The Best PC Games for 2026

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Ninja Gaiden 4

Score: 3.5

Pros & Cons

• + Free-form combat lets you creatively engage enemies

• + New Bloodraven Form has even more wild moves

• + Excellent challenge

• + Terrific post-game rewards and replay value

• - Free-form combat lets you creatively engage enemies

• - New Bloodraven Form has even more wild moves

• - Excellent challenge

• - Terrific post-game rewards and replay value

From its 2D arcade and NES roots to its 3D Xbox masterpieces, Ninja Gaiden has been the unflinching gold standard for action games. Publisher Koei Tecmo's partnership with Platinum Games, a development team with a rich action lineage, results in the newest title: Ninja Gaiden 4. This entry differs from its predecessors by replacing the complex, brutal combat with simpler, more over-the-top arcade-style flash. Still, between the creative carnage and demanding challenges, Ninja Gaiden 4 is worth a pickup.

For more, check out The Best PC Action Games .

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC,PlayStation 5,Xbox Series X,Xbox Series S

Games Genre: Action Games,Beat 'Em Up

ESRB Rating: M for Mature

None

Myst (for PC)

Score: 4.5

Pros & Cons

• + Atmospheric and engrossing gameplay

• + Affordable and widely available

• + Dazzling in 2D and VR

• + Optional FMVs

• + Puzzle randomization

• - Atmospheric and engrossing gameplay

• - Affordable and widely available

• - Dazzling in 2D and VR

• - Optional FMVs

• - Puzzle randomization

For nearly three decades, atmospheric point-and-click game Myst has stood as one of the best, most successful, and most influential PC release of all time. This latest update enhances the beautiful visuals, adds virtual reality support, and randomizes puzzles to make each playthrough unique. Get lost on the island all over again.

For more, check out The Best PC Adventure Games .

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC

Games Genre: Adventure

ESRB Rating: E for Everybody

None

Fortnite (for PC)

Score: 3.5

Pros & Cons

• + Free

• + Bright, fun graphics

• + Novel construction mechanics

• + Fast matchmaking

• + Accessible gameplay

• - Free

• - Bright, fun graphics

• - Novel construction mechanics

• - Fast matchmaking

• - Accessible gameplay

Fortnite is the super-popular, mainstream face of the battle royale genre, but that doesn't mean that the title is without merit. Fortnite has a lot going for it, including approachable gameplay modes, bright and zany graphics, and an excellent construction system. The heavy reliance on microtransactions detracts from the experience a bit, but fans of PUBG and other genre releases should still give this free-to-play game a shot.

For more, check out The Best Battle Royale Games .

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC,PlayStation 4,Xbox One

Games Genre: Action Games,Online

ESRB Rating: T for Teen

None

Marvel Cosmic Invasion

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Outstanding sprite art and presentation

• + Excellent tag-team mechanics

• + Fun and varied Marvel superhero roster

• + Terrific co-op experience

• - Outstanding sprite art and presentation

• - Excellent tag-team mechanics

• - Fun and varied Marvel superhero roster

• - Terrific co-op experience

Like a relic plucked from 1990s arcades, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a colorful, comic-book-style romp that features heroes like the Black Panther, Silver Surfer, and Storm uniting to defeat Annihilus and his endless waves of evil space bugs. Taking a cue from fighting games, Marvel Cosmic Invasion lets you swap characters in the middle of a combo to continue your offense in stylish fashion.

For more, check out The Best Beat 'Em Up Games .

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC,PlayStation 4,PlayStation 5,Xbox Series X,Xbox Series S,Nintendo Switch,Nintendo Switch 2

Games Genre: Beat 'Em Up

ESRB Rating: E10 for Ages 10+

None

Dying Light: The Beast

Score: 3.5

Pros & Cons

• + Gorgeous graphics

• + Fast performance in testing

• + Gloriously gory combat

• + Fun with friends

• - Gorgeous graphics

• - Fast performance in testing

• - Gloriously gory combat

• - Fun with friends

Dying Light: The Beast once again drops you into a terrifying open world full of ravenous zombies to test your wits and will. The franchise's trademark feature is its set of slick, parkour-inspired movement mechanics that let you quickly transition from slaughtering the undead with an axe to making a rooftop getaway. This new entry doesn't do much that we haven't seen before, and even brings back some familiar faces. Still, it's an enjoyably violent adventure for you and your friends.

For more, check out The Best PC Horror Games .

