Welcome to the exclusive club of PC gaming. Today we’re taking a look at the best PC exclusive games available only for personal computers.
The rules for this article are simple, we are going to talk about PC-exclusive games, no console ports of any kind, just pure PC only games that are critically acclaimed all around from gameplay, storyline, graphics and more. We’re not taking genres into account, so there will be recommendations across all gaming genres, from the best single-player RPGs to the most popular MMORPGs and beyond. With the ground rules set up, let’s deep dive into the PC master race and discover some of the best PC exclusive games.
World of Warcraft
Kicking off this list with a game that needs no introduction, come to think of it, WOW is probably the most recognizable and most popular game in the world (of Warcraft). Sorry, South Park pun. World of Warcraft is the most prolific MMORPG out there, with a lifespan of almost two decades. Let that sink in, 20 years of active servers and users. In this timeframe, Blizzard (the developer and publisher of WOW), updated the game with countless patches and downloadable content, making it one of the most replayable video games in history.
Diablo IV
Speaking of Blizzard, get ready to change genre gears and descend into the depths of darkness with Diablo IV. This highly anticipated action RPG resurrects the series’ chilling essence, enveloping players in a grim, open-world sanctuary tainted by ancient evils. Choose from a range of diverse and customizable classes, each wielding devastating powers to confront the malevolent forces that threaten existence. With a hauntingly immersive atmosphere and visceral combat, Diablo IV promises an unparalleled adventure. Collaborative world events and PvP zones further enrich the experience, as the game seamlessly merges the franchise’s macabre legacy with modern innovation. Brace yourself for an infernal journey of discovery, as you confront your deepest fears and battle against the very essence of terror.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
Unleash your inner hero in Divinity 2, a mesmerizing blend of fantasy RPG and epic adventure. As a Source Hunter, navigate a richly detailed world teeming with magic, intrigue, and danger. The game’s deep narrative and player-driven choices shape a gripping tale, while its tactical turn-based combat system lets you explore diverse strategies. With a brilliantly crafted open world and intricate character progression, Divinity 2 offers endless avenues for exploration, both in single-player and co-op modes. Immerse yourself in a world where your decisions mold the story, forging a unique and unforgettable journey through a realm of ancient powers and untold mysteries. Divinity: Original Sin 2 also made our list of best single player RPG games.
Age of Empires IV
Prepare let’s rewrite history in Age of Empires IV. The long-awaited 4th instalment of the iconic RTS series catapults you through centuries, from the medieval era to the Renaissance. Command mighty civilizations, each with distinct strengths and strategies, as you engage in epic battles and shape the course of civilization. With stunning graphics and a seamless blend of tradition and innovation, Age of Empires IV revitalizes the beloved franchise. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer, the game’s immersive campaigns and robust multiplayer modes promise endless conquests. Immerse yourself in a world where empires rise and fall at your command. While technically available for the Xbox Series S and X, AOE IV deserves a spot on this list, as it’s a game that’s played best with a mouse and keyboard. It’s worth mentioning that all the other Age of Empires games (except for IV) are Windows exclusives 100%.
Starcraft II
While on the RTS page (and back to Blizzard again), prepare to blast off into intergalactic warfare with Starcraft II! An iconic real-time strategy game that propels players into a universe of conflict, featuring three unique factions: the adaptable Terran, the psionic Protoss, and the relentless Zerg. Engage in intense battles across breathtaking alien landscapes, employing cunning tactics and lightning-fast decisions to outsmart opponents. With a gripping single-player campaign and a thriving esports scene, Starcraft II offers a galaxy of strategic possibilities. Its rich lore, coupled with balanced gameplay and stunning visuals, solidify its place as a timeless classic. Prepare to command armies, forge alliances, and conquer the cosmos in this epic saga. If you’re nostalgic about the original game, Blizzard launched a remastered edition in 2017 that’s ready to take down memory lane.
Total War: WARHAMMER III
Forge your legend in the epic finale of the Total War: WARHAMMER trilogy! Total War: WARHAMMER III beckons you to a realm where titanic powers clash, merging the strategic brilliance of Total War with the dark and fantastical Warhammer universe. As you lead monstrous hordes, arcane forces, or noble empires into battle, the fate of existence hangs in the balance. Conquer landscapes that range from nightmarish realms to ethereal heavens, wielding mythic creatures and catastrophic magic. With breathtaking battles and rich lore, this game invites you to shape the ultimate fantasy saga—a tapestry woven from strategy, fantasy, and endless conquest. If you’ve already played the Total War series, the next instalment, PHARAOH is just around the corner!
Factorio
Dive into the mesmerizing world of Factorio, where innovation meets strategy in harmony. As an industrious genius stranded on an alien planet, harness your ingenuity to automate resource extraction, craft intricate supply chains, and conquer the challenges of an evolving ecosystem. Factorio’s addictive gameplay revolves around building and optimizing factories, refining your engineering skills as you construct elaborate contraptions. Factorio’s intricate mechanics foster an addictive loop of problem-solving and creativity, making it one of the most unique PC exclusives available right now.
Escape from Tarkov
Getting into the shooters side of PC exclusives here’s a game that defined the Extraction Shooters genre, Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore first-person shooter that focuses on teamplay and being very careful with your every bullet, move, and second spent in the game. Gear up, team up, and get ready to outwit AI scavengers and other real players itching for a fight. With its high stakes, realism, and that sweet taste of victory after a nail-biting raid, Escape from Tarkov is the ultimate adrenaline injection for hardcore gamers. Gear check? Let’s roll!
