Do you have a knack for winning? If yes, competitive PC games are the perfect way to soothe your inner gaming spirit. These action-packed games will enable you to showcase your gaming skills and reign ter*or on your enemies. Not just that, you can also team up and play with your friends. What’s best? You don’t have to purchase individual CDs, as you can simply install the game on your PC. In this guide, we are going to list the top 10 best competitive games for PC in 2023.
What is a Competitive Game?
A competitive game is a type of interactive game in which players compete with one another. For example, two-player games where both players play against one other, where one player wins, and the other loses.
This type of game may also involve multiple players or teams. To play competitive games, you need skills as well as strategies to outperform your opponents and get the highest points or scores.
Here are different categories of competitive video games and their examples:
| Game Genre | Games |
|---|---|
| Multiplayer Online Battle Arena | Dota 2, League of Legends |
| First-Person Shooters | Counter-Strike, Call of Duty |
| Battle Royale Games | PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds), Fortnite |
List of the 10 Best Competitive Games for PC
After carefully analyzing some of the top games out there in the category, we have finally sorted them according to our own thoughts. Here is the list of the top 10 competitive games that you can play on your PC.
1. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO)
When it comes to competitive games, nothing can beat the good old Counter-Strike. Developed by Valve Corporation, it is a first-person PC shooter game in which ter*orists fight against counter-ter*orists. Each team has to complete a set of tasks while simultaneously fighting the enemies. This multiplayer game was launched in 2012 but is still the preferred choice of gamers from all around the world. There is an active community of gamers who swear by the amazing gameplay and fast-paced action in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. While not as visually appealing as modern competitive games, CS:GO still holds a strong place in the gaming industry with major competitions and tournaments.
Features
- Competitive multiplayer game
- Different weapons and equipment
- Competitive ranking system
- Skins and customization
- Wide selection of maps
- Strong community
- Continuous updates available
2. Fortnite
Developed by Epic Games, Fortnite has become one of the most popular competitive games in the e-sports industry. In this game, you will be dropped into an arena to compete with 99 other players. You have to use your skills, abilities, and powers to fight the players and emerge as the winner. To succeed in the game, you have to build a structure to defend yourself, loot equipment as well as collect resources. This game has everything you’ll ever need, from fast-paced gameplay to building mechanics to amazing graphics. Ever since its launch, Fortnite has become one of the most recognized competitive games in the market.
Features
- Building mechanics
- Cross-platform play
- Constant updates
- Creative mode
- Collaborations and crossovers
- Social international feature
- Esports tournaments and events
3. League of Legends (LoL)
This game needs no introduction as it is one of the pioneers in multiplayer competitive games. Launched in the year 2009 by Riot Games, League of Legends is one of the most-played competitive PC games. It is a free-to-play game that incorporates different elements like role-playing, real-time strategy, and tower defense. In this game, there are two teams of five players each which compete with one another. You can choose from different champions in the game with unique abilities. The ultimate goal is to destroy the other team’s nexus.
Features
- Vast roster of champions
- Strategic gameplay
- Competitive ranked mode
- Skins and customization
- Vibrant community
- Regular updates
4. Dota 2
If you love battle arena games, Dota 2 (Defense of the Ancients) is for you! Developed by Valve Corporation, this game is known for its complex gameplay mechanics. In Dota 2, there are two teams of 5 players that fight each other. The ultimate goal of each team is to destroy each other’s Ancient. As a player, you have to control a powerful hero with unique abilities. There are over 120 heroes in the game to choose from. You need to understand your hero’s abilities and make the most of their skills to defend your ancient as well as destroy your enemies.
Features
- 120 unique heroes
- Highly strategic gameplay
- Intricate game mechanics
- Broadcasting feature
- Community-driven content
- Various available roles
5. Overwatch
Overwatch is one of the best competitive games for team-based play. Released in the year 2016, this game focuses on working as a team to take down your enemies. You can team up with 5 different players and engage in a competitive battle to defend your territory as well as help your fellow teammates. This action-packed game is a perfect combination of stunning visuals, a cast of characters, and a user-friendly interface. If you are looking for a serious competitive game with objective-based gameplay, Overwatch is perfect for you.
Features
- Team-based gameplay
- Various competitive modes
- Dynamic and visually stunning maps
- Heroes with distinct abilities
- Role-based gameplay
- Tournaments and professional leagues
6. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is a first-person shooter game for PC that entirely focuses on multiplayer gameplay. This game is different from the traditional Call of Duty franchise as it introduces a variety of multiplayer modes. This makes it an amazing competitive game for PC gamers. It is an intense, fast-paced, and highly responsive game, this will keep you on your toes. COD: Back Ops 4 also offers you an immersive experience with polished visuals and stunning graphics.
Features
- Great multiplayer experience
- Blackout mode
- Unique specialist characters
- Zombies mode
- Tactical gameplay
7. Apex Legends
Developed by Respawn Entertainment, Apex Legends is a free-to-play competitive game. It is set in the Titanfall universe, where you can choose from different characters. Compared to other games, there is a “ping” system in this game that allows you to communicate with your team without using voice chat. With fluid, fast-paced gameplay and ongoing tournaments, there is much to explore in Apex Legends. If you are looking for highly enjoyable and competitive gameplay, this game won’t disappoint you.
Features
- Unique legends with abilities
- Ping system
- Respawn mechanics
- Weapon and gear variety
- Squad-based battle
8. Valorant
Valorant is one of the best tactical first-person shooter games out there. Developed by Riot Games, this game has garnered a huge fan base in the online gaming community. If you are looking for a highly competitive team-based game, Valorant is perfect for you. There are two teams of 5 players each and different characters to choose from. You have to carefully plan your moves and strategically fight the opponents using your character’s abilities.
Features
- Objective-based matches
- Precise shooting mechanics
- Wide range of agents
- In-game currency
- Variety of maps
9. Rocket League
Rocket League brings a fresh wave to the competitive gaming world. It is a unique sports-action game developed by Psyonix. This game combines soccer gameplay with high-flying vehicles. The competitive multiplayer feature of this game makes it extremely popular in the gaming community. In Rocket League, you have to control these cars and hit a large ball, and score points by making a goal in the opposing team’s net. While this game looks pretty easy, it is difficult to master.
Features
- Unique soccer gameplay
- Single-player and multiplayer mode
- Car customization
- Competitive ranked mode
- Training and practice modes
10. Street Fighter V
Street Fighter V is a highly popular fighting game developed by Capcom. In this arcade game, there is a fighting competition between two players. You can pick your character and utilize their abilities to attack and defeat your competitor. Each character has different moves, strengths, and weaknesses, which you need to master. This game is suitable for novice as well as professional gamers.
Features
- Different characters
- V-skills and V-triggers
- Iconic fighting experience
- Cinematic story mode
- Competitive tournaments
Conclusion
Competitive games offer a unique battling experience in a highly challenging environment. However, finding a compatible competitive game for your computer can be a challenge. That’s why we have created this to help you select the best games that work smoothly on a gaming computer. You can play these games with your friends as well as participate in different leagues and tournaments.
If you are a fan of competitive gaming, we are pretty sure you’ll love some of the games mentioned in this list. So, what are you waiting for? Try these games now and share your experience in the comments section below!