But with great power comes great responsibility. What games should be making use of your GPU? Here are our 10 current PC favorites that offer a mix of old and new, from strategies to shooters. They do all share a common trait, though: these titles will make you stare at the screen with a smile on your face while mulling the greatness of our platform.
In the grim darkness of the far future there is only War
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters
There are a lot of PC games out there that carry the Warhammer name, and while the franchise can boast brilliance such as Dawn of War 1 & 2 and Space Marine, there’s also absolute garbage like Dawn of War 3 and Fire Warrior. There was a lot of anticipation around the awkwardly titled Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters, but does it live up to the pre-release hype? Yes, yes it does. Deamonhunters deserves a place among the top five games to carry the Warhammer name. There have been other XCOM-style turn-based tactics titles set in this universe, including the excellent Mechanicus, but this latest one is a challenger for the top spot. If you like the juggling-many-plates-style metagame of XCOM, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll enjoy Daemonhunters. However, the faster pace and several of its mechanics make the battles closer to the underrated Gears Tactics. One big difference from most games of this ilk is that there’s no chance of unintentionally missing a shot; you know beforehand whether you will or won’t hit something, with factors such as distance and cover determining the damage. Many familiar turn-based tactics elements are present: upgrading your characters through experience, recovery time, upgrades, visual customizations, tons of weapons, and so on. It also has an engaging 50+ hour story and even asks you to play politics between encounters. Some of these battles can seem like no-win situations until a moment of inspiration turns the tide. Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters is exhilarating, enthralling, and one of those rare games you’ll find yourself thinking about even when you’re not playing it. Being familiar with Warhammer 40K does help, and it can sometimes be frustratingly challenging even on normal mode, but make no mistake, this is one of the best turn-based tactics games in years. Buy it from: Steam, Epic Games Store
The biggest, the best, better than the rest
Elden Ring
Did you really expect Elden Ring not to be on this list? Making something on par with the Dark Souls trilogy and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was always going to be a challenge, and there was a lot of expectation, especially with George R.R. Martin’s involvement. Today, of course, Elden Ring is hailed not only as the number one title of 2022 but also one of the greatest of all time. Elden Ring takes the best elements of its most famous games from the last few years, including the sadly PlayStation-only (for now) Bloodborne, and mixes in some of Martin’s work to create a near-perfect action-RPG and one of the best-rated games ever—it’s certainly going to win countless game of the year awards, especially now that Starfield has been delayed. As with Dark Souls, there’s a lot in Elden Ring that players have to discover by themselves in the enormous, gorgeous environment. Remember, though, it doesn’t hold your hand in the same way other open-world games do, but you are given the freedom to explore anywhere and at your own pace—expect to get massacred a lot as you face a bewildering variety of beasts that are a lot tougher than your early character. That difficulty has been what put many people off previous FromSoftware games in the past. Elden Ring is no easier, but you can simply walk away from an enemy or area that’s giving you trouble, level up, grab some new gear, and try it again. It’s an obvious statement that Dark Souls fans will love Elden Ring. Many of the same elements are here, from the clever shortcuts to the slower-paced (comparatively) battles. But like other games from the developer, not everyone has the patience or time to Git Gud. A lot of people will find Elden Ring just too frustrating, no matter how much it has to offer. But with so much amazing content to see and experience, including co-op play, PvP, and a ton of mods, Elden Ring deserves its praise as one of the best open-world games in history and something that is definitely worth sticking with, no matter how many times you die. Buy it from: Steam
The brilliant arcade racer keeps on giving
Forza Horizon 5
The latest entry in the Forza series might be a few months old, but it’s still a game that you can pick up for just ten minutes or play from sunset to sunrise—even if you’re normally not a fan of racing games. Constant new content keeps things fresh: we’re currently on Season 8, and Season 9 is just around the corner with all-new events, cars, and challenges. The most appealing element of Forza, in addition to the obscene number of cars, lush looks, and fun driving, is that there’s just so much to do. It’s not just traveling from A to B quicker than everyone else: the map is filled with different activities, many of them player-made, with more being added all the time. Improving on Forza Horizon 4 was never going to be an easy task, but this installment manages it, partly by moving the action from the UK to Mexico in what is the largest and most varied play area the series has ever seen, featuring active volcanoes, jungles, beaches, a city, and more. The customization options for your cars are extensive, and the graphics and building tools amazing. It’s also one of those titles in which those who usually shun multiplayer elements will enjoy playing against or alongside others. There is a ‘just one more race’ feeling to Forza Horizon 5 that rivals the ‘just one more turn’ compulsion found in games such as Civilization. You may sit down for an intended half an hour, but two days will pass in the blink of an eye, leaving you jobless and single. This game can swallow your life. The only real fault you might pick from Forza 5 is that it’s still the same game as its predecessors, albeit with a lot of extra content, but why change a winning formula? This is the best Forza Horizon and one of the greatest driving games ever made. Buy it from: Steam, Microsoft Store, Game Pass
…BOY!
