It’s 2023 year and some trends have changed, especially in the gaming industry. The gaming industry is now based on pay-to-win games, multiplayer focus, loot boxes and who knows what. No, we aren’t going in the right direction, developers! Campaign games have fallen into the oblivion as every game now exploits that multiplayer side of the gaming. Today, I’m here to try and bring the games with a great campaign to the front. Screw multiplayer, let’s go singleplayer! Below is the list of best PC games with great campaigns; enjoy!
What are Campaign Games?
Video games in the campaign game genre put emphasis mostly on engaging storylines and storytelling. These games frequently have a well-organized set of connected tasks or levels that players can follow to create a satisfying narrative. The main story mode of a game, when players advance through a preset sequence of events and tasks, is frequently referred to as a “campaign”.
Players can often take on the role of a protagonist or a cast of characters in campaign games and set out on a journey or adventure. Various different Cut-Scenes, conversation, and small in-game activities are mostly used to deliver the narrative or story, allowing players to interact with the plot and the characters.
The Best Campaign PC Games
If you like campaign games, you might have played a bunch of them. We did our best to list the best campaign games available for PC –
1. DOOM
It would be a criminal offense to this game if it wasn’t on our list! DOOM is the most brutal, satisfying, filthy, evil and kick-ass shooter of all time! I mean, there aren’t many better things than killing demons and listening to heavy-ass-metal music while doing so. Shooting with your shotgun, rifle or pistol was never this satisfying and those glory kills are so awesome, that I always find myself tearing some heads of the demons! If you want a great campaign experience, DOOM is a great way to start, folks! Grab some guns and let’s kill!
2. Titanfall 2
Titanfall 2 is that short but sweet game that we all love… at least those who played it! It offers a compelling campaign which you’ll want to swallow whole, in one go! It’s a well-balanced game, offering a great combat with both of the human characters and using your Titan. And, oh, boy does it feel so good! Those Titan encounters are something I’ll remember always.
The bullets flying, explosives pounding all around you as you and your Titan advance and tear the crap out of your enemies… that’s too satisfying and badass! Go and play it NOW!
3. Battlefield 1
WW1 was never this good like in this game. Oh, let me just count how many WW1 games we’ve had before Battlefield 1. I forgot, very little. This first-person PC shooter will blow your mind with its visuals, as Frostbite engine is the leading force here. On top of that, Battlefield 1 campaign is filled with memorable and touching moments, as well as charismatic characters that you’ll love. Aside from this campaign, Battlefield 1 has a fantastic multiplayer component, and if you grow tired of a campaign, you can just jump straight into the online mode!
4. FIFA 18
Why the hell is a football game on this list? Well, if you played FIFA 18 or FIFA 17, you know that these games include campaigns. But, how good a campaign in these games can be, you ask me. And I will answer with a very positive answer. It’s awesome! Its campaign allows you to feel like a true football star as you make sympathies or rivalries with the other players and score those goddamn goals!
FIFA 18 also introduced a FIFA Street match here, for that dose of nostalgia. FIFA 18 is an absolute and supreme game when it comes to the sports genre; simply unmatched!
5. Dishonored 2
Dishonored 2 was plagued by its bad optimization when it released, and I was almost unable to play it on my mid-range GPU. Initially, I just thought this was another crappy console port, but I quickly changed my opinion. Dishonored 2 is for true stealth fans, and I’m one of them.
It’s very challenging and requires you to think carefully about every move, although you’ll have some powers at your disposal, depending on the character you choose. There is Corvo and there is Emily. I don’t need to introduce them as they are both ass-kicking characters!
6. Call of Duty WWII
Call of Duty didn’t have this compelling campaign since the Black Ops reign, and it’s a welcome addition to the gaming world. For those who complain about the short quality of this campaign… well, go to hell! The campaign in COD WWII is great, offering well-acted characters and a great war story for the players to experience. Sure, the length isn’t great, as this is 2017 year, but hey, there is a multiplayer aside from that, so jump in, if you wish.
7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
On any ranking of the Best PC campaign games, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt deserves to be there. This open-world role-playing game produced or developed by CD Projekt Red offers a really rich and captivating tale set in a complicated fantasy environment. You take control of Geralt of Rivia, a wise witcher guy notorious for hunting down various monsters, as you embark on a quest to find your adopted daughter while navigating through a maze of political intrigue and supernatural perils.
The game indeed offers spectacularly beautiful visuals, decision-making that is thought-provoking, and engaging characters. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a must-play for RPG and story-focused game fans. A True Masterpiece.
8. Gears of War 4
I’ve always loved Gears of War series, although I didn’t play all of the games. I mean, I wasn’t that lucky to have an Xbox 360 so I just watched the gameplay of those games. Gears of War 4 is great! Its graphics are insane and will melt your GPU like an ice cream in the summer. The story might not be that great, but it’s the same story and the characters from the GoW universe. This game is also more violent than the other in the series, and you’ll often blow some heads of the enemies or punch them to the ground. It’s for true third-person shooter lovers!
9. GTA V
This open-world giant is one of the most important games ever! GTA V brought the full package when it was released, and this package is still played and enjoyed. As someone who isn’t a fan of GTA series, I’ll tell you one thing- this game rocks! What you can expect from the game is a well-written story, beautiful environment and LOTS of stuff to do. Characters-wise, there are three new characters with a completely different personality that fit the story well. The multiplayer is also here, but wait ’till I lift my jaw off the ground, I just played the game!
10. Nioh
If you ever wondered what would happen if Dark Souls and Bloodborne had a child, well… here’s the result! A ruthless, yet satisfying game called Nioh. This game is about Samurai era, featuring some real-world characters from that time, including our protagonist William.
