Ah, the wonderful world of PC gaming. Not only do you have access to a massive library of games you can play, but additional things your setup allows you to do that consoles can't, are part of the attraction to owning and gaming on a PC. But you've probably noticed, there aren't as many big-name games that are PC exclusive.
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Posts 2 By Gabrielle CastaniaWith so many cross-platform games on the various digital marketplaces, it isn't easy to find titles that you can only play thanks to your PC. But have no fear, that's why this list is here. Below are eight titles you can't play anywhere else.
While most of these titles are playable on Mac or Linux as well, they have been included because they are not available through consoles and their marketplaces.
Updated November 29, 2024 by Marissa Fiore: While many games can be played across different systems, there are still plenty of games that you can only pick up and play on PC only. This list has been updated to include additional PC-exclusive titles every PC gamer should, at least, check out.
11 Escape From Tarkov
It's Hard On These Divided Streets
Escape from Tarkov
Extraction Shooter Survival Released November 15, 2025 Developer(s) Battlestate Games Publisher(s) Battlestate Games Platform(s) PC Genre(s) Extraction Shooter, Survival Powered by Expand CollapseWelcome to the unstable region of Tarkov, a fictional setting that is based on a Russian territory. Shooter and survival are soft, genre-based terms, but this title is a gritty and difficult RPG that simulates the hostile division of Tarkov, and you have to pick your side.
Escape From Tarkov doesn't have a Metacritic score, however, the dedicated fanbase, as well as additional updates have allowed the game to continue to thrive. If you are considering picking the title up for yourself, be mindful that while Escape From Tarkov may seem like a battle royal title, it is not, and will really test your abilities with a challenging level of difficulty.
10 Lost Ark
Does Anyone Else Hear The Indiana Jones Theme?
Lost Ark
MMORPG 5.0/5 Released December 4, 2019 Developer(s) Smilegate RPG Publisher(s) Amazon Games Platform(s) PC Genre(s) MMORPG Powered by Expand CollapseLost Ark has you searching for, well, The Ark after it was lost. A name that sums up the whole premise. But it's about the journey. And this one will pit you against difficult raids, demons, and massive bad guys.
It's an MMORPG with a vast world for you to explore and fight your way through. It was reviewed well among the critics, though players cite that it takes a lot of time to master this game, meaning if you aren't careful, this can be a time sink. But if you like mastering a title through its combat segments, then it won't feel like it at all.
9 World Of Warcraft
Only One Of The Most Well-Known MMORPGs
World of Warcraft
MMORPG Released November 23, 2004 Developer(s) Blizzard Publisher(s) Blizzard Franchise Warcraft Platform(s) PC Genre(s) MMORPG Powered by Expand CollapseJust about every gamer has at least heard of World Of Warcraft. The title has been popular for two decades and shows no signs of stopping. And anyone who hasn't experienced it for themselves can test the waters, having the game unlocked to them for free until they reach level 20.
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Posts By James SmithIn this title, you will find yourself picking a side. Are you part of the Alliance? Or are you for The Horde? No matter which side you pick, the rich story and fun fantasy could have you sinking all of your free time into the game. Just don't forget to pause and stretch from time to time.
8 StarCraft 2
Which Side Will You Choose?
StarCraft 2
Real-Time Strategy Released July 27, 2010 Developer(s) Blizzard Publisher(s) Blizzard Franchise StarCraft Platform(s) PC, macOS Genre(s) Real-Time Strategy Powered by Expand CollapseBlizzard doesn't just have World Of Warcraft up their PC-exclusive sleeves. StarCraft 2 is a real-time strategy game that tests your abilities through, as you can imagine, space combat as the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg pit themselves against each other.
This highly competitive title has players battling against one another, but if you'd prefer, it also includes a single-player story filled with both new and returning characters, allowing you to play through the game before launching you into the multiplayer chaos.
7 Dota 2
This Game Can Fit So Many Characters
Dota 2
MOBA Released July 9, 2013 Developer(s) Valve Publisher(s) Valve Platform(s) PC, Linux, macOS Genre(s) MOBA Powered by Expand CollapseIf you're looking to quickly break in a new PC with a game you can download and start playing, or are looking for something new and haven't already, Dota 2 is a must-try. It's free to play, meaning you can install the game and hit the ground running. But it's not just about getting into the game as quickly as possible. If it were, players would tire of this MOBA.