God of War
Remember when God of War was the best reason to buy a PlayStation 4—or a PlayStation 4 Pro if you wanted to enjoy those glorious higher resolutions? It may have taken almost four years to land on the PC, but the wait was worth it. Altering a well-known and popular formula is always risky, but taking Kratos from Greece and placing him in the stunning open-world realm of Midgard with his son was a stroke of genius. The plot is a simple one: a journey to spread Kratos’ wife’s ashes at the top of a mountain, something easier said than done. God of War takes many of its cues from PlayStation classics such as Uncharted, while the relationship and cooperation between Kratos and son Atreus owe a lot to The Last of Us. The combat is unparalleled: deep, visceral, weighty, and complemented by the Leviathan Axe, a weapon to rival Mjolnir itself. It also has some of the best cinematic showdowns ever seen in a video game. GoW packs plenty of role-playing elements, from improving gear to upgrade trees, while the number of optional side activities, such as defeating the Valkyries, will keep you occupied beyond the main quests. God of War might be getting on a bit now. Nevertheless, even those who played it the first time around on PlayStation should try the PC version to experience its platform-specific benefits, including high frame rates, resolution shadows, better screen space reflections, Ground Truth Ambient Occlusion (GTAO), Screen Space Directional Occlusion (SSDO), Nvidia Reflex low-latency support, and compatibility for 21:9 ultra-wide displays. More recently, it became only the third game to receive FSR 2.0 support. Buy it from: Steam, Epic Games Store
The Lost Boy
V Rising
We would typically never include an early access game in this list, but 1.5 million+ copies sold and regularly attracting over 150,000 concurrent players mean it’s impossible to ignore V Rising. At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking V Rising is another Diablo clone, but this is actually a multiplayer vampire action-survival game that owes more to Valheim and ARK: Survival evolved than Blizzard’s classic franchise, which means plenty of resource gathering, building, and crafting along with all the murder, magic, and blood drinking. Unlike similar games, V Rising has no experience points; your Gear Level determines power. Combat is definitely a highlight, with many cool abilities available to take on the multitude of well-designed bosses. The blood-drinking mechanic, which offers temporary character classes and boosts based on its type and quality, is a very clever. There is a lot to learn in V Rising, from customizing your castle and keeping it fed with blood to capturing humans and making them your minions. And while it does support solo play, it’s a lot more enjoyable with others in its PvP and PvE modes. As with other survival-focused games, V Rising can feel a bit grindy, though it’s possible to change the output of resources. It’s also an early access game, so remember that it isn’t completely finished yet. But this could still be the best $20 you spend in 2022. Buy it from: Steam (early access)
Master Chief returns, and with a grappling hook
Halo Infinite
Gamers of a certain age might remember playing the online multiplayer Halo games of the early 2000s and having their mother’s virtue questioned by 12-year-olds. These days they can experience the same thing, except Halo’s got a lot prettier. Halo Infinite is an excellent first-person shooter that rivals some of the best single-player experiences available today. The weapons feel weighty and impactful, controlling a vehicle remains as fun as ever, and the multiplayer element will keep you hooked indefinitely. This Halo introduces some new elements, including the multi-purpose grappling hook, which, in addition to serving its primary purpose of getting you from point A to point B, is also an excellent combat tool that lets you grab weapons, jump out of a fight, and launch Master Chief into the personal space of a bad guy. Another new feature is that most of the game takes place on an open-world map, complete with side missions that can be tackled in whatever order you see fit. There is a ton of optional activities to enjoy that will keep completionists busy for hours, over 20 weapons to play with, some great boss battles, and so much more. Then there’s the multiplayer, an element so large that it’s a separate game entirely—campaign co-op play is hopefully set to arrive in August. One of the main problems with Infinite is that you may wonder what the hell is going on if you’ve never played previous games, or simply played them years ago and have since forgot the plots. There have been a few issues with the multiplayer element, too. But this remains a great game that boasts some of the best FPS combat around. Buy it from: Steam, Microsoft Store
