The 13 best PC games you can play right now in 2023
Discover more from The Shortcut
The 13 best PC games you can play right now in 2023
Put your gaming rig to the test and discover amazing indies with our best PC games list
Each passing year brings better and better PC games, thanks to the capabilities of the best gaming PCs. With the best GPUs, PC games easily outpace their console counterparts in performance and graphical fidelity. Plus, there’s a wide range of amazing indie games that can be run on all the best laptops.
But what makes a PC game one of the best? It’s not just about being good on other platforms. Despite gaming PCs often having more horsepower than consoles, some games may be poorly optimized or require expensive hardware to run. They could include poor controls, making them not worth buying on PC.
That’s why this list of the best PC games isn’t just filled with the latest blockbusters. We’ve tested the following 13 titles to ensure they run well on PC and work well with the best gaming keyboards and best gaming mice.
The best PC games 👇
13. The Binding of Isaac 😭
MSRP: $4.99
Release date: September 28, 2011
➕ Every run feels different
➕ Unique art style and enemy designs
➖ Expansion packs are expensive
The Binding of Isaac may be rather old, but it’s still absolutely brilliant today and one of the best indie games ever made. It’s not a big-budget blockbuster by any means, and its graphics could be considered crude by today’s standards, but its dungeon-crawling, roguelike gameplay has had a huge influence on the gaming industry as a whole.
The game is hard to put down when you’re on a good run, but things can change in an instant. Every room you enter is randomly generated, including the traps, enemies and bosses you’ll encounter. The same goes for the items you pick up: all it takes is one weapon or power-up to transform a run that’s destined to fail into a build that can’t be beat.
The Binding of Isaac has since received several expansions over the years, and they’re well worth picking up. However, if you’re new to the game and want to experience it in its purest form, it’s worth starting off with the base game and letting your love for Isaac grow from there.
12. Control Ultimate Edition 🦸♀️
MSRP: $39.99
Release date: August 27, 2020
➕ An amazing showcase for ray tracing
➕ Engaging story
➖ Requires a powerful GPU to get the most out of it
When Nvidia launched the RTX 2080 in 2019, it made a big deal about ray tracing. The technology promised to revolutionize gaming graphics by simulating the behavior of light in real-time. And while the demos looked impressive, gamers were skeptical about its importance – that was until they played Control.
Developed by Remedy Entertainment, the team behind hit titles like Alan Wake, Quantum Break and Max Payne, Control blew people away with its unique story, amazing gameplay, and stunning graphics that take full advantage of the wonders of ray tracing. Control puts players in the shoes of Jesse Faden as she explores the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control in search of answers about her past.
Even two years after its release, Control is still a technical marvel. It still looks stunning when you crank up the settings as the game makes full use of ray tracing technology to create realistic reflections, lighting and shadows that add an extra layer of immersion to the experience.
Control is a game that will push your PC to its limits, then, but it’s so worth it. Not only is it a visual feast, but once the story hooks you in, you won’t be able to put it down. It’s a testament to the power of ray tracing and a must-play for anyone with a capable gaming PC.
11. Final Fantasy XIV 🗡️
MSRP: Free-to-play
Release date: September 30, 2010
➕ Generous trial available
➕ New content is always on the way
➖ Monthly subscription cost may put some people off
Final Fantasy XIV may be playable on PS5, but to fully enjoy the game and communicate with your friends and other adventures, you’ll likely need to hook up a keyboard and mouse. So why not play FFXIV on PC instead? With its stunning graphics and smooth gameplay, it’s the perfect platform for this epic MMORPG.
Once overshadowed by World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV has now become a juggernaut in the MMORPG world. It has all the features you’d expect from a modern MMO – raids, dungeons, PVP, and more – but it’s also a fully fleshed-out Final Fantasy game.
The world of Eorzea is vast and filled with rich lore and memorable characters. Players can choose from a variety of classes and races to create their own unique avatars and embark on an epic journey filled with danger and adventure.