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC,PlayStation 5,Xbox Series S,Xbox Series X

Games Genre: Action Games,Platformer

ESRB Rating: M for Mature

None

World of Warcraft (for PC)

Score: 4.5

Pros & Cons

• + Numerous engaging missions.A massive, seamless world.Excellent in-game matchmaking.Fun crafting system.

• - Numerous engaging missions.A massive, seamless world.Excellent in-game matchmaking.Fun crafting system.

Blizzard's World of Warcraft is a MMORPG that has evolved into a cultural icon over the past 12 years. The list of accolades that WoW has accumulated since its release is simply staggering. While it is certainly not the first or only entry in this particular genre, WoW is the standard by which all other MMOs are judged. The game, bolstered by many expansions and a recent visual makeover, is a rich and rewarding experience that boasts a large selection of customizable races and classes battling in a fantasy world.

For more, check out The Best PC MMO Games .

None

League of Legends (for PC)

Score: 4.5

Pros & Cons

• + Competitive and addictive gameplay, with lots of variation between Champions.Easy to learn, despite having complex gameplay and customization elements.Thriving online community with fair micro transactions.Free.

• - Competitive and addictive gameplay, with lots of variation between Champions.Easy to learn, despite having complex gameplay and customization elements.Thriving online community with fair micro transactions.Free.

League of Legends, Riot Games' free-to-play, multiplayer online battle arena title is, simply put, the best MOBA game you can buy. Its gameplay incorporates elements of role playing, tower defense, and real-time strategy—a combination that differentiates it from the many cookie-cutter MOBAs flooding the market. More importantly, the playable characters (known as Champions) show a deep level of variation, and each match's competition level increases as the game sinks you deeper and deeper into addiction.

For more, check out The Best PC MOBA Games .

None

UFO 50

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + 50 full games

• + Wonderful game variety

• + Deceptively modern game designs

• + Intriguing meta premise

• - 50 full games

• - Wonderful game variety

• - Deceptively modern game designs

• - Intriguing meta premise

UFO 50 defies characterization. A team of indie developers came together to create 50 full 8-bit games that chronicle the history of a fictional console. We're putting it in the puzzle category since some of our favorite games are real headscratchers. But this anthology has games that span all genres and appeal to many players.

For more, check out The Best PC Puzzle Games .

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC

ESRB Rating: N/A

None

Doom: The Dark Ages

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Expressive melee mechanics and defensive play

• + Creative medieval weapons

• + Impressive dragon and mech sequences

• + Smooth performance amid the chaos

• + Approachable for newcomers

• - Expressive melee mechanics and defensive play

• - Creative medieval weapons

• - Impressive dragon and mech sequences

• - Smooth performance amid the chaos

• - Approachable for newcomers

Taking place in the past, Doom: The Dark Ages adds more medieval flair to the gory, demon-slaying action. Alongside your trusty shotguns, you slaughter monsters with a sturdy shield and heavy mace. The combat is grounded yet open to creative tactics. Take a break from shooting and hop on a flying dragon or into a towering mech. The story may take itself a little too seriously, but Doom: The Dark Ages gets your blood pumping the way only developer Id Software can.

For more, check out The Best PC Shooters .

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC,PlayStation 5,Xbox Series X,Xbox Series S

Games Genre: Shooters,Action

ESRB Rating: M for Mature

None

Microsoft Flight Simulator (for PC)

Score: 4.5

Pros & Cons

• + Jaw-dropping re-creation of the real world using Microsoft imagery and cloud computing

• + Live data options, including location-accurate time, weather, and traffic

• + Clever "Travel To" optional feature truncates flight time while letting you control each phase

• + Plethora of flight customization and aircraft options, as well as additional challenge modes

• - Jaw-dropping re-creation of the real world using Microsoft imagery and cloud computing

• - Live data options, including location-accurate time, weather, and traffic

• - Clever "Travel To" optional feature truncates flight time while letting you control each phase

• - Plethora of flight customization and aircraft options, as well as additional challenge modes

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of PC gaming's most beloved series, a franchise cherished and supported by aviation enthusiasts. The 2020 edition, crafted by developer Asobo Studio in tandem with Microsoft, is a delight. Improved graphics aside, the near-magic addition of a fully recreated and explorable Earth, built and populated with Microsoft's Bing satellite imagery and real-time weather conditions, elevates the franchise to new heights.

For more, check out The Best PC Simulation Games .

