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The and PC classics to play 2024, Classic games are the few that stand the test of time, so we’ve rounded up the very best old games that are still worth playing on PC today.

Looking for the best old games on PC? There are many perks to being a PC gamer, but we will save extolling them all for a day when we are feeling particularly inflammatory. For now, we will focus on just one: the best old games remain forever playable. Sometimes it takes a little more work, but it’s a lot easier than digging through your parent’s attic for an ancient console you think they still have.

Yes, even on the highest-end multi-cored rigs with the latest X-Titan Turbo Hydra Fulcrum Mk.III GPU, you can still boot up veteran strategy games, majestic ancient RPG games, trusty ol’ point-and-clicks, and other legendary games of yore. Below you will find a testament to those PC stalwarts like Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition that prove the best old games are truly timeless and deserve space on your SSD even to this day.

old games an age of empires 2 civilization consisting of numerous buildings villagers and combat units

Age of Empires 2

It’s hard to imagine what the real-time  landscape today would look like without Age of Empires 2. After all, Ensemble Studios’ 1999 classic is still played by many today – ourselves included. Even at launch, AoE 2 was hugely popular among RTS enjoyers, having shipped over two million copies within its first few months on shelves. While this isn’t a blockbusting number by modern standards, it’s worth remembering PC gaming wasn’t the monolithic entity it is today.

Age of Empires 2 has two core pillars to its gameplay. The first is its exemplary campaign, which takes you on a (dramatized) journey through the lives of historical figures like Joan of Arc, Barbarossa, and Genghis Khan – big hitters. There’s also its multiplayer offering, which allows you to progress through four ages – Dark, Feudal, Castle, and Imperial. As you develop your empire, you’ll unlock new technologies to improve everything from your economic output to your military might.

Whether you’re making a mad dash to the Castle Age to pen in opponents with fortified structures, or are looking to rush opponents with Scout Cavalry in an attempt to cripple their economy before they can even get it going, AoE 2 has remarkable strategic depth. To this day, tournaments are regularly held for the game, drawing in thousands of viewers. If you’re looking to get involved the good news is that the Definitive Edition of the game was launched in 2019, and continues to be updated to this day.

old games a view of the grand exchange in runescape 2 now old school runescape where people can trade

RuneScape 2

Though it can be considered the baby of the list, Runescape 2 is very much one of the best old games you can play on PC. Having arrived as an upgraded version of the original RuneScape in 2004, Jagex’s iconic MMO game has continued to thrive over 20 years after it first reached our monitors. It’s so popular today that its rereleased iteration, Old School RuneScape (OSRS), is often seen with a higher player count than the more modern RuneScape 3.

This medieval fantasy adventure will take you to the world of Gielinor – a land filled with dragons, elves, orcs, and more evil wizards than you can shake a wand at, OSRS is easily one of the best free MMO games you can sign up for today. Yes, its visuals haven’t held up in the way the likes of World of Warcraft have, but RuneScape has a certain charm to it that not even Blizzard’s glorious graphics can replicate.

The best thing about RuneScape 2 is it’s the perfect idle MMO. You can click and forget during all sorts of tasks thanks to its simple tick-based loop for many of its skills. If you’re looking to min-max your gaming time while studying for school, or working on that odious report in the office, then you can set up shop near a bunch of trees and crank up your Woodcutting XP, tabbing back in every couple minutes to click the next one. It’s an incredibly chill experience (provided you’re not trying to PvP or take down the endgame bosses), and one which you’d be remiss to miss out on.

old games jill is fighting against a zombie in a corridor in resident evil

Resident Evil

For the longest time, it was nigh-on impossible to get the original PC version of Capcom’s survival horror classic to work on modern devices. The only way to play this adventure legitimately would have been to play the admittedly amazing remake. That said, they’re completely different, not least because zombies could return if not beheaded or burned as Crimson Heads, who are significantly faster, harder to kill, and impossible to avoid.

However, in yet another surprise nobody saw coming from Capcom in 2024, the original Resident Evil PC version, complete with a handful of tweaks to circumvent some censorship, is back on GOG. Of course, everything’s intact: the tank controls, the dodgy script, and the hammy voice acting. But that’s what we love about the early 3D era of gaming. Games were becoming more of an event with the advent of CD technology giving developers more space to pop voice samples and primitive polygons.

So why is Resident Evil so revered, even in 2024? Everything that can feel restrictive is part of the design, from the tank controls and awkward aiming to prevent the game from being too easy to navigate to the fixed camera angles obscuring upcoming threats, with groans and shuffles adding to the tension. It’s also the start of a great trilogy of 90s survival horror, and the good news is that Resident Evil will be joined by the PC versions of the second and third games on GOG very soon. It’s an absolute must-play for anyone who loves horror games and now’s the best time to pick it up.

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Despite Max Payne being Remedy Entertainment’s second game, this incredibly ambitious action game blends elements from John Woo movies and mature storytelling to create an all-time classic. In this third-person action game, the titular former NYPD detective has access to a slowdown mechanic, similar to bullet-time from The Matrix movies. Just like Neo, Max can perform leaps in slow motion, with both hands clutching his trusty pistols to take out enemies in front of him.

Whether you’re looking to return to Max Payne after a long absence or trying the game for the first time, you’ll be surprised at how well Remedy’s third-person shooter stands up to this day. If the story manages to hook you, you’re in luck as there are two more games in the trilogy to get through.

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X-COM: UFO Defense

Strategy gaming meets turn-based tactics. The first X-COM game is still one of the best strategy games ever released on PC. This excellent old PC game inspired the team that went on to make Fallout, birthed several spin-offs and sequels, and was officially remade in 2012 as : Enemy Unknown – which is itself a classic. That’s some legacy.

In X-COM: UFO Defense, much like the remake, players must defend Earth from an alien invasion. In doing so, players must manage the clandestine X-COM group, choosing where to position bases and what technologies to research to make a desperate stand against the extraterrestrial threat. Players must also win battles on the ground using a squad of X-COM soldiers in turn-based tactical combat.

The game itself has aged brilliantly where gameplay is concerned, though it’s nowhere near as pretty as its modern-day remake. Assuming total control of mankind’s final barrier against the alien menace is still a joy: progressing through the research tree, turning your operatives into psionic super-soldiers, and deploying them in the field to kick xeno-butt never gets old. Fancy some modern XCOM instead? Check out our XCOM: Chimera Squad review.

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Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee

A 2D platformer where absolutely everything can kill you in an instant: long falls, any enemy attack, grazing past an obstacle, overcooking a grenade… the list goes on. Its puzzles are complex, its gaps between saves overly long, and its enemies nearly impossible to avoid. Frustrating? Rewarding is the word you are looking for. Probably.

At the center of all this struggle is the titular Abe, an enslaved Mudokon who discovers the meat processing factory where he works is soon to be the slaughterhouse of his entire race. Abe breaks free and begins a quest for emancipation that the player can either go along with (making their journey much more difficult) or ignore. Choosing to steer a group of your fellow Mudokons into a volley of gunfire as a means of distracting an enemy is never an easy decision to make.

alpha centauri

Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri

Like any Civ game, Alpha Centauri is all about colonizing a world, growing an empire, and competing and cooperating as you see fit with other factions vying for power. The twist? Set on a distant planet in the future, this old PC game is far more story-driven, forcing you to interact with mysterious alien lifeforms and races that previously inhabited the planet.

Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri fits the 4X games formula of empire-building, research, war, and diplomacy with an excellent story. Featuring fascinating factions and complex leaders, Alpha Centauri offers a more focused experience than the ‘blank canvas’ of the main series. The smaller scope of the game emphasizes everything that is great about this old game’s narrative, helping Alpha Centauri remain as memorable as always.

best old game for pc taking part in a ritual in baldurs gate 2

Baldur’s Gate 2

There is something about that beautiful, seemingly hand-drawn aesthetic of the Infinity Engine that is completely timeless, and Baldur’s Gate 2 uses that to deliver one of the best role-playing games of all time. Sure, you might still be working through Baldur’s Gate 3 right now, but it’s never a bad time to go back to the next best game in the series.

Gamers brought up on modern role-players may have trouble adapting to the tactical Dungeons & Dragons combat and plethora of dialogue, but it is precisely these traits that make Baldur’s Gate 2 endure as one of the best old PC games. The dark fantasy setting of Amn is a joy to explore with your party of companions, who are unforgettable for their excellent writing and catchy soundbites (“Go for the eyes, Boo!”). From its pretty pre-rendered backgrounds to its rich, mysterious world brimming with character, Baldur’s Gate 2 is truly ageless.

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Planescape: Torment

This list will not turn into an ode to the great CRPGs of the ‘90s, we promise, but… just… one… more…

In contrast to Baldur’s Gate II’s classic, companion heroics, Planescape: Torment is a lonely, personal journey to uncover the lost memories of a person who has lived and died untold lives with no recollection of them. Set in a surreal otherworld of multiple planes and bizarre creatures that defy conventional fantasy tropes, Torment is one of the oddest and greatest videogame stories ever told. Focused more on dialogue and choices than combat, Torment encourages you to uncover its world through exploration, conversations, and clever, choice-filled questing.

best old games for pc speaking with a merchant in the elder scrolls iii morrowind

When we first assembled this list Morrowind was still relatively young, but now it’s nearly old enough to buy itself a beer we think it’s finally earned ‘classic PC game’ status. No doubt this will upset the PC gaming elders, who are probably lost in some procedurally generated Daggerfall township.

Morrowind doesn’t just represent the Elder Scrolls series’ arrival on the 3D scene, it’s also the game that cemented the layout for Oblivion and Skyrim, two of the most popular videogames of all time. There are dozens of all-timer questlines and the foundations of Skyrim’s character builds, and it’s all wrapped up in what’s probably the most interesting and immersive open-world games to date.

half life one of the best old games

Back in 1998, Half-Life’s storytelling and the conviction of its fictional world were far beyond anything else in the genre. Indeed, they were beyond anything else in gaming.

