Bored? Check out the best games on Steam in 2023

There are probably more games than you could ever play on Steam, even if you started right now and never stopped. It’s hard to narrow down the best titles, but there’s undoubtedly something for everyone on this list. We’ve chosen a few of the most played and top-rated games on Steam, as well as a few classics and even a handful of newer indie titles that are worth checking out.

The best games on Steam

Editor’s note: We’ll regularly update this list of the best Steam games available as new ones launch.

The Portal Series (Portal and Portal 2)

The Portal games involve unique and challenging portal-based puzzles. You must figure out the best way to manipulate your surroundings and navigate to the end of each puzzle. The witty writing polishes off this series even more.

There are areas where you can only play single-player, like the first few levels of Portal. Eventually, you can play online with friends, and the games become a new, enjoyable experience. These two games are definitely ones to add to your collection.

Stardew Valley

This is a sweet farming simulator in which you inherit your grandfather’s farm in Stardew Valley. You have to fix up the farm and learn to make a living from growing and tending to your crops, fishing, mining, etc. It’s so easy to spend hours in this game and feel like only minutes have passed.

Over 30 non-player characters (NPCs) in the game are unique and interesting to talk to every day. You can eventually choose from some NPCs to marry and have kids with later in the game.

The developers also added a multiplayer function, so now you can play the game with up to three friends simultaneously. From finding all the artifacts for the museum to trying to reach the bottom of Skull Cavern, there is plenty to keep you engaged in this game.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Are you a fan of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre? Many of us are, and now is your chance to be part of the gory action. This game is based on the now-classic 1974 horror film.

You can pick whether you want to play as a member of the Slaughter Family and chase down your victims to end them in a gruesome death. Alternatively, you can play as a victim and try to “use your wits and stealth” to survive.

This is definitely one of the best games on Steam if you’re looking for some good scares.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

Skyrim is a classic game to own for a reason, and easily one of the best on Steam. It’s won over 200 Game of the Year Awards and has stood the test of time. The enhanced Special Edition was released in 2016, and it looks fantastic. The Special Edition also brought new quests, characters, weapons, etc.

Skyrim is a single-player fantasy role-playing game (RPG). There are so many different characters you can play as, and many different skill builds you can pursue. There is a story to follow, but the game is massive and open-world, so you’re free to explore the world at your own pace.

By the way, you might also want to try The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR if you happen to have a virtual reality headset.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 quickly became one of the most popular games on Steam, and for good reason. The fantasy RPG game has a rich story, and flexible character development.

You can choose between 12 classes and 11 races from the Dungeons and Dragons player’s handbook to create your own character. Additionally, you can play with up to four other players to take on these adventures with your best friends. Many of you will also love the classic turn-based combat style.

Borderlands 3

Although there is a pretty exciting story to follow, this game is excellent for its shooting mechanics and various weapons. You play as one of four vault hunters, each equipped with unique skills and special powers.

Throughout the game, it’s your mission to take down the evil Calypso twins before they can unite the bandit clans. There are quite a few side quests and bosses leading up to your goal, ensuring that the game never loses your interest. The animation style is fantastic, too — it has sort of a comic book feel to it.

You can play this game alone or with up to 3 other players through online co-op. What’s awesome about the online co-op functionality is its drop-in/drop-out, so you don’t have to restart the game for other players to join.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Did you like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order? Here’s a continuation of it. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor takes place five years later, and follows the story of Cal Kestis, one of the last surviving Jedi Knights.

The third-person action game takes you on an adventure through the galaxy’s edges, where the Empire managed to push him. You’ll get to navigate through threats, explore new places, and go through an involving story, in good Star Wars fashion.

Doom Eternal

The video game industry owes so much to the original Doom, and Eternal has brought the incredible franchise right back to the forefront. You already know what to expect — monsters, guns, and explosions.

Your goal is to reclaim Earth from the armies of Hell through a brutal single-player campaign. If you’d rather take your destruction global, you can hop right into battle mode and take on other players. Doom Eternal also claimed Steam’s award for the best soundtrack of the year, so you should be able to immerse yourself in the action entirely.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

The Call of Duty franchise undoubtedly makes some of the best FPS games around. The latest premium release is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and it is everything we’ve been expecting.

Of course, you’ll get plenty of war action, multiplayer fun, and a wide variety of weapons, accessories, 55 military ranks, and more. You’re sure to have plenty of fun for years to come.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Like Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, this game includes online team-based, tactical gameplay. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, more commonly known as CS: GO, was released in 2012, but it’s still one of Steam’s most-played games.