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC

Games Genre: Simulation

ESRB Rating: E for Everybody

None

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Masterful stealth gameplay

• + Dramatically overhauled visuals

• + Faithful recreation of the fantastic original game

• + New control options

• - Masterful stealth gameplay

• - Dramatically overhauled visuals

• - Faithful recreation of the fantastic original game

• - New control options

The original Snake Eater was a Metal Gear Solid prequel that dropped soldier Naked Snake into Cold War action. It was a masterpiece of stealth game design, and that's still the case in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. More remaster than remake, Delta dramatically updates Snake Eater's visuals while leaving the core game untouched. It's a great modern way to play a fundamentally fantastic stealth game.

For more, check out The Best PC Stealth Games .

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC,Xbox Series X,Xbox Series S,PlayStation 5

Games Genre: Stealth

ESRB Rating: M for Mature

None

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Excellent tactical gameplay

• + Many unlockable classes and abilities

• + Rich and complex political plot

• + Superb UI improvements and accessibility enhancements

• - Excellent tactical gameplay

• - Many unlockable classes and abilities

• - Rich and complex political plot

• - Superb UI improvements and accessibility enhancements

Since its release in 1997, Final Fantasy Tactics has remained the gold standard for blending role-playing adventure with tactical depth. It's a classic strategy game that holds up beautifully today. The Ivalice Chronicles revives that experience for a new generation, featuring an improved UI and enhanced accessibility features. Plus, the intensely political story is even more relevant considering today's headlines.

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: Nintendo Switch,Nintendo Switch 2,PC,PlayStation 4,PlayStation 5,Xbox Series X,Xbox Series S

Games Genre: Strategy-RPG,RPG

ESRB Rating: T for Teen

None

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 (for PC)

Score: 4.5

Pros & Cons

• + Extremely fun skating action, with well-designed levelsNew and returning music tracks that capture youthful energyModern and retro control schemesAbility to create and share skate parksUncapped frame ratesNumerous unlockables

• - Extremely fun skating action, with well-designed levelsNew and returning music tracks that capture youthful energyModern and retro control schemesAbility to create and share skate parksUncapped frame ratesNumerous unlockables

The odd thing about aging is just how often it makes you look to the past, perhaps as a way to cope with an ever-shrinking future. The resulting nostalgia can sometimes soften the rough edges of the things we love, making them seem better than they truly were when we first experienced them. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2—a bundle that remasters two iconic late-1990s and early-2000s skateboarding games—doesn't fall into that trap. In fact, it proves that, yes, those brash and exciting action-sports titles are as good as our memories recall, but they now exist with a beautiful visual overhaul and new, bountiful options that make them even better than what we remember.

For more, check out The Best PC Sports Games .

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC

Games Genre: Sports

ESRB Rating: T for Teen

None

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Robust offensive and defensive combat systems

• + Rollback netcode enables lag-free play

• + Detailed comic book-inspired graphics

• + Crossplay between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox

• + Terrific music

• - Robust offensive and defensive combat systems

• - Rollback netcode enables lag-free play

• - Detailed comic book-inspired graphics

• - Crossplay between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox

• - Terrific music

King of Fighters is great, but Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves resurrects the SNK fighter that started it all. Familiar faces like Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui, as well as odd real-life guest characters like Ronaldo and DJ Salvatore Ganacci, gather for an excellent take on fundamental, 2D fisticuffs. Rich mechanics add depth to both offensive and defensive play, and comic book-inspired graphics give brawls a distinct visual identity. Crossplay multiplayer shines with rollback netcode.

For more, check out The Best PC Fighting Games .

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC

Games Genre: Fighting

ESRB Rating: T for Teen

None

Whisker Squadron: Survivor

Score: 3.5

Pros & Cons

• + Rogue-lite and rail shooter systems synergize well

• + Charming characters and voice acting

• + Eye-catching futuristic aesthetic

• - Rogue-lite and rail shooter systems synergize well

• - Charming characters and voice acting

• - Eye-catching futuristic aesthetic

Whisker Squadron: Survivor is an unashamed homage to Nintendo's famous Star Fox franchise. You play as adorable talking cats in space who pilot starships and blast enemy waves. Unlike Star Fox, Whisker Squadron is a roguelike, so no two corridor runs are precisely the same. Cool power-ups, a sleek art style, and charming characters encourage you to keep playing.

For more, check out The Best PC Shmups .

