We already published the list of best PC games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PC linear games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PC gaming community will surely enjoy a great library of linear games.
So, if you’re a PC gamer and love linear 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. Abyss Odyssey
- Release Data: ACE Team/Atlus, 2014
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Abyss Odyssey has all the essential elements to be an excellent Roguelike game, except for the most crucial one—a reason to keep playing.
The game may evolve into something more, but for now, a few hours of playtime are enough to appreciate its beauty and uniqueness.
#24. Lichdom: Battlemage
- Release Data: Xaviant, 2014
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
The game’s complex spellcrafting system, which is similar to loot-driven games like Diablo or Borderlands, allows for diverse playstyles and offers a rewarding sense of customization.
And while the game can be challenging and frustrating at times, the satisfaction of victory is all the more sweet for it.
#23. Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft
- Release Data: Core Design Ltd./Eidos Interactive, 1998
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
If you’re a fan of the first two Tomb Raider games and crave more, Tomb Raider III is definitely worth exploring.
Even if you’re not familiar with the series but have seen Lara Croft on posters, Tomb Raider III is a thoroughly enjoyable game that can provide you with hours of entertainment.
#22. The Deadly Tower of Monsters
- Release Data: ACE Team/Atlus, 2016
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
The Deadly Tower of Monsters is an absolute blast to play.
While the gameplay is mostly what you’d expect, the added vertical moments really make it stand out.
And although there’s not much reason to continue playing after the credits roll, it’s still a very satisfying action-adventure title that most gamers will thoroughly enjoy.
#21. Dead Space 3
- Release Data: Visceral Games/Electronic Arts, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Dead Space 3 tries to appeal to a wider audience with its addition of more action and a co-op mode.
And while there are still some jump scares, most of the stress comes from high-action sequences.
Overall, it’s a good sequel with well-implemented co-op mode, but it doesn’t quite measure up to the single player experience of the first two games.
#20. Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine
- Release Data: LucasArts, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine is an action-adventure game that will make Tomb Raider fans feel right at home.
The game boasts beautiful visuals, a compelling storyline, and challenging puzzles that will test your wits.
Overall, if you’re a fan of puzzle-solving action-adventure games or the Indiana Jones franchise, this is a must-play title.
#19. Hitman: Codename 47
- Release Data: Io Interactive/Eidos Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
This title is the ultimate stealth-based shooter, offering everything you could want and more.
Whether you prefer to methodically move through intricately detailed environments around the globe, use stealth tactics to progress through levels undetected, or simply engage in intense gun battles, Hitman: Codename 47 has something for everyone to enjoy.
#18. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
- Release Data: Dennaton/Devolver Digital, 2015
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Hotline Miami 2 is a thrilling sequel that doesn’t disappoint.
It’s just as violent as its predecessor, but even more enjoyable.
With a variety of playable characters, a captivating storyline, a superb soundtrack, and gripping gameplay, Hotline Miami 2 is a must-play game that shouldn’t be overlooked.
#17. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation
- Release Data: Core Design Ltd./Eidos Interactive, 1999
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Tomb Raider IV is still an excellent game, and fans of the series will enjoy this adventure.
However, those hoping for a significant improvement in the series may still be let down.
But despite this, Tomb Raider IV is the best sequel in the series so far, making it worth giving it a try.
#16. The Final Station
- Release Data: Do My Best Games/tinyBuild, 2016
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
The Final Station is a well-crafted tribute to the post-apocalyptic dystopia genre.
Combining giant zombies with a charming visual design, the game’s tunnels offer a challenging and strategic experience.
Overall, The Final Station is a satisfying journey that will keep you engaged without overstaying its welcome.
#15. Magicka
- Release Data: Arrowhead Game Studios/Paradox Interactive, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Magicka is a breath of fresh air in the world of magic-based games.
Unlike other games where success relies on grinding for experience points or rare items, Magicka is all about player skill and ingenuity.
It’s a game that rewards cleverness, not just numbers. While some may find it complex or confusing, that’s part of the charm.
#14. Republique: Episode 1 – Exordium
- Release Data: Camouflaj, LLC/GungHo, 2015
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
This title is an upgrade from its original tablet version to such an extent that it’s almost unrecognizable, surpassing the looks of many PC games.
The innovative second-person stealth gameplay still delivers, and the story told over multiple episodes is even better when played as a whole.