The opening in which you fly through the Black Mesa Research Facility is magnificent. Radioactive waste passes by, witty comments sound out from speakers overhead, and doors open and close all around. Valve crafted a world full of minutiae and intricacies that you could pore over in between all the alien fighting and physics-based puzzling. Seamless level transitions and a narrative that never broke away from the first-person perspective make this game not only one of the best old games but one of the finest games ever made.

We’ve spent years waiting for the mythical Half-Life 3, but with the release of Half-Life: Alyx, our hunger for new Half-Life has only gotten more ravenous. Sounds like the perfect excuse to revisit – or begin – the series. If aging visuals really aren’t for you then the fan-made Black Mesa remake is officially out and receiving just as positive reviews as the original.

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Deus Ex

Visually, Deus Ex has not aged as gracefully as some of the pixel-era games on this list, but its deep RPG systems, dense hub worlds, and intriguing conspiracy crackpot plot make it proper ‘PC games bucket list’ fodder.

The number of ways in which you can tackle the game’s missions still holds up today: You have countless means of molding JC Denton to your play style. Your choices about how you interact with the world all feel significant and, as a result, Deus Ex continues to be the gold standard that immersive sims, stealth games, and RPGs strive for, and remains one of the best old games on PC. If you want to see how the Deus Ex series has modernized over the years, check out our Deus Ex Mankind Divided review.

a shootout in a bar in outlaws one of the best old games

Outlaws

The lack of tribute to this gunslinging wild-western shooter is no less criminal than the exploits of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Outlaws was among the PC’s best first-person shooters, sprite-based or not.

Several gameplay innovations helped Outlaws stand out, including a manual reload system, and the first-ever sniper scope used in a shooter. The orchestrated Sergio Leone-inspired soundtrack is spine-tingling, and the animated cutscenes have that lovely LucasArts touch that provides context to the tough, rootin’ tootin’ gunfights taking place across trains, frontier towns, and other environs of the Old West. Outlaws is a goldmine of excellent stylistic and gameplay features in a classic FPS package and an exceptional old PC game at that.

an assortment of intriguing characters at the helm of a ship in the longest journey one of the best old games

The Longest Journey

Coming in the twilight years of point-and-click adventure games, The Longest Journey is a poignant swansong for the genre. You are April, an 18-year-old student who shifts between two contrasting realms to restore the mysterious force that allows them to exist harmoniously.

The contrasting realms of the magical Arcadia and gritty urban Stark realm are evocatively presented, and in both, you will meet characters as strange and well-rounded as your strong, troubled protagonist. Yes, it suffers from the point-and-click pitfall of absurdly cryptic puzzles, but they are worth toughing through to experience this beautiful interdimensional adventure. The Longest Journey’s sequel Dreamfall is also worth playing, though it is not quite on par with Funcom’s original.

female fighters hide from a monster in one of the best old games diablo ii

Diablo II

The continuation of online support and the fact that Blizzard released patches for Diablo II up to the release of the official remake attest to the game’s enduring appeal as one of the finest old PC games.

The high-intensity action RPG mechanics, which have been emulated but rarely topped by other games over the years, and its grungy, well-animated pixel art set Diablo II apart. Its loot-‘em-up gameplay is so appealing that it does not need to move with the times. Blizzard’s perfection of this formula has allowed Diablo II to completely defy the typical videogame life cycle. You don’t have to track down an old copy of this either as Blizzard released a solid remaster in the form of Diablo 2: Resurrected. Check out our Diablo 2: Resurrected review for our complete verdict.

fallout 2 one of the best old games

Looking at the image above, it is easy to say that Fallout has come a long way since the isometric days. But that would ignore the tremendous narrative and mechanical depth hiding amidst those pixels and pre-rendered backdrops. Fallout 2 is on Steam and, in high-res and with cloud saves, this fantastic old game is all the more appealing to revisit.

Fallout 2 is not forgiving, and bad decisions or character development can essentially ruin your experience. But ride the wave of its deep systems and you have one of the greatest RPGs of all time. The range of factions, side-quests, and characters paint a rich picture of a post-apocalyptic world that is a grim joy to explore. It is harsh, bleak, and kind of ugly, but Fallout 2’s wild wasteland came to define the series. Take a look at our Fallout 4 review to find out what the series has transformed into.

several patients amass in a corridor in theme hospital one of the best old games

Theme Hospital

Still one of the funniest and most whimsical building sims on PC, Theme Hospital is a unique gem that no developer has even dared try to emulate. Its sense of humour ranges from excellent soundbites of the receptionists urging patients not to die in the corridors, to the emergent chaos of a mass vomit breakout in the waiting areas. AI prodigy Demis Hassabis was even involved in the project as a young boy, making this literally the work of a genius.

The cutesy visual style, so great at conveying fictitious illnesses like Bloaty Head and Hairyitis, conceals a relentless and challenging sim. Up there with the best old PC games, Theme Hospital stands in a league of its own… unless you count spiritual successor Two Point Hospital.

an altercation in a corridor in system shock 2 one of the best old games the sign on the wall reads safety first

System Shock 2

You never forget the confused fear you feel when a mutant is apologizing to you while battering your head in with a wrench. It is harrowing, deeply unsettling, and captures the dark spirit of this lonesome story in which you are hounded by a murderous AI aboard a spaceship.

Yes, System Shock 2 was sort of succeeded by BioShock, but it is a tonally different beast – a psychological horror that drips with a cold, claustrophobic atmosphere. Grab one of the mods that updates the graphics and to revive that intense technophobia you felt all those years ago. 

old games for pc crossing a gothic bridge and shooting a grunt with a nail gun in quake

Quake

It is hard to imagine anything dislodging Doom’s place in the pantheon of PC gaming greats (don’t worry, it’s listed here). However, we think Quake meets id’s vision of demonic corridor-shooting executed most successfully. Of the two forefathers of those great franchises, Quake proves most affecting to revisit today. Doom’s Cacodemons and Hell Knight sprites look kitsch now, but Quake’s roster of far less recognizable abominations – all lipless mouths and faceless horrors – still manages to unsettle. They are helped by flawless sound design created in collaboration with Trent Reznor, and a medieval occult aesthetic that falls somewhere between Doom and Hexen.

The culmination of those elements – not forgetting its excellent arsenal of high-impact, heavy weapons – feels like id’s best attempt to pull together the elements they experimented with throughout the ’90s. Quake and its many sequels are all available with an Xbox Game Pass subscription, and we’ve found that they run superbly on modern PC setups – no frustrating compatibility modes are needed here.

old games for pc running through a corridor shooting demons in doom 1993

Doom

Sure, we’ve already got Quake on this list, but where would modern PC gaming be without its sci-fi horror-based FPS sibling, Doom? Every boomer shooter fan has their preference between the two, so in the interest of pleasing everyone, we’ve included both.

Doom’s certainly the more colorful of the two and so is generally a lot easier to navigate, and you can also move a lot faster and more freely thanks to its slightly more open levels. Monsters take a bit less effort to kill and the levels are much less stingy when it comes to handing out ammo – it’s the better pick for cheap, run-and-gun thrills, while Quake offers a little more mastery and pure horror. This is also handily available via an Xbox Game Pass subscription and runs well on modern systems.

starcraft

Starcraft may have been somewhat left behind by its shinier sequel, but even those not looking for a competitive experience could do a lot worse than revisiting one of the finest narrative RTS campaigns ever. Along with Warcraft 3, the original Starcraft represents pre-Activision Blizzard at its creative pinnacle.

Okay, so, in the same way that Warcraft owes a lot to Tolkien, this story of space marines, space bugs, and ethereal elder beings may owe a lot to Warhammer 40k, Aliens, and Starship Troopers. Everything owes a lot to Aliens, though, and that doesn’t stop this genre classic from holding up today. Come for the pitch-perfect execution of archetypal RTS games scaffolding, and stay for the character-focused sci-fi epic stuffed with juicy plot reveals.

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The Curse of Monkey Island

While the first two Monkey Island titles are genre-defining adventure games, produced at the peak of LucasArt’s heyday, that doesn’t stop them from being a daunting proposition for modern gamers curious to see what all the fuss was about. Monkey Island 3: The Curse of Monkey Island may not have the best puzzles, the best story, or the best jokes, but it is the easiest to slip into for new players, and it’s still an excellent adventure game in its own right.

Featuring singing pirate barbers, a lactose-intolerant volcano god, and a giant chicken demon among its less ridiculous elements, The Curse of Monkey Island continues the adventures of Guybrush Threepwood, the world’s most useless pirate. A colorful cartoon aesthetic and a jaunty, moreish soundtrack top off this hearty mug of adventure game grog.

Now that you’ve taken a historical tour of our most cherished classic videogame memories, you know what to do: turn those old games, into ‘sold’ games. Okay, we’ll stick to writing, writing more list features, that is. And, if you want the cream of the crop both new and old, here are the  of all time, or if you don’t want to splash the cash, here are all the best free PC games. For now, though, we’ll be going back to embracing the sweet, sweet nostalgia of our misspent youth.

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Exploring the of All Time, In the vast landscape of gaming, some titles stand the test of time, captivating players across generations. These games not only define their eras but also set benchmarks for their genres. They offer immersive experiences, compelling narratives, and innovative mechanics, often being celebrated in discussions about the Best PC Game All Time. As we delve into this remarkable universe, we will explore the games that have become milestones in gaming history, continuing to resonate with both newcomers and veterans alike.

Main Points

  1. Understanding what makes a game timeless.
  2. A look at various genres represented among the best.
  3. Highlighting key elements present in the Best PC Game All Time.
  4. Reviewing both single-player and multiplayer experiences.