But what sets Final Fantasy XIV apart from other MMOs is its story. It has one of the best narratives in the entire Final Fantasy franchise – no small feat when you consider the likes of Final Fantasy 7 and 10. The game’s main storyline is filled with twists and turns that will keep you engaged for hours on end.
If you’re a fan of MMOs or Final Fantasy, this is a must-play. With its engaging story, stunning graphics, and smooth gameplay, Final Fantasy XIV is one of the best PC games out there.
10. Halo Infinite ✨
MSRP: Campaign $49.99, multiplayer free-to-play
Release date: December 8, 2021
➕ Excellent campaign
➕ Multiplayer is free-to-play
➖ Updates have been slow to roll out
For years, gamers have been praying for Halo to return to PC as the series has been locked to Xbox consoles ever since Halo 2. And while Microsoft did release the Master Chief Collection on PC a few years ago, it’s likely Halo fans played these games elsewhere as a PC port never seemed on the cards.
Thankfully, Microsoft decided Halo Infinite would launch on PC at the same time as on consoles, and it’s a fantastic port. The game already runs smoothly on Xbox Series X, as it’s one of many Xbox Series X 120fps games and worthy of a place in our best Xbox Series X games list, but the graphics and detail are cranked up to another level on PC.
Playing Halo Infinite with a mouse and keyboard is also a revelation, and you can enjoy frame rates that exceed 120fps on a PC. It’s like experiencing Halo for the first time all over again.
For those who are only interested in stomping Spartans online, Halo Infinite’s multiplayer mode is completely free, though it’s worth picking up the campaign if you’re a true fan of Master Chief. Unlike Halo 5: Guardians, which arguably had the worst campaign in the series, Halo Infinite is a blast that sets up the future of the series in an exciting way.
9. Doom Eternal 😈
MSRP: $59.99
Release date: March 20, 2020
➕ Super satisfying and responsive gameplay
➕ Runs well on practically every setup
➖ Doesn’t exactly move the genre forward
Doom is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of first-person shooters, a genre that defined the early days of PC gaming and is now a mainstay on consoles. It was fast-paced, chaotic, and bloody as hell. And the latest entry in the series, Doom Eternal, is no different.
From start to finish, Doom Eternal is a non-stop thrill ride. Its heavy metal soundtrack propels you through levels filled with demons and destruction. The gameplay is fast and frenetic, demanding quick reflexes and split-second decision-making. And with its stunning graphics and smooth optimization, it’s an experience that can’t be matched on any other platform.
But what really sets Doom Eternal apart is how well it runs on PC. Even at 4K resolution with maxed-out settings, a modest Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 can push frame rates above 120fps. The smooth gameplay and high frame rates make it an adrenaline-fueled experience that can’t be matched on other platforms.
And it’s not just about the graphics and performance – Doom Eternal also has a rich story and lore that will keep you engaged for hours on end. As the Doom Slayer, you’ll battle your way through Hell and back to save humanity from certain… well, doom. It’s an epic tale filled with memorable characters and epic set pieces.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled experience, look no further than Doom Eternal. It’s one of the best PC games of all time – and a must-play for any fan of first-person shooters.
8. Baldur’s Gate 3 🧙♀️
MSRP: $59.99
Release date: August 31, 2023
➕ Masterful storytelling
➕ So much to discover and explore
➖ It’s still not out yet
There are so many isometric RPGs out there, and many of them deserve a spot on this list. But one game that stands out from the crowd is Baldur’s Gate 3 – even though it’s been in early access for years.
Developed by Larian Studios – the RPG masterminds behind Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Baldur’s Gate 3 is a worthy successor to the original games. Rather than being made by the developers of the first two Baldur’s Gate games, Larian was chosen to helm this project – and it turned out to be the perfect pick.