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC,PlayStation 5

Games Genre: Shmup,Roguelike

ESRB Rating: E for Everybody

None

Forza Horizon 5 (for PC)

Score: 4.5

Pros & Cons

• + Thrilling races and exciting mini-gamesEventLab facilitates inventive, custom tracksDynamic weather that impacts races and explorationThe largest, most varied Forza Horizon map to dateNumerous customization optionsMore than 500 carsMany accessibility options

• - Thrilling races and exciting mini-gamesEventLab facilitates inventive, custom tracksDynamic weather that impacts races and explorationThe largest, most varied Forza Horizon map to dateNumerous customization optionsMore than 500 carsMany accessibility options

Each sequel in Xbox Game Studios' popular racing series uses the previous title as a foundation, and Forza Horizon 5 continues the tradition. The fifth title in the racing-and-music festival has the fun atmosphere, hip music, and wild stunts you'd expect, but this time the additions and changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary. Longtime series fans will appreciate Forza Horizon 5's varied Mexico setting, ridiculously packed modes, and new features (the create-a-track EventLab, in particular). Newcomers will be wowed by the racer's many creative riches.

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC

Games Genre: Racing

ESRB Rating: E for Everybody

None

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Score: 3.5

Pros & Cons

• + Fun and fast turn-based battles

• + Excellent soundtrack and voice acting performances

• + Unique art direction and gorgeous graphics

• - Fun and fast turn-based battles

• - Excellent soundtrack and voice acting performances

• - Unique art direction and gorgeous graphics

Yes, it has a baffling title, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is worth picking up due to its intriguing mix of classic RPG gameplay and contemporary design sensibilities. It features incredible graphics and eye-catching attacks that require specific timing to transform turn-based battles into exciting skirmishes. The top-notch presentation extends to the soundtrack, voice acting, and narrative. You won't explore much off the main path, but it's a journey you should undertake.

Specs & Configurations

Games Platform: PC,PlayStation 5,Xbox Series X,Xbox Series S

Games Genre: RPG

ESRB Rating: M for Mature

From its 2D arcade and NES roots to its 3D Xbox masterpieces, Ninja Gaiden has been the unflinching gold standard for action games. Publisher Koei Tecmo's partnership with Platinum Games, a development team with a rich action lineage, results in the newest title: Ninja Gaiden 4. This entry differs from its predecessors by replacing the complex, brutal combat with simpler, more over-the-top arcade-style flash. Still, between the creative carnage and demanding challenges, Ninja Gaiden 4 is worth a pickup.

For more, check out The Best PC Action Games .

Fortnite is the super-popular, mainstream face of the battle royale genre, but that doesn't mean that the title is without merit. Fortnite has a lot going for it, including approachable gameplay modes, bright and zany graphics, and an excellent construction system. The heavy reliance on microtransactions detracts from the experience a bit, but fans of PUBG and other genre releases should still give this free-to-play game a shot.

For more, check out The Best Battle Royale Games .

Like a relic plucked from 1990s arcades, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a colorful, comic-book-style romp that features heroes like the Black Panther, Silver Surfer, and Storm uniting to defeat Annihilus and his endless waves of evil space bugs. Taking a cue from fighting games, Marvel Cosmic Invasion lets you swap characters in the middle of a combo to continue your offense in stylish fashion.

For more, check out The Best Beat 'Em Up Games .

Dying Light: The Beast once again drops you into a terrifying open world full of ravenous zombies to test your wits and will. The franchise's trademark feature is its set of slick, parkour-inspired movement mechanics that let you quickly transition from slaughtering the undead with an axe to making a rooftop getaway. This new entry doesn't do much that we haven't seen before, and even brings back some familiar faces. Still, it's an enjoyably violent adventure for you and your friends.

For more, check out The Best PC Horror Games .

Blizzard's World of Warcraft is a MMORPG that has evolved into a cultural icon over the past 12 years. The list of accolades that WoW has accumulated since its release is simply staggering. While it is certainly not the first or only entry in this particular genre, WoW is the standard by which all other MMOs are judged. The game, bolstered by many expansions and a recent visual makeover, is a rich and rewarding experience that boasts a large selection of customizable races and classes battling in a fantasy world.

For more, check out The Best PC MMO Games .

UFO 50 defies characterization. A team of indie developers came together to create 50 full 8-bit games that chronicle the history of a fictional console. We're putting it in the puzzle category since some of our favorite games are real headscratchers. But this anthology has games that span all genres and appeal to many players.

For more, check out The Best PC Puzzle Games .

