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Best PC Games Every Veteran Gamer Hails as Classics

The world of PC gaming has never been more vibrant, with a plethora of titles that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From action-packed adventures to strategic role-playing games, the option...

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Marcus Cole

August 19, 2025 · 14 min read

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ABOUT MARCUS COLE

Been gaming since the PS1 days. I have opinions and I'm not afraid to share them. If a game respects my time, I'll respect it back.

Best PC Games Every Veteran Gamer Hails as Classics

The world of PC gaming has never been more vibrant, with a plethora of titles that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From action-packed adventures to strategic role-playing games, the options are endless. In this article, we'll delve into the best PC games that have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. We'll explore what makes each game special, their unique features, and who should play them. So, buckle up and let's dive into our list of the top PC games that you shouldn't miss.

1. Suikoden II

Suikoden II cover

Suikoden II

Konami

PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation Vita, PlayStation, PlayStation Portable · Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)

Dec 17, 1998

Experience An Epic Tale of Warfare, Magic, Friendship And Betrayal -New tactical map battles add a whole level of strategy -Fantastic spells with …

96IGDB

Suikoden II is a timeless classic that has aged remarkably well. Developed by Konami, this role-playing game (RPG) boasts an epic tale of warfare, magic, friendship, and betrayal. The game's tactical map battles add a layer of strategy, while the fantastic spells with stunning animation sequences and specialized attacks will keep you engaged. With over 108 different characters to join your party, the gameplay is both diverse and immersive.

What sets Suikoden II apart is its intricate storytelling and well-developed characters. The game's world is rich in lore, and the player's choices have a significant impact on the story's progression. If you're a fan of classic RPGs with deep storytelling and engaging gameplay, Suikoden II is an absolute must-play.

Here's a quick comparison of Suikoden II with other games on our list:

  • Price: Suikoden II is relatively affordable compared to newer titles
  • Player count: Single-player only
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Length: Approximately 40-60 hours of gameplay

2. Elden Ring

Elden Ring cover

Elden Ring

FromSoftware · Bandai Namco Entertainment

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2 · Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)

Feb 25, 2022

Elden Ring is an action RPG developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, released in February 2022. Directed by Hidetaka …

95MC
95OC
95IGDB

Elden Ring is an action RPG developed by FromSoftware, the masters behind the Dark Souls series. This game is set in a dark fantasy world where you'll embark on a perilous journey to claim the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord. With a vast open world to explore, intricate lore, and challenging gameplay, Elden Ring is an absolute masterpiece.

The game's world is full of mysterious locations, hidden secrets, and terrifying enemies. The combat system is both punishing and rewarding, requiring strategy and skill to overcome the formidable foes that stand in your way. If you're a fan of dark fantasy and challenging gameplay, Elden Ring is an excellent choice.

Here's a quick comparison of Elden Ring with other games on our list:

  • Price: Elden Ring is a premium title with a higher price point
  • Player count: Single-player only
  • Difficulty: Challenging to very challenging
  • Length: Approximately 50-100 hours of gameplay
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

3. Baldur's Gate III

Baldur's Gate III cover

Baldur's Gate III

Larian Studios

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Mac, Google Stadia · Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)

Aug 3, 2023

An ancient evil has returned to Baldur's Gate, intent on devouring it from the inside out. The fate of Faerun lies in your hands. Alone, you may re…

96OC
95IGDB

Baldur's Gate III is a role-playing game developed by Larian Studios, the creators of Divinity: Original Sin 2. This game is set in the Forgotten Realms universe and follows the story of a character who has been infected with a mind flayer tadpole. With a rich storyline, engaging characters, and deep gameplay mechanics, Baldur's Gate III is an absolute delight for fans of RPGs.

The game's combat system is turn-based, allowing for strategic planning and execution. The player's choices have a significant impact on the story, and the game features a dynamic dialogue system that adds depth to the characters and their interactions. If you're a fan of classic RPGs with deep storytelling and engaging gameplay, Baldur's Gate III is an excellent choice.

Here's a quick comparison of Baldur's Gate III with other games on our list:

  • Price: Baldur's Gate III is a premium title with a higher price point
  • Player count: Single-player only
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Length: Approximately 60-100 hours of gameplay

4. God of War

God of War cover

God of War

SIE Santa Monica Studio · Sony Interactive Entertainment

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) · Adventure, Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up

Apr 20, 2018

God of War is the sequel to God of War III as well as a continuation of the canon God of War chronology. Unlike previous installments, this game fo…

94MC
94IGDB

God of War is an action-adventure game developed by SIE Santa Monica Studio. This game follows the story of Kratos, a former Greek god, and his son Atreus as they journey through the Norse wilderness to spread their wife's ashes from the highest peak in the realms. With a deep storyline, engaging characters, and brutal combat, God of War is an absolute masterpiece.