If you haven’t played it before, this version is the one to go for.
#13. Volume
- Release Data: Mike Bithell, 2015
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
If you’re looking for a lot of stripped-down, top-down, time-attack stealth challenges where the focus is on achieving a perfect outcome in a controlled environment, then Volume is one of the best options out there.
Its checkpoint behavior can be a little unreliable, and its difficulty curve is quite steep, but these minor flaws hardly detract from the overall experience.
#12. Devil May Cry 4
- Release Data: Capcom, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
The magic is definitely back in Devil May Cry 4, and the new hero adds to the excitement.
It’s also a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy, with the PC port taking full advantage of gamers’ PCs, offering a top-notch graphical experience that remains faithful to the console gameplay.
#11. Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2004
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
If you loved the original Prince of Persia, you will not be disappointed with this sequel.
However, fans who enjoyed the original game’s charm and character development might not find the same subtlety in this sequel.
Nevertheless, it is recommended for any action-adventure fan, and with a longer campaign, players will be kept busy for a lot longer this time around.
#10. Little Nightmares
- Release Data: Tarsier Studios/Bandai Namco Games, 2017
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Little Nightmares is a masterful horror game that thrills players with its twisted and captivating setting.
Unlike other horror games that rely on cheap jump scares, it uses psychological fear to deliver its unnerving and sinister frights through its creepy visuals and eerie atmosphere.
Overall, it is undoubtedly one of the best horror titles available today.
#9. Tomb Raider: Legend
- Release Data: Nixxes Software/Eidos Interactive, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
There are a few compelling reasons to dive into Tomb Raider: Legend.
For one, the platforming elements are incredibly enjoyable, providing a refreshing change of pace from other action-adventure games.
And while the gunfights don’t break any new ground, they’re a satisfying contrast to the acrobatics.
Nevertheless, it is a solid game that may just mark a turning point for the franchise.
#8. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2005
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
The Two Thrones serves as a satisfying conclusion to an outstanding trilogy.
But if you didn’t enjoy the first two games, this one may not change your mind.
However, for those of us who relish solving environmental puzzles and admiring stunning scenery, The Two Thrones delivers everything we could hope for.
#7. Tomb Raider: Anniversary
- Release Data: Nixxes Software/Eidos Interactive, 2007
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a fantastic adventure platformer that promises hours of entertainment.
The game offers flexible gameplay, allowing players to take breaks and return to it weeks later to continue solving puzzles.
With this game, players can experience the thrill of being Lara Croft and exploring ancient ruins, all while having a good time.
#6. DmC: Devil May Cry
- Release Data: QLOC/Capcom, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
The scoring system and multiple difficulties provide enough incentives for players to come back for another playthrough, and the story and characters are well-acted and visually stunning.
But most importantly, the game is pure fun to play.
If you’re a hack-n-slash game fan, you owe it to yourself to own DmC.
#5. Hotline Miami
- Release Data: Dennaton/Devolver Digital, 2012
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Hotline Miami is an adrenaline-fueled trip that pays homage to slasher films and the ’80s drug culture.
You can complete it in just a few hours, but replaying levels for a better score is a good excuse to come back.
And while it has a few flaws, it’s still a wonderful barrage of the senses that’s worth experiencing.
#4. Rise of the Tomb Raider
- Release Data: Nixxes Software/Square Enix, 2016
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Rise of the Tomb Raider builds on the triumphs of its predecessor by revamping and enhancing key aspects like combat, crafting, and RPG mechanics, all while elevating the environmental design and overall pacing of the campaign.
With minimal drawbacks, both seasoned fans and newcomers to the series will enjoy a thrilling and action-packed experience with this iteration.
#3. Tomb Raider
- Release Data: Nixxes Software/Square Enix, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
The story is beautifully presented and the modern take on the original gameplay works extremely well.
Lara’s abilities shine as she runs, jumps, fights bad guys, and solves puzzles in breathtaking environments.
All these elements come together to make Tomb Raider an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.
#2. Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
- Release Data: Raven Software/Activision, 2002
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
While the game starts off slow and involves a bit too much puzzle-solving for an action-adventure, the strong points of the game, especially the combat, overshadow any early issues.
And once you master your force powers and the lightsaber, you’ll feel unstoppable as you easily defeat crowds of enemies.
Overall, it is an easy recommendation for gamers of all kinds.
#1. 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.
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Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PC linear game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!