30 Best PC Games to Play in 2019

The best PC games of 2019 reveal the changing nature of PC gaming and the gaming industry as a whole. The lines between platforms are becoming blurred. Microsoft is embracing PC gaming once again as it aims to bring Xbox to the masses, Japan making more PC ports than ever before, and even Nintendo adopting more and more indie titles that would have previously only been on Steam. And let’s not forget that even Google wants in on the games business, as it prepares to roll out its new cloud gaming platform.

What we’re saying is that PC exclusives (much like exclusives elsewhere) aren’t quite as common as they used to be despite the Epic Store’s best efforts. Yet, there remain quite a few titles that can only either currently be experienced on PC or are otherwise best experienced on the platform. While former PC genre mainstays like first-person shooters can now be found on just about any device, PC gaming remains the best source for strategy games, classic role-playing, and experiences which defy all conventional classification and logic.

PC gaming may be changing, but as some of the best PC games of 2019 prove, the spirit of innovation that has helped define the PC scene for decades is alive and well.

Afterparty

TBA | Night School Studio

Milo and Lola are two best friends who die and find that they’ve gone to Hell. That’s…not good, but they soon discover a soul-saving catch. If they can somehow manage to outdrink Satan, they will be spared and allowed to return to Earth.

Afterparty is something of a throwback to the golden age of point-and-click adventure games. This dialogue-heavy adventure sees you not only bar hop through Hell but complete quests that may very well change the fate of its denizens forever. Considering its from the makers of Oxenfree and Sword & Sworcery, we’ve got high hopes for Afterparty.

Anno 1800

April 16 | Blue Byte

Beloved strategy series Anno returns to its historical roots with Anno 1800. This city builder/strategy game sees you build a miniature empire during the industrial revolution when new advancements led to new possibilities (and new problems).

Anno 1800 revamped mechanics make micromanaging your settlements more challenging and rewarding than ever before. On top of that, it offers a rich story-driven campaign that compliments its deep sandbox building options.

Ape Out

February 28 | Bennett Foddy, Gabe Cuzzillo, Matt Boch

Ape Out stars an escaped ape who is mad as hell and isn’t going to take it anymore. In order to break out, he’s going to have to work his way through a variety of armed guards who will do anything to stop him.

The game channels Hotline Miami with its puzzle-like fast-paced levels, but the game’s brilliant action design lends each stage a strange kind of rhythm that forces you to approach Ape Out like it’s a DDR game. It’s a hypnotically violent game bolstered by wonderful minimalist visuals.

Baba Is You

March 13 | Hempuli Oy

Most great puzzle games are defined by a series of rules that help govern the experience. In Baba Is You, though, the rules are anything but defined. Actually, you’re able to change them by simply interacting with a few key blocks in each level that not only change the layout of the level but can alter how you win the game.

It sounds strange, and it is. However, the ability to manipulate what can and can’t be done in each level makes Baba Is You is one of the cleverest, most inventive, and downright challenging puzzle games in recent memory. There’s nothing else quite like it.

Conan Unconquered

May 30 | Petroglyph

Recently, strategy action game They Are Billions utilized a fresh approach to the RTS genre with its horde mode-like gameplay where you fend off waves of enemies while building the best base possible. Well, Conan Unconquered is a Conan-themed version of this new style of strategy game.

Conan Unconquered throws you headfirst into the Conan universe as you work to outlast and outmaneuver some of the most devastating hordes the world has ever known. Unconquered’s twists on the base building/horde genre make an incredibly exciting title for any fans of modern strategy experiences.

Dark Devotion

April 25 | Hibernian Workshop

A temple, an ancient mystery, and a Templar whose very faith will be put to the test are just some of the major players in Dark Devotion. However, the true star of the show is the game’s blend of Castlevania gameplay and dungeon crawling.

Dark Devotion’s wonderful Dark Souls aesthetic, incredible music, and airtight gameplay make it an enticing project to those who just can’t get enough Dead Cells in their lives or anyone looking for a new challenge.

