30 Best PC Games of 2018 (Free and Paid)

The year 2018 represented a significant milestone for computer gaming enthusiasts, delivering an impressive array of groundbreaking releases and major franchise installments. India’s gaming market experienced substantial expansion during this period, with titles like PUBG and Fortnite achieving mainstream recognition and introducing countless new players to premium gaming experiences. Whether you’re recently joining the PC gaming community or returning after time away from current releases, this curated selection of 2018’s standout titles provides essential guidance for discovering your next immersive gaming adventure.

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Odyssey stands as a landmark release in the acclaimed franchise, delivering a sprawling narrative set against the rich backdrop of Classical Greece. Players embark on an extraordinary transformation from societal exile to mythological hero, with the game’s sophisticated storytelling seamlessly blending fictional narratives with authentic historical events. While series veterans will appreciate the refined gameplay systems, newcomers will find Odyssey exceptionally welcoming due to its self-contained narrative and comprehensive tutorial systems. The game’s attention to historical accuracy extends beyond superficial aesthetics, incorporating genuine philosophical concepts, political conflicts, and cultural practices of the era.

Supported platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Purchase Assassin’s Creed Odyssey via Steam (Rs. 2,999)

Shadow of the Tomb Raider concludes the reboot trilogy with exceptional polish, continuing Lara Croft’s narrative arc from Rise of the Tomb Raider while introducing refined gameplay mechanics. Players guide the iconic adventurer through stunning global locations as she confronts the paramilitary organization Trinity, with gameplay offering meaningful choices between stealth approaches and direct combat engagements. The environmental design deserves particular recognition for its verticality and interactive elements that reward exploration. Beyond the main narrative, the game features substantial challenge tombs that test puzzle-solving skills and provide valuable character upgrades, making this installment worthwhile even for those previously unfamiliar with the franchise.

Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Acquire Shadow of the Tomb Raider through Steam (Rs. 3,499)

Far Cry 5 transports players to the fictional Hope County, Montana, where they must resist the fanatical Eden’s Gate cult in a compelling narrative of modern American resistance. The game excels in creating memorable antagonists through sophisticated character development and moral complexity that challenges player expectations. While the core gameplay mechanics will feel familiar to veterans of Far Cry 3 and subsequent entries, the environmental storytelling and companion systems introduce meaningful innovations. The expansive open world features dynamic events and emergent gameplay opportunities that ensure no two playthroughs feel identical, though the fundamental mission structure maintains series conventions that some players may find repetitive.

Supported platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Obtain Far Cry 5 from Steam (Rs. 2,999)

When evaluating these premium gaming experiences, consider several strategic factors beyond initial purchase price. Performance requirements vary significantly between titles, with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey demanding substantial hardware resources for optimal visual fidelity while Shadow of the Tomb Raider offers better scalability across different system specifications. Regional pricing structures provide additional value considerations, particularly for Indian gamers comparing international storefronts. For those new to these franchises, beginning with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey provides the most accessible entry point due to its self-contained narrative, whereas Shadow of the Tomb Raider benefits from playing the preceding trilogy installments for full narrative context. Our Class Guide offers additional insights into character specialization strategies that apply across multiple gaming genres.

Building upon its award-winning predecessor, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire delivers an immersive isometric RPG experience that transports players to the expansive archipelago of Eora. Set five years after the original events, you resume the role of the Watcher – a uniquely gifted individual possessing the rare ability to peer into souls and read ancestral memories. This sequel introduces ambitious naval exploration mechanics, allowing you to captain your own ship across treacherous seas while assembling a crew of diverse companions with their own motivations and backstories.

The class-based progression system offers remarkable depth, with each primary class branching into three distinct specializations that dramatically alter gameplay approaches. For optimal character building, focus on synergizing your Watcher’s abilities with companion skills – reading enemy memories during combat can reveal critical weaknesses. Strategic players should prioritize developing relationships with crew members, as their loyalty missions unlock powerful combat synergies and narrative outcomes.

Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Buy Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire from Steam (Rs. 1,099)

Step into the bloodstained shoes of Dr. Jonathan Reid in Vampyr, a narrative-driven action RPG that explores the psychological turmoil of a physician-turned-vampire during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic in London. The game presents an excruciating moral dilemma: pursue your medical oath to heal the suffering population or surrender to your vampiric nature by preying on those you vowed to protect. This internal conflict forms the core gameplay mechanic, where every dialogue choice and feeding decision creates permanent consequences throughout the city’s districts.

The district health system dynamically responds to your actions – excessive feeding can trigger area lockdowns and increased enemy encounters, while careful resource management maintains stability but limits your power progression. A common mistake is indiscriminate feeding early game; instead, prioritize strategic targets and complete citizen investigation quests to maximize experience gains while minimizing civic collapse. The brilliant integration of vampire mythology with historical London creates an atmosphere unmatched in supernatural gaming narratives.

Supported platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Buy Vampyr from Steam (Rs. 1,999)

Moonlighter masterfully blends rogue-like dungeon crawling with shop management simulation, creating a uniquely satisfying gameplay loop that appeals to both adventure and economy-focused players. As Will, a restless merchant with heroic aspirations, you’ll balance daytime shopkeeping responsibilities with nightly dungeon expeditions into ever-changing magical portals. The core innovation lies in the interconnected economy – every artifact recovered from dungeons becomes inventory for your shop, with pricing strategies directly funding better equipment for deeper exploration.

