Whatever your reason for preferring offline games to play on PC, we’ve rounded up some of what we consider to be the best in their class. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of variety. Check out the picks below!
1. The Outer Worlds
To start the list with quality, let’s talk about The Outer Worlds. This 2019-released RPG is the kind of game you didn’t know you missed until you started playing it, something that’s especially true for Fallout fans. We say this because it has all the elements we see in this franchise and was even developed by the company that brought Fallout: New Vegas to life. The biggest difference is that the plot takes place in a future where humans can freely travel to other planets. The cool thing is that you can make your character have several different skills depending on the style you like best. So you can be a silent killer hacker or a brute who just goes around blowing up enemies he encounters. Of course, these are just a few examples of possible combinations. You can do much more creative things than that if you prefer.
2. Watch Dogs: Legion
We know that not everyone likes Watch Dogs, especially since the first game didn’t deliver everything that was promised. Still, we think the new title, called Legion, is well worth it. For those unfamiliar, the franchise tends to mix action and adventure elements in an open world full of things to do. This specific game takes place in the city of London, but in a fictional and futuristic version. As is the norm in this series, you can hack people and devices you find around town, as well as solve various quests.
3. Phasmophobia
While it’s super known for being a great party game, Phasmophobia is even scarier when playing solo. That’s why we fully recommend it as one of the best offline games to play on PC. For those who don’t know it, just know that you need to find out what kind of ghost is haunting certain locations. Currently, you can investigate a school, a prison, a sanitarium, and several houses. The cool thing is that each ghost has its own characteristics and you can use certain tools and resources to unravel the mystery.
4. Baldur’s Gate 3
If you like classic RPGs, we’re sure that at the very least you’ve heard of Baldur’s Gate. We’re just not going to recommend the first two titles in the series, as veterans have already played it and newcomers would likely struggle with them. Instead, we’re going to recommend you Baldur’s Gate 3, which was released in early access recently. Like the originals, it follows the rules of the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop roleplaying game as closely as possible. This time, of course, it focuses on the 5th edition of the Wizards of the Coast game, which is the most recent and current. You can play it alone or with your friends, but it’s worth noting that it’s still a project under development. Therefore, there will be incomplete parts and news being added little by little. Still, it’s a worthwhile title.
5. Dark Souls Remastered
It’s simply not possible to make a list of the best offline PC games without talking about games from the Dark Souls franchise. In this case, we’re going to recommend the first of the series, but in the Remastered version that came out a little while ago. In addition to fixing bugs and other issues from the original, this remaster also made the game much better looking. It’s a great suggestion both for those who have played it in the past and for those who want to experience the first Dark Souls for the first time.
6. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
As we recommended Dark Souls, let’s mention another game made by the same developer. We’re talking about Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which has mechanics that are extremely similar to other “Souls” games, although it also has its own identity. It’s set in a fictional version of 16th-century Japan and you control a shinobi (a ninja, essentially) with a prosthetic arm. We won’t give spoilers about the story, but we assure you that the combat is very difficult and requires a lot of learning. This might not appeal to players looking for something relaxing, but it’s perfect for those who just want a challenge. It is considered by many to be From Software’s best game, surpassing even the Dark Souls franchise.
7. Red Dead Redemption 2
Developer Rockstar may be most famous for the Grand Theft Auto franchise, but its other games are also spectacular. This of course includes the Red Dead Redemption series, even more so the second game that came out recently. The game that was expected for years fulfilled many of the expectations of fans, both in its quality and just to surpass the original game. You control an outlaw in the old west and you need to do different missions to progress in the main story. This is another game that we can’t talk too much about the plot to not spoil it, especially if you played the first title. But trust me, it’s fantastic and worth checking out.
8. Crusader Kings 3
If you came across our list of offline games to play on PC looking for a strategy title, here are the best of them currently. Crusader Kings 3 is another one that has been expected for years and it has lived up to all expectations. It arrives no less than 8 years after its predecessor, but the wait was worth it. Like the first two games, this title has a dynasty system. That is, you need to ensure the survival of your dynasty for several generations. This can be done by making decisions that keep your characters and descendants alive. For those who like PC simulation games, this is a full plate.
9. Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
The Assassin’s Creed franchise is another old acquaintance of gamers. Either for its successful games or for the simple fact that a new title in the series practically comes out every year. Fortunately Assassin’s Creed Valhalla seems to be one of the good quality cases, even if it is not the best seen in the franchise. The cool thing is that its theme had not yet been explored in previous games. Basically, you control Eivor, a Viking who does his best with his companions to battle the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. As the whole aesthetic has this Viking theme, it turns out to be quite interesting. Other than that, the game is all focused on a single-player campaign, which is perfect for playing offline.
10. Hades
Continuing our list, we have one of the games that have stood out the most in recent months. For those who don’t know it yet, just know that Hades is a totally independent Roguelite game and that it is of an absurd quality. You control Zagreus, the son of Hades, who wants to do everything to escape the underworld commanded by his father. The problem is that Hades doesn’t agree with that decision at all and puts countless obstacles in his way to stop you. Your goal is to defeat everything and everyone to finally reach the surface, where even more plot details await you. As you may know from other Roguelite games, you lose most things when you die, but you keep some interesting items. The scheme is to keep trying and not give up even after the first time you clear it.
11. Resident Evil 2
For those who like horror games, we will recommend nothing less than Resident Evil 2. This game was released in 1998 but received a complete and very well-done remake in 2019. It has been modernized to the point where it feels like an entirely new and different experience, while still retaining the characters, settings, and plot of the original. This really is the ultimate way to experience Resident Evil 2 these days, so don’t let the opportunity pass you by.
12. Resident Evil 4
Still on the subject of the Resident Evil franchise, of course, we couldn’t fail to mention its most popular title. Resident Evil 4 is the kind of game you’ll try at least once, even if you’re not a big fan of the series. This was the game that mixed horror, puzzles, and action in the right measure, in addition to improving the gameplay of games in this category. Its success was so great that it received numerous versions since the original for GameCube. Fortunately, the game is also available for PC in a slightly remastered version. Rumor has it that a remake will be announced at some point, but until then, be sure to check out the original.
13. Wasteland 3
As we recommended a strategic game like Crusader Kings 3, we are going to suggest a turn-based strategy title this time. In this case, we are talking about Wasteland 3, which has been quite successful since its release. For those who don’t know it yet, its plot takes place in the state of Colorado, in the USA in a totally post-apocalyptic version. The game starts by giving you control of just two characters, who can fight enemies with specific weapons. This can be a rifle, a staff, or even a sword, whichever you prefer. As the story progresses, you can recruit more characters and improve your team’s fighting styles. Since fights are turn-based, you need to make wise decisions on how to spend your movement and which enemies to focus on.
14. Yakuza 0
If someone were to tell you that there was an action-adventure game franchise based on the Japanese mafia Yakuza, we’re sure you’d never think about what this series really is. After all, you even have a story involving the mafia and its dangers, but its essence is in other details. This includes bizarre side quests, being able to eat ramen after singing karaoke, hanging out all day in the city Arcade, or dancing your heart out at the club. Even citing all of this, it’s pretty hard to do justice to the wonder that is Yakuza 0. Other games in the franchise also rely on these tricks, but here is where the plot of the protagonist of the series is revealed. It’s essentially the best game to start playing if you’re ever in doubt.
15. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Since we recommend Yakuza 0, it is also worth mentioning the most recent game in the franchise, Like a Dragon. The difference is that instead of playing with the usual protagonist, this game features an entirely different team of characters. It all starts when Ichiban Kasuga is released from prison after 18 years of false imprisonment for a crime he did not commit. Since he did this on behalf of a member of the Yakuza, he thought he would be hugely rewarded upon his release. Unfortunately, after so long, no one even remembers him and his family doesn’t want to talk about it. So all that’s left is to take revenge.
