It’s time to rewind and revisit the games we couldn’t stop playing on PC back in 2021. The early 2020s were a strange period for the gaming industry. The pandemic disrupted development schedules across the globe, resulting in fewer blockbuster AAA releases than usual. On the bright side, smaller studios stepped up in a big way, delivering some truly memorable experiences.
And considering the outrageous graphics card prices at the time, maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing after all.
Whatever the case, 2021 gave gamers plenty to enjoy. The year was packed with outstanding releases capable of stealing dozens — if not hundreds — of hours of your life. Today, AdmiGram.com takes a nostalgic look back at the very best PC games of 2021.
Rewind: The Best PC Games of 2021
Best Action-Adventure Horror Game
Resident Evil Village
Developer: Capcom
Without question, Resident Evil Village was one of the defining gaming events of 2021. Once again, Capcom proved that no matter the challenges, they know exactly how to surprise players — and terrify them.
And let’s be honest: Lady Dimitrescu alone became one of the most iconic gaming characters of the decade.
With stunning visuals, unforgettable atmosphere, and plenty of tension-filled exploration, Resident Evil Village delivered everything fans love about survival horror. It was classic Resident Evil at its absolute best.
Best Action Shooter
Bright Memory: Infinite
Developer: FYQD Studio
Bright Memory: Infinite perfectly demonstrates what modern action games can be: stylish, fast-paced, visually spectacular, and refreshingly different.
Considering how few standout traditional shooters arrived in 2021, this title easily earns a place among the year’s best FPS experiences. And its success isn’t simply because it was largely created by a single developer. The game genuinely offers thrilling combat, beautiful graphics, and a level of energy that keeps players hooked from start to finish.
Best Action-Adventure Games
Deathloop
Developer: Arkane Studios
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Developer: Ember Lab
If there’s one thing 2021 wasn’t lacking, it was great action-adventure games.
Deathloop impressed players with its clever storytelling, fascinating lore, stylish world-building, and constant sense of mystery. Every loop felt like a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Meanwhile, Kena: Bridge of Spirits offered something entirely different — a heartfelt fantasy adventure filled with gorgeous visuals, memorable characters, and a magical atmosphere that felt straight out of an animated film.
Both games delivered unforgettable experiences and made it very easy to lose track of time.
Best RPGs
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
Developer: Owlcat Games
Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG
Developer: Dark Crystal Games
Role-playing fans had plenty to celebrate in 2021.
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous became one of the most impressive classic fantasy RPGs in recent years, offering deep character customization, meaningful choices, and an epic story full of consequences.
At the same time, Encased provided a refreshing alternative for players who prefer science fiction over swords and sorcery. Its retro-futuristic setting, post-apocalyptic world, and strong role-playing systems made it one of the genre’s most unique releases.
Best Simulation Game
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021
Developer: Red Dot Games
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 may be one of the finest automotive simulators ever created.
What’s fascinating is that the game isn’t about racing at all. Instead, it allows players to dive deep into the process of repairing, rebuilding, and restoring vehicles.
Even people who have never looked under a car hood often find themselves completely absorbed by its surprisingly satisfying gameplay loop. Few simulation games make everyday work feel this rewarding.
Best Arcade Game
It Takes Two
Developer: Hazelight Studios
What truly makes a great game unforgettable?
Gameplay certainly matters, but great direction and memorable cinematic moments often leave the strongest impression.
That’s exactly where It Takes Two shines.
This cooperative platforming adventure was designed exclusively for two players, and that’s one of its greatest strengths. Whether you’re playing with a spouse, partner, friend, or family member, the game constantly introduces fresh mechanics and creative ideas that keep every chapter exciting.
The emotional moments and shared laughs it creates are difficult to compare to anything else in gaming.
Best Adventure RPG
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Developer: ZA/UM
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut represents the definitive version of one of the most acclaimed RPGs ever made.
For players who waited until the game reached its ultimate form, 2021 was finally the perfect time to experience this extraordinary detective story.
A brilliantly written narrative, unforgettable characters, deep role-playing systems, and an unparalleled level of player choice combine to create something truly special. Few games offer this much freedom in how you shape both the story and the protagonist.
It’s easily one of the most remarkable games of the decade.
Honorable Mentions
While 2021 may not have delivered an endless stream of all-time masterpieces, it still produced plenty of fantastic games that deserve recognition.
A few additional titles came incredibly close to making our top picks and are absolutely worth your time:
Far Cry 6, ATOM RPG Trudograd, Inscryption, TOEM, The Riftbreaker, Forza Horizon 5, Black Book, Road 96, 12 Minutes, Little Nightmares II, Streets of Rage 4: Mr. X Nightmare, Valheim, Hitman 3, Chicory: A Colorful Tale, Wildermyth, and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
Each of these games brought something unique to the table and delivered unforgettable adventures, memorable stories, and countless hours of entertainment.
Looking back, 2021 was a year defined by creativity rather than sheer scale. While blockbuster releases were fewer than usual, talented developers proved that great games don’t always need massive budgets.
And for gamers, that meant one thing: plenty of incredible worlds to explore, unforgettable stories to experience, and memories that still hold up years later.
