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25 Best PC Action-Adventure Games of All Time

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Best PC Action-Adventure Games of All Time

We already published the list of best PC games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PC action-adventure games of all time.

With amazing titles available, the PC gaming community will surely enjoy a great library of action-adventure games.

So, if you’re a PC gamer and love action-adventure games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.

And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.

#25. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
  • Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2011
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World

Assassin’s Creed II‘s portrayal of Ezio’s journey from streetwise youth to cunning assassin was a true highlight.

Brotherhood sees Ezio flashing his charming smirk frequently, but his character development falls short of the same level of fascination.

Nonetheless, this game still possesses a magical attraction that draws players in with its breathtaking beauty.

#24. Control

Control
  • Release Data: Remedy Entertainment/505 Games, 2019
  • Genre: Action Adventure » General

Control is a game that takes the amazing cutscenes found in other games and makes them playable.

It’s a thrilling journey that offers a satisfying power fantasy, combining the best elements of previous Remedy games.

Part exploration game, part sci-fi shooter, Control features a gripping storyline, breathtaking RTX-powered graphics, and a world that comes together to create a unique experience.

#23. Iconoclasts

Iconoclasts
  • Release Data: Konjak/Bifrost Entertainment, 2018
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World

Don’t be deceived by the colorful and cheerful facade of Iconoclasts, as this game is a challenge that will put your skills and mind to the test.

With its fast-paced combat and tricky puzzles, it demands your quick reflexes and mental agility.

Moreover, the game’s unique boss battles and thought-provoking story will make you ponder your own beliefs and values.

#22. Grand Theft Auto IV

Grand Theft Auto IV
  • Release Data: Rockstar Toronto/Rockstar Games, 2008
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World

The PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV was poised to be the definitive edition of the game, thanks to the superior control scheme offered by keyboard and mouse, as well as the potential for enhanced visuals.

If your system can handle it, the PC version is worth checking out, but those who can’t should stick with the console versions.

#21. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
  • Release Data: Ubisoft, 2003
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Linear

This title is an exceptional game, a true masterpiece.

In the same way that Super Mario 64 revolutionized the classic franchise, this game has taken the mechanics of the 2D Prince of Persia universe and flawlessly translated them into a 3D world.

Whether you’re a diehard fan or simply someone who enjoys action-adventure games, The Sands of Time is a must-have.

#20. Saints Row IV

Saints Row IV
  • Release Data: Volition Inc./Deep Silver, 2013
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World

Saints Row IV is an incredibly fun game that manages to improve upon its predecessors while still retaining some of the same flaws.

If you’re searching for a game that allows you to act like a superhero with unique abilities, then this might even surpass some of the games that are actually marketed as superhero games.

#19. Thief II: The Metal Age

Thief II: The Metal Age
  • Release Data: Looking Glass Studios/Eidos Interactive, 2000
  • Genre: Action Adventure » General

Although it may not have the compelling story of the original Thief, and the graphics may be a bit dated, those concerns will quickly fade away once you find yourself immersed in the game’s superbly crafted environments, sneaking around and testing your thieving skills.

#18. Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2
  • Release Data: Capcom R&D Division 1/Capcom, 2019
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Survival

Resident Evil 2 is an outstanding remake that brings a 90s classic to a modern audience while retaining its original essence.

Additionally, alternative routes with other characters, secret modes, and crazy unlockables await those who master the game.

In sum, it is an exceptional survival horror experience that has been expertly remastered.

#17. Thief: The Dark Project

Thief: The Dark Project
  • Release Data: Looking Glass Studios/Eidos Interactive, 1998
  • Genre: Action Adventure » General

Thief revolutionized gameplay by introducing the use of noise and light, requiring players to stay in the shadows and move quietly.

The missions are loosely scripted, encouraging players to think creatively and achieve objectives without violence.

And with multiple difficulty levels, players can enjoy new and increasingly challenging objectives, ensuring plenty of replayability.

#16. Mafia

Mafia
  • Release Data: Illusion Softworks/Gathering, 2002
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World

Mafia is a story-driven game that immerses players in the gritty world of organized crime.

As you progress through the game’s campaign, you’ll spend a lot of time driving around the city, carrying out a variety of missions.

Overall, with its gripping story and immersive gameplay, Mafia is a game that’s sure to captivate fans of organized crime tales.

#15. Yakuza 0

Yakuza 0
  • Release Data: Ryu ga Gotoku Studios/Sega, 2018
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World

Yakuza 0 offers great characters, solid storytelling with a captivating plot featuring two of the series’ biggest and best characters, and improvements to the already-brutal combat.

Moreover, the game’s eccentric presentation and over-the-top humor keep players engaged in the wonderful and freaky world of Yakuza until the end.

#14. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
  • Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2003
  • Genre: Action Adventure » General

Splinter Cell is a game that revolves around Sam Fisher’s exceptional stealth skills and his ability to adapt to different situations in a world full of political intrigue and conspiracy.

Moreover, the combination of nerve-wracking stealth and incredible execution makes players feel powerful, and the tragic story of Sam Fisher adds a lot of emotional weight to the overall narrative.