Advanced players should master price experimentation: start high and gradually adjust based on customer reactions to maximize profits without discouraging buyers. The game’s charming retro-inspired visual style complements rather than detracts from the experience, with clean sprite work and intuitive UI design. Avoid the common pitfall of hoarding rare items; instead, strategically sell high-value artifacts during merchant festivals when prices inflate, then reinvest in weapon upgrades that correspond to current dungeon challenges. This economic cycle creates one of the most rewarding progression systems in indie gaming.

Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Buy Moonlighter from Steam (Rs. 529)

The Civilization VI: Rise and Fall expansion significantly enriches the foundational turn-based strategy experience that has defined Sid Meier’s legendary franchise. This substantial content addition introduces the revolutionary Governor system, allowing specialized AI characters to manage cities with unique bonuses that complement your civilization’s development strategy. The expansion brings eight entirely new civilizations to master, each with nine distinctive leaders possessing tailored abilities that encourage diverse playstyles beyond military conquest.

Newcomers should prioritize understanding the loyalty and era score mechanics – neglecting city loyalty can lead to rebellions, while strategic era achievements provide powerful golden age bonuses. The addition of eight world wonders, alongside new districts, buildings, and military units, creates fresh strategic permutations that veteran players will appreciate. Despite being an expansion, Rise and Fall offers enough substantive content to stand as essential for any strategy enthusiast, dramatically extending the game’s replayability through refined systems that respond dynamically to your empire-building decisions.

Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Buy Civilization VI: Rise and Fall from Steam

As humanity’s final leader in a frozen apocalyptic world, your strategic decisions determine civilization’s survival. Successfully balance population management with infrastructure development while navigating extreme environmental challenges. The game features multiple gameplay variations including procedurally generated frozen landscapes for city construction, plus diverse map selections. A significant advantage is the continuous content pipeline through regular updates, ensuring sustained engagement without repetitive gameplay loops.

Supported platforms: Windows

Purchase Frostpunk via Steam (Rs. 699)

This distinctive survival experience separates itself from genre conventions by immersing players in extraterrestrial oceanic environments. You must construct specialized gear, operate submersible vessels for deep-sea investigation and confront alien marine life for daily survival. The visual presentation stands out with breathtaking graphical fidelity transforming underwater discovery into an immersive visual journey. However, the ocean’s tranquility can be deceptive, as nocturnal hours activate aggressive predator behaviors requiring defensive strategies.

Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Xbox One

Acquire Subnautica through Steam (Rs. 569)

Electronic Arts continues their annual sports franchise with FIFA 19, featuring substantial mechanical enhancements designed to increase simulation authenticity beyond previous iterations. Passing mechanics now require greater precision with reduced automation, character attributes carry diminished importance (relative to FIFA 18), while the game introduces elevated skill ceilings making scoring objectives more challenging than simple defensive bypass maneuvers. Football gaming enthusiasts will find this installment essential for its refined tactical depth and improved realism.

Supported platforms: Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Obtain FIFA 19 from Origin (Rs. 3,499)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSfko2Ps9oY

Price Structure: Free base game with premium upgrade packages available

Access Quake Champions (Free, with optional enhancement bundles)

While Fallout 76 received mixed critical reception initially, the game has evolved into a compelling multiplayer survival experience that stands apart from traditional single-player entries. The revolutionary aspect lies in its persistent online world where every character you meet represents an actual human player, creating dynamic social interactions that can lead to alliances or conflicts. You have complete freedom in your approach – either forming cooperative groups to tackle the expansive wilderness collectively or venturing alone through the most vast environment ever crafted for the Fallout universe. For optimal experience, focus on establishing your C.A.M.P. early for resource generation and prioritize perk cards that complement your preferred playstyle. Common mistakes include neglecting radiation management and underestimating the importance of workshop control for endgame content.

Available Platforms: Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One systems

Purchase Fallout 76 (Rs. 5,600)

Dragon Ball FighterZ represents the pinnacle of modern arcade fighting game design, granting Dragon Ball enthusiasts the chance to command their preferred warriors in intense three-versus-three 2D combat scenarios. The control system prioritizes accessibility with streamlined special attack inputs, yet achieving mastery demands sophisticated team coordination and character switching tactics. Advanced players should master the art of assist timing and learn character-specific combo extensions to maximize damage output. The visual presentation elevates every encounter, making each battle sequence spectacularly cinematic and true to the anime’s explosive style. Regional availability varies, with Indian gamers typically sourcing physical editions through online marketplaces rather than official digital stores.

Platform Compatibility: Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Cost: $59.99 (approximately Rs. 4,200)

Acquire Dragon Ball FighterZ ($59.99)

Completing our selection is the critically acclaimed puzzle adventure Return of the Obra Dinn, which has earned widespread praise for its innovative gameplay approach. This first-person detective simulation challenges players to unravel intricate mysteries through careful evidence gathering and systematic logical reasoning. You assume the role of an insurance adjuster working for the East India Company’s London branch, tasked with determining the fate of the merchant vessel Obra Dinn – a ship carrying 200 tons of commercial cargo that vanished at sea only to mysteriously reappear completely crewless. Successful investigation requires meticulous note-taking and cross-referencing timelines; beginners often struggle with the non-linear narrative structure. For efficient progression, create a physical or digital suspect board to track relationships and potential causes of death, paying close attention to audio cues and environmental storytelling elements.

Practical Investigation Tip: Dedicate 15-20 minutes per chapter to thoroughly examine each scene before drawing conclusions. Common errors include rushing through timelines and overlooking subtle dialogue clues that reveal character motivations.

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