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1. The Evolution of PC Gaming: A Historical Overview

The journey of PC gaming is nothing short of fascinating. It began in the late 1970s, where a handful of text-based games captivated a niche audience. These early experiences laid the foundation for a massive industry. Over the decades, technical advancements and a growing community transformed the gaming landscape. As graphics improved and the internet emerged, multiplayer experiences flourished in ways many couldn’t have imagined. Today, PC gaming is a bastion of creativity and competition, with titles that fall into the realm of the Best PC Game All Time.

  1. 1970s – Early Beginnings: Simple text-based adventures dominated.
  2. 1980s – The Birth of Graphics: Introduction of iconic titles, pushing visual limits.
  3. 1990s – Online Connectivity: Multiplayer games emerged with the rise of the internet.
  4. 2000s – The Rise of FPS: First-person shooters redefined competitive gaming.
  5. 2010s – Diverse Genres: Expanding into RPGs, indie games, and esports.

This evolution encapsulates why many regard certain titles as the Best PC Game All Time. Thus, the evolution of PC gaming reflects not just technological progression but also our ever-growing desire for immersive experiences. Best PC Game All Time discussions often intersect with personal passion, making them a riveting topic among enthusiasts.

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2. Iconic Franchises That Shaped the PC Gaming Landscape

Throughout the years, several franchises have emerged, profoundly influencing the best PC game all time records. Titles such as and The Sims revolutionized gameplay mechanics and storytelling. Each franchise brought unique elements that catered to diverse audiences, creating memorable multiplayer experiences. Additionally, their impact on genre evolution cannot be understated, as they established new benchmarks. It’s intriguing how these games shaped not only player expectations but also industry standards. They are truly the stalwarts of PC gaming.

Franchise Highlights

Franchise Release Year Genre
StarCraft 1998 RTS
The Sims 2000 Simulation

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3. Genre Definers: Best RPGs, FPS, and Strategy Games of All Time

When we dive into the world of games, three genres particularly stand out: RPGs, FPS, and strategy games. Each of these categories has produced unforgettable experiences that define the gaming landscape. Best PC game all time graphics often enhance immersion, vividly bringing stories to life. RPGs like “” offer rich narratives, while FPS games such as “DOOM” deliver adrenaline-pumping . Nevertheless, strategy games like “Civilization VI” challenge players to think critically, making choices that resonate across generations.

Unforgettable Titles and Their Legacy

In the realm of RPGs, the depth of character development is remarkable. Clearly, players invest not just time but emotion into their journey. FPS games prioritize quick reflexes and skill; however, they also foster intense multiplayer rivalries. Alternatively, strategy games emphasize patience and planning, rewarding foresight over mere speed. Therein lies the magic of gaming: each genre offers a unique lens through which we can explore vast, imaginative worlds.

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4. The Impact of Graphics and Technology on Game Development

The evolution of graphics and technology has profoundly transformed game development, reshaping player experiences in remarkable ways. Artists now wield cutting-edge tools that render vibrant environments and lifelike characters, yet this complexity can paradoxically lead to oversaturation. Developers find themselves balancing visual fidelity with gameplay mechanics, creating a tug-of-war effect. Moreover, the integration of complicates design choices. As teams navigate these challenges, they must also adapt to emerging trends, ensuring their games resonate with players. This interplay of art and technology fosters a dynamic game development landscape.

Key Factors Influencing Game Development

  1. Realism: Players crave immersive experiences that blur the line between reality and the virtual world.
  2. Innovation: Technological advancements inspire new gaming paradigms, resulting in unexpected gameplay mechanics.
  3. Accessibility: Developers prioritize inclusive design, ensuring that elevating graphics don’t alienate less powerful devices.

As we venture into the future, understanding these influences remains crucial for creating engaging and memorable games.

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5. Multiplayer Madness: Celebrating the Best Cooperative and Competitive Titles

In the vibrant realm of gaming, multiplayer experiences offer a unique blend of collaboration and competition. Engaging with friends or strangers fosters a sense of community, turning mere play into lively adventures. Take a deep dive into titles like “Among Us” and “,” where strategies intertwine with spontaneity. Yet, the confusion often lies in balancing teamwork and individual prowess. Understanding when to unite and when to stand out can be the key. Join the chaos—your next great gaming session awaits!

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6. Hidden Gems: Underrated PC Games Worth Your Time

If you’re tired of mainstream titles, explore the world of underrated PC games that often go unnoticed. These hidden gems challenge conventional gaming norms, offering rich storytelling and unique mechanics. For instance, titles like “Disco Elysium” blend existential themes with an innovative narrative style. You’ll find immersive experiences that resonate deeply, making players ponder. Additionally, “Owlboy” showcases stunning pixel art, yet it rarely receives the recognition it deserves. Take a chance and dive into these unique worlds.

Why Play the Underrated?

Many players miss out on these treasures, focusing solely on popular releases. However, hidden gems often provide more fulfilling experiences. They invite players to explore unfamiliar territories, encouraging curiosity. As one gamer aptly noted:

“The best stories are often found in the places you least expect.” — An avid gamer

Game Title Description
Disco Elysium A narrative-driven RPG with deep dialogue choices.
Owlboy A pixel art adventure that emphasizes storytelling.

In conclusion, giving these hidden gems a chance can truly enhance your gaming repertoire. They not only provide unique gameplay experiences but also spark thoughtful conversations among players. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of the forgotten and the obscure!

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7. The Future of PC Gaming: Trends and Innovations to Watch

As we look ahead, the landscape of PC gaming is remarkably evolving. New technologies promise to redefine how we experience games. Several key trends are emerging that could reshape the industry. Here are some noteworthy developments to keep an eye on:

  1. Cloud Gaming: This allows players to access games without the need for high-end hardware, reshaping accessibility.
  2. AI Integration: Advanced algorithms will enhance gameplay, from smarter NPCs to personalized gaming experiences.
  3. Virtual Reality: The continued refinement of VR technology may bring immersive gaming to mainstream audiences.
  4. Cross-Platform Play: Bridging the gap between different gaming communities will enable a more inclusive experience.
  5. Blockchain Technology: This could revolutionize in-game economies and ownership, although its long-term impact remains speculative.

These innovations will likely create both excitement and confusion among players. As we witness these transformations, understanding their implications will be crucial. The future of PC gaming is not just about technology; it’s about creating vibrant communities and unparalleled experiences.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of PC gaming is filled with timeless triumphs that resonate deeply with players. From captivating narratives to groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, of all time have shaped our experiences and created lasting memories. As we reflect on these remarkable titles, it becomes clear that they transcend mere entertainment.

They offer a shared language, a sense of community, and an escape into worlds that feel both familiar and . While new games continue to emerge, the classics retain their charm, reminding us of the of gaming’s evolution. So let’s celebrate these masterpieces and cherish the joy they bring us, because they truly represent the essence of what makes gaming a beloved pastime for so many.Best-PC-Game-All-Time-501.jpeg

Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria were used to determine the best PC game of all time?

The criteria typically include factors such as game design, innovation, storytelling, graphics, and player reception over time.

Are there any genres that dominate the list of the best PC games?

While various genres are represented, action, role-playing, and strategy games often feature prominently due to their storytelling and gameplay depth.

Can a game still be considered the best if it has aged poorly?

Yes, a game’s impact and legacy can endure despite aging graphics or mechanics. Many players value the experience and influence these games had on the industry.

How do player opinions influence rankings of the best PC games?

Player opinions are crucial as they provide insight into a game’s popularity and enjoyment. Surveys, reviews, and community discussions often shape these rankings.

Is it possible for new games to enter the ‘best of all time’ discussion?

Absolutely! New games can challenge the established titles and gain recognition as classics based on their innovation, gameplay, and lasting impact on the gaming community.

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Best Free Games 2024, There is a myth that isn’t built for games and to bust that myth we have listed some of the best free Mac games that you can play in 2024. Playing games is one of the best stress busters which cost nothing. While playing the game you feel alive because you can perform the actions which in real life you desire or aim to do.

There are many types of games that you can play including first-person shooting games, multiplayer competitive sports games, and many others. Whichever genre of games you like you can play them and have a great time.

There are many games available for you macOS that you can play but if you are not aware of them, then worry not as we have listed some of them in this article. You can simply jump on to the genre or category of games that you like and then read more about the game. So without any delay let’s start the list of the best Mac games you should play.

20 Best Free Mac Games You Should Try in 2024

Below we have shared 17 games from various categories that you can play. The categories include First Person Shooter (FPS), Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA), Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG), and Real-Time Games.

Best First Person Shooters For Mac

 1. Fortnite Battle Royale

Fortnite Battle Royale

On the list of best free Mac games, we have Fortnite Battle Royale. This is very popular among the youth since it was launched. This game took popularity in all major Operating systems, the game is developed by Epic Games. In the game, you will fly and land on an island where you need to survive. To survive you need to kill others and collect the necessary things either from others or from the places on the island.

The game will have 100 players on the same island including you. After everyone has landed onto the plain the time will start and as the time passes the area or the zone where you can survive will reduce which means you will ultimately have to face others and kill them to survive.

This is a great strategy shooting kind of game that you would love. The graphics are also very realistic as you will find houses, guns, parachutes, and other things. Though to offer the best gaming experience you need to have some system requirements fulfilled.

For the game, you need to have a Mac that supports Metal API and that is running on macOS 10.12.6 or newer versions. Other than this you also have to have a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i3 processor, Intel HD 4000 graphics card, and 4GB of RAM at least. If you have a better configuration then the game would run smoothly and have an enhanced game experience otherwise you can face issues while playing.