Devotion

February 19 | Red Candle Games

For some, there’s nothing scarier than going home. However, Devotion isn’t entirely about exploring the true nature of a deep, undefinable fear. No, Devotion is about a trip home that reveals some truly unspeakable terrors.

Devotion may be temporarily unavailable due to an absurd controversy based around an in-game joke, but you’ll want to give it a shot as soon as it makes a return. It’s one of the most outright terrifying games in recent memory and a downright clever look at the horrors of home.

Disco Elysium

TBA | ZA/UM

One part isometric RPG in the style of Baldur’s Gate and one part gritty detective adventure, Disco Elysium combines genres and ideas that we never knew we wanted to see on the same plate yet can’t wait to dive into.

Disco Elysium‘s “urban fantasy” setting is a compelling enough reason to give this game a look, but the real draw here is Disco Elysium‘s deep RPG mechanics. Not only are the game’s playable characters fully-customizable, but Disco Elysium asks you to determine what kind of cop you’re going to be in this rough world. It may be easy to position yourself as a righteous lawman, but the moral line in this dark universe may be too tough to see.

Read More: Shadow Ghost Review

GTFO

TBA | 10 Chambers Collective

GTFO stands for what you think it stands for, but even the game’s name doesn’t fully capture the terror of this cooperative action experience. Imagine going on your own Aliens adventure with friends, and you’re on the right track.

The game looks to fill the void left by the disappearance of the Left 4 Dead series in a big way. This terrifying take on the co-op shooter concept nails its atmosphere and proves that you don’t always feel safer when you’re with friends.

Hades

December 2018 (Early Access) | Supergiant Games

Supergiant Games (makers of Transistor and Bastion) have always done things a little differently, and Hades is no exception. After all, it’s not every day that you play as the prince of the underworld as he tries to escape to Mt. Olympus with help from the gods.

Based largely on feedback its developers received from their other projects, Hades is a brilliant isometric action title that combines the best of role-playing and dungeon exploration. This brilliant roguelike will have you carefully considering how you upgrade your character as you work towards the seemingly impossible.

Imperator: Rome

April 25 | Paradox Development Studio

Developer Paradox Development Studio is known for its grand strategy experiences, but Imperator: Rome looks to up the ante that the studio has laid on the table over the last several years. Anyone familiar with the Crusader Kings series will understand what is so appealing about Imperator‘s grand strategy pedigree, but even those familiar with the games that inspired this title may find themselves surprised by how deeply this game dives into the intricacies of its era.

Islanders

April 4 | GrizzlyGames

We all need a break from high octane AAA gaming experiences once in a while, and Islanders may prove to be one of the best breaks from the same old same old released in 2019. Combining elements of SimCity, Tetris, and other city builders, Islanders sees you take a small collection of buildings and try to build the best settlement possible.

Described as an almost cruelly addictive game, Islanders masters the art of “easy to learn, tough to master” like few other city builders ever have. Its puzzle-like mechanics ensure nobody feels overwhelmed while its surprisingly deep late game will thrill genre enthusiasts.

Katana Zero

April 18 | Askiisoft

There’s been no shortage of retro action games in recent years, which is nice, but it means that a retro action game really has to do something special to stand out. Thankfully, Katana Zero easily makes a name for itself.

This uber fast and incredibly stylish action game centers around manipulating time in order to pull off the perfect runs. One false move leads to death, meaning that you’ll need to be at your best unless you want to relive the game’s incredible levels and stunning combat sequences again. Of course, that might not be a bad thing.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries

September 10 | Piranha Games

The MechWarrior series has long been the source of some of the best mech combat in gaming. Known for its intriguing blend of simulation and fantasy, MechWarrior finally makes its long-awaited return (after 19 years, in fact) with MechWarrior 5.

Can MechWarrior 5 live up to the considerable hype that precedes it? There are many that hope so, but all we know is that gaming is in desperate need of new mech action titles. MechWarrior 5 seems poised to bring the series back to prominence.

