The 20 Best PC Games of 2025
Which PC games impressed professional reviewers the most during the past year? This page contains Metacritic's official list of the 20 best-reviewed titles released for Windows between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 ranked by Metascore. Games must have at least 7 scored reviews from professional critics to be eligible for inclusion.
#20: Bionic Bay
1 / 20
In this sci-fi physics-based platformer, you control a scientist who must navigate their way through an ancient biomechanical world filled with strange devices and traps. But it's not just running: A teleportation device that allows you to zap to a new spot opens up potential strategies for getting through each level. Critics loved the game's atmospheric world and tricky, intelligent gameplay.
"It's a fantastic platforming experience with a super unique visual style that's constantly throwing new puzzles and ideas at you throughout the campaign. While certainly not as whimsical or packed with secrets in comparison to something like Astro Bot, Bionic Bay nails its approach with incredibly tight controls and a cool sense of style. I'd recommend checking it out, it may well be the best platformer released this year." —Gaming Age
#19: Dispatch
2 / 20
Late-2025 adventure game sensation Dispatch is just your average playable workplace sitcom. Well, except for the fact that there aren't really any other playable workplace sitcoms ... and that the workplace here is a superhero dispatch center. Playing as Robert Robertson/Mecha Man, forced to take a job as a dispatcher after destroying his mech suit in a losing battle, you'll need to manage and deploy a roster of quirky superheroes (voiced by a cast that includes Aaron Paul and Jeffrey Wright) while navigating workplace politics. Developed by a team of former Telltale Games staffers (including veterans of Tales from the Borderlands and The Wolf Among Us), Dispatch was nominated twice at The Game Awards shortly after its release and quickly sold two million copies in just its first month on the market, wildly surpassing the hopes of its creators.
"With smart, witty writing delivered by top tier talent, Dispatch tells a gripping story that will have you laughing out loud and gawping at the consequences of your decisions in equal measure." —Loot Level Chill
#18: Lumines Arise
3 / 20
The first all-new entry in the Lumines rhythm-puzzle game series since 2012's Lumines: Electronic Symphony comes from the team behind another recent puzzle game revival, Tetris Effect. Featuring dynamic new visuals—perhaps too dynamic, according to a few naysayers—a banging soundtrack, some gameplay tweaks, and a variety of gameplay modes including cross-platform multiplayer, Arise is an addictive, well-executed reboot, according to reviewers.
"Lumines Arise is an expressive, compelling puzzle game that manages to provide a carefully created experience that merges together sound, visuals and gameplay. It's a spectacle of lights, colors and sounds that continues to be enthralling for long bursts. There are very few projects like it on the market, and it's an easy recommendation for anyone who loves puzzles and contemporary music." —Hardcore Gamer
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#17: Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
4 / 20
It's not a Metroidvania; it's a ... Yoyovania. The top-down 2D adventure from Brazilian indie studio Pocket Trap has you exploring a town inhabited by rival crime bosses and a variety of critters. Gameplay—clearly influenced by The Legend of Zelda among others, but featuring a unique yo-yo mechanic that lets you use the toy in a variety of imaginative ways—blends platforming, exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Critics find the result clever, charming, and retro.
"Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo delivers a creative and charming experience, blending clever puzzles, rewarding exploration, and a versatile combat system. The inventive use of the yoyo as both a weapon and a tool keeps gameplay dynamic, while the world of New Jolt City — with its charismatic characters, cultural references, and retro aesthetic — builds a unique and memorable universe. Despite a few rough edges, the game stands out for its originality and the relaxed, playful way it tells its story." —GameBlast
#16: Monster Train 2
5 / 20
Few microgenres have blown up in recent years like the roguelike deckbuilder, with titles such as Inscryption, Slay the Spire, Balatro, and Monster Train gaining praise and a growing number of users thanks to their highly addictive and often challenging gameplay loops. The latter is the first of those games to get a sequel, and if you liked the first Monster Train, you'll like the follow-up, which features very similar gameplay (think Slay the Spire but with the added dimension of verticality) but with an entirely new set of clans, cards, and enemies to deal with/against and a few new mechanics not found in the original.