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 2. :

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

If you are shocked after seeing this game on the list then you are not aware of the latest changes. This game was earlier available for a cost but now you can simply have it on your Mac for free and enjoy an unlimited first-person shooting experience. This is one of the best free Mac games to try in 2024. The reason why this game is so popular is because of its eSports titles. You can also take part in the championship and compete with players from all around the world.

In the game, you get two options to choose from: Counter-Terrorists and Terrorists. The terrorist has to plant the bomb whereas the counter-terrorists have to stop them. You will get limited time to perform the . Other than this you can even join the community and interact with all the other players. You can play this game with your friends as the game offers the freedom to create custom maps.

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3. Paladins

Paladins

Paladins is another great game that you can try, this game has a very unique set of graphics, and other than this you will experience a whole new world of first-person shooting. If you have played Overwatch then you might find many similarities in Paladins. In the game, there are many characters out of which you can choose your favorite one. The characters are divided into four categories including front line, damage, support, and flank.

Apart from the characters the game has modes to offer newness and keep the interest. This is not just a shooting game as it requires strategy and teamwork to win. This is a very high resolution and high graphics game which has a certain requirement for PC. For all the Mac PCs, to run this game you need at least macOS 10.10 or a newer version, and other than this Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz processor with at least 2GB RAM and a graphics card of a minimum of 512 MB.

If your Mac has it all then you are good to play Paladins, the best Mac game in 2024. The reason why the game is kept lower on the list is because of its incompatibility with an older version of Mac. All in all, this is a great game that you must try as you will not get bored of this fun strategy-based game.

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Best Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) for Mac


4. League of Legends

League of Legends

This is one of the best free mac games according to the gamers as it is among the most played games. In this game, you form a team of 5 players, and with teamwork, you have to defeat the opposition team by taking down their nexus. If you like competitive games then this is a great option for you as it offers a great option of a championship pool that consists of 137 champions where each one of them has different powers and play style.

The champions are divided into categories that include mage, marksman, support, fighter, and tank, each champion has a unique role. If you would play this game for the first time then you might face issues in understanding as it has to offer many things, but you will adapt the champions and the game style which will make you fall in love with this best Mac game. It even offers various maps and modes to keep it interesting for the players. Irrespective of the mode or map you play the objective remains the same that you have to destroy the nexus.

The game requires some set of hardware and software in your system in order to smoothly run the game. Your Mac should run on macOS 10.8.5 or higher version with a minimum of 2GHz processor, 2GB RAM, and graphics card. These are the minimum requirement of the game if you have better versions then you would definitely have a better gaming experience.

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5. DOTA 2

DOTA 2

DOTA is another very popular and the best Mac game that you should play. This is an online multiplayer battle arena game that has many similarities to League of Legends. In the game, you have to destroy your opponent’s base with the most important structure. Instead of nexus in the game, you will have Ancient.

Apart from the gameplay, you get many options to choose from the list of heroes. There are hundreds of heroes options available and each one of them has a different style and power. You can choose according to your gameplay and eventually you will learn more about that hero or character.

The best part about this game is that you get all the characters for free, unlike other multiplayer online battles arenas. This game too has some system requirements which you need to fulfill in order to play this game smoothly. The Mac should have OS X 10.9 i.e., Mavericks or a new version. Apart from this, the Mac should have a dual-core processor of intel with 4GB RAM and Intel HD 3000 graphics. If your PC has this configuration then you can play the game and can have average performance. For the users who have better configuration, you will have better gameplay and less lag. The above-listed system requirements are the minimum that you need to have.

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6. Heroes of the Storm

Heroes of the Storm

The next game on our list of best free Mac games is Heroes of the Storm. The game is a great alternative to League of Legends and DOTA 2 but it has many different things which you might like. Other than that you would be having the same gameplay of killing enemy base using the champions just like DOTA 2.

Every champion has a different ability which makes it easy for you to play according to your comfort zone. The best part about the game is that it keeps on getting new updates which make it the best Mac game you should try. Other than this you would need a PC that has macOS 10.9 with Intel Core 2 Duo processor, GeForce 330M graphics card, and 4GB of RAM at least.

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Best Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games for Mac

7. Path of Exile

Path of Exile

If you have played the Diablo series game then Path of Exile is a Mac game you should play. Many of the players feel that this game is better than Diablo 3 and which is why we have kept this game on our list of best Mac games you should try. The game has great graphics along with very unique gameplay. Though in the beginning, you can face difficulty as it is very complex. But if you like such games then this is the best pick for you.

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8. World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is a very popular game and if you haven’t played this game yet then you are missing so much in the gaming world. This is the most recommended Mac game you should try. According to the players, this is the most addictive game that you will play. In the game, you can choose the character from various classes and races according to your choice. The characters are divided into two segments: the Alliance and the Horde.

You have to take down the monsters that are spread around the world. It moreover has an amazing storyline which makes it even more interesting. Though the game is considered the best Mac game, it is not available for free. You can only play the first 20 levels for free and after that, you have to pay.

For playing this game on Mac you need to have 70GB free space on your disk along with that you need to have macOS X 10.12 or newer versions, Intel Core i5-750M, and at least 4 GB RAM.

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9. Lord of the Rings Online

Lord of the Rings Online

This is another great MMO game that we consider the best free Mac game. It is developed by Turbine for Middle-East gamers to offer them a unique journey in the game. Most of the elements in the game are available for free but there are some which need purchase and that is totally up to the gamer to buy or not.

This is a role-playing Mac game you should play, all you need to do is pick your character and find the enemies in the Middle-East lands. This is a whole new adventure that you will experience. You need to have a Mac with macOS 10.7.5 with Intel Core i5 processor, 2GB RAM, and Intel HD 3000 graphics at least to run this game. It moreover needs 25 GB of free space on your hard disk for downloading and installation.

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10. Pixel Starships

Pixel Starships

If you are a fan of space games then you would love Pixel Starships too. The reason why we considered it in the list of best free Mac games is because of its freedom offered for full customizing and building the starships. The game moreover has plenty of aliens, enemies, and other races which makes it more challenging and interesting.

To dominate against the enemies you can team up with friends and other players from the community. The game not only offers an arena for fighting but it also has many other planets and secret spaces which you can explore and find eventually while playing the game. It is a great massive multiplayer online role-playing game where you can do many things other than just fighting or killing enemies.

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Best Real-Time Strategy Games for Mac

. II

Starcraft II

Starcraft II is a great game that you would love if you are into real-time strategy games. The game is based on science fiction where you will have an intergalactic war. The best part about the game which impressed us is its storyline. Other than this it has many modes including multiplayer. Though if you are looking for the best free Mac games then skip this game because it is not available for free. Some parts of the game need additional purchases which you need to make in order to play the game.

The game may be new for you but once you get used to it then you will enjoy the matches against opponents. If you want you can even play unranked matches, initially you will have to play unranked matches. After you complete 10 wins then your ranked match section will be unlocked.

The game offers commanders for free, but till level 5 only after that, you would have to purchase. The game requires a Mac with 10.11 macOS with Intel Core 2 Duo, Nvidia GeForce GT 330M, 4 GB RAM, and 30 GB free space.

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12. 0 A.D.

0 A.D.

Next up in the list of best free Mac games is 0 A.D. This is a free and open-source game that anyone can play. The game is based on historical war just like Age of Empires II. In the game, you would have to build your own army and train them to survive against the enemies. The game is both single-player as well as multiplayer, you can decide which mode you wish to play.

In the single-player mode, you will be competing against the AI-based enemies whereas in the multiplayer mode you will compete against real gamers in real-time. The game has more than 13 civilizations that progress accordingly with their unique armies and play styles. As compared to other games in this list, 0 A.D. is the most compatible game for Mac. This game is compatible with Macs after 2006, all it requires is macOS X 10.8 and a newer version.

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13. Kingdom Chronicles

Kingdom Chronicles

Another great story drive game that you would love. Kingdom Chronicles is not a simple and straight game, you need to use your brain to proceed further in the game as you need to build a new strategy at each step. If you lack in making perfect strategy then you might not be able to clear the stage.

In the game, you need to plan out your strategy using many aspects like research, fighting, trading, and building new things. Though to help you there is a magic skill too which will save you from your opponent if you are not prepared.

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Best Card-Based Strategy Games for Mac

14. Hearthstone

Hearthstone

Hearthstone is one of the best card stone strategy games which you should definitely try. The game offers cards on the basis of the characters that you have chosen, the characters are from World of Warcraft which is designed by Blizzard. The game uses a turn-based mechanism where two players including you can play and have a deck of the third card depending on the character.

Unlike other paid games Hearthstone is a free-to-play game that requires no payment or fee. You can easily play this game on any platform as it is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. The card in the game is divided into 9 different classes and each class has its own unique quality.

The game has certain requirements which your PC needs to fulfill in order to have a smooth gaming experience. The Mac should have OS X 10.10 with Intel Core 2 Duo processor, Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT, and 2 GB RAM. However the list only contains the games for Mac, so we have only mentioned the system requirements for Macs, if you want to know about other OS then you can click on the below-mentioned website link.

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15. The Elder Scrolls: Legends

The Elder Scrolls

This is another one of the best Mac games you should play. The game has similarities with other games on the list. You will get the character from the World of Warcraft universe which other card-based strategy games too have. The great thing about this game is that it is available for free and you will not have to pay any penny at any point in time.

Though if you wish to have the card deck faster than you can purchase it, there is no compulsion for making any purchase. Depending on your choice you can play against AI as well as other online players. To play this game you need to have at least the mentioned configuration. Mac version 10.8 with Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, and Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics card. Anything better than these specifications can offer a great gaming experience.

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16. Epic Cards Battle

Epic Cards Battle

This is a great game for all the players irrespective of the experience you have. The game has three types of cards including spell, trigger, and creature, other than this it has six factions including hell legion, shrine alliance, nature force, dragon descendants, dynasty rising, and fanstiya empire.

