Best Long PC Games: Hours of Fun, RPGs, Strategy & More!

Diving Deep: 20 PC Games That Will Devour Your Hours

In a world dominated by quick-fix entertainment and fleeting digital distractions, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of bite-sized gaming experiences. While there’s certainly a place for rapid-fire rounds of Valorant or Rocket League, sometimes the soul yearns for something more substantial – a game that can truly grip you, challenge you, and reward your investment of time and energy. This list isn’t about casual amusement; it’s a curated selection of 20 exceptional PC games designed to provide countless hours of immersive gameplay, intricate systems to master, and compelling worlds to explore. And the best part? Many can be streamed via GeForce Now or Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming, meaning you don’t even need the latest graphics card to get started.

Real-Time Strategy Masters

• Age of Empires IV: The king of real-time strategy lives on. While Age of Empires II remains a beloved classic, Age of Empires IV successfully recaptures the essence of the original, offering a compelling blend of historical strategy and tactical combat. With four unique campaigns, each with branching storylines and empire-specific landmarks that fundamentally alter your civilization’s path, and eight distinct empires to command in skirmish battles or multiplayer showdowns, Age of Empires IV delivers a wealth of content. Each civilization boasts its own unique units, technologies, and playstyles, ensuring that every game feels fresh and engaging. And with multiple paths to victory, from religious dominance to economic supremacy to constructing a magnificent Wonder, there’s always a new strategy to explore. While it might not yet possess the same level of depth as Age of Empires II (a game honed over two decades), Age of Empires IV provides a strong foundation for future updates and a compelling RTS experience. Plus, it’s available with an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

Open-World Racing Paradise

• Forza Horizon 5: Buckle up and prepare for an adrenaline-fueled journey through the vibrant landscapes of Mexico in Forza Horizon 5. This open-world racer perfects the series’ signature blend of arcade-style handling, breathtaking visuals, and boundless freedom. The sheer joy of hurtling down winding roads, discovering hidden barns brimming with classic vehicles, and participating in a diverse range of races and challenges is simply unmatched. With over 500 cars to collect and customize, and the ability to create your own racing events or participate in challenges designed by other players, Forza Horizon 5 provides endless opportunities for automotive mayhem.

Reimagining a Classic JRPG

• Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade: Taking on a beloved classic like Final Fantasy VII is no easy task, but Remake Intergrade rises to the challenge, delivering a masterful reimagining of the iconic JRPG. This isn’t just a simple remaster; it’s a complete retelling of Cloud, Aerith, and Sephiroth’s story, expanding on the original’s narrative while introducing new characters, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. The combat system has been overhauled, replacing the traditional turn-based style with a dynamic, team-based action system that feels both fluid and strategic. While the PC port might have some shortcomings, the overall experience is a must-play for fans of the original.

Zombie Horde Mayhem

• Back 4 Blood: From the creators of Left 4 Dead, Back 4 Blood delivers a thrilling co-operative zombie-slaying experience with a surprisingly long campaign and exceptional replayability. Team up with friends and battle hordes of the undead, utilizing a new card system that adds layers of strategy and customization to the combat encounters. It’s a challenging game, but one that delivers a great sense of accomplishment.

Space Opera Epic

• Mass Effect: Legendary Edition: The Mass Effect trilogy is a cornerstone of the sci-fi RPG genre. The Legendary Edition combines all three games, plus all of the DLC and expansions, into a single, polished package. Embark on an unforgettable journey as Commander Shepard, battling the Reapers, forging alliances, and making choices that shape the fate of the galaxy. With over 100 hours of gameplay, graphical upgrades, and improved mechanics, the Legendary Edition is the definitive way to experience this epic saga.

Post-Apocalyptic Motorcycle Adventure

• Days Gone: This former PlayStation exclusive plunges you into a gritty post-apocalyptic world overrun by hordes of zombies. As Deacon St. John, a drifter and bounty hunter, you’ll navigate treacherous landscapes, scavenge for resources, and fight for survival. Days Gone features a slow-burn opening that some players find off-putting, but those who persevere will be rewarded with a compelling story, satisfying gameplay, and truly terrifying zombie hordes.

Viking Survival Sensation

• Valheim: Despite being in Early Access, Valheim has taken the gaming world by storm, captivating players with its unique blend of survival, crafting, and exploration. As a Viking warrior in a procedurally generated purgatory, you’ll team up with other players (or go it alone) to build bases, craft weapons and armor, and battle mythical creatures. Valheim offers a deep and rewarding experience with a social element that sets it apart from other survival games.

Realistic Flight Simulation

• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020: Soaring through the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is a truly breathtaking experience. This game’s incredible scale and scope, coupled with its use of real-time weather data, create a level of realism that is simply unparalleled. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks, navigating treacherous weather conditions, or simply enjoying the beauty of the world from above, Flight Simulator provides endless hours of captivating gameplay.

