The best PC video games: a complete guide by genre

If you are thinking about getting a video game for PC And if you don't know where to start, don't worry: the current catalog is as enormous as it is varied. From gigantic open worlds to intimate narrative adventures, from frenetic shooters and classic RPGs to deep strategy and surprising indie games, the PC remains a key platform for enjoying all kinds of experiences.

Below you'll find a comprehensive guide to the most outstanding PC games across all genres: role-playing, action, graphic adventures, strategy, racing, fighting, horror, Metroidvania, MMOs, roguelikes, and much more. Everything is explained in clear, accessible language, in Spanish (Spain), and drawing on information from the developers. top-rated titles and the most influential of recent years and of the entire history of computer video games.

Vast open worlds and must-have RPGs on PC

The PC is the natural home for many of the best role-playing and open-world gameswhere the freedom to explore, customize your character and make decisions makes all the difference in every game.

One of the key names is Elden RingFromSoftware and Bandai Namco's masterpiece, conceived by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin, combines a vast interconnected world, challenging difficulty, fearsome bosses, and a huge array of weapons, armor, and spells. It's the natural evolution of the Dark Souls formula, set in an open world where you can tackle challenges at your own pace.

Another RPG that has made its mark is The Witcher 3Developed by CD Projekt, you play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter who travels the Northern Kingdoms fulfilling contracts, navigating political intrigues, and dealing with personal dramas. The game blends action and role-playing in a dark fantasy world, featuring a vast bestiary and choices that impact the story. It won numerous Game of the Year awards and boasts two powerful expansions: Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone.

Within the more realistic medieval fantasy genre, we must discuss Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIA sequel to one of the most unique historical RPGs. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, it continues Henry's story, featuring a larger world, an improved melee combat system, new weapons like crossbows, and the introduction of gunpowder. Its aim is to deliver an immersive and believable experience, with mechanics that reward strategic planning and "pure" role-playing without classic fantasy elements.

If you prefer a classic isometric approach, Divinity: Original Sin II It's an absolute benchmark for tactical role-playing. Community-funded, it recaptures the spirit of classic computer RPGs, with deep turn-based combat where you interact with the environment, and allows for both cooperative and competitive play for up to four players. It's ideal if you enjoy lengthy campaigns, complete freedom to create your character, and highly creative gameplay experiments.

In the field of Western role-playing, the following also stand out: Baldur's Gate 3 y Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of AmnThe first, developed by Larian Studios, modernizes the rules of Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition while maintaining the spirit of the saga. The second, a BioWare classic, remains a masterpiece thanks to the depth of its characters, its enormous campaign, and its use of the Forgotten Realms universe.

As for open universes of total fantasy, the saga The Elder Scrolls shines on PC: Skyrim It lets you wander through a Nordic territory filled with dungeons, dragons, and factions, while The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion It takes you to Cyrodiil to stop the Daedric invasion. Both are famous for their near-total freedom, hundreds of quests, and the ability to customize your character with countless skills.

For those looking for something darker, Dragon Age: Origins It recaptures the classic BioWare spirit with paused tactical combat, tough moral choices, and a dark fantasy world with warring races and kingdoms. And if you prefer science fiction role-playing, the saga Mass Effect (with Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, compiled in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition) puts you in the shoes of Commander Shepard, combining third-person action, dialogue with real impact and an epic space opera where your choices matter.

Futuristic action, shooters, and science fiction worlds

If shooting is your thing, the catalog of shooters for PC It ranges from cinematic campaigns to competitive multiplayer experiences and very demanding tactical challenges.

One of the great modern names is Cyberpunk 2077A first-person action RPG set in a futuristic megacity dominated by corporations, cyborgs, and street gangs. You customize your character and navigate Night City, completing missions, hacking systems, and surviving all sorts of technological threats. Over time, the game has been polished and offers a very complete experience.

In the realm of realist warfare, 4 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare It revolutionized the genre by taking the saga out of World War II and into modern conflicts, with special operations, international terrorism, and a fast-paced multiplayer mode packed with options. Meanwhile, Battlefield 3 It focuses on large battles with the Frostbite 2 engine, large maps, and a vehicle and environmental destruction component that fits very well with team play.