"Monster Train 2 is a fantastic upgrade for what was already one of the best deckbuilding roguelites out there. Its new Equipment cards layer on even more ways to build a team of super-powerful monsters, and its five new clans of delightfully weird characters are every bit as ripe for experimentation and unexpected results as the original cast." —IGN
A remaster of the 1997 PlayStation turn-based tactical RPG Final Fantasy Tactics, The Ivalice Chronicles features both the original version of the game and an enhanced version with new (but faithfully isometric) graphics, full voice acting, a new lower-difficulty mode for newcomers, and improvements to gameplay and battle mechanics. Critics think it a terrific remake of a terrific game, so there's never been a better time to dive into the War of the Lions. And Ivalice just collected the award for Best Sim/Strategy Game at The Game Awards.
"For fans of turn-based strategy or tactical RPG games, Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles will certainly become a benchmark for the genre. This game was a masterpiece when it was released nearly three decades ago, and it's even better now thanks to all the new features added." —Softpedia
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#14: Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
7 / 20
Weirdly arriving out of order following last year's similar remake of Dragon Quest III (though it makes sense in the story's chronology), this two-game set features remakes of the 1986 and 1987 fantasy turn-based JRPGs with stunning new pixel graphics. Critics loved the visual refresh, the new voice acting, the modernization of combat and other aspects of the game, and the expansion of DQ2's story to account for its new place as the concluding chapter of the trilogy.
"Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is an incredible reimagining of the original two games that keeps the core of what they were in the limelight. You have a stunning world redone and put together with the utmost care and respect for the fans. It's the perfect way to hop into the series if you have missed these games the first time around or have been on the fence about giving them a shot. They maintain their challenging nature from the original release, with a nice amount of quality-of-life changes that seem minor, but add to the experience, bringing them to another level, feeling more like a modern release due to these changes." —Hardcore Gamer
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#13: Monster Hunter Wilds
8 / 20
The seventh main entry in the 21-year-old action-RPG franchise—and the fastest-selling Capcom game in history— Monster Hunter Wilds is one of the best games in the franchise so far, according to critics. "Not so fast," say gamers—specifically, PC gamers. While reviewers appreciate how Wilds evolves, refines, and streamlines the Monster Hunter formula, complaints have been piling up on Steam (and elsewhere) about the game's sluggish performance on PC and also about Capcom's less-than-ambitious schedule of updates.
"The most exhilarating and refined Monster Hunter yet, even if its attempts to balance the old and new don't always quite coalesce in its ongoing quest to please all audiences." —Eurogamer
#12: Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
9 / 20
The first sequel to the 2018 medieval action-RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance doubles the size of that game's open world and continues the story of Henry of Skalitz in 15th century Bohemia as he attempts to restore King Wenceslaus IV to the throne. Critics think the sequel improves greatly upon the original, praising an ultra-realistic and immersive—though demanding—epic.
"Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a resounding success, delivering one of the most believable game worlds ever, layered with compelling quests, small and large alike, and enhancing the already interesting systems introduced in the original. With multiple systems layered to immerse you in the game, as well as an intriguing story and excellent polish, it makes for one of the more captivating open world RPGs." —Wccftech
#11: The Seance of Blake Manor
10 / 20
Metacritic's Best PC Exclusive of 2025. This Halloween-week release offers a supernatural take (inspired by Irish folklore) on the detective investigation adventure. The year is 1897, and you play a private investigator called to Blake Manor in Ireland—where a seance is about to commence—to investigate the disappearance of a woman. You'll have to find her through a mix of interrogation and searching the manor for clues. Critics appreciated the intelligent writing, spooky and immersive atmosphere, and the game's sharp, graphic novel-influenced look.
"Sure, The Séance of Blake Manor is an autumnal treat filled with spooky scenes but it is also that most joyous of discoveries: a game that challenges, delights, thrills and educates in equal measure." —The Guardian
#10: The Talos Principle: Reawakened
11 / 20
Not just a graphical remaster of the 2014 puzzle game classic The Talos Principle, this Reawakened release adds a new expansion ("In the Beginning") as well as new content within existing puzzles. It also includes a new puzzle editor that enables community-generated content.
