The best PC games in Africa right now

Africa's gaming scene is booming, with projections from Modor Intelligence estimating its market value to reach $ 2.14 billion in 2024! This surge is fueled by the widespread adoption of smartphones, increased internet connectivity, and the introduction of high-speed networks like 5G, which are revolutionizing the gaming experience across the continent.

PC gaming has become a popular way to experience a wide range of captivating games at an affordable price. With a broad library of titles available, it's no surprise that it's gaining popularity in Africa. We spoke to gamers across the continent to compile a list of the top PC games driving the African gaming boom, ranking them in no particular order.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare (CODM)

Call of Duty Modern Warfare stands as a dominant force in the African gaming scene. Its thrilling action, cinematic campaigns, and intense multiplayer modes have made it a beloved and widely played title across the continent. Over time, CODM has become a cultural phenomenon – a place where friendships are forged, rivalries ignited, and virtual battles unfold.

The game's commitment to exhilarating multiplayer keeps players engaged and is a staple of the African gaming community. Recent updates like those to the Warzone mode, including the fine-tuning of weapons like the RAM-9 and HRM-9, demonstrate the developer's dedication to evolving gameplay and maintaining competitive balance.

• Genre: First-person shooter
• Recommended Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 390
• Gameplay: Real-time combat and multiplayer action,
• Free to play: The main game is not free to play, but it includes a free-to-play battle royale mode called Warzone 

Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4, a remake of the acclaimed original, has been met with great anticipation and has lived up to its legacy as one of the defining survival horror games. This iteration brings a modern touch to the classic, enhancing the visuals and gameplay while preserving the essence that fans cherish. 

The game offers a blend of tense combat, strategic gameplay, and an immersive narrative that has set a benchmark for the genre. With its upgraded graphics, players can experience the terror of Las Plagas and the game’s monstrous entities with stunning clarity. 

The remake stays true to the core of Resident Evil 4, with some fresh twists and the return of the beloved Mercenaries mode, ensuring that the thrill of the game extends well beyond the first playthrough.

• Genre: Action-adventure game and survival horror
• Recommended Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or Radeon RX 5700
• Gameplay: Third-person shooter mechanics, challenging puzzles, inventory management, and occasionally scary atmosphere.
• Free to play: No

God of War (Ragnarok)

God of War Ragnarok transports players to the mythic realms of Norse legend, where the mighty Kratos and his son Atreus embark on a grand quest amidst the prophesied end of days. The game is a masterful blend of action-adventure and hack-and-slash genres, set against the backdrop of ancient Scandinavia. 

Players will engage in visceral combat using Kratos’s iconic Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, and a versatile shield, each offering a unique playstyle and devastating abilities. The journey is fraught with challenges from formidable gods and monsters, requiring both brawn and brain to overcome intricate puzzles and fierce battles. The narrative deepens the bond between father and son, as they grapple with their past and shape their destiny in the face of Ragnarok.

• Genre: Action-adventure, hack and slash.
• Recommended Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB for optimal performance.
• Gameplay: Combo-based combat with puzzle and role-playing elements, featuring a third-person perspective.
• Free to play: No

FC 24

The legacy of EA’s football games continued with the introduction of EA Sports FC 24 in October 2023, marking the beginning of a new era in the beloved football game series. Renowned for its realistic gameplay and immersive football experience, FIFA quickly ascended as a top PC game in Africa. 

The game features enhanced graphics, improved player mechanics, and a more intuitive interface, making it a must-play for football enthusiasts across the continent. With its wide appeal and engaging content, FIFA 24 not only honors the rich tradition of its predecessors but also sets a new standard for sports simulation games in Africa and beyond

• Genre: Football simulation game
• Recommended Graphics: AMD Radeon R9 270X or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670
• Gameplay: Traditional 11v11 matches and a new street football mode called VOLTA
• Free to play: No

Assasins Creed Valhalla

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is an open-world action RPG that transports you to the Viking age, where you’ll embark on an epic journey through a beautifully rendered version of Dark Ages England. 

Unlike Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, which is set in ancient Greece, Valhalla allows you to live out the saga of Eivor, a Viking raider. The game has been praised for its narrative, characters, voice acting, and interconnectivity of activities, although it has been criticized for its length, technical issues, and repetitive structure.

