Now that Last Variable has launched and reviews are out, how closely has its reception matched your expectations for the expansion?

Marcin Łazowski: It exceeded my expectations, I am very happy about the reception!

Reviews have generally praised the expansion’s new management systems, but the overall critical reception has been more divided than it was for the base game. What do you think caused that difference?

Łazowski: We decided to modify our approach for the DLC. While the base game emphasized the story and it drove the experience forward, with the DLC we wanted to focus on the players who enjoyed the base building, economy and planet exploration gameplay most and wanted more of that.

Several critics felt that focusing exclusively on different versions of Jan Scientist resulted in a cast that lacked the emotional and professional variety of the original Alters. How do you respond to that criticism?

Łazowski: We found it was a great opportunity to increase the humour of the DLC’s story, but personally I believe that the Scientist’s alters are still complex, with different personalities and emotions. While on the surface the professional variety may seem lackluster (they are all men of science), in the game’s mechanics we actually introduced a double skill system so that there are more combinations of how to utilize your team.

Katarzyna Tybinka: The question I’d ask is: why would we want them to be more varied? Look at it this way: in the base game, Jan wanted to create Alters with completely different life choices in order to be able to revisit what he thought were his mistakes. In the DLC, the Scientist creates versions as close to his original self on purpose, in order to assemble a team of like-minded people who will only echo his own ideas. The paradox is that he ends up with a bunch of guys with a superiority complex who will constantly challenge him, precisely because they are like him. And it’s exactly this kind of mirror that he needs to see to learn more about himself and the reasons why he really stayed behind to study that planet.

Was creating a more intellectually driven and emotionally restrained group of Jans a deliberate narrative risk, even knowing that some players might find them less immediately relatable?

Tybinka: It simply felt like a natural choice given the protagonist’s personality. But it also opened up new narrative possibilities, such as a whole new theme of perfectionism. While base Jan struggled with his regrets, the Scientist has to face his ego and in that way his Alters are equally challenging to him. The fact that they don’t require constant attention doesn’t mean that they don’t offer deep, emotional stories allowing the player to access unexpected layers of the Scientist’s humanity.

The original game derived much of its tension from forcing together Jans with substantially different lives, skills and emotional baggage. What was the biggest challenge in recreating that tension between characters who are all variations of a scientist?

Tybinka: Actually, it was fun. I come from a family where a scientific career was quite prevalent and I always found it fascinating how different scientists can be: from pompous academics, introverted eccentrics, to whacky Peter Pans. Take that and add the signature “what if” Alters component and you’re imagining all sorts of ways in which a career can vary depending on the environment, people or even pure chance. As for the tension, it comes from a similar place as in the base game: the fact that despite their differences, they are the same man. The difference is that in the base game it was Jan’s insecurity that caused all the problems, in the DLC it is the Scientist’s ego. They all share it at the core, so tensions are inevitable. This time though, we wanted them to be a little more tongue in cheek.

Some critics praised Last Variable‘s narrative depth and ending, while others felt that its major revelations and final twist were not sufficiently supported by the preceding events. What did you want players to take away from the conclusion?

Tybinka: As in the base game, the goal was to make this experience as personal as possible for the player. Regardless of whether you identify with the Scientist’s perfectionism or not, you put a lot of effort into completing the game. The ending asks the player to give their own meaning to this effort and, truthfully, any other kind of struggle we willingly choose to go through in our lives – whether it is for the sake of achievement, personal satisfaction or idealistic reasons.

How has actual player behaviour compared to your expectations regarding Cryosleep? Are players carefully planning each cycle, or are they finding ways to bypass some of the pressure the mechanic was intended to create?

Łazowski: The Cryosleep mechanic’s goal was to give the control over the game’s pacing to the player. The original game had a strict time limit, but this time, as long as you can go to cryosleep, you can take as much time as you want or proceed to the next cycle. We’re finding that generally the players still feel pressure and want to squeeze as much as they can out of each day, at least in the early and mid game.

Terraforming has been one of the expansion’s most widely praised additions. Which part of that system underwent the most significant changes during development?

Łazowski: The general idea of terraforming didn’t change much during development, however after playtesting we were tweaking the details. I think the pipe connection system overall received the most changes, we were testing different UI and UX approaches. One big change was that at the beginning you were required to connect all the pipes to a placed down terraformer, but we iterated that because it caused much backtracking. Placing a pipeline along another pipeline going in the opposite direction just felt wrong, and instead of complicating the system more we decided to simplify it and add complexity elsewhere.