16 million players and counting
Valorant
If Apex Legends isn’t for you and you’re a fan of CS:GO, Valorant could be the new time sink you’ve been searching for. It might have around 100 million fewer monthly players than Apex Legends, but 16 million people is no small number. Riot has plenty of experience when it comes to competitive multiplayer games thanks to the everlasting behemoth that is League of Legends, and it brings that free-to-play, team-based action to a new perspective. In addition to the primary influence of CS:GO, it blends Overwatch’s colorful aesthetics and cast of characters (agents) divided into four roles, each with their own signature abilities, ultimates and backstories. There’s also a ping system similar to the one found in Apex Legends, meaning you don’t have to use a headset or type if you don’t want to. Valorant is 5v5 games across 25 rounds, with the attackers trying to plant a bomb (spike) and the defenders trying to defuse it. You’ll also find that unlike similar games, not all character abilities are on infinite cooldown timers; two of these have to be bought in each round and have a limited number of uses. There are also the ultimates that can take multiple rounds to recharge using kills, deaths, or spike actions. As with all competitive games, other players can be the worst part of Valorant, and unlocking everything is grindy if you’re not willing to spend some money. With its mix of strategic play, tactical depth, and teamwork, Valorant is the CS:GO for those who could never get into CS:GO. Once it sinks its addictive teeth into you, there’s no letting go. Free from: TechSpot Downloads
Better than you might have heard
Dying Light 2 Stay Human
Dying Light 2 was for a long time the number one game on most people’s Steam wishlist—up until Elden Ring took its place a few weeks before FromSoftware’s game arrived. And while it’s true that not everyone agrees the zombies-meets-parkour sequel lives up to the hype, it’s still an entertaining title with some standout moments and plenty of upcoming content to keep players sticking around. Fans of the previous Dying Light will be familiar with the core elements in Techland’s latest: traversing an open-world city using a range of upgradable parkour skills that not only get you across the map in the most stylish way possible but also allow you to beat up the hoards of infected roaming the streets. Not that fists and feet are your only weapons; there’s a slew of customizable melee and ranged items at your disposal that feel impactful when connecting with an enemy. Just make sure to get home by nightfall, when some of the worst infected crawl out of their dens and give chase across the rooftops. There might be better rewards when the sun goes down, but staying in the dark too long will also see your character succumb to his infection. The parkour enables the numerous environmental puzzles in the game, some of which are genuinely pretty tricky. There are numerous quests to attempt alongside the main campaign, including parkour and gliding speed challenges, boss fights, and more. Dying Light 2 does have quite a few RPG elements, such as upgrading your fighting skills and conversation choices. The decisions you make and who you choose to side with have a huge impact on the world and how the story pans out. There’s plenty to keep players occupied in Dying Light 2, most of it enjoyable. The section where Lawan shows you how to glide is very cinematic, climbing up skyscrapers can be pulse racing as you try to hold on, and running to safety in the dark as the sound of the infected draws ever closer remains a highlight. Yet it’s certainly not without its issues, the most complained about ones being the often grindy nature of the game and the bugginess. But with five million copies sold in less than a month after launch and a ton of free/paid-for post-release content on the way, there’s plenty of life left in it. Buy it from: Steam, Epic Games Store
The only game that’s been here from the beginning
GTA V
