Get Lost in a Great Story

Sometimes you just want to kick back, ignore the real world, and get lost in a really good story. Don't get me wrong, playing with friends is great, but there is something special about diving into a single-player game. You don't have to worry about toxic voice chats, keeping up with a team, or dealing with internet lag. It is just you, a massive world to explore, and a story that pulls you right in.

Today's top story-driven PC games are absolutely amazing. They offer huge worlds, characters you will actually care about, and stories that will keep you guessing until the very end. Whether you want to explore outer space, survive a zombie apocalypse, or live the life of an outlaw, there is an adventure waiting for you.

Why We Love Single-Player Games

  • Play at Your Own Pace: Take your time exploring every corner, or rush through the main story. It is entirely up to you.
  • Deep Characters: These games spend hours building up characters so you really feel connected to them.
  • Amazing Worlds: From bright fantasy lands to dark, creepy cities, the settings are often breathtaking.
  • Zero Pressure: Need to pause the game to grab a snack? Go for it. No one is waiting on you.

We put together a list of the absolute best single-player story games you can play right now. We'll start with the biggest hits that everyone should play, mix in some hidden gems that really surprised us, and finish with some classic favorites. Grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and let's find your next great adventure.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

The ultimate wild west adventure
October 26, 2018
4.7
Single player
Multiplayer
Co-op

If you want a game with a story that will stick with you forever, start here. Red Dead Redemption 2 lets you play as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw trying to survive as the era of the wild west comes to an end. The world is huge, gorgeous, and packed with things to do.

You will really grow to care about Arthur and his gang. The game moves at a slow, realistic pace, which really lets you soak in the atmosphere. Whether you are robbing a train or just fishing by a quiet lake, everything feels meaningful and completely real.

2. The Last of Us Part I

A gripping zombie survival story
September 2, 2022
3.85
Single player

This is a legendary game for a reason. The Last of Us Part I tells the story of Joel and Ellie as they travel across a ruined, zombie-filled America. The graphics on the PC version look incredible, making the scary moments even scarier and the quiet moments even more beautiful.

The relationship between Joel and Ellie is the heart of the game. It is a tough, emotional ride with intense stealth and combat that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

3. Cyberpunk 2077

A wild ride through a neon future
December 10, 2020
3.75
Single player

After a bunch of updates and the amazing Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 is easily one of the best games on PC. You play as a mercenary named V in Night City, a massive, futuristic place filled with crime and cool technology.

The characters are fantastic, especially Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves. There is so much freedom in how you play, whether you want to hack computers from the shadows or run in with futuristic shotguns blasting.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

A massive, monster-hunting fantasy
May 19, 2015
4.55
Single player

This is the game that set the standard for modern RPGs. As Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter, you roam a massive fantasy world looking for your adopted daughter. The side quests in The Witcher 3 are famously good—often better than the main stories in other games.

You will make tough choices that actually change how the story plays out. It's a huge, magical adventure that you can easily spend over a hundred hours playing without ever getting bored.

5. Baldur's Gate 3

The most freedom you'll ever have
August 3, 2023
4.7
Single player
Multiplayer
Co-op
Split screen

If you love the idea of Dungeons & Dragons, this is for you. Baldur's Gate 3 offers an unbelievable amount of freedom. Every choice you make, big or small, changes the story. The characters who join your party are all deeply interesting, with their own secrets and goals.

The turn-based combat is a lot of fun, and the story is full of twists, laughs, and epic moments. It feels like you are writing your own fantasy novel as you play.

6. God of War Ragnarök

An awesome father-son road trip
November 9, 2022
4.7
Single player

Following up on the amazing reboot, God of War Ragnarök brings the freezing world of Norse mythology to PC. It is a fantastic mix of heavy, satisfying combat and a really touching story about a father trying to protect his son.

The world is beautiful, the bosses are huge, and the story flows perfectly from start to finish. It’s a huge action game that still manages to hit you right in the feelings.

7. Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Feel like a real superhero
October 20, 2023
4.1
Single player

Swinging around New York City has never been this fun. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 lets you play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The story feels like a high-quality comic book brought to life, full of great villains and emotional moments.

The combat is fast and smooth, and exploring the city is a blast. It perfectly captures what it means to be a superhero trying to balance saving the world with normal life.

8. Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut

Live your samurai dreams
August 20, 2021
4.6
Single player
Multiplayer
Co-op

This game is just breathtaking to look at. In Ghost of Tsushima, you play as a samurai fighting to take his home back from invaders. You can choose to fight honorably face-to-face, or use stealthy ninja tricks to win.

The story about doing whatever it takes to protect your people is really strong. Plus, riding your horse through fields of bright flowers or golden leaves never gets old.