Scientist Jan has a ticking clock and a rather maddening puzzle to solve in the standalone expansion, and the Oasis serves as the ultimate goal. As a result, he creates a specialized crew of charismatic new Alters to the table, and harnesses a cryo-sleep mechanic that throws a wrench in the long-term decision-making. However, it seems that the planet itself may be impeding their goals in bizarre ways. Can they make it in time?

It all fits well within the base game’s formula, and it comes together pretty well to make this expansion look quite worthwhile, and quite a tempting proposition if you happened to have missed out last year.

With around 20 hours of new content to get through, Last Variable’s definitely an expansion that could keep you busy, and can even bring enough replay value if you choose to push its systems to the limit. The launch trailer is below if you want to check it out before you dive in, or perhaps return to your playthrough after a short break.

It was a whole thing.

Depending on your choices, the Scientist Alter could end up staying on the planet. Don’t worry if you didn’t go that route – Last Variable is a standalone story that picks up from that particular ending. So what ever happened to that self-absorbed, socially awkward version of Jan? Well, death. The answer is death.

Not the permanent kind, though – in his final moments, he created another Jan Scientist to continue his mission of researching the mysterious Oasis. Nothing is known about the site, except that it can survive the devastating sunrise that destroys everything else on the planet. With the Research Lab requiring repairs, and no materials on hand, Last Variable continues a familiar cycle – of venturing out into the unknown, collecting and mining resources while avoiding Anomalies. And yes, creating some Alters to lend a hand where needed.

"Since Jan Scientist serves as the base, each variant is from a different branch of science. Of course, the same rules still apply – their life paths and adjoining personalities are completely different."

It’s the base game through and through, and while it probably won’t win over any new fans, the sharp writing and dynamics with each Alter keep you hooked, even as you’re running around from pillar to post, desperately trying to complete tasks before you’re too exhausted to continue.

It’s a more constrained set-up because the Scientist himself is holed up in an underground bunker rather than a moving base. Your “original” didn’t really leave much behind, save for Janbot, an AI/LLM who occasionally slips into an “absurdist” phase when answering questions. That and the Whiteboard, where all your scientific discoveries and hypotheses go – a physical manifestation of your progress en route to learning more about the Oasis.

The other big difference is the Alters who join your cause, some more abrasively than others. Since Jan Scientist serves as the base, each variant is from a different branch of science. Of course, the same rules still apply – their life paths and adjoining personalities are completely different. So when I welcomed the Physicist for the first time, I didn’t expect an arrogant semi-celebrity who was none too pleased about his assignment. Same goes for the Geologist – an energetic (even when under meds) individual who wondered if we had Rapidium-fueled buggies or jet packs. Suffice it to say that Alex Jordan, who voices all versions of Jan, continues to do some heavy lifting, instilling some fantastic personality into each Alter.

But it’s more than that, as the writing ensures you actually care – or loathe – them depending on the situation. I kind of felt bad seeing the Geologist get frustrated when I said his calling was mining, even though those were the benefits he provided. On the other hand, seeing the Physicist grow more frustrated because I didn’t “get” his vision was occasionally a treat. I didn’t want him to blow up and cause potential issues, but then again, maybe I did to see what would happen. Self-discovery and all that jazz.

The spectrum of specializations may be more focused than the base game, but they still feel like distinct individuals rather than just worker drones. That is, whenever you get the chance to talk and hang out with them. Because when you’re back out on the planet and wandering around, they’re busy with their assignments. They’ll even ask to swap to another pending task – like, say, from the Workshop to the Research Lab – with a single key press. Building the right facilities to enhance their mood is key as much as throwing a feast or playing games (and ensuring the radiation shielding holds up).

"As gimmicky as this may seem, it’s interesting to see how these different Jans can age, evolving their characters and bringing forth new kinds of conversations and conflicts."

But when it comes right down to it, The Alters is a game about gathering and resource management, and Last Variable isn’t too different. Every time you venture onto the surface, there’s a limited window to gather materials and explore. Some exploration routes are blocked off unless you have a specific tool, but they can offer useful shortcuts. You’ve been here before, right down to the Anomalies that require the Illuminator to disrupt (including the annoying Time Dilation).

And there’s really nothing wrong with this adventure loop, seamlessly intertwined as it is with researching new technologies for mining faster or converting ALX to other materials – besides the essential theory needed to advance the plot. Trial and error may govern several “expeditions,” whether it’s not having enough suit batteries on hand for the grappling gun or filling up the storage way too quickly. In that respect, the base-building aspect is more awkward than the original since you start with a pre-made structure. Which makes things easier and helps with the pacing, for sure, but then comes the unenviable task of shifting things around to make room for more storage and other modules.

