The year 2020 was eagerly anticipated by PC gamers worldwide. Many exciting new releases were scheduled. This accompanying video highlights many of the biggest PC games of 2020. Players were introduced to a diverse lineup of titles. Genres ranged from immersive VR experiences to sprawling strategy games. New adventures were waiting for exploration. The PC gaming landscape offered something for everyone.
Anticipation for these titles built up significantly. Developers worked to push boundaries. Graphical fidelity was enhanced. Gameplay mechanics were refined. The power of modern PCs was truly leveraged. Players prepared for captivating stories. Challenging multiplayer experiences were also on offer. The following information expands on these noteworthy releases. Key details are also provided for each title.
Warcraft 3: Reforged: A Classic’s Return
One of the earliest big PC games of 2020 was Warcraft 3: Reforged. This title was launched on January 28th. It presented a heavily revamped version of the classic real-time strategy game. Visuals were significantly improved for modern displays. Cutscenes were completely redone. Furthermore, new features and balance changes were implemented. However, the game offered both the original base game and the ‘Frozen Throne’ expansion. This packed in many heroes and faction units. Some campaign maps were also redesigned. A large variety of user-created games was still supported. Competitive play was also impacted by these balance changes. The legacy of Warcraft 3 as an RTS cornerstone was certainly challenged here. The game’s reception was quite mixed.
Death Stranding: Hideo Kojima’s Unique Vision on PC
Death Stranding was a console sensation. Its arrival on PC was a major event. This unique title had been released on PS4. Yet, its PC port promised significant enhancements. Players anticipated full 60 frames per second. Potential 4K support was also expected. This promised an even more visually stunning experience. Additionally, the modding community was very excited. Glorious user-created modifications were hoped for. Death Stranding was released early in the summer. 505 Games handled its PC publishing. This brought Hideo Kojima’s distinctive vision to a broader audience. The game’s narrative depth and unconventional gameplay were divisive yet compelling.
Half-Life: Alyx: A New VR Frontier
Valve broke a long silence with Half-Life: Alyx. This was the first major franchise title since 2004. It signaled a strong commitment to virtual reality gaming. The game was released in March. Its story was set before Half-Life 2. Players controlled Alyx Vance. She fought the Combine forces. Her father, Eli Vance, needed rescue. Players navigated environments using new gravity gloves. Puzzles were solved. Combat encounters were frequent. The title was exclusively playable in VR. It set a new standard for immersive gameplay. Half-Life: Alyx demonstrated VR’s potential for deep, narrative-driven experiences. Many VR headset sales were attributed to this game.
Gears Tactics: Strategy in the Gears Universe
The popular Gears of War universe expanded with Gears Tactics. This game was a notable departure from its third-person shooter roots. It introduced turn-based strategy. The setting was more than a decade before the first Gears game. The world faced a severe Locust threat. Players assembled and upgraded a squad. They fought back against the enemy. Large boss battles were featured. Ruined environments provided a gritty backdrop. A substantial 40-hour campaign was also included. This made it an appealing title for fans of XCOM. PC players received the game on April 28th. Its Xbox One release date remained unknown at that time. The game offered a fresh strategic perspective on the franchise.
New World: Amazon’s Grand MMO Ambition
Amazon Game Studios launched its ambitious MMO, New World. Its release was scheduled for May 2020. Players embarked on a journey to Aeternum. This strange island promised riches. However, players ultimately faced ancient warriors. The core goal involved scavenging and survival. Battling corrupted foes was paramount. This could be done solo. Alternatively, players formed companies. The MMO genre has seen many challenges. Yet, Amazon’s entry was met with intrigue. Players looked forward to its unique blend of action combat. Crafting and player-driven economies were also highlighted. The game’s long-term success was closely watched by the community.
A Total War Saga: Troy: Epic Ancient Warfare
The renowned Total War franchise ventured into ancient Greece. A Total War Saga: Troy explored the Iliad. It focused on the Trojan Wars. Legends of Achilles and Odysseus were central. Players were tasked with growing an empire. They waged war against foes. Large real-time battles were a hallmark. Ultimately, players aimed for victory. The historical context was enriched with mythological elements. This offered a fresh take on historical strategy. Creative Assembly continued its legacy of grand-scale warfare. Strategic decision-making was critical for success. The game’s launch was also notable for its Epic Games Store exclusivity period.
