The best new PC games in 2023

What are the best new PC games 2023? Perhaps you have just been paid, bank account fat with virtual dosh, or you simply want to get caught up with the latest PC games because they are, well, new and shiny.

The best new PC games in 2023 are:





TINY TINA’S WONDERLANDS

Any fears that Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands was going to be an ersatz Borderlands 4 were doused the moment we got our hands on the game. As Phil Iwaniauk writes in our Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands review, it’s “still recognisably Borderlands, but the sense of place and improvisation elevates Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands beyond expectations.”

There are elements of the game that could still do with some polish, but this is an excellent entry in the popular series of FPS games that manages to avoid repeating old tropes. Definitely check it out if you’re a Borderlands fan looking for something familiar, but refreshing.





ELDEN RING

FromSoft’s follow up to the Dark Souls games doesn’t disappoint. As we describe in our Elden Ring review, it’s their “very best work, transported to a totally new space. Elden Ring is not only a masterpiece by its developer’s lofty standards, but in packing so much density into the Lands Between, it lights the path ahead for open-world games in general.”

This deep, intricate fantasy game is full of surprises with that sprinkle of Souls magic. Fans familiar with gruelling boss fights and harsh yet rewarding combat will find a lot to love in Elden Ring, and the addition of spirit summons – poison spewing jellyfish and scythe-wielding skeletal bandits to help you fight – makes these encounters satisfying instead of daunting. The introduction of an open world has only elevated Elden Ring’s offering, making each area a treasure box of collectibles, secrets, and special weapons. Players are not only rewarded for their exploration, but can delight in the findings of their hard work – stumbling across hidden side quests and being ambushed by fierce dragons never felt so epic.





LOST ARK

Smilegate’s isometric free MMO has finally launched on Western servers, courtesy of Amazon Game Studios, and immediately smashed CS:GO and Dota 2’s Steam peak player records. Granted, the extensive queues for some Lost Ark servers may be contributing to that figure, but once you’re in, Lost Ark has an overwhelming amount of content for MMO fans to get stuck into as you level up to 50 and beyond.

Lost Ark’s finely tuned combat is a joy to experience, and each Lost Ark class is carefully balanced to ensure every build can compete. You don’t have to worry about taking multiple alts through the story, either, as the Lost Ark powerpass is available as a shortcut once you’ve finished the story on one character. It’s still early days for the MMO, but as our Lost Ark review-in progress explains, its “flashy combat and clever dungeon design” set it apart.





DYING LIGHT 2

The long-awaited sequel to Techland’s co-op zombie game takes place in the city of Villedor, where infected citizens stave off their impending transformation under glowing UV lights. Protagonist Aiden – a “pilgrim” from outside the city limits – is looking for his sister, and needs the factions of Villedor on his side to do so, so you’ll find yourself desperately scrambling up stucco and kicking zombies away on a nightly basis in order to help them out.

In comparison to the first game, Dying Light 2 places a much bigger emphasis on storyline and narrative choices, but freerunning across the rooftops remains the star of the show.





GOD OF WAR

At long last, Santa Monica Studios’ God of War has arrived on PC, and we can finally carve a hero’s path through Midgard with protagonist (the eponymous God of War) Kratos, and his son Atreus. Throughout their journey across the game’s expansive open world, the pair encounter and do battle with various epic Norse legends and gods.

There’s plenty of gloriously satisfying combat to enjoy, but as Ian Boudreau explains in our God of War review, there’s also a poignant depth to the story as it explores the filial relationship between Kratos and Atreus, and the complex challenge of protecting your loved ones.