Ready or Not
Another hardcore banger, Ready or Not is a tactical first-person shooter that throws you into intense SWAT operations where split-second decisions can mean life or death. Developed by Void Interactive, the masterminds behind the cult classic SWAT 4, Ready or Not seamlessly continues the legacy of intense realism and strategic gameplay. Drawing inspiration from their SWAT 4 roots, the developers have meticulously crafted environments, AI behavior, and mission dynamics, promising an authentic police experience. Prepare for heart-pounding scenarios, meticulous planning, and heart-stopping action in a game that honors its heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern tactical shooters.
Black Mesa
What started as a mod for Half-Life 2, Black Mesa became an early access game by being approved by Valve themselves, which just by itself is an accomplishment. We all know how sensitive Valve is when it comes to its property, especially the Half-Life franchise. Developed by Crowbar Collective, Black Mesa is a remake and reimagined version of the original Half-Life game, released in 1999. For fans of Half-life, Black Mesa is a must-play! The developers focused a lot on the outwardly Xen level, making it quite a long chapter, which was fairly short in the original game.
STALKER trilogy
Until we get our hands on STALKER 2, immerse yourself in the haunting and enigmatic world of the original STALKER trilogy. Another atmospheric, single-player first-person shooter that will give you pleasant nightmares if that makes sense. These cult-classic first-person shooters: Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat – unfold in the radioactive aftermath of a nuclear disaster. Venture into “The Zone”, a desolate yet captivating landscape plagued by mutated creatures and otherworldly anomalies. As a STALKER, scavenge, survive, and uncover the mysteries that shroud the wasteland. With immersive atmosphere, dynamic AI systems, gripping storytelling, and a lot of bugs this trilogy captures the essence of survival and exploration. If you want to get even more out of the STALKER trilogy, there are a ton of good total conversion mods such as Anomaly, AtmosFear, Oblivion Lost, and many more.
Beamng.drive
Get ready to rev your engines and defy the laws of physics in Beamng.drive! This racing game (I guess we can call it that) isn’t just a drive; it’s an automotive playground where cars bend, break, and bounce with astonishing realism. Unleash your inner daredevil in a sprawling open-world environment, testing vehicles’ limits and witnessing mind-blowing crashes. The advanced physics engine ensures every collision and jump feels authentically bone-jarring. Whether you’re a gearhead or just in it for the wild rides, Beamng.drive (which is a very strange name for a game but also very fitting considering) offers an unparalleled sandbox of vehicular mayhem. Buckle up for a turbocharged experience that’s all about pushing vehicles and your own excitement to the extreme.
Teardown
Moving onto another exquisite physics simulator, let’s head into the wild world of Teardown, where chaos is your canvas and destruction is your art form! In this ingenious sandbox caper, you’re not just a player but a demolition aficionado. Armed with explosives, vehicles, and a knack for destruction, you’re tasked with turning mundane environments into spectacular symphonies of mayhem. Whether you’re scripting your own blockbuster heist or sculpting jaw-dropping architectural chaos, Teardown grants you the power to reshape reality. With stunning voxel visuals and physics that feel straight out of a dream, Teardown is your ticket to a chaotic wonderland where every smash, crash, and explosion is a stroke of genius.
FTL: Faster Than Light
Embark on a space odyssey with FTL: Faster Than Light! This rogue-like spaceship simulation game thrusts you into the captain’s chair, commanding a starship on a dangerous journey through the cosmos. As you navigate through procedurally generated galaxies, tactical decisions are your lifeline, from crew management to ship upgrades. Encounter alien races, engage in thrilling space battles, and make split-second choices that will shape your destiny. Will you withstand the challenges of the unknown or succumb to the vacuum of space? With its blend of strategy and suspense, FTL offers a gripping interstellar adventure that’ll leave you on the edge of your captain’s seat.
Valheim
Get ready to dive into the whimsical world of Valheim, where Vikings and mayhem collide in the most glorious way! It’s like Minecraft and Norse mythology had a ridiculously awesome baby. You’ll wield your trusty axe, gather resources like a pro hoarder, and build structures that could rival the wonders of the world. But that’s not all – there are monsters that want to turn you into a Viking snack. Team up with your pals, sail the high-pixelated seas and forge your own Viking legend. Valheim’s quirky charm and endless possibilities make it the virtual playground you didn’t know your inner Viking needed! Oh, and Vailheim is another game that’s not technically a PC exclusive, but that’s the way Microsoft operates more recently…
Choosing the genre that fits you (but not the platform)
And there you have it, 15 PC exclusive games for you to enjoy from all video game genres: RTS, TBS, RPG, MMORPG, FPS (wow that’s a lot of acronyms), and even racing! Some of these titles are intentionally exclusive for the PC, as the experience would not transfer well to consoles (real-time strategies, some FPS games, and of course MMORPGs like WOW), and some have not been ported to their console counterparts due to a lack of funding perhaps or general interest in that direction. I remember Gabe Newell, director of Valve and creator of Half-Life, saying that porting Half-Life 2 to the PlayStation infrastructure was a pain and not worth it, so there’s also the technical aspect of things. All that aside, I hope you’ve picked up something that fits your style from this list of PC exclusive games and you’re enjoying yourself this weekend, gaming.
