Steam is a variety full source of gaming and is serving all the hardcore PC gamers well. There is plenty of titles both Single and Multiplayer that are favs of masses. In this listicle, we’ll talk about some of the best single player PC games on Steam. Please keep in mind that these titles can both be free or paid. The only purpose is to let you know about some top trending and entertaining games. The games that you should play and enjoy on PC via Steam.
Best Single Player PC Games
We have compiled a list of top 25 best single player PC games on Steam that you should play this year. Let’s start the list with first game Dishonored 2.
1. Dishonored 2
First one on our list of best games on Steam is the remarkable Dishonored 2. It is an Action-Adventure, and Stealth Single-player video game by Bethesda Softworks. The story revolves around the Empress Emily Kaldwin and a witch named as Delilah Copperspoon. Players can settle into the roles of either the Empress or Corvo Atano in order to reclaim the throne.
With a blasting action, thrill, and adrenaline pumping gameplay, Dishonored 2 offers a gameplay similar to its predecessor packed with a new story, characters, and depictions. It’s your chance of becoming a supernatural assassin who divulges deep into the world of mysticism and industry.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action-packed Single-player and Open world video game by CD Project Red. The game is playable via a third-person preview and offers a unique story with revamped mechanics and a classy gameplay. The gameplay of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt mainly focuses on Action and RPG elements. It lets players journey through a huge game world while completing quests and leveling up the character, weapons, and equipment. The progression system in the game is quite unique as well as compared to the previous game of the series.
Some of the characters are returning and some new are added to the game. The game offers deep combat and the quests are mainly the fetch quests. With intriguing and dialogue rich story and superb voiceover, its one of the best Single player PC games on Steam.
3. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The fifth main installment of Elder Scrolls series, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the best single player games on Steam for PC. It’s an Action-RPG fantasy-based video game set in an open world environment. Players are allowed to control characters from first person view and explore a huge map, complete quests with open choices.
With very positive Steam ratings, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim offers much more than just exploration and combat. Stealing things, fighting in towns, interaction with other players and NPCs, and progress in the game by making various moral choices are all part of the game. It offers an unrestrictive Skill-based RPG system, a huge variety of Mods, a universal lore and much more to discover.
4. The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle is gradually a new entry and it’s a Single-player Puzzle oriented video game with one major goal (to reach the Tetromino). With stuff such as buttons, cubes, lasers, and force fields, The Talos Principle offers a variety of challenging puzzles. A big part of the game seems like you are playing Portal. But, the variety of puzzles, different environments, and materialism makes it quite different.
With a philosophically advanced backstory and lore, The Talos Principle is divided into three game worlds and a tower. Each of the world offers different challenges and game levels. The difficulty ramp-up makes the game start with easy challenges but as you progress, it gets more and more difficult and that’s what actually makes it one of the best single player games on PC.
5. Life is Strange: Before the Storm
Life is Strange: Before the Storm by Square Enix is one of the most detail oriented and oddly satisfying title among the best single player PC games on Steam. It’s a new three part standalone Adventure and story-based title. The game is set three years after the events of Life is Strange. Players can play the game as Chloe Price, a Rebel who forms a friendship with Rachel Amber.
The story revolves around Rachel and the haunting secret about her family. The odd secret threatens to topple her world and it’s this new friendship with Chloe that eventually saves her. With a choice driven narrative, multiple endings, dialogue rich story, and state of the art visuals plus the mechanics, Life is Strange: Before the Storm is one of the best single player PC games to enjoy.
6. Darkwood
Darkwood is Acid Wizard Studio’s take on the Survival Horror genre. The game offers plenty of exploration and scavenging in an ever changing free-roaming world. As the game focuses on the Survival Horror elements, it allows you to perform the exploration and scavenging in the day and in the night, hide out in your safe abode as the world is filled with a lot of unknown threats.
The game is played from a Top-down perspective that makes it even more horrifying. It leaves you alone to face the challenges and test your skills of survival. With a variety of different environments, skill building encounters with the horror, and making decisions that write your fate, Darkwood is one of the goriest and haunting game you’ll ever play on PC via Steam.
7. Factorio
Factorio takes you to an amazing 2D world where you have to build factories on an alien planet to progress. Mining resources, research for technologies, building infrastructures, and automating your productions are all some amazingly engaging tasks of the game. Fighting off the aliens and clearing the areas of their presence is also a crucial part of Factorio.
