The Metacritic Top 40 PC Games of 2022: Highlights and Insights
Metacritic has released its list of the Top 40 best PC games of 2022, drawing on a broad spectrum of critic reviews to shape the ranking. The editors included a minimum of seven distinct critic opinions to ensure a well-rounded assessment of each title. This approach helps readers gauge the year’s strongest releases through multiple expert perspectives, balancing both fan anticipation and critical scrutiny.
Leading the pack is Persona 5 Royal, a top pick that earned an average critic score of 95 out of 100 for the PC version. The game initially debuted in 2016 for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, originally released in Japan. Its Western launch followed in 2017, and later an enhanced version titled Royal expanded the experience with additional content and refinements. The PC version’s strong reception reflects how the title translated across platforms and generations, delivering depth, narrative intrigue, and stylish presentation to a new audience.
In second place sits Elden Ring, a standout that claimed the most Game of the Year recognitions across 2022. Its impact extended beyond critics, earning top honors at major ceremonies such as The Game Awards 2022 and the Golden Joystick Awards 2022. The blend of expansive exploration, challenging combat, and a freely interpretable world helped redefine expectations for open-world action RPGs on PC.
Unexpectedly, the third spot goes to Dwarf Fortress, a construction and management game that first appeared in 2002 and saw a full Steam release in early December. The launch created a strong wave of enthusiasm, with the title earning widespread praise for its intricate simulation and deep gameplay systems. Players and critics alike noted the game’s ambitious scope and the micro-level detail that rewards careful planning and imaginative problem solving, contributing to robust positive reception across the PC crowd.
The Top 10 list showcases a mix of genre-defining titles and innovative indies, illustrating the diverse landscape of PC gaming in 2022. For readers who want the complete picture, the full list is available in the accompanying materials. The ranking emphasizes titles that balanced technical polish, engaging mechanics, and memorable experiences, resonating with a wide audience of PC enthusiasts.
- Persona 5 Royal (95/100 points);
- Elden Ring (94/100 points);
- Dwarf Fortress (93/100 points);
- God of War (93/100 points);
- Chained Echoes (92/100 points);
- The Likeness of Stanley: Ultra Deluxe (90/100 points);
- Neon White (90/100 points);
- The Legend of Heroes: Trails From Zero (90/100 points);
- NORCO (89/100 points);
- Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course (89/100 points).
Further context notes that the voting for the best games of 2022 remains open on the site, inviting enthusiasts to participate in 29 different categories with a deadline set for January 20. This ongoing engagement reflects a vibrant community of players who contribute to the collective sense of what defined PC gaming in the year. The conversation also highlights the evolving landscape of game accessibility and representation within the community, which continues to be reflected in yearly rankings.
All of these selections underscore a year when PC titles offered a spectrum of experiences—from strategic simulations and expansive RPGs to high-octane action adventures. They demonstrate how strong writing, thoughtful world-building, and refined gameplay can elevate a title from novelty to enduring favorite. The list also invites readers to explore titles they may not have considered, encouraging curiosity and experimentation across genres and styles.