9. Grand Theft Auto V

The ultimate crazy crime story
September 17, 2013
4.4
Single player
Multiplayer
Co-op

Even after all these years, Grand Theft Auto V has one of the best single-player stories out there. Switching between three very different criminals—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor—keeps the game fresh and exciting.

The missions are like crazy bank heist movies, and the world is packed with funny details. If you've already played this one and need something similar, check out our list of the best games like GTA 5 to hold you over.

10. Horizon Forbidden West

Fight robot dinosaurs in a ruined world
February 18, 2022
4.55
Single player

Aloy's adventure continues in Horizon Forbidden West, and it looks absolutely amazing on PC. The world is a bright, beautiful mix of nature taking over ruined cities, and it is filled with huge, dangerous machine animals.

The story is a cool mix of sci-fi mystery and tribal drama. Figuring out how to take down each type of robot is super fun, and the world is a joy to explore.

11. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

A huge, colorful fantasy journey
February 29, 2024
4.4
Single player

Continuing the remake of the classic game, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth opens up the world in a big way. The areas you explore are massive and vibrant, and the game is packed with fun mini-games and deep combat.

The focus is really on the characters and how they bond as a team. It has a great mix of funny, silly moments and serious, sad parts that will keep you hooked.

12. Hogwarts Legacy

Your very own magical adventure
February 10, 2023
4.2
Single player

If you ever wanted to attend the famous wizarding school, Hogwarts Legacy is exactly what you are looking for. The castle itself is amazing to explore, full of secrets, puzzles, and hidden rooms.

You get to create your own student, learn spells, fly on a broom, and uncover an ancient magical mystery. It’s a super fun and cozy adventure that completely nails the magical feeling.

13. Star Wars Outlaws

Live the life of a galactic outlaw
August 30, 2024
4
Single player

Instead of playing as a super-powered Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws lets you play as a normal thief just trying to make a living in the galaxy's underworld. You'll deal with crime bosses, sneak into bases, and get into blaster fights.

It is awesome being able to hop on your speeder bike, ride across a planet, and then fly your ship straight up into space. It really makes you feel like you are in the movies.

14. Assassin's Creed Shadows

A gorgeous journey through ancient Japan
March 20, 2025
4.25
Single player

Fans wanted an Assassin’s Creed game set in Japan for years, and this one delivers. You get to play as a heavy-hitting samurai and a sneaky ninja, giving you two totally different ways to play the game.

The world is incredibly detailed and beautiful, with a great story about honor, revenge, and secret societies hiding in the shadows.

15. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

A classic globe-trotting treasure hunt
December 9, 2024
4.5
Single player

This game perfectly captures the fun of the classic movies. In Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, you are traveling the world, solving ancient puzzles, and punching bad guys. The mix of first-person exploring and third-person action works really well.

It feels like a true adventure, with close calls, clever traps, and a fun, exciting story that keeps pulling you forward.

16. Starfield

A giant space exploration RPG
September 6, 2023
4.2
Single player

If you love getting lost in huge Bethesda games, Starfield is their biggest one yet. You can build your own spaceship, hire a crew, and explore hundreds of different planets.

The main story gets really interesting as you uncover the mysteries of the universe, but the real fun is just picking a direction, flying there, and seeing what kind of adventures you stumble into.

17. Senua's Saga: Hellblade II

A dark and intense personal journey
May 21, 2024
3.65
Single player

This isn't your typical action game. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a much shorter, very focused game about a warrior dealing with dark forces and her own mind. The graphics and audio are so realistic it is almost scary.

It is a heavy, serious game, but the story is incredibly unique and powerful. You definitely want to play this one with headphones on.

18. A Plague Tale: Requiem

A sad, scary story about a brother and sister
October 18, 2022
4.25
Single player

Continuing from the first game, A Plague Tale: Requiem is a gripping story about a girl trying to protect her little brother in a medieval world filled with a terrifying rat plague.

The game is mostly about sneaking around and solving puzzles, but the story is what keeps you playing. It is a very emotional and sometimes heartbreaking game.

19. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Creepy and challenging survival
November 20, 2024
4.3
Single player
Multiplayer

This game is tough, scary, and super rewarding. In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, you explore a dangerous, radioactive wasteland filled with monsters and strange anomalies.

It is as much a survival game as it is a story game. You have to carefully manage your supplies and deal with different factions, making it a really tense and exciting experience.

20. Resident Evil Village

Spooky, action-packed horror
May 6, 2021
4.3
Single player

If you like your stories with a good amount of scares, Resident Evil Village is fantastic. You explore a creepy European village, a scary castle, and other weird locations while trying to save your daughter.

The villains are unforgettable, and the game does a great job of mixing really scary moments with fun, action-packed shooting.

