Top 10 PC Games You Must Play in 2023

The PC gaming landscape continues to evolve and expand, with 2023 bringing us some truly outstanding titles across various genres. Whether you're into immersive RPGs, heart-pounding action games, or innovative indie experiences, this year has something special for every type of PC gamer. Here's our definitive list of the top 10 PC games you absolutely must play in 2023.

1. Starfield

Bethesda's first new IP in 25 years doesn't disappoint. Starfield delivers an astronomical sandbox of over 1,000 planets to explore across numerous star systems. The game combines the studio's renowned storytelling with deeper role-playing mechanics and a compelling spacefaring adventure.

What makes Starfield truly special is how it manages to maintain a sense of wonder and discovery despite its massive scale. The ship customization, base building, and faction storylines provide hundreds of hours of engaging content, making this a must-play for any sci-fi or RPG enthusiast.

2. Baldur's Gate 3

Larian Studios has created nothing short of a masterpiece with Baldur's Gate 3. This game raises the bar for CRPGs with its incredible depth, reactivity, and faithfulness to the D&D 5e ruleset. Every decision feels consequential, with an astounding number of ways to approach quests and situations.

The character-driven narrative, complex companions, stunning visuals, and tactical combat combine to create one of the most impressive RPG experiences in years. Prepare to lose hundreds of hours in this rich, immersive world.

3. Alan Wake 2

Thirteen years after the original, Remedy returns to Bright Falls with a sequel that ups the ante on psychological horror. Alan Wake 2 weaves a complex narrative that seamlessly blends reality and nightmare, featuring dual protagonists Alan Wake and FBI agent Saga Anderson.

The game's remarkable visual fidelity, particularly with ray tracing enabled, creates an atmospheric experience unlike anything else in gaming. With deeper survival horror elements, mind-bending plot twists, and Remedy's signature blend of live-action and in-game sequences, Alan Wake 2 is a haunting masterpiece.

4. Diablo IV

Diablo IV returns to the dark, gothic horror roots of the series with a more mature tone and open-world approach. The game strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and depth, offering a compelling experience for both newcomers and veterans of the franchise.

The five distinct classes each feel uniquely powerful, and the build variety ensures you'll be experimenting with different playstyles for months. With its gorgeous, atmospheric world, satisfying combat, and robust endgame systems, Diablo IV delivers on the promise of a next-generation ARPG experience.

5. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Phantom Liberty isn't just an expansion; it's a redemption arc for Cyberpunk 2077. This spy-thriller DLC introduces the new Dogtown district, complete with a gripping narrative featuring Idris Elba as Solomon Reed alongside the returning Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand.

Combined with the free 2.0 update that overhauls core systems like perks, cyberware, and combat, Phantom Liberty transforms the Cyberpunk experience into what players had originally hoped for. The new content showcases CD Projekt Red at their storytelling best, with meaningful choices and spectacular set pieces.

6. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Respawn Entertainment builds upon the solid foundation of Fallen Order with this impressive sequel. Jedi: Survivor follows a more experienced Cal Kestis five years after the events of the first game, with expanded combat options including multiple lightsaber stances and enhanced Force abilities.

The game features larger, more open areas to explore, improved puzzles, and a more personal story that delves deeper into Cal's character. With its metroidvania-inspired progression and satisfying lightsaber combat, Jedi: Survivor stands as one of the best Star Wars games ever made.

7. Lies of P

This dark reimagining of Pinocchio as a soulslike delivers one of the year's most pleasant surprises. Lies of P combines a hauntingly beautiful Belle Époque-inspired setting with precise, challenging combat that will satisfy fans of FromSoftware's games while establishing its own identity.

The weapon modification system allows for impressive customization, while the lie system adds moral weight to your dialogue choices. With stunning art direction, memorable boss encounters, and a fascinating story, Lies of P proves that the soulslike genre still has plenty of room for innovation.

8. Dave the Diver

Dave the Diver is a charming blend of underwater exploration and sushi restaurant management that proves innovation often comes from unexpected places. During the day, you'll dive into the mysterious Blue Hole to catch fish, discover treasures, and unravel secrets; by night, you'll serve your catches as sushi to demanding customers.

What makes this game special is how it seamlessly integrates multiple gameplay styles into a cohesive whole, wrapping it all in a delightful pixel art style with surprising narrative depth. It's the kind of game that's easy to pick up but hard to put down as you discover "just one more" upgrade or story beat.

9. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Capcom demonstrates once again why they're the masters of the remake with this stunning reimagining of the survival horror classic. The Resident Evil 4 remake maintains the essence of the original while modernizing the gameplay, improving the narrative, and delivering breathtaking visuals.

The tension between preserving resources and surviving relentless enemy encounters feels perfectly balanced, and the revamped characterizations give more depth to Leon, Ashley, and the supporting cast. With expanded areas, refined puzzles, and thoughtful quality-of-life improvements, this remake sets a new standard for how classic games should be updated for modern audiences.

10. Hollow Knight: Silksong

The long-awaited sequel to one of the most beloved indie games of all time has finally arrived, and it exceeds all expectations. Silksong puts players in control of Hornet, whose acrobatic and aggressive playstyle offers a refreshing contrast to the Knight from the original game.

The new kingdom of Pharloom is even larger and more diverse than Hallownest, with a vibrant art style that maintains the distinctive hand-drawn aesthetic while introducing new biomes and creatures. Team Cherry has somehow managed to improve upon perfection, delivering tight controls, challenging boss fights, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that will stay with you long after you've finished playing.

Honorable Mentions

• Street Fighter 6
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Armored Core VI
• System Shock Remake
• The Last of Us Part I (PC Port)

Conclusion

2023 has been an exceptional year for PC gaming, with landmark titles across every genre. From sprawling RPGs to innovative indie experiences, there's never been a better time to be a PC gamer. These ten games represent the pinnacle of what the medium has to offer, showcasing technical excellence, creative storytelling, and engaging gameplay.

Whether you're looking to explore the vastness of space in Starfield, unravel mysteries in Alan Wake 2, or lose yourself in the intricate systems of Baldur's Gate 3, there's something on this list for every type of player. What games are you most excited to play from our selection? Let us know in the comments below!