15 Best PC Games of the ’90s Ranked by the Den of Geek

Den of Geek has published its ranking of the best PC games of the 1990s, celebrating an era that defined the gaming industry. The '90s were a golden age for PC gaming, a time when developers took big risks, entire genres were born, and the power of the PC pushed the boundaries of what games could achieve. Here are the 15 best PC games of the '90s according to Den of Geek:

15. EverQuest (1999)

A pioneer of the MMORPG genre, EverQuest introduced players to a vast, online 3D world where they could form guilds, engage in PvP, and embark on epic quests. Despite its demanding system requirements and reliance on dial-up internet, it became a phenomenon that still exists today with annual expansions.

14. Unreal Tournament (1999)

A defining multiplayer shooter, Unreal Tournament perfected the online FPS experience with customizable matches, fast-paced combat, and legendary deathmatch maps that continue to influence the genre today.

13. The Secret of Monkey Island (1990)

A standout adventure game, The Secret of Monkey Island introduced players to the hilarious and lovable Guybrush Threepwood in a pirate-filled world packed with clever puzzles and witty humor. It remains a high point in adventure gaming history.

12. Civilization II (1996)

Civilization II refined and deepened Sid Meier’s strategy series, offering improved AI, expanded diplomacy, and infinite replayability. Even decades later, fans still recount legendary long-term playthroughs.

11. Worms Armageddon (1999)

A masterclass in turn-based strategy, Worms Armageddon delivered absurd, explosive battles with a perfect mix of skill and chaos. Whether playing solo or in multiplayer, it remains the definitive Worms experience.

10. Star Wars: Dark Forces (1995)

More than just a Doom clone, Dark Forces brought innovation to the FPS genre with new mechanics like jumping, vertical aiming, and complex mission objectives—all wrapped in a classic Star Wars setting.

9. SimCity 2000 (1993)

The ultimate city-building simulator, SimCity 2000 gave players the power to design and manage their own metropolis. From balancing taxes to fending off disasters, it remains an all-time great in the genre.

8. Diablo (1996)

The original Diablo introduced players to its dark, gothic world filled with loot, demons, and addictive dungeon-crawling action. While Diablo II would later refine the formula, this game laid the foundation for the action RPG genre.

7. Thief: The Dark Project (1998)

A revolutionary stealth game, Thief turned FPS conventions on their head by prioritizing shadows, silence, and strategic gameplay. It influenced future stealth-based franchises like Hitman and Splinter Cell.

6. Planescape: Torment (1999)

A deeply narrative-driven RPG, Planescape: Torment stood out for its unique setting, philosophical storytelling, and minimal focus on combat. It remains one of the best-written games of all time.

5. Quake II (1997)

Building on Doom and Quake, Quake II was a milestone for FPS games with its fast, smooth combat and cutting-edge 3D graphics. Its multiplayer mode cemented its legendary status.

4. System Shock 2 (1999)

An early masterpiece of sci-fi horror, System Shock 2 combined FPS gameplay with deep RPG elements, delivering an immersive and terrifying experience that still feels ahead of its time.

3. Fallout 2 (1998)

Expanding on the first Fallout, Fallout 2 delivered an even deeper post-apocalyptic RPG experience. Its branching quests, dark humor, and open-ended gameplay influenced countless modern RPGs.

2. StarCraft (1998)

The pinnacle of real-time strategy games, StarCraft balanced three unique factions perfectly, leading to one of the most competitive and enduring esports scenes in gaming history.

1. Half-Life (1998)

At the top of the list, Half-Life redefined the FPS genre with its immersive storytelling, innovative level design, and cinematic presentation. It established Valve as a dominant force in gaming and laid the foundation for modern shooters.

The '90s set the stage for the gaming industry as we know it today, and these titles continue to be influential. Whether through their gameplay innovations or their impact on modern titles, these classics remain an essential part of gaming history.