Otherwise, the other big feature of Last Variable is the ability to enter cryo sleep, and essentially preserve your lifespan across solar cycles. Your Alters don’t get the same benefits, though, remaining awake to continue their tasks. From a storytelling standpoint, it’s interesting because they could end up changing their demeanor and entire outlook on the mission. It’s a bit of randomness, since you never know if a reliable Alter will suddenly decide to abandon the mission in favor of slacking off.

As gimmicky as this may seem, it’s interesting to see how these different Jans can age, evolving their characters and bringing forth new kinds of conversations and conflicts. And the impact on the core gameplay loop is enough to at least see the adventure through to the very end.

"The Alters: Last Variable is a sizable campaign experience and one that’s more than recommended for fans of the base game, though it depends on which parts were their favorites."

From a presentation standpoint, aside from the lush greenery of the Oasis, there isn’t too much that Last Variable does differently. Each Alter’s design is distinct and animates well, including their facial expressions, though there are occasional bugs. In one conversation, Jan Physicist was facing the wrong way and continued about how the brain absorbs information and how close we are to science, even if we don’t know it (helpfully illustrated by what I assume was a diagram).

It was actually pretty riveting – I just wish that he was facing the correct way. Performance-wise, the expansion is about as you’d expect, though particle-heavy situations while the Illuminator is out would cause some frame drops. Otherwise, exploring and interacting with the Alters was as smooth as could be.

The Alters: Last Variable is a sizable campaign experience and one that’s more than recommended for fans of the base game, though it depends on which parts were their favorites. While the survival elements and resource gathering didn’t really diverge much, seeing how the many different kinds of Jan Scientists with varying degrees of narcissism and excitement interact and try to get along makes it well worth the price of admission.

This game was reviewed on PC.

As his past self notes, various tools, clues and even the means to create Alters have been left behind. That means a Jan Physicist, a Jan Geologist and so on. Much like the base game, however, you’ll need to manage them in various ways, especially when they indulge in different experiments.

The Biologist, for instance, may ruin the Kitchen for the sake of…some creation. Another may see his work blown up, having barely survived, but emerging with a potential breakthrough. One Jan narrowly survives what appears to be a singularity, while another suddenly re-atomizes in front of the player.

Of course, with the mission unfolding across multiple years thanks to the beauty of cryosleep, your Alters could change entirely. They may even just abandon the mission.

How you’ll manage all that and solve the mystery of the Oasis – which seems to be a source of Rapidium, the resource used to create Alters – is unknown, but it’s exciting all the same. The Alters: Last Variable arrives on July 13th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, and promises a 20-hour standalone experience. Stay tuned for more details until then.

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

The tale of Edward Kenway, seemingly lost to time (or at least 2013), is reborn at long last. Launching on July 9th, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a remake of the original, maintaining the same story and characters while expanding on everything else. Overhauled visuals, a denser world map, faster combat, expanded naval battles, a deeper end-game – the list goes on and on. Sure, some parts like the modern-day Abstergo segments and equipping the Hidden Blade in combat are absent (alongside the DLC and multiplayer). But it’s otherwise a faithful retelling of our favorite assassin/pirate’s legend with so much more to offer.

EA Sports College Football 27

College Football’s resurgence and success means a new yearly sports franchise for EA, for better or worse. But at least College Football 27 is trying a few new things when it launches on July 9th, starting with a PC debut for the series. Long-time fans can expect Dynasty improvements, new customization options in Road to Glory, and more. Perhaps the most intriguing new addition is Mascot Mashup, where teams of mascots can clash in games.

Echoes of Aincrad

Somehow, Sword Art Online returned, but instead of playing as well-known characters like Kirito or Asuna, you’ll experience the first season’s death game as an original character. Customize their appearance, learn unique skills, venture through dungeons, and try not to die. But for those who want that authentic experience, there’s Death Game Mode, where your save is deleted upon death. Echoes of Aincrad looks the part visually, so we’ll give it a shot, but a revamp of the tutorial certainly wouldn’t hurt before its July 10th launch.

Palworld 1.0

Pocketpair’s creature-collecting, open-world, survival crafting title exploded when early access debuted in 2024, and it’s come a long way since. While storming the World Tree is the end-game, 1.0 is going all out in terms of new gameplay features. A Wing Pack for flying around on your lonesome; a Pal that transforms into a two-handed sword with a unique move-set; and those mysterious floating islands that developers seem to be fans of. Touted as the biggest update for Palworld yet, we can’t wait to see how 1.0 changes the game when it goes live on July 10th.

The Alters: Last Variable

Remember when you left Jan Scientist behind at the end of The Alters? If the answer is, “I didn’t play The Alters,” well…don’t worry about it. All you need to know is that cloning yourself is back on the menu, as you explore new regions, expand a new base underground and learn the truth about something called the Oasis. With cryo-sleep enabling longer-term consequences, Last Variable could feed into the survival drama that helped the base game thrive when it launches on July 13th.