16. Doom Eternal
If what you want from a list of offline games to play on PC is a frantic FPS, here is your perfect suggestion. For those who don’t know, Doom Eternal is nothing more than the sequel to the 2016 reboot of the franchise. There’s a story behind it all, but the real story is that all you have to do is kill demons with headshots. The best thing is that all of this is set to the sound of a spectacular soundtrack. We already warned you that if you like to take screenshots or record games, this is a good game to do. Especially if it’s to share the best moments with your friends.
17. The Witcher 3
A game that absolutely cannot be missing here is The Witcher 3. This work was developed by CD Projekt RED and is the end of the trilogy of adventures of the witcher Geralt of Rivia, which began in 2007. The whole plot shows more about the witcher’s past, as well as the girl he considers his daughter, Ciri. Although we don’t know it right away, it is a key part of the outcome of the possible endings in this game. We’re not going to spoil it, of course, so suffice it to say that it’s a title you shouldn’t miss out on. Even if you haven’t experienced its predecessors, a lot is revealed and told in The Witcher 3, so it’s not a necessity. If you like the plot, you can even read the books that gave rise to the games or watch the Netflix series based on the same material.
18. Cyberpunk 2077
Since we’re talking about CD Projekt RED, it’s worth mentioning their most recent project. You’ve certainly heard of Cyberpunk 2077, either because of the huge expectations its fans had or because of its disastrous launch. After spending years in development and being delayed a few times, it was finally released in late 2020. The result was appalling, with the game having numerous bugs, lacking promised features, and being unplayable on consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One due to poor performance. After reading this, you might be wondering why we are still recommending it. Well, the biggest bad luck really was for console players, since with the first updates, the game runs very well on computers with compatible hardware. Of course, you’ll probably need a PC with at least intermediate parts to run it. After all, it manages to be kind of demanding in this regard, something that was already expected. But other than that, we guarantee that the game is very fun and has a good story and very captivating characters. It feels a lot like a mix of RPGs like Fallout and open-world action games like GTA. This should already give you a good idea of what it presents, but we warn you that there is nothing revolutionary in its gameplay. Anyway, this is one of those games that it’s best to keep an eye on the PC temperature if you’re not sure it runs well on your machine.
19. Monster Hunter World
You may not know it, but Monster Hunter has always been an extremely popular franchise in Japan, while it was considered niche in the west. That is at least until the arrival of Monster Hunter World. The game had so many changes and improvements to its old format that it won fans around the world, becoming Capcom’s best-selling title to date. And this is the company responsible for Mega Man, Resident Evil, and Street Fighter. Anyway, this is the game where you fight different monsters in a vast world full of creatures and mysteries. The game even has a cool story, but what really counts are the battles. There are several weapons to choose from, each with a completely different fighting style. The game is great to play with friends, but it’s also great when playing solo in offline mode.
20. Grand Theft Auto V
We know that Grand Theft Auto is a sensational franchise, but there is no doubt that GTA V is one of the most incredible games in the franchise. It was so successful that it has been gaining versions for several platforms since its original release for the PS3 and Xbox 360. One of these versions was the PC version, which was interesting since the games in the series always came out on the computer before any platform back in the day. Either way, it’s an excellent way to get lost in the world of Los Santos without seeing time pass. You can do the story missions or just drive around and do whatever you prefer. It is completely offline, as the online version works separately from the base game.
21. Final Fantasy XV
If you’re a fan of Japanese RPGs and want to enjoy one of the Final Fantasy titles on your PC, this is one of your best options. Despite not being a favorite of the most ardent fans, it was quite a hit with newcomers. Even for that reason, it can be a good recommendation if you’ve always wanted to try this classic series. It offers several interesting missions and battles, so it’s worth at least checking out the game while that Final Fantasy VII remake doesn’t come out on PC.
22. Stardew Valley
Our next recommendation among offline games to play on PC is Stardew Valley. It is heavily inspired by the classic Story of Seasons farm game franchise (formerly known as Harvest Moon) and even started out as a simple version of one of them. Fortunately, its creator kept adding and modifying so many things that he realized this could be a totally original game. In addition to working on your farm, you can fish, mine, fight small monsters in caves, and make friends with the townsfolk. It’s a very relaxing and addictive game, especially for those who like games of this style.