21. Detroit: Become Human

Your choices shape the future
May 25, 2018
3.85
Single player

This game is all about the story and the choices you make. In Detroit: Become Human, you play as three different androids in a future where robots are starting to feel human emotions.

There is very little traditional action; instead, you make quick decisions that can completely change how the story ends. It is incredibly replayable to see all the different outcomes.

22. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

A strange and beautiful turn-based RPG
April 24, 2025
4.35
Single player

This award-winning game stands out because of how absolutely stunning it looks. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has a breathtaking art style and a really cool story about a team risking everything to stop a cursed entity.

Even if you usually never play turn-based RPGs, this one will completely change your mind. The combat mixes in real-time reactions, meaning you are actively dodging and parrying attacks instead of just clicking through menus. It is fast, highly engaging, and wrapped in a mysterious, emotional story that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

23. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Realistic medieval life and combat
February 4, 2025
4.65
Single player

If you want a game that feels like actual history instead of fantasy, this is it. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II throws you into a very realistic medieval world where everyday survival is just as important as fighting.

The story is grounded and gritty, focusing on real-world politics and battles. It is a game that takes its time and really rewards your patience.

24. Control: Ultimate Edition

Weird, mind-bending sci-fi action
August 27, 2020
4.6
Single player

Control is one of the coolest, strangest games you will ever play. You explore a secret government building that is constantly shifting and changing, fighting against a weird supernatural force.

You get amazing powers, like being able to throw desks and rip chunks of concrete out of the wall. The story is mysterious and a little spooky, like a really good sci-fi mystery show.

25. Death Stranding

A bizarre journey across a ruined world
November 8, 2019
4.2
Single player

There is truly nothing else like Death Stranding. You play as a courier trying to deliver packages and reconnect a broken, weird version of America. It sounds boring, but the hiking and climbing mechanics are strangely addicting.

The story is wild and confusing at first, but it comes together into something really special. If you enjoy games that focus on the journey and atmosphere, you might also like checking out these awesome atmospheric indie games.

26. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

A super funny space adventure
October 26, 2021
4.05
Single player

This game surprised a lot of people by having a story that is honestly just as good as the movies. In Guardians of the Galaxy, you play as Star-Lord, leading your team of misfits through a colorful space adventure.

The team is constantly talking and joking with each other, making the game feel incredibly lively and fun from start to finish.

27. Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Explore dark, dangerous jungles
September 14, 2018
4
Single player
Co-op

This is Lara Croft’s darkest adventure yet. Shadow of the Tomb Raider focuses heavily on sneaking around and exploring massive, deadly puzzle tombs in a beautiful jungle setting.

The story pushes Lara to her limits as she tries to stop an apocalypse that she accidentally started. It's a great mix of exciting action and brain-teasing puzzles.

28. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Explore a stunning alien planet
December 7, 2023
3.65
Single player
Multiplayer
Co-op

If you loved looking at the alien world in the movies, you will love Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. The jungle is so detailed and colorful, it is genuinely amazing just to run around and explore.

The story is a classic tale of fighting back against bad guys trying to ruin nature. Flying on your own alien creature is easily one of the best parts of the game.

29. The Outer Worlds 2

A funny, colorful sci-fi RPG
October 29, 2025
4.15
Single player

This game is perfect if you want a space RPG that doesn't take itself too seriously. The Outer Worlds 2 is packed with jokes, weird characters, and greedy corporations running the galaxy.

You have a ton of freedom to talk, shoot, or sneak your way through problems, and your choices really shape how the wacky story unfolds.

30. Metro Exodus

A scary train ride across Russia
February 15, 2019
4.15
Single player

Leaving the dark tunnels of the first two games, Metro Exodus takes you on a train journey across a ruined, post-apocalyptic Russia. The game looks stunning and features some really tense survival gameplay.

The best parts are actually when you are resting on the train, talking to your crew, and getting to know them. It makes the scary, dangerous missions feel much more important.

31. Dying Light 2: Stay Human

Parkour and zombies
February 3, 2022
3.8
Single player
Multiplayer
Co-op

If you want fast-paced action, Dying Light 2 is great. You explore a huge, ruined city by running across rooftops and drop-kicking zombies. The movement feels incredibly smooth and fun.

The story makes you choose between different groups of survivors, and your choices actually change how the city looks and works. It is a big, fun playground with a solid story attached.

32. Atomic Heart

A crazy alternate-history shooter
February 21, 2023
3.55
Single player

Set in a weird, retro-futuristic version of the Soviet Union, Atomic Heart is visually stunning and totally bizarre. You fight against crazy robots and strange experiments that have gone wrong.

The game is a wild mix of shooting and using special powers. The story is just as chaotic as the combat, making it a really fun, weird ride.

