As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the gaming highlights of the year. How would we describe it? Perhaps not the most groundbreaking, but undoubtedly intriguing and full of surprises. This was one of those rare years when smaller indie projects outshined big-budget AAA titles.
Let’s take a look at the games that kept us glued to our screens, losing track of time and sleep. AdmiGram.com presents the best PC games of 2024 and revisits the experiences that left an indelible mark on gamers everywhere. Let’s dive in!
The best PC games of 2024: year in review
Best RPG 2024
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Developer: Don’t Nod
From the creators of the iconic Life is Strange comes another extraordinary title combining profound drama with thrilling action. Banishers isn’t just a game — it’s an emotional journey into a world where ghosts walk among us, and love clashes with duty in heart-wrenching ways. Its unique spirit interaction mechanics, cinematic style, and the hauntingly atmospheric setting of New Eden make it unforgettable. This is the emotional adventure of 2024, one that will leave a lasting impression.
Best Action-RPG 2024
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Ichiban Kasuga is back to steal our hearts once again! Infinite Wealth offers a wild ride filled with a unique blend of comedy, drama, and eccentric Japanese charm. Expect at least 50 hours of core story content, assuming you don’t get sidetracked. With its quirky quests, massive open world, and innovative combat system, this game is pure chaotic fun. The best installment in the Yakuza (Like a Dragon) series to date, boasting polished storytelling, a vibrant cast of characters, and moments you’ll never forget.
Best Action 2024
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Developer: Saber Interactive
More power, more tactics, more stunning visuals — this is the ultimate representation of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Space Marine 2 delivers a heart-pounding experience where every battle feels like an epic spectacle. The Tyranids are advancing, and only you can halt the nightmare. Flawless gameplay, breathtaking graphics, and the faithful spirit of Warhammer 40,000 make this a legendary title. A true gift for fans of the series and one of the brightest stars in 2024’s gaming lineup.
Best First-Person Shooter 2024
Mullet MadJack
Developer: Hammer95 Studios
Mullet MadJack is the adrenaline-fueled madness fans of classic shooters have been craving. This game is a burst of pure energy and nostalgic fun! It features everything: echoes of the earliest 3D shooters, levels filled with unexpected challenges, and relentless, bone-crushing action. It’s a gem for those who appreciate retro aesthetics but want to see how they can shine with a modern twist. If you’re looking for an instant mood booster, this game, paired with its perfectly curated soundtrack, will be your new favorite.
Best Horror 2024
Mouthwashing
Developer: Wrong Organ
Mouthwashing is proof that high polygon counts are no match for a tightly woven story, atmospheric tension, and charismatic characters. This psychological horror casts players as a crew member stranded aboard a wrecked space freighter with a dying captain. Starvation and prolonged isolation blur the lines between reality and delusion, keeping you guessing at every turn. With its fresh concept, philosophical undertones, minimalist yet captivating visuals, and profound depth, Mouthwashing redefines what a horror game can be.
Best Strategy 2024
Thronefall
Developer: Grizzly Games
Classic strategy fans, rejoice! Thronefall is a dream come true for those who love managing kingdoms, building fortresses, and fending off invaders. The game combines the best of traditional RTS elements with innovative modern mechanics, ensuring every session is as engaging as it is enjoyable. Simple controls meet deep gameplay, and its charming minimalist aesthetic transforms each battle into a tiny, cartoonish epic. This is the strategy game where you can unwind and dive into an immersive experience all at once.
Best Sim/Strategy 2024
Satisfactory
Developer: Coffee Stain Studios
Massive factories, boundless planets, and limitless creativity — Satisfactory takes the building simulation genre to new heights. Create the industrial paradise of your dreams or unleash chaos — the choice is yours. The game dazzles with its freedom, attention to detail, and remarkable creativity. Explore alien planets, construct sprawling factories, and tackle endless creative challenges. Every moment in this world feels less like work and more like pure, rewarding joy.
Best Fighting 2024
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
Developer: Capcom
Wow! This isn’t just another fighting game — it’s a full-on treasure trove for true fighting game enthusiasts! The title is a collection of seven iconic fighting games, bringing together beloved characters from the Marvel and Capcom universes in electrifying battles. Players are transported back to the golden age of arcade games, engaging in intense duels where every move and button press matters. Vivid arenas, dynamic combos, and a nostalgic old-school vibe make this collection a must-have for every brawler fan.
Best Racing 2024
Parking Garage Rally Circuit
Developer: Walaber Entertainment LLC
Have you ever encountered a game so perfectly executed in its concept that it feels unmatched? While it may not claim the crown as the best racing game of all time, Parking Garage Rally Circuit is undeniably a masterpiece within its niche. Blending the spirit of classic Sega-style racers with the adrenaline-pumping chaos of the Fast & Furious franchise, this game delivers a one-of-a-kind parking garage racing experience. Realistic physics, thrilling drifts, unpredictable routes, and uniquely designed levels ensure every race is unforgettable — especially when playing with friends.
Best Casual 2024
Balatro
Developer: LocalThunk
Balatro is a card game that turns strategic thinking into an art form. This brilliant roguelike takes the fundamentals of poker and evolves them into something completely unexpected. Clever mechanics, random events, and a refined visual style (particularly the animations of jokers and cards as the system tallies results) make every game feel truly unique. It’s the perfect way to test your intuition and intellect while transforming any evening into an enjoyable and engaging experience.
Worthy of special mention
2024 proved once again that truly great games come from developers who pour their hearts and souls into their projects. These games don’t rely on cutting-edge hardware to deliver pure emotion and authentic joy.
Here are additional titles we believe deserve a spot on every gamer’s radar: Metaphor: Refantazio, Persona 3 Reload, Horizon Forbidden West, Black Myth: Wukong, God of War: Ragnarök, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, I Am Your Beast, Silent Hill 2, Crow Country, Tactical Breach Wizards, Songs of Conquest, Caves of Qud, Tekken 8, F1 Manager 2024, UFO 50, Animal Well, Neva.
