Last year was no slouch when it came to heavy-hitting games on PC. Titles likeElden Ringmade huge waves, while indie success stories were found in games likeVampire Survivors,Neon White, orStray. All that said, 2023 has the potential to be an even greater 12-month window of fantastic video game releases. From much-anticipated PC remakes to long-awaited RPGs, and tantalizing sequels, there’s something for just about everyone. These are the most anticipated PC games coming out in 2023.
The most anticipated PC games of 2023
It’s an understatement to say that Bethesda Game Studios has been one of the most beloved Western RPG developers in video games. Games likeFallout 3andThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrimare classic RPG experiences that have stood the test of time and been re-released more times than we can count. In part, that’s because of the sandbox that Bethesda offers in theseoften-anticipatedPC games. Beyond the core stories, players are free to make their own fun. Gamers can enjoy side quests, install mods, and find reasons to keep playing. So, where does Bethesda go next? The answer is space.
Starfieldis thenext big RPGfrom Bethesda. The fact that it is a new IP with a sci-fi setting presents some wonderful prospects for players. How big will the universe inStarfieldbe? What mysteries and quests await out there? We already know that the game includes space travel, combat, and an insane number of planets to explore. The possibilities feel endless, especially with the modding scene. Ultimately, the ratio of content that feels hand-crafted to procedurally generated could determine how players respond to the game upon release.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
WhenStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderwas first revealed, it was little more than an awkward name-drop by the head of Respawn Entertainment, Vince Zampella. What that eventually blossomed into was a confident and richly detailedStar Warsadventure that made the most of its inspired blend ofUnchartedandDark Soulsgameplay.
Jedi Fallen Orderwas a thrilling single-player experience full of clever level design, challenging but rewarding combat, and a worthwhile narrative that added to theStar Warscanon. One of the largest complaints about the title was its myriad technical problems. However, given the time that Respawn has had to work onSurvivor, we feel confident that it will be more polished out of the gate.
Expanded combat and traversal mechanics should enhance the already solid gameplay. Meanwhile, we’re itching to see where Respawn will take Cal Kestis next.Survivorappears to be taking a darker turn with its narrative, and the potential implications for theStar Warscanon could be immense.
Street Fighter 6
It’s no secret thatStreet Fighter Vwas a disappointment at launch. It was a barebones package with barely any single-player content, unpolished mechanics, and controversial character redesigns. Yet, Capcom is in a very different place now. The storied Japanese game developer has experienced a historic return to form thanks to strong releases in almost all its major franchises recently. It’s time that love came back around toStreet Fighter.
From what we’ve seen of the game so far,Street Fighter 6is set to deliver big time. Detailed visuals brought to life with the RE Engine and a bold graffiti art style have resulted in a beautifully distinct look and feel. The drive gauge simultaneously simplifies the mechanics of the game but provides enough options for players to engage in mind games. The combos are creative and flashier than ever,new and returning characterslook exciting to play, and the plethora of single-player modes on offer should keep players invested for a long time.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Team Ninja’sNiohgames proved that the house ofNinja Gaidencould reinvent itself. Now, Team Ninja is creating a brand new experience withWo Long: Fallen Dynasty, and it’s started off on the right foot. Set in ancient China,Wo Longlooks to take advantage of the Three Kingdoms era. The lore of the Three Kingdoms is filled with fascinating characters and battles. Considering that, Team Ninja has a lot to play around with narratively.
That setting also paints a colorful canvas when it comes to exciting and creative enemy designs. The impressive demo last year wasfilled with deadly enemiesthat forced players to adapt their strategies. Tough mini-bosses, ranged archers, and larger-than-life monsters made players think on their feet and utilise their arsenal to its fullest
Level design is something From Software is consistently praised for, but the same couldn’t be said of Team Ninja’sNiohgames. Thankfully,Wo Longhas already demonstrated some more open and vertical terrain and we hope this is only a taste of what’s to come. If Team Ninja can combine its penchant for buttery smooth combat systems with a more flexible level design, then it’ll be one of the most anticipated PC games this year.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
The anticipation forHollow Knight: Silksongon PC has been somewhat of a meme in the video games community. The originalHollow Knightwas a critically acclaimed 2D Metroidvania that was praised for its wonderful combat, level design, and art style. Team Cherry has been hard at work on its second game, but fans became tired of waiting long periods without any news. That was untilMicrosoft’s E3 showcaselast year, after which it claimed thatSilksongwould be released within the next 12 months.
Now thatSilksongfeels more tangible, it feels safer to remember why it’s such an exciting proposition.Silksongrepresents a chance to enjoy more of the creative level design, challenging bosses, and the charming bug-filled world thatHollow Knightnailed. By switching over to Hornet as the new protagonist,Silksongalso promises to add more movement capabilities and a different combat style to gameplay. Smart changes like having to expend all your silk to fully heal rather than heal as needed should encourage some enjoyable risk vs. reward moments. And we can’t wait to see what Christopher Larkin and his fellow composers will craft with the soundtrack.
