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Compilation of the best action games on PC: adrenaline, guns, and style

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The modern market of interactive entertainment offers a huge variety of dynamic projects where every second matters. The best action games on PC are not just about shooting and chasing, but highly organized mechanics, stylistic expressiveness, well-developed worlds, and rich gameplay.

This genre remains the flagship of PC gaming, combining a gripping storyline, mechanical engagement, and artistic realization. Below is a review of projects that rightfully belong to the top action games on PC based on player reviews and professional publications.

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Control — telekinesis, weapons, and a living office

Developed by Remedy, Control is one of the brightest representatives of adventure games, combining action, puzzles, and elements of horror. The main character, Jesse, arrives at the Federal Bureau of Control, where reality is disrupted by anomalies, and the AI behaves unpredictably. Using unconventional weapons, she battles a mysterious enemy, gradually uncovering the essence of what is happening.

An important feature is the architecture of the building, which lives its own life. Thanks to its unique storyline, style, and realistic graphics, Control is included in the ranking of PC action games where the main focus is on atmosphere and unconventional world perception.

System Shock (remake) — a cult comeback

One of the most anticipated remakes in recent years. The project takes the player back to a space station controlled by the maniacal AI SHODAN. The combination of survival horror mechanics, tactical battles, and exploration of hostile environments makes the game particularly intense.

Among the best action games, System Shock has secured strong positions on PC by preserving the classic formula and adapting it to modern standards. The visual design, level of complexity, and tactical approach to gameplay set the game apart even among competitors in the sci-fi genre.

Death’s Door — stylish dynamics and philosophy

A project by Acid Nerve that combines Souls-like gameplay with minimalist visuals. The player controls a crow collecting souls in a kind of afterlife bureaucratic world. Top-down camera view, fast reactions, evasions, and precise damage are the main components of the combat system.

Despite its minimalism, the project impresses with depth and quality of execution, offering rich levels and truly well-thought-out hero abilities.

Torn Away — a tragic drama in wartime settings

Torn Away stands out for its unusual combination of platformer mechanics, quest elements, and emotional narrative. The story of a girl torn from a peaceful life unfolds in the backdrop of World War II. The project explores the themes of childhood and survival in conditions of total catastrophe.

Hitman 3 — silent style and precise strikes

Agent 47 returns in the final part of the new trilogy by IO Interactive. Each playthrough is a unique scenario where precision, planning, and freedom of action create a unique experience. Massive locations, weapon variety, the ability to manipulate the environment, and apply clever tricks make the project an outstanding representative of tactical action.

In the list of the best action games, Hitman occupies a special niche on PC — not for its speed, but thanks to its intellectual component and cinematic execution.

The Forgotten City — a time loop and choice

The project started as a mod for Skyrim but grew into a standalone game. The hero finds himself in a Roman city where any crime leads to the death of all residents. Through repeating time loops and dialogues with the inhabitants, the player must uncover the mystery and find a way to avoid the deaths. There is no furious shooting here, but interactivity, philosophy, and a systemic approach create a unique gameplay experience.

The best action games on PC are not always based on shooting — The Forgotten City shows that tension can arise through choices, morality, and dialogues.

Owlboy — pixel precision and flight

An indie platformer with unique gameplay where the player controls the owl Otus. He can soar in the air, carry companions, use their abilities to overcome levels, and fight enemies. The graphics are done in a pixel art style with outstanding animation and a deep color palette. Despite its visual simplicity, the project offers rich mechanics and an emotional story.

Neva — a future for sensitive hearts

Neva is a new project from the creators of Gris, done in the style of an animated masterpiece. The main heroine travels through a dying world accompanied by a mystical creature. The gameplay combines elements of action, puzzles, and platforming. Emotional delivery, strong visual concept, and original levels form a gaming canvas where style is more important than noise.

Among the selection of the best action games, Neva occupies a position as an art-oriented project on PC, creating an impression through meaning rather than mechanical aggression.

Indiana Jones — classic in a modern interpretation

An announced project from MachineGames studio that is an adventure action game in the spirit of the iconic franchise. Players will search for artifacts, decipher messages, and fight enemies in an old-school manner. Expect a rich storyline, varied locations, and a recognizable style. The game is expected to enter the top action games on PC, targeting those who appreciate cinematic qualities and the charisma of the main character.

Best action games on PC: interesting mechanics

Some gameplay decisions define the quality of a project. Below is a list of key mechanics that make action games successful:

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  • reactive combat system with a focus on timing;
  • variety of abilities and weapons;
  • varied ways to complete levels;
  • presence of intelligent AI opponents;
  • connection of storyline and gameplay through choices and consequences.

These elements form the basis of captivating action games, providing not only visual appeal but also deep gameplay engagement.

Conclusion

Modern best action games cover a wide range of styles on PC — from stylized indie graphics to high-budget remakes with photorealistic presentation. The distinctive features include intense gameplay, well-developed abilities, original worlds, and multi-layered storylines. Action has long surpassed shooters: it has become an expressive form, combining mechanics, art, and interactive dramaturgy!