GTA V has two accolades it can be proud of: not only is it the best-selling game of all time with over 165 million units sold, but it’s also the only game to appear in every update of this bi-annual list since we started it almost four years ago. There are likely very few GTA players who haven’t finished GTA V’s campaign, but that’s not what keeps them playing; it’s the online element. GTA Online still makes the equivalent of a small country’s GDP for Rockstar, partly because of new content, bonuses, discounts, etc., all of which keep the millions of players sticking around. It also helps that it’s the sort of virtual world ’90s kids used to fantasize about. The PC version of GTA V launched in 2015, yet the discounted Premium Edition is the sixth best-selling game on Steam. Moreover, the current-gen console versions of Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online launched recently, the latter of which now has a subscription option. It’s no wonder GTA VI isn’t expected to arrive until 2024 or 2025. Buy it from: Steam, Epic Games Store
The battle royale king
Apex Legends
We’ve never been more spoilt for choice in the area of free-to-play multiplayer games. From Call of Duty: Warzone and Valorant to the classic Fortnite, there’s an abundance of excellent gratis shooters vying for your attention. But for our money, Apex Legends still sits at the top of the pile. There are several familiar FTP Battle Royale staples here, including a shrinking play area, dropping from the sky onto an island, and loot. A system in which up to 20 teams of three-person squads compete to be the last group standing proved so popular that over 25 million players signed up for the game in the first week. It’s shown no sign of slowing down in recent times; shortly after season 13’s launch in May, its Steam concurrent player count exceeded 411,000—a record for the game—while its monthly player count is a stunning 115 million. While the Apex Legends has a cartoonish art style similar to Fortnite, the backstories, personalities, and unique abilities of its hero characters are closer to Overwatch. Anyone who’s played Titanfall—Apex Legends is set in the same universe—will tell you that the combat in these games is one of their best aspects. Respawn excels in the weapons department with Apex Legends, thanks to a slew of great guns and attachments on offer that are fun to play around with while discovering your favorites. As with similar titles, post-release content such as new characters and weapons arrives via seasons. There are also events that offer limited-time cosmetics, game modes, and more. Probably the best aspect of Apex Legends is that it’s a great starting point for those who’ve always wanted to play a battle royale title but were put off by having to endure internet trolls, largely in part to the ping communication system similar to the one found in Valorant. In a battle royale-filled world, it’s the king of the hill. Free from: TechSpot Downloads
Honorable Mentions
Total War: Warhammer 3 The third and final entry in the Total War meets Games Workshop series gained praise from reviewers for its turn-based strategy and real-time tactics gameplay, though a few Steam players disagree with their conclusions. Rogue Legacy 2 The so-called genealogical rogue-LITE has been winning the hearts and minds of dungeon crawler roguelite fans. Great combat and levels, but be warned: it’s hard. Tina Tina’s Wonderlands Borderlands meets D&D in in this spin off. Looter shooter fans will more than likely enjoy it despite the relative lack of variety and small size.
Dropped from the list
(Great, but had to make room for others)
You can check out our 2021 article here.
Deathloop Cyberpunk 2077 It Takes Two Psychonauts 2 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Resident Evil Village
title: “The Best Pc Games You Should Be Playing " ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-17” author: “Gregory Adams”
Not only is the PC the best platform for enjoying games, it also offers the broadest range of titles. PC gamers can bask in the knowledge that our machines are not only powerful, but also offer mod support, free online multiplayer, there are plenty of sales and freebies, and more. But with so much choice available, what should we be playing? Below is our list of the 10 best PC games you can enjoy right now. Not all of them are brand new, and that’s by design as we often do in our game recommendations, but we do keep updating the feature with the latest and greatest out there when needed. From Viking adventures and car racing to multiplayer titles and cosmic misfits, these are the best PC games you should be playing.