Moss: The Forgotten Relic

PlayStation VR titles have been less common over the years, but thankfully, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2 players will have a chance to experience Polyarc’s Moss series without the need for a headset. Alongside both games and DLC, it promises a new Smart Follow camera and the option to skip combat. There are also new cutscenes to go with the improved performance. So if you’ve never experienced the journey of Quill, a mouse who ventures through the ruins of a kingdom, there’s no better day than July 16th when Moss: The Forgotten Relic launches.

Gothic Classic (PlayStation and Xbox)

With how well-received Gothic 1 Remake has been, PlayStation and Xbox players will finally get the chance to experience the 2001 original on July 28th. And it’s about as untainted as you’d expect, preserving the unforgiving challenge and janky gameplay that made the original such a treat.

Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game

A good Avatar video game is about as rare as an enjoyable live-action adaptation, but Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game could fill those shoes. It’s 1v1, featuring hand-drawn animation and packs 12 playable characters, from Aang and Korra to Azula and Kyoshi. Along with Training and Spectator modes, you have the requisite Versus with rollback netcode and cross-play support. Best of all, single-player fans have Story Mode, which offers an original tale, and Arcade Mode. Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game lands on July 23rd for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC.

Splatoon Raiders

Instead of competitive modes like its predecessors, Splatoon Raiders leans fully into single-player but with a fresh gameplay loop. As the Mechanic, you’ll explore the Spirhalite Islands with Deep Cut, unearthing relics and fighting the Salmonids. By mining Spirhalite Shards, you can develop Gadgets for additional combat options. With optional local and online co-op, it looks intriguing, if nothing else, and arrives on July 23rd for Nintendo Switch 2.

Halo: Campaign Evolved

The campaign that started it all, but evolved. Halo Studios may not have the most sterling reputation, but we have to admit that its remake of Halo 1 has looked good in recent showings, whether it’s the visuals or revamping levels to facilitate four-player co-op. The prospect of over 40 Skulls, including one that adds a third-person perspective, and a Campaign Remix option means heaps of replay value. Just try not to focus too much on the lack of Theater Mode or post-launch content plans when Halo: Campaign Evolved arrives on July 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Mistfall Hunter

We’ve already seen a Souls-like battle royale-style game in Nightreign, so why not an extraction title in the same vein? Announced in October 2024, Mistfall Hunter will finally launch this month on Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC, offering six playable Gyldhunters who venture into the titular mist to take on various monstrosities. And while there’s a very “end of the world” style scenario, it’s still all about finding loot, either solo or in teams of three, and surviving against enemies and other players long enough to extract it. Enjoyable or tedious? We’ll find out on July 29th.

The Relic: First Guardian

Of course, if we’re talking about Souls-likes that have been a long time coming, The Relic: First Guardian is out on July 31st for PS5 and PC after first being announced five years ago. Suffice to say that the setting and prospect of venturing into the ruined world of Arsiltus to help save it is enticing. The fact that you don’t lose stamina from attacking also means a more aggressive playstyle, and while we’ll need to wait and see how the bosses pan out, The Relic could make for a nice diversion.

The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu

If you’re not in the Souls-like mood and just want a more co-op-focused experience with plenty of the same oppression, The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu may be worth playing. The premise is simple – you and up to three other players venture into a jungle in the hopes of finding the Mound. However, there’s the Madness system, similar to the Sanity system from Eternal Darkness, which can mess with your senses in a variety of ways, from making allies appear hostile to creating truly horrific sights. In other words, a fun ol’ time with friends when it launches on July 15th.

Backyard Baseball

The original Backyard Baseball is a classic in many ways, but for those who wanted a more contemporary version, there’s good news. Mega Cat Studios is reimagining it for consoles and PC with completely revamped visuals. The Backyard roster returns in full force with 30 choices, and you can duke it out across 11 stadiums and six modes. With a range of options for both casual and competitive players, it promises to capture the magic of the original – with some modern quality of life – when it launches on July 9th.

Dinoblade

So there’s one more game to look forward to in July, and yes, it’s another Souls-like. The twist? Dinosaurs. In a post-cataclysm, you take up a Great Sword as a Spinosaurus and embark on a journey for…something, taking on all kinds of hostile dinos. These include Alphas who may have their own weapons and skills. As ridiculous as it sounds, there’s no denying how cool it looks. Dinoblade launches on July 23rd for PC.

The story follows the Scientist Alter of Jan, who decides to investigate the Oasis, a strange new phenomenon on the first game’s planet. Unlike the base game, you’re not seeding an Engineer, Refiner or Botanist, but a Geologist, Biologist, Physicist and more. And while the original Scientist can enter Cryosleep, the others will continue working, as time changes their outlook and attitudes.

