The world of PC gaming has seen a lot of changes and advancements over the past decade. From the rise of online multiplayer games to the increasing popularity of indie titles, there have been many memorable and impactful games released for the PC. In this article, we will take a look at the top 20 PC games of the past 15 years, starting from 2009 and ending in 2023.
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1. “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” (2015)
This open-world action RPG developed and published by CD Projekt Red immerses players in a medieval fantasy world where they take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter. The game received universal acclaim for its complex narrative, diverse characters, and stunning visuals.
2. “Minecraft” (2011)
This sandbox game developed by Mojang Studios allows players to create and explore their own virtual worlds. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with players of all ages building and sharing their creations online.
3. “Overwatch” (2016)
Developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, this team-based first-person shooter game quickly became a fan favorite for its diverse cast of characters and fast-paced gameplay. Its success led to the creation of a professional esports league.
4. “Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)
This open-world action game developed by Rockstar North takes players to a fictional version of Los Angeles where they can cause chaos and build their criminal empire. The game’s online multiplayer mode, GTA Online, has continued to be popular and receive updates even years after its initial release.
5. “Dota 2” (2013)
Developed and published by Valve Corporation, this multiplayer online battle arena game (MOBA) has become one of the most popular and competitive esports titles in the world. Its complex mechanics and deep roster of characters have kept players engaged for years.
6. “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds” (2017)
This battle royale game developed by PUBG Corporation drops players onto a deserted island where they must fight to be the last person standing. Its popularity spawned a number of imitators and it helped to popularize the battle royale genre.
7. “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” (2011)
Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, this open-world RPG allows players to explore the fictional land of Skyrim as they complete quests and battle dragons. Its modding community has kept the game alive and relevant for years after its release.
8. “Portal 2” (2011)
Developed and published by Valve Corporation, this first-person puzzle game tasks players with navigating through a series of increasingly challenging rooms using a “portal gun” that can create interconnected openings in the walls. Its inventive gameplay and memorable characters made it a critical and commercial success.
9. “Dark Souls” (2011)
Developed by FromSoftware, this action RPG is known for its challenging difficulty and deep combat mechanics. Its unforgiving nature and mysterious world have made it a cult classic among fans.
10. “Mass Effect 2” (2010)
Developed by BioWare, this science fiction RPG allows players to explore a vast galaxy as they build relationships with a diverse cast of characters. Its branching narrative and moral choices have made it a fan favorite.
11. “Bioshock Infinite” (2013)
Developed by Irrational Games, this first-person shooter takes players to the flying city of Columbia in 1912 where they must navigate the city and fight off enemies while uncovering the secrets of the city’s past. Its storytelling and setting were widely praised.
12. “XCOM 2” (2016)
Developed by Firaxis Games, this turn-based strategy game is the sequel to the 2012 reboot of the classic 1994 game “X-COM: UFO Defense”. Players take on the role of the commander of the eponymous organization tasked with defending Earth from an alien invasion. The game’s challenging difficulty and deep character customization options have earned it a dedicated fanbase.
13. “Fallout: New Vegas” (2010)
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this open-world RPG is set in a post-apocalyptic version of Las Vegas and its surrounding desert. The game’s branching narrative and moral choices, as well as its strong writing and world-building, have made it a favorite among fans of the series.
14. “Her Story” (2015)
Developed and published by Sam Barlow, this interactive movie game has players watching a series of live-action video clips as they try to piece together the story of a mysterious woman being interviewed by police. Its unique gameplay and strong writing earned it numerous awards and accolades.
15. “Undertale” (2015)
Developed and published by Toby Fox, this indie RPG has players navigating a underground world filled with monsters as they make choices that affect the game’s story and characters. Its unique mechanics, charming writing, and memorable soundtrack have made it a cult classic.
16. “Divinity: Original Sin” (2014)
Developed and published by Larian Studios, this isometric RPG allows players to explore a fantasy world filled with magic and danger as they build a party of characters and make choices that affect the game’s story and ending. Its deep mechanics and strong writing earned it numerous awards and accolades.
17. “Stardew Valley” (2016)
Developed and published by ConcernedApe, this farming simulation game tasks players with building up their own farm and engaging with the game’s colorful cast of characters. Its simple but addictive gameplay and charming art style have made it a fan favorite.
18. “Rocket League” (2015)
Developed and published by Psyonix, this vehicular soccer game has players controlling rocket-powered cars as they try to score goals in a high-speed game of soccer. Its unique gameplay and strong esports scene have made it a fan favorite.
19. “Inside” (2016)
Developed and published by Playdead, this puzzle-platformer has players controlling a young boy as he makes his way through a mysterious, monochromatic world filled with danger. Its minimalist art style, eerie atmosphere, and thought-provoking narrative have made it a fan favorite.
20. “Death Stranding” (2019)
Developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this action game has players controlling a delivery man named Sam as he makes his way across a post-apocalyptic America filled with supernatural creatures. Its unique gameplay, star-studded cast, and mind-bending story have made it a fan favorite.
These are just a few of the many great PC games that have been released over the past 15 years. Each one offers a unique experience and has left a lasting impression on players and the industry as a whole. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced action, deep RPG mechanics, or thought-provoking storytelling, there’s something for everyone on this list.
