Top 25 Desktop Games to Play in 2025Below is a curated list of 25 desktop games to watch, play, or revisit in 2025. Each entry includes a short description, why it’s worth your time, recommended system types, and tips for getting the best experience. Titles span genres and styles — from sprawling single-player epics to competitive multiplayer hits, indie experiments, and nostalgic throwbacks.
1. Baldur’s Gate 3 (Larian Studios)
Short description: A deep, party-based CRPG with rich narrative choices and tactical turn-based combat.
Why play: Exceptional storytelling and reactive world-building; every decision can drastically reshape your playthrough.
Recommended systems: Mid-to-high-end PCs; benefits from strong CPU for AI and plenty of RAM.
Tip: Play with a controller for a more relaxed experience in exploration; use mods for UI tweaks.
2. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (and base game) (CD Projekt Red)
Short description: Open-world sci-fi RPG enhanced by the Phantom Liberty expansion and ongoing updates.
Why play: Strong atmosphere, gripping side stories, and major improvements since launch.
Recommended systems: High-end recommended for ray-tracing; medium PCs okay without RT.
Tip: Install performance patches and community mods for better stability and visuals.
3. Starfield (Bethesda Game Studios)
Short description: Massive space-exploration RPG with planetary variety and deep crafting systems.
Why play: Immense sandbox with ship customization and procedural planets to explore.
Recommended systems: High-end for best visuals; SSD required for load times.
Tip: Focus on ship upgrades early; accept side missions to diversify rewards.
4. Elden Ring (FromSoftware)
Short description: Open-world action-RPG combining Souls-style combat with large, interconnected environments.
Why play: Challenging combat and rewarding exploration; great replayability.
Recommended systems: Mid-to-high-end; smooth framerates improve precision.
Tip: Summon spirits or co-op for tough bosses; experiment with builds.
5. Diablo IV (Blizzard Entertainment)
Short description: Action ARPG with seasonal content, loot-driven progression, and shared-world elements.
Why play: Tight combat loop and compelling endgame systems.
Recommended systems: Low-to-mid-end capable; online connection required.
Tip: Try different classes in season resets; prioritize quality-of-life items.
6. Sifu (Sloclap)
Short description: Stylish kung-fu action game with an aging/death mechanic that alters gameplay.
Why play: Unique combat system and a satisfying learning curve.
Recommended systems: Low-to-mid-end friendly.
Tip: Learn enemy patterns and use environment for parries.
7. Microsoft Flight Simulator (Asobo Studio)
Short description: Ultra-realistic flight sim with global satellite-mapped terrain and live weather.
Why play: Best-in-class realism for flight enthusiasts; visually stunning.
Recommended systems: High-end GPU and fast internet for streaming textures.
Tip: Use a joystick/yoke and rudder pedals for immersion.
8. Hades II (Supergiant Games) — if released/early access in 2025
Short description: Follow-up to Hades; expected to expand on narrative roguelite systems.
Why play: Fast-paced combat with rich storytelling and replayable runs.
Recommended systems: Low-to-mid-end friendly.
Tip: Track updates and play early-access builds cautiously.
9. The Witcher 3: Next-Gen Update (CD Projekt Red)
Short description: The classic open-world RPG with enhanced visuals and quality-of-life improvements.
Why play: Timeless narrative and world-building; the update keeps it relevant.
Recommended systems: Mid-to-high-end for next-gen enhancements.
Tip: Revisit expansions (Hearts of Stone, Blood and Wine) for extra content.
10. Valheim (Iron Gate)
Short description: Cooperative survival sandbox inspired by Viking lore with base-building and exploration.
Why play: Great multiplayer experience and engaging progression.
Recommended systems: Low-to-mid-end; scalable performance.
Tip: Play with friends and dedicate time to base defense and exploration.
11. Among Us VR (Innersloth) / Among Us (PC)
Short description: Social deduction game suitable for casual play and streaming.
Why play: Perfect party game with high replayability and social interaction.
Recommended systems: Low-to-mid-end; VR needs a compatible headset for VR edition.
Tip: Use voice chat or in-game tools to increase tension.
12. Factorio (Wube Software)
Short description: Factory-building and automation game emphasizing optimization and logistics.
Why play: Deep mechanical systems and near-limitless creative expression.
Recommended systems: Low-to-mid-end; CPU-heavy with massive factories.
Tip: Start small, modularize designs, and join communities for blueprints.
13. Civilization VII (if released or upcoming in 2025)
Short description: Turn-based 4X strategy continuing the civilization-building legacy.