Live Die Repeat
Deathloop
Deathloop has been described as Dishonored meets Outer Wilds meets Prey meets Hitman, with a splash of Dark Souls. Such a mish-mash of different genres might not sound immediately appealing, but there’s a reason why so many outlets gave it a perfect 10/10 score and it has 8 Game Awards nominations. As even those who’ve never played it before will probably know, Deathloop is about an amnesic man trapped in a time loop. Set on a subarctic island in an alternate 1960s, the aim is to kill the eight Visionaries found across four separate locations within a single day before the loop resets – something that initially seems impossible, given that a single loop is made up of four times of day and it’s only possible to visit one district each period. In addition to killing people, much of Deathloop revolves around discovering leads that help you achieve your goal. And all this has to be accomplished while dealing with Julianna, who’s on the hunt to assassinate you. She can be controlled by other players who invade your game, à la Dark Souls. The many Dishonored-style powers are great fun to use, and figuring out how the overall puzzle and systems fit together is immensely satisfying. But for all its praise, some find the inherent repetitiveness of the game too much. Buy it from: Steam, Bethesda
One of the greatest co-op games ever made
It Takes Two
The story of a divorcing couple being unintentionally turned into tiny dolls by their sad daughter might not sound like the most appealing concept for a video game, but don’t let that put you off: this is one of the best co-op titles ever made. What makes ‘It Takes Two’ so brilliant is the sheer variety of the gameplay in each section. Yes, it’s a 3D platformer at its core, but you’ll also be playing a Diablo-like dungeon crawler, piloting a miniature plane, riding a spider, and taking on a Squirrel in a Mortal Kombat-like fight, to name just a few. And that’s not mentioning the optional games available, such as speed Chess and whac-a-mole. Unlike some other co-ops, playing It Takes Two requires complete teamwork, which can lead to some real-life arguments, especially when playing locally rather than online – which is pretty ironic coming from a game about divorce. You may also find yourself fighting over which character to control at different points during the game, with Mom and Dad receiving different abilities throughout their adventure. The broad scope of gameplay doesn’t mean the actual platforming or puzzles suffer; both are excellent, as are the incredible, imaginative environments that you’ll love exploring and interacting with as tiny possessed toys. There’s also the overarching story of the parents’ quest to reach the house and how working together helps them remember why they got married in the first place, all of which is enjoyable without being overly sentimental. The worst part of It Takes Two is undoubtedly the sentient love book, Dr. Hakim. He’s supposed to act as a guide, but you’ll struggle to take in what he’s saying as you’ll be busy fantasizing about strangling one of the most annoying game characters in history. Additionally, this is two-player only, so make sure you have someone to join in. Buy it from: Steam, Origin
The best arcade racer ever made?
Forza Horizon 5
We’ve seen plenty of games fail to live up to their hype in the past, but here’s the thing about Forza Horizon 5: it’s worth every great review, piece of praise, and dollar spent. The ultimate compliment you could pay Playground Studios is that it made a driving game even people who don’t like driving games adore. The most appealing element of Forza, in addition to the obscene number of cars, lush looks, and fun driving, is that there’s just so much to do. It’s not just traveling from A to B quicker than everyone else, but the map is filled with different activities, many of them player-made, with more being added all the time. Improving on Forza Horizon 4 was never going to be an easy task, but this installment manages it, partly by moving the action from the UK to Mexico in what is the largest and most varied play area the series has ever seen, featuring active volcanoes, jungles, beaches, a city, and more. The customization options for your cars are extensive, the graphics and building tools amazing. It’s also one of those titles in which those who usually shun multiplayer elements will enjoy playing against or alongside others. There is a ‘just one more race’ feeling to Forza Horizon 5 that rivals the ‘just one more turn’ compulsion found in games such as Civilization. You may sit down for an intended half an hour, but two days will pass in the blink of an eye, leaving you jobless and single. This game can swallow your life. The only real fault you might pick from Forza 5 is that it’s still the same game as its predecessors, albeit with a lot of extra content, but why change a winning formula? This is the best Forza Horizon and one of the greatest driving games ever made. Buy it from: Steam, Microsoft Store, Game Pass
Worth the 16-year wait
Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts 2 has the rare video game quality of being both hilarious and fun to play. But while the level design, characters, and writing are spectacular, it’s the story that will stay with you long after you’re done; there’s plenty of pathos sitting comfortably alongside the humor. Don’t worry if you never played the first Psychonauts, which came out 16 years ago, as the intro in this successor will fill you in – a necessity, given that it links directly to that game. It doesn’t take long to realize what you’re in for: more of that famous late 90s/early 2000s 3D platformer action polished to the point of near perfection. The diversity of the design and gameplay mechanics within the self-contained worlds, or minds, Raz visits will keep players engaged throughout, leaving you constantly curious to see what the dev team has thought up next. Combat is satisfying, usually requiring a different ability to deal with each enemy type, and Psychonauts 2 is like digital crack for those who love games with lots of collectibles. It’s not perfect – being able to equip more abilities would have been welcome, and it can be clunky in spots, but there are around 15+ hours of pure joy in the type of game we sadly don’t see quite as often these days. Buy it from: Steam, Microsoft Store, Game Pass, GoG
