Looking at the lineup of upcoming PC games of 2023, it's clear that this is going to be an incredible year for the platform. There's something for everybody here, from all-new upcoming Star Wars games to releases which will no doubt be making a push for inclusion on our best PC games list.
So keep reading to find our roundup of the upcoming PC games we think you need to know about. And if you're looking for something to play while you wait, you should check out our picks for the best Steam games and best games to play on a laptop. Otherwise, here's our rundown of the new PC games for 2023, in release-date order for easier scrolling.
Upcoming PC games for 2023
Street Fighter 6
Developer: Capcom
Release date: June 2, 2023
Street Fighter 6 looks like a real celebration of a series which only just celebrated its 35th anniversary. Capcom is going all-out here, not only offering a truly awesome visual refresh and an expansive roster of fighters, but an overhaul to the core combat mechanics and suite of game modes on offer. Whether you're a SF veteran or you're looking for your fight fighting game, Street Fighter 6 looks like it's going to be an essential beat 'em up for 2023. We said as much in our most recent hands-on, where the Street Fighter 6 beta proved that Capcom is onto something special.
RELATED: Street Fighter 6 review: "Arguably the best overall fighting game package ever made"
Diablo 4
Developer: Blizzard
Release date: June 6, 2023
A decade on from Diablo 3, and just months after the controversial launch of Diablo Immortal, Blizzard is promising a series rest with 2023's Diablo 4. This action-RPG has been a long-time coming, and it looks incredibly promising; Diablo 4 is returning to the moodier, dark visual style that helped define the earlier games, and it's layering a new set of expanded combat systems in with a more socially-focused open world. There's a lot of pressure on Blizzard to deliver here, although Diablo 4 has continued to impress in every one of its showings over the past three years.
RELATED: Diablo 4 review: "A magnificent and absurd loot theme park"
Aliens: Dark Descent
Developer: Tindalos Interactive
Release date: June 20, 2023
Where Alien Isolation was the perfect tribute to Ridley Scott's Alien, Aliens: Dark Descent is set to do the same for the James Cameron sequel. This squad-based action game will see you command a team of colonial marines attempting to stop an outbreak of Xenomorphs on Moon Lethe, using sharp tactics and deep strategy to keep your squad calm (and alive) as they work through their mission. Aliens: Dark Descent is one of the most interesting action-strategy games we've seen in quite some time, so this one is well worth your attention.
Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals
Developer: Night School Studio
Release date: July 12, 2023
It's somehow already been seven years since the release of Oxenfree, which makes news of a sequel all the more exciting. Despite developer Night School Studio being acquired by Netflix, Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals is scheduled to launch on PC in July, which will deliver another supernatural mystery about lost years and static disturbances in time. New characters, weirder stories, and an expanded dialogue system makes this one of the most anticipated indies of the year, something that was made clear after our most recent Oxenfree 2 hands-on preview.
Immortals of Aveum
Developer: Ascendant Studios
Release date: July 20, 2023
An EA Originals release, Immortals of Aveum is essentially an FPS where you use magic instead of guns. Originally announced during the 2022 Game Awards, you play as Jak as he joins a squared of battlemages trying to save the world. There are three types of magic to wield, and as you learn more about them you'll also be trying to uncover the mysteries of Aveum's past. It looks slick as heck.
Atlas Fallen
Developer: Deck 13
Release date: August 10, 2023
Missing Darksides style action games? Then you may want to check out Atlas Fallen, the new action-RPG from the Deck 13 and Focus Entertainment, who previously teamed up to bring you The Surge and its sequel. With a beautiful sand world to explore, a host of fun weapons to wield, and some truly monstrous creatures to combat, we're eagerly anticipating a fresh look at this one.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
Developer: FromSoftware
Release date: August 25, 2023
FromSoftware may have spent much of the last decade punishing us with action-RPGs like Elden Ring and the Dark Souls trilogy, but the studio is turning its attention elsewhere in 2023. FromSoftware is reviving the legendary Armored Core franchise, with Fires of Rubicon set to launch on August 25, 2023, which is promising plenty of awesome mech-on-mech action.
