The Best PC Games of 2021

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – January 3, 2022

Which PC games impressed professional reviewers the most during the past year? We rank the best-reviewed titles released between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 by Metascore. Games must have at least 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible for inclusion. (All scores listed here are from January 2, 2022.)

11 of 14 photo by Square Enix

91 Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

(#3) The fourth expansion (and first in two years) for the 2013 MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV, Endwalker is intended to close out the story of the conflict between Hydaelyn and Zodiark. Additions include the Viera as a playable race, and a pair of character classes, "Sage" (a magical healer) and "Reaper" (a powerful melee fighter who wields a scythe). There are also new areas to explore including the stark Garlemald, city in the sky Radz-At-Han, and Old Sharlayan, inspired by ancient Greece. Not in the mood for a fight? A new "Island Sanctuary" mode offers a moment to relax as you raise animals and tend to a farm in the midst of pleasant island scenery.

“Endwalker, and Final Fantasy 14 as a whole, is an inspiring feat. Over a decade later, Square Enix has told an unforgettable tale and managed to deliver a satisfying, beautiful end to the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga. This is a story you’ll be thinking about for years to come.” —NME

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