The Hottest Upcoming PC Games of 2016

It's a beautiful time to be a PC gamer. High quality AAA hits and quirky indie experiments alike are increasingly finding a welcome home on our gaming platform of choice. And between the debut of VR on PC with the Oculus Rift and the amazing eye candy being powered by the latest and greatest graphics cards, there's no lack of innovation on the tech front, too.

2016 has already seen the launch of some amazing games, and it's only going to get better on PC as we head towards the Fall holiday blitz. Feeling excited and anxious for what's next? We definitely are. Here's a look at some of the hottest titles still to come this year.

Overwatch

Blizzard has long been a household name thanks to the runaway success of World of Warcraft, but its foray into the competitive first-person multiplayer shooter landscape is shaping up into an exciting change of pace. Overwatch's fast-paced action promises lots of absurd antics, thanks to its cool cast of stylized combatants and their distinct abilities. The battle for deathmatch dominance is almost here!

Release date: May 24

Mirror's Edge: Catalyst

The original Mirror's Edge was a dizzying exercise in diving over, around, and under dangerous obstacles atop high buildings in pressure cooker scenarios, and this updated reboot aims to ramp up the thrills and the action even further. We can't wait to dive into the latest spin on the awesome first-person parkour adventure when this sci-fi cyberpunk adventure launches this summer with far more than a fresh coat of paint.

Release date: June 7

No Man's Sky

Open-ended sci-fi adventure set in a vast, procedurally generated cosmos full of alien life, space faring factions, and other human players? Yes, please! Not only is No Man's Sky shaping up to be a stunning visual treat, its ambitious infinite design promises endless fun for intrepid explores willing to go where no one has gone before. We absolutely can't wait to survive, scavenge, battle, and explore in this sprawling galaxyscape.

Release date: June 21

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

This new chapter in the ongoing saga of cybernetically augmented humans and global conspiracy unfolds this summer, as you'll soon get to put operative Adam Jenson's latest high-tech gadgetry to good use. Deus Ex's cyberpunk stealth and fast-paced shooting is first-rate, and this new stunning entry will ramp up the intensity. Be sure to download Windows 10 for free while you still can to take advantage of the boost you'll get from DirectX 12 with this slick shooter.

Release date: August 23

Dreadnought

There's something oh-so-satisfying about the prospective of piloting massive space battleships in close-combat scenarios against teams of other players. Beyond it's destructive visual beauty, the sheer size and scope of Dreadnought's hulking cruisers are epic on all fronts. This flight combat game's "go big or go home" approach will no doubt yield deliciously explosive results. Keep your eyes peeled for this one, and set phasers to "annihilate!"

Release date: TBD 2016

The best gear for the job

By the way, these gorgeous-looking games will push the envelope, and your machines, to the max. If you're keen to keep up with the latest system requirements needed to run these bad boys with all the bells and whistles, it's worth considering a graphics card upgrade or even overhauling your gaming setup with an all-new rig. Don't get left in the dust when these high-end PC hits launch later this year. 

 

By Nathan Meunier