Extreme military tactics arrive with Operation Flashpoint y Commandos 2: Men of CourageThe first offers realistic combat during the Cold War, putting you in the shoes of American soldiers against the Soviet army, where one mistake costs you the mission. The second is a real-time tactics game set in World War II, where you control a small group of specialists who must infiltrate, sabotage, and escape undetected.

There are classic first-person shooter games that remain technical and gameplay benchmarks. Crysis It became famous for its spectacular graphics and those of its CryEngine, while Far CryThe first game in the series stood out for its open tropical settings and the freedom to approach confrontations. Max Payne y Max Payne 2In third person, they introduced "bullet time" and an intense noir narrative full of slow-motion shootouts.

The most fantastical and frenetic aspect of shooting is found in games like DOOM Eternal, which takes the classic DOOM formula to a brutal, fast-paced, cover-less combat experience where you chain together executions, shooting, and constant movement, or Unreal Tournament, one of the pillars of competitive arenas in the late 90s, with modes like deathmatch and capture the flag at a very high rate.

Within the realm of science fiction with elements of horror and technological mystery, Deus Ex y Deus Ex: Human Revolution They offer a blend of role-playing, stealth, shooting, and hacking in a future where cybernetic implants spark a major social debate. You decide whether to approach missions with stealth, conversation, or brute force, shaping your character with biomechanical enhancements.

Metroidvania, platforming and action-adventure

The games of platforming, exploration and combat in 2D or 2.5D They have found in the PC a huge space to grow, both in independent proposals as in larger productions.

Among the Metroidvania genres, Hollow Knight It has become one of the most beloved indie games thanks to its enormous, labyrinthine map, its distinctive art style, and combat that demands precision and patience. Navigating Hallownest, uncovering secrets, and facing its bosses is a true challenge.

its sequel, Hollow Knight: SilksongIt promises to expand this formula with a more agile movement system, new weapons and abilities, over a hundred new enemies, and dozens of bosses. The goal is to raise the bar even higher in terms of difficulty and variety within a new world.

Another brilliant name is Ori and the Blind ForestWith colorful art direction and highly polished controls, you explore a perilous forest, gaining abilities that unlock new paths. Its enhanced version, Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive EditionIt adds extra areas, new powers, never-before-seen story sequences, and a fast travel system. The sequel, Ori and the Will of the WispsIt further refines the formula with more emphasis on combat and elaborate bosses.

In the field of third-person action, adventures such as God of War y God of War RagnarokThe first reinvents the character of Kratos, taking him to Norse mythology and giving him a more mature tone by making him a father. The second continues that story, exploring the myth of Ragnarok with new enemies, realms, and an even deeper combat system.

Horizon forbidden west It takes you to a post-apocalyptic world where machines rule the Earth. You control Aloy across a vast map with main and side missions, strategic battles against robotic creatures, and a science fiction storyline that blends past and future. It's a natural evolution of Horizon Zero Dawn, with graphical and gameplay improvements.

Other notable adventures include Red Dead Redemption 2, which represents the pinnacle of the open-world American West, with an overwhelming level of detail and a meticulously crafted story, and GTA V in its PC version, which brings technical improvements, more graphics options and the possibility of enjoying GTA Online for hundreds of hours.

Terror, survival, and psychological horror on PC

The gender of survival horror and psychological terror It has a very strong presence on computers, with classics and new proposals that know how to play very well with atmosphere and tension.

One of the classic names that has returned is DeadSpace RemakeA complete remake of the 2008 title, in which an engineer must survive on a ship infested with grotesque creatures. It features improved graphics, sound, and gameplay to deliver a more immersive and oppressive experience, with dark corridors, strategic mutilation, and a constant sense of threat.

Within the Japanese horror saga, Silent Hill It offers a very particular atmosphere: Japan in the 1960s, a young protagonist, and horrors linked to guilt and transformation. It combines puzzles, exploration, and combat with a layer of psychological terror that inherits the essence of the series.

Contemporary horror also includes games like Alan wake 2which continues the story of the writer trapped in his own nightmares. It blends investigation, action, and a highly elaborate narrative, with a psychological thriller tone in which the line between reality and fiction becomes increasingly blurred.

