In 2023, the PC gaming landscape is more diverse and exciting than ever. Various top-tier games showcase the latest advancements in gaming technology. The titles on offer provide an immersive experience that blurs the line between reality and virtual worlds.
Our list of the best PC games of 2023 will guide you through the top choices. No matter your gaming style, there is something remarkable for you to explore. This guide is for all: Whether you are a hardcore gamer looking for your next challenge or a casual player seeking a new world to dive into.
Action-Adventure: Cyberpunk 2077
An open-world game set in a dystopian future, renowned for its intricate storytelling and expansive world.
Cyberpunk 2077 is a game developed and published by CD Projekt, the creators of the critically acclaimed Witcher series. The game was first announced in 2012 and after years of development, it was finally released on December 10th, 2020.
The game is set in Night City, a fictional metropolis located in the Free State of California. The society has been taken over by advanced technologies, mega-corporations, and a corrupt government. Players take on the role of V, a mercenary outlaw who is trying to make a name for himself in this high-tech world.
Cyberpunk 2077 offers players an immersive world to explore, with various side quests to complete. They include car races, boxing matches and braindance recordings that allow players to experience the memories of other characters. The game combines first-person shooting mechanics with RPG elements such as character customisation and skill progression. The player’s choices affect the outcome of the story.
Players choose from three distinct character classes: NetRunner (hacker), Techie (engineer), or Solo (combat specialist). Each class has its unique play style. Each character can be augmented with cyberware that gives them enhanced abilities: increased strength or hacking capabilities.
Cyberpunk 2077 has gained immense popularity for its stunning graphics and engaging gameplay. The title is renowned for thought-provoking themes: class inequality, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the dangers of technology.
The game features a star-studded cast with Keanu Reeves, who plays the role of digital ghost terrorist Johnny Silverhand who haunts V. This has generated even more buzz around the game and attracted new fans of CD Projekt.
First-Person Shooter: Call of Duty: Warzone
A highly popular shooter known for its fast-paced action, impressive graphics, and focus on multiplayer combat.
Call of Duty: Warzone is a free-to-play battle royale PC game, a part of the massively popular Call of Duty franchise. Set in the fictional city of Verdansk, the game blends traditional first-person shooter gameplay with the battle royale format, where players compete to be the last standing.
The game starts with up to 150 players who parachute onto the detailed map. They must scavenge for weapons, armour, and other equipment while navigating a shrinking play area. The game features a mix of urban and rural environments. It provides diverse tactical opportunities.
One of the key mechanics in Warzone is the Gulag. When a player is killed for the first time, they are sent to the Gulag, where they have a chance to return to the game by winning a one-on-one fight. Additionally, the game features a unique in-game economy system. Gamers collect in-game currency, which can be used at Buy Stations to purchase items: killstreak rewards, equipment, and the ability to revive fallen teammates.
Being a part of the highly successful Call of Duty series, the title attracted many fans from its existing previous games’ player base.
Role-Playing PC Game: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
An immersive RPG praised for its deep narrative, extensive character customisation, and vast world based on a popular Polish fantasy novel.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an acclaimed open-world RPG game developed by CD Projekt Red, based on the fantasy series of novels by Andrzej Sapkowski. Set in a medieval fantasy universe, the game follows the story of Geralt of Rivia, a witcher – a monster hunter for hire, gifted with supernatural abilities. The narrative revolves around his quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri, who is on the run from the otherworldly Wild Hunt. The game’s world is filled with diverse landscapes and a multitude of non-player characters.
The Witcher 3 combines traditional RPG with action-based combat. Players control Geralt as he completes main story quests, side quests, and monster-hunting contracts. Combat involves swordplay, dodging, and using Witcher Signs – simple magical spells. Geralt can also use alchemy to brew potions and concoctions that enhance the healing of his wounds.
The game features a deep progression system. Players upgrade Geralt’s skills and abilities, craft gear, and make narrative choices that influence how the story unfolds. The game includes a card game called Gwent, which became popular enough to be released as a standalone strategy game.
