In terms of flexibility in gaming, no other platform can match the PC. It's a platform with a lot of advantages for those that can overcome the often-daunting pricetag. As a bonus, while consoles require a subscription fee for online gaming, the majority of PC games have free online. Regardless, many people find the most enjoyment in offline PC games.
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One can spend hundreds of hours playing an offline PC game and not regret it. Whether someone prefers consoles for their intuitiveness or likes PCs for their capabilities, these games are bound to surprise. These are the best offline games for PC to play right now.
Updated August 4th, 2021 by Mark Sammut: Live-service and online games have taken PC gaming by storm, and it is not difficult to see why. In theory, the idea of having a game that is constantly evolving sounds incredible; however, sometimes, nothing beats a single-player experience with a fixed beginning, middle, and end. Fortnite, Red Dead Online, and Among Us have more than earned their spots in pop culture, but the PC scene offers plenty of amazing offline games for those who prefer to stay away from online titles. This article has been expanded to include a few more incredible single-player titles for PC, all of which can be played without an internet connection.
20 Subnautica: Below Zero
- Release Date: May 14, 2021
Unknown Worlds Entertainment's sequel to 2018's Subnautica spent a couple of years in early access before making its full release, and the wait was worth it. Subnautica: Below Zero takes place in an awe-inspiring open-world that can also get terrifying really quick.
A survival game with a strong sense of adventure, Subnautica: Below Zero takes place on planet 4546B and follows Robin Ayou as she tries to learn what happened to her sister, Samantha. Like its predecessor, Below Zero is a gripping single-player game that rewards exploration.
19 Devil May Cry 5
- Release Date: March 8, 2019
After a long hiatus and a divisive spin-off, Capcom's Devil May Cry made its glorious (and stylish) return in 2019. Similar to the fourth game, Nero and Dante are both playable in Devil May Cry 5, and they are joined by a new character called V. All three fighters control very differently, with each one being given mechanics that set them apart from the crowd.
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Boasting high-octane hack and slash combat that is accessible but difficult to master, Devil May Cry 5 is endlessly replayable due to the sheer number of combos possible. Newcomers to the series can start with this entry, although they should still seek out all the other games besides Devil May Cry 2 and, perhaps, DmC: Devil May Cry.
18 Disco Elysium – The Final Cut
- Release Date: October 15, 2019 (Base Game)
Any fan of role-playing games owes it to themselves to give Disco Elysium a spin. ZA/UM crafted an intricate detective story that puts heavy emphasis on player choice and world-building. Exploring philosophical and social themes, Disco Elysium follows a detective suffering from amnesia as they investigate a murder while trying to piece together their own backstory.
The base game was already fantastic, but The Final Cut update took it a step further by adding new voice acting and quests.
17 Slay The Spire
- Release Date: January 23, 2019
Slay the Spire, developed by MegaCrit Games, is a rare game that creates an entire subgenre around it. This time, the name of the game is deck-building rogue-lite. The player will select one of four distinct classes and attempt to climb to the top of the Spire and destroy it. It's a simple concept, and it's really easy to pick up and play on any kind of PC.
However, each run plays wildly differently due to the draft system of the cards. There's a ton of different synergies between cards, so the number of viable decks is massive. Plus, with the added bonuses of Relics spicing things up, it's equally easy to get disgustingly over-powered or just fizzle out on the first act. It may take a few runs to get the hang of it, but the thrill of getting that incredible run is unmatched. This game is one that can easily absorb countless hours and is totally worth it.
16 Outer Wilds
- Release Date: June 18, 2020
Space-faring games often struggle to find their footing. With a setting as vast as space itself (quite literally), it's very easy to get bloated and miss making a solid experience. However, that's not a problem for Outer Wilds, a space exploration adventure game from Mobius Digital.
This title will send the player across the galaxy, stuck in a never-ending loop. It's incredibly atmospheric and loaded with moments that are equal parts awe-inspiring and terrifying. It's also not a game that overstays its welcome, which is much appreciated for players that want a condensed experience. Plus, now that it's no longer exclusive to the Epic Games Store, all PC players can check it out on their preferred platform. Outer Wilds is a critical darling for a reason, and absolutely worth checking out.