"The Talos Principle: Reawakened remakes and reanimates the 2014 original for a new generation and a new generation of players. Beyond the extraordinarily deep and dense puzzles, beyond the expertly written story and philosophy, and beyond the beautiful art and audio direction, lies a game that succeeds in bridging people's understanding of what a game can be. It is the kind of game I would recommend to anyone, regardless of if they play videogames or not." —Hooked Gamers
#9: despelote
12 / 20
Yet another unique, critically acclaimed indie from Panic (Thank Goodness You're Here!, Untitled Goose Game), despelote is a nostalgic, slice-of-life adventure set in the soccer-obsessed city of Quito, Ecuador in 2001. As eight-year-old Julián—a stand-in for developer Julián Cordero, whose childhood you are effectively playing through—you'll dribble your soccer ball around town at your own pace and interact with a variety of locals. Critics think it's a short but sweet tale that will stay with you longer than its playtime.
"Despelote is yet another juicy example of the ability of hyper specific stories to unlock universally human feelings, rather than the often misguided attempts to generalise settings and identities to reach more people. I want more games like this, and thankfully smart companies like Panic keep publishing them." —WellPlayed
#8: Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
13 / 20
1st Chapter is a remake of the 2004 anime-style JRPG The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (which launched the Trails subseries of The Legends of Heroes franchise) using the game engine developed for 2021's Trails Through Daybreak. A 2nd Chapter will follow in late 2026. Remastered visuals, new voice acting, and improved gameplay (now including a choice between turn-based or real-time combat) combine with what was already a deep and rewarding conspiracy-driven storyline to make a 21-year-old title seem fresh—especially given that gamers outside of Japan may not have been exposed to the game prior to this year.
"Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a remake that respects the original RPG and manages to elevate the experience with its changes without forgetting its essence. It's a laudable example of how to reimagine a game, reaching an unbelievable balance between faithfulness and modernization." —GameBlast
#7: The Last of Us Part II Remastered
14 / 20
A PS5 exclusive upon its first release in 2024, this remaster of the massively acclaimed 2020 action-adventure game from Naughty Dog arrived on PC for the first time in any form this past April. The sequel to TLOU Part I (originally released in 2013 and ported to PC a decade later) continues the story of Ellie through a United States that has been devasted by a pandemic. The game includes a new-to-the-remaster roguelike survival mode in addition to the main story.
"It's impossible not to recommend this game. The Last of Us is a landmark franchise, and Part II successfully carries on the legacy of the original. Importantly, the PC port is solid and runs well, presenting the unforgettable story in the best possible visual quality thanks to the remaster." —Cultura Geek
#6: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
15 / 20
Originally released in 2024 for PS5 and ported to PC the following year, Rebirth is the second part (following 2020's FF7 Remake) of a planned trilogy of standalone games reimagining the original 1997 version of Final Fantasy VII. (And no, you don't need any prior knowledge of the vast Final Fantasy franchise.) Blending action, strategy, and RPG gameplay, the new game is set in a mostly open sci-fi world as your character, the mercenary Cloud Strife, sets off from the city of Midgar in search of the villainous Sephiroth. Critics think that it not only improves on Remake but may also be the best Final Fantasy game to date. And they also think it looks even better on PC than on the PlayStation.
"Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a dream come true on PC, offering gorgeous visuals, vastly improved frame rates, and more. Square Enix has put together its best PC port yet, despite some room to grow in the future with areas like Ultrawide support. Simply put, this is one of the best RPGs ever created, and it's an instant must-own title for any RPG fan on PC." —Final Weapon
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#5: Split Fiction
16 / 20
The latest title from Swedish studio Hazelight is, like It Takes Two and A Way Out before it, a two-player co-op action game. And while those two games were well-reviewed, Split Fiction is even better. You and a partner play as writers Mio and Zoe—the former a sci-fi specialist while the latter writes fantasy—as each becomes trapped inside their stories by a machine hoping to steal their ideas. (The machine is not named ChatGPT—just making that clear.) You'll have to work together to overcome challenges in an impressive variety of settings as the action plays out in split screen. That variety—and the overwhelming creativity, ingenuity, and playfulness on display—make Split Fiction an easy recommendation by critics.
"Split Fiction is a delightfully creative co-op adventure with a lot to say about human connection through creativity." —Siliconera
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#4: Hollow Knight: Silksong
17 / 20
Team Cherry's first sequel to its excellent 2017 Metroidvania Hollow Knight is more of the same, if "the same" means stunning design and challenging gameplay. New lands and foes await returning players as they attempt to navigate their character Hornet—now able to battle with acrobatic finesse—through the insect kingdom known as Pharloom. Despite Silksong's even greater difficulty, critics liked it just as much as (and perhaps even more than) the first game, and it went on to collect six nominations at The Game Awards (winning for Best Action/Adventure Game). A free expansion, Sea of Sorrow, is due in 2026.
