The best classic PC games that are still worth playing today

Some games age gracefully, and these five are still genuinely worth your evenings today. Better still, as older catalogue titles they're often heavily discounted.

Puzzles and shooters that defined an era

Portal 2 is a near-perfect first-person puzzler with razor-sharp writing, memorable characters and a full co-op campaign that's a genuine joy with a friend. Its ancestor in spirit, Half-Life 2, still sets the bar for physics-driven shooters and atmospheric world-building nearly two decades on, and its gravity gun remains one of gaming's most satisfying tools.

Choice, consequence and strategy

Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition pioneered the immersive-sim blend of stealth, shooting and player choice, and its branching approach still feels ahead of many modern games. For the strategy crowd, Sid Meier's Civilization IV is a beloved entry in the turn-based 4X series, endlessly replayable, wrapped in a memorable orchestral score and famous for its dangerously moreish "one more turn" pull.

Open-world attitude

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City drenches its neon 1980s open world in style, attitude and a soundtrack you'll never forget. The controls and mission checkpoints feel dated in places, but its sun-soaked charm and pop-culture swagger are undeniable, and it's still a joy to cruise around.

Buying these classics

• All are old catalogue games, so expect discounts often 80–90% off.
• Check the current price and all-time low on each game's page.
• Bundles and complete editions sometimes offer even better value.

Chasing a tight budget? Try our best cheap PC games under 5, or learn how to build a Steam library on a budget. Start hunting on our live deals page.