Above all, it has PVP modes and real-time matchmaking too. If you are not satisfied then you can even customize it according to your needs. The game has no such mentionable system requirements. You can easily install and play this game without any issues.

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Best Casual Games for Mac

17. OpenTTD

OpenTTD

The last game on your list of best free Mac gems you should play is OpenTTD. This is a very unique game where you are a businessman and the story is based on your occupation only. In the game, you have a transport business where you have to earn by transporting people and cargo. You can use ships, boat planes and other modes of transport for this job.

All the money you will earn will help you in building your own empire. This is a 100-year long game, you have to keep on progressing till 100 years. When you start the game you will be in the early 1950s and at the end directly in 2050. As time will pass you will get new technology and using that you can make your work easy.  In multiplayer mode, you can play with more than 255 players at the same time.

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18. Sniper Ops 3D

Sniper Ops 3D

The last game on your list of best free Mac games that you should play is Sniper Ops 3D. The game is quite interesting with a hooking storyline. Here, your player is designated as a US sniper who should protect the innocents from the vicious attacks of terrorists, Ransom-seekers, kidnappers, and other defaulters.

In the game, you can earn coins by clearing different stages and levels with better rankings. Additionally, you can also upgrade the skills of your player as well as your weapon using the coins earned. The realistic 3D graphics of the game allow you to show your sniping skills in different locations and terror-raging situations.

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19. Call of Duty

Call of Duty

If you are still looking for the best free Mac game that you should play, then you should give Call of Duty a try. Call of Duty is an amazing FPS game that allows you to join teams of soldiers and combat against enemies. The gameplay of Call of Duty is just amazing. The game series is amongst the top-rated ones ever. This series alone houses over 20 different games for Mac, Android, Windows, iOS, PlayStations, and various other consoles and operating systems.

IN any Call of Duty series game, you get the use a variety of lethal weapons for combat. From RPGs to Assault Rifles, from Snipers to Pistols, the game offers so many realistic and unrealistic weapons that make the gameplay just out of this world. Immerse yourself in the world of war with Call OF Duty.

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20. Batman: Arkham City

Batman-Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City is the next best free Mac game that you can play in 2024. This game is quite amazing and allows you to dive into the life of Batman to protect Gotham city from the attack of multiple threats. The gameplay of Batman: Arkham City is quite hooked and keeps you at the of your seat. The game has a series of missions and open-world areas to access but in a limited way.

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Download the Best Mac Games for Free

Having a Mac and playing the game of your choice is the best feeling. Now that you also know the best free Mac games, you can simply download them and have a great time playing. We have shared the games in a different section, each section only has the games which fall under that category. We hope that we have helped you in finding the right game of your choice. If we did, please let us know by writing in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.

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Best free mouse cursors for 2024, Are you bored with the Windows user interface? Are you tired of its default customization options? Then maybe it is time for you to make your desktop look unique by downloading, installing, and using a new mouse cursor theme. There are plenty of cool cursors available on the internet.

Most of the pointers are animated, some are excellent for gaming or inspired by games, others are simply well-designed and fresh. In this article, we are going to share with you thirty of the best free mouse pointer schemes for and . Let’s get started.

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NOTE: You can install and use the following custom cursors in Windows 11, Windows 10, as well as older versions. Here’s how to tell what Windows you have. To make sure that the files are safe, we scanned them with ESET Internet .

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How to install custom mouse cursors in Windows

Mouse schemes downloaded from the internet can usually be installed with the help of a file that is included in the archive file that you download. This file has an INF extension, and it’s usually named install.inf. Once you have downloaded the custom mouse cursor pack (usually a ZIP or RAR file), extract the files to a temporary folder on your computer or device, then follow the instructions from these tutorials, depending on whether the pack includes an INF installer file

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 If the mouse cursor pack includes an INF file: How to install custom mouse cursors in Windows
 If there is no INF file included in the archive, to install the new cursors manually, follow the directions found in this tutorial: How to use custom mouse cursors and pointers in Windows
 

Also, if all you want is to change the size or color of your mouse pointers, not necessarily install custom new ones, read this tutorial: How to change the mouse pointer size and color in Windows.

Now, let’s look at what we think are the best free mouse pointers out there:

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1. Numix Cursors

This is our favorite set of custom mouse cursors for Windows Numix pointers are smooth, elegant, and look entirely professional. Furthermore, the pack includes both dark and light versions of the cursors, and also install.inf files that you can run to easily install the mouse cursor theme you prefer.

Numix cursor pack

Mouse cursor download: Numix Cursors

Best free mouse cursors for Windows 2024

Read Also : 10 Best AI Tools to Boost Productivity in 2024

2. Oxygen Cursors

Created for KDE, this mouse cursor set was ported to Windows and is one of the most famous mouse pointer sets of all time on DeviantArt. The set contains 37 different color schemes.

Oxygen Cursors

Mouse cursor download: Oxygen Cursors

 

3. Breeze Cursors for Windows

KDE is one of the most popular and beautiful desktop environments for . Therefore, it also has some of the best mouse cursor you can find. That’s what inspired the Breeze Cursors for Windows pack. It features gray pointers with white borders and some orange and blue variations. Take a look at them in the screenshot below and, if you like them, download and install them. Unfortunately, this pack does not have an INF file, so you have to set each of the cursors manually.

Breeze Cursors for Windows

Mouse cursor download: Breeze Cursors for Windows

 

4. cursor pack for Windows

Are you a fan of MacOS? Did you recently switch to a Windows PC? Maybe you’d like to use some cursors that resemble the ones on your Mac. That’s what macOS cursor pack for Windows gives you.

The mouse pointers look great, and there are different sizes and types to choose from.

macOS cursor pack for Windows

To download the cursor pack, go to the following webpage, tap or click on the green Code button, then on Download ZIPmacOS-cursors-for-Windows: With 2 types and 3 different sizes.

 

5. Windows 11 Cursors Concept v2

Since we presented a cursor pack similar to the ones used on macOS, it seems fair to show you one made specifically for Windows 11. The cursors come in two packs, Dark and Light, and both packs feature a clean design that perfectly matches the refreshed interface of Windows 11.

Windows 11 cursors pack

Download the cursors here: Windows 11 Cursors Concept v2 by rosea92

 

6. Android Material Cursors (Blue)

If you are an Android fan and you love Google’s material design a lot, maybe you would enjoy a taste of it on your Windows computer too, by using the Android Material Cursors scheme. Fortunately, it also comes with an INF file, so it is easy to install it.

Android Material Cursors (Blue)

Mouse cursor download: Android Material Cursors.

 

7. Overwatch Pointer

Overwatch is currently one of the most popular first-person shooter games, with over 60 million players around the world. If you’re one of them, or if you like gaming cursors, you’ll love the Overwatch Pointer cursor pack.

Overwatch Pointer pack

You can get the standard pack here: Overwatch Pointer, and the black version here: Blackwatch Pointer.

 

8. GTCC

GTCC is a custom cursor pack that offers clean and monochromatic pointers for Windows. The pointers are gray and have a curved appearance, unlike most other cursors in our list. Their shape has drawn our attention, and because we liked them, we believe some of you might too. Furthermore, you can easily install them on your Windows PC by running the install.inf file included in the pack.

GTCC

Mouse cursor download: GTCC – cursor for Windows.

 

9. Gx Cursor

Opera GX is a special version of the Opera browser, built specifically for gamers. The browser has some unique features: CPU, RAM, and Network limiters, Discord & Twitch sidebars and more. It also has a very particular design, which is now matched by this excellent cursor pack:

The Opera GX cursor pack

Mouse cursor download: Opera Gx Cursor

 

10. Volantes Dark Cursor Set

Here’s another dark cursor pack that we like. The archive includes standard-sized cursors, as well as smaller versions.

Volantes Dark cursor set

Mouse cursor download: Volantes-Dark.

 

11. Metro X1 Animated Cursors Set

Okay, too many dark cursors in the list, time to liven things up a little. The Metro X1 package has quite a few multi-colored cursors, if that’s your thing:

Metro X Cursor Set

You can download the Metro X1 Cursor Set here: Metro X1 Animated Cursors Set.

 

12. Gant Cursor Pack

This cursor pack is based on the popular Gant icon set that is used for customizing Windows, Linux, etc. This pack of mouse cursors contains two color schemes: yellow and blue, and each of them has two cursor sets. In other words, there are a total of four sets of mouse cursors, located in four separate folders.

Gant Cursor Pack

Mouse cursor download: Gant Cursor Pack

 

13. VS cursor (version 2.0)

This mouse cursor theme features a clean and simple design, with just enough color to keep it interesting. The archive contains two separate cursor packs, one with shadows and one without.

VS cursors (version 2.0)

Mouse cursor download: VS cursor (version 2.0). The user who created this pack has also created quite a few other beautiful cursor packs. You can find all of them here: vladsukhetskyi – Interface Designer | DeviantArt.

 

14. Oxy-Neon Cursors

Do you want something more visible? Well, it doesn’t get much more visible than having neon-colored cursors. You have several colors to choose from: blue, orange, pink, red, white, and our favorite, ow-my-eyes green. Each set has its own installation file, so it’s super-easy to add the theme to your Windows device.

These icons are visible from across the room

Download the mouse cursor theme here: Oxy-Neon Cursors.

 

15. Kuttu and Chinnu cursors

If you’re tired of the same ol’ designer cursors, with fluid design and macOS look, here’s a pointer pack that’s the complete opposite: made with free lines and hand drawing, without any design rules in mind. The creator of this pack also draws cartoon characters, and it shows:

The cursors in this set look hand-drawn

Mouse cursor download location: cursors by anoop-pc.

