Introduction
The world of PC gaming is flooded with blockbuster titles, massive marketing campaigns, and viral Twitch sensations. But hidden beneath the surface are gems that, while lacking mainstream attention, deliver unforgettable experiences. Whether they’re overlooked indie projects or forgotten mid-tier games, these underrated PC titles deserve a spot in every gamer’s library.
1. Outer Wilds
Developer: Mobius Digital
Genre: Exploration / Puzzle / Sci-Fi
Release Year: 2019
While Outer Wilds has won awards and critical praise, it still remains criminally underplayed in the wider gaming community. This time-loop exploration game places you in a mysterious solar system filled with ruins, space phenomena, and existential questions. Every 22 minutes, the sun explodes — resetting the universe.
What makes it special is its clever environmental storytelling and non-linear progression. There’s no combat — just discovery. Perfect for fans of The Witness or Subnautica.
2. Deep Rock Galactic
Developer: Ghost Ship Games
Genre: Co-op FPS / Mining / Sci-Fi
Release Year: 2020
Imagine Left 4 Dead meets Minecraft, and you've got Deep Rock Galactic. You and up to three friends play as space dwarves who mine valuable minerals on hostile alien planets while surviving waves of insect-like creatures.
Despite its brilliant teamwork mechanics, unique visual style, and humor, it has flown under the radar for many gamers. In 2025, its growing modding community and regular updates make it more fun than ever.
3. A Plague Tale: Innocence
Developer: Asobo Studio
Genre: Action / Stealth / Narrative
Release Year: 2019
Set during the Black Plague in France, this narrative-driven stealth game tells the emotional story of a young girl, Amicia, and her brother Hugo as they flee from both the Inquisition and supernatural rat swarms.
Although its sequel (Requiem) brought more attention to the series, the original game remains a beautifully crafted experience that many skipped. With breathtaking visuals and a powerful score, it’s a must-play for fans of The Last of Us-style storytelling.
4. Battle Brothers
Developer: Overhype Studios
Genre: Turn-based Strategy / RPG
Release Year: 2017
Battle Brothers is a brutal, gritty tactical RPG where you lead a medieval mercenary company through procedurally generated events and turn-based battles. It combines permadeath, low-fantasy lore, and an unforgiving difficulty curve.
While it lacks modern polish, its depth and replayability rival that of XCOM or Mount & Blade. If you’re craving a challenge with meaningful choices and dynamic storytelling, this one’s for you.
5. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Developer: Ninja Theory
Genre: Action / Psychological Thriller
Release Year: 2017
A haunting journey through psychosis and Norse mythology, Hellblade blends action, puzzle-solving, and psychological horror like no other. Senua’s journey into Helheim to save her lover’s soul is as visually stunning as it is emotionally impactful.
Despite excellent voice acting and sound design, it’s still overlooked by many PC gamers. With the sequel Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II launching recently, now is the perfect time to revisit the original.
6. Return of the Obra Dinn
Developer: Lucas Pope
Genre: Mystery / Puzzle / Investigation
Release Year: 2018
If you're into detective games with a unique visual twist, Return of the Obra Dinn is a masterpiece. You play as an insurance investigator trying to piece together the fate of a ship's crew — using a magical pocket watch and logic.
Rendered in a striking 1-bit art style, the game is challenging, intellectually rewarding, and like nothing else. It's perfect for gamers tired of traditional puzzle design and hungry for innovation.
7. Inscryption
Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
Genre: Psychological Horror / Deck Builder / Roguelike
Release Year: 2021
Inscryption starts as a mysterious card game in a dark cabin — and then unfolds into something far more bizarre. Twisting genres and breaking the fourth wall, it keeps you guessing from start to finish.
It’s not just a card battler — it’s an unsettling, meta-layered experience that uses mechanics as storytelling tools. Despite its originality, many gamers still haven’t heard of it. Don’t sleep on this one.
8. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Developer: Warhorse Studios
Genre: RPG / Historical Simulation
Release Year: 2018
Tired of dragons and fireballs? Kingdom Come: Deliverance grounds its RPG mechanics in real-world medieval Bohemia. With historically accurate weapons, armor, and social systems, it offers a brutally immersive take on medieval life.
Combat is skill-based and realistic, the world is handcrafted and vast, and choices have lasting consequences. While some found its launch buggy, the game has since been patched and improved — now standing as one of the most authentic RPGs on PC.
9. Ghostrunner
Developer: One More Level
Genre: Action / Cyberpunk / Parkour
Release Year: 2020
In Ghostrunner, you play a cybernetic ninja slicing your way through a dystopian tower. Think Mirror’s Edge meets DOOM Eternal. It’s fast, stylish, and punishing — but incredibly rewarding once mastered.
Despite great gameplay and a killer synthwave soundtrack, it didn’t get as much mainstream buzz as other cyberpunk games. It’s an adrenaline shot for action fans and a must-try for speedrunners.
10. Tunic
Developer: Andrew Shouldice
Genre: Action / Adventure / Puzzle
Release Year: 2022
This adorable-looking isometric adventure stars a tiny fox in a big, mysterious world. Tunic is heavily inspired by Zelda and Dark Souls — not just in its combat but in its cryptic puzzles and hidden lore.
The real twist? Most of the game’s manual and dialogue are in an invented language you must decode yourself. It’s a delightful blend of nostalgia, challenge, and mystery that too many players have missed.
Why These Games Matter
Underrated doesn’t mean unworthy — it often means these titles didn’t benefit from massive marketing budgets or viral exposure. Yet they offer creative ideas, tight gameplay, and stories that resonate. Some of the best gaming experiences in 2025 won’t come from AAA studios but from teams who pour passion into their craft, often on smaller budgets.
By playing underrated games, you:
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Support indie developers and small studios
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Discover unique mechanics and storytelling styles
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Break out of the repetitive loop of mainstream franchises
Final Thoughts
There’s more to PC gaming than the biggest names. Elden Ring, Call of Duty, and Cyberpunk might dominate headlines, but they’re only a slice of what the medium has to offer. If you're willing to look beyond the obvious, you'll find brilliant titles with heart, creativity, and gameplay that rivals — or even surpasses — the blockbusters.
So the next time you're scrolling through your Steam wishlist, consider giving one of these underrated PC games a shot. You might just find your new favorite.