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Posts By Lakshay DhimanInstead, be ready to meet a cast of over 100 heroes with their unique abilities to learn and test out until you find your favorites to take into multiplayer matches. Just be prepared to spend time learning what each character does, it may take a while.
6 Dwarf Fortress
Is Adventure Calling You?
Dwarf Fortress
Roguelike Strategy Simulation Released August 8, 2006 Platform(s) Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows Developer Bay 12 Games, Tarn Adams, Zach Adams Publisher Bay 12 Games, Tarn Adams, Zach Adams Genre(s) Roguelike, Strategy, Simulation Powered by Expand CollapseUntil now, there's a chance that even if you've never touched a PC before, you've heard of WoW and Dota 2 just from being part of the massive community we call gamers. But Dwarf Fortress is highly recommended by long-time players and not playable anywhere other than on your computer.
Dwarf Fortress is loved for its deep complexity that helps create the immersion needed for any successful simulation game. It allows you to either control a dwarven outpost or go adventuring yourself through an ever-changing world. You may need to keep an open mind though if you're used to cutting-edge graphics.
5 Kenshi
Be Anything And Everything
Kenshi
RPG Open-World Survival Released December 6, 2018 Platform(s) PC Developer Lo-Fi Games Publisher Lo-Fi Games Genre(s) RPG, Open-World, Survival Powered by Expand CollapseThis indie title is a roleplaying game that doesn't focus on a linear story. Instead, Kenshi opens up the world to the player to decide exactly what it is they want to do. Just know, you aren't alone in the sandbox.
There are some dents in the game's armor, so to speak. Graphically, there are more impressive games you can buy and it's not without its technical woes, but the depth of freedom in this game makes up for it in spades. From being a humble farmer to a warlord, you can create the exact character you want and throw hundreds of hours into this title easily.
4 Ultrakill
Shoot 'Em Up, Old-School Style
Ultrakill
FPS Released September 3, 2020 Developer(s) Arsi "Hakita" Patala Publisher(s) New Blood Interactive Platform(s) PC Genre(s) FPS Powered by Expand CollapseIf you are a fan of Quake, then you'll love Ultrakill as that's exactly where the game pulled inspiration from. Graphically, you could confuse it for one of the retro FPS titles too, as the game even takes on the same look of its predecessors, adopting a very polygon-heavy art style.
When it comes to what the game is about, the machines in the title are powered by one thing, blood. And it's running dry thanks to humans being extinct. So you're making your way down and through hell, where there's still some blood to be found.
3 Satisfactory
Make The Most Efficient Factories
Satisfactory
Simulation Sandbox Base Building Open-World Management Released September 10, 2024 Developer(s) Coffee Stain Studios Publisher(s) Coffee Stain Publishing Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Genre(s) Simulation, Sandbox, Base Building, Open-World, Management Powered by Expand CollapseIf your first thought when landing on a strange, new planet is to turn it into an industrious settlement, then this is the game for you! Satisfactory is less about settling and more about mining and collecting the planet's resources through these factories that you are tasked with creating.
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Posts By Guillermo RosarioYou can play on your own if that's how you prefer to play simulation titles, but you can also grab some friends and build this new world together. You'll especially be drawn to this title if you're a fan of automation and exploration, as you'll be doing both.
2 Lethal Company
Hard Workers Don't Get Ejected Into Space
Lethal Company Like Follow Followed Horror Systems OpenCritic Reviews Released October 23, 2023 ESRB t Developer(s) Zeekerss Publisher(s) Zeekerss Engine Unity Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Number of Players 1-4 Steam Deck Compatibility PlayableWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIt's hard not to know about Lethal Company as it was quite a viral hit. It seemed just about every video game content creator and their mom was streaming or recording their runs. You play in this game as a worker who must explore hostile environments for scraps and interesting items.
While having a quota to hit, you also have to avoid an onslaught of strange creatures looking to kill you or steal your treasures. It has a ton of replayability and the mod library is massive thanks to a community that made everything from new outfits and emotes to game-altering ways of playing.
