We already published the list of best PC games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PC action games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PC gaming community will surely enjoy a great library of action games.
So, if you’re a PC gamer and love action 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. Counter-Strike
- Release Data: The Counter-Strike Team/Sierra Entertainment, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Tactical
Despite its flaws, there’s no denying the profound influence of Counter-Strike, which has already served as the inspiration for numerous similar mods and games.
This is not surprising, as the game’s straightforward yet powerful design is enhanced by outstanding maps, vibrant graphics, and captivating sound.
All in all, Counter-Strike stands as a paragon of its genre and an exhilarating action game.
#24. Max Payne
- Release Data: Remedy Entertainment/Gathering, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
While nowadays it is a fairly commonplace feature, Max Payne was the first game to introduce the concept of “bullet time” to the world of video games.
As you take on criminals with your twin pistols, you can leap through the air, slowing down time and enabling you to precisely aim your shots.
Overall, it is a very captivating experience.
#23. Far Cry
- Release Data: Crytek/Ubisoft, 2004
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Far Cry was mainly created to show off a new video game engine, and the power of that engine shows.
This game puts players in a tropical environment and lets them roam free, completing objectives and taking down military installations.
And using your stealth and prowess of weaponry, you must dismantle an entire military organization piece by piece.
#22. Left 4 Dead
- Release Data: Valve Software/Electronic Arts, 2008
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
This first person shooter is light on narrative but heavy on cooperation, tasking you and your crew with completing a handful of campaigns.
By sharing medicine, ammo, and a variety of other resources, you work your way through combat-heavy missions spread across numerous zones.
It’s a great mixture of creeping horror and fast gunplay, creating a cooperative experience unlike any other.
#21. Battlefield 2
- Release Data: Digital Illusions/EA Games, 2005
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Tactical
Battlefield 2 offers a refreshing change from previous titles in the series by providing players with an array of modern weaponry and vehicles to control.
Surviving in this game demands a combination of accuracy and tactical prowess, as the realistic combat mechanics punish those who fail to plan ahead.
If you are looking for an engaging war story, get this game.
#20. Borderlands 2
- Release Data: Gearbox Software/2K Games, 2012
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
The game begins in the midst of a blizzard, but you’ll quickly embark on an adventure across the world of Pandora.
Along the way, you’ll interact with a cast of intriguing characters and complete missions for them.
Thanks to its vibrant visuals, diverse character classes, and skill sets, Borderlands 2 is a fusion of FPS and RPG that offers endless replayability.
#19. Street Fighter IV
- Release Data: Capcom, 2009
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Street Fighter IV is a solid addition to any fan’s collection of the classic franchise.
The game boasts stunning graphics that are both eye-catching and fluid, reminiscent of the classic gameplay.
While it may not be the best in the series, it is a timeless game that is enjoyable to play and can serve as a fun time-killer or party game.
#18. Crysis
- Release Data: Crytek/EA Games, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Set in a blend of tropical and technological environments, Crysis offers a single player campaign featuring an impressive array of experimental and traditional firearms.
It also offers players an exhilarating gaming experience, combining thrilling firefights with futuristic abilities.
Moreover, the game’s stunning visuals showcase the power of the Crytek engine, which was renowned for its demanding system requirements.
#17. Braid
- Release Data: Number None Inc., 2009
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Braid was a popular indie game before we had the abundant indie game studios that we have today.
Unlike many platformer games, Braid focused more on puzzles, making it a unique experience.
If you enjoy puzzle-based games, Braid is a genius game that will provide you with a great brain exercise.
#16. Half-Life 2: Episode Two
- Release Data: Valve Software, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
The original game delivered an intricate and engaging sci-fi epic that can go toe-to-toe with the best of television and cinema.
The sequel retains the same level of narrative intrigue, while also offering innovative combat mechanics and weapons.
Half-Life 2: Episode Two is a single-player adventure that offers plenty of replay value, thanks to its intriguing secrets.
#15. Rayman 2: The Great Escape
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 1999
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
A few minor issues aside, Rayman 2 is an excellent game that breathes new life into a well-worn genre with its unique style and outstanding creativity.
The game is enjoyable to play, with stunning visuals that are easy on the eyes.
In fact, it’s so innovative that it makes other games seem inferior in comparison when it comes to originality.
#14. The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay – Developer’s Cut
- Release Data: Starbreeze/VU Games, 2004
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Get ready for an exciting experience with this game that not only boasts a thrilling prison break story but also exceeds expectations as one of the few video games based on a movie franchise that truly delivers.
But be warned, the combat is grueling and savage as you must rely on primitive weapons such as shivs to defend yourself.
#13. No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.’s Way
- Release Data: Monolith Productions/Sierra Entertainment, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
In this sequel, the emphasis on stealth from the original game has been toned down, allowing players to choose from a range of methods to accomplish their objectives.
