Best PC Games 2022

The year 2022 has been a remarkable period for the gaming community. From immersive action-packed adventures to intricate role-playing narratives and intellectually stimulating strategy games, the PC gaming landscape has been nothing short of extraordinary. As technology continues to evolve, developers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, delivering richer stories, more engaging gameplay mechanics, and stunning visual experiences.

This article aims to spotlight the best PC games of 2022, providing a comprehensive guide to the must-play titles that have defined this year. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking the thrill of high-octane action, a strategist who enjoys meticulously planning each move, or a role-playing enthusiast eager to dive into expansive worlds, there’s something here for everyone.

Join us as we explore the top games in action, role-playing, and strategy genres, delving into what makes each of these titles stand out in a year filled with exceptional releases.

So, gear up and prepare to expand your gaming library with these exceptional titles that have captivated players around the globe. Let’s dive into the best PC games of 2022 and discover the experiences that await.

Action Games

Action games have always been a cornerstone of the gaming industry, offering high-octane excitement and adrenaline-pumping sequences that leave players on the edge of their seats. In 2022, the action game genre saw the release of several standout titles, each bringing its own unique flavor to the table.

Here, we delve into three of the most compelling action games that captured the hearts and minds of gamers this year.

Elden Ring

From the acclaimed developers at FromSoftware, known for their work on the Dark Souls series, comes Elden Ring—a game that has taken the action RPG genre by storm. With a vast open world co-created by George R.R. Martin, the author of “A Song of Ice and Fire,” Elden Ring combines intricate storytelling with challenging gameplay. Players traverse a richly detailed landscape filled with monstrous foes and hidden secrets.

The game’s combat system is both deep and rewarding, demanding precision and strategy as players wield a variety of weapons and magical abilities. Elden Ring’s atmospheric world and compelling lore make it a must-play for fans of action-packed, narrative-driven games.

Horizon Forbidden West

Guerrilla Games has once again pushed the boundaries of what open-world action games can achieve with Horizon Forbidden West. As a sequel to the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn, this game continues the journey of Aloy as she explores new lands filled with robotic creatures and ancient mysteries.

The game boasts stunning visuals, with meticulously crafted environments that range from lush forests to arid deserts. Combat has been refined and expanded, offering players a broader arsenal and new tactical options. The story delves deeper into the lore of the world, providing both returning players and newcomers an enriching experience.

Horizon Forbidden West stands out not only for its gameplay but also for its narrative depth and visual splendor.

Dying Light 2

Techland’s Dying Light 2 builds on the foundation of its predecessor, delivering a gripping post-apocalyptic experience that merges parkour with visceral combat. Set in a world devastated by a virus outbreak, players must navigate the dangers of a decaying cityscape teeming with both human and infected adversaries. The game’s day-night cycle adds a unique twist to gameplay, as the infected become more aggressive and lethal after sundown.

Dying Light 2 introduces a dynamic narrative system where player choices significantly impact the world and its inhabitants. This branching storyline, combined with the game’s fluid movement mechanics and intense combat, creates a deeply immersive experience that keeps players engaged from start to finish.

In summary, 2022 has been a remarkable year for action games, showcasing a diverse array of titles that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the dark, mysterious world of Elden Ring, the expansive and vibrant universe of Horizon Forbidden West, or the gritty, survivalist atmosphere of Dying Light 2, there’s something for every action game enthusiast to enjoy.

Role-Playing Games (RPGs)

Role-playing games (RPGs) have always held a special place in the hearts of gamers. The ability to immerse oneself in a fantastical world, make consequential decisions, and shape the narrative based on individual choices makes RPGs a unique and captivating genre. In 2022, the RPG landscape saw the release of several groundbreaking titles that pushed the boundaries of storytelling, graphics, and gameplay mechanics. Let’s dive into three of the most remarkable RPGs that defined the year.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 continued its journey in early access throughout 2022, captivating fans of classic RPGs and newcomers alike. Developed by Larian Studios, the game is a masterful blend of deep narrative, intricate character development, and strategic turn-based combat. Based on the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition ruleset, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a richly detailed world filled with complex characters, moral dilemmas, and countless secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Players can choose from a wide array of races and classes, each with unique abilities and story arcs, ensuring a highly personalized gaming experience. The game’s emphasis on player choice and consequence means that every decision impacts the unfolding story, making each playthrough a unique adventure. With its stunning visuals, engaging storyline, and robust multiplayer options, Baldur’s Gate 3 has solidified its place as a must-play RPG in 2022.

Starfield

Starfield, Bethesda Game Studios’ highly anticipated space-faring RPG, made waves in 2022 with its expansive universe and ambitious scope. Set in the 24th century, the game invites players to explore the vast reaches of space, uncovering the mysteries of the cosmos while engaging in planetary exploration, combat, and diplomacy.

One of the standout features of Starfield is its meticulous attention to detail in creating a believable and immersive universe. From the intricacies of space travel to the diverse cultures and factions that inhabit the galaxy, every element is designed to draw players into a richly crafted world. The game also offers deep character customization and progression systems, allowing players to tailor their experience to their preferred playstyle.

Starfield combines the open-world freedom that Bethesda is known for with a compelling narrative that encourages exploration and discovery. Whether you’re charting unknown star systems, engaging in space battles, or forging alliances with alien civilizations, Starfield delivers an unforgettable RPG experience.

