10 great games of 2020 for your new gaming PC

Whether you’ve just purchased a new Windows-based gaming laptop or desktop, or just want some new game ideas, we have ten suggestions to make your gaming experience fun. Not all are new or the most graphically demanding, but they should provide you with hours of fun.

Unlike games on a console, there are several ways for PC players to get their fix, from Steam and the Epic Game Store to GOG and Xbox Game Pass. It is important to know that not all platforms offer the same games due to exclusive rights. But in most cases, you can (and should) shop – you can find a better price in one showcase than the other.

We’ve put together our favorite and most used games, apps and entertainment. Check out our app choices for iPhones, Android Phones, Windows PCsand Macs equipped with M1; our favorite mobile games from Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass; and our best choices for Gaming PCs, a PS5, Xbox One and Series X / S, Nintendo Switchand VR. We also list our favorite streaming programs on the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Plusand Netflix; some great science fiction books; and exciting new podcasts. (Note: the price was correct at the time of publication, but may change.)

Hades

Hades

Hades
Image: Supergiant

Hades is the latest game from Supergiant, developer of Bastion, Transistorand Pyre. Just out of early access this summer, Hades it offers tons of depth, the writing is excellent (and often funny) and the controls are responsive. It doesn’t seem at first that there is a lot of depth, but I’ve done 60 races and counting with no end in sight. If you want an idea of ​​how deep Hades‘The rabbit hole goes, check out my colleague Nick Statt’s article on how the game continues to unlock its secrets even after you have “won”.

Cyberpunk 2077

Jackie, his partner in Cyberpunk 2077, in front of a table dancer in a nightclub.

Cyberpunk 2077
Image: CD Projekt Red

Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red’s latest open-world RPG, was released just a few weeks ago. Although full of bugs in its early days, it looks like a worthwhile adventure if you’re looking to wander through a neon-lit cyberpunk universe filled with unusual missions and updates. It is also an impressive game, built to take advantage of the latest Nvidia graphics cards with lightning tracking effects.

Star Wars: Squads

Star Wars: Squads

Star Wars: Squadrons
Image: EA

EA built the definitive Star Wars– themed dogfight simulator in Star Wars: Squads. Whether you are playing on a traditional monitor or through an Oculus or SteamVR virtual reality headset, you are likely to have a lot of excitement in both the single player and multiplayer campaigns. However, one thing: it is not a simple game to play.

Amnesia: Rebirth

The last game of Amnesia series is the direct successor to Dark Descent, the first-person horror game that put the series on the map. Although the stories have some connection, Border reviewer Adi Robertson says that Rebirth “It adjusts the design and themes of the original game in attractive ways.” Its setting is more inspiring, occurring in a variety of locations that Dark Descent do not. Although it still retains its ability to make you question what awaits you in the dark.

Among us

Among us

Among us
Image: InnerSloth

Among us it is perhaps the most popular game of 2020, judged only by the buzz. It’s so popular that even politicians like AOC broadcast on Twitch, and the game’s premise makes it easy to see why. You join a group of other workers charged with maintaining a spaceship – except that one of you is an imposter. Your role as an impostor is to blend in and not let anyone find out who you are. The fun is in making everyone betray themselves in their efforts to find out who is playing the impostor. It’s a simple, but full of nuances Track-as a game that costs just $ 5. Call some friends, buy the game and have fun.

Persona 4: Golden

Persona 4: Golden

Persona 4: Golden
Image: Atlus

Why is a 2012 game on this list? Well, it’s because Persona 4: Golden, a JRPG masterpiece from Atlus, only arrived on the PC in 2020. It is nothing new in terms of content for those who have already played the game on PlayStation Vita, but it has improved graphics options for the PC. And really, it’s special to see some memorable characters on the big screen looking sharper than ever, with the worm beats supporting the experience.

Fifteen days

Fifteen days

Fifteen days
Image: epic

Fifteen days is Epic’s ever-evolving Battle Royale game that deserves a place on most players’ hard drives. It’s free to play, so that’s your main reason to at least try. Epic Games brings new content and cosmetic updates (including God of WarKratos, along with many other branded character skins) to the game frequently, so if you have friends who play, there will probably be something new to enjoy together each time they play.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator
Image: Microsoft

In a year when traveling was something most of us couldn’t do, the new Flight simulator I felt especially timely. It is a super detailed flight simulator where you simply fly planes. There are challenges to be completed, but in reality, it is about relaxing, enjoying the view and enjoying the globe from a panoramic view. It is also a very intensive game, so you can really test your new components (or consider upgrading if you really want to maximize your graphics settings).

This game is available for purchase through Microsoft or Steam and can be played with a Game Pass subscription for PC (which costs $ 1 in the first three months for new subscribers, $ 14.99 per month otherwise).

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Horizon: Zero Dawn
Image: League

If you are a PC player who wants to play the PS4 exclusive game Horizon: Zero Dawn open world game, you were lucky this year. The game hit digital stores with all the graphics options you can dream of. Although there were stability issues at launch, most of the twists seem to have been resolved, so now is a good time to enjoy Alloy’s debut adventure before Horizon: Forbidden West arrives on PS5 (and hopefully on PC) in 2021.

Valorant

Valorant

Valorant
Image: Riot Games

League of Legends developer Riot Games launched a competitive first-person shooter Valorant this year, and quickly became a staple of the sport. Although it is class-based, as Overwatch, with each character having their own unique abilities, is more dependent on contraction-based skills and tactical gameplay a la Counterattack. It’s a free game, to be downloaded only through Riot’s own launcher, and you can pay cash for costumes and weapon skins if you want to customize the look of your characters.

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