Mordhau

April 29 | Triternion

While games like Chivalry gave us a taste of what multiplayer medieval combat could offer, it’s Mordhau that stands as the current darling of this fascinating subgenre.

Mordhau is perhaps best described as an expanded (or even more ambitious) take on the Chivalry concept. With its massive battles, variety of modes, and refined mechanics, it does a better job than any game before it of recreating the cinematic side of this particular era of warfare.

My Friend Pedro

June | DeadToast Entertainment

Years ago, the Max Payne franchise helped re-write the rules of how insane video game action could get. Inspired by the cinematic gunplay of that series, My Friend Pedro looks to finally give us a new venue in which to live out our action film dreams.

Based on a popular flash game, My Friend Pedro is indeed most easily described as a 2D Max Payne, but this insane action game has much more to offer than just a fan tribute. It’s a love letter to the absurdity of action gunplay.

One Finger Death Punch 2

April 15 | Silver Dollar Games

The golden age of the 2D brawler may be over, but don’t tell that to the creators of One Finger Death Punch. The developers of this two-button action series have managed to turn the simple joys of those classic arcade games into an even simpler (in theory) rhythm action game.

Now, they’re back with One Finger Death Punch 2, in which the player once again fights through hordes of enemies utilizing only a couple of buttons and a rhythm track that shows you when to attack. Both gloriously retro and refreshingly new, One Finger Death Punch 2 is a must-have for fans of simple thrills.

Outward

March 26 | Nine Dots Studio

There just aren’t enough open-world true RPGs out there. With even Bethesda making more and more compromises in its game design, we’re left relying on ambitious indie developers to evolve the concepts of the genre. So far as that goes, there are few games more ambitious than Outward.

Outward may not live up to all of its promises, but this open-world RPG that combines elements of survival and role-playing makes it more difficult (and more rewarding) to truly live in a massive world. It’s worth a look for any RPG fans who want something a little deeper.

Phoenix Point

September | Snapshot Games

While the X-COM reboot certainly scratched the itch for tactical alien warfare action on a global scale, there are some who felt that it didn’t quite live up to the ambition of the original game.

Phoenix Point, the next game from X-COM creator, Julian Gollop, looks to restore some of that ambition. It retains the refinements and visual improvements of the modern X-COM games (as well as the series fundamentals) but features expanded strategic deployment and customization options not found in the modern X-COM titles.

Planet Zoo

November 5 | Frontier Developments

From the makers of the brilliant Planet Coaster comes Planet Zoo: an ambitious game that promises to afford players the ability to build massive zoos down to the tiniest details and populate them with animals that exhibit unique and intelligent behavior.

If you long for the golden era of “Sim” and “Tycoon” games that allowed you to explore the intimate and epic sides of creating particular empires, then Planet Zoo is shaping up to be the game of your dreams.

Risk of Rain 2

March 28 | Hopoo Games

The original Risk of Rain is one of the best roguelike games ever made. Defined by its simple looks and accessible action gameplay, developer Hopoo Games took a tremendous…err…risk in converting the game to 3D, but Risk of Rain 2 manages to brilliantly re-imagine the incredible original.

Risk of Rain 2 features everything that made the original so notable, including unique characters, skills, and weapons, but adds a third dimension that greatly enhances the fundamental appeal of the original experience. It may only be in early access, but it’s one of the best games of the year.

Slay the Spire

January 23| Mega Crit Games

This is a bit of a cheat considering that Slay the Spire has been in early access for quite some time, but the game’s official release this year already has many adding it to their best games of 2019 list.

As a roguelike deck builder, Slay the Spire is a unique experience. Even if it had more competition, though, we’d have a tough time imagining the game that can equal its brilliant strategy gameplay which sees you maneuver through a diverging path as you try to build the best deck of cards possible and defeat all who stand in your way. This insanely addictive game is simply one of the best games on Steam.

Steel Division 2

May 2| Eugen Systems

Steel Division 2 is big. Seriously, it’s really big. Described by some as a 1:1 strategy game, this turn-based title aims to recreate the battlefields of WWII in painstaking detail.