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of PC gaming's most beloved series, a franchise cherished and supported by aviation enthusiasts. The 2020 edition, crafted by developer Asobo Studio in tandem with Microsoft, is a delight. Improved graphics aside, the near-magic addition of a fully recreated and explorable Earth, built and populated with Microsoft's Bing satellite imagery and real-time weather conditions, elevates the franchise to new heights.

For more, check out The Best PC Simulation Games .

The original Snake Eater was a Metal Gear Solid prequel that dropped soldier Naked Snake into Cold War action. It was a masterpiece of stealth game design, and that's still the case in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. More remaster than remake, Delta dramatically updates Snake Eater's visuals while leaving the core game untouched. It's a great modern way to play a fundamentally fantastic stealth game.

For more, check out The Best PC Stealth Games .

Since its release in 1997, Final Fantasy Tactics has remained the gold standard for blending role-playing adventure with tactical depth. It's a classic strategy game that holds up beautifully today. The Ivalice Chronicles revives that experience for a new generation, featuring an improved UI and enhanced accessibility features. Plus, the intensely political story is even more relevant considering today's headlines.

King of Fighters is great, but Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves resurrects the SNK fighter that started it all. Familiar faces like Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui, as well as odd real-life guest characters like Ronaldo and DJ Salvatore Ganacci, gather for an excellent take on fundamental, 2D fisticuffs. Rich mechanics add depth to both offensive and defensive play, and comic book-inspired graphics give brawls a distinct visual identity. Crossplay multiplayer shines with rollback netcode.

For more, check out The Best PC Fighting Games .

Whisker Squadron: Survivor is an unashamed homage to Nintendo's famous Star Fox franchise. You play as adorable talking cats in space who pilot starships and blast enemy waves. Unlike Star Fox, Whisker Squadron is a roguelike, so no two corridor runs are precisely the same. Cool power-ups, a sleek art style, and charming characters encourage you to keep playing.

For more, check out The Best PC Shmups .

Each sequel in Xbox Game Studios' popular racing series uses the previous title as a foundation, and Forza Horizon 5 continues the tradition. The fifth title in the racing-and-music festival has the fun atmosphere, hip music, and wild stunts you'd expect, but this time the additions and changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary. Longtime series fans will appreciate Forza Horizon 5's varied Mexico setting, ridiculously packed modes, and new features (the create-a-track EventLab, in particular). Newcomers will be wowed by the racer's many creative riches.

Yes, it has a baffling title, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is worth picking up due to its intriguing mix of classic RPG gameplay and contemporary design sensibilities. It features incredible graphics and eye-catching attacks that require specific timing to transform turn-based battles into exciting skirmishes. The top-notch presentation extends to the soundtrack, voice acting, and narrative. You won't explore much off the main path, but it's a journey you should undertake.

For nearly three decades, atmospheric point-and-click game Myst has stood as one of the best, most successful, and most influential PC release of all time. This latest update enhances the beautiful visuals, adds virtual reality support, and randomizes puzzles to make each playthrough unique. Get lost on the island all over again.

For more, check out The Best PC Adventure Games .

League of Legends, Riot Games' free-to-play, multiplayer online battle arena title is, simply put, the best MOBA game you can buy. Its gameplay incorporates elements of role playing, tower defense, and real-time strategy—a combination that differentiates it from the many cookie-cutter MOBAs flooding the market. More importantly, the playable characters (known as Champions) show a deep level of variation, and each match's competition level increases as the game sinks you deeper and deeper into addiction.

For more, check out The Best PC MOBA Games .

Taking place in the past, Doom: The Dark Ages adds more medieval flair to the gory, demon-slaying action. Alongside your trusty shotguns, you slaughter monsters with a sturdy shield and heavy mace. The combat is grounded yet open to creative tactics. Take a break from shooting and hop on a flying dragon or into a towering mech. The story may take itself a little too seriously, but Doom: The Dark Ages gets your blood pumping the way only developer Id Software can.

For more, check out The Best PC Shooters .

The odd thing about aging is just how often it makes you look to the past, perhaps as a way to cope with an ever-shrinking future. The resulting nostalgia can sometimes soften the rough edges of the things we love, making them seem better than they truly were when we first experienced them. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2—a bundle that remasters two iconic late-1990s and early-2000s skateboarding games—doesn't fall into that trap. In fact, it proves that, yes, those brash and exciting action-sports titles are as good as our memories recall, but they now exist with a beautiful visual overhaul and new, bountiful options that make them even better than what we remember.

For more, check out The Best PC Sports Games .