15 Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!
- Release Date: October 14, 2020
While early access is often a wasteland, it also holds some titles that are worth the purchase from day one. Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!, developed by Vertigo Gaming Inc., is an early access title that was well worth the investment.
The game is, on the surface, a restaurant management game where the player has to balance cooking and serving orders for impatient customers. Early on, it's not too intense. However, as the difficulty ramps up, it takes serious skill and timing to consistently get perfect scores. It's a challenge, ready for those prepared to play their keyboard like a master pianist. Plus, the surprisingly deep lore is always a treat to read up on, especially for new menu items. CSD3 is a great game to put those management skills and reflexes to the test.
14 Hades
- Release Date: September 17, 2020
In a world of samey, top-down action roguelites, SuperGiant Games delivers an experience above any level of expectations with Hades. It takes all of the best parts of their previous titles and combines it with expertly crafted rogue-lite that has no equal in its genre. As a game, it's tough but fair, and its progression systems are incredibly rewarding. Grinding out runs is a blast on their own.
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However, the special part of Hades is that the trademark storytelling of SuperGiant Games remains a strong point. As the player battles out of Hell, there's a cast of colorful characters that have their own development over the course of the experience. Roguelites tend to be weaker in the narrative department, but Hades makes sure that its story is as finely tuned as the rest of the experience. It's no understatement to say that this is SuperGiant's magnum opus and worthy of a look from anyone who enjoys quality action games.
13 Monster Train
- Release Date: May 21, 2020
Monster Train, developed by Shiny Shoe, is a game with a lot going on under the hood. At its core, it takes a lot of inspiration from Slay the Spire. However, this game isn't some cheap knock-off; at times, it even surpasses Slay the Spire, and that's a tough bar to clear.
Monster Train differentiates itself from Spire by taking cues from the tower defense genre. While the player still has attacks and spells at their command, the bulk of the game is recruiting and upgrading monsters to defend the pyre. As an edge on Spire, it's often obvious at a glance what cards will work well together. This makes it a lot easier to start building winning strategies without sinking too many hours into the game. Monster Train is a game that will destroy the concept of time itself.
12 Civilization 6
- Release Date: October 21, 2016
One noteworthy change to Civilization 6 is a "religion" condition that allows players to win the game by converting the world to their faith. As a turn-based real-time strategy game, Civilization 6 has few close competitors. Raising a civilization from the feudal ages to the modern era is too fun in Civilization 6.
The game can be played offline for competitive matches against smart AI. Civilization 6 has relatively low requirements compared to other leading PC games. This is one game you can't miss!
11 Divinity: Original Sin 2
- Release Date: September 14, 2017
From the same developer as Baldur's Gate comes Divinity: Original Sin 2. At first glance, Divinity: Original Sin 2 appears to take after games like Diablo 3, yet it is so much more than a loot-based game. Divinity: Original Sin 2 masterfully incorporates RPG elements that blend well with its turn-based combats.
The scale of the game is massive. Dialogue is engaging and most players can find something to appreciate in the game. Using a controller is easy and straightforward with this offline PC game. It's a must-have PC RPG.
10 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Release Date: May 18, 2015
The expansive world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can overwhelm players through its sheer scale. This is a game where people can log hundreds of hours and still have something new to discover. The enemy, weapon, and town variety make the game a masterpiece.
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As an offline-only game, what The Witcher 3 does, it does perfectly. There is no need for online as it would only take away from the game. If you only play one role-playing game this year, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a solid choice.
9 Dead Cells
- Release Date: August 6, 2018
This overlooked gem is a roguelike-Metroidvania that in some ways is comparable to the Dark Souls series. Players will have to combat fierce enemies while avoiding the obstacles of the game. Falling in a pit of spikes can be frustrating, which is why not everyone will appreciate Dead Cells.
Before playing Dead Cells, it's worth noting that the game is very unforgiving. Dying in the game forces you to start over from the beginning.