33. Far Cry 6

Explosive action on a tropical island
October 7, 2021
4.05
Single player
Multiplayer
Co-op

If you just want to blow things up and have a good time, Far Cry 6 is perfect. You play as a guerrilla fighter trying to take down a dictator on a beautiful Caribbean island.

The story has some serious moments, but mostly it is about having fun, using crazy homemade weapons, and causing as much chaos as possible.

34. Watch Dogs: Legion

Play as anyone in futuristic London
October 29, 2020
4.05
Single player
Multiplayer
Co-op

The coolest thing about Watch Dogs: Legion is that you can literally recruit any person off the street to join your hacker group. You can play as a spy, a construction worker, or even a sweet old lady.

It makes for a really unique story experience, as you use different people's skills to sneak around and hack the city of London.

35. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

The best space opera ever made
May 14, 2021
4.35
Single player
Multiplayer

This is a package of three legendary games that tell one massive story. In Mass Effect, you are Commander Shepard, trying to save the galaxy from an ancient threat.

The best part is how your choices carry over from one game to the next. The characters you meet and the friendships you build are some of the best in gaming history.

36. BioShock Infinite

A mind-bending adventure in the sky
March 25, 2013
4.65
Single player

The city of Columbia, floating in the clouds, is one of the coolest settings ever created. BioShock Infinite mixes an amazing visual style with a story full of crazy twists.

The relationship between the main character, Booker, and the girl he rescues, Elizabeth, is the core of the game. The ending is famous for completely blowing people's minds.

37. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Amazing stealth action
September 1, 2015
4.75
Single player
Multiplayer

While the story is a bit weird and scattered, the gameplay in Metal Gear Solid V is basically perfect. You have total freedom in how you want to sneak into enemy bases and complete your missions.

It is a huge sandbox where you can get really creative with your gadgets and tactics. It is incredibly fun to just mess around in this world.

38. Batman: Arkham Knight

Be the Dark Knight
June 23, 2015
4.55
Single player

This game still looks better than a lot of games coming out today. Batman: Arkham Knight lets you explore a dark, rainy Gotham City and drive the awesome Batmobile.

The story is a great, dark Batman tale, and the combat is incredibly smooth and satisfying. You really feel like you are the Caped Crusader cleaning up the streets.

39. Days Gone

A biker's survival story
April 26, 2019
3.7
Single player

This game is a bit of a hidden gem. Days Gone follows a biker named Deacon trying to survive in a beautiful but deadly version of Oregon filled with massive swarms of zombies.

Upgrading your motorcycle and learning how to take down huge hordes of enemies is super satisfying, and the story gets surprisingly good as it goes along.

40. Mafia: Definitive Edition

A classic mobster tale
September 24, 2020
3.7
Single player

This is a complete remake of a classic game, and it looks beautiful. Mafia: Definitive Edition tells a very focused, straightforward story about a taxi driver who accidentally gets involved with the mob.

It plays like a really good gangster movie. It isn't a huge sandbox with endless side quests; it just tells a great, gritty story from start to finish.

41. High on Life

A crazy, colorful comedy shooter
December 13, 2022
3.45
Single player

If you want something completely different and hilarious, play High on Life. It is a colorful sci-fi shooter where your guns actually talk to you and constantly crack jokes.

It is very silly, totally bizarre, and a great way to just turn your brain off and have a good laugh while shooting weird aliens.

42. Quantum Break

Time-traveling action mystery
April 5, 2016
3.8
Single player

This is a really cool mix of a game and a TV show. In Quantum Break, you play through fast-paced, time-bending action levels, and then watch short live-action episodes that change based on your choices.

The time powers are super fun to use in combat, and the sci-fi story about a fractured timeline is really interesting.

43. Prey

A spooky space station mystery
May 4, 2017
3.75
Single player

Trapped on a space station with shape-shifting aliens, Prey is a fantastic sci-fi game where you can play however you want. You can use guns, alien powers, or just sneak past everything.

The story is mostly told through emails and audio logs you find, making you feel like a detective piecing together what went wrong. If you like using your brain as much as your reflexes, you should also check out our list of the best puzzle games on PC.

 

What's Next on Your List?

So, there you have it—our top picks for the best single-player story games you can play right now. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins, survive the apocalypse, or just enjoy a really good mystery, there is definitely something on this list that will catch your eye.

Sometimes, after finishing a huge, serious story game, you might need a little break to chill out. If that's the case, take a look at our favorite cozy PC games to relax with. Or, if you're finally ready to jump back into multiplayer and have some friends over, check out the best local party games for a fun game night.

Did we miss your favorite game? Let us know in the comments what your favorite single-player story is!