The game is free to play, so if you’re looking to test an online team-based strategy game, this is a great place to start. You can see if you like the genre without shelling out any money. CS: GO features new maps, game modes, characters, and updated versions of classic Counter-Strike content.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion

There is no denying the Final Fantasy franchise has a very special place in the RPG game market. Square Enix has launched plenty of the best-selling RPG titles in history, and the latest launch is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion.

We’re glad to see this title come to Steam, as not many of the latest Final Fantasy releases make it to the platform. The only sad news is that this isn’t exactly a new title. Instead, it’s an HD remastering of the original Crisis Core game. You’ll get better graphics, voice improvements, a new soundtrack, and an improved battle system.

WWE 2K23

Wrestling fans will find there’s not much that can compete against this title. It’s a fun game with all your favorite WWE characters, making it one of the best Steam games you can find.

Graphics have come a long way since the first WWE games. Just look at the image of Hulk Hogan! You’ll also get to play with all-time favorites like Chyna, Edge, Goldberg, Hulk Hogan, Kane, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, etc. Even Bad Bunny is available!

Resident Evil 4

What is the first game series you think of when you think of zombie games? It must be Resident Evil; at least, it is for me and most people I know. These survival horror games are an industry staple, and the franchise doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. And it seems Leon isn’t either, as he is featured in two of the most popular Resident Evil titles; Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 4.

If the title seems familiar, it’s because this 2023 Resident Evil 4 is a remake of the Resident Evil 4 from back in 2005. It follows a similar story, throwing you in the middle of Spain, where your main objective is to rescue the president’s kidnapped daughter. Of course, you’ll have to get through zombie hordes and other horrific creatures to accomplish this.

The game follows a similar story to the original, but in good remake fashion, it comes with some changes. Mainly, the graphics have been greatly improved. The storyline is also slightly reworked, and gameplay has its changes.

Evil Dead: The Game

Are you a fan of the Evil Dead saga? If so, you’ll have to play Evil Dead: The Game. This title merges the Evil Dead universe into a single experience with all your favorite characters. These include iconic personalities like Ash Williams, Lord Arthur, Scotty, Ed Getley, Amanda Fisher, Cheryl Williams, and others.

You can play both co-op and PVP, making this a very fun game you can enjoy with others. Additionally, the game allows you to play as a good or evil character. It comes filled with exploring, looting, surviving, and, of course, fighting evil demons. By the way, the battles are as bloody and gory as in the movies and show.

Red Dead Redemption 2

This game is a western open-world adventure where you play as outlaw Arthur Morgan. You are on the run, stealing and fighting across America to survive. Red Dead Redemption 2 has won over 175 Game of the Year awards, so it’s no surprise that we love it as one of the best games on Steam.

Plus, you’ll also have access to Red Dead Online, where you can create your own story. A few of the many things you can do include running an underground distillery as a Moonshiner or building a business as a Trader.

Elden Ring

Brought to you by Bandai Entertainment, there is no doubt that Elden Ring is one of the best games on Steam. This action RPG offers total character creation freedom, a vast exploration world, and great storytelling.

There are many classes to pick from, including Hero, Warrior, Vagabond, Prisoner, Bandit, Samurai, etc. Your goal is to become an Elden Lord with the help of powerful Elden Ring shards. The graphics look stunning, and the fantasy world is gorgeous. The fighting is full of action, too. You definitely won’t find any dull moments with this game.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

The Assassin’s Creed games always take us back to some of the most interesting time frames in history, in an open world you can easily get lost in. The fighting is visceral and as involved as can be. Not to mention the stories, which are always mesmerizing.

This time around, we’re exploring the world of Vikings, as you take on the role of Eivor, a “legendary Viking raider.” You’ll explore shores ranging from Norway to England in a “Dark Age open world.” Sounds like fun, right?

FIFA 23

FIFA 23 can’t be missing from any list of the best games. The franchise has created some of the most popular sports games out there, and this one has plenty to offer to soccer fans. Graphics are as impressive as they get, and you have complete freedom with various gaming modes, players, and game customization. You’ll get to enjoy playing with 19,000 players, over 700 teams, 100 stadiums, and more than 30 leagues.

Lego Bricktales

Did you like playing with Legos as a kid? I know I loved it, so it’s exciting to be able to gamify the experience with Lego Bricktales. You’ll be able to build brick-by-brick to make your own creations or solve puzzles. There’s a story, too, so there is plenty to like about this title.

Undecember

Hack-and-slash action RPG fans rejoice! Undecember is one of the most interesting games of its kind, offering a deep story and an intricate growth system. Become a rune hunter and strengthen your character so you can wipe your enemies with devastating blows.

PC gaming is impressive, but you may want to accessorize your gaming PC. You should also check out our list of the best gaming laptops.