System depth, modding freedom, graphic benchmarks, and narrative mastery.
Leo NakamuraGaming & Culture Editor
Winner
Baldur's Gate 3
Overview
PC gaming represents the frontier of graphics, modding, and complex RPG systems. We evaluated narrative freedom, engine performance, replayability, mouse/keyboard ergonomics, and legacy.
Winner spotlight
№1Baldur's Gate 3 is a masterpiece of player choice and RPG design. Larian Studios brought D&D 5th Edition rules to life with unprecedented cinematic writing, emergent physics, and choices that genuinely alter the fate of Faerûn.
At a glance
| Pick | #1 Baldur's Gate 3 PC · Steam / GOG | #2 Half-Life 2 PC · Steam | #3 Elden Ring PC · Steam | #4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt PC · Steam / GOG | #5 Portal 2 PC · Steam | #6 Civilization VI PC · Steam | #7 Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty PC · Steam / GOG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.9 | 9.8 | 9.8 | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.5 |
| Story | Masterpiece | Outstanding | Excellent | Great | Great | Good | Good |
| World design | Revolutionary | Brilliant | Excellent | Great | Good | Good | Good |
| Replay value | Endless | Very high | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Performance | Flawless | Excellent | Great | Good | Good | Good | Fair |
The list
Ordered by overall score across every test. The “best for” note tells you exactly who each pick is for.
1D&D 5E rules turned into the greatest player-choice RPG ever created.
Best overallWhy buy
Keep in mind
2Revolutionized physics engines, environmental storytelling, and FPS pacing.
FPS revolutionWhy buy
Keep in mind
3Masterclass open-world dark fantasy with unmatched exploration freedom.
Open world RPGWhy buy
Keep in mind
4Geralt of Rivia's dark fantasy quest with peak side quest narrative design.
Fantasy storytellingWhy buy
Keep in mind
5Flawless spatial puzzle mechanics, razor-sharp comedy, and co-op campaign.
Puzzle designWhy buy
Keep in mind
6The ultimate 'just one more turn' 4X empire building strategy game.
4X StrategyWhy buy
Keep in mind
7Visual ray-tracing benchmark with deep espionage thriller storytelling.
Graphics benchmark & sci-fiWhy buy
Keep in mind
Deep dive
| Feature | Baldur's Gate 3 | Half-Life 2 | Elden Ring | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Portal 2 | Civilization VI | Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open world | |||||||
| Co-op mode | |||||||
| Mod support | |||||||
| Accessibility options | |||||||
| Photo mode | |||||||
| Steam Deck verified | |||||||
| Cross-platform | |||||||
| New Game+ |
The verdict
Before you buy
Every game was completed — then replayed. We judge on craft, joy and the pull to boot it up again long after the credits roll, on both controller and keyboard.
A 10/10 for you might be a 6/10 for a friend. Use the 'Best for' notes to match games to your setup, your schedule and your tolerance for a 100-hour campaign.
The winner of our The 7 Best PC Games of All Time ranking is the pick that scored highest across every test — but 'best overall' isn't always 'best for you'. Use the 'Best for' note under each of the seven to match a pick to your budget, your space and your habits. Every entry on this list earned its place; the ranking simply tells you where to start.
Questions
We complete every game's main story and spend at least 20 additional hours exploring side content. Replayability is scored on a second playthrough.
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