Baldur's Gate 3
Developer: Larian Studios
Release date: August 31, 2023
Baldur's Gate 3 is finally set to leave Steam Early Access this August, with Larian Studios confirming that the full game will launch August 31. The developer is reviving one of the best classic PC games franchises of all-time, with what appears to be a robust and forward-thinking RPG which will truly let you define your own place in this corner of the D&D world. We've been waiting for this one for a while, and we couldn't be more excited.
Starfield
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Release date: September 6, 2023
Bethesda is best known for its work on The Elder Scrolls series, and as the current custodians of the Fallout franchise, and in 2023 a brand new IP will be joining its ranks – Starfield. This science-fiction RPG will unleash us amongst the stars, allowing us to visit over 1000 planets, and forge our own destiny through extensive character creation systems, first-person combat, and nuanced crafting and ship-customization options. Starfield will be one of the biggest new PC games of 2023, and it'll be available at launch through PC Game Pass.
Mortal Kombat 1
Developer: NetherRealm
Release date: September 19, 2023
Mortal Kombat 1 will see NetherRealm take its iconic fighting franchise into an alternate timeline, effectively rebooting the storyline and offering a fresh take on some of its most beloved characters. With a new fighting system and more disgustingly violent finishing moves to contend with, MK1 will undoubtedly be one of the biggest fighting games of the year on PC.
Assassin's Creed Mirage
Developer: Ubisoft
Release date: October 12, 2023
Ubisoft is going back to basics with Assassin's Creed Mirage. In recent years, the best Assassin's Creed games have pushed into action-RPG territory, but in 2023 the series will be embracing its stealth-action roots. Mirage is set in Baghdad, and will feature all-new stealth, parkour, and combat systems which focus on the hidden blade, running across rooftops, and diving into bales of hay – and better still, early indicators point to this being a far smaller, and more self-contained experience.
Alan Wake 2
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Release date: October 17, 2023
Alan Wake 2 is one of our most anticipated upcoming horror games for 2023. While 2010's Alan Wake was a Twin Peaks inspired adventure with plenty of heart and heart-pounding action, this sequel is delving into the realms of survival horror – and it's looking all the better because of it. Remedy Entertainment is yet to reveal too much on Alan Wake 2 just yet, but everything we've seen so far shows a Dark Place we can't wait to dive back into.
TBC 2023
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Developer: Massive Entertainment
Release date: TBC 2023
With Avatar 2: The Way of the Water set to launch this December, we were hopeful that Massive Entertainment's long-awaited Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora would release alongside it. Sadly, it was pushed to 2023, which means we'll have to wait a little longer for this open-world first-person action-RPG from the developers behind The Division. Ubisoft is yet to show any gameplay of its adventure on Pandora, but we expect that to change in the coming weeks.
Ark 2
Developer: Studio Wildcard
Release date: TBC 2023
With Ark 2, Studio Wildcard is building on the success of Ark: Survival Evolved and delivering a massive sequel with heaps of potential. The campaign is set to star noted Ark superfan Vin Diesel, while the game itself will feature a larger play space, more dynamic world events and dinosaur AI, and overhauled progression and survival systems. With Ark 2 being built with Unreal Engine 5, this could be one of the best looking games of 2023 – now we're just waiting on a release date.
Cities: Skylines 2
Developer: Colossal Order Ltd
Release date: TBC 2023
Cities: Skylines 2 is an upcoming sequel to the fantastic city builder that was released back in 2015. Coming from developer Colossal Order and publisher Paradox Interactive, Cities: Skylines 2 aims to be the "most realistic city builder ever", with improved features that will let you create a city of your own "without restrictions". The decisions you make as you manage your metropolis will affect how it evolves and grows. Set of offer a lot of customization and more in-depth simulation, we have every hope the sequel will let us get creative and offer a satisfying sense of progression.
Counter Strike 2
Developer: Valve
Release date: 2023
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive remains one of the most popular games on Steam, but it is getting a little dusty. That's why Valve is replacing CS:GO with Counter-Strike 2 this summer, a new free-to-play FPS that's set to introduce massive graphical and technical overhauls to play – all without disrupting the tactics and fact-paced gunplay that sits at Counter-Strike's heart. There's a Counter Strike 2 limited test happening in the run-up to release, but getting in isn't easy.