“DLC” is a bit of a misnomer, though. “Expansion” feels more fitting since there’s 20 hours of new content. You’ll still research new tech and explore the planet, terraforming different biomes and unearthing new resources. Be careful, though – you may also trigger environmental disasters like earthquakes. New structures and soil types await, as you eventually try to figure out what the Oasis really is.

The Alters is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, and those who own the Deluxe Edition will receive Last Variable when it releases. For more details on the base game and why it’s worth playing, head here.

On March 24th, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth will finally be added to the service for Ultimate, Premium and PC subscribers. Guard Crush Games’ Absolum follows on March 25th, which also marks the acclaimed rogue-lite beat ’em up’s debut on Xbox Series X/S.

Nova Roma, a city-building title from Lion Shield, will premiere in Game Preview for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers, coinciding with its early access release. Survival crafting fans can look forward to The Long Dark becoming available on March 30th for Premium, PC, and Ultimate. Finally, Resident Evil 7: biohazard will be playable on March 31st, joining the Resident Evil Village.

But wait, there’s more. Barbie Horse Trails kicks off next month alongside Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the latter finally available to Premium subscribers. If that wasn’t enough, Square Enix’s march to include every single mainline Final Fantasy title on Game Pass seemingly continues with Final Fantasy 4 on April 7th.

Surprisingly, only two games will be leaving the service on March 31st. Check them out below:

• Peppa Pig World Adventures (Cloud, Console, PC)
• Mad Streets (Cloud, Console, PC)

We’ve played them all, and picked our favorites to give you a few choices for the holidays and beyond as we wait for a new batch of great games from 2026. As it stands, our nominees for the best PC games of 2025 are:

1. INAZUMA ELEVEN: Victory Road

Intense football RPG action with a layer of anime polish can be quite appealing to either an anime or a football fan, but this one is more than that. It offers an almost endless amount of playable content thanks to a massive roster of characters, and a lot of replay value thanks to its single and multiplayer modes. There’s a lot to enjoy here, and a very rewarding journey along the way.

2. Dispatch

Joining Robert Robinson III on this charming and often hilarious take on superheroes is sure to have you very invested in its story and mechanics right off the bat. Dispatch hits all the right notes and brings a charming cast to the stage, while a riveting narrative weaves their lives together with the SDN acting as a binding thread. It captures your attention and manages to hold it long enough for this one to become endearing.

3. Hades 2

We always knew the long wait for this one was going to be worth it. Hades 2 is an absolute blast with its roguelike action-RPG gameplay loop, blending very well with its story and unique art style. Its potent combination of style, substance, and satire is sublime, while the combat does come with enough challenge to keep you on your toes. Look no further than this one for hours of quality fun.

4. The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

If you haven’t gotten around to this one after playing the first game, or perhaps coming to the franchise after the live-action shows, this one is definitely going to have you invested. The remaster does a brilliant job of improving on the strengths of the original release, making it the best possible way to experience the adventure that awaits. For those of you already familiar with how it all ends, another playthrough is always on the cards anyway.

5. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

Every hour you sink into this action-packed JRPG is going to be worth it, with its story, characters, combat, and general allure drawing you in and leaving you with so much to do in its world. It’s also very replayable, which is a great way to keep the story going and your characters’ stories playing out on increasingly harder difficulties. This one does its genre justice and is a world that calls to you at every turn.

6. Absolum

With a combat system worthy of a chef’s kiss, accompanied by a roguelike gameplay loop that’s very addictive indeed, Talamh is a place you might find pretty hard to leave. The battle against the Crimson Order and Azra is the perfect excuse for some good old beat ‘em up action, and this one is excellent on that front. Between all the character archetypes on offer, it’s probably going to keep you busy for a while.

7. Clair Obscur Expedition

This one’s already winning quite a few awards and nominations, and with good reason. The Continent and Expedition’s beloved cast of characters are reason enough to fall in love with The Paintress’s world. But all of the adversity and loss they have overcome have you invested in the entire journey. It’s almost as if you’re a part of the expedition too, and the one who decides its fate. It’s an experience that comes along every once in a while to show you what a great game can do.

8. Hollow Knight: Silksong

This one’s release was among the year’s most pleasant surprises, and taking over a new adventure as Hornet was an absolute treat. The combat was familiar yet fresh, while the explorable world’s size and scope were overwhelming at first, and simply delightful as we kept losing ourselves in its confines. Add a very enticing art style and excellent level designs, and you’ve got yourself a winner.