In another entry, Resident Evil 4 Remake This game updates the classic action-horror title, with Leon S. Kennedy attempting to rescue the president's daughter from a European village controlled by a sinister cult. New graphics, gameplay changes, and a highly realistic atmosphere make it feel fresh and menacing once again.

Strategy, construction and management in computer

If you enjoy long-term thinking, managing resources, and making tactical or political decisions, the strategy and management games for PC They remain among the best in the catalog.

In turn-based strategy, the series Civilization shines with releases like Civilization IV and the expansion Civilization V: Brave New WorldIn these games, you take on the role of leader of a civilization and guide it from prehistory to the space age, competing for military, cultural, diplomatic, or scientific supremacy. Brave New World adds new mechanics for trade, tourism, and world congresses that further enrich the experience.

In the field of real-time strategy, StarCraft II stands out with Wings of Liberty y Legacy of the voidThe first focuses on the Terran campaign, with a science fiction story about three races (Terran, Zerg, and Protoss) fighting for control of the galaxy. The second, a standalone expansion, focuses on the Protoss, their reunification, and the battle against ancient threats. They are key games in the world of esports and examples of polished strategic design.

Another gem of the RTS genre is Warcraft III: Reign of ChaosIt blends real-time strategy with role-playing elements by introducing heroes with abilities and progression. Its campaigns and map editor spawned mods and entire genres, such as MOBAs.

If you prefer grand strategy, Victoria: An Empire Under the Sun It focuses on the period 1836-1920, simulating the politics, economics, and military affairs of the era of imperialism and the Industrial Revolution. You manage entire nations, dealing with revolutions, wars, trade, and diplomacy. Rome: Total War It combines turn-based empire management with large-scale real-time battles set during the rise of Rome.

In a more tactical and content-driven approach, Company of Heroes It offers highly detailed World War II battles, destructible cover, and a strong historical focus. Positioning, unit micromanagement, and intelligent use of the environment are paramount.

Among the most modern proposals, Against the Storm It blends city building with roguelite elements in a dark fantasy world: you must found settlements, satisfy inhabitants and your monarch while conditions change from game to game. Into the BreachFor its part, it is a very condensed turn-based strategy game in which you pilot mechs to save cities from giant monsters, in small scenarios but with very calculated decisions.

MMORPGs and persistent online games

The MMOs and massively multiplayer online games They still have their largest player base on PC, with living worlds that are constantly being updated.

In online role-playing, Final Fantasy XIV It's one of the great benchmarks. Its expansions like Shadowbringers y endwalker They expand the main storyline, raise the level cap, add new classes (like the Gunbreakers, gunsword tanks), and take players through epic plots that conclude very long narrative cycles. It's an MMO with many dungeons, raids, and content for both solo and group play.

Guild Wars 2 It's another very popular MMORPG that stands out for its dynamic world and lack of monthly fees. Its on-map events, action-oriented combat, and user-friendly business model have maintained a loyal community for years.

Roguelikes, indies and different proposals

The PC is the perfect breeding ground for indie games and roguelikes that break from the conventional, both in terms of gameplay and narrative.

Among the most prominent are hades 2 and its predecessor. This action roguelike set in Greek mythology offers fast-paced hack-and-slash combat, charismatic characters, and a structure where every escape attempt adds context and story. In the sequel, you face the Titan of Time and continue to enjoy polished visuals and highly replayable battles.

spelunky 2 It refines the roguelike platforming formula with procedurally generated levels, new physics (like liquids), mounts, enemies, and traps. Every playthrough is different, and the slightest mistake can send you back to the beginning, which keeps you hooked with the "just one more and I'll quit" mentality.

Other memorable indie games include UndertaleA role-playing adventure inspired by the Mother series, featuring quirky humor, combat that allows you to avoid killing enemies, and an unforgettable soundtrack, and Animal WellA 2D Metroidvania with pixel art aesthetics that combines puzzles, exploration, and survival horror elements in a labyrinth full of secrets.