Why play: Long-term strategy and emergent stories from empire management.
Recommended systems: Low-to-mid-end; benefits from faster CPUs.
Tip: Try different victory conditions to vary gameplay.
14. StarCraft II / Remastered (Blizzard)
Short description: Classic RTS with high-level competitive play and a rich campaign.
Why play: Benchmark of RTS design and excellent multiplayer balance.
Recommended systems: Low-end friendly.
Tip: Practice hotkeys and build orders to climb ranks.
15. Returnal PC (Housemarque)
Short description: Bullet-hell roguelike with atmospheric narrative and fast-paced action.
Why play: Tight gunplay and intriguing looped-story structure.
Recommended systems: Mid-to-high-end.
Tip: Learn weapon synergies and adapt to each run’s modifiers.
16. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (ZA/UM)
Short description: Deep narrative RPG focused on dialogue, skills-as-personality, and branching outcomes.
Why play: Exceptional writing and unique skill-driven roleplay.
Recommended systems: Low-to-mid-end.
Tip: Save often and explore unusual dialogue choices.
17. Rocket League (Psyonix)
Short description: High-octane car-soccer hybrid with competitive seasons and customization.
Why play: Addictive, skill-based multiplayer with easy entry and high skill ceiling.
Recommended systems: Low-to-mid-end.
Tip: Play free-to-play ranked matches and train with custom drills.
18. The Long Dark (Hinterland Studio)
Short description: Solo survival in a frozen wilderness with atmospheric storytelling and survival mechanics.
Why play: Immersive survival systems and contemplative pacing.
Recommended systems: Low-to-mid-end.
Tip: Master resource management and shelter strategies.
19. Forza Motorsport (2023)/Forza Horizon 5 (Playground Games)
Short description: Realistic racing sims (Motorsport) and open-world racers (Horizon).
Why play: Stunning visuals and robust driving physics across styles.
Recommended systems: Mid-to-high-end for max settings.
Tip: Use a wheel for Motorsport; keyboard/controller fine for Horizon.
20. Terraria (Re-visited)
Short description: 2D sandbox-adventure with deep crafting, bosses, and exploration.
Why play: Endless content and community mods keep it fresh.
Recommended systems: Low-end friendly.
Tip: Try community modpacks for new biomes and gear.
21. Hollow Knight: Silksong (if released in 2025)
Short description: Anticipated sequel expanding on Metroidvania exploration and tight combat.
Why play: Beautifully crafted platforming and boss encounters.
Recommended systems: Low-to-mid-end.
Tip: Explore thoroughly—secrets reward curious players.
22. Phasmophobia (Kinetic Games)
Short description: Cooperative ghost-hunting horror with investigation mechanics.
Why play: Best with friends for jump scares and tense atmospheres.
Recommended systems: Low-to-mid-end; VR available.
Tip: Coordinate roles and equipment to improve success.
23. Dead Cells (Motion Twin)
Short description: Action-platformer roguelite with responsive combat and procedural levels.
Why play: Fast-paced gameplay and numerous weapon synergies.
Recommended systems: Low-end friendly.
Tip: Learn weapon timings and adapt builds each run.
24. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl (GSC Game World)
Short description: Atmospheric open-world survival shooter set in a mutated Exclusion Zone.
Why play: Immersive world, emergent encounters, and survival mechanics.
Recommended systems: Mid-to-high-end.
Tip: Approach areas stealthily; manage inventory for radiation and anomalies.
25. Baldur’s Gate 3 (revisited) — community & mods focus
Short description: Highlighting community mods, tools, and multiplayer stories for Baldur’s Gate 3.
Why play: Mods greatly expand replayability with new classes, campaigns, and QoL changes.
Recommended systems: Varies by mod; high-end for large modpacks.
Tip: Use mod managers and backup saves before installing major mods.
How to choose from this list
- For story-first players: try Baldur’s Gate 3, Disco Elysium, The Witcher 3.
- For competitive or skill-based play: Rocket League, StarCraft II, Diablo IV.
- For creative or sandbox play: Factorio, Terraria, Valheim.
- For immersive sims and realism: Microsoft Flight Simulator, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, Starfield.
System & purchase tips
- Use an SSD for modern open-world games.
- Check community patch notes and mods for stability improvements.
- Consider controller or peripherals (wheel, joystick) for genre-appropriate immersion.
If you want, I can expand any entry into a full review (pros/cons, build recommendations, beginner tips) or provide a printable checklist for these 25 games.
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