And as you journey through a host of exotic locales, you’ll have access to an array of weapons, gadgets, and sneaky maneuvers to take out the enemy.
#12. Medal of Honor: Allied Assault
- Release Data: 2015/Electronic Arts, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Experience the best of both worlds in this military shooter, featuring an exciting and historically accurate single-player campaign alongside a range of other modes.
You’ll take on wave after wave of enemies, dodging grenades and using your sharpshooting skills to survive.
All in all, it will brings the battlefield to you, making for an action-packed and immersive experience you won’t forget.
#11. Overwatch
- Release Data: Blizzard Entertainment, 2016
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Tactical
Overwatch is a game that’s easy to understand at its core: you and your team choose from a cast of characters, each with unique powers, and compete against an opposing team to achieve objectives.
But the real excitement comes from mastering the game’s diverse and fascinating characters, each with their own distinct role to play.
#10. Call of Duty
- Release Data: Infinity Ward/Activision, 2003
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
To say that Call of Duty is a popular franchise would be a huge understatement.
It has revolutionized the FPS genre in countless ways and has been a mainstay of gaming culture for years.
Not only that, its dominance over the genre has continued to this day, and it’s easy to see why.
#9. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- Release Data: Infinity Ward/Activision, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
As you battle through action-packed warfare across several countries, including the UK, Russia, and the Middle East, you’ll experience the game through the eyes of both a US Marine and a British SAS commando, each with their own squad and story.
The story mode provides an exciting variety of gameplay, from stealth encounters to fun vehicle sections and exhilarating gunfights.
#8. Unreal Tournament 2004
- Release Data: Epic Games/Atari SA, 2004
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Unreal Tournament 2004 is an adrenaline-fueled shooter that’s famous for its breakneck speed, extensive map selection, and intense, gory battles.
With more than 100 different maps and ten modes of play, players can experience a variety of gameplay options and never get bored.
If you’re looking for a high-energy shooter that emphasizes competition, Unreal Tournament 2004 is an excellent choice.
#7. Team Fortress 2
- Release Data: Valve Software/Electronic Arts, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Tactical
Valve has done it again with another remarkable FPS game that adds to their ever-growing list of hits.
Although there is a bit of a steep learning curve, the environment is forgiving and will match you with players of similar skill level.
This game offers hours upon hours of fun, especially when played with friends.
#6. BioShock Infinite
- Release Data: Irrational Games/2K Games, 2013
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
This installment takes place in Columbia, an enormous city floating in the sky, as opposed to the previous game’s underwater setting of Rapture.
The game features a linear progression as you search for a missing girl to erase a longstanding debt.
Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter a variety of characters and experience psychological challenges, ultimately leading to a mind-bending conclusion.
#5. Unreal Tournament (1999)
- Release Data: Epic Games/Infogrames, 1999
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
This multiplayer focused game broke new ground in the first-person shooter genre, giving players an insane amount of speed and fun, bloody combat.
Although multiplayer is the main focus, you can play through a solo campaign in matches against AI-controlled enemy teams.
Playing Unreal Tournament is like riding a never-ending roller coaster, resulting in a breakneck experience unlike any other shooter.
#4. Half-Life
- Release Data: Valve Software/Sierra Entertainment, 1998
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Half-Life is an FPS, but focuses on telling a narrative story using scripted sequences instead of cutscenes.
This storytelling mechanic was an instant hit, and shaped the way that modern first person shooters tell their stories.
Using his handy crowbar, pistol, and many other weapons, Gordon must blast his way to safety while uncovering the mysteries contained within the secretive lab.
#3. BioShock
- Release Data: Irrational Games/2K Games, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
BioShock is well known for its exciting shooter gameplay and inventive and original storytelling.
The linear story leads you through a ruined fantasy city, overtaken by drug-fueled citizens who have lost their mind.
The story is known for having one of the most surprising twists in all of gaming history, and is sure to throw your mind through a loop.
#2. Portal 2
- Release Data: Valve Software, 2011
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
This sequel adds cooperative gameplay to the popular portal-shooting experience, as well as a brand new story campaign.
Players guide the main character through countless puzzle rooms, using their portal gun to traverse the dangerous areas.
You can also play a separate cooperative campaign with a friend locally or online, which considerably changes up the strategy and puzzle-solving dynamic.
#1. Half-Life 2
- Release Data: Valve Software/VU Games, 2004
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
This sequel continues the tale of Gordon Freeman, the crowbar-wielding scientist who uses his intellect to save the world.
The gameplay remains highly enjoyable, with frantic first-person shooting sequences.
Also, the new weapon spices up the experience, namely the “gravity gun” that allows you to shoot objects at unsuspecting foes.
Browse Games By Genre
See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best Gaming Room Accessories
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PC action game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!