 

16. Cursors Kawaii Cute Hello Kitty

For those who love the worldwide phenomenon that is Hello Kitty, here is a mouse cursor set featuring the cute Japanese icon. This cursor scheme does not contain an INF file. However, it can be used if you follow the recommendations shared in its description.

Hello Kitty cursors

Mouse cursor download: Kawaii Cute Hello Kitty. Please note that you have to wait 35 seconds before the download begins if you don’t want to create an account on the website.

 

17. Direction

Here is Direction, a more unusual set of mouse pointers, which you might enjoy. You can see how they look in the picture below.

Direction cursor pack

Mouse cursor download: Direction

 

18. Mario Gant

Here’s a set of high-quality custom cursors based on the Super Mario character. Pretty awesome, right?

Mario Gant

Mouse cursor download: Mario Gant

 

19. UNDERSized

A set of simple and small-sized cursors for those who like tiny mouse pointers.

UNDERSized cursor pack

Mouse cursor download: UNDERSized

 

20. Krystall CS

A unique and colorful mouse pointer set. This cursor pack does not include an INF file for easy installation. However, it can be used if you follow the recommendations shared in its description to assign each custom mouse cursor manually.

Krystall Cursor Pack

Mouse cursor download: Krystall CS

 

21. Anathema Pink Cursor

How do you feel about the color pink? If you like it, here’s an excellent animated cursor pack by Anaidon-Aserra. The pack has a clean, modern design and contains 15 cursors (plus a few bonus ones).

Anathema Pink Cursor pack

The pack is available for download here: Anathema Pink Cursor. The good news is that if you like the design but dislike the color, you can also download the set in redblue, and white.

 

22. Crystal Clear

Crystal Clear is a translucent mouse cursor set. If you want to see what is behind your mouse pointer, you should try this scheme. It uses material design and blends nicely with Windows’ flat UI.

Crystal Clear cursor pack

Mouse cursor download: Crystal Clear v4.1

 

23. StartCraft 2

Are you a StarCraft fan? If the answer is yes, the StarCraft 2 mouse cursor theme is precisely what you might need to complete your StartCraft computer customization. The only downside is the fact that this theme does not offer any installer, so to get it on your computer, you have to follow the steps from its readme file.

StartCraft 2 cursor pack

Mouse cursor download: StartCraft 2

 

24. Radium 2

If you’re searching for a mouse cursor theme that’s intricate and simple at the same time, look no further, as Radium 2 is probably what you want. The detailed design and the beautiful shapes of the custom cursors will surely make you want them on your desktop. Radium 2 also includes an INF file that you can use to install the custom cursor theme on your computer.

Radium 2 cursors

Mouse cursor download: Radium 2

 

25. Vigyori 2

Is there anyone out there who doesn’t like emoticons? Why not try some emoticon-based mouse cursors? What could be better than seeing a smiling face each morning when you turn your computer on? For a brighter and happier desktop, try Vigyori (which, by the way, means Smile in Hungarian). ?

Vigyori cursors

Mouse cursor download: Vigyori (2nd version)

 

26. Cupcake

Have you ever wished for a mouse cursor pack that is so cute that your heart melts? OK, maybe not yours, if you are a tough guy, but your daughter’s might, if you get the Cupcake mouse cursors on her Windows device.

Cupcake cursors

Mouse cursor download: Cupcake

 

27. Mickey Mouse

This is yet another cute cursor scheme designed primarily for children, but also for some nostalgic grown-ups. ? If your children love Mickey Mouse and everything about it, you can surprise them with these “cartoon mouse” cursors.

Mickey Mouse cursors

Mouse cursor download: Mickey Mouse

 

28. Hirochi Sunburst AWD Cursors

If you happen to be passionate about racing cars, you’ll recognize the cursors in this pack immediately. They are all based on the Subaru Impreza WRX, and their quality is excellent: the archive contains both standard and high-resolution cursor packs. You don’t get an installation file, but you can follow the tutorial presented in the introduction to this article to install them on your system.

The Hirochi Sunburst AWD Cursors are all about racing cars

Download the cursor pack here: Hirochi Sunburst AWD Cursors.

 

29. Warframe Cursor Pack 1

Warframe is a role-playing third-person shooter that has captivated the hearts and minds of many gamers. The game itself is free to play and features superb graphics, and these two features are also present on this cursor pack inspired by the game.

Warframe Cursor Pack 1

Mouse cursor download: Warframe Cursor Pack 1.

 

30. ROG Cursor Set

We end this list with a cursor pack made for fans of the ASUS ROG brand. The pack contains 17 cursors which can be installed manually on your computer.

ASUS ROG cursors

Download the cursor pack from here: ASUS ROG Cursor Set.

 

What is your favorite mouse cursor pack?

To create this article, we tried lots of mouse cursor schemes, and we shared the best we could find. We hope that you have enjoyed this roundup. If you did, do not hesitate to share it with others. Also, if you feel like searching for more mouse cursor schemes, you should try the Windows Cursors section from DeviantArt. It is a great place to start your search.

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Views: 129

Best in 2024, Strategy games come in a few different shapes and sizes, but what makes the following special is their unrivaled base-building features.Strategy games often involve micromanagement of various things that the player must master, ranging from logistics planning to providing optimal resources, to building a strong base that can serve as a foundation of the player’s winning move in the game. Most strategy games, be they real-time, simulation, or turn-based, have the element of base-building in their core gameplay loop.

The base building aspect of the game will usually involve the player having to gather resources and construct buildings as a starting point. This base will evolve to adapt to the game’s situation, although it has a heavier resource usage. The evolution of the base can also unlock a new gameplay loop for the player, keeping the game consistently fresh.

Factorio

The Factory Must Expand

An image of Best Strategy Base Building: factorio

Factorio is one of the best examples of how a can be centered around base building, as it becomes necessary for the player to have a well-built and well-defended fortress in order to ‘win’ the game. The real-time strategy game is also focused on resource gathering, making it necessary for the player to micromanage their resources optimally while defending the base from hostile invasion from the planet’s fauna.

From the importance of the Alt key to the value of construction bots, here are some valuable pointers for players who are new to Factorio.

With the game’s blueprint system, the base-building aspect of the game becomes more intense as the player will be able to build numerous unique building structures and customize their base, making each playthrough unique.

Best Strategy Games for PC in 2024

Read Also : The best football games on PC 2024

Build A Base For An Upstart Cult

An image of Best Strategy Base Building: Cult Of The Lamb

Creating a cult has never been more intense than while playing Cult of the Lamb, as the player will be controlling the role of a lamb that owes its life to a demon, and as a payment, tasked with creating a cult in the demon’s name. As part of the cult creation, the player is also tasked with building a proper base for the cult to thrive, and also act as a place of worship for its followers.

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Farm layout is important in Cult of the Lamb, and these tips can help players keep things running smoothly.

Followers can be tasked with gathering resources to build up the base, and a plethora of other activities, including getting sacrificed to appease the demon. The survival aspect of the game makes it necessary for the player to build a well-balanced base without sacrificing an aspect, as it can lead to an early game over.

Base Of Operation Is Necessary Against Alien Invasion

An image of Best Strategy Base Building: XCOM Enemy Unknown

: Enemy Unknown

Fighting against an alien invasion that is overwhelmingly more advanced technologically can be insurmountable, but also fun to challenge in XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Aside from undertaking missions to repel alien invasions, the player is tasked with creating a proper base for the organization to build up their soldiers in many aspects, including technological advancement and logistics.

The base-building aspect of the game can become intense once the player is faced with the problem of facing multiple problems that require priority above the others. For example, having a country with a huge amount of funds pull out of the organization’s funding can negatively impact the base’s performance as upgrades become scarce.

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

Balance Resources To Achieve The Perfect Foundation For An Assault

An image of Best Strategy Base Building: Command & Conquer Red Alert 2

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

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Although the game’s age is over two decades, the gameplay loop of both micromanagement and base building still holds fresh against most modern strategy games due to its simple design, but hard-to-master concept. At the start of every game, the player will be tasked to gather enough resources to build up a base that is capable of training units to assault the enemy’s base.

Moreover, these bases can also hold unique, powerful buildings that acts as a high-risk, high-reward structure that enables the player to unleash superweapons, such as a nuclear silo.

Evil Genius 2: World Domination

Build A Proper Staging Base To Dominate Earth

An image of Best Strategy Base Building: Evil Genius 2

World domination is not an easy feat to do, and it usually requires a genius leader at the head of an evil organization that is willing to do anything, including building a super-secret base as the foundation of their evil plan. Players of the game will need to have a well-optimized base layout to have a chance of winning the game.

Evil Genius 2 can seem daunting for players new to the strategy genre. Here’s how to start the journey towards world domination.

Moreover, having the proper base layout is crucial, as the different rooms inside the base enable the player to take more missions to grow their organization. A less-optimized layout of the base will have repercussions, especially towards the later stages of the game, as the Forces of Justice’s interference grows more intense.

Evil Genius 2 World Domination

The Best Base Is A Foundation For Good Offense

An image of Best Strategy Base Building: -Age Of Empires 2

The classic real-time-strategy game Age of Empires 2 is still widely played to this day due to its timeless gameplay loop, which includes intense micromanagement of units, resource management, and proper base-building to enable the smooth development of an army. The base-building phase of the game is crucial enough to have a set of patterns on which building to build first, and technologies to research first, to keep up with the enemy’s development.

Moreover, building a well-connected network of walls with gates is also important, as a well-defended base will mean the player has a chance to mount a comeback after a failed assault on the enemy’s base.

The Staple For Both Base Building And Micromanagement

An image of Best Strategy Base Building: Starcraft

Veterans of Starcraft will know how crucial it is to have the right sequence of buildings made in their base, as less optimal buildings will hinder their development and rapidly lower their chances of victory. Combined with three unique factions, each with its unique buildings, Starcraft can be categorized as one of the that have base building as one of the core gameplay loops.

