Gaming

21 Best Online Games for PC, Paid and FREE

Whether you prefer competitive multiplayer games or immersive single-player experiences, there is something for everyone in the world of online gaming. From Fortnite to Valorant, this article will delve into the 21 best online games for PC.

Playing online games is more than just a hobby now. The gaming industry is emerging as a billion-dollar industry. With the rise of eSports and online gaming communities, gamers have more options than before to connect with others and test their skills. Whether you prefer competitive multiplayer games or immersive single-player experiences, there is something for everyone in the world of online gaming. 

From Fortnite to Valorant, this article will delve into the 21 best online games for PC that you can either play with your friends or other gamers. Let’s begin. 

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Best Online Games for PC

Here are some of our top picks for PC games. While some of these are paid, the rest are completely free to play. 

P.S.: This is not a ranked list. 

  1. Sea Of Thieves (Action-Adventure)

DEVELOPER: Rare Ltd

Price: $19.99

Sea of Thieves is a swash-buckling pirate adventure game. Players get to loot and plunder lost treasure, battle sea monsters, and other pirate crew, and more. Sea of Thieves is the quintessential pirate adventure game that you will love. The game has great graphics, immersive gameplay, and a vast open world to explore with your friends. If you enjoy cooperative multiplayer games with a pirate theme, Sea of Thieves is definitely worth checking out. 

  1. Diablo IV (Action RPG)

DEVELOPER: Blizzard Entertainment

Price: $69.99

Diablo 4 is the highly anticipated installment in the legendary action RPG franchise, offering a dark and immersive world filled with demons to slay, abilities to master, dungeons to explore, and legendary loot to acquire. With a vast open world and an engaging campaign, Diablo 4 delivers an unforgettable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Featuring five playable classes, each with their own unique playstyle, Diablo 4 allows players to customize their character and tackle the game’s challenges in their own way. With its intense combat, rich lore, and addictive progression systems, Diablo 4 is a must-play for fans of action RPGs and dungeon crawlers.

  1. Grand Theft Auto Series (Action-Adventure)

DEVELOPER: Rockstar Games

Price: Varies by installment

The Grand Theft Auto series has become synonymous with open-world exploration, thrilling missions, and unforgettable characters. Starting with the original Grand Theft Auto in 1997, the series has evolved into a a global phenomenon, offering players a vast and diverse array of experiences across multiple generations of gaming. From the iconic Vice City to the sprawling San Andreas and the ambitious GTA V, each installment has pushed the boundaries of what an open-world game can be, offering players unparalleled freedom to explore, interact, and create chaos. GTA VI is set for a global release in 2026. 

  1. Mortal Kombat X (Fighting)

DEVELOPER: NetherRealm Studios

Price: $9.99

Mortal Kombat X is a pulse-pounding fighting game that delivers a visceral and thrilling experience. With its iconic characters, brutal combat, and intense finishing moves, Mortal Kombat X is a must-play for fans of the genre. The game features a variety of single-player and multiplayer modes, including the classic one-on-one battles and the new Faction Wars mode. With stunning graphics, a cinematic story mode, and a deep, satisfying combat system, Mortal Kombat X is a worthy addition to the legendary fighting franchise.

  1. Northgard (Real-Time Strategy)

DEVELOPER: Shiro Games

Price: $19.99

Northgard is a captivating real-time strategy game set in the world of Norse mythology. Players take on the role of a clan leader, exploring and settling new lands while battling mythical creatures and rival clans. Northgard features a unique, dynamic gameplay system that encourages players to adapt their strategies based on the changing seasons and environmental conditions. With stunning artwork, immersive sound design, and deep strategic gameplay, Northgard is a must-play for fans of real-time strategy games and Norse mythology.

  1. Hearthstone (Digital Card)

DEVELOPER: Blizzard Entertainment

Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)

Hearthstone is a captivating digital card game set in the Warcraft universe. Players collect and battle with a variety of cards featuring iconic characters, spells, and abilities from the beloved franchise. With a focus on accessibility and strategic depth, Hearthstone offers a unique and engaging experience for both casual and competitive players. Featuring multiple game modes, regular updates, and a vibrant community, Hearthstone is a must-play for fans of digital card games and the Warcraft universe

  1. Towerfall Ascension (Action-Platformer)

DEVELOPER: Matt Makes Games Inc.