From the moment you start playing, you can tell that this game is something special. It oozes Dungeons and Dragons’ flavor and captures the essence of what makes the franchise so great. The world is rich and detailed, filled with memorable characters and epic quests.
Even though only the first act has been available since 2020, a full release is on the horizon. The game is gorgeous, and the storytelling is some of the best in the genre. Every time you play, you’ll likely discover something new.
When Baldur’s Gate 3 is finally finished, there’s no doubt it will be the gold standard in RPG storytelling. It’s already an amazing game in its current state – and we can’t wait to see what the final version will be like. If you’re a fan of RPGs or Dungeons and Dragons, this is a must-play.
7. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI 🏛️
MSRP: $29.99
Release date: October 21, 2016
➕ Hard to put down
➕ Strategy gameplay at its finest
➖ Simple visuals might put people off
Civilization VI is a game that truly embodies the essence of PC gaming. It’s a grand strategy game that allows players to build their own society from scratch and engage in warfare with other civilizations. While there may be other grand strategy games out there that highlight the benefits of the genre on PC, Civilization VI is the one that will keep you hooked.
The gameplay loop is incredibly addictive, and it’s easy to find yourself playing for hours at a time because what makes Civilization VI so engaging is its accessibility. It’s extremely easy to get into, even if you’ve never played a grand strategy game before. The mechanics are intuitive and the game does an excellent job of guiding new players through the early stages.
But don’t let its accessibility fool you - there’s a lot of depth to this game, and even experienced players will find plenty to keep them engaged.
In short, Civilization VI is a must-play for any fan of grand strategy games or PC gaming in general. Its addictive gameplay loop and engaging mechanics make it a game that’s hard to put down.
6. Resident Evil Village 🐺
Release date: May 7, 2021
MSRP: $39.99
➕ Engaging gameplay and visuals
➕ Incredible atmosphere
➖ Loses a bit of momentum toward the end
Resident Evil Village is not only one of the best games in recent years, but it’s also a shining example of how to port a game to PC. The game runs smoothly at high resolutions with ray tracing enabled, and the settings menu takes things to the next level. Each graphics setting provides a preview of its impact on the game’s presentation and system resources, allowing you to fine-tune your settings without trial and error.
In addition to its excellent performance and customization options, Resident Evil Village also pays homage to Resident Evil 4 in subtle ways while retaining the gameplay style that made Resident Evil 7 so successful.
New DLC has arrived that lets you play the entire game from a third-person perspective, too, as well as brand-new story content. It’s great to see one of the best PS5 games also flourish on PC.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ⚔️
MSRP: $59.99
Release date: December 14, 2022
➕ Hours of incredible gameplay and story
➕ New update is like a remaster
➖ Can still be taxing, even on the best GPUs
The Witcher 3, released in 2015, may be considered old by some standards, but it remains a timeless classic in the world of open-world RPGs. However, there’s never been a better time to play it as The Witcher 3 has recently been updated with modern features like ray tracing and graphical enhancements.
In addition to its captivating narrative and the exhaustive amount of content available, The Witcher 3 will still push even the most advanced graphics cards. It can give the best gaming PCs a run for their money with its stunning visuals and advanced physics. Just try running it at 4K resolution with the Nvidia Hairworks maxed out - it’ll push even an RTX 4090 to its limits without DLSS 3 turned on.
In short, The Witcher 3’s engaging story, stunning graphics, advanced physics, and continued support from its developer all contribute to making it a timeless classic in the world of open-world RPGs.
4. Vampire Survivors 🧛♀️
MSRP: $4.99
Release date: March 31, 2021
➕ Incredibly addictive
➕ Nothing quite like it
➖ It isn’t a looker
One of the great things about PC gaming is the diversity of games available. Small indie games made by a single person can become just as popular as big-budget titles. And Vampire Survivors is a perfect example of this.