Hades 2(Early Access)
Supergiant is a standout indie developer with a memorable collection of games that are always anticipated by PC players. With games likeBastionandTransistor, the studio gained fame for being able to create intriguing stories supported by enthralling gameplay and beautiful art styles. However, it’s a well-known fact that Supergiant has never created a direct sequel to any of its games — until now.
Hadeswasa landmark titlefor Supergiant and for the roguelike genre. It proved that a roguelike could craft a compelling story built around its inherently repetitive structure. Each failed run or successful escape was a chance to learn more about the characters of the underworld.
Supergiant didn’t skimp on the gameplay inHadeseither. The simple act of killing enemies and dodging their attacks was a blast thanks to creative weapons and game-changing boons. New weapons and permanent upgrades made each run feel different from the last, and it was all supported by the Supergiant’s signature stellar artwork and music. With such a solid foundation already in place, we’re glad that Supergiant is giving this franchise a chance to reach greater heights.
Arkane Studios has made a name for itself thanks to its masterfully crafted immersive RPGs. Games likeDishonoreddemonstrate Arkane’s undeniable talent at crafting levels and mechanics that offer players creative freedom. Now, Arkane is tackling the cooperative shooter genre withRedfall. IfRedfallcan build on Arkane’s pedigree while blending in cooperative shenanigans, then it could be a truly stand-out sandbox.
Redfalltasks players with surviving against the threat of vampires in a quaint town located in Massachusetts. It can be played solo or with friends and each of the four distinct characters brings something to the table. Layla Ellison’s telekinetic abilities provide a fun contrast to Devinder Crousley’s vampire-killing gadgets.
We know surprisingly little about the core story so far, but the lead characters have already displayed plenty of personality. If Arkane can combine its signature gameplay design with the fun of cooperative play, thenRedfallcould be its next big hit.
Dead Space
Horror games have been goingthrough a renaissancerecently. With that in mind, there may be no better time to bring back a sci-fi horror classic likeDead Space. TheDead Spaceremake is being handled by Motive Studio, which has worked on games likeStar Wars: Squadronsand the upcomingIron Man. What Motive has presented so far isan understandingof what madeDead Spaceunique. The remake is visually impressive and is full of smart changes to the formula to boot.
Dead Spacestood out among survival horror games thanks to its distinct setting, genuine scares, and a fresh mechanic. Dismembering Necromorphs to defeat them changed how players thought of combat in a horror game. Having to fight in the lonely and often claustrophobic setting of the USG Ishimura made that even more intense.
The game promises to be a faithful remake and one of the more anticipated PC games this year. Beyond respecting the original game, its new improvements include narrative ties to the wider series, a voice-acted Isaac Clarke, and a fully explorable USG Ishimura without load times.Resident Evilhas already proven what remakes can do to breathe new life into classic survival-horror games.
Resident Evil 4remake
There’s little reason not to be excited forResident Evil 4remake. It’s a fresh coat of paint for arguably one of the greatest games ever made. Leon S. Kennedy’s whacky adventure through rural Spain is a survival-horror classic. Brilliantly designed combat encounters pushed players to their limits, while the satisfying gunplay and rewarding progression were the perfect carrots on the stick. Plenty of secrets, additional modes, and new game+ rewards made it a complete package. That’s not even mentioning the fact that its over-the-shoulder third-person combat inspired a generation of shooters and served as a confident reinvention of theResident Evilformula.
Now that Capcom has successfully put multipleResident Evilremakes under its belt, we feel more confident in its ability to tackle a remake ofRE4. Updated character designs and stunning visuals are going hand in hand witha darker tonefor the remake. Yet, the inclusion of Leon’s cheesy one-liners shows that Capcom truly gets what made it special.
Fans who were worried about cut content, like inResident Evil 3, can also rest easy. The development team has confirmed thatnothing will be cutfrom the game. There are questions about how Capcom will handle the island section, certain boss encounters, and quick-time events. However, Capcom hasn’t let us down in quite some time. That makes us confident that the answers to these questions will surprise and delight.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Once upon a time, licensed superhero games were generally disappointing. That changed when Rocksteady released the critically acclaimedBatman Arkhamseries. It’s been over seven years since the release ofBatman: Arkham Knight, but Rocksteady is finally about to show gamers what it has in store for DC fans.Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguehas the unique premise of letting players fight against a Brainiac-controlled Justice League. It’s a third-person shooter that can be played solo or cooperatively, and the potential for standout boss fights against some of comics’ most famous characters is enormous.
The traversal and shooting mechanics of characters like Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark should give players enough freedom to tackle objectives as they wish. Rocksteady has already proven it can create a compelling open world, so Metropolis should provide a fun playground to explore to that end.
When it comes to narrative,Suicide Squadis set in Rocksteady’sArkham-verse. The stakes are grander than ever, but any ties to theArkhamseries will surely be appreciated by fans. Knowing thatSuicide Squadwill be the legendary Kevin Conroy’sfinal performanceas the Dark Knight adds some extra emotional weight as well.
These are only a few of the much-anticipated PC games set to be released in 2023. With all this and more, it’s shaping up to be a strong year for gamers.
Chirag Pattni
Chirag is a writer at PC Invasion. He’s been passionate about Halo, Metal Gear Solid, and The Legend of Zelda for as long as he can remember, and he enjoys all things anime.