The core mechanics of the game base on your ability to collect resources and create factory parts. This helps create more complex machines in the advanced levels of the game. With a great 2D environment, challenging puzzles and endless solutions, beautiful old school visuals, and an involving gameplay, Factorio is a fun single player PC game to enjoy.
8. Stardew Valley
If you are Farming Simulation fan, Startdew Valley is probably one of the best single player PC games for you. It’s proudly developed by the independent developer Chucklefish Games. Stardew Valley features a lot of Harvest Moon elements along with several new ones. Just like in Harvest Moon, your task is to expand your farm as well as help other farmers and town.
Stardew Valley is different than any other Simulations because it offers both Farming and Life Simulation elements altogether. In addition, it allows the players to interact, talk, and marry other NPCs and raise families. With a graphically rich game world, beautiful design and plenty of depth for gameplay, Stardew Valley is a best Single player PC games on Steam.
9. Metro: Last Light
Metro: Last Light is a bit oldie but it is worth playing because of its unique nature and gameplay depth. There are three more games in the Metro Series that came after Metro: Last Light but this one is a must play on PC via Steam. Metro: Last Light is a First-person Shooter and Single-player title by Deep Silver. The game is offered with a Post-apocalyptic theme and incorporates Stealth and Survival Horror elements as well.
As Artyom, a Ranger living in Moscow Metro, your task is to find the Dark Ones. To fulfill the objectives, you’ll have to venture to different parts of the Metro system, fight off various enemy factions and mutated monsters. With a variety of different environments, hardcore action and thrill filled gameplay, and revamped mechanics, Metro: Last Light is one of the best games on Steam for PC.
10. Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor
For all the Action-Adventure gamers, Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor is a truly remarkable title created by Monolith Productions. The story is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium and the game is based on Tolkien’s fantasy novels Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film adaptations. Similarly, game’s story takes place in the era between the events of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.”
Players can control the character of Talion, a ranger killed by the Black hand of Sauron. The Elf lord Celebrimbor gats bonded with the body of Talion. And this is when you embark on a journey to avenge the death of your lords. The game mainly focuses on Melee Combat and offers quests. Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor also introduces the Nemesis system that helps players interact with the NPCs (Non-player characters) and act according to the game’s story.
11. Ark Survival Evolved
Ark Survival Evolved or Shortly known as ARK is a Survival and Action-Adventure video game that offers both Single and Multiplayer play. Similarly, the game offers both First-person and Third-person perspectives to play the game. Players can navigate the Open World on foot or on a prehistoric animal, use various types of fire arms and other improvised weaponry in order to save themselves, other humans, and friendly creatures.
One of the key objectives of the game is to build, defend and maintain bases, so to do just that, Ark Survival Evolved requires a pro’s skills. Furthermore, Ark Survival Evolved offers various game modes along with several expansions (DLCs) such as The Primitive Plus, The Center, The Scorched Earth, and The Ragnarok. Ark Survival Evolved is one of the best single player PC games on Steam.
12. The Stanley Parable
The Stanley Parable is an Interactive Fiction video game developed and published by Galactic Café. Initially released in 2013, the game has earned a good reputation among the fans and it’s still so much popular. It’s a Single-player marvel that offers unique story elements and characters. Played from a First-person perspective, Stanley Parable lacks any type of combat and other action-based sequences.
The game requires the player to guide Stanley through an impossibly surreal environment while the game’s narrator delivers the expositions. The progression depends on player’s ability to make decisions and chose the right paths. In addition, Stanley Parable offers multiple different endings that too depend on the decisions that the players make. If you like spending time on Interactive Fiction, Stanley Parable will definitely prove as one of the best Single player PC games on Steam.
13. Dying Light
Dying Light is a First-person Action-Adventure and Survival Horror video game developer by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game’s story revolves around the character of an undercover agent named as Kyle Crane. As Kyle Crane, players are tasked to infiltrate a Quarantine Zone of a city Haran. The game is set is an enemy infested open world and offers the dynamic day and night cycles.
The gameplay of Dying Light focuses on weapon-based combat and lets you show off your unique parkour skills. As the protagonist, Dying Light lets you have full control over the character of Kyle and engage in action-packed combats with the zombies to save the world by putting a stop to the contamination. As one of the best single player PC games, Dying Light will definitely entertain you well.
14. The Long Dark
The Long Dark is a remarkably thoughtful Survival and Exploration video game. It’s specifically developed for the Solo players and for the Single-player experience. The game is more like a simulation that lets you have an experience of how you can survive on your own in the frozen wilderness. As the game mainly focuses on exploration, the story as well offers a beautiful portrayal of a unique narrative.