23. Death Road to Canada
Another good suggestion to enjoy on the PC is Death Road to Canada, a very fun and challenging independent game. Its plot is very simple: the world is full of zombies and the only safe place left in Canada. Your goal is to get there safe and sound, but that’s not as easy as it sounds. Random events can happen and trigger dangerous situations along the way. Other than that, you’ll need to make stops at all times to find food, weapons, ammo, gas, and even allies. The goal is to arrive with at least one character alive in Canada, but we already guarantee that it will take at the very least a few tries to succeed. It has a really cool offline co-op mode if you want to play with your friends at home.
24. Game Dev Tycoon
If you’ve always found the idea of creating games interesting, you might like Game Dev Tycoon. In this game, you start out as an independent developer in the 1970s and still work in your garage at home. If you manage to make good games for different platforms, you will move up in the industry and have the possibility of having your own office. Thus, you can make even better games, with more resources and hire employees. The cool thing is that the game is kind of inspired by real events and devices, such as consoles from Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft, among others. The game is super addictive and great to play offline on PC.
25. Minecraft
How to make a list of the best offline games to play on PC without mentioning Minecraft, right? Although many people love to play the title with their friends on their servers, it is also great without an internet connection. You can explore the world and gradually shape it while fighting enemies in survival mode or just build whatever you want in creative mode. Anyway, this is the kind of game you can restart dozens of times and all of them are very different. If you’ve never played it, it’s worth trying it out as soon as possible.
26. Prison Architect
Prison Architect is a good option for those who like something creative but mixed with some strategy. This game puts you in the role of a prison warden that needs a lot of improvements and adjustments. You can build bathrooms, mess halls, cells, and much more. But you need to think about your budget and the satisfaction of the prisoners, as you must avoid running into a negative account or causing a riot. To give you an idea, if the inmates are extremely unhappy with their management, they might even trash the place.
27. Euro Truck Simulator
We are fully aware that a game like Euro Truck Simulator is not for everyone. After all, there are few people who find the idea of driving a truck through European cities interesting, delivering large loads. But we assure you that it is an excellent option to relax, a perfect feature for offline games to play on PC. The game has several DLCs and a lot of content already in the base version. Even if it sounds strange, we recommend that you at least try it out.
28. House Flipper
Here’s another unconventional recommendation: House Flipper. This game starts with you receiving emails about jobs you can do for your clients, which include cleaning filthy houses, painting walls, destroying or building rooms, and even redecorating the place. All of this is pretty fun in itself, but it’s just a preview of your real goal in the game, which is to buy hideous houses and turn them into beautiful homes. All to be able to sell them for a much higher price than he paid. We know that not everyone is going to want to clean windows and paint walls, but it’s another game worth trying before judging. Just like Euro Truck Simulator, House Flipper is also very relaxing.
29. Don’t Starve
Our next tip is Don’t Starve, which was released a few years ago on multiple platforms, including PC. The game is a huge success, especially for those who like challenges in survival games. In this game, you are thrown into an unknown world and you have to manage not to die of hunger, cold, or being attacked by monsters. It is possible to take natural resources to build tools, shelters, clothes, farms, and much more. The game can be quite difficult at first, even more so because you don’t really know what’s going on. But as the hours go by, you learn and the game becomes more interesting.
30. Story of Season: Friends of Mineral Town
To end our list, we have a very special title that can awaken great nostalgia in many people. Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is a complete remake of the same Game Boy Advanced game, with the only difference being that the franchise was better known as Harvest Moon at the time. In this remake, the visuals are beautiful and very modern, although they remain in a more cute than realistic style. The story remains the same, that is, you have three years to prove that the old Mineral Town farm is still profitable and not worth selling. Other than that, many quality-of-life changes have been applied to make players’ lives easier and without so many limitations. Nothing better than a relaxing farm game to end the list of offline games to play on PC, don’t you think?
Do you like offline games to play on PC?
Did you take advantage of our offline game tips to play on PC? We hope so! And don’t forget to share this article with friends looking for great options they can play on a regular basis! And if you want something to enjoy on mobile, check out our offline game tips for Android!