The game’s narrative is enhanced by its well-written and believable characters. It encourages interaction with the rich lore. The game allows significant player choices that lead to multiple endings.
Strategic best PC games: Civilization VI
A strategy game where players build and manage an empire through various eras, balancing resource management, diplomacy, and warfare.
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game developed by Firaxis Games, part of the long-standing and celebrated series. The game involves building an empire from the ground up. Players come from the ancient era and progress through to the modern age.
Players choose a civilization to lead, each headed by a famous historical figure, like Cleopatra, Genghis Khan, or George Washington. The objective is to build the most powerful empire. It can be achieved through various means: military conquest, cultural influence, technological supremacy, or diplomacy. The game unfolds on a map divided into hexagonal tiles, with cities, natural resources, and geographical features.
The core mechanics of Civilization VI revolve around city-building, resource management, and strategic planning. Players must manage their cities, grow their populations, construct buildings and wonders, and cultivate land for resources. The game introduces districts, a new feature where specific areas in a city serve particular purposes: science, culture, or production.
Players interact with other civilizations. They form alliances, trade, or make war. In times of peace, gamers advance through a technology tree, unlocking new abilities, units, and buildings. A similar culture-focused tree governs civic advancements.
The game is praised for its complex strategy mechanics. It features various paths to victory and requires thoughtful decision-making. While Civilization V is accessible to newcomers, it also presents a substantial challenge to seasoned players at higher difficulty levels.
PC gaming simulation: The Sims 4
A well-loved life simulation game that allows players to create and control virtual lives, including their daily activities and relationships.
The Sims 4 is a life simulation game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. It is the fourth major title in the series. In the game, players create, control, and manage the lives of virtual people in a simulated world.
In The Sims 4, players begin by creating Sims with distinct appearances, personalities, and life goals. Customisation extends to designing their homes and neighbourhoods. The game does not have a set goal or storyline; instead, it offers an open-ended experience where players explore various aspects of life. This includes forming relationships, pursuing careers, and developing skills.
The gameplay is centred around the daily activities and interactions of the Sims. Players fulfil the basic needs of their Sims: eating, sleeping, and socialising. The game introduces a system of emotions, where Sims’ moods influence their behaviour.
Players construct and furnish homes, using an intuitive building tool. They also manage the finances of their Sims. Money earning is possible through careers or other activities. The Sims 4 also includes various life events: birthdays, marriages, and even funerals, adding depth to the simulation. The game offers immense creative freedom. The simulation of everyday life, with its ups and downs, makes the game relatable for many players.
Indie PC game: Hades
An indie game noted for RPG mechanics and a compelling, story-driven experience.
Hades was developed and published by Supergiant Games. It is a rogue-like dungeon crawler that has gained acclaim for its art style. The game revolves around Zagreus, the son of Hades, who is attempting to escape from the Underworld to reach Mount Olympus. The game is set in a mythological world with a strong narrative woven into the gameplay. Each escape attempt takes Zagreus through randomly generated rooms filled with enemies. Players experience interactions with various characters from Greek mythology.
As Zagreus battles through the Underworld, he encounters various enemies and bosses. Combat involves a combination of hack-and-slash mechanics with various weapons and magical abilities known as Boons. These Boons are granted by Olympian gods and offer necessary power-ups.
Death in Hades is not the end but a key part of the game. Each time Zagreus dies, he returns to the House of Hades, where players upgrade abilities, and choose different weapons before attempting another escape.
Video game world sports: FIFA 23
A popular football simulation game offering realistic gameplay and updated team rosters.
FIFA 23 is the latest instalment in the long-running series, known for its realistic representation of football. It simulates the entire experience. Players control real-life teams from various leagues around the world or create their custom teams. The game includes a career mode, where gamers manage a team and guide them through seasons, Ultimate Team, where players build and compete with their dream team, and the standard match for quick gameplay. It also includes women’s football leagues.