Griftlands: A Narrative Roguelike Evolution
Klei Entertainment, known for its distinct art style, released Griftlands. This game started as an open-world RPG. However, it evolved into a card-based roguelike. Players entered a unique world. They took on various jobs. Collecting cards was essential. These cards were used for combat. They could also facilitate negotiation. This offered a compelling twist on the Slay the Spire formula. The signature Klei art style was immediately recognizable. Griftlands became available in early access. It was initially on the Epic Games Store. Its Steam release was planned for June 2020. The full game was aimed for a late 2020 PC release. This innovative approach to roguelikes resonated with players.
Hades: Mythological Action and Endless Story
Supergiant Games presented Hades. This isometric hack and slash roguelike felt different from their past efforts. Yet, it maintained their high standards. The combat was genuinely great. Level design was exceptional. The amount of story content was staggering. Players controlled Zagreus. He was the Prince of the Underworld. His struggle to escape was central. Aid came from the Greek Pantheon. Foes like the Hydra and Fury Sisters were battled. Each new run unveiled more dialogue. Interactions and cutscenes deepened the narrative. Flashbacks added to the rich lore. Hades was slated for a Q3 or Q4 2020 release. It was available in early access. The game’s blend of action and narrative was widely praised.
Humankind: Shaping Civilizations Through History
Amplitude Studios, known for Endless Legend, offered Humankind. This title presented a historical 4X experience. Players established a civilization. They guided it through several eras. Progression spanned from cavemen to advanced tech. Empires were built on trade, influence, or combat. However, players could custom-build their empire. Elements from other civilizations were adopted. This led to immense gameplay diversity. Humankind was released in 2020. More details were expected to emerge. The game aimed to innovate within the 4X genre. It offered players unparalleled choice in historical development. The game’s unique culture blending mechanic was a significant draw.
Legends of Runeterra: Riot Games’ Card Battler
Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, expanded its universe. Legends of Runeterra was a new collectible card game (CCG). It was one of many new ventures. The game featured cards of champions and spells. These were familiar from League of Legends. This free-to-play title also included a special Expeditions Draft mode. Players created random decks. They upgraded them over different games. Legends of Runeterra was in beta testing. It was slated for a 2020 launch on PC. Mobile platforms also received the game. This CCG aimed to compete with established titles. Its unique region-based mechanics were highly anticipated. The game’s generous free-to-play model was also a key feature.
Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond: WWII in VR
Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond was an Oculus Rift exclusive. This VR shooter offered intense action. Players acted as agents for the OSS. They undertook missions. Air and sea diversions were crucial. Returning to Europe provided immersive World War II depictions. This was considered the most immersive entry in the series. Multiplayer had also been confirmed. Finer details were still pending. More information was expected before its release. This title aimed to redefine historical shooters in VR. The experience of being in the trenches was truly unique. Virtual reality technology brought a new level of immersion to the battlefields of World War II.
The Settlers: Reviving a City-Building Legacy
Ubisoft Blue Byte aimed to revive The Settlers series. This franchise had seen several iterations. The question was what its 2020 release would offer. The game utilized the Snowdrop Engine. This allowed for visually appealing graphics. However, more information about gameplay was desired. The Settlers series is known for its intricate economy. It blends city-building with real-time strategy elements. Fans anticipated a return to form. The challenges of modernizing a classic formula were evident. Yet, the potential for a fresh take on the genre was exciting. The game’s development continued with a focus on core mechanics.
Roller Champions: High-Octane Arcade Sports
Ubisoft introduced Roller Champions. This 3v3 sports title was initially seen at E3. The subsequent pre-alpha demo was intriguing. It was often compared to Rocket League. However, players were on skates. Elements of racing were also present. Players gained followers. They unlocked cosmetics. Competing for glory was the main goal. It launched as a free-to-play title. Its release was in Q1 or Q2 2020 for PC. The arcade-style gameplay promised fast-paced fun. The competitive aspect was a significant draw. The game aimed to carve its own niche in the online sports genre. Player customization was a major selling point.
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands: Exploring the Afterlife
World of Warcraft received its next major expansion. Shadowlands promised a truly unique setup. The boundary between Azeroth and the Shadowlands was torn. This afterlife realm became accessible. Players journeyed across five new zones. They conquered four new dungeons. Pledging to new Covenants was essential. This represented a massive amount of new content. However, concerns about gameplay quality persisted. The prior expansion, Battle for Azeroth, had its issues. Players hoped Shadowlands would avoid similar pitfalls. The expansion significantly deepened the game’s lore. It introduced entirely new systems. These changed how players interacted with the world. The narrative was widely praised for its fresh direction.