#13. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex: Human Revolution
  • Release Data: Nixxes Software/Square Enix, 2011
  • Genre: Action Adventure » General

Deus Ex is set in a future where humans augment their bodies, and Adam Jensen’s augmentations grant him incredible abilities.

Jensen can effortlessly pick up and hurl heavy objects, hack into computer systems, and even see through walls.

As you progress and level up, you can choose which enhancements to unlock, which ultimately shapes the kind of character you become.

#12. Owlboy

Owlboy
  • Release Data: D-Pad Studio, 2016
  • Genre: Action Adventure » General

Owlboy is a remarkable game in many ways, especially since it was created over a 10-year period.

The game stands out with its vibrant and detailed world, clever and imaginative puzzles, and a captivating fairy tale narrative.

Overall, Owlboy is not overly complex, but the hard work and dedication put into making the game shine through.

#11. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City
  • Release Data: Rocksteady Studios/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, 2011
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World

The true magic of this game lies in the exploratory and adventurous experiences you have in the city of Arkham itself.

Whether you’re speeding above the city streets or uncovering forgotten secrets in the tunnels beneath Gotham, this unforgettable adventure will keep you engaged with the cape and cowl long after the credits roll.

#10. Dishonored

Dishonored
  • Release Data: Arkane Studios/Bethesda Softworks, 2012
  • Genre: Action Adventure » General

Dishonored is the epitome of stealth gameplay that Assassin’s Creed strives to achieve.

The game offers players complete freedom in how they approach missions, and its level design is exceptional, with countless access points from one area to another.

Overall, it is a true masterpiece, and a spiritual journey every gamer should experience at least once in their gaming career.

#9. Deus Ex

Deus Ex
  • Release Data: Ion Storm/Eidos Interactive, 2000
  • Genre: Action Adventure » General

The game’s expansive environments and futuristic setting allow for flexibility in completing missions, while its balanced gameplay elements and consequences for actions make for an increasingly impressive experience.

Overall, it is a great choice for gamers who are tired of more conventional action or role-playing games and are willing to overlook its shortcomings in favor of its many achievements.

#8. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
  • Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2005
  • Genre: Action Adventure » General

This entry in the Splinter Cell franchise is noticeably more violent than previous games, as Sam Fisher has been given more deadly abilities than ever before.

Not only that, its cooperative experience was widely regarded as one of the best of its console generation, featuring a unique cooperative campaign for two players to tackle together.

#7. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman: Arkham Asylum
  • Release Data: Rocksteady Studios/Eidos Interactive, 2009
  • Genre: Action Adventure » General

The game is a masterpiece in every aspect, from its stunning visuals, compelling soundtrack, top-notch voice acting, and challenging puzzles, to its intense combat.

It’s evident that the development team is passionate and knowledgeable about the source material, and they have put a lot of effort into making this game an unforgettable experience.

#6. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
  • Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2005
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World

Following CJ, players will experience his journey from a low-ranking gang member to a major figure in the scene through dozens of exciting missions that involve shooting, driving, and even flying across the game’s expansive landscape.

Additionally, players will discover numerous side missions and secrets that keep the game entertaining long after the main story has been completed.

#5. System Shock 2

System Shock 2
  • Release Data: Irrational Games/Looking Glass Studios, 1999
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Survival

System Shock 2 revolutionized the action-adventure genre by incorporating RPG mechanics into its narrative storytelling.

As you progress through the game, you can unlock new skills such as hacking machines or using psionic abilities.

Furthermore, the game’s intriguing storyline presents a deep and captivating sci-fi mystery, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

#4. Minecraft

Minecraft
  • Release Data: Mojang AB, 2009
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Sandbox

Minecraft took the world by storm when it first launched, thanks to its huge open-ended nature and encouragement of creativity.

Players simply stack blocks on top of each other to create anything they want.

Generally speaking, your imagination is the limit in Minecraft, and the game combines creativity with light survival elements to create a highly addictive experience.

#3. Grand Theft Auto III

Grand Theft Auto III
  • Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2002
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World

In GTA III, players can steal vehicles and run over pedestrians, or follow the main story by completing missions.

And without this title, we wouldn’t have the same kind of open-world games that we know today.

As one of the most influential games of all time, GTA III easily earns its spot on this list.

#2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
  • Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2003
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World

Vice City builds on the success of Grand Theft Auto III by utilizing the same game engine, but switching up the environment and style.

The missions revolve around everything that made the 80’s so wild; drug culture, fast vehicles, and a whole lot of style.

For fans of the 80s and absolute chaos, Vice City is an instant classic.

#1. Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V
  • Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2015
  • Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World

This entry in the GTA franchise features the biggest map yet, with multiple playable characters and several huge areas to explore.

You can switch between the three characters at any time, taking on unique missions or participating in a wide variety of side activities.

All of these makes GTA V one of the most content-filled open-world games available.


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See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best Gaming Room Accessories

Are your favorite games on the list?

Deciding which PC action-adventure game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!

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About

Hi, I'm R, and I've been playing video games since I was a kid. My first console was the original PlayStation (the gray one) and I spent countless hours playing Crash Bandicoot series and Spyro series. My second console was the PS2 Fat, and I completed all of the GTA series 100%.


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