Who wouldn’t want to be a Viking?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
In keeping with Origins and Odyssey, the Assassin’s Creed games are now a lot closer to action-RPGs than their stealth-based originals. Valhalla embraces its role-playing elements more than any other game in the series, which is no bad thing. If you have played a recent AC game, you will know the basic premise: a massive open world with a vast main questline alongside a ton of side missions and other activities. Some complain that the game is so enormous that it verges on bloated, but it’s genuinely so fun to play that you won’t care about its size when you’re into hour 120 and close to discovering Excalibur. Something else that makes Valhalla’s size less daunting is the missions’ quality and the fact they’re often hilarious. There’s also the brilliance of some of the characters – Ivar the boneless is very memorable – the enormous skill tree, the excellent combat with its numerous skills and abilities, and the sheer beauty of the game. And that’s not even mentioning the extensive Viking lore you get to immerse yourself in as either a male or female Eivor. Even if you manage to do everything Valhalla has to offer, there are still extras such as river raids, in-game events, and new challenges. Once that’s finished, it’s time for the enormous Wrath of the Druids and The Siege of Paris DLC packs. Yes, there are still high points to climb to reveal activities, and Ubisoft does love to ram its paid-for content down players’ throats. But make no mistake, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a brilliant, beautiful game that will steal weeks of your time and make you wish you were a Viking. Buy it from: Ubisoft Store, Epic Games Store
A galaxy away from Marvel’s Avengers
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
Let’s be honest, after the disappointment that is Marvel’s Avengers, few people expected Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy to be anything more than just “meh.” The reality? MGotG is proof that among the many multiplayer-focused, games-as-a-service, and online-only titles available today, developers can still make great narrative-driven solo experiences. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy sees players take on the role of Peter Quill, though this Star-Lord bears a closer resemblance to his comic book counterpart than he does Chris Pratt. The game itself is about as linear as you’ll find anywhere, but that doesn’t matter when the quality of the 16 chapters is this high. While you don’t control the rest of the Guardians directly, you can issue them orders in combat that are added to their standard AI attacks, a process that can get tricky during large-scale battles. The entire team can be upgraded with new abilities, and Quill can buy extra upgrades such as improved health, adding another light RPG layer. Combat is one of the game’s best elements, especially when you start unlocking new abilities. It includes the huddle, in which you must pick the correct dialog options for a burst of improved damage; few things are as satisfying as getting it right and hearing the opening bars of ‘The Final Countdown’ (or another 80s classic) as the team pounds the enemy. The banter between team members is a highlight. It’s often so funny, especially interactions with Drax, that you’ll actively seek out conversations. The soundtrack is brilliant, and fans of both the comics and films will likely love all the references. It’s also very pretty. Emotional, nostalgic, and enormous fun, Guardians is one of this year’s biggest surprises. It could have been better were it not for the bugs and technical issues, but at least those can be patched. Buy it from: Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store
14 million players and counting
Valorant
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has ruled the competitive FPS scene for the better part of a decade, but Riot’s foray into the genre has the potential to dethrone the king, especially with over 14 million players logging in monthly Riot has plenty of experience in the world of competitive multiplayer games thanks to the everlasting behemoth that is League of Legends, and it brings that free-to-play, team-based action to a new perspective. In addition to the main influence of CS:GO, it blends Overwatch’s colorful aesthetics and cast of characters (agents) divided into four roles, each with their own signature abilities, ultimates and backstories. There’s also a ping system similar to Apex Legends, meaning you don’t have to use a headset or type if you don’t want to. Valorant is 5v5 games across 25 rounds, with the attackers trying to plant a bomb (spike) and the defenders trying to defuse it. You’ll also find that unlike similar games, not all character abilities are on infinite cooldown timers; two of these have to be bought in each round and have a limited number of uses. There’s also ultimates that can take multiple rounds to recharge using kills, deaths, or spike actions. As with all competitive games, other players can be the worst part of Valorant, and unlocking everything is grindy if you’re not willing to spend some money. With its mix of strategic play, tactical depth, and teamwork, Valorant is the CS:GO for those who could never get into CS:GO. Once it sinks its addictive teeth into you, there’s no letting go. Free from: TechSpot Downloads
