The gaming scene in India has undergone a rapid transformation in recent years. While mobile gaming continues to dominate, the PC gaming community has grown steadily — driven by competitive esports, affordable hardware, and a passionate audience. Here’s a look at some of the most popular and influential PC games in India today.
1. Valorant
Topping the list for competitive PC play in India is Valorant, Riot Games’ tactical shooter. The blend of precise gunplay with agent-based abilities appeals to both casual and hardcore players. Its low system requirements and the presence of Indian servers make it highly accessible. According to Airtel’s list of must-play PC games for India, Valorant is a fan-favorite for its strategic depth and growing esports ecosystem
2. Dota 2
A classic MOBA, Dota 2 remains deeply loved within the Indian gaming community. With over 100 heroes, rich mechanics, and a steep skill ceiling, it attracts competitive players who enjoy team-based strategy. Airtel also highlights Dota 2 for its active esports scene and complex gameplay. Long-time fans appreciate its depth, while newcomers are drawn in by regional tournaments and a dedicated fan base.
3. Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V)
Despite being released over a decade ago, GTA V continues to be massively popular on PC in India. Its open-world freedom, compelling narrative, and the endlessly replayable GTA Online keep players hooked. According to multiple gaming-site rankings, GTA V has held strong among Indian PC players. Many Indian YouTubers stream GTA gameplay, contributing to its cultural relevance and popularity.
4. Cyberpunk 2077
For players who prefer single-player, story-rich experiences, Cyberpunk 2077 is a top choice. CD Projekt Red’s action RPG, especially after its major updates and expansions, offers a deep, futuristic open world full of lore and immersive missions. Airtel ranks Cyberpunk 2077 as one of the must-play PC games in India. Its appeal lies in its ambitious design, striking visuals, and meaningful narrative.
5. Minecraft
Minecraft continues to be a long-standing favorite in India. Whether it’s creative sandbox building or survival mode, the game’s flexible design allows players of all ages to explore, build, and collaborate. According to AFK Gaming, Minecraft is one of the best PC games to play in India due to its modding potential and friendly community. Schools, content creators, and friend groups all find Minecraft a welcoming space.
6. Elden Ring and Open-World RPGs
Open-world RPGs also enjoy a dedicated following in India. Games like Elden Ring are highlighted in Metacritic’s top PC games, showcasing their universal appeal. While such games require more powerful hardware, they remain a go-to for players seeking epic narratives, challenging combat, and expansive worlds.
7. Other Popular Titles
Beyond the blockbuster names, several other PC games resonate strongly in India:
- CS:GO / Counter-Strike (now CS2): For many Indian FPS players, Counter-Strike in its various incarnations remains a staple.
- Single-player adventures and story games: Beyond the likes of Cyberpunk and Elden Ring, players also gravitate toward narrative-driven titles for their replay value and immersion.
- Indie titles: While not as dominant as AAA games, indie games are gradually finding audiences in India, especially through platforms like Steam, where modding and smaller communities thrive.
Why These Games Are So Popular in India
Several factors contribute to the popularity of these titles among Indian PC gamers:
- Affordable Hardware: As gaming PCs and components become more accessible, more players can run high-quality games, increasing the appeal of blockbuster and indie games alike.
- Esports Culture: Games like Valorant and Dota 2 have thriving esports ecosystems. Indian players are increasingly participating in tournaments, which boosts interest and player retention.
- Server Access: Having game servers closer to home (or in the region) helps reduce latency, making online play smoother and more enjoyable. That’s one reason games like Valorant remain so popular.
- Content Creation: Indian streamers and YouTubers often play these very PC games, turning them into shared cultural touch-points. GTA V and Minecraft, for instance, are staples on Indian gaming channels.
- Diverse Preferences: Indian gamers don’t just stick to one genre. From competitive shooters to narrative-heavy RPGs to sandbox games, the variety is huge and the games above reflect that.
Looking Ahead
As India’s gaming infrastructure grows, the PC gaming segment is likely to expand even further. With more affordable hardware, better internet penetration, and increasing investment in esports, Indian gamers will have more opportunities to explore more genres and titles. Expect new AAA titles, more localised game servers, and perhaps even homegrown PC games to take off.