The Art of Stealth and Assassination

• Hitman 3: Hitman 3 isn’t a long game in the traditional sense, but its intricate level design and countless possibilities for creative kills make it incredibly replayable. Each level is a meticulously crafted sandbox, offering a myriad of ways to eliminate your targets. Experiment with different disguises, explore hidden areas, and discover delightfully offbeat ways to carry out your assassinations.

JRPG Demon Recruitment

• Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster: Dive into a dark and challenging JRPG with Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster. Recruit demons to your party and navigate a post-apocalyptic world in this demanding game. Known for its steep difficulty, this title will truly test your skills.

Crime Drama Saga

• Yakuza Series: Step into the shoes of Kazuma Kiryu and experience the gripping crime drama of the Yakuza series. With its unique blend of serious storytelling and over-the-top humor, Yakuza offers a compelling and unforgettable gaming experience.

Space Exploration Grandeur

• Elite: Dangerous: For sheer scale and scope, Elite: Dangerous is hard to beat. This massive space simulation drops you into a universe of over 400 billion star systems, each with its own planets, space stations, and potential for adventure. While it can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers, Elite: Dangerous offers a truly unparalleled sense of freedom and exploration.

Post-Apocalyptic Tactical RPG

• Wasteland 3: Lead your squad of Desert Rangers through a harsh and unforgiving post-apocalyptic wasteland in Wasteland 3. With its deep tactical combat, engaging story, and meaningful choices, Wasteland 3 is a worthy successor to the Fallout legacy.

Grand Strategy Political Intrigue

• Crusader Kings III: Navigate the complex world of medieval politics in Crusader Kings III. This grand strategy game offers incredible levels of complexity, flexibility, and political intrigue, allowing you to forge your own dynasty, wage wars, and manipulate your way to power.

Cyberpunk Immersion

• Cyberpunk 2077: Despite its rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience on PC. Night City feels alive, with its dense streets, towering skyscrapers, and countless secrets to discover. With its deep character customization, engaging story, and meaningful choices, Cyberpunk 2077 is a game that will keep you coming back for more.

Open-World Western Epic

• Red Dead Redemption 2: Immerse yourself in the sprawling landscapes and rich storytelling of Red Dead Redemption 2. This open-world western offers a level of detail and realism that is simply unmatched, allowing you to lose yourself in its world for countless hours.

Pokemon Homage

• Temtem: Temtem is a creature-collecting MMO that takes heavy inspiration from the Pokemon series. It’s close to Pokemon as you can get without being sued!

Detective RPG

• Disco Elysium: Step into the shoes of an amnesiac, drug-addicted detective in Disco Elysium, a transformative RPG that plunges you into a gritty and morally ambiguous world. With its unique dialogue system, branching storylines, and thought-provoking themes, Disco Elysium is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

Themed Park Simulator

• Planet Zoo: Channel your inner zookeeper and create the ultimate animal sanctuary in Planet Zoo. With its incredible construction set, detailed animal simulations, and endless customization options, Planet Zoo is a game that will appeal to both creative builders and animal lovers alike.

Isometric RPG Adventure

• Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous: Build a party and fight against the hordes of demons with challenging quests, battles and plenty of customization in the classic isometric RPG Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous.

MMORPG Legend

• Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn: Rebuilt from the ashes of a disastrous initial release, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has become one of the best MMORPGs of all time. Embark on an epic journey through a vast and vibrant world, teaming up with other players to battle monsters, complete quests, and explore its rich lore. The story is epic.

Cooperative RPG Excellence

• Divinity: Original Sin 2: With its deep tactical combat, engaging story, and unparalleled level of freedom, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a masterpiece of the RPG genre. Play alone or with friends, create your own characters, and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Space Exploration Sandbox

• No Man’s Sky: Explore a procedurally generated universe and forge your own path in No Man’s Sky. With its improved gameplay, base building mechanics, and multiplayer features, No Man’s Sky offers a vast and ever-evolving sandbox for exploration and adventure.

Witcher Finale

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: The final chapter in Geralt of Rivia’s trilogy, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt combines a gripping story, memorable characters, and a vast open world to create a truly unforgettable gaming experience.

Turn Based Tactical Combat

• XCOM 2: Defend earth with your party from alien invaders. In this tough yet fun strategic turn-based combat you will command a force of soldiers putting their lives on the line to conquer the threat.

These 20 games represent a diverse range of genres and playstyles, but they all share one thing in common: they offer countless hours of immersive gameplay and rewarding experiences. So, if you’re looking for a game to truly sink your teeth into, look no further. Your next great gaming adventure awaits.