The Best Games to Be Playing Right Now – A 2024 Guide

The gaming landscape has never been more diverse or exciting, offering an expansive array of genres, playstyles, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re an RPG aficionado, a strategy lover, or simply looking for your next indie obsession, there’s never been a better time to dive into PC gaming. Here’s a deep dive into the best games to be playing right now, blending new releases, all-time classics, and hidden gems that you simply can’t afford to miss.

Baldur’s Gate 3 – The Unrivalled RPG Experience

At the top of nearly every gamer’s must-play list is Baldur’s Gate 3, the RPG juggernaut that has captured the hearts and minds of players worldwide. Receiving an astonishing 97% from PC Gamer, this game is hailed as “an unrivalled RPG that will swallow your life whole.” From its masterful narrative to the deep customization of characters, the game has set a new standard for role-playing experiences.

Larian Studios has not just created a sequel to the beloved Baldur’s Gate series, but a love letter to Dungeons & Dragons fans and RPG lovers alike. Its blend of strategic combat, intricate decision-making, and dynamic world-building makes it one of the most engaging and rewarding games you can play today. The freedom of choice and the weight of those decisions, whether in combat or in conversations, makes every playthrough feel unique. If you’re looking for a game that will completely immerse you, Baldur’s Gate 3 is the definitive choice for 2024.

Cyberpunk 2077 – Redemption Through Phantom Liberty

Cyberpunk 2077 may have had one of the rockiest launches in modern gaming history, but thanks to the 2024 release of its Phantom Liberty expansion and the massive 2.0 update, it has clawed its way back to relevance. This isn’t just a redemption story—it’s a triumph. According to PC Gamer, “Now is the time to play Cyberpunk 2077, if you haven’t already.”

The Phantom Liberty expansion reintroduces the cyberpunk dystopia of Night City with new quests, characters, and gameplay mechanics, offering a much more polished and satisfying experience. With improved AI, vehicle combat, and a redesigned skill system, Cyberpunk 2077 is no longer a game of potential—it has fully realized that potential. For fans of narrative-driven, open-world games with a dark, gritty atmosphere, this is one to revisit or pick up fresh.

FromSoftware’s New Star: Armored Core 6 – Fires of Rubicon

FromSoftware, the developer that brought us the wildly successful Dark Souls series and Elden Ring, has shifted gears with Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. This game veers away from the punishing, gothic atmosphere of their Souls-like games, offering players something refreshingly different while still maintaining FromSoftware’s signature attention to detail and mastery of mechanics.

In Armored Core 6, players pilot customizable mechs in tactical, fast-paced combat across industrial sci-fi landscapes. It has been lauded for its ability to keep the intensity high while introducing a strategic depth that keeps you hooked. For fans of mecha combat and complex, rewarding gameplay, this is an absolute must-play. According to PC Gamer, it’s yet another “banger” from the developer known for redefining entire genres.

Indie Games: The Shining Stars of Innovation

While AAA titles dominate the headlines, indie games are where some of the most creative and boundary-pushing experiences are being crafted. This year’s indie stars shine particularly brightly, showcasing a range of genres and styles that challenge traditional gameplay norms.

• Vampire Survivors: This $5 bullet-hell roguelike has quickly become a cult favourite, offering hours of addictive gameplay for the price of a coffee. PC Gamer describes it as “the best value on Steam,” and its minimalist style, combined with endless replayability, makes it a must-have for any gamer. You could run this game on almost any PC, making it perfect for quick, accessible sessions that you can easily lose hours to.
• Animal Well: A deeply atmospheric pixel-art adventure, Animal Well delivers a haunting, mysterious exploration-based experience. It’s not just another retro-inspired game—its unique puzzles and ambient tension will keep you on edge as you dive deeper into its bizarre world.
• Abiotic Factor: For those looking for a more multiplayer-focused experience, Abiotic Factor combines survival mechanics with cooperative gameplay, making for an engrossing mix of building, strategy, and exploration. It’s a testament to the creativity of indie developers that this game manages to stand out in a crowded survival genre.
• Dave the Diver: A quirky blend of underwater exploration and sushi restaurant management, Dave the Diver is an indie game that defies easy categorization. Its charm lies in its uniqueness, combining resource management, storytelling, and side-scrolling exploration delightfully and unexpectedly.

The Classics: Timeless Titles That Still Reign Supreme

The beauty of PC gaming lies not only in its innovation but also in the enduring appeal of its classics. There’s a reason why titles like Half-Life 2, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Disco Elysium continue to be recommended year after year—they offer experiences that are as fresh today as they were at launch.

• Half-Life 2: Often hailed as one of the best first-person shooters of all time, Half-Life 2 set a benchmark for storytelling, physics-based puzzles, and immersive world-building that still feels groundbreaking today. If you’ve never played it—or even if you have—there’s no better time to revisit this masterpiece.
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Few games have managed to capture the hearts of gamers quite like The Witcher 3. Its sprawling world, rich lore, and emotional depth ensure that Geralt’s adventure remains a gold standard for open-world RPGs.
• Disco Elysium: A unique, dialogue-heavy RPG that puts a massive focus on player choice and narrative, Disco Elysium is a game unlike any other. It’s more about talking and thinking your way through problems than hacking or slashing, making it a standout title for players seeking intellectual and philosophical depth.

Whether you’re looking to dive into a sprawling RPG, revisit a classic, or find a new indie obsession, 2024 is proving to be a golden age for PC gaming. With standout titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 dominating the scene, indie gems like Vampire Survivors offering endless replayability, and revitalized classics like Cyberpunk 2077 returning to form, there’s something for every type of player.

So fire up your rig, load up Steam (or GOG, or the Epic Store), and dive into one of these incredible games. Whether you have 20 minutes or 200 hours to spare, these are the best games to be playing right now.