Whilst 2021 may not have been everyone’s favourite year it’s been a top year for PC games. There’s been a few delays but overall, some absolute all-time great games have been released, taking PC gaming to the next level.
From console games getting an extra layer of shine to brand new releases that show that PC gaming is going from strength to strength,2021 has been a great year for our beloved boxes. So let’s take a journey back through 2021 and look at some of the top PC games released this year.
Top FPS Games 2021
Halo Infinite
A new Halo game is always an event and with Halo Infinite 343 Industries has struck gold. With a multiplayer mode that’s proving a hit and a campaign that neatly follows on from seeds of story laid down in Halo 4 and 5, Halo Infinite’s definitely one of the top FPS games of 2021.
Deathloop
Arkane are masters of their craft, and their craft is making meticulous playgrounds for you to sneak or fight through, pushing gameplay to its limit. Deathloop is an immersive sim that has an ingenious framing of a day that never stops repeating. Unless you stop it, that is.
Back 4 Blood
Turtle Rock Studios made one of the best FPS co-op games of all time and now they’ve done it again with Back 4 Blood. Facing off against infinite hordes of infected humans, you and a few friends (or internet people) will have to fight for your lives with only your wits and a bucket of ammunition to rely on.
Top RPG Games 2021
Tales of Arise
The Tales series has been going for almost thirty years and with Tales of Arise it’s never been better. A dynamic campaign combined with an option to play co-op means you’ll get tonnes of time with this expansive JRPG. If that doesn’t sell it to you, the story and characters are better than they’ve ever been in a Tales game. So dive right in, it’s perfect for the end of the year.
Bravely Default II
If you want a JRPG that takes core aspects of the genre and perfects them, then Bravely Default II is the game for you. With a deep and rewarding turn based combat system and innovative ways to remix your party, Bravely Default II is a must for any RPG fan and is definitely one of the top RPGs of 2021.
NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…
Previously only available in Japan, this remade version of NieR Replicant sees you play as a young man looking to save your sister, Yonah. Accompanied by a talking book named Grimoire Weiss you search for the Sealed verses in a brilliant and strange adventure that ranks as one of the top PC games of 2021.
Top Action Games 2021
Resident Evil Village
Since Resident Evil went first-person it’s become something completely different but still manages to hold onto its action horror roots. Resident Evil Village puts you in the shoes of Ethan Winters as he again descends into fear to find out what’s going on, this time spurred by a terrible tragedy involving his family and Chris Redfield.
Scarlet Nexus
Psychics, special powers, mutants, and more. Scarlet Nexus is a cornucopia of ideas and it mashes them up perfectly in this thrilling action adventure. Fight to defend humanity, fight against the Others, but simply fight because in this game it feels amazing.
Biomutant
Ever wanted to be a cute animal doing kung-fu in an open post-apocalyptic world? Us too, that’s why Biomutant is a dream come true and one of the top action games of 2021. It’s got tonnes of replay value combined with a brilliant and impactful combat system that means it’ll keep you engaged all through the long winter months.
Top Adventure Games 2021
It Takes Two
For many It Takes Two is the game of the year and if you play it, you’ll find out why very quickly indeed. This platformer cannot be played alone but grab a friend and see why it’s getting all the positive word of mouth. Connected but separate platformers combine into a wondrous and disruptive gameplay experience that simply cannot be beaten.
Life is Strange: True Colors
Sometimes you need a cry at Christmas and Life is Strange: True Colors is sure to give you that. Seeing you play as Alex Chen searching for the truth behind the death of her brother, you’ll use her mysterious powers to peer into the emotions of those you encounter. It’s beautifully written, compelling stuff, and one of the top adventure games of 2021.
Before Your Eyes
Sometimes an idea comes along that takes your breath away. Before Your Eyes uses your webcam to monitor your blinking, incorporating your actual blinks into the storyline. Before Your Eyes has won many awards for its innovative approach to storytelling and this makes it not only one of the best adventure games of 2021, but one of the top PC games ever made.
Top Strategy Games 2021
Age of Empires IV
Play through history in the latest in the Age of Empires series. What sets Age of Empires IV apart from the competition isn’t just its detailed, well-crafted levels that test your strategic brain, but the integration of real history into the game. If you want, you can watch hours of documentary footage, learning the context behind the game. Brilliant stuff.
Evil Genius 2: World Domination
From realistic to not-so-realistic, Evil Genius 2 sees you be the Bond villain you always knew you could be, running an evil lair, controlling evil minions, enacting evil missions, and fighting off those do-gooders who always want to shut you down. Riotous fun but surprisingly complex, Evil Genius 2 is definitely one of the top strategy games of 2021.
Kainga
Finally we come to Kainga. We may be a little biased here as our sister company is publishing it but having played this Early Access title we were blown away. This roguelike strategy city builder is set in a mysterious land filled with colossal creatures, you’ll build, watch it get destroyed, and build again as you learn more each time and progress a little further every game. It’s compelling and has a rich core to enjoy with an art style that is as charming as it is beautiful. Kainga is a great game and one that should be enjoyed by everyone interested in strategy games.
What’s your favourite game from 2021 for PC? Hit us up on the community forum and have your say, we’d love to hear what you think.
