The Perennial Challenge: Debating PC Gaming's Elite Titles

Annually, the editorial team at PC Gamer engages in the formidable challenge of curating a list of the top 100 PC games, a process inherently filled with spirited discussions and the tough decision of excluding many worthy titles. Given that nearly 20,000 games are released on Steam alone each year, alongside a rich history of gaming to consider, the selection process is far from simple. This piece explores several notable games that, despite strong endorsements from team members, ultimately did not secure a place on the prestigious 2025 list. These exclusions highlight the ever-changing landscape of player preferences, the re-evaluation of long-standing favorites, and the continuous quest to define excellence in the vast universe of PC gaming.

One of the games sparking considerable debate was 'Alpha Protocol,' released in 2010. Despite criticisms from some colleagues regarding its perceived flaws in minigames, combat, and certain aspects of its writing, Associate Editor Ted Litchfield staunchly defended its inclusion. He lauded its surprisingly effective stealth mechanics and exceptional character development, particularly its nuanced exploration of international intelligence operations and military contractors as antagonists. Litchfield emphasized the game's bold thematic choices, contrasting it with more somber, contemporary thrillers by embracing a more adventurous, Roger Moore-esque James Bond style. He also highlighted its deeply reactive role-playing system, which allows for substantial narrative variations based on player choices and interactions with the entire cast, including adversaries, a feature he believes is unparalleled.

Tyler Wilde, US EIC, expressed his continued support for 'Civilization 6,' even after experiencing the newly released 'Civilization 7.' He acknowledged that the latest installment might be contentious but affirmed that the unique charm of Firaxis' grand strategy series remains undiminished. While 'Civilization 7' didn't make the list, Wilde continues to champion 'Civilization 5' and 'Civilization 6' for their accessibility, entertainment value, and strategic depth, which collectively offer thousands of hours of gameplay. He noted that these titles provide a distinct historical statecraft experience that other strategy games, even those like 'Alpha Centauri' or 'Stellaris,' don't quite capture. Wilde plans to advocate for 'Civilization's' return to the list next year, or at least for 'Old World,' a strategy game by 'Civilization 4's' designer, known for blending elements of 'Civilization' and 'Crusader Kings 3.'

Evan Lahti, Strategic Director, felt a personal sting when 'Monster Train 2' failed to gain enough votes for the Top 100. He firmly believes the game deserves the same high regard as 'Slay the Spire,' citing its intricate design, extensive replayability, and immensely satisfying combo mechanics. Lahti highlighted the game's 'Magic: The Gathering'-inspired creature placement on a multi-tiered train, demanding strategic thinking in unit positioning to manage damage and neutralize enemy forces. Having invested over 200 hours and achieved all 50 in-game accomplishments, Lahti considers 'Monster Train 2' his personal Game of the Year. He attributed its omission to its niche genre and being a sequel, which might deter those unfamiliar with its predecessor, but insists it is a standout title for card game and strategy enthusiasts.

Sean Martin, Senior Guides Writer, voiced his disappointment regarding 'Warhammer 40k: Darktide's' struggles, but quickly pivoted to praise 'Warhammer: Vermintide 2,' asserting its continued excellence as a co-op action game. Despite being over seven years old, 'Vermintide 2' consistently receives new maps and has maintained a more robust DLC schedule than 'Darktide.' Martin underscored the game's abundant missions, weapons, and character careers, noting its superior free cosmetic offerings compared to 'Darktide.' He also commended its authentic portrayal of the Warhammer Fantasy universe, featuring engaging character dialogue and top-tier combat. For fans of horde-slaying co-op experiences akin to 'Left 4 Dead 2' or 'Helldivers 2,' 'Vermintide 2' comes highly recommended, despite his hopes for 'Darktide' to eventually match its predecessor's quality.

Jody Macgregor, Weekend/AU Editor, reflected on 'The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim's' absence from the 2025 list, a game that once held the top spot. While acknowledging the enduring impact of 'Morrowind' with its unique botanical architecture and memorable landscapes, Macgregor conceded that 'Skyrim' is showing its age. He reminisced about 'Skyrim's' previous appeal as an accessible entry point to the 'Elder Scrolls' series, offering more intuitive combat and straightforward character interactions. However, he noted that playing it today often requires extensive modding and battling persistent bugs, such as physics issues at higher frame rates. While saddened by its decline, Macgregor acknowledged that 'Morrowind' now offers a more compelling and interesting experience, suggesting that including both would merely limit space for other deserving titles.

Andrea Shearon, Evergreen Writer, confessed to lingering internal debates about her advocacy for 'Final Fantasy 14' in the Top 100 rankings. Despite acknowledging the game's current stagnation, she maintains that its quality issues are not solely due to a lack of updates. For those seeking an exceptional 'Final Fantasy' experience, she argues it remains one of the best, especially with its extensive solo player support. Shearon admitted to taking her first prolonged break from the game since 'Alphascape' but continues to champion 'FF14' as the premier MMORPG available. She recommends it to both dedicated MMO players and those primarily interested in story, advising new players to experience it from the beginning, without skipping cutscenes, and to manage subscriptions between updates. She passionately asserts that all 300-plus hours of the game are worthwhile, expressing hope that the next expansion will restore its place on the list.

The annual selection of the top PC games is a testament to the dynamic and diverse nature of the industry, reflecting varied critical perspectives and the passionate advocacy of dedicated players and critics alike. Each year's list, and the games that narrowly miss inclusion, collectively highlight the rich tapestry of experiences available, constantly redefining what constitutes a timeless classic or a contemporary masterpiece. The rigorous debates and re-evaluations serve to ensure that the curated list remains a relevant and thought-provoking snapshot of the best PC gaming has to offer, even as the landscape continues to evolve.