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Action games are fascinating, raise the adrenaline level and provide an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the world of virtual adventures. But where can you find worthy projects without spending a penny? This review will tell you about the seven best action games available for free. They are guaranteed to draw you in and not let you go.

Warframe

Warframe is a legendary universe that developers continue to develop, delighting you with constant updates. It all starts with choosing a frame – an armored exoskeleton, each of which has unique abilities and a style of play. The user is immersed in a cooperative shooter with parkour elements, allowing you to literally fly around the level. The visual design – neon futurism with an emphasis on detail – distinguishes Warframe from other concepts. Players can play the action game for free and enjoy its goodies.

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Immersion in the plot and gameplay

A multi-layered story develops and each mission complements the picture. The initial part teaches control and immerses you in the history of an ancient civilization, where you need to fight against the Grineer – a powerful military force. Group mode is one of the most interesting features of Warframe. Cooperation provides an atmosphere of a team action game and allows you to fully experience the benefits of combat frames while playing with friends.

Destiny 2

Destiny 2 was originally paid, but after Bungie decided to make the basic part free, a huge number of new players joined the project. The action is close to ideal: you can launch the game for free and go in search of adventures with friends.

Locations and open world

Destiny 2 features a variety of planets with unique locations: from a futuristic city to wild wastelands. Users explore space worlds, fight various enemies and participate in a variety of events. Fans of PvE battles can enjoy epic missions and raids, and for fans of PvP, Destiny 2 will offer dynamic battles with real players. There’s something for everyone.

Apex Legends

Apex Legends is a true leader among battle royales. Graphics, dynamics, and teamwork are all in place to attract even the most sophisticated gamers.

Legends and team battles

Each legend in Apex Legends has interesting abilities, which adds variety to the gameplay. For example, Bloodhound specializes in tracking down opponents, and Lifeline specializes in supporting allies. The action game is focused on teams of three participants and gives the opportunity to feel the cohesion and uniqueness of each fighter for free. Team spirit is the key to victory here, and the competent use of skills helps to move to the top.

Call of Duty: Warzone

A free version of the legendary Call of Duty series. Warzone is an explosive action game that allows you to participate in large-scale battles. A project with impeccable graphics and real physics, where you need to survive at any cost.

Locations and Game Modes

The map in Warzone is impressive in its size and detail. There are many covers, buildings and objects that can be used for a tactical advantage. Several modes, including battle royale and capture, add variety.

Fortnite

Fortnite is a cultural phenomenon: cartoonish graphics, the ability to build and participate in large-scale events. One of the key features is the ability to build defensive structures and use them in battle. This adds depth to the gameplay and requires quick decision-making skills.

Epic Games often add temporary events and unique modes to the scenario, which keeps the game interesting and does not let it get boring:

  1. Temporary events: new challenges, tasks and themed events that give players the opportunity to get unique rewards and experience something new.
  2. Unique modes: regular changes to game modes – from classic to completely new experimental ones, which allows for variety in the gameplay.
  3. Collaborations with brands: ongoing collaborations with popular brands, films and characters such as Marvel, DC, Star Wars and others attract a new audience. This adds exclusive content, including themed superhero skins, iconic dances from films and unique accessories, allowing players to express themselves and create their own unique style.

Enlisted

Enlisted is a multiplayer shooter on the theme of World War II. The concept is distinguished by its realism and team battles, where the user controls not one character, but a whole squad. There are many types of authentic weapons and equipment from World War II, which makes the battles more realistic and varied. Here are the main elements that add depth to the gameplay:

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  1. Historical accuracy: all types of weapons and equipment are created taking into account real prototypes, which allows you to immerse yourself deeper into the atmosphere and feel the reality of World War II.
  2. Weapons of the era: rifles, submachine guns, hand grenades and mortars, each unit of weapons has unique characteristics and realistic recoil.
  3. Tanks and other equipment: players can control various equipment, including tanks, armored personnel carriers and even planes, which adds new levels of tactics.

PUBG: Battlegrounds

PUBG: Battlegrounds is one of the first action games that you can play for free. It made the battle royale genre very popular. The project still offers intense battles and realistic graphics. PUBG pleases with huge maps where participants can explore various biomes, including deserts, jungles, urban areas and rural areas.

Results

The world of free action games opens up a lot of possibilities – from space adventures to historical battles. Trying one of the proposed projects means discovering an environment of dynamic battles, incredible graphics and exciting stories. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of adventure and feel the real drive.

The action game Chernobylite 2 Exclusion Zone has officially entered Steam Early Access, offering players an expanded world of the Zone, improved survival mechanics, and a new story. The developers at The Farm 51 have strived to maintain the atmosphere of the original game by incorporating elements of a multiverse, a class system, and a redesigned combat system.