Players control individual team members during a match. They can pass, shoot, dribble, and tackle. The game employs a physics engine that makes the ball and player movements appear lifelike. AI improvements in this instalment offer more realistic behaviours. Ultimate Team mode allows players to collect player cards to build their squad, which they can use to compete against others online. This includes various challenges and rewards.
The game features licensed teams, leagues, and stadiums from around the world, adding to its authenticity. The strong online multiplayer component provides a competitive experience for players.
Racing PC gaming: Forza Horizon 5
A high-quality racing game loved for its diverse range of cars, beautifully designed tracks, and realistic driving physics.
Forza Horizon 5 was developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. It is known for its realistic driving mechanics and a vast collection of cars. Set in a detailed representation of Mexico, the game offers players the freedom to explore diverse landscapes. It features a dynamic weather system and a day-night cycle, which add to the realism of racing experiences. Players participate in racing events: traditional circuit races, off-road, and cross-country competitions.
The game introduces the Horizon Festival, with various races where players earn credits and unlock new events and vehicles. Gamers can engage in multiplayer modes, racing against others online and participating in cooperative challenges.
The game also includes a Forzavista mode where players view their cars in great detail and learn about their specifications. With hundreds of models from various manufacturers, the game caters to car enthusiasts.
Puzzle PC game: Portal 2
A puzzle game famous for its challenging logic, unique mechanics involving portal guns, and witty narrative.
Portal 2 was published by Valve Corporation. It is known for its unique puzzle-solving gameplay, engaging narrative, and dark humour. In the game, players assume the role of Chell, a test subject in a dystopian research facility, Aperture Science Enrichment Center. The game’s central feature is the portal gun, a device that creates interconnected portals on flat surfaces. Players use these portals to navigate through the game’s levels. The storyline is enriched by GLaDOS, an AI antagonist, and Wheatley, a friendly AI sphere.
Players shoot two distinct portal ends, one blue and one orange. When these portals are placed on flat, non-metallic surfaces, they become connected. The players, objects, and projectiles can pass through them at that time. This mechanic is used to solve various environmental puzzles, which involve manoeuvring objects, redirecting lasers, and crossing large gaps. Portal 2 introduces new elements: aerial faith plates, light bridges, and gels that affect player movement.
Horror best games: Resident Evil Village
A survival horror game that stands out for its eerie atmosphere, engaging storyline, and intense gameplay elements.
Resident Evil Village was developed and published by Capcom. It is the eighth major instalment in the series and a narrative sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. The game is set in a haunting and atmospheric European village.
In Resident Evil Village, players assume the role of Ethan Winters, the protagonist from the previous game. He searches for his kidnapped daughter in a mysterious and unsettling village. The narrative intertwines Ethan’s quest with the broader lore of the universe. In the game appear sinister characters, cult-like figures, and connections to the long-standing bioweapons theme.
Players navigate through the village and surrounding areas, facing various enemies, including werewolf-like creatures, animated statues, and other supernatural beings. Combat involves the use of firearms, melee attacks, and tactical evasion.
Resident Evil Village introduces a merchant character known as The Duke, from whom players buy and sell items, upgrade weapons, and purchase supplies. The game features puzzles that players must solve to progress through the story and unlock new areas.
Best PC games to play in 2023
Each title on our PC games list offers unique storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Whether you are a veteran gamer or just starting to explore the world of PC gaming, they are sure to provide countless hours of entertainment. So, as you look back, ask yourself: Have you played them all? If not, a world of extraordinary adventures awaits you in these top-tier gaming experiences.
In the gaming world, the role of a good translation agency becomes increasingly important. As games reach players from different corners of the world, the developer should ensure that everyone can fully enjoy these experiences in their own language. This is where a professional translation agency steps in—adapting the game’s story, humour, and instructions in a way that feels natural and engaging to players everywhere. If you need help with this task, do not hesitate to contact Skrivanek.
Images generated by AI.