While it will likely not prove to be the most action-packed strategy game on the market, Steel Division 2’s massive size means that players must consider the impact of their choices like never before. A strategy game for the true digital grand commanders out there, Steel Division 2 may very well prove to be one of the most complex and rewarding experiences in its genre.

Sunless Skies

January 31| Failbetter Games

It’s a bit too easy to describe Sunless Skies as a gothic horror sci-fi version of The Oregon Trail on a massive scale, but that description does a fairly good job of capturing just what makes this game so compelling.

Sunless Skies takes what made Sunless Sea such a fascinating take on the role-playing/strategy genre and amplifies nearly all of it. This is a game of discovery in which you must make some difficult choices and rely on the aid of some potentially unsavory characters in order to have a chance of surviving the horrors that lurk in the skies.

They Are Billions

June 18 | Numantian Games

Available via Steam’s Early Access program since 2018, They Are Billions finally received its official release this year. Along with its release status comes a new story campaign, new technology, and more.

However, the draw of They Are Billions remains the same. With its horde-like mentality and expansive base-building options, They Are Billions is one of the most exciting and addictive real-time strategy titles of the last 10 years.

Total War: Three Kingdoms

May 23| Creative Assembly

Anyone who knows PC gaming knows the Total War series. For years, the Total War name has been synonymous with some of the best strategy experiences on PC. Their blend of real-time battles and grand strategy overworlds make them some of the greatest strategy experiences for nearly all levels of players.

Now, the Total War series goes where it never has before: ancient China. Three Kingdoms aims to recreate a legendary period of Chinese history and, in the process, remind everyone why fans of real-time and turn-based strategy can often find the best of both worlds in this series that just keeps getting better.

Totally Accurate Battle Simulator

April 1| Landfall

Much like Goat Simulator, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator’s name is a bit of a joke. Actually, there’s nothing accurate at all about the game’s bizarre custom conflicts, as you gaze upon the often horrific results of an almost unlimited number of user-designed combat scenarios.

Fortunately, TABS doesn’t need to be accurate to be one of the year’s most interesting titles. While there is a surprisingly effective campaign in this game, the real joy of TABS comes from watching the glorious chaos that unfolds when you ask the game to simulate one of an unfathomable number of ridiculous combat scenarios.

Unheard

March 29 | NEXT Studios

It’s rare that we get detective games at all much less detective games that bring something completely different to the genre. However, Unheard, a game in which you play a detective able to hear long gone voices at past crime scenes, is exactly that.

Unheard uses audio much like Her Story used video. Devoid of just about any hints or markers, you must discover the truth behind several bizarre crimes using only the voices of those who were there. It sounds simple, but this brilliantly written game will have you guessing and leave you unable to stop until you’ve learned the truth.

What Never Was

January 11 | Acke Hallgren

What Never Was is a brief game (it can easily be beaten in under an hour), but that’s not too much of a con considering that it’s also a free title. Even if it wasn’t, we’d still easily recommend this game to fans of great storytelling.

This game stars a young woman exploring her grandfather’s old attic. There, she begins to discover details of his life that begin to make her wonder whether she knew him at all. Brilliantly written, What Never Was is an example of non-linear storytelling at its finest.

World of Warcraft Classic

August 27 | Blizzard

World of Warcraft is hardly a new game, and that’s especially true of this Classic edition which aims to restore the game to its original state and 2004 “glory.”

Yet, World of Warcraft Classic is certainly one of the most anticipated games of 2019 and the last few years. Whether you simply long to relive your memories of first playing World of Warcraft or you just want to see what the game was like before 15 years worth of expansions and updates, WoW Classic offers a unique and thrilling proposition.

Matthew Byrd is a staff writer for Den of Geek. He spends most of his days trying to pitch deep-dive analytical pieces about Killer Klowns From Outer Space to an increasingly perturbed series of editors. You can read more of his work here or find him on Twitter at @SilverTuna014.

This article was originally published by Denofgeek.com. Read the original article here.