25 Highest-Rated PC Games: Surprising Rankings with One Franchise Dominating Three Positions

A recent discussion on Reddit has revealed the highest-rated PC games of all time, showcasing the dominance of a single iconic franchise. The post has sparked debates among gamers regarding which titles truly merit a place on this prestigious list.

Reddit user binglebangle7 from the r/gaming Subreddit shared a graphic that details the 25 top-rated PC games based on their Metascore from Metacritic. Notably, the Half-Life series occupies three positions in this ranking, while another spot is claimed by The Orange Box compilation, which features Half-Life 2 and its subsequent episodes.

The twenty-five highest rated games on PC byu/binglebangle7 ingaming

Top-Rated PC Games List Highlights

Acclaimed RPGs Dominating the List

The rankings compiled by Metacritic present an eclectic mix of games spanning both indie and blockbuster titles. Topping the chart is Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, which proudly holds a Metascore of 97. Released in 2021, this unique RPG by ZA/UM has captivated players with its exceptional narrative complexities and thought-provoking writing. Interestingly, several classic RPGs are also represented, including The Elder Scrolls series: both Oblivion and Skyrim achieved an impressive Metascore of 94. You can explore the complete list in binglebangle7’s graphic.

The top 25 PC games of all time, ranked by Metascore

The latest addition to the elite list is Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023), achieving fourth place with a remarkable Metascore of 96. This success also extends to its predecessor, Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, which boasts a Metascore of 95. Among the top 25 are not only blockbuster titles like Grand Theft Auto V, Elden Ring, and Bioshock but also underrated masterpieces such as Grim Fandango and Dwarf Fortress. The latter is a highly intricate roguelike management simulation, while Grim Fandango stands out as a clever point-and-click adventure.

Half-Life Franchise Overview

Valve’s Game Legacy

The Orange Box cover art - Half Life 2, Portal and Team Fortress 2

When it comes to discussing the greatest PC games, Valve is a name that resonates with many gaming enthusiasts. This developer holds a significant share of the highest-rated games, with the Half-Life series accounting for three spots, including both Half-Life titles, Portal 2, and The Orange Box. Half-Life 2 (2004) stands tall in the second position with a Metascore of 96. Known for its innovative storytelling and pioneering physics-based gameplay, this series has left an indelible mark on the industry and continues to attract a loyal fan base.

One user, polski8bit, remarked on Reddit, highlighting the remarkable achievement of Valve: “it’s crazy how Valve managed to make some of the best games of all time, most of them in a row, and they all rank so high.”Notably, even the VR spin-off Half-Life: Alyx (2020) made its way into the top 25, emphasizing the lasting popularity and quality of the Half-Life franchise. The ongoing desire for a sequel, Half-Life 3, may be felt by the community, but PC gamers can look to this curated list as revelation of the must-play classics.

Source: Metacritic, Reddit – r/gaming

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