The most popular PC games of the 90s (Part 1)

Maybe not everything was better in the past... but games in the 90s were definitely a special kind of fun. Here are some highlights for you!

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The 90s were the golden era of PC gaming. Graphics and technology might not have been as realistic and smooth as they are today, but games still felt handcrafted. PC titles were created with passion — and you could feel it every time your computer loaded one of those iconic gems.
Today, we’re taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane to revisit a few of these absolute classics and remember why these games are so inseparably linked with our gamer days in the 90s.
Our ranking is based on international sales, critical acclaim, and — of course — a touch of pure gamer love for these titles.

10. Half-Life (1998)

Genre: First-Person Shooter
Developer: Valve
In Half-Life, you step into the role of scientist Gordon Freeman, who must fight for survival after a failed experiment unleashes aliens and soldiers into chaos. The game impressed with its seamless storytelling without cutscenes, smart enemy AI, and immersive atmosphere. With its realistic physics and cinematic level design, it set new standards for storytelling — and paved the way for classics like Counter-Strike.

9. StarCraft (1998)

Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
StarCraft threw players into a galactic war between Terrans, Zerg, and Protoss. It became world-famous for its perfect balance between three completely different factions, exciting campaigns, and strong narrative. Especially the competitive multiplayer made it legendary — in South Korea, it even birthed an enduring e-sports culture.

8. Tomb Raider (1996)

Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Core Design
In Tomb Raider, you play as archaeologist Lara Croft, exploring ancient ruins, solving puzzles, and searching for treasure. The mix of action, exploration, and logic challenges, combined with advanced 3D graphics, made it unique. Lara Croft’s strong personality and iconic presence turned her into a pop culture icon — and Tomb Raider into one of the most famous games of the 90s.

7. Diablo (1996)

Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Blizzard North
In Diablo, you fight your way through the catacombs of a cursed cathedral to defeat the Lord of Terror. The game captivated players with randomly generated dungeons, addictive loot, and a dark atmosphere. It was easy to learn but had immense replay value, and the co-op mode via Battle.net made it one of the first major online hits. Diablo redefined the action RPG genre.

6. Quake (1996)

Genre: First-Person Shooter
Developer: id Software
Quake was the first shooter with fully 3D graphics and a dark, Lovecraft-inspired atmosphere. Its fast-paced multiplayer duels, precise controls, and revolutionary modding community made it a cult hit. Thanks to its QuakeWorld technology and open engine, it became the foundation for countless mods and one of the birthplaces of early e-sports.
We’ll continue this ranking soon with our personal top 5 — but in the meantime, enjoy a few rounds of these classics! And if you want the best of both eras, why not treat yourself to a brand-new gaming PC?
How about the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D? It ensures your game won’t lag when too many Diablo demons appear on screen, and makes Lara Croft shine in the light she deserves. And if the specs aren’t quite to your liking, you can configure it to your exact needs and preferences.

 (Image source: id Software)