Following the success of the first game, which received positive reviews for its non-linear storytelling and intense atmosphere, the developers have focused on expanding the game world in a significant way. Chernobylite 2 features a new map of the Exclusion Zone, where every corner holds the secrets of anomalies, factions, and mysterious creatures. Early access allows players to be the first to try out the mechanics and influence the future development of the project.

Gameplay Chernobylite 2: Advanced Survival Mechanics

The gameplay is based on a combination of exploring dangerous locations, fighting mutants and humans, and building your own base. In Chernobylite 2 Exclusion Zone, the developers have enhanced the survival elements by adding new anomalies, dynamic events, and a complex character adaptation system.

Features:

  1. Improved radiation contamination system — characters now receive not only physical damage, but also long-term effects that affect their perception of the world around them.
  2. A deep crafting system — upgrading weapons, creating ammunition, and collecting rare resources have become an important part of the gameplay.
  3. New AI opponents — enemies behave more intelligently, use tactical maneuvers, and adapt to the player’s combat style.

Every trip through the Zone becomes an unpredictable adventure, where even familiar places can change depending on the time of day and the activity of anomalies.

Chernobylite 2 Classes: A Variety of Game Styles

A new feature for the series is the class system, which allows you to choose your survival style in a dangerous environment. Chernobylite 2 Exclusion Zone features several key groups, each of which affects your character’s skills and available actions. For example:

  1. The Stalker is a versatile class that is balanced between stealth and combat. The hero receives bonuses for finding artifacts and using cover.
  2. Mercenary – specializes in heavy weapons and armor. The character can carry more powerful equipment, but consumes more resources.
  3. A scientist is a researcher who can manipulate anomalies and find rare artifacts to improve their equipment.
  4. The Phantom is a mysterious character with the ability to travel through unstable areas of the multiverse.

The class system allows you to delve deeper into the mechanics of survival, providing new tactical options.

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The plot of the action game Chernobylite 2 Exclusion Zone: immersing yourself in the mysteries of the Zone

The storyline of the second part continues the ideas of the original game, but expands the universe through the multiverse. Now, the Exclusion Zone is not just a radiation-filled area, but a place where alternative realities intersect. The protagonist ventures deep into the anomalous territory in search of a missing scientific expedition. Along the way, they encounter various versions of the same world, encountering alternative versions of familiar characters and events that never occurred in the main timeline. The developers have maintained the game’s narrative flexibility, allowing players to make decisions that impact the story’s progression. Some heroes can become allies or enemies depending on the player’s actions.

Chernobylite 2: Differences from the First Part

The second part retained the atmosphere of the original, but received many improvements. Among the key differences from the first project, we can highlight:

  1. The expanded map makes the game world almost twice as large, including new areas that were previously unavailable in the original game.
  2. An expanded NPC system allows characters to interact with each other, creating dynamic scenarios.
  3. An advanced combat system has been added, including new weapons, the ability to combine melee and ranged combat, and unique abilities.
  4. Multiverse elements allow players to navigate between alternate versions of the same location, changing the course of events.

These improvements make the gameplay more diverse and intense.

Leveling up heroes in the action game Chernobylite 2 Exclusion Zone: individual development

The game’s leveling system has been redesigned, and each character now has unique skills based on their class and decisions. For example:

  1. Physical training improves speed, health, and resistance to radiation.
  2. Tactical skills involve learning how to effectively use cover, silent kills, and tactical traps.
  3. Technical abilities include crafting weapons, body armor, and special devices for bypassing anomalies.
  4. Anomalous adaptation is the ability to control the Zone’s energy emissions and use them for one’s own survival.

Thanks to the flexibility of leveling, you can choose different playstyles, adapting your character to aggressive combat or stealthy survival.

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The Atmosphere of Chernobylite 2: A Dark Aesthetic

The developers paid special attention to creating an interesting atmosphere. The second part became even more tense, maintaining the spirit of Soviet abandoned buildings, but introducing futuristic elements of the multiverse. The lighting and weather effects systems have been significantly improved. Dynamic lighting creates realistic shadows, while radioactive precipitation affects the environment. The new sound design enhances the sense of unease, making players feel isolated in a dangerous world.

Chernobylite 2 Exclusion Zone release date: when can we expect a full release?

The game has already been released in Steam Early Access, allowing players to test the core mechanics and provide feedback to the developers. The full release is scheduled for the end of 2025, with the addition of new storylines, improved graphics, and bug fixes. Early Access provides an opportunity for developers to gather statistics and make adjustments to the balance of weapons, progression, and NPC interactions.

Conclusion

At the moment, Chernobylite 2 Exclusion Zone offers deep gameplay, a well-developed class system, and an exciting storyline. Despite its early access, the game already feels like a full-fledged project with a highly detailed world. For fans of atmospheric action games with survival elements and tactical gameplay, this concept will be one of the most exciting new releases of 2025.