8 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- Release Date: March 21, 2019
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the winner of over fifty awards and nominations. The title of the game not only sounds catchy but also describes its gameplay. Players have two lives in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
Two lives may give the impression that the game is easy—but guess again. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is one of the most challenging games of the decade. Boss fights will take multiple attempts, even if someone is well-versed in the Dark Souls series. FromSoftware has cemented itself in the industry for creating the hottest new sub-genre known as the Souls genre.
7 BioShock: The Collection
- Release Date: September 15, 2016
Neatly packaged in one collection on consoles but sold separately on Steam, the BioShock: The Collection offers remastered versions of all three games. The BioShock franchise is considered one of the greatest single-player trilogies in gaming. Its refined gameplay mechanics combined with its story that twists and turns make it a must-play offline PC game.
With villains like Andrew Ryan in the original BioShock and Zachary Hale Comstock in BioShock Infinite, there is plenty of subject matter to keep players enthralled. According to nytimes.com, approximately 200 people worked on BioShock Infinite.
6 Doom (2016)
- Release Date: May 12, 2016
Doom (2016) is arguably the best attempt at a reimagining of the Doom franchise. The fast-paced combat combined with brutal kills is a first-person shooter game at its finest. The single-player campaign could be the highlight of Doom. The game is set on the planet Mars, which is too freaking cool.
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Doom Eternal, the sequel to Doom, is also a thrill ride from beginning to end and incorporates a few noteworthy changes to the gameplay. For one, there is now a dodge mechanic.
5 Dark Souls 3
- Release Date: April 11, 2016
Developer FromSoftware proved for the third time in a row that they know how to make action-adventure role-playing games. Sure, there have been spinoffs like Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, but those would not have existed if it weren't for Dark Souls.
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Dark Souls 3 is slightly more fast-paced than its predecessors. Boss fights, however, are just as grueling and unforgiving. Dark Souls 3 is recommended for experienced gamers because of its difficulty level. Yet for those willing to grind it out, Dark Souls 3 can be outrageously entertaining.
4 Portal
- Release Date: October 10, 2007
Believe it or not, Valve isn't just the owner of the Steam storefront. The Valve Corporation is also known for creating instant classics like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Left 4 Dead, and Team Fortress 2. Portal is one of the few Valve Corporation games that are single-player. Although Portal 2 has an online co-op, the story is more intriguing in the first entry.
The game is very polished and is fun from start to end. The objective is to solve a series of puzzles while being directed by GLaDOS, an advanced AI. Even though Portal was released in 2007, the game feels like it hasn't aged a day.
3 Half-Life 2
- Release Date: November 16, 2004
Valve's Half-Life 2 is generally considered one of the best, if not the best offline PC game of all time. Launching in 2004 and spawning two episodes, Half-Life 2 expands everything from its predecessor, turning a claustrophobic shooter into a blockbuster. With Earth succumbing to a multidimensional force called the Combine, Gordon Freeman goes on a cross-country trip as part of humanity's resistance unit.
After all this time, Half-Life 2 naturally shows its age; however, the game remains fun and exhilarating to play. While a VR release, 2020's Half-Life: Alyx is also a great offline game.
2 Grand Theft Auto 5
- Release Date: April 13, 2015
Rockstar hit the jackpot with Grand Theft Auto Online, crafting a multiplayer package that continues to be a huge success nearly a decade following its introduction. While the single-player campaign has been overshadowed by the online version, Grand Theft Auto 5 nevertheless offers one of the best offline PC gaming experiences on the market.
With three playable characters, a detailed open-world set (primarily) in Los Santos, and a ton of side-content outside of a long main story, GTA 5 feels complete and satisfying. Time has done little to dull this game's impact.
1 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
- Release Date: October 27, 2016
Fans of the series are eagerly waiting for The Elder Scrolls 6 since the franchise is arguably at its best when focusing on offline single-player content. The Elder Scrolls Online has a sizeable fan base, but the difference between The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and The Elder Scrolls Online is night and day.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the best games of all time because of its immersive quests, beautiful landscapes, and enemy variety. The game regenerates quests, so there is virtually no end to the game.
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