The base-building aspect of the game ranges from creating an optimal supply chain to build an army, to identifying a satellite base that is dedicated to resource gathering.

Total War: Warhammer 3

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Total War: Warhammer 3, the conclusion to Creative Assembly’s Warhammer trilogy, is also its strangest and most experimental, letting players leave the traditional Total War sandbox every 30 or so turns to journey through the Realm of Chaos, where the domains of the Chaos gods exist, culminating in huge survival battles that draw from tower defence games,  with fortifications, in-battle recruitment and waves of enemies. 

The campaign proved to be divisive, but for those more interested in a proper sandbox, there’s always Immortal Empires. Available as free DLC for anyone who owns all three games, this mega-campaign pits every faction and legendary lord in the entire trilogy against each other in a gargantuan map. So that’s 278 factions and 86 playable legendary lords. It’s incredible. Total War at its most, well, total war. 

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Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3, the of 2020, has usurped its predecessor’s spot on the list, unsurprisingly. It’s a huge grand strategy RPG, more polished and cohesive than the venerable CK2, and quite a bit easier on the eyes, too. At first glance it might seem a bit too familiar, but an even greater focus on roleplaying and simulating the lifestyles of medieval nobles, along with a big bag of new and reconsidered features, makes it well worth jumping ship to the latest iteration. 

CK3 is a ceaseless storyteller supported by countless complex systems that demand to be mucked around with and tweaked. Getting to grips with it is thankfully considerably easier this time around, thanks to a helpful nested tooltip system and plenty of guidance. And all this soapy dynastic drama just has a brilliant flow to it, carrying you along with it. You can meander through life without any great plan and still find yourself embroiled in countless intrigues, wars and trysts.  

Total War: Three Kingdoms

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Total War: Three Kingdoms, the latest historical entry in the series, takes a few nods from Warhammer, which you’ll find elsewhere in this list, giving us a sprawling Chinese civil war that’s fuelled by its distinct characters, both off and on the battlefield. Each is part of a complicated web of relationships that affects everything from diplomacy to performance in battle, and like their Warhammer counterparts they’re all superhuman warriors. 

It feels like a leap for the series in the same way the first Rome did, bringing with it some fundemental changes to how diplomacy, trade and combat works. The fight over China also makes for a compelling campaign, blessed with a kind of dynamism that we’ve not seen in a Total War before. Since launch, it’s also benefited from some great DLC, including a new format that introduces historical bookmarks that expand on different events from the era. 

Europa Universalis 4

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Paradox’s long-running, flagship strategy romp is the ultimate grand strategy game, putting you in charge of a nation from the end of the Middle Ages all the way up to the 1800s. As head honcho, you determine its political strategy, meddle with its economy, command its armies and craft an empire. 

Right from the get-go, Europa Universalis 4 lets you start changing history. Maybe England crushes France in the 100 Years War and builds a massive continental empire. Maybe the Iroquois defeat European colonists, build ships and invade the Old World. It’s huge, complex, and through years of expansions has just kept growing. The simulation can sometimes be tough to wrap one’s head around, but it’s worth diving in and just seeing where alt-history takes you. 

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4X Old World

Old World

Few 4X games try to challenge Civ, but Old World already had a leg up thanks designer Soren Johnson’s previous relationship with the series. He was the lead designer on Civ 4, and that legacy is very apparent. But Old World is more than another take on Civ. For one, it’s set exclusively in antiquity rather than charting the course of human history, but that change in scope also allows it to focus on people as well as empires. 

Instead of playing an immortal ruler, you play one who really lives, getting married, having kids and eventually dying. Then you play their heir. You have courtiers, spouses, children and rivals to worry about, and with this exploration of the human side of empire-building also comes a bounty of events, plots and surprises. You might even find yourself assassinated by a family member. There’s more than a hint of Crusader Kings here. 

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You can’t have a best strategy games list without a bit of Civ. Civilization 6 is our game of choice in the series right now, especially now that it’s seen a couple of expansions. The biggest change this time around is the district system, which unstacks cities in the way that its predecessor unstacked armies. Cities are now these sprawling things full of specialised areas that force you to really think about the future when you developing tiles. 

The expansions added some more novel wrinkles that are very welcome but do stop short of revolutionising the venerable series. They introduce the concept of Golden Ages and Dark Ages, giving you bonuses and debuffs depending on your civilisation’s development across the years, as well as climate change and environmental disasters. It’s a forward-thinking, modern Civ.

Sins of a Solar Empire

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Sins of a Solar Empire captures some of the scope of a 4X strategy game but makes it work within an RTS framework. This is a game about star-spanning empires that rise, stabilise and fall in the space of an afternoon: and, particularly, about the moment when the vast capital ships of those empires emerge from hyperspace above half-burning worlds. Diplomacy is an option too, of course, but also: giant spaceships. Play the Rebellion expansion to enlarge said spaceships to ridiculous proportions.

After years of waiting, a sequel is finally on the horizon, thankfully. Sins of a Solar Empire 2 can already be played in early access for those who preorder it.  

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The best old games PC 2024, Classic games are the rare ones that stand the test of time, so we’ve rounded up the very best old games that are still worth playing on PC today. Looking for the best old PC games? There are many perks to being a PC gamer, but we will save extolling them all for a day when we are feeling particularly inflammatory. For now, we will focus on just one: the best old games remain forever playable. Sometimes it takes a little more work, but it’s a lot easier than digging through your parent’s attic for an ancient console you think they still have.

Yes, even on the highest-end multi-cored rigs with the latest X-Titan Turbo Hydra Fulcrum Mk.III GPU, you can still boot up veteran  games, majestic ancient , trusty ol’ point-and-clicks, and other legendary games of yore. Below you will find a testament to those PC stalwarts like : Game of the Year Edition that prove the best old games are truly timeless and deserve space on your SSD even to this day.

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Strategy gaming meets turn-based tactics. The first game is still one of the best strategy games ever released on PC. This excellent old PC game inspired the team that went on to make Fallout, birthed several spin-offs and sequels, and was officially remade in 2012 as XCOM: Enemy Unknown – which is itself a classic. That’s some legacy.

In X-COM: UFO Defense, much like the remake, players must defend Earth from an alien invasion. In doing so, players must manage the clandestine X-COM group, choosing where to position bases and what technologies to research in order to effectively combat the extraterrestrial threat. Players must also win battles on the ground using a squad of X-COM soldiers in turn-based tactical combat.

The game itself has aged brilliantly where gameplay is concerned, though it is nowhere near as pretty as its modern-day remake. Assuming total control of mankind’s final barrier against the alien menace is still a joy: progressing through the research tree, turning your operatives into psionic super-soldiers, and then deploying them in the field to kick xeno-butt never gets old. Fancy some modern XCOM instead? Check out our XCOM: Chimera Squad review.

The best old games PC 2024

Read Also : Best new PC games 2024

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Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee

A 2D platformer where absolutely everything can kill you in an instant: long falls, any enemy attack, grazing past an obstacle, overcooking a grenade… the list goes on. Its puzzles are complex, its gaps between saves overly long, and its enemies nearly impossible to avoid. Frustrating? Rewarding is the word you are looking for. Probably.

At the center of all this struggle is the titular Abe, an enslaved Mudokon who discovers the meat processing factory where he works is soon to be the slaughterhouse of his entire race. Abe breaks free and begins a quest for emancipation that the player can either go along with (making their journey much more difficult) or ignore. Choosing to steer a group of your own people into a volley of gunfire as a means of distracting an enemy is never an easy decision to make.

If you are not keen on jumping too far back in time in order to play this, one of the best old games available, check out the official HD remaster with the hilarious Oddworld: New ‘N’ Tasty.

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Alpha Centauri

Like any Civ game, Alpha Centauri is all about colonizing a world, growing an empire, and competing and cooperating as you see fit with other factions vying for power. The twist? Set on a distant planet in the future, this old PC game is far more story-driven, forcing you to interact with mysterious alien lifeforms and races that previously inhabited the planet.

 

Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri fits the 4X games formula of empire-building, research, war, and diplomacy with an excellent story. Featuring fascinating factions and complex leaders, Alpha Centauri offers a more focused experience than the ‘blank canvas’ of the main series. The smaller scope of the game emphasizes everything that is great about this old game’s narrative, helping Alpha Centauri remain as memorable as always.

 

Best old game for PC taking part in a ritual in Baldurs Gate 2

Baldur’s Gate II

There is something about that beautiful, seemingly hand-drawn aesthetic of the Infinity Engine that is completely timeless, and Baldur’s Gate II uses that to deliver one of the best role-playing games of all time. Sure, you might still be working through Baldur’s Gate 3 right now, but it’s never a bad time to go back to the next best game in the series.

Gamers brought up on modern role-players may have trouble adapting to the tactical Dungeons & Dragons combat and plethora of dialogue, but it is precisely these traits that make Baldur’s Gate II endure as one of the best old PC games. The dark fantasy setting of Amn is a joy to explore with your party of companions, who are unforgettable for their excellent writing and catchy soundbites (“Go for the eyes, Boo!”). From its pretty pre-rendered backgrounds to its rich, mysterious world brimming with character, Baldur’s Gate II is truly ageless.

 

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Planescape: Torment

This list will not turn into an ode to the great CRPGs of the ‘90s, we promise, but… just… one… more…

In contrast to Baldur’s Gate II’s classic, companion heroics, Planescape: Torment is a lonely, personal journey to uncover the lost memories of a person who has lived and died untold lives with no recollection of them. Set in a surreal otherworld of multiple planes and bizarre creatures that defy conventional fantasy tropes, Torment is one of the oddest and greatest videogame stories ever told. Focused more on dialogue and choices than combat, Torment encourages you to uncover its world through exploration, conversations, and clever, choice-filled questing.

