While playing video games is still considered nerdy, they do not have the same negative connotation as in the past. We explained it in our article on advantages and disadvantages of videos games. Thousands of video game players earn their livelihood by doing exactly that, in one way or another. Video games allow you to enter a new world, often of epic proportions, and forget about your life – for a while, at least. And with Steam, the leading video game distribution service with millions of concurrent users, there’s something for everyone. We compiled a list of only 10 of the best Steam games for you, but their order doesn’t mean one is better than the other. It is a case of, as they say, different strokes for different folks.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
First on our list is an epic, open-world RPG adventure following Geralt of Rivia, a swordsman, superhuman, highly skilled monster hunter, and an all-around badass. Immerse yourself in the gruesome fights with multiple opponents, hunt a wide variety of creatures, and improve your armor as you go. You’ll also be pleased to hear that there is a serious, well-developed backstory to the game, as the video game franchise is based on a book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, a renowned Polish author.
2. Rise of the Tomb Raider
Here we have just one of many games in the Tomb Raider franchise, but also one that has drawn a lot of praise, earning a Very Positive review on Steam. Released in February 2016, it follows Lara Croft on her journey to uncovering a mystery after mystery, all while being followed by a merciless organization. This single-player, third-person game with breathtaking graphics allows you to fight enemies, hunt and loot animals, craft weapons, brainstorm your way through traps and solve countless puzzles.
3. Grand Theft Auto V
Although it drew attention when it was released for free on the Epic Store for a limited time, Grand Theft Auto V, also known as GTA 5, has had a steady fan base for years. It was released by Rockstar Games in September 2013, but only came to Steam in April 2015. Play single-player, multiplayer via Grand Theft Auto Online, or choose to edit the game with mods until it’s unrecognizable – it’s your choice entirely! The game truly allows you to live out your craziest dreams of crime, bloodshed, and murder, but is also unsuitable for children, so keep that in mind.
4. Dota 2
On most days, the most-played game on Steam is Dota 2. We didn’t give it the first spot mostly because it pales in comparison to graphic possibilities, and the lack of storylines that others have. But, it shines in its category – co-op, one-battlefield with a wide variety of heroes clashing with unique items and abilities. Choose your hero and your role on the battlefield, build it up in your style with cosmetics and add-ons as you progress and score a victory by destroying the enemy base. The best part is – the system requirements are so low that people often use cheap, second-hand office computers from a decade ago to play the game.
5. Counter-Strike: Global Ofensive
Honestly, who hasn’t heard of Counter-Strike? The game is one of the earliest multiplayer first-person shooters, and this particular version was released in August 2012. And players have been satisfied with the game ever since, which speaks volumes about its worth. They aren’t asking for any new releases in the franchise, only steady, quality updates. Besides improved graphics and the ability to play on official and private servers, the system requirements are pretty low, allowing people with weaker configurations to join. Plus, there is a free-to-play Battle Royale mode, that is reminiscent of Fortnite or PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.
6. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
Have you ever wondered how it feels to be left alone, fighting for your life in a field or behind a wall, jumping at every shadow or sound? Well, you’ll experience plenty of that with this video game, a 100-player online battle royale shooter that drops all of you into a map of limited size. And, while you rush to gather weapons and supplies, the area is slowly reduced. This forces you to get closer to your enemies until there is only one survivor. And it better be you! Keep in mind – it’s not free to play the game, and requires a mid-range computer for a comfortable gaming experience.
7. Red Dead Redemption 2
We’ve already mentioned Rockstar Games with GTA 5, and they seem to be masters of the open world, a story-driven adventure that ties honor, difficult choices, the value of family and friends, but also crime, murder, fast-paced, chaotic combat, struggle to survive, and plenty of enemies to amuse or terrify you. Previously a console only video game, Red Dead Redemption 2 has gained a massive fan base when it was introduced to the PC players, and particularly by being available to download on Steam.
8. Rocket League
We would describe Rocket League as “just so much fun”. A 3D version of arcade-style, soccer-based multiplayer video game that instead of players employs a wide variety of vehicles. Yes, vehicles! It is literally a great racing game on a football pitch. And besides being able to customize your vehicle, there is also an offline Season Mode, and you aren’t even limited to soccer! Using the feature called Mutators, you can modify the rules and come up with your sport. Or, you can use Extra Modes to play hockey and basketball in a “mayhem of vehicles” as they describe it.
9. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
If you like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, chances are that you’ll like this game too. But this game is also multiple levels ahead, mixing modern weaponry such as drones, enemy tracking, and rappelling and allowing you to use the environment to set traps. You’ll have no problems getting addicted to this game when you team up to hold a stronghold time and time again – we guarantee! And, the requirements aren’t too high neither, allowing those less fortunate among your friends a chance to join the battle.
10. Warframe
Are aliens real? In the real world, no one is truly sure. But in Warframe, they indeed are and called Warframes or Tenno, a race of futuristic, powerful warriors. In this free-to-play multiplayer, action third-person shooter video game, you get to be your boss. Own a ship of your own, travel to different planets in the galaxy – wherever the aid or invasion is needed. And, you can fight a wide variety of creatures using a weapon of your choice by slicing, shooting, stabbing, or trying to avoid combat altogether by sneaking in. The play style is entirely up to you and aided by the possibility of parkour-like superhuman movements such as sliding, gliding, and leaping great distances.
11. Dark Souls: Remastered
When looking for a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat, it’s hard to go wrong with Dark Souls: Remastered. This action RPG puts you in the shoes of an undead warrior who must fight through a dark and dangerous world full of deadly creatures. Dark Souls will keep you hooked for hours with its challenging gameplay and unique atmosphere. The combat is challenging and requires skill, so don’t be surprised if you see the “You Died” screen often. However, you can also create a character that looks exactly how you want them to, with different weapons and armor. Plus, explore some beautifully designed locations. Just be warned: You’ll get much better results using a controller instead of a mouse and keyboard.
12. Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout takes the cake for the strangest game on this list, and its booming popularity proves my point. You play as one of 60 different colored creatures who must go head-to-head with other players in a series of mini-game challenges. The winner not only gets bragging rights, but also accesses exclusive cosmetic items. Fall Guys is an addictive game that’s easy to play and doesn’t require much effort to learn. It’s not gory; it’s not difficult; it does, however, have content updates periodically. The best part is playing with friends.
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is no longer available on the Steam store.