9. Blue Prince

This is among the more unique ones on this list. Helping Simon secure his inheritance of the Mt. Holly Estate might not be the most action-packed game on this list, but it certainly stretches your mental faculties in your quest to locate the mansion’s hidden room. No two days are alike, and you’re soon going to be thinking about this one even when you’re not in your gaming chair.

10. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Oh, what an RPG this one turned out to be. With a massive map full of quirky folks, mysteries, intrigue, and some good old adventures to be had along the road, it was a sequel that stayed true to its roots while building out the franchise in a number of meaningful ways. The story is top-shelf, while an abundance of things to do is going to keep you quite busy as you play it all.

11. ARC Raiders

This extraction shooter has been among the few games we’ve visited almost daily, not because we had to, but because we wanted to. It’s been the perfect choice for a quick session where we kick back, and set out to meet other players in a world where the community has now made identifying friends from foes a part of the fun. Its design lends itself to the chaos that such decisions can cause, and you’re going to have a lot of unpredictably fun moments with this one.

12. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

With a perfect blend of the samurai and shinobi’s ways, and a massive recreation of feudal Japan to let those two archetypes loose in, Shadows is a great addition to the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Naoe and Yasuke are great characters, their skillsets lending themselves to some very interesting ways to achieve your goals. A stunning world and protagonists whose blades could strike from the shadows or the light is certainly an adventure worth having.

13. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth

Cloud Strife’s fight against the Shinra is the perfect backdrop for an explosive story, combined with some incredible gameplay mechanics that make this one’s long-awaited PC version worth playing even if you’re not a fan of Final Fantasy. We’d recommend hooking up a DualSense to your PC for this one to get the most out of its haptic integration, while enjoying all of the visual bells and whistles that it has to offer. It’s the best of both worlds, really.

14. Monster Hunter Wilds

Beautiful biomes, a wide variety of impeccably designed monsters to hunt, and a plethora of quests to keep you travelling across the Forbidden Lands make this one a fine choice for those of you looking for a meaty RPG. Excellent build variety and deep combat mechanics, along with a charming world full of things to pique your curiosity, are more reasons to jump in and enjoy yourself thoroughly.

15. Lumines Arise

Simple mechanics can often lead to complex gameplay loops, and Lumines Ares is a great example of that. No two rounds of this puzzle game are the same, and it takes the concept of Tetris to a whole new level with a very unique visual design and audio design that weaves itself into the game’s DNA quite creatively. This one’s impressive and addictive, which is quite a potent combo.

16. Battlefield 6

Among the year’s best looking shooters, Battlefield 6 might have drawn a bit of flak for its campaign, but that does not take away from the fact that its shooting mechanics are very much on point. If you’re looking for a multiplayer shooter that shows off what your PC can do while also being a great option for those extended gaming sessions, this one has everything you need and more.

17. The Alters

If a game that has you creating alternate versions of yourself to progress further in its story sounds cool to you, you’re in luck. Jan Dolski’s story might seem quirky on the surface, but there’s a surprising amount of depth on offer here, and your choices carry a lot of weight in the bargain. This one’s among the most creative titles we’ve played this year, and is going to remain among the most unique ones we’ve encountered over the years.

18. The First Berserker: Khazan

Khazan’s revenge-fuelled rampage is a stylish, well-designed game that puts its combat front and center and challenges you to play it on its terms before it gives you the satisfaction you crave from a title of its calibre. With an interesting story and characters backing up the action, along with a distinct visual style to sell it all, this one is going to have you white knuckled as you take on its many threats.

19. Bionic Bay

Atmospheric, immersive, and mentally challenging, Bionic Bay makes excellent use of a solid premise to give you an experience that’s going to have you wanting more. It’s a test of your patience just as much as it’s a test of your ability to get creative with solutions to the problem in front of you. It’s exhilarating when you get it right, while the way it all comes together is a reward on its own with this one.

20. Jurassic World Evolution 3

With Jeff Goldblum coming back to the fold as Dr. Ian Malcolm, and a very encouraging approach to setting you up for success as you manage your dinosaurs and facilities, this one gets you locked in pretty quickly. We still go back to our parks for some routine maintenance from time to time, watching the dinosaurs we’ve helped bring to life thrive. It’s quite relaxing and a lot of fun until Extinction Now rears its ugly head.

And there you have it. These are the PC games from 2025 we think deserve your attention. But there has to be a winner, right? We’ve an inkling you already know what’s coming.

The winner of the best PC game in 2025 is

Clair Obscur: Expedition

Clair Obscur: Expedition , a game that has surpassed expectations and goes above and beyond to enthrall its players.