Also worth mentioning Slay the Princess, a visual novel that blends dark humor, horror, and meta-narrative in a story where your objective is to kill a princess whose nature is never entirely clear, and Tetris Effect, which reinterprets the classic Tetris with reactive music, spectacular visual effects and stages that evolve as you play, achieving an almost hypnotic experience.

Experimental games like fueled up, focused on local cooperation for up to four players to repair and refuel spaceships while dodging wormholes and asteroid showers, or Duck Game, a chaotic 2D multiplayer shooter starring ducks armed with all sorts of absurd gadgets, shows just how far the PC is a haven for crazy ideas.

Graphic adventures, narrative, and story-driven games

If you prioritize story, characters, and decisions and want Understanding a good analysisOn PC there are narrative and graphic adventures that are true gems.

Among the classics, The longest journey It stands out for its dual world (one of science, the other of magic) and for a very deep plot with elaborate puzzles. Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge Special Edition It remasters one of the genre's greatest icons with new graphics and audio, while maintaining its humor, puzzles, and charismatic protagonist.

In the modern field, The Walking Dead: A House Divided The second season of Telltale's saga continues, following young Clementine through a zombie apocalypse where every choice affects who lives, who dies, and how others perceive you. There are also lesser-known offerings, such as the episodic adventure starring Alicia Van Volish, a police officer and journalism student who wakes up with a hangover and a mysterious golden sphere, blending mystery, humor, and puzzles.

Somewhere between action and narrative stealth, Dishonored It puts you in the shoes of an assassin with supernatural powers in a steampunk city controlled by a dictatorship. You can approach missions in many different ways: eliminating everyone, moving undetected, or using powers to manipulate your targets, which affects the state of the world.

Driving, sports and fighting on PC

For those who enjoy the motorsports, sports, and one-on-one fightsThe PC has several benchmark sagas and highly polished offerings.

In open-world arcade driving, Forza Horizon 3, Forza Horizon 4 y Forza Horizon 5 They offer gigantic maps based on Australia, the UK, and Mexico, respectively. You can participate in races, crazy challenges, online events, and enjoy a dynamic season system (rain, snow, dust storms, hurricanes) that changes the cars' behavior. Furthermore, Forza Horizon 5 includes tools to create your own custom races and modes.

For fans of tuning and chases, Need for Speed ​​Most Wanted It is one of the most memorable titles in the saga, focused on street racing, police chases and visual customization of cars, all in a semi-open urban environment.

In sports, NBA 2K17 It remains a solid basketball simulator, with highly realistic animations and the inclusion of the EuroLeague and top-tier Spanish teams. Its MyCareer mode and online options extend its lifespan beyond a single season.

In struggle, Street Fighter 6 y Tekken 8 They represent the cutting edge of the genre. The first features a story mode set in Metro City, an initial roster of 18 fighters, and new mechanics that modernize the classic 2D saga. The second takes 3D combat to a new visual level thanks to current hardware, continuing the eternal family feud between Kazuya and Jin with a highly explosive combat system.

Immortal classics and cult games

Besides the new features, the PC is the perfect place to enjoy classics that remain relevant decades after its launch.

Among them are Half-Life, Half-Life 2 y Half-Life 2: Episode Two, who revolutionized shooters with a narrative integrated into the gameplay and a pioneering use of physics. Half-Life: Alyx It brings that experience to virtual reality, centered on the story of Alyx Vance, with a spectacular level of immersion.

Warcraft III, Rome: Total War, Morrowind, Minecraft o Commandos 2 These are other examples of games whose design continues to inspire developers today, whether for their freedom, creativity, or tactical approach.

There are also cult classics like Okami, with its visual style inspired by Japanese sumi-e and the use of the celestial brush; Project Re Fantasy, which seeks to bring the Persona experience to a fantasy world; or fueled up, which is committed to local cooperative chaos.

With this wide range of offerings, from mammoth RPGs to intimate adventures, including deep strategy, frenetic action, oppressive horror, and experimental indies, PC gamers have a wealth of options at their fingertips. a virtually boundless library of computer video games, capable of adapting to any taste, budget and available time, and which continues to grow year after year with new releases and revisions of timeless classics.