The world of PC gaming is a vast and diverse one, full to the brim with a host of titles from different genres that can range from downright appalling to extremely interesting. Whether it be underrated indie gems or high-budget AAA titles, there's no denying that the PC gaming market has a ton of great selections to choose from.
However, amidst a ton of games that hog the spotlight, there are some underrated gems that never really get the recognition they deserve. This is especially sad if the games are PC exclusives that aren't available on other platforms where they might garner an audience. Keeping this in mind, here are ten PC exclusive titles released in the last five years that are extremely underrated.
10 RimWorld
RimWorld is a game that blends elements of construction, management, and survival into one extremely addictive top-down package. The end result is a wonderful experience where players will find themselves lost in this simulated world for hours.
Managing the needs of colonists and ensuring their survival is not an easy task in the slightest. However, it's the admirable manner in which RimWorld weaves player losses and failures into its gameplay that makes it such a unique and satisfying bag of tricks.
9 Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
Speaking of games that seem small but have huge scopes, it would be impossible to not mention the legendary stature of the Mount & Blade series. Most players talk at length when it comes to the surprising depths of this game's mechanics and the immense possibilities of its role-playing.
While Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord might only be available in Early Access right now, initial impressions have been mostly positive across the board. The general consensus is that once all the kinks are ironed out, then Bannerlord can establish itself as one of the most engaging strategy-action role-playing games around.
8 ARMA 3
A realistic tactical shooter that requires the player to use their tactical intellect as much as their gaming prowess, ARMA 3 is not a forgiving game in the slightest. However, players who understand the intricate systems of this game will find themselves having a wildly enjoyable time indeed.
The game might not be for everyone, but fans of ARMA 3 will swear by its engaging combat and satisfying tactical engagements. It's a great game for PC players to sink their teeth into.
7 Factorio
It's funny how a game that's mostly about setting up factories is one of the most engaging games around. Factorio might not be the most popular game around, but its dedicated fanbase speaks volumes when it comes to the brilliance of this title.
Couple this experience with the vast hordes of mods available for this title, and it's easy to see why so many people absolutely adore Factorio. The game is extremely challenging and can be a chore early on, but learning its systems allows players to enjoy one of the most complex simulation games around.
6 Black Mesa
Black Mesa's achievements aren't talked about enough, which is a shame. People would assume that a full-blown remake of the first Half-Life would be on the tips of everyone's tongues to this day.
The sheer amount of work put into this amazing remake should definitely be commended, with the additional work put into the latter half of the game being a high point of this remake. PC players who have found it challenging to get into the legendary Half-Life series will find Black Mesa to be the perfect starting point.
5 Crusader Kings 3
Paradox Interactive has created some of the greatest grand strategy games of all time. However, most of these titles were incredibly challenging to get into... that is, before the launch of Crusader Kings 3.
All of a sudden, players had the perfect opportunity to jump into this popular medieval grand-strategy title, coupled with a new engine and beginner-friendly changes that made Crusader Kings 3 one of the most accessible games around. Players can easily find themselves investing hundreds of hours into their dynasties, hoping for the breakthrough moment where they can create their own religion, unlock a major dynasty upgrade, or anything else along the same lines!
4 Total War: Three Kingdoms
Speaking of grand strategy games, it's impossible to not mention the Total War series. Of course, the series does have as much of a focus on actual warfare and tactics as it has on actual governance.
The latest game in the series, Total War: Three Kingdoms, is the most refined formula the series has presented to date. The mechanics might be complex, but players who get over this early hurdle will enjoy one of the deepest and most enjoyable strategy games around.
3 Escape From Tarkov
It seems that most realistic first-person shooters mostly have a home on PC. That being said, the inherent toughness of such games prevents them from truly breaking into the mainstream.
This is perhaps why most multiplayer aficionados don't really rate Escape from Tarkov, mainly because they have no idea what the game's about. However, the close-knit community of this title absolutely loves the realistic gameplay of this excellent title.
2 Command & Conquer Remastered Collection
The Command & Conquer series is one of the greatest RTS games ever made, and fans were elated at the prospect of a remaster of the first two games that started it all. Command & Conquer Remastered Collection definitely doesn't disappoint in this regard.
The faithful remakes of these classic titles were a blast to play through. The modern conveniences brought about in this remaster also made these games extremely accessible for the masses.
1 Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire
Whenever most people talk about the resurgence of CRPGs, Divinity: Original Sin is the first name that comes to the mind of any fan of this genre. However, there's another excellent CRPG that most people don't really take into account, and that is Pillars of Eternity.
The first game was pretty great in its own right, and the sequel improved upon this formula even more. Players who enjoy good CRPGs with memorable stories will feel right at home while playing Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire.