6 Great PC Games Under $20

The best gaming experiences don't have to cost a lot

Asian Young Man Gamer Using Desktop PC and Headphones

 quavondo / Getty Images

By
Michael Klappenbach
Writer
Former Lifewire writer Michael Klappenbach is an IT professional and an expert on games and gaming equipment.
our editorial process
Michael Klappenbach
Updated May 21, 2019

Here are six great PC games for less than $20 at many retailers, including Amazon.com and Gamestop, as well as digital distribution platforms such as Steam and GamersGate. A few are older classics that have been remastered or collected into series bundles, and others are recent releases that have soared in popularity without the steep AAA price tags.

You can often find deals on excellent games that were once top-tier AAA titles, and if you keep your eye out for sales, you can get some amazing deals on games for a fraction of what the latest and greatest cost. The games here, however, are list priced below $20 and are a great value even without special deals and sales.

BioShock Remastered

BioShock Remastered Cover

BioShock
What We Like

  • Extra features such as challenge rooms and behind-the-scenes videos.

  • Better graphics than original.

  • Intriguing story.

What We Don't Like

  • Prone to crashes.

  • No recent updates.

"BioShock" is a decade old, but this first-person science fiction shooter's impact on gaming is still significant and evident. However, going back to the original to relive the glory days can make you feel just how long ten years really is in the gaming world. Happily, "BioShock" has gotten a facelift, bonus features, and new life in "BioShock Remastered." Revisit, reminisce, and even be surprised by new content. Find it on Steam.

What Remains of Edith Finch

Photo from Amazon
What We Like

  • Detailed, interesting storylines.

  • Well-developed characters.

  • Easy to play.

What We Don't Like

  • Lacks interactivity in spots.

  • No competition or traditional gameplay.

  • Requires only two to three hours to complete.

If you enjoy story, strong characters, mystery, and amazing visuals, and you haven't yet played "What Remains of Edith Finch," then this may be some of the best under-twenty-bucks you'll spend in a while. This rich, moody, and surreal journey puts you in the life of Edith Finch, last surviving member of a Pacific Northwest family, to explore the strange history, lives, and deaths of the Finches. Settle in and be swept away by an experience quite different from the FPS and action fare that fills the game shop shelves.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Photo from Amazon
What We Like

  • Accurate representations of modern weapons.

  • Familiar gameplay mechanics for fans of original "Call of Duty."

  • Realistic characters augmented by artificial intelligence.

  • Very intense.

What We Don't Like

  • Some slow-motion dramatic scenes drag on a bit.

  • “Good guys” difficult to discern from “bad guys.”

Moving from World War II setting of the "Call of Duty" series, "Modern Warfare" drops you into modern day hotspots with updated high power weaponry for first-person shooter action. This is a perennially popular title despite also being a decade old, and the price is right as it comes in under the $20 bar.

Mass Effect Trilogy

Photo from Amazon
What We Like

  • Interesting storyline and atmosphere.

  • Well-played and -voiced characters.

  • Soundtrack available on vinyl.

  • 75 hours of content.

  • 300+ awards.

What We Don't Like

  • Controls on the clunky side.

  • Characters tend to be flat.

"Mass Effect" is also one of those titles that hold a special place in gamers' hearts. The series featured great story, characters, and action, and garnered accolades. The trilogy collection brings the first three titles together so you can binge the game's 75 hours of story and gaming excellence.

Stardew Valley

Photo from Amazon 
What We Like

  • Updated in 2018.

  • Simple, fun premise with lots of charm.

  • Well-developed, engaging characters.

  • Draws on creativity in a relaxing, rewarding way.

  • Nearly impossible to exhaust possibilities in play.

What We Don't Like

  • Not much explanation of what players must do.

  • Graphics, sounds, music, and effects somewhat dated.

A heartfelt and engrossing farming sim that will fill many, many hours with enjoyable gameplay as you take over your grandfather's old farm, starting with just a few coins and hand-me-down tools. Turn it into a thriving farm and learn to live off the land. Craft tools and equipment, raise animals, start an orchard — there's plenty to keep you busy in "Stardew Valley."

Dragon Age: Inquisition

BioWare 
What We Like

  • Users report 90+ hours of gameplay.

  • Highly interactive.

  • Consequences for even smallest actions.

What We Don't Like

  • Occasional bugginess.

  • Somewhat emotionless story, despite engaging characters.

The "Dragon Age" epic action fantasy adventure game series presents you with choices — sometimes tough ones — that impact the progress of the game as you explore the world, lead assembled heroes, and battle all manner of enemies. The cast of characters you can interact with and take along as followers are unique, and your relationship with them, and their relationships with each other are dynamic and evolving. The world of "Dragon Age: Inquisition" is beautiful, visually astounding, and immersive, and well worth the under $20 price.