Its visual style lends it realism while leaving room for artistic flourishes. Its cast of characters sells its material so well that you find yourself even rooting for its antagonist. You’re going to be humming its soundtrack and maybe even listening to it in the gym. Its story is going to take you to places you might not be ready to visit. Its combat might fool you into thinking it’s an easy experience with no challenge involved. In short, it’s everything a great game should be, and is one that’s going to remain close to our hearts in the years to come.

And that’s a wrap on the best PC games of 2025! We’re looking forward to doing it all over again next year, and to keep bringing more of gaming’s best to your screens.

Many of these titles could have been a lot more expensive considering the unique experiences they brought to the table. However, in a world where there are quite a few substandard titles at much higher price points, these titles stand out as shining beacons for gamers looking to enjoy solid games at reasonable prices.

With that in mind, here are a few amazing games that are currently priced at under 50 USD at the time of writing this article.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition

Clair Obscur earns its place on this list with its poignant, riveting , beautiful visuals, entertaining gameplay, and a soundtrack filled with tracks that you will hum long after you’ve powered down your gaming system. It’s the complete package and a love letter to RPG fans from Sandfall Interactive.

2. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

It’s been a couple of weeks since Wuchang: Fallen Feathers hit the shelves, and it has more than earned its reputation as a solid Soulslike title that doesn’t break the bank while offering a lot to do in its gorgeous world.

Bai Wuchang’s single-minded determination to save her sister quickly evolves into a deadly Feathering disease that acts as a catalyst for some truly magnificent boss fights that will keep you on your toes for hours on end.

Pick this one up if you want a deadly world full of challenges to take on and secrets to tease out.

3. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced Edition

Ninja Theory’s cinematic work of art continues the story of Senua from its 2017 predecessor. It does so with aplomb, blending absolutely stunning visuals with a gritty, dark take on psychosis and unhealed trauma that is not only mature, but also quite poignant.

With incredibly designed levels, excellent voice acting from a talented cast, and a story that can haunt you long after you roll the credits on it, Senua’s PS5 debut is a title worthy of your time despite a rather bland approach to its puzzles and combat.

This is a game you must experience at least once.

4. Shadow Labyrinth

Pac-Man’s latest outing is Bandai Namco at its finest. Joined by the mysterious Swordsman #8, Pac-Man (or Puck) attempts to escape his prison in a mysterious world while uncovering the truth about events that put him there in the first place.

With a very unique art style, challenging exploration and combat, an interesting story full of references to other Bandai Namco franchises, and even its own backdoor pilot on Amazon Prime’s Secret Level, this is a game that’s entertaining and fun to play.

Just know that there’s a learning curve to its mechanics and combat, and you’re good to go.

5. Robocop Rogue City Unfinished Business

In the mood to just let loose and shoot some bad guys in the face? Robocop Rogue City: Unfinished Business packs everything that was good about the 2023 title into a condensed, fast-paced package that explores Alex’s origin story while pitting him against a villain who has quite the chip on his shoulder in the present.

Controlling Robocop is a lot of fun and is an excellent power trip for fans of the character’s deadpan line delivery and his views on serving up justice to those who need it. It helps that the story races along from start to finish, giving Robocop reasons and new ways to take down any who stands between him and his quarry.

Time to put the Auto 9 to good use!

6. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Team Ninja grabs another spot on this list with its remake of the 2008 classic. Ryu Hayabusa is a force to be reckoned with in the field of battle, not hesitating to dismember his enemies in order to negate the threat they present. The game’s story is nothing to scoff at either, and can be quite entertaining depending on your taste.

With its upgraded visuals and a very solid gameplay loop, this remake is definitely worth checking out and is a steal at under $50 USD.

7. The Alters

This survival game from 11 Bit Studios has been making waves since it released in June 2025 on account of a very unique premise and a gameplay loop that can quickly have you hooked. Jan Dolski’s reality-bending adventure, in which he creates alternate versions of himself in order to achieve his goals, is a lot of fun and also has a lot of replay value with multiple endings to the adventure.

The Alters stands out from the crowd and could have you sinking many hours into it once you get invested in its bizarre premise and novel mechanics.

8. Blue Prince

Blending strategy, puzzle-solving, and roguelike elements, Dogubomb and Raw Fury’s effort to create an experience like no other has largely paid off. Simon’s efforts to secure his inherited mansion by finding a hidden room within are a marvellous tale filled with compelling mysteries that are both challenging and rewarding in equal measures.

With only two rooms in the mansion remaining constant from day to day, navigating this maze is sure to win you over as you try to find ways to tease out the secrets it is trying to hide.

If you’re looking for a game that has you grinning to yourself even as you scratch your head in confusion, look no further than Blue Prince.