Best old games for PC speaking with a merchant in The Elder Scrolls III Morrowind

When we first assembled this list Morrowind was still relatively young, but now it’s nearly old enough to buy itself a beer we think it’s finally earned ‘classic PC game’ status. No doubt this will upset the PC gaming elders, who are probably lost in some procedurally generated Daggerfall township.

Morrowind doesn’t just represent the Elder Scrolls series’ arrival on the 3D scene, it’s also the game that cemented the layout for Oblivion and Skyrim, two of the most popular videogames of all time. There are dozens of all-timer questlines and the foundations of Skyrim’s character builds, and it’s all wrapped up in what’s probably the most interesting and immersive open-world games to date.

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Half-Life

Back in 1998, Half-Life’s storytelling and the conviction of its fictional world were far beyond anything else in the genre. Indeed, they were beyond anything else in gaming.

The opening in which you fly through the Black Mesa Research Facility is magnificent. Radioactive waste passes by, witty comments sound out from speakers overhead, and doors open and close all around. Valve crafted a world full of minutiae and intricacies that you could pore over in between all the alien fighting and physics-based puzzling. Seamless level transitions and a narrative that never broke away from the first-person perspective make this game not only one of the best old games but one of the finest games ever made.

We’ve spent years waiting for the mythical Half-Life 3, but with the release of Half-Life: Alyx, our hunger for new Half-Life has only gotten more ravenous. Sounds like the perfect excuse to revisit – or begin – the series. If aging visuals really aren’t for you then the fan-made Black Mesa remake is officially out and receiving just as positive reviews as the original.

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Deus Ex

Visually, Deus Ex has not aged as gracefully as some of the pixel-era games on this list, but its deep RPG systems, dense hub worlds, and intriguing conspiracy crackpot plot make it proper ‘PC games bucket list’ fodder.

The number of ways in which you can tackle the game’s missions still holds up today: You have countless means of molding JC Denton to your play style. Your choices about how you interact with the world all feel significant and, as a result, Deus Ex continues to be the gold standard that immersive sims, stealth games, and RPGs strive for, and remains one of the best old games on PC. If you want to see how the Deus Ex series has modernized over the years, check out our Deus Ex Mankind Divided review.

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The lack of tribute to this gunslinging wild-western shooter is no less criminal than the exploits of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Outlaws was among the PC’s best first-person shooters, sprite-based or not.

Several gameplay innovations helped Outlaws stand out, including a manual reload system, and the first-ever sniper scope used in a shooter. The orchestrated Sergio Leone-inspired soundtrack is spine-tingling, and the animated cutscenes have that lovely LucasArts touch that provides context to the tough, rootin’ tootin’ gunfights taking place across trains, frontier towns, and other environs of the Old West. Outlaws is a goldmine of excellent stylistic and gameplay features in a classic FPS package and an exceptional old PC game at that.

 

An assortment of intriguing characters at the helm of a ship in The Longest Journey one of the best old games 680w383h

The Longest Journey

Coming in the twilight years of point-and-click adventure games, The Longest Journey is a poignant swansong for the genre. You are April, an 18-year-old student who shifts between two contrasting realms to restore the mysterious force that allows them to exist harmoniously.

The contrasting realms of the magical Arcadia and gritty urban Stark realm are evocatively presented, and in both, you will meet characters as strange and well-rounded as your strong, troubled protagonist. Yes, it suffers from the point-and-click pitfall of absurdly cryptic puzzles, but they are worth toughing through to experience this beautiful interdimensional adventure. The Longest Journey’s sequel Dreamfall is also worth playing, though it is not quite on par with Funcom’s original.

 

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Diablo II

The continuation of online support and the fact that Blizzard released patches for Diablo II up to the release of the official remake attest to the game’s enduring appeal as one of the finest old PC games.

The high-intensity action RPG mechanics, which have been emulated but rarely topped by other games over the years, and its grungy, well-animated pixel art set Diablo II apart. Its loot-‘em-up gameplay is so appealing that it does not need to move with the times. Blizzard’s perfection of this formula has allowed Diablo II to completely defy the typical videogame life cycle. You don’t have to track down an old copy of this either as Blizzard released a solid remaster in the form of Diablo 2: Resurrected. Check out our Diablo 2: Resurrected review for our complete verdict.

 

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Fallout 2

Looking at the image above, it is easy to say that Fallout has come a long way since the isometric days. But that would ignore the tremendous narrative and mechanical depth hiding amidst those pixels and pre-rendered backdrops. Fallout 2 is on Steam and, in high-res and with cloud saves, this fantastic old game is all the more appealing to revisit.

Fallout 2 is not forgiving, and bad decisions or character development can essentially ruin your experience. But ride the wave of its deep systems and you have one of the greatest RPGs of all time. The range of factions, side-quests, and characters paint a rich picture of a post-apocalyptic world that is a grim joy to explore. It is harsh, bleak, and kind of ugly, but Fallout 2’s wild wasteland came to define the series. Take a look at our Fallout 4 review to find out what the series has transformed into.

 

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Theme Hospital

Still one of the funniest and most whimsical building sims on PC, Theme Hospital is a unique gem that no developer has even dared try to emulate. Its sense of humour ranges from excellent soundbites of the receptionists urging patients not to die in the corridors, to the emergent chaos of a mass vomit breakout in the waiting areas. AI prodigy Demis Hassabis was even involved in the project as a young boy, making this literally the work of a genius.

The cutesy visual style, so great at conveying fictitious illnesses like Bloaty Head and Hairyitis, conceals a relentless and challenging sim. Up there with the best old PC games, Theme Hospital stands in a league of its own… unless you count spiritual successor Two Point Hospital.

 

An altercation in a corridor in System Shock 2 one of the best old games. The sign on the wall reads Safety First 680w383h

System Shock 2

You never forget the confused fear you feel when a mutant is apologizing to you while battering your head in with a wrench. It is harrowing, deeply unsettling, and captures the dark spirit of this lonesome story in which you are hounded by a murderous AI aboard a spaceship.

Yes, System Shock 2 was sort of succeeded by BioShock, but it is a tonally different beast – a psychological horror that drips with a cold, claustrophobic atmosphere. Grab one of the mods that updates the graphics and to revive that intense technophobia you felt all those years ago. 

 

Old games for PC crossing a gothic bridge and shooting a grunt with a nail gun in Quake

Quake

It is hard to imagine anything dislodging Doom’s place in the pantheon of PC gaming greats (don’t worry, it’s listed here). However, it is Quake that sees id’s vision of demonic corridor-shooting executed most successfully. Of the two forefathers of those great franchises, Quake proves most affecting to revisit today. Doom’s cacodemons and hell knight sprites look kitsch now, but Quake’s roster of far less recognizable abominations – all lipless mouths and faceless horrors – still manages to unsettle. They are helped along by flawless sound design created in collaboration with Trent Reznor, and a medieval occult aesthetic that falls somewhere between Doom and Hexen.

The culmination of those elements – not forgetting its excellent arsenal of high-impact, heavy weapons – feels like id’s best attempt to pull together the elements they experimented with throughout the ’90s. Quake and its many sequels are all available with an Game Pass subscription, and we’ve found that they run superbly on modern PC setups – no frustrating compatibility modes are needed here.

Old games for PC Running through a corridor shooting demons in Doom 1993

Doom

Sure, we’ve already got Quake on this list, but where would modern PC gaming be without its sci-fi horror-based FPS sibling, Doom? Every boomer shooter fan has their preference between the two, so in the interest of pleasing everyone, we’ve included both.

Doom’s certainly the more colorful of the two and so is generally a lot easier to navigate, and you can also move a lot faster and more freely thanks to its slightly more open levels. Monsters take a bit less effort to kill and the levels are much less stingy when it comes to handing out ammo – it’s the better pick for cheap, run-and-gun thrills, while Quake offers a little more mastery and pure horror. This is also handily available via an Xbox Game Pass subscription and runs well on modern systems.

 

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Starcraft

Starcraft may have been somewhat left behind by its shinier sequel, but even those not looking for a competitive experience could do a lot worse than revisiting one of the finest narrative RTS campaigns ever. Along with Warcraft 3, the original Starcraft represents pre-Activision Blizzard at its creative pinnacle.

Okay, so, in the same way that Warcraft owes a lot to Tolkien, this story of space marines, space bugs, and ethereal elder beings may owe a lot to Warhammer 40k, Aliens, and Starship Troopers. Everything owes a lot to Aliens, though, and that doesn’t stop this genre classic from holding up today. Come for the pitch-perfect execution of archetypal RTS games scaffolding, and stay for the character-focused sci-fi epic stuffed with juicy plot reveals.

 

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The Curse of Monkey Island

While the first two Monkey Island titles are genre-defining adventure games, produced at the peak of LucasArt’s heyday, that doesn’t stop them from being a daunting proposition for modern gamers curious to see what all the fuss was about. Monkey Island 3: The Curse of Monkey Island may not have the best puzzles, the best story, or the best jokes, but it is the easiest to slip into for new players, and it’s still an excellent adventure game in its own right.

Featuring singing pirate barbers, a lactose-intolerant volcano god, and a giant chicken demon among its less ridiculous elements, The Curse of Monkey Island continues the adventures of Guybrush Threepwood, the world’s most useless pirate. A colorful cartoon aesthetic and a jaunty, moreish soundtrack top off this hearty mug of adventure game grog.

Now that you’ve taken a historical tour of our most cherished classic videogame memories, you know what to do: turn those old games, into ‘sold’ games. Okay, we’ll stick to writing, writing more list features, that is. And, if you want the cream of the crop both new and old, here are the best PC games of all time, or if you don’t want to splash the cash, here are all the best free PC games. For now, though, we’ll be going back to embracing the sweet, sweet nostalgia of our misspent youth.

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