It’s a single-player experience that offers a vast world to explore, with over 100 hours of gameplay to fully immerse yourself in the Viking lifestyle

• Genre: Action role-playing game, Action-adventure game
• Recommended Graphics: AMD RX 570 - 8GB or a GeForce GTX 1060 - 6GB
• Gameplay: Mix of stealth, melee combat, and open-world exploration in a Viking-era setting
• Free to play: No

GTA V

GTA V has made a significant impact on the African gaming industry and is part of the global phenomenon, with worldwide sales exceeding 195 million units, making it one of the best-selling games of all time. Its enduring popularity is reflected in its consistent appearance on bi-annual best game lists since its release. 

While many players have completed the single-player campaign, the game’s longevity is largely due to its dynamic online component, GTA Online.

Released in 2013, GTA V’s narrative weaves a tale of deceit and betrayal, following three protagonists through the criminal underbelly of Los Santos. The game’s heist sequences are particularly notable, drawing comparisons to high-stakes crime films like ‘Heat’. GTA Online enhances the experience, allowing players to team up and climb the ranks of the criminal world together. 

The PC version offers detailed customization settings and benefits from a vibrant modding community that continually enriches the game.

• Genre: Action-adventure game
• Recommended Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 660 2GB or AMD HD 7870 2GB
• Gameplay: Mix of shooting, driving, and open-world exploration
• Free to play: No
  

The Last of Us II

The Last of Us Part II delivers a thrilling blend of action-adventure, survival horror, and stealth in a post-apocalyptic world. Players control Ellie and Abby, navigating overgrown environments and battling both hostile humans and terrifying infected creatures. 

Combat is intense and strategic, offering a choice between direct attacks with firearms and melee weapons or utilizing stealth tactics for surprise strikes and distractions. The game's immersive atmosphere is enhanced by listen mode, allowing players to track enemies, and a dynamic AI system that creates challenging, realistic encounters.

• Genre: Action-adventure
• Recommended Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 for enhanced visuals
• Gameplay: Third-person perspective with elements of stealth and survival horror
• Free to play: No

Red Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 immerses you in the rugged heart of the American Wild West, where the outlaw life awaits. As Arthur Morgan, ride with the Van der Linde gang in their quest for survival, or forge your own path across a vast 1899 landscape.

From thrilling, action-packed missions to open-world exploration, choose the way you'll make your mark.  Every encounter demands a decision: outsmart your enemies with stealth and cunning, or face them head-on in a blaze of gunfire. You get to customize your arsenal to create the perfect blend of firepower and precision for your chosen playstyle.

• Genre: Action-adventure
• Recommended Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB for a more immersive experience
• Gameplay: First- and third-person perspectives in an open-world environment, including shootouts, hunting, and horseback riding
• Free to play: No

Halo Infinite

Halo Infinite is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Halo series, bringing back the iconic Master Chief for a new chapter in his saga. The game has been crafted over several years, and the result is a fresh yet familiar experience for long-time fans. The single-player campaign offers a vast array of large-scale set pieces and engaging combat sequences, while the multiplayer component is robust, featuring numerous modes that cater to both competitive and nostalgic players.

The narrative of Halo Infinite has been a point of discussion, with some finding it less coherent than previous entries. However, the gameplay remains a strong draw, with the open-world campaign providing new levels of freedom, including the addition of a grappling hook that enhances movement and combat. The multiplayer is equally compelling, offering a variety of maps and modes, though some players have noted the need for faster progression.

• Genre: First-person shooter (FPS)
• Recommended Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
• Gameplay: real-time action-packed experience with a focus on player choice and exploration. 
• Free to play: Yes
  

Spider-man 2

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 swings you across a wider swath of New York City than ever before! Explore not just Manhattan, but iconic neighborhoods like Queens, Brooklyn, and Coney Island. 

In this PC game, you will experience the action from both Peter Parker's and Miles Morales' perspectives, each with their own unique Spider-Man abilities. Peter unleashes devastating attacks with his Iron Arms and Symbiote powers, while Miles utilizes his stealthy camouflage and electrifying venom-blasts.

The best part?  Tackle missions solo, or experience how Peter and Miles' storylines intertwine, building on the dynamic world established in their previous games.

• Genre: First-person shooter
• Recommended Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 730 or Radeon R7 240
• Gameplay: Real-time combat with a focus on tactical team play
• Free to play: Yes

In conclusion

A top-tier graphics card is key to unlocking the ultimate PC gaming experience, catering to various preferences and budgets. This investment goes beyond the technical specs, rewarding you with countless hours of pure entertainment. As Africa's gaming scene flourishes, expect even more exciting titles pushing the boundaries of what's possible.