9. Mafia: The Old Country

Hangar 13’s return to the Mafia’s roots is sure to entertain and delight you with beautiful visuals and a gameplay loop that takes the best of the franchise’s past titles and adds in a story that sees its Sicilian protagonist join hands with the titular organization at a time when it was only beginning to spread its wings.

Authentic recreations of early Sicily and a story that is bound to feature the franchise’s traditional twists and turns could make this a game that can soon become one that you find quite hard to put down.

10. Split Fiction

Mio and Zoe’s efforts to save their hard work from the hands of a greedy corporation takes them on an adventure in which their respective imaginations place them in worlds that draw from the best of pop culture while being a very entertaining game all on its own.

The two writers’ budding friendship permeates the gameplay loop on offer, and Split Fiction is best enjoyed playing split-screen co-op with a friend. It’s the perfect game for buddies who just want to chill out on the couch and take on a game that doesn’t demand too much from them while managing to entertain them too.

11. Ready or Not

Like Split Fiction, Ready or Not is best enjoyed with friends. Unlike Split Fiction, it is not meant to be a relaxing game. Judge’s crusade against crime takes him and his team to places in which the stakes are high, and even a single mistake could mean that lives are lost.

Ready or Not is a demanding game that requires you to be on your toes and ready to improvise based on what’s waiting for you around the next corner. However, for those of you who are up to the challenge, this is a game that could be the centerpiece of many co-op sessions in which you and your team can truly work together to dominate.

12. Elden Ring Nightreign

Another one that should be enjoyed with your friends, although it’s quite easy to just dive into a run with total strangers, Elden Ring Nightreign marks FromSoftware’s successful debut in the roguelike genre. You control one of eight Nightfarers with unique abilities, tearing across the land of Limveld in search of the Nightlords.

With unique stories for each Nightfarer, and a host of incredible bosses from Elden Ring and the Dark Souls franchise, Nightreign is a perfect title to dive into after a long day for a fun time collecting gear, upgrades, and of course, taking down imposing threats with your team in tow.

13. The Midnight Walk

This fascinating take on finding the light even in the most crushing darkness is a simple, fun, and very entertaining adventure. It’s a story told over five chapters, each of which examines how light and darkness could essentially be two sides of the same coin, neither being able to exist without the other.

The Burnt One and Potboy’s combined adventure is a tale that you won’t want to miss, while the unique art style and excellent level designs keep you coming back for more.

14. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Returning to Cyrodiil after all this time is going to be a huge draw for Elder Scrolls fans. Even if you haven’t been in touch with one of modern gaming’s most iconic franchises, Oblivion Remastered is a perfect opportunity to see what the fuss is about.

It’s a game in which you could truly get lost in, putting off the main campaign for as long as you like as you soak in the sights with its new Unreal Engine 5 makeover, while all of the side content and DLC of the original is now right there at your fingertips. Taking on The Mythic Dawn is a sure-fire way to keep you entertained for hours on end.

15. Days Gone Remastered

Deacon John’s melancholic tale of survival in a world gone horribly wrong continues to be a solid experience made even better by a remaster that brought some current-gen goodness to the table, making this the definitive way to take on hordes of terrifying zombies and living to tell the tale.

Just hopping on your motorcycle and cruising along in the game’s vast open world until something catches your attention is a viable way to enjoy this game, and is perhaps the best way to experience all it has to offer. Just be ready for its story to pull at your heartstrings along the way.

And that’s a wrap on our list of titles that are easy on your wallet but fairly challenging to get through fully. There’s a lot of value on offer in each of them, and if you’re looking for a new game to sink your teeth into, any one of these beauties will do!

It also addresses various translation errors and replaces the controversial AI-generated text in the Command Center. The Social Room films should also no longer have machine-translated subtitles. Collision issues, SFX issues, the HUD not scaling properly, and much more have also been addressed.

Check out some of the patch notes below and full details here, but beware of spoilers. The Alters is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC alongside Game Pass. Check out our review here – we gave it an eight out of ten, praising the visual design, setting and approach to social survival while criticizing some of the more mundane gameplay aspects.

Story / Quests:

• Multiple fixes to rebellion logic. These fixes apply to new playthroughs and when player reloads a save from last journey
• Main quest on ACT2 breaking due to Research Lab removal
• Alters failing to gather during Final Day
• Personal Cabins not preventing Dormitory Rebellion
• Alters not claiming new Personal Cabins after old ones being removed
• ALX left on ACT2 being visible in ACT3
• Multiple adjustments to Alters side stories
• ALX research being available before researching Luminator
• New Perspective lesson being required for certain dialogue with Lena

Localization and VOs:

• Multiple missing and wrong translations
• Occasional missing voiceovers
• Replaced LLM generated text on Command Center asset
• Replaced machine translated subtitles in Social Room movies