The Long Dark lacks all kinds of thrilling elements; there are no zombies and no gun blazing enemies at all. It’s Only you and the threats that Mother Nature throws at you. It’s deep, brutal, and hauntingly atmospheric packed with lush and mesmerizing effects. With a beautiful graphical world, advanced game mechanics and loads to discover, The Long Dark is one of the best Single player games you can play on PC via Steam.
15. Pyre
For all those who love the combination of Action, RPG, and Sports, Pyre is a fantastic title to try out. It’s a Single and Multiplayer marvel by Supergiant Games set in a High Fantasy environment. The game revolves around the exiles who in a fate bending chance, get together and make a party named as Reader. The ultimate purpose of Reader is to aid all the exiles throughout the course of the game. Together they struggle to cleanse their souls by defeating other hardened exiles.
With an on-screen narrative-based story, Pyre deeply resembles a Sports game in which the players have to decide how to help other exiles. Players are tasked to complete various objectives such as scavenging for supplies, learning the game lore, mentoring the new exiles, and improving their abilities to survive. Because of a different type of story and gameplay, Pyre will definitely prove its worth as one of the best Single player PC games to play.
16. Observer
The observer is a Horror Survival and Single-player video game with a Cyberpunk theme. The game is offered with a First-person perspective and takes place in future, the year 2084. According to the storyline of the game, Poland drowns in a digital plague that takes the lives of thousands. The remaining humanity jumps into a war on rampant drug use. The player controls the character of Daniel Lazarski who works as a Cracovian detective under the leadership of the Observers Police Unit.
The OPU (Observers Police Unit) gets tasked to hack their target’s mind and control their memories and fears with the help of a device named as the Dream Eater. The objective of the game is to get into Lazarski’s role, use the Dream Eater and scan for electronic devices, bio vision, and collect bio evidence. Analyzing certain environmental objects, interact and examine them, while exploring is the best part of the game. With a unique narrative, great visual approach, and an engaging gameplay, Observer is a fun game to play on PC via Steam.
17. XCOM 2
For all the hardcore Action and Turn-based Tactics video game lovers, XCOM 2 is the coolest surprise from Firaxis Games. The game is a direct sequel to the top rated XCOM: Enemy Unknown and is set 20 years after its events. According to the story, Aliens have invaded the earth and the eponymous military organization has lost the war. It is now working as the resistance against the alien occupation. The player takes control of the character of a commander of the organization and takes charge of the Avenger, a mobile base for XCOM.
The ultimate goal is to give commands to the squad, look after research and engineering, create new and improved weapons, technologies, and gadgets, etc. recruiting soldiers, fighting off the invaders and defending the base are some of the primary objectives of the game. With a variety of different elements, beautiful visuals, and a grand narrative, XCOM 2 is a great addition to the Single player PC games on Steam.
18. Saints Row IV
If you are into Open World Action and Adventure gaming, and you are familiar with the Saints Row series, the Saints Row IV is the best game for you that you can play on PC. The game is available on Steam. This high-intensity marvel by Volition and Deep Silver is a Single-player game and lets you enjoy busting some aliens. The story revolves around the boss of Third Street Saints which is now the worlds most feared gang. The boss now has some sharp super powers and he has become the president of United States.
Players are tasked to explore the world and complete various main and side missions. You’ll find all kinds of science fiction elements incorporated in the game as well as some funny parodies. With a variety full and unique narrative, advanced mechanics, and intriguing gameplay, Saints Row IV is definitely one of the best Single player PC games to play.
19. Torchlight 2
One of the best Single player games that you’ll find on Steam for PC is the amazing Torchlight 2. Following the footsteps of its predecessor, the game offers a similar yet way different experience of Action and RPG elements. With a unique aspect of combat and other crucial elements, the game looks more like a Diablo series game. Players are tasked to complete various quests, defeat hordes, of ending in an endless gameplay.
Torchlight offers an amazing new loot system that allows the players to find better and better items. In addition, the game is totally modding friendly because of the unique Runic’s GUTS Tool. The combat in the game is very well implemented that involve you deep into the gameplay. In general, Torchlight 2 is a great game to play on PC via Steam.
20. Civilization V
If you are a Turn-based Strategy games enthusiast and you love building or leading civilizations, Civilization V is probably the best Single player PC game for you. It’s basically a 4X game that allows you to lead a whole new civilization from prehistoric times to the future. It offers a procedurally generated map and lets you struggle to achieve one of many victory conditions via research, economics, Governments, development, diplomacy, expansion, exploration, and military conquests.