Flintlock: Siege of Dawn
Developer: A44 Games
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer of A44 Games, the developer behind the delightful soulslike Ashen, is an all-new RPG that'll see you venture into a sprawling fantasy world. Where Flintlock: Siege of Dawn has caught our eye so far is in the rhythm to its combat, where you're able to master a range of magical weapons and abilities to fend off powerful creatures. Flintlock: Siege of Dawn looks great, has an interesting approach to exploration, and really killer combat. We're keen to see more as we get closer to the Spring 2023 release window.
Forza Motorsport
Developer: Turn 10 Studios
Release date: TBC 2023
Turn 10 is set to release its next-generation simulation racer in early 2023, with this reimagined Forza Motorsport landing day-and-date on PC and Xbox Series X. With advanced car damage, overhauled physics systems, a more dynamic weather and time system, and some truly stunning visual fidelity, Turn 10 is promising that Forza Motorsport will be the most technically advanced racing game out there. And better still, it'll be available via Game Pass for PC as well.
Ghostrunner 2
Developer: 505 Games
Release date: TBC 2023
Set just a year after the first game, Ghostrunner 2 will see you exploring more places outside of the Dharma Tower, where the community is starting to rebuild for the future. However, there are enemies threatening its new-found harmony, so it's down to you to keep these wannabes at bay, with 505 Games claiming you'll face "some of the toughest opponents you've ever encountered in a video game". There's a new dialogue system too, allowing you (aka Jack) to speak to more people and have more impact.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Developer: Team Cherry
Release date: TBC 2023
Team Cherry started out by developing DLC for Hollow Knight, one of the best metroidvania games of the modern era, and the scope of the project quickly spiraled out of control. That's why we're getting Hollow Knight: Silksong in early 2023, a full sequel which will feature all new combat mechanics, characters, and worlds to learn and explore. It's expected that Hollow Knight: Silksong will launch before the E3 2023 schedule clicks into place, but after five years of waiting, we're happy to hold on for Team Cherry to get this one right.
Haunted Chocolatier
Developer: ConcernedApe
Release date: TBC 2023
Following the unbelievable success of Stardew Valley, developer Eric 'ConcernedApe' Barone has the freedom to work on whatever he wants to. Which is one reason why Haunted Chocolatier has so easily captured our attention. In this upcoming RPG, we'll be taking on the role of a chocolate maker living in a fantasy castle, and we're already in love with it. Immaculate vibes, a cool visual style, and a smart iteration of the core Stardew systems make this one of the most highly anticipated new PC games out there.
Hades 2
Developer: Supergiant Games
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer Supergiant Games is working on its first ever sequel. Following on from the massive success of its roguelike, Hades 2 is set to release in 2023. The game is set to follow a new playable character in Melinoë, the immortal princess of the Underworld, and will offer an expanded set of combat and movement abilities. Hades 2 is set to launch into Early Access later this year, with the full release still set as TBC 2023.
Helldivers 2
Developer: Arrowhead Games
Release date: TBC 2023
Who would have thought that Helldivers 2 could look like this? The sequel to the 2015 twick-stick shooter looks quite the upgrade, with something of an Earth Defense Force vibe but with more wit. The developer said it wanted the sequel to be "bigger, better and more hellish", and definitely seems like it's delivering. You'll be taking up the role of galactic peacekeepers and soldiers in a fight for Super Earth, with the option of teaming up with up to four friends to take down the alien invaders.
Homeworld 3
Developer: Blackbird Interactive
Release date: TBC 2023
The Homeworld series is one of the most iconic and beloved real-time strategy series of all-time, and developer Blackbird Interactive is finally delivering a sequel – 10 years after Relic delivered Homefront 2. Boasting an expansive campaign, a co-op mode with a roguelike structure, and new combat systems which are built around a 3D ballistics system, Homeworld 3 looks to be every bit the game franchise fans have been waiting for. If what we've played of it already is any indication, Homeworld 3 could be one of the best RTS games of 2023.
Life By You
Developer: Paradox Tectonic
Release date: TBC 2023
Paradox Interactive announced Life By You with a very brief teaser which gives us a glimpse of what looks set to be an alternative to The Sims. The initial trailer shows off a virtual house and family, with house building tools and mechanics that certainly appear to share similarities with the popular life sim. What stands out the most, though, is the more open looking world not unlike the structure of The Sims 3, with a car driving through a city, and shots of a beach. Not much more was revealed and we're still waiting on further details, but Life By You has certainly caught the attention of Sims fans.
