PC Gamer's Top Games of 2025: A Year of Gaming Excellence

Each year, the team at PC Gamer gathers to honor the most outstanding personal computer games. The selection process involves staff nominations and lively debates to determine the titles that truly left their mark over the past twelve months. Categories are fluid, tailored to the unique strengths of the winning games, making each year's awards a fresh reflection of the industry's evolving creativity. The year 2025 proved to be an exceptional one, filled with memorable releases that sparked conversations and redefined expectations.

Among the standout titles, "Old Skies" captivated as the Best Adventure Game, lauded for its masterful time-travel narrative, endearing characters, and engaging yet accessible puzzles. "Skin Deep" earned the Best Immersive Sim award, offering a humorous take on the genre with its unique engine, fluid movement, and inventive gameplay mechanics. For horror enthusiasts, "Labyrinth of the Demon King" delivered a singularly unsettling experience, drawing praise for its oppressive atmosphere, striking music, and deliberate combat. "Promise Mascot Agency" was celebrated as the Best Cozy Game, blending small-town drama with absurdist humor and a compelling narrative about redemption. "Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor" stood out as the Best Roguelike, building upon its genre predecessors with tighter mechanics and tactical depth. "Baby Steps" took home the Best Comedy award for its ingenious troll-like humor and insightful commentary on human perseverance. "Battlefield 6" was recognized as the Best FPS, praised for its thoughtful reinvention of multiplayer tropes and satisfying gunplay. "Dispatch" won for Best Characters, creating a truly engaging ensemble with naturalistic dialogue and dynamic interpersonal conflicts. "Hollow Knight: Silksong" was named Best Action game for its challenging yet rewarding gameplay and rich atmosphere. "Abiotic Factor" secured the Best Co-op award, offering a madcap survival experience filled with humor and emergent gameplay. "Arc Raiders" excelled as the Best Multiplayer game, skillfully blending PvPvE elements into a uniquely collaborative environment. "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" received accolades for Best Story, delivering a compelling narrative with impressive characterization and world-building. Finally, "Blue Prince" was honored for Best Design, showcasing an innovative roguelite structure that consistently surprised and engaged players. This diverse array of winners underscores a year of remarkable achievement and innovation in the world of PC gaming.

These awards not only celebrate individual achievements in game development but also highlight the passion and dedication of the creative minds behind them. Each game, in its own way, offers a window into imaginative worlds and experiences, reminding us of the profound impact interactive entertainment can have. The ongoing pursuit of innovation and engaging storytelling continues to elevate the medium, fostering a vibrant community of players and creators who are always eager to explore what's next. These titles serve as a testament to the power of games to inspire, entertain, and challenge us, forging connections and memorable moments that resonate long after the credits roll.