Price: $14.99

Towerfall Ascension is a thrilling action-platformer that pits players against each other in fast-paced, archery-based combat. With its retro-inspired visuals, tight controls, and dynamic gameplay, Towerfall Ascension is a perfect party game for fans of classic platformers. The game features a variety of game modes, levels, and power-ups, as well as support for up to 4 players in local multiplayer. Whether you’re facing off against your friends or tackling the challenging single-player trials, Towerfall Ascension offers hours of adrenaline-fueled fun.

  1. Fortnite (Battle Royale)

DEVELOPER: Epic Games

Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)

Fortnite is a wildly popular battle royale game that has taken the world by storm. Players are dropped onto an island where they must scavenge for weapons and resources, build fortifications, and battle against up to 99 other players to be the last one standing. With its colorful visuals, dynamic building mechanics, and a constantly evolving world, Fortnite offers an addictive and engaging experience for players of all skill levels. Featuring multiple game modes, regular updates, and a massive online community, Fortnite is a must-play for fans of the battle royale genre.

  1. Rainbow Six Siege (Tactical Shooter)

DEVELOPER: Ubisoft Montreal

Price: $19.99

Rainbow Six Siege is a tactical first-person shooter that emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and precise execution. Players take on the role of elite counter-terrorist operators, engaging in intense 5v5 battles across a variety of detailed and destructible environments. With its focus on strategic gameplay, Rainbow Six Siege offers a refreshing alternative to traditional run-and-gun shooters. Featuring a diverse roster of operators, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, Rainbow Six Siege offers endless tactical possibilities and heart-pounding action for fans of competitive first-person shooters.

  1. Starcraft 2 (Real-Time Strategy)

DEVELOPER: Ubisoft Montreal

Price: $19.99

Rainbow Six Siege is a tactical first-person shooter that emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and precise execution. Players take on the role of elite counter-terrorist operators, engaging in intense 5v5 battles across a variety of detailed and destructible environments. With its focus on strategic gameplay, Rainbow Six Siege offers a refreshing alternative to traditional run-and-gun shooters. Featuring a diverse roster of operators, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, Rainbow Six Siege offers endless tactical possibilities and heart-pounding action for fans of competitive first-person shooters.

  1. Among Us (Social Deduction)

DEVELOPER: Innersloth

Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)

Among Us is a captivating social deduction game that has taken the gaming world by storm. Players are divided into Crewmates and Impostors, with Crewmates working together to complete tasks while trying to identify and vote out the Impostors among them. With its simple yet addictive gameplay and charming visuals, Among Us is a perfect party game for players of all ages and experience levels. Featuring cross-platform play, multiple maps, and customizable cosmetics, Among Us is a must-play for fans of social deduction games and online multiplayer fun.

  1. Garry’s Mod (Sandbox)

DEVELOPER: Facepunch Studios

Price: $9.99

Garry’s Mod is a versatile sandbox game that gives players the freedom to create and experiment with a vast array of tools and assets. With its simple interface and powerful creation tools, Garry’s Mod allows players to build their own contraptions, design custom game modes, and explore an endless array of user-generated content. Featuring support for multiplayer gameplay and countless mods, Garry’s Mod is a must-play for fans of creative gaming experiences and emergent gameplay.

  1. League Of Legends (MOBA)

DEVELOPER: Riot Games

Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)

League Of Legends is a wildly popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that has dominated the esports scene for years. Players take on the role of powerful champions, battling against each other in fast-paced 5v5 matches. With its diverse cast of characters, deep strategic gameplay, and regular updates, League Of Legends offers a captivating and competitive experience for players of all skill levels. Featuring multiple game modes, ranked matches, and a thriving esports scene, League Of Legends is a must-play for fans of competitive multiplayer games and the MOBA genre.

  1. Apex Legends (Battle Royale)

DEVELOPER: Respawn Entertainment

Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)

Apex Legends is a fast-paced, squad-based battle royale game set in the Titanfall universe. Players choose from a diverse cast of Legends, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, as they battle against other squads to be the last team standing. With its fluid movement mechanics, innovative ping system, and intense combat, Apex Legends offers a thrilling and engaging experience for fans of the battle royale genre. Featuring regular updates, seasonal content, and a variety of maps and game modes, Apex Legends is a must-play for fans of competitive, squad-based gameplay.

  1. Call Of Duty: Warzone 2 (Battle Royale)

DEVELOPER: Infinity Ward, Raven Software

Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)

Call Of Duty: Warzone 2 is an adrenaline-fueled battle royale experience set in the Call Of Duty universe. Players drop into a massive, detailed map where they must scavenge for weapons and equipment, complete contracts, and battle against other players to be the last one standing. With its signature Call Of Duty gameplay, stunning visuals, and innovative features like the Gulag and Buy Stations, Warzone 2 offers a heart-pounding experience for fans of the franchise and the battle royale genre.