More boo! than boobies
Resident Evil Village
While many people still play Resident Evil Village because of the internet’s brief obsession with 9-foot 6-inch fantasy woman Lady Dimitrescu, there’s a lot more on offer here than an ample chest on a massive vampire. Village’s first-person perspective will see comparisons to predecessor Resident Evil 7, but the overall game, setting, and tone will likely bring to mind the classic Resi 4. Although Village is pretty combat-heavy, each of the main antagonists’ lairs forces players to alter their approach; one section actually removes all of your weapons. Despite the focus on fighting, there’s plenty of moments that will make you jump, including one section that’s arguably scarier than any previous Resi game – or any game ever made, depending on your specific phobias. There are plenty of highly imaginative beasts, monsters, and mutants to face off against. Luckily, in keeping with Resident Evil tradition, there’s also a slew of weapons at your disposal, each taking up precious space in your backpack. These can be purchased and upgraded using cash from traded-in treasures, thereby encouraging exploration. You can also upgrade protagonist Ethan’s stats by collecting ingredients for meals. Fans will adore all the Resident Evil history within Village, but even those new to the series will find plenty to love. And once its roughly ten-hour story is complete, you can spend countless hours on Mercenaries, an excellent arcade game mode first seen in Resident Evil 3. Some of the few negative points include the relatively short amount of time we spend with Lady Dimitrescu, not everyone wanting a Resi game packed with fighting, and puzzles that aren’t likely to challenge, but this is nit-picking in what is one of the best Resident Evil games of modern times. Buy it from: Steam
Looking even better after GTA: The Trilogy’s release
GTA V
GTA V has two accolades it can be proud of: not only is it the best-selling game of all time with 238 million units sold, but it’s also the only game to appear in every update of this bi-annual list since it began three years ago. There are likely very few GTA players who haven’t finished GTA V’s campaign, but that’s not what keeps them playing; it’s the online element. GTA Online still makes the equivalent of a small country’s GDP for Rockstar, partly because of new content, bonuses, discounts, etc., all of which keep the millions of players sticking around. It also helps that it’s the sort of virtual world ’90s kids used to fantasize about. The PC version of GTA V launched in 2015, yet it’s still one of the top 10 Steam games by concurrent player count. And with the unending number of mods released by fans, it’s easy to see why GTA VI is still many years away from release – even with GTA: The Trilogy’s disastrous launch. Buy it from: Steam, Epic Games Store
The battle royale king
Apex Legends
In an increasingly crowded genre that was ruled by Fortnite, many were surprised to see Titanfall developer Respawn enter the battle royale arena with Apex Legends. But in just two years, it has overtaken Epic Games’ monster to become the most-consumed BR game in terms of viewer hours and hours streamed, as well as most people’s favorite game in the genre. Like many battle royales, Apex Legends is free and follows some familiar staples, including a shrinking play area, dropping from the sky onto an island, and loot. A system in which up to 20 teams of three-man squads compete to be the last group standing proved so popular that over 25 million players signed up to the game in the first week. Today, it has an average monthly player count of around 122.6 million. While the game has a cartoonish art style similar to Fortnite, the backstories, personalities, and unique abilities of its hero characters put the game closer to Overwatch. Anyone who’s played Titanfall – Apex Legends is set in the same universe – will tell you that the combat in these games is one of their best aspects. Respawn excels in the weapons department with Apex Legends, thanks to a slew of great guns and attachments on offer that are fun to play around with while discovering your favorites. As with similar titles, post-release content such as new characters and weapons arrives via seasons. There are also events that offer limited-time cosmetics, game modes, and more. Apex Legends is a great starting point for those who’ve always wanted to play a battle royale title but were put off by having to endure internet trolls. In a battle royale-filled world, it’s the king of the hill. Free from: TechSpot Downloads
Honorable mentions
Far Cry 6 Fans of the FPS series will know exactly what to expect: a massive open world with lots of guns, vehicles, mini-game, and hunting animals. But even with Giancarlo Esposito as the bad guy, are people getting tired of Ubisoft retreading the same ground? The Ascent Possibly the best, most detailed cyberpunk world ever to appear in a videogame – yet it’s a twin-stick shooter! Much of the Ascent is excellent, and the fact it’s cheap helps, too. It just misses out on a main entry because it gets a bit repetitive and the bugs/technical issues. Age of Empires IV A throwback to the classic days of real-time strategies, but some complain that it’s too dated for modern tastes.
Dropped from the list
(Great, but had to make room for others)
Horizon Zero Dawn Cyberpunk 2077 Wasteland 3 Gears Tactics Red Dead Redemption 2 League of Legends Microsoft Flight Simulator Fortnite Battle Royale Doom Eternal
