcoming a near-impossible obstacle means that anyone who dives into Nightreign will find countless hours of gameplay. A major September update further reignited interest, drawing back those who had already sunk over 170 hours into the game.

6. Abiotic Factor

Abiotic Factor left early access in July 2025 and has established itself as one of the best cooperative survival games. which can be played today on PC. The premise is reminiscent of a "Half-Life in survival mode": scientists trapped in a huge Black Mesa-style research complex, creatures from other dimensions, and lots of improvisation with whatever is lying around the office.

The reviews highlight how the game It takes the idea of ​​"unprepared survivors" to the extreme.Characters in lab coats, with academic credentials and receding hairlines, manage to halt a near-apocalyptic invasion using staplers, coffee makers, and absurd contraptions. The crafting system, exploration, and the need to cooperate generate moments that are both hilarious and tense, something that has led the editorial team to rack up over 100 hours recently immersed in its labs.

7. Demonschool

Demonschool, released in late 2025, has earned a place as one of the most beloved RPGs of that year.Combining a school setting, demons, and a very distinctive aesthetic, many critics describe it as a mix between a supernatural teen series and classic dark JRPGs.

The recurring comparison is that it has a little bit of "Buffy" and a little bit of Shin Megami TenseiWith a tactical combat system and a tone that alternates between lighthearted and rather sinister moments, Demonschool is a hidden gem that shouldn't be missed if you enjoy character-driven RPGs with a strong narrative focus.

8 Peak

Peak was released in June 2025 as a small cooperative climbing game With a very reasonable price and without much fanfare, it has become one of the biggest surprises of the year. The objective seems very simple: climb the great mountain located in the center of the island where you appear with your character.

The truth is that Reaching the top requires planning, collaboration, and a lot of patience.You can play solo, but the experience is greatly enhanced with up to three friends, with whom you'll have to gather resources, equip yourselves, explore caves, and study the climbing routes. Once you conquer the peak, the game generates a new island and a new challenge the next day, so there's always something to climb.

9. Baby Steps

Baby Steps, which landed in September 2025, is a very rare game even within the indie sceneCreated by the person in charge of QWOP, it proposes what many ironically define as "a literal walking simulator": everything revolves around clumsily controlling the protagonist's steps as he traverses a strange world.

Far from being just a playable joke, Critics see it as a work with a lot of emotional and thematic depth.Some writers have described it as an almost Sisyphean challenge, while others comment on it as a kind of nightmare about contemporary frustrated masculinity. Despite its harsh tone and how uncomfortable it can be, it is hailed as a masterpiece, one that leaves no one indifferent.

10. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a JRPG heavily inspired by Persona, but with a French soul., which came out in April 2025. Initial reviews were somewhat lukewarm, with notable but not excellent scores, although some of the larger newsrooms have become so hooked that they have it among their personal candidates for game of the year.

The argument is powerful: The world lives under the threat of “The Painter”A phenomenon that, every year, wipes out large groups of people of the same age. Your group of adventurers tries to stop this cycle before their turn comes. In terms of length, it falls within a comfortable range for the genre (around 30-60 hours), far from those 200 or 250-hour behemoths that so many people never finish, making it a good entry point for those overwhelmed by massive JRPGs.

More PC games that newsrooms can't stop playing

Beyond the list of 10 highlights, the specialized media compile Many other games, while not at the top of the rankings, remain very present in their daily lives.These are titles that repeatedly return to the hard drives of editors and are routinely recommended in internal conversations.

Among the most talked about are episodic adventures like “Dispatch”, which explores the world of office comedy in chapters, and hardcore shooters like Escape from TarkovAfter a long development period, it finally reached version 1.0 on Steam. This latest version maintains its gritty essence, focused on realism and the tension of losing your equipment in every raid.

In the realm of more stylized experiences, there appears Skate Story, a game where you literally skate through hellwith a very distinctive aesthetic and an almost surreal approach. Tactically, Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles It represents a way to recover and update a classic of turn-based strategy, bringing it to the present day of PC.

Terror continues to wage war with Silent Hill f, a new installment that proves the saga still has plenty of life left in it., and in the area of ​​management it stands out Farthest FrontierA city builder that many media outlets advise not to overlook due to its depth and its more deliberate and strategic approach.

There's also room for beat 'em ups like Absolumwhich some are already suggesting as the great "beat 'em up" game of the year; mystery titles like The Seance of Blake Manor, which blends investigation and supernatural elements; or original roguelites like Ball X Pit, focused on breaking balls in quick runs with high replayability.

Among the most addictive card games and roguelikes, it continues to resonate strongly. Monster Train 2which maintains the combination of deck building and challenging combat. In the realm of adaptations and remakes, Metal Gear Solid Delta It manages to modernize the legendary MGS3 without losing its essence, receiving praise for its respect for the original material.

The so-called “Survivor-likes” also have their representative with Deep Rock Galactic: SurvivorA twist on the formula popularized by Vampire Survivors, but set in the universe of space miner dwarves. On the other hand, there are much quieter and shorter offerings such as HerdlingA charming game about caring for magical creatures, ideal for short sessions.