Nightingale
Developer: Inflexion Games
Release date: TBC 2023
Former BioWare general manager Aaryn Flynn is taking on the survival genre with Nightingale. This brand new experience is set to land in Early Access in 2023 and will see you and your buddies become Realwalkers – heroes able to travel to new lands as you search for a way back home. You'll be able to build up bases, establish your character, and work with entities around you to survive the most dangerous threats this beautiful fantasy world has to offer.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Developer: GSC Game World
Release date: TBC 2023
We should have had Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl in our hands by now, although the Russian invasion of Ukraine has severely impacted development and caused a delay into 2023. However, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl will certainly be worth the wait, with developer GSC Game World pushing for a broader, and more expansive rendering of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone in this long-awaited sequel. It looks absolutely stunning, the combat looks weighty and complex, and the new mutants and anomalies are utterly terrifying. Stalker 2 is one of the most anticipated FPS games of the year.
Skull and Bones
Developer: Ubisoft
Release date: TBC 2023
After a somewhat tumultuous development period, Skull and Bones is set to take sail on March 9, 2023. Ubisoft's open world pirate simulator has been a long time coming, and this March you'll finally be able to become captain of your very own crew and sail the seas hunting for treasure and combat with other players. We're yet to play Skull and Bones, but its fairly broad customization options (which will allow you to tinker with the makeup and design of your ship) and mix between PvE/PvP action has certainly caught our attention.
The Lamplighters League
Developer: Harebrained Schemes
Release date: TBC 2023
The Lamplighters League is a new adventure that tells a character-driven story with turn-based tactical combat. Developed by Battletech and Shadowrun studio Harebrained Schemes, it immediately gave us The Mummy meets XCOM vibes as a Strategy RPG that takes place in an alternate 1930s. In the Lamplighters League, you'll be able to recruit a team with their own unique abilities in pursuit of a cult known as the Banished Court who, from the sounds of it, pose a significant threat. With various locations to venture to, a story that promises plenty of intrigue, and the chance to test out your tactical prowess, this could be one to add to your wishlists.
The Day Before
Developer: Fntastic
Release date: TBC 2023
The Day Before is one of the most wishlisted games on Steam for 2023. It's drawn a lot of attention for its stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals and ambitious design, which mixes survival mechanics with an open-world MMO structure. However, it has also drawn a healthy amount of skepticism – largely due to the notable lack of gameplay that has been shown to the public. With The Day Before set to release on PC this year, we don't have long to wait now to see whether it can deliver on its promise.
The Talos Principle 2
Developer: Croteam
Release date: TBC 2023
The Talos Principle 2 is actually real! The puzzle game is back with a sequel that will "greatly (and we mean greatly) expand" on the original. More puzzles, more secrets, and a deeper story too that involves a mysterious megastructure. There are new gameplay mechanics too, including gravity manipulation and mind transference too.
Witchbrook
Developer: Chucklefish
Release date: TBC 2023
Will 2023 be the year we finally see Witchbrook, the new life sim from developer Chucklefish? We certainly hope so, as Witchbrook looks to be an utterly charming experience. You'll take on the role of a witch in training, and then be given the freedom to define your route to graduation. Stunning pixel art, deep progression systems, and smart expansions of everything Chucklefish learned working with ConcernedApe on Stardew Valley. Witchbrook looks like a magical adventure you won't want to miss out on.
2024
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Release date: May 26, 2023
It has somehow been eight long years since the release of Batman: Arkham Knight, and Rocksteady Studios is finally ready to deliver a follow-up. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League swaps Arkham for Metropolis, a city undersiege from Brainiac and members of the Jusice League who have fallen under his spell. You'll take on the role of Harley Quinn, King Shark, Captain Boomerang, or Deadshot to try and stop them and save the city, working alone or with up to three friends.
Concord
Developer: Firewalk Studios
Release date: TBC 2024
Concord so far has just had a teaser trailer, revealing that it's a new sci-fi shooter with seriously cool vibes. It's a PvP multiplayer FPS but apart from that we don't really know what exactly you'll be doing. It's certainly a good teaser, so stay tuned for more on this one.