As William isn’t that powerful compared to the enemies in the game, you’ll need to sweat your balls in order to beat the game. The bosses will wipe the floor with you every single time you try to hit them, and due to its unforgivable nature, many will find this game too hard to play. But, if you have what it takes, then go on!
11. Metro: Last Light
Metro: Last Light is a terrifying and claustrophobic experience. It’s intense and offers great shooting segments, as well as stealth parts that are very hard to beat. The story is about Ranger called Artyom, as he ventures in a search for the Dark One, a mystical creature wielding a great power. However, as many other factions are on the same journey as Artyom, the game starts to be more complicated. Metro: Last Light is a compelling and touching experience, and I recommend you to play it now!
12. Portal 2
Portal 2 isn’t the newest game, but it serves as a perfect example of how a puzzle game should be done. It’s a game in which you control your character from the first-person perspective and use your Portal gun. You’ve heard about Portal gun, right? That’s a weapon for shooting blue and orange portals, inform me if you find it in your store! Until then, I’ll enjoy this puzzling and thrilling experience that Portal 2 offers.
13. Bioshock Infinite
Bioshock Infinite is a straightforward FPS game. No bullshit here and no dragging and fillers. It’s a game for every FPS lover to enjoy. A fast-paced gameplay and nice visuals are to be expected from the game. Its characters aren’t that well-developed, but this interesting woman called Elizabeth caught my eye. She is your companion through the game and has some powers like opening portals and helping Baker by giving him ammo for weapons. You’ll play the game just because of Elizabeth!
14. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
In the stunning ancient Greek background of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, players assume the character of Alexios or Kassandra, mercenaries. This action-packed role-playing game does has an expansive open world with some really fascinating missions, mythological creatures, and old historical locations.
The game’s plot takes you on an epic and mind-blowing journey totally filled with surprises as you investigate the political scheme of the Old and Ancient world and uncover the truth about your family’s mysterious and hidden background. For fans of both the genres, the action role-playing game Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a must-play because of its gorgeous and stunning visuals, fun gameplay, and intriguing storyline.
15. Batman: Arkham Knight
I’ve had so many problems with this game on my PC. Its release was followed by hundreds of bad reviews and all of that because of the bad port… bad freaking port! However, Batman: Arkham Knight has some jaw-dropping visuals and looks stunning! The game immediately throws you in the center of Gotham City and Batman makes some new, and some… *cough*, well, old enemies here! I won’t spoil anything, but if you played the previous game, expect some surprises!
16. Dying Light
Dying Light’s base is built on a cliche setting done very well. In fact, this game is one of my favorite open-world games! Its gameplay is focused on melee combat, exploration, and leveling, which makes the game a true RPG title, aside from open-world. The graphics are great and the optimization is solid. Oh, Dying Light is bloody hard, especially in the nightfall, when hordes of zombies are swarming the city. The expansion is also good, so if you love this game, try it too.
17. ARMA 3
This military shooter has everything you want from an FPS game. Well… almost everything! The huge, open world- check. A wide variety of weapons- check. Numerous vehicles- check. Fast-paced gameplay- uncheck. It’s a tactical shooter and sort of a military simulation game for PC that will kick your butt for playing it like COD. ARMA 3 isn’t COD. Period! The realism in this game is insane, and the weapons behave and sound almost like in real life. Everything from pistols and bigger guns is perfectly done, resulting in a patient and slow-paced gameplay.
18. Company of Heroes 2
In my opinion, the real-time strategy genre was at its peak with Company of Heroes 2. As I’m not a fan of some fancy and complex strategies, this was a perfect game to play. For campaign lovers, there is a good WW2 story speaking about the Soviet Union at the time. The gameplay revolves around participating in various battles over the SSSR and kicking the Nazi’s back from where they came from. Company of Heroes 2 is a great campaign PC game, offering lots of memorable moments and a smooth gameplay.
19. Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls series always frustrated me with their difficulty. Call me however you want, but I think that it’s too damn hard! However, there’s something satisfying in dying and fighting over and over again here. Those bosses will challenge every bit of your reflexes and skills.
The whole atmosphere in the game is dark, depressive and reeks of apathy and despair! You are so alone here and everybody is trying to kill you- that’s what will make your blood boil! Prepare to experience the Dark Souls 3 to the fullest, and lots of times see “You Died” on the screen.
20. Far Cry Primal
Far Cry Primal is set in 10,000 BC era at the beginning of the Mesolithic period in Europe, which makes this game unique. Finally, an AAA title with this setting, I’m all ears! This first-person PC action game brings the best of the Far Cry series, with its fun gameplay, amazing exploration, and stunning visuals. Far Cry Primal is the newest game in the series, and until Far Cry 5 comes out, you can have fun with this one.
21. Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation is a horror game for PC that will send shivers down your spine. It’s an amazing experience if you are brave enough to play it. Seriously, this game is terrifying and spooky as hell! You are locked in a space station called Sevastopol, with that monstrosity Alien and those annoying Androids. Everyone and everything here is hostile! Survive or get eaten by the Alien, it’s your choice!
22. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
MGSV: The Phantom Pain made me thankful that Hideo Kojima exists. His last effort is phenomenal! This game returns to its roots with those long cutscenes and fantastic story, although it features a semi-open world. Being an open-world game, The Phantom Pain offers several possibilities for completing missions and a greater sense of freedom. The game might drag a bit in the end, but the ending is unexpected and features a great plot twist!
Pick the Best Campaign Games for PC
So, that’s it, folks. What do you think of the campaign in video games? Do you think that developers need to focus more on this part of the multiplayer, and why? Remember, campaign games are where it all began. A great campaign equals a great game and that’s how it is. What game from my list will you buy? I’m all ears!