At first glance, the game may seem simple – rudimentary, even. But don’t let its simplicity and old-school graphics fool you - Vampire Survivors is a bullet hell game where all you have to do is move your character to avoid enemies and pick up powerups. The twist in this game, though, is that you’re the one firing all the bullets, not the enemy.
When you’re mowing down hundreds of enemies at a time and feeling like an untouchable harbinger of death, Vampire Survivors can be incredibly addictive. It’s easy to pick up and play whenever you have a spare moment, and also perfect for playing on portable gaming consoles like the Steam Deck.
Its basic controls and low system requirements also make it an ideal choice for gaming on the go. Vampire Survivors may be a small indie game, then, but its addictive gameplay and accessibility make it a must-play for any PC gamer.
3. Dead Space 😱
MSRP: $50.99
Release date: January 27, 2023
➕ An expertly crafted remaster
➕ It’ll still make you jump
➖ It’s not technically a new experience
Ever since Capcom set the bar with its Resident Evil 2 remake in 2019, we’ve been living in a golden age of horror remakes. With Silent Hill 2 and Resident Evil 4 on the horizon, there’s only more to look forward to, but thankfully there’s another sublime remake that you need to play right now: Dead Space.
After seeing what a spiritual successor to Dead Space might look like with The Callisto Protocol – which sadly was plagued with issues on PC – we no longer need to wonder. The Dead Space remake has been completely redesigned with modern rendering and gameplay mechanics while remaining faithful to the original.
The remake retains the essence of what makes Dead Space such a great horror game, including its limb-dismembering combat mechanics, jump scares, and claustrophobic level design. It helps that the game looks stunning on PC and runs buttery-smooth, too.
2. Marvel’s Midnight Suns ☀️
MSRP: $29.99
Release date: December 2, 2022
➕ Satisfying turn-based combat
➕ Star-studded cast
➖ Card elements might not be for everyone
Strategy games have always been a mainstay on PC, and the platform continues to shine in this genre. Marvel’s Midnight Suns is a perfect example of this, blending tactical RPGs with the digital card game genre that has grown in popularity in recent years.
Set in the Marvel universe, players control heroes from across the franchise as they battle Lilith, an ancient witch determined to take over the world. The starting roster includes cult favorites like Blade, Ghost Rider, and Nico Minoru, as well as iconic characters like Iron Man.
Developed by Firaxis Games, Midnight Suns plays like a simplified version of X-COM. It strips out many of the more complicated elements, making it more of a turn-based card battler than a full-on strategy game. This makes it an excellent entry point to the genre, with easy-to-pick-up gameplay.
With plenty of side quests available, players can grind for better cards and experience for their heroes and form an unstoppable super-team. Among the many superhero games being released these days, Midnight Suns stands out as one of the best – right up there with Marvel’s Spider-Man. And with support for Nvidia’s ray tracing and DLSS 3.0 technology, it looks better than almost anything else in the strategy genre.
1. Cyberpunk 2077 🦾
MSRP: $59.99
Release date: December 10, 2020
➕ Enthralling story
➕ Incredibly detailed open world
➖ You’ll need a powerhouse PC to experience max settings
Cyberpunk 2077 may have had a rocky launch due to bugs and performance issues, but the game has come a long way since then. In 2022, many of the issues have been fixed and the game now shines on PC.
However, to truly experience the beauty of Cyberpunk 2077, you’ll need high-end hardware. The game is demanding and may not run well on older or less powerful PCs. But if you have one of the best gaming laptops or PCs, Cyberpunk 2077 is a great way to show off your new investment.
Cyberpunk 2077 is a beautiful game that shines on high-end PCs and its compelling story an superb voice acting will keep you gripped for hours at a time. If you have the means to run it, it’s definitely worth checking out. There’s something utterly engrossing about the world of Night City.
Updated: March 22, 2023
The 13 best PC games you can play right now in 2023
Cool, I'm quite fond of the isometric D&D games. Just got our AM5 system ready, gonna give BG3 a whirl!