"Team Cherry has done the impossible. In the face of colossal expectation, it has bottled lightning twice. Silksong is a masterpiece, not because it's bigger and better than what came before, but because it doesn't lose itself in trying to escape Hollow Knight's shadow. Its massive scope extends beyond Team Cherry's initial influences to become a definitive Metroidvania epic that challenges players to rise to the occasion." —PCGamesN
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#3: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
18 / 20
The first game from French studio Sandfall Interactive is a dark fantasy RPG set in a world where the evil Paintress wipes out every person at or above a certain age—with that number decreasing each time. You control multiple characters who are part of a yearlong expedition that sets out to prevent the next wipe from becoming reality. All prior missions have failed—will yours be any different?
Blending turn-based and real-time gameplay and featuring a voice cast led by Charlie Cox and Andy Serkis, Clair Obscur is one of the year's biggest hits—selling over 5 million units so far—while collecting widespread acclaim from critics and gamers alike for its moving story, unique combat mechanics, and striking visuals. It also set a record with 13 nominations at The Game Awards, winning nine including Game of the Year. Clair Obscur also scored Game of the Year wins from the Golden Joystick Awards and the Indie Game Awards but was forced to surrender the latter when it was subsequently disqualified for violating rules governing the use of AI.
"The turn-based RPG and debut title from French studio Sandfall Interactive delivers on all of its promises in refreshing the decades-old genre, taking inspiration from games of the past and the Belle Époque era of French history to craft a beautiful, tragic, and memorable experience that should be considered one of the best games of 2025 and a tremendous first entry for a very talented studio." —Destructoid
#2: Blue Prince
19 / 20
An eight-year labor of love for cinematographer turned game developer Tonda Ros, Blue Prince is a puzzle adventure inspired by Christopher Manson's 1984 puzzle book Maze —with Manson even providing some of Prince's artwork. Also blending strategy and roguelike elements, the game tasks you with exploring the 45 rooms of an ever-shifting manor, hoping to eventually find your way to a hidden 46th room. Critics think it one of the best puzzlers in recent memory thanks to its depth, intelligence, and unique design, though it can be difficult at times (and its randomness can frustrate). Blue Prince picked up two nominations at The Game Awards and was awarded Game of the Year by the Indie Game Awards.
"I cannot overstate how much Blue Prince blew me away. With an addicting gameplay loop and an expansive mystery that appears bottomless, it's the kind of game that makes you want to nuke your memory of playing it so that you can experience it all over again. Every time you think you've surely seen it all, it will prove you wrong with a new challenge that'll test your powers of observation like never before. The sense of discovery you'll feel time and time again is nothing short of phenomenal, making this debut game from Dogubomb something truly special." —Checkpoint Gaming
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#1: Hades II
20 / 20
Metacritic's 2025 Game of the Year*.
Metacritic's Best New PC Game of 2025. Hades II is the first sequel to Supergiant Games' Hades, a roguelike action-RPG based on Greek mythology that was one of the highest-scoring releases of 2020 and won a pair of honors (Best Indie Game, Best Action Game) at that year's The Game Awards. The new game, which casts you as the sister of the first game's protagonist and gives her the difficult task of defeating time titan Chronos, similarly impressed reviewers (and won yet another Game Award) with its overall gameplay design, gorgeous visuals, and memorable characters, with many critics feeling that it topped its predecessor in nearly every way. Note that numerous complaints about an unfulfilling ending caused Supergiant to make tweaks to the conclusion following the game's original September release.
"Hades II has achieved the impossible, managing in every regard to improve upon one of the greatest indie games of all time, at no point feeling derivative of what came before, but iterating so thoroughly as to create something as novel as it is familiar." —Radio Times
* Metacritic's Game of the Year is the year's highest-scoring "new" console or PC game receiving 7 or more reviews. (For multi-platform games, only the version receiving the highest quantity of reviews is eligible.) If the same title was released the previous year for other platforms, it does not qualify again in the second year (each title can only be eligible in its first year). Remakes/remasters/ports are considered "new" games only if there are significant changes in the new version. Multi-game compilations, expansion packs/DLC, and Definitive/GOTY editions are ineligible.
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