Tons of great releases every month have made 2023 the strongest year yet for video games and gamers. Amazing action-adventure experiences like Starfield have already laid a strong foundation for PC games going forward, and even better titles await as we say farewell to 2023 and go beyond. With plenty more still to come, here is our list of top 10 PC games launching this Winter.
10. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Studio: Massive Entertainment
Release Date: December 7, 2023
Genre: Open-world, Action-adventure
After dominating the big screens for years, Avatar is heading to gaming PCs and consoles worldwide under the leadership of Massive Entertainment. It’s a little different than what the famous The Division developer is used to, but from the previews, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a feast of eye candy.
The first-person gameplay, on the other hand, looks like it was plucked right off from a Far Cry game. Overall, I’d say the title shows promise and if you want to play a gorgeous shooter on your PC this Winter, this might be the one.
9. Pacific Drive
Studio: Ironwood Studios
Release Date: Early 2024
Genre: Open-world, Survival
The industry, as well as this listicle, wouldn’t be complete without naming at least one upcoming indie gem. For lovers of indie games, Pacific Drive developed by Ironwood Studios is what you should be excited about.
In Pacific Drive, You explore the Olympic Exclusion Zone on foot and in a station wagon trying to unravel the mysteries of the area. Plenty of survival, horror, and thriller elements await. It’s a very out-of-the-box approach owing to its unique art style, weird open-world, and uncanny design. Pacific Drive is an easy pick for the top 10 PC games launching this Winter.
8. Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Studio: GSC Game World
Release Date: Q1 2024
Genre: Open-world, Survival, Horror
Stalker 2 serves as a sequel to the original Stalker trilogy which was released between 2007 and 2009. This time the story will take us deep within Chornobyl to the monsters that lurk in its shadows.
In recent memory, Stalker 2 shares many similarities with the Metro franchise, owing to the creators of Metro being ex-devs of the Stalker series. That said, if you have played any of the Metro games or something like Alan Wake 2, that should be enough to tell you what a terrifying experience it will be.
7. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Studio: Ubisoft Montpellier
Release Date: January 18, 2024
Genre: 2.5D Side-scroller, Action
Next up on the list of top 10 PC games launching this Winter is Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a 2.5D platformer by Ubisoft. The newest entry into the series has you taking on the role of Sargon, a great warrior on a mission to rescue the Prince of Persia from the cursed city.
It’s a fun platformer where you’ll have to solve puzzles, indulge in epic boss fights, and unlock spectacular powers. All in all, an absolute treat for Prince of Persia fans.
6. Horizon Forbidden West (PC)
Studio: Guerilla Games
Release Date: Early 2024
Genre: Open-world, Adventure
One of the PlayStation 5’s most-played games is finally launching on PC this Winter. After playing it, I can assure you that Forbidden West has the greatest visual fidelity in any game to date, even if the gameplay isn’t on par.
It’s very similar to Zero Dawn in terms of combat but with a humongous map and prettier graphics. Either way, you shouldn’t need me to tell you how delicious the Horizon games are.
5. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Studio: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Release Date: November 9, 2023
Genre: Beat ’em up, Action
For series veterans, this will be their eleventh foray into the Yakuza-verse. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name fills the gap between Yakuza 6 and Yakuza 7, explaining the whereabouts of the Dragon of Dojima Kiryu after he faked his death.
It’s definitely in my top 10 PC games launching this Winter, and you’ll love it too if you’ve got a thing for Japanese culture and fast-paced beat ’em ups — a weird combo, I know.
4. Persona 3 Reload
Studio: Atlus
Release Date: February 2, 2024
Genre: JRPG
It’s been a while since we had a new Persona game, but the wait is finally over. The critically acclaimed third installment is getting a remake titled Persona 3 Reload, and I’d suggest marking your calendars for this Winter if JRPGs are right up your alley.
With seamless load times, captivating visuals, and a quirky combat system, Persona 3 Reload is shaping up to be a real winner. Additionally, Persona 3 Reload will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass, so getting a subscription in February would be the best bang for the buck decision you could make.
3. Tekken 8
Studio: Bandai Namco Studios, Arika
Release Date: January 26, 2024
Genre: Fighting game
The biggest PC fighting game launching this Winter is Tekken 8. As if Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1 weren’t enough, now we’re getting Tekken 8 all within the time span of less than a year.
With over 30 unique characters, Tekken 8 is set to take the fighting stage in early 2024. A new chapter in the King of Iron Fist tournament will commence, and so will a new age in the real-life Esports Evo series.
2. Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League
Studio: Rocksteady
Release Date: February 2, 2024
Genre: Action-adventure, Shooter
Rocksteady is set to make a return with Suicide Squad: KTJL, their first title since Batman: Arkham Knight which launched all the way back in 2015. So far Suicide Squad has been through a rough patch, facing numerous delays from its original release date of 2022 to being bashed for its uninspiring looter-shooter game design.
Out of respect for the legendary developer, people are hoping it plays better than it looks since it’s been nine years in the making. Despite the gameplay drama, Suicide Squad is graphically stunning with a rich narrative. I’d recommend putting it in your wishlist on Steam as Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League arrives this Winter on PC.
1. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Studio: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Release Date: January 26, 2024
Genre: JRPG
The top PC games launching this Winter – at least for me – is Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, or Yakuza 8 if you’d prefer. Set after the events of Yakuza 7, the next mainline numbered entry focuses on both Kiryu and Ichiban, despite the former previously exiting the franchise as the protagonist.
Nonetheless, Kiryu’s return is a welcomed surprise and if Persona 3 Reload just doesn’t hit the spot for you, Infinite Wealth’s state-of-the-art JRPG mechanics surely will.