The game's world is full of stunning landscapes, terrifying enemies, and hidden secrets. The combat system is both visceral and rewarding, requiring strategy and skill to overcome the formidable foes that stand in your way. If you're a fan of action-adventure games with deep storytelling and engaging gameplay, God of War is an excellent choice.

Here's a quick comparison of God of War with other games on our list:

  • Price: God of War is a premium title with a higher price point
  • Player count: Single-player only
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Length: Approximately 20-40 hours of gameplay
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

5. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal cover

Persona 5 Royal

Atlus · Sega

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch · Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)

Oct 31, 2019

An enhanced version of Persona 5 with some new characters and a third semester added to the game. Released Internationally in 2020.

94MC
94IGDB

Persona 5 Royal is a role-playing game developed by Atlus, the creators of the Persona series. This game follows the story of a group of high school students as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and rebellion against the corrupt adult world. With a deep storyline, engaging characters, and social simulation elements, Persona 5 Royal is an absolute delight for fans of RPGs.

The game's combat system is turn-based, allowing for strategic planning and execution. The player's choices have a significant impact on the story, and the game features a dynamic dialogue system that adds depth to the characters and their interactions. If you're a fan of social simulation games with deep storytelling and engaging gameplay, Persona 5 Royal is an excellent choice.

Here's a quick comparison of Persona 5 Royal with other games on our list:

  • Price: Persona 5 Royal is a premium title with a higher price point
  • Player count: Single-player only
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Length: Approximately 80-100 hours of gameplay

6. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 cover

Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar Games · Take-Two Interactive

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Google Stadia · Shooter, Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)

Oct 26, 2018

Red Dead Redemption 2 is the epic tale of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the infamous Van der Linde gang, on the run across America at the dawn of the mo…

96MC
95OC
94IGDB

Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world western game developed by Rockstar Games. This game follows the story of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as they try to survive in a rapidly changing American West. With a deep storyline, engaging characters, and immersive gameplay, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an absolute masterpiece.

The game's world is full of stunning landscapes, engaging characters, and realistic gameplay mechanics. The player's choices have a significant impact on the story, and the game features a dynamic dialogue system that adds depth to the characters and their interactions. If you're a fan of open-world games with deep storytelling and engaging gameplay, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an excellent choice.

Here's a quick comparison of Red Dead Redemption 2 with other games on our list:

  • Price: Red Dead Redemption 2 is a premium title with a higher price point
  • Player count: Single-player only
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Length: Approximately 50-100 hours of gameplay
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

7. Mass Effect 2

Mass Effect 2 cover

Mass Effect 2

BioWare · Electronic Arts

PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360 · Shooter, Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)

Jan 26, 2010

Are you prepared to lose everything to save the galaxy? You'll need to be, Commander Shephard. It's time to bring together your greatest allies and…

94MC
93IGDB

Mass Effect 2 is a science fiction RPG developed by BioWare, the creators of the Mass Effect series. This game follows the story of Commander Shepard as they try to stop the Collectors from abducting human colonists. With a deep storyline, engaging characters, and immersive gameplay, Mass Effect 2 is an absolute delight for fans of RPGs.

The game's combat system is third-person shooter-based, allowing for strategic planning and execution. The player's choices have a significant impact on the story, and the game features a dynamic dialogue system that adds depth to the characters and their interactions. If you're a fan of science fiction RPGs with deep storytelling and engaging gameplay, Mass Effect 2 is an excellent choice.

Here's a quick comparison of Mass Effect 2 with other games on our list:

  • Price: Mass Effect 2 is relatively affordable compared to newer titles
  • Player count: Single-player only
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Length: Approximately 20-40 hours of gameplay

8. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt cover

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

CD Projekt RED · WB Games

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch · Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)

May 19, 2015

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world action role-playing game developed by CD Projekt Red. Set in a dark fantasy world, the game follows Gera…

92MC
93OC
93IGDB

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action RPG developed by CD Projekt Red, the creators of the Witcher series. This game follows the story of Geralt of Rivia as he searches for his adopted daughter Ciri in a vast open world filled with monsters, politics, and intrigue. With a deep storyline, engaging characters, and immersive gameplay, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an absolute masterpiece.

The game's combat system is action-based, allowing for strategic planning and execution. The player's choices have a significant impact on the story, and the game features a dynamic dialogue system that adds depth to the characters and their interactions. If you're a fan of dark fantasy RPGs with deep storytelling and engaging gameplay, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an excellent choice.