Cyberpunk 2077

After a rocky launch in 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 saw significant updates and improvements in 2022, transforming it into the game that many fans had initially hoped for. Developed by CD Projekt Red, this futuristic RPG set in the neon-lit metropolis of Night City offers a sprawling open world teeming with life, danger, and opportunities.

In Cyberpunk 2077, players assume the role of V, a mercenary navigating the treacherous world of cybernetics, corporate espionage, and street gangs. The game’s narrative is both gripping and multifaceted, with a host of memorable characters and branching storylines that respond to player choices. The extensive customization options for both V and their arsenal, along with a variety of cybernetic enhancements, allow for a highly personalized and dynamic gameplay experience.

The 2022 updates addressed many of the technical issues that plagued the initial release, enhancing performance and adding new content that enriched the game’s world and story. With its breathtaking visuals, deep narrative, and improved gameplay mechanics, Cyberpunk 2077 re-emerged as a standout RPG in 2022, proving that redemption is possible through dedication and community feedback.

In summary, the RPGs of 2022 offered gamers a wealth of immersive experiences, from the high fantasy realms of Baldur’s Gate 3 to the uncharted galaxies of Starfield and the cybernetic streets of Cyberpunk 2077. These titles not only provided hours of engaging gameplay but also pushed the boundaries of what the genre can achieve, setting new standards for storytelling and player agency in the years to come.

Strategy Games

Strategy games have always held a special place in the hearts of PC gamers, offering complex gameplay mechanics, deep strategic planning, and often, a historical or fantastical setting that adds layers of immersion. In 2022, several titles stood out for their innovative approaches and captivating experiences. Here are the top three strategy games that defined the genre this year.

Age of Empires IV

Age of Empires IV continues the legacy of one of the most beloved real-time strategy franchises. Developed by Relic Entertainment in collaboration with World’s Edge, this installment brings a fresh yet familiar experience to both veterans and newcomers.

The game reintroduces the classical mechanics that made the series famous, such as resource management, building, and large-scale battles, while also incorporating modern enhancements. The graphics are a significant step up from previous entries, with detailed environments and fluid animations that bring historical battles to life. The campaign mode is particularly noteworthy, offering a mix of historical accuracy and engaging storytelling that spans several centuries and civilizations.

Whether you prefer the strategic depth of multiplayer skirmishes or the rich narratives of the single-player campaigns, Age of Empires IV offers a comprehensive strategy experience.

Total War: Warhammer III

The Total War series by Creative Assembly has long been a cornerstone of the strategy genre, and Total War: Warhammer III is no exception. This game marks the epic conclusion of the Warhammer trilogy, blending grand strategy, turn-based empire management, and real-time tactical battles in a fantastical setting.

Total War: Warhammer III expands upon its predecessors with new factions, units, and mechanics. The game introduces the Chaos Realms, a series of unique and challenging environments that players must navigate to achieve ultimate victory. Each faction offers a distinctive playstyle, from the demonic forces of Chaos to the noble warriors of Kislev and Cathay. The depth of strategy involved in managing your empire, deploying armies, and engaging in diplomacy ensures that no two campaigns are ever the same.

With stunning visuals and an immersive soundtrack, Total War: Warhammer III provides an epic and satisfying conclusion to the Warhammer trilogy.

Humankind

Humankind, developed by Amplitude Studios, offers a fresh take on the 4X strategy genre, challenging players to rewrite the entire narrative of human history. Rather than sticking to predefined civilizations, Humankind allows players to create their own unique cultures by combining different historical eras and influences.

The game’s standout feature is its culture system, which lets players blend attributes from various civilizations as they progress through different historical periods. This leads to an almost infinite variety of strategic possibilities and playstyles. Additionally, Humankind emphasizes player choice and consequence, with decisions impacting the development of your society, diplomacy, and warfare.

The hexagonal grid-based map and turn-based mechanics provide a familiar yet innovative gameplay experience. With its deep customization options, rich historical context, and beautiful art style, Humankind is a must-play for strategy enthusiasts looking to craft their own version of history.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the best PC games of 2022, it’s clear that this year has been a standout period for gamers of all genres. From the adrenaline-pumping action of Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West to the immersive storytelling and complex character development in RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, the variety and quality of games released this year have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Strategy enthusiasts were not left behind either, with titles like Age of Empires IV and Total War: Warhammer III offering deep, engaging experiences that challenge the mind and demand strategic prowess. The innovative gameplay and rich historical contexts of these games have set new benchmarks in the strategy genre.

What stands out most about 2022’s lineup is the sheer diversity of experiences available. Whether you’re exploring vast open worlds, engaging in tactical battles, or diving into intricate narratives, there is something for everyone. The advancements in technology, storytelling, and gameplay mechanics have pushed the boundaries of what we can expect from PC gaming, promising an even brighter future.

As we look forward to the upcoming releases in 2023, it’s exciting to imagine how game developers will continue to innovate and surprise us. For now, though, 2022 has given us a remarkable collection of games that will be remembered and replayed for years to come. So, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting your journey, these titles are must-plays that truly define the excellence of modern PC gaming.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PUZNXi_KEaQ?si=Arly39u9RJ2T_ajy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>