Unlike earlier games in the series, Civilization V offers Hexagonal tiles based map built using an entirely new game engine. The game offers a totally new experience of the said elements and lacks the traditional Civilization IV touch. With an overhauled combat system, no stacking in military units, and self city defense mechanism, Civilization V is one of the best Single player PC games on Steam.
21. Subnautica
Subnautica takes you on a journey to explore an Aquatic planet where your space ship crash lands. It’s a Single player First-person Adventure, Exploration, and Survival video game. The game offers an Open World environment and focuses on Scuba Diving and traveling in Submersible vehicles. So, as the sole survivor of a crashed spaceship named Aurora, your task is to explore the planet, face countless dangers, collect resources, build tools, bases, and other submersibles, to further explore and interact with the planet’s wildlife.
Subnautica offers a truly remarkable and beautifully created theme and visuals along with constantly updated gameplay, tons of improvements to the mechanics. With a variety of other elements, Subnautica offers a remarkable design, realistic sounds, and a unique gameplay to enjoy. As one of the best Single player PC games, on Steam, it should definitely be your choice. It’s available on Steam via Early Access and the full version of the game is expected to release in January 2018.
22. The Last Remnant
It’s a game about four ancient races Mitra, Yama, Qsiti, and Sovani living all together in an ancient world filled with Remnants. Remnants are the mysterious ancient artifacts existing from a very long time. Who created the remnants, why they created them and how long have they been there, are some of the questions that the players have to find answers to. As nobody knows their origin, the Remnants have remained beneficial tools for civilizations. The world was at peace until the remnants slowly started to change the balance of nature and world.
A rift between the rulers and the obeying began forming and a new era started. Over a thousand years later the journey of a man starts whose fate is in your hands. The Last Remnant offers a truly enthralling experience of Action and RPG elements. It offers a great story, amazing new characters, and a unique battle system. So, if you are looking for something out of the ordinary in this specific genre, The Last Remnant is one of the best Single player PC games.
23. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most played and well-liked Action-Adventure title. The reason this game is part of this list of best single player PC games is that it offers an Open World environment and flexibility in both Single and Multiplayer. It’s mainly a third-person game but players can optionally play it from a First-person perspective as well. It supports resolutions up to 4K on PC and is optimizable for it as well. With improved graphics, lighting, and anti-aliasing makes it a perfect candidate for a best single player PC game.
A fantastic storyline that revolves around three different protagonists, all the other interesting characters, and NPCs. The availability of the Rockstar Editor, makes it more flexible and promising. The Rockstar editor allows players to make their own videos and Machinima. In general, Grand Theft Auto V is a fun game to play on PC.
24. Psychonauts
Psychonauts, as the name suggests is a Psychic odyssey through the brains of all kinds of Misfits, Madmen, and Monsters. By nature, it’s a fantastic Action-Adventure and Platform video game with Single-player support. Developed by Double Fine Productions, the game follows the story of a psychic character named as Razputin. Razputin struggles to join Psychonauts, a league of international secret agents. The main objective of the game is to get into the ranks of agents, break into the Psychonauts training facility known as “Whispering Rock Psychic Summer Camp.”
The secondary objectives are to free your fellow campers from the clutches of a mysterious villain. Use special abilities of telekinesis, Levitation, and project yourself into the minds of enemies to find your fellow campers. The unique combat element allows you to pitch yourself against the brutal demons. Defeat them and uncover hidden and secret memories, explore a psychic world and enjoy a mind bending experience.
25. Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy
Developed by Quantic Dream, Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy is one of the top ranking Single-player Action-Adventure, and Interactive Drama video game. Because of its unique nature and the depiction of events, the game is best known as a breakthrough in the interactive narrative. This newly remastered version of the game offers way more enhanced textures and overall graphics. Furthermore, it offers expanded controller support and it is based on the international uncensored version of the game.
With a content rich and multilayered narrative, remarkably innovative presentation, realistic background music, and voices, it’s a fantastical supernatural murder mystery that will definitely take you to places you’ve never visited. The interactive drama element offers an intriguing control scheme with a split screen option that makes it even more engaging. With multiple new and unique characters, fully voiced script, cinematic score, and HD graphics, it’s undoubtedly one of the best Single player PC games you’ll ever play.
Conclusion
All the above-mentioned video game titles are some of the best Single player PC games you can play via Steam. We’ve chosen multiple genres of games in order to let you have a great combination of different aesthetics, stories, playstyles, and mechanics. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy playing these games on PC. We’ll love to have your feedback in order to improve our selections in future. Comment below!