Cities Skylines
This is a city-building simulator and one of the originals for PC players, featuring real-time strategy elements. Paradox Interactive successfully attempted a city-builder in the style of classics like Sim City.
By now, there is no bigger game in this genre than Cities: Skylines. The game includes numerous DLCs that allow players to build even more and enjoy different seasons. If you enjoy the simple pleasure of constructing and maintaining a city without worrying about managing people, Cities: Skylines remains the best game in that category.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an excellent indie genre game, continuing the emotional plot of the classic original, Ori and the Blind Forest. This challenging platformer takes players on a journey through a stunning world, evoking emotions that might even make you shed a tear.
GTA 5
GTA 5 shaped PC gaming with its open-world design and engaging quests. The story alone makes it worth a play, with its exaggerated and trippy elements, but the main charm lies in getting distracted by side missions, stealing beautiful cars, and exploring what's around the next bend.
Everything in GTA 5, from its online multiplayer to its heists, thrives in its tight, open world - an exceptionally well-designed place that you simply want to get to know. Not many games have offered such an excellent open-world experience, especially not in a metropolitan setting.
Hollow Knight
In Hollow Knight, you start as a small bug knight and explore an atmospheric underground kingdom, taking on numerous fellow bugs and developing your skills to reach even the last nooks and crannies.
Hollow Knight is a charming blend of challenging and relaxing gameplay, with beautiful animations and enough mystery to keep you going, even when facing tough adversaries. Mastering their move sets and eventually overcoming even the hardest enemy is all part of the fun.
Dishonored 2
Dishonored 2 remains the most popular example when people talk about playing a game their way. As either professional assassin Corvo or Emily Attano, you navigate the city of Karnaca to uncover the identity of a mysterious killer.
Dishonored 2 excels in stealth and offers compelling reasons to approach situations peacefully. However, it ensures your choices are somewhat limited enough to keep the gameplay challenging and enjoyable, no matter which playstyle you prefer.
Famous for its level design, Dishonored gives you various approaches, and pulling off an especially challenging playthrough is its own satisfying delight.