  1. Team Fortress 2 (Hero Shooter)

DEVELOPER: Valve Corporation

Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)

Team Fortress 2 is a classic hero shooter that has stood the test of time. Players choose from nine distinct character classes, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, as they battle against each other in a variety of game modes. With its iconic art style, engaging gameplay, and endless customization options, Team Fortress 2 offers a timeless and captivating experience for fans of team-based shooters. Featuring a variety of maps, game modes, and community-created content, Team Fortress 2 is a must-play for fans of the genre.

  1. Dota 2 (MOBA)

DEVELOPER: Valve Corporation

Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)

Dota 2 is a legendary multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that has helped define the genre. Players control powerful heroes, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, as they battle against each other in strategic 5v5 matches. With its deep and complex gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and regular updates, Dota 2 offers an endlessly engaging experience for fans of competitive multiplayer games. Featuring a thriving esports scene, multiple game modes, and a wealth of community-created content, Dota 2 is a must-play for fans of the MOBA genre and competitive gaming.

  1. Rocket League (Sports)

DEVELOPER: Psyonix

Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)

Rocket League is an innovative sports game that blends soccer with high-octane, acrobatic car combat. Players control customizable rocket-powered cars as they battle against each other to score goals and dominate the pitch. With its easy-to-learn yet hard-to-master gameplay, intense multiplayer matches, and creative customization options, Rocket League offers a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of sports and racing games. Featuring cross-platform play, multiple game modes, and a thriving esports scene, Rocket League is a must-play for anyone looking for a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled sports experience.

  1. Valorant (Tactical Shooter)

DEVELOPER: Riot Games

Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)

Valorant is a highly-strategic, 5v5 tactical shooter that combines the best elements of games like Counter-Strike and Overwatch. Players choose from a roster of Agents, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, as they compete in attack-and-defend rounds across a variety of detailed maps. With its focus on precise gunplay, teamwork, and strategic decision-making, Valorant offers a refreshing take on the tactical shooter genre. Featuring a thriving esports scene, regular updates, and a wealth of cosmetic customization options, Valorant is a must-play for fans of competitive, team-based shooters.

  1. Hunt: Showdown (PvE/PvP Shooter)

DEVELOPER: Crytek

Price: $39.99

Hunt: Showdown is a unique PvE/PvP shooter that blends elements of horror, survival, and competitive gameplay. Players take on the role of bounty hunters, tracking down and eliminating monstrous creatures in the dark swamps of Louisiana. With its atmospheric setting, intense PvPvE combat, and deep progression systems, Hunt: Showdown offers a thrilling and immersive experience for fans of hardcore, competitive shooters. Featuring a variety of weapons, equipment, and supernatural abilities, Hunt: Showdown encourages players to strategize and adapt in order to outsmart both their enemies and the hostile environment.

  1. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (Tactical Shooter)

DEVELOPER: Valve Corporation, Hidden Path Entertainment

Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a legendary tactical shooter that has been at the forefront of the competitive gaming scene for years. Players engage in fast-paced 5v5 battles as either Terrorists or Counter-Terrorists, competing in objective-based game modes such as hostage rescue or bomb defusal. With its focus on precise gunplay, team coordination, and strategic planning, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has solidified its place as one of the most iconic and enduring competitive shooters of all time. Featuring a thriving esports scene, regular updates, and a wealth of community-created content, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a must-play for fans of the genre and competitive gaming.

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The Bottom Line

The above-mentioned 21 games are some of the best online games for PC. Whether you enjoy fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, or team-based competition, there is something for everyone in this diverse list of games. From classic titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive to newer releases like Valorant, these games offer endless hours of entertainment for players of all skill levels. Give them a try if you are a gamer at heart. 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which is the No 1 game for PC?

For quite some time, Fortnite has enjoyed the title of being the number one game for PC. It has over 500 million global players. 

Is PC online gaming free?

There are a number of online games that you can play for free on PC. All you need is a working internet connection. 

What are some of the best PC games?

Fortnite, Valorant, League of Legends, and GTA are some of the best PC games. These games offer a variety of genres and gameplay experiences, catering to different preferences. 

This post was last modified on April 23, 2024 5:21 am

Raya

Raya is a tech enthusiast diving deep into New-Age technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). She is passionate about decoding the complexities and uses of new-age tech. Raya is on a mission to write articles that bridge the gap between technical jargon and everyday understanding, making AI and ML accessible to a wider audience.

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