Best PvE games on PC

What is PvE?

Before we go any further, it’s essential to explain what the whole thing means. Under this mysterious abbreviation hides a relatively self-explanatory term. What is PvE, then? It is Player versus Environment – and it means that you won’t face another human as your opponent. 

It explains why you will also see “PvM” referring to, say, MMORPGs, and this means Player versus Monster – you fight characters controlled by the computer behaving accordingly to how they were programmed. In role-playing games, they will usually be harder to defeat the more leveled up they are. Sometimes, it also depends on how the storyline progresses.

Why would you choose PvE over PvP?

Player versus Player mode can get pretty exciting at times, and it’s an advantage over the other mode for many. After all, isn’t it better to show your power to someone who’s actually aware of it? Theoretically, yes, but it’s not in the battle of PvE vs. PvP. The latter isn’t the obvious winner. Some of us used to play only single-player games due to the Internet not being so common back in the day. It could also be because it wasn’t fast enough to guarantee fluid, satisfying gameplay.

Playing by yourself means you don’t have to worry that someone suddenly attacks you, as it often happens in Player versus Player titles – you focus on the game itself. Obviously, you still need to be wary of your surroundings and whether you stand a chance against the NPCs around you. It’s far more predictable than a random, leveled-up player beating you like there’s no tomorrow.

What does PvE mean in the eyes of someone who’s far more interested in the worldbuilding and gameplay features prepared by developers than in competing against other players? They would likely say that it’s some sort of exploration freedom in a game: you can fully immerse yourself in it, knowing that no one will interrupt your playthrough. 

Online and offline PvE

There are numerous PC titles in which you may choose to avoid fighting others, but the option is there. In Elden Ring, you might get invaded by other players, but the whole game can be completed without any external interference. You may also get some help with bosses from a friend because the process isn’t that difficult and helps with boss battles tremendously. Nevertheless, it’s a multiplayer PvE feature you can completely ignore.

You don’t have to be connected to the Internet to have fun by yourself, and there’s a mountain of single-player PC titles that will happily prove this point. While you’re offline, you experience the game with AI-controlled opponents, although the way the game feels and how its world works stay relatively the same. Everything is scripted and thought of beforehand when you play solo, although we don’t see why that would be not good. In the end, it’s you who decides what’s best for you 😊

However, if you choose to play an online PvE game like that, you get more content: an in-game event introducing new quests, locations, and other in-game enhancements. You may also use some help from other players. You won’t be fighting them, but you may cooperate with others to your and their benefit. Without connecting to the Internet, you won’t be able to do that at all.

Best PvE games on PC

There are so many genres allowing you to play by yourself that it’s an open field: you may pick a sandbox, adventure game with an open world, or a narrative-driven RPG. Practically anything can turn out to be one of the PvE Steam games you will fall in love with. Nothing stops you from going ham in God of War – it’s an epic but linear adventure that doesn’t require other people to be appreciated. 

There’s also nothing wrong with spending hundreds of hours in Red Dead Redemption 2 – Wild West is a massive place that can lead you anywhere: with or without companions. It’s worth trying out just for the magical story it tells. The gameplay is not too shabby as well! If you’re craving a bit of competitiveness in the world of Rockstar’s masterpiece, you can always launch Red Dead Online and have fun there.

In terms of PvE 2022, practically any player will be satisfied with a game, as there are enough genres to choose from to be the exact answer for your needs. You may combine your craving for playing alone with a bit of interaction in games like the recent V Rising. Not only are you a vampire who’s trying to restore the once-glorious kingdom, but you can also build alliances with other players to return to your former glory even faster!

The social aspect of video games often doesn’t involve competing with others: if you can achieve your goals together, why would you actively fight? 😉 Provided you can’t do without at least a bit of player-versus-player combat for PC titles, you will find these on GG.deals, too. Feel free to explore!