Neva
Developer: Nomada Studios
Release date: TBC 2024
If you loved Nomada Studios' last game, Gris, then it looks like Neva is going to be entirely your jam. It tells the story of a woman who forges a lifelong bond with a giant wolf in a dying world. It's essentially a game about the relationship between children and parents, with you having to care for the young wolf as it grows against a backdrop of environmental devastation.
Towers of Aghasba
Developer: Dreamlit Inc
Release date: TBC 2024
Towers of Aghasba is from a new studio called Dreamlit Inc. It'll see you building your own vast settlement and associated ecosystems on a fantasy island. You can create your civilization however you want, but you'll have to think about maintaining the island's ecosystem at the same time. If you don't, you'll have the literal gods to answer for, which is quite the take on your usual city-builder.
Ultros
Developer: Hadoque
Release date: TBC 2024
Another new studio with another new game here. Ultros is being described as a "psychedelic sci-fi sidescroller" and if you take one look at that screenshot above, you'll know why. Hero Ouiji crashes her ship on a cosmic sarcophagus, which just so happens to be carrying an ancient and very evil entity known as Ultros. She then gets caught in an eternal loop that she'll need to break out of. It's thus a loop-based gameplay mechanic that involves discovering secrets and unlocking different abilities as you go.
TBC
Dragon's Dogma 2
Developer: Capcom
Release date: TBC
It's been too long since the first Dragon's Dogma launched in 2012, but we're finally getting a sequel. The pawn system is back, aiding you through your journey through this immersive fantasy world. They're controlled by AI but they've got your back. The combat looks excellent too, with Capcom promising that it's elevating both action and combat alongside the pawn system for this highly-anticipated sequel.
Fairgames
Developer: Haven
Release date: TBC
Fairgame$ - as it's officially styled - is a new heist game from Jade Raymond's new studio Haven. It's been born from the gang's desire to create a PvP game with emergent sandbox gameplay, where you'll be breaking into forbidden locations dotted all over the world. Prize open safes and vaults, fill your pockets, and even discover billionaire's hidden plans for secret stuff along the way.
Marathon
Developer: Bungie
Release date: TBC
Marathon is the revival of Bungie's shooter that was in development before Destiny. It's an extraction shooter, we guess in the vein of Escape from Tarkhov or Rainbow Six Extraction. We're already loving the art style, and with Bungie's shooting at the heart, this one is going to be one to pay attention to.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Developer: Konami
Release date: TBC
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is the long-awaited remake of Metal Gear Solid 3. According to the developer, it's going to be a faithful story recreation, but offer players evolved gameplay and visuals. However, looking at some of the screenshots so far, it's a pretty faithful protrayal of some of those original environments too.
Phantom Blade 0
Developer: S-Game
Release date: TBC
Phantom Blade 0 is a hack-n-slash RPG that's "the spiritual rebirth of the original Rainblood". It's an Unreal Engine 5 creation, which is allowing it to be much larger and richer than the source material, without losing its core. Set in the Phantom World, you'll blend Chinese Kungfu, with occult arts, and other powers that make Phantom Blade 0 a little different. You play as assassin, Soul, who's been framed for murdering the patriarch of a powerful organization known only as The Order. Technically he's been brought back from the dead, but now only has 66 days left to find out who framed him in the first place.
Revenant Hill
Developer: The Glory Society
Release date: TBC
While Revenant Hill might look like Night in the Woods 2, it's not, it is in fact it's own thing. It's coming to you from the co-creators of Night in the Woods, hence the art style. But it's actually set in 1919 and sees you play as Twigs, a small cat who must find a way to make ends meet when the owl starts demanding rent on your wet log. Whether that's growing crops, finding out what the ghosts want, square dancing with a possum, or learning hexes, that's really up to you.
Sword of the Sea
Developer: Giant Squid
Release date: TBC
You'd be forgiven if you thought this was Journey 2. It's close, and made by some of the same people. Sword of the Sea is brought to you by Giant Squid, which has delivered Abzu and The Pathless to date, and it sees you playing as a character called Wraith. You'll be zooming around an abandoned realm on a Hoversword (yes you read that right), exploring the Necropolis of the Gods, but also trying to avoid the leviathans that dwell there. It looks exceptionally beautiful and zen, and we can't wait to see more.
