Top 10 Story-Driven PC Games to Play in 2025

If you're searching for the best story-driven games for PC in 2025, you're in for a treat. This year has delivered an impressive lineup of narrative-focused titles across genres-from RPGs and adventures to horror and cozy detective games. Here's a handpicked selection of the top 10 story-rich games perfect for long autumn evenings, featuring new releases, unique worlds, and unforgettable characters.

Top Story-Driven PC Games of 2025

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (April 24, 2025)

An RPG set in a dark fantasy universe, where a team of explorers must stop the enigmatic "Artist"-a mystical being that erases memories.

• Pros:
  • Immersive dark fantasy world
  • Strong narrative and memorable characters
  • Cinematic experience with turn-based battles
  • High critical acclaim
• Cons:
  • Challenging difficulty
  • Heavy, mature themes

2. Assassin's Creed Shadows (Fall 2025)

The latest installment in the iconic series transports players to Sengoku-era Japan, following the intertwined stories of ninja Naoe and samurai Yasuke.

• Pros:
  • Authentic feudal Japan atmosphere
  • Two protagonists with unique playstyles
  • Expansive open world
• Cons:
  • Classic AC formula may feel familiar
  • Requires high-end hardware

3. Avowed (February 18, 2025)

Obsidian's latest RPG invites players to explore the "Living Lands" of Eora, battle magical creatures, and make impactful moral choices.

• Pros:
  • Signature Obsidian storytelling
  • Branching quests and compelling dialogue
  • Balanced magic and realism
• Cons:
  • Smaller in scope compared to Skyrim
  • Potential launch bugs

4. South of Midnight (April 8, 2025)

An unusual Southern Gothic adventure inspired by American folklore. A young woman searches for her mother in a mystical town after a devastating hurricane.

• Pros:
  • Distinctive stop-motion-inspired visuals
  • Atmospheric folklore and magic
  • Emotionally resonant characters
• Cons:
  • Deliberate pacing
  • Arthouse presentation may not appeal to everyone

5. The Midnight Walk (May 8, 2025)

An arthouse "cozy horror" where players explore a symbolic world of darkness and light, evoking the unease of a dream without relying on jump scares.

• Pros:
  • Unique visual style
  • Symbolic, thought-provoking narrative
  • Dreamlike, mysterious atmosphere
• Cons:
  • Short playtime
  • Not for everyone

6. La Quimera (May 7, 2025, Early Access)

A narrative shooter from the creators of Metro. Step into an exoskeleton and explore a dystopian South American world.

• Pros:
  • Atmosphere reminiscent of Metro
  • Intriguing storyline
  • Cinematic presentation
• Cons:
  • Still in Early Access
  • Short campaign (approx. 5 hours)

7. Hollow Knight: Silksong (September 2025)

The long-awaited sequel to the cult metroidvania, starring Hornet as she explores a perilous kingdom full of secrets.

• Pros:
  • Continuation of a beloved classic
  • Expanded mechanics
  • Touching, intricate storyline
• Cons:
  • High difficulty
  • Elevated expectations after a long wait

8. Cronos: The New Dawn (September 5, 2025)

A survival-horror experience from Bloober Team, set in a post-catastrophe world filled with time anomalies and terrifying monsters.

• Pros:
  • Atmosphere reminiscent of Resident Evil and Silent Hill
  • Gripping story
  • Expertly crafted tension
• Cons:
  • Extremely dark tone
  • High PC requirements

9. Sword of the Sea (August 19, 2025)

From the creators of Journey and Abzû, glide across dunes on a hovering sword and breathe new life into a deserted world.

• Pros:
  • Stunning visual artistry
  • Meditative gameplay
  • Enchanting soundtrack
• Cons:
  • Minimalist narrative
  • Unhurried pacing

10. Little Problems (September 9, 2025)

A wholesome detective adventure with zero violence. A student helps others solve everyday mysteries in a charming setting.

• Pros:
  • Heartwarming atmosphere
  • Cozy visual style
  • Violence-free detective experience
• Cons:
  • Short gameplay
  • May not appeal to everyone

What to Play This Fall: Quick Guide

Conclusion

2025 has been a remarkable year for story-driven games on PC, offering something for every type of player. Whether you're drawn to grand RPGs, atmospheric horror, or heartwarming mysteries, this autumn's highlights-Cronos: The New Dawn, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Little Problems-stand out as must-plays, each with its own unique charm.