If you prefer something more extravagant, Mycopunk proposes to combat a fungal catastrophe on a planetary scale, mixing biopunk aesthetics and action, while Umamusume: Pretty Derby It focuses on managing idols who are also horse-girls, a very peculiar concept that has nevertheless found its audience on Steam as well. All this variety demonstrates that, beyond the big names, there is a huge ecosystem of critically acclaimed games.

PC games with outstanding scores: the 90% club

When a specialized medium grants a grade of 90% or higher In his analysis, he's essentially saying that this is something extraordinary within its genre. These aren't scores you see every day, and in 2025, relatively few games managed to enter that select group.

This scarcity of "honors" makes it clear that The quality bar has been raised significantly.It's not enough to be "very good": to achieve those scores, you need a level of polish, design, innovation, or emotional impact that's above average—something only a few titles manage each year. In fact, at the beginning of 2026, there still wasn't a single new game that had reached that mark, which speaks volumes about both the high standards of critics and the relatively slow pace of major releases in the first few months.

Although the specific list of those outstanding individuals from 2025 is short, it fits with the idea that High grades aren't given away.The message for gamers is clear: if you see a 90% in a reputable review, you're probably looking at a game that deserves a prominent place in your library, unless the genre isn't for you at all.

The greatest PC classics according to historical lists

Besides talking about what's fashionable, the media also produce annual lists of the best PC games of all timeThese lists blend recent releases with titles that have left their mark. In the latest update of one of the most influential lists, published in October 2025, the top 10 includes some names that are practically essential for any PC enthusiast.

Leading the rankings is Baldur's Gate 3, crowned game of the year in 2023A colossal RPG that has redefined what is expected of a role-playing campaign with real choices, memorable characters, and an extremely flexible turn-based combat system. Right behind it is... Elysium disk, another game of the year in its time, famous for its brilliant writing, its focus on dialogue and the absence of traditional combat.

Among the new additions to the upper section are Dwarf Fortress and Crusader Kings 3The first is a fantasy civilization simulator where the depth of its systems borders on the unfathomable, while the second transfers that complexity to the historical realm, turning your games into a succession of political intrigues, family betrayals, and morally ambiguous decisions. It also sneaks in... Caves of qud, an extremely deep and flexible science fiction and fantasy roguelike.

The list keeps Stardew Valley as the benchmark farm and rural life simulatorin addition to highlighting Balatro, a poker roguelike that was the big phenomenon of 2024 and which many consider a perfect example of seemingly simple yet highly addictive design. Among open worlds, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt It remains the gold standard for open-world RPGs, and Elden Ring It consolidates the FromSoftware style in a giant and discovery-filled setting.

Closing out that top 10 is Red Dead Redemption 2Rockstar's epic Western, renowned for its level of detail, deliberate pacing, and spectacular setting, remains a top contender. Meanwhile, some legendary titles like Doom (1993), Minecraft, Persona 5 Royal, and Half-Life 2 have fallen out of the top 10, not because they've lost their relevance, but because The lists are updated taking into account how tastes change and what new games have proven their impactThis rotation shows that the PC gaming canon is not static.

Example of negative criticism: the case of Code Vein 2

Not everything is praise in the world of PC reviews: when a game falls short, Expert reviews can be devastating.A recent example is the reception of Code Vein 2, a sequel that, despite playing with elements such as time travel and an aesthetic with steampunk touches, has not convinced a large part of the press.

Opinions suggest that The title has failed to evolve with the times.The mechanics feel outdated or poorly integrated, the game world seems empty, and even potentially appealing details, like a striking steampunk motorcycle, fail to salvage the experience. The RPG structure works to a certain extent, but the boss fights take an exaggerated turn that breaks the balance and the fun.

To top off, The technical aspects are described simply as a disaster.Bugs, poor performance, and a generally unpolished feel have led some reviewers to say they'd rather replay Dark Souls 1 or even the first Code Vein than touch this sequel again. These kinds of negative reviews serve as a useful counterpoint: they not only help avoid disappointing purchases but also highlight what aspects critics value most when something falls short.

Hardware and environment: the role of peripherals in the experience

Websites focused on PC games don't just talk about software; they also dedicate space to analyze key peripherals such as keyboards, mice, or monitorsA representative example is the analysis of a metallic gaming keyboard like the Logitech G512 Carbon Fiber IGX, described as a sober and heavy device, without excessive visual stridency.

These reviews often highlight that, sometimes, The important thing is not that a peripheral has ten thousand extra functionsbut rather that it responds reliably, has a good typing feel, and can withstand daily use. This type of analysis complements the focus on gaming: it helps you understand that a good PC gaming experience also depends on choosing the right hardware, even if it's visually "boring," if it means gaining in robustness and comfort.

In this way, specialized websites build an information ecosystem surrounding the PC gamerFrom which games are worth your money to which devices best suit your gaming or work style, when you search for "PC game reviews," it's easy to end up learning about peripherals and optimal configurations as well—something that directly influences how much you enjoy all those recommended games.

With all this panorama, PC game analysis searches They become a gateway to a vast universe: up-to-date lists of the best games of the moment, catalogs of essential classics, warnings about failed sequels like Code Vein 2, and recommendations for understated yet effective hardware. If you rely on these professional opinions and combine them with your own tastes, it becomes much easier to navigate new releases, discover hidden gems, and decide what to install on your PC tomorrow without feeling like you're wasting your time or money.