Have a PC gamer on your Christmas gift list? A new and shiny game in the form of a Steam download is always a great present!

12Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Indiana Jones and the Great Circleisthegame to play right now. AnIndiana Jonesimmersive sim that takes you all around the globe and makes you feel like you’re playing an interactiveIndymovie sounds too good to be true. But facts are facts, and the latestIndiana Jonesgame slaps. It is one of thebest games of 2024and an ideal gift for Indy fans who enjoy PC gaming.

11Balatro

While we’re talking about the best games of 2024, I have to mentionBalatro, a surprise indie hit that took the world by storm and quickly became anindie game obsessionfor many gamers. The premise is simple: poker but roguelite. But Balatro is so much more.

The sheer number of ways you can break the game and create insanely powerful decks is what makes people come back to it time and time again just to see the numbers rising. As aBalatroveteran, I cannot recommend this game enough!

10God of War Ragnarök

Afterwaitinga couple of years for the PC release, Steam gamers finally got to playGod of War Ragnarökin September 2024 and the game more than delivers. While the basic premise is the same as it was in the first game, every single thing has been improved over the PlayStation release. The combat, the story, the visuals, and the size of the world are all better on PC.

Just make sure that the person you’re gifting the game to has finished the first game, since it’s pretty much a requirement to enjoy the sequel. The good news is that 2024 saw multiple PlayStation bangers coming to PC. If that special PC gamer in your life doesn’t fancyGod of War, you can give themHorizon Forbidden WestorGhost of Tsushimainstead.

9Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition

WhileElden Ringcame out in 2022,Shadow of the Erdtree(the first and only expansion for it) was released in 2024. This massive expansion is bigger than many standalone games. The main game and the expansion include about 150 hours (my Steam stats show almost 152 hours spent in-game) of top-grade Soulslike fun.

If that special someone already hasElden Ringin their Steam library but hasn’t triedShadow of the Erdtreeyet, no problem. you may gift themShadow of the Erdtreeas standalone DLC, which takes more than 30 hours to complete. If they prefer fast-paced action games over the rhythmic combat found in Soulslikes, you can’t go wrong withBlack Myth: Wukong.

8Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6is one of the bestCall of Dutygames in years anda must-playforfirst-person shooterfans. The single-player campaign is unusually long for aCoDgame and one of the best campaigns we’ve seen in years, while the multiplayer is the best sinceModern Warfarein 2019.

7Helldivers 2

If you’re a PC gamer yourself and have a friend or friends who share your hobby, the best thing you’re able to do is gift them all a copy ofHelldivers 2. If you haven’t played the game to death already, of course. Thisbrilliant co-opthird-person shooter is filled with stuff to do, planets to liberate, and gear to collect. The latest patch has brought a new alien threat to defend against which brought a ton ofHelldivers 2veterans out of retirement, making this a perfect moment to jump into the game.

6Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Prince of Persia: the Lost Crownis one of the best2D gamesin 2024. A brilliantMetroidvaniawith a massive map to explore, fast-paced combat focused on evading and parrying enemies, and phenomenal art design,The Lost Crownis a perfect gift for any PC gamer who likes 2D action titles.

5Animal Well

WhileThe Lost Crownis an action-focused Metroidvania,Animal Wellis the complete opposite. The game doesn’t have proper combat but instead puts exploration and puzzle solving to the front and center. And, to be honest, exploring the interconnected world ofAnimal Wellis so rewarding that combat would only ruin the experience.

4Metaphor: ReFantazio

Persona, but in an epic fantasy world, is the elevator pitch forMetaphor: ReFantazio. The brilliant minds behindPersona 3, 4,and5have knocked it out of the park yet again. If you’ve got a special someone who likes JRPGs, they’re going to be thrilled when settle down in front of this one at Christmas. Another JRPG that should be on yourChristmas giftradar isPersona 3 Reload, a remake of one of the best JRPGs ever from the same studio that broughtMetaphor: ReFantazio.

3The Plucky Squire

The Plucky Squireis one of the cutest and most visually pleasing games of 2024, a perfect gift for junior PC gamers. This fairytale action-adventure constantly switches between 2D and 3D worlds and is brimming with charm and impressive-looking scenery. It’son the easier side, but the recently released Streamlined Mode removes most hints and ups the difficulty, makingThe Plucky Squirea splendid gift for PC gamers of all ages who enjoy cartoony fairy tales.