Here's a quick comparison of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt with other games on our list:

  • Price: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is relatively affordable compared to newer titles
  • Player count: Single-player only
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Length: Approximately 50-100 hours of gameplay
Baldur's Gate III
Baldur's Gate III

9. God of War Ragnarök

God of War Ragnarök cover

God of War Ragnarök

SIE Santa Monica Studio · Sony Interactive Entertainment

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5 · Adventure, Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up

Nov 9, 2022

God of War: Ragnarök is the ninth installment in the God of War series and the sequel to 2018's God of War. Continuing with the Norse mythology the…

93IGDB

God of War Ragnarök is an action-adventure game developed by SIE Santa Monica Studio, the creators of the God of War series. This game follows the story of Kratos and his son Atreus as they journey through the Norse wilderness to prevent the end of the world. With a deep storyline, engaging characters, and immersive gameplay, God of War Ragnarök is an absolute delight for fans of action-adventure games.

The game's combat system is visceral and rewarding, requiring strategy and skill to overcome the formidable foes that stand in your way. The player's choices have a significant impact on the story, and the game features a dynamic dialogue system that adds depth to the characters and their interactions. If you're a fan of action-adventure games with deep storytelling and engaging gameplay, God of War Ragnarök is an excellent choice.

Here's a quick comparison of God of War Ragnarök with other games on our list:

  • Price: God of War Ragnarök is a premium title with a higher price point
  • Player count: Single-player only
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Length: Approximately 20-40 hours of gameplay

10. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut cover

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

ZA/UM

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Mac, Google Stadia · Adventure, Role-playing (RPG), Indie

Mar 30, 2021

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is an enhanced edition of the original role-playing game developed and published by ZA/UM. It retains the core gamepla…

89OC
93IGDB

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a role-playing game developed by ZA/UM, the creators of the Disco Elysium series. This game follows the story of a detective as they try to solve a murder mystery in a dystopian world filled with politics, corruption, and intrigue. With a deep storyline, engaging characters, and immersive gameplay, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is an absolute delight for fans of RPGs.

The game's combat system is turn-based, allowing for strategic planning and execution. The player's choices have a significant impact on the story, and the game features a dynamic dialogue system that adds depth to the characters and their interactions. If you're a fan of role-playing games with deep storytelling and engaging gameplay, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is an excellent choice.

Here's a quick comparison of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut with other games on our list:

  • Price: Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is relatively affordable compared to newer titles
  • Player count: Single-player only
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Length: Approximately 20-40 hours of gameplay
Elden Ring
Elden Ring

11. Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 cover

Resident Evil 4

Capcom Development Division 1 · Capcom

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Mac, iOS · Shooter, Adventure, Puzzle

Mar 24, 2023

Resident Evil 4 is a remake of the 2005 original Resident Evil 4 reimagined for 2023 to bring state-of-the-art survival horror. Resident Evil 4 pre…

92IGDB

Resident Evil 4 is a survival horror game developed by Capcom, the creators of the Resident Evil series. This game follows the story of Leon S. Kennedy as he tries to rescue the President's daughter from a cult in rural Spain. With a deep storyline, engaging characters, and immersive gameplay, Resident Evil 4 is an absolute delight for fans of survival horror games.

The game's combat system is third-person shooter-based, allowing for strategic planning and execution. The player's choices have a significant impact on the story, and the game features a dynamic dialogue system that adds depth to the characters and their interactions. If you're a fan of survival horror games with deep storytelling and engaging gameplay, Resident Evil 4 is an excellent choice.

Here's a quick comparison of Resident Evil 4 with other games on our list:

  • Price: Resident Evil 4 is relatively affordable compared to newer titles
  • Player count: Single-player only
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Length: Approximately 10-20 hours of gameplay

12. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic cover

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

BioWare · LucasArts

PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Mac, Android, Xbox, iOS · Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)

Jul 15, 2003

Choose Your Path! Set 4,000 years before the Galactic Empire, you are the last hope for the Jedi Order and the Republic - can you master the ways o…

92IGDB

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a science fiction RPG developed by BioWare, the creators of the Mass Effect series. This game follows the story of a young Jedi or Sith as they try to stop the evil Sith Empire from conquering the galaxy. With a deep storyline, engaging characters, and immersive gameplay, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is an absolute delight for fans of RPGs.

The game's combat system is turn-based, allowing for strategic planning and execution. The player's choices have a significant impact on the story, and the game features a dynamic dialogue system that adds depth to the characters and their interactions. If you're a fan of science fiction RPGs with deep storytelling and engaging gameplay, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is an excellent choice.

Here's a quick comparison of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic with other games on our list:

  • Price: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is relatively affordable compared to newer titles
  • Player count: Single-player only
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Length: Approximately 20-40 hours of gameplay

In conclusion, these games represent the best of what PC gaming has to offer. From action-packed adventures to strategic role-playing games, there's something for everyone on this list. Whether you're a fan of classic RPGs or modern masterpieces, we hope this article has helped you discover your next favorite game.