Sure, there are the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles right now, even the virtual reality headset Apple Vision Pro, offering unparalleled immersive experiences. However, nothing beats the flexibility of gaming on your PC. It’s very versatile.
Lots of big titles and great PC games today – “Elden Ring,” “Grand Theft Auto,” “The Sims,” “Apex Legends,” and so much more. But what if you’re not connected to the Internet? Don’t fret because there are several games as exciting as those that you can play offline.
‘Civilization VI’
What a fantastic way to start this rundown. “Civilization VI” continues the legacy and joy of building cities, controlling your armies, and more. No signs of stopping or slowing down. There is no question that this game is best in single-player mode when you are in peaceful surroundings. You don’t need an Internet connection to experience this game.
Whether you’re fighting Barbarians in 4,000 BC or launching nukes in the future, that is 2050, “Civ IV” will test your wits and prowess for city-building, warfare, and diplomacy. Plus, several DLC packs and mods are ready to entice you whenever you’re back online.
‘Still Wakes The Deep’
Want an offline game that gives off the vibes of “Resident Evil”? Play “Still Wakes the Deep.” Developed by The Chinese Room, this game features a story that centers around an electrician trapped on a damaged oil drilling platform in the perilous North Sea with no way to escape. They are also being chased by mysterious monsters in harsh weather conditions.
It’s terrifying and full of action. Gamers and critics love its story, graphics, sound design, and voice performance.
‘Balatro’
Some of the best offline games on PC are actually casino games, yes, or casino-inspired games, at that. Take “Balatro” for instance. Inspired by poker, this game favors those not too well-versed with card games. Here, you construct poker hands with the use of strategic discards to score enough chips and win the game.
But it’s not really as simple and linear. The probability of winning becomes more and more difficult as you progress, with bosses hindering your success. So, you resort to bending the rules. You have the store with you, nonetheless. In between rounds, you can buy Tarot, Joker, and Planet Cards that can boost your abilities to pick up bonus chips and progress even if the odds are not in your favor.
‘Hades’ And ‘Hades II’ In Early Access
Be sure you have Early Access to be able to play these games offline on your PC. “Hades II” is regarded as the biggest project of Supergiant Games, its developer, thus far.
Most of the time, you’ll be playing with the character named Zagreus. Zagreus, the prince of the Underworld and the rebellious son of Hades (Disney’s “Descendants” vibes?), must work his way through four areas and bosses. But here’s the catch. He wants to escape the Underworld. He wants to after learning the true nature of his father. So, he must experiment with weapons and boons to accomplish his mission right.
‘Pacific Drive’
Are there racing games to love with offline PC gaming, you ask? Definitely. Take “Pacific Drive” differently, too. You’re driving a car amidst dangerous elements of a radiated land. You’ll find yourself trapped in the boundaries of the Exclusion Zone, a fictional area set in the Olympic Peninsula. Why it’s abandoned is because the United States government performed many experiments in this zone. It’s also filled with paranormal forces.
The game is a road trip like no other. You’ll fall in love with its immaculate design and classic 90s conspiracy that combine survival, rogue life, and more.
‘Dragon’s Dogma II’
Next up is “Dragon’s Dogma II.” Developed and published by Capcom, also behind the phenomenal “Street Fighter” games, this sequel is set in a fantasy world parallel to its predecessor. Here, you play as a customizable character, exploring the game’s open world as you hunt a dragon that picked you as the “Arisen” amid a geopolitical conflict. You will complete quests and collect equipment with the help of allies called “Pawns.” Millions of units have been sold so far.
‘Spelunky 2’
Singer Rihanna will love this game as “chains and whips excite her.” “Spelunky 2” starts inside a cave with nothing but bombs, whips, and ropes. You play an explorer named Ana Spelunky who has embarked on an adventure to look for her parents after they went missing on an expedition. This game is more thrilling than the last as the gameplay is more complicated, featuring dangerous creatures, hazardous traps, and new environmental effects to dodge.
It may be challenging and punishing, but you’ll learn so many lessons along the way. You can get killed by a trap more than 20 times, but you’ll learn how to avoid it. It is what makes the game so addicting.
‘Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition’
Then, you have “Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition.” It is playable on PlayStation 5 and PC. Even better, you can play it on your computer even while offline. Enjoy stimulating adventures, storylines, characters, and experiences in a hazardous and risky setting. It’s the ultimate game for those not afraid to face threats.
‘Slay The Spire’
Last but not least is “Slay the Spire.” It’s not as grand as other games, but enough to keep you busy while inside the train or waiting for your next class. This roguelike deck-building game will have you playing as a character as they attempt to ascend a spire of multiple floors built using procedural generation, and battle enemies and bosses.
Those are nine of the best games you can play offline on your PC. There are more, and they are, for sure, also as wonderful. Nothing should hold you back from enjoying gaming as you can have these games at your fingertips, much like listening to Spotify even while offline.
