2021 has been yet another fantastic year for games. No matter how you like to spend your time in digital worlds, there's been something for everyone, from explosive shooters and fantastical RPGs to the quieter, more contemplative indie titles and utterly terrifying horror adventures.
And now, in partnership with online game retailer Fanatical, we're looking to hear from you, our magnificent readers, to find out what your favourite games of the year have been. Here, we're looking specifically at the best single-player games of 2021 - the games that hold a special place in your heart, with moments only you experienced, and all you can share are the stories of your time (or screenshots if you have them).
You can get your vote in by using the widget at the bottom of the page, and everyone who votes will receive a free gift from Fanatical by entering your email - there are discount codes and even free games like Resident Evil Village and Outriders up for grabs. And if you haven't had a chance to play some of these fantastic games, check them out on Fanatical, with savings on some of our chosen favourites available until voting ends.
But before we get to the voting, let's look at our nominations in a little more detail.
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Humankind
A 4X strategy title gunning for Civilization's seat at the top of the genre, Humankind brings plenty of interesting twists and tweaks to the formula to provide a familiar but new experience.
Humankind Humankind $49.99 $39.89 Buy now Network N earns affiliate commission from qualifying sales.
Psychonauts 2
The long-awaited platformer from Double Fine did not disappoint. Raz's return in Psychonauts 2 was warmly welcomed by almost everyone who played it, thanks to its unparalleled platforming action and deeper understanding of its core themes.
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Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
Monster Hunter Stories 2 takes everything you love about the main series of games and gives it an anime-inspired lick of paint and a turn-based combat system. Throw in a central narrative full of warmth and fun and you've got yourself a fine RPG for any gamer.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin $59.99 $50.39 Buy now Network N earns affiliate commission from qualifying sales.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Disco Elysium was already an essential RPG for fans of more grounded experiences, and The Final Cut somehow made it even better. With full voice acting throughout and a handful of other additions this is truly the best way to play a fantastic game.
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Days Gone
Days Gone is a game that can flip from tense stealth into shrieking horror at the drop of a hat, and it's the only the game to truly capture to terror of being chased by one hundred hungry zombies.
Days Gone Days Gone $49.99 $41.99 Buy now Network N earns affiliate commission from qualifying sales.
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 didn't get off to the best of starts in 2020, but it's gotten much better as new updates have been rolled out. It already had an amazing core, with a deep RPG system combined with a gorgeous cyberpunk open world, and now it's basically unmissable.
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Inscryption
Inscryption stands out in this list as the only straight-up horror game, but if you don't mind jumping out of your skin every now and then, it really cannot be overlooked. No matter how much you might want to look away, you'll be unable to take your eyes off it.
Inscryption Inscryption $19.99 Play Now Network N earns affiliate commission from qualifying sales.
Age of Empires IV
The king of real-time strategy returns, and age hasn't dulled its blade. Age of Empires IV will feel familiar to long-time fans, but the good parts have been polished to perfection, and there's plenty for any single-player RTS fan to dig into.
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Resident Evil Village
Whether you love or loathe its hero Ethan Winters, Resident Evil Village will have you on the edge of your seat and hiding behind your chair in equal measures. It contains some of the most iconic scenes in the history of Resident Evil - and yes, there's a big vampire lady too.
Resident Evil Village Resident Evil Village $59.99 $26.39 Buy Now Network N earns affiliate commission from qualifying sales.
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Deathloop
Arkane is a studio with no equal, and Deathloop only confirms this. A spectacular shooter that takes the mechanics of the Dishonored series and puts them into a pseudo-roguelike structure, this is an essential play for any PC FPS fan.
Deathloop Deathloop $59.99 Buy now Network N earns affiliate commission from qualifying sales.
So there are our nominations - which is your favourite? Be sure to vote below, and check out Fanatical for great prices on all the games mentioned - you can pick some of them up in the Fanatical Winter Sale along with great deals on a wide range of triple-A and indie games. And you can keep track of future deals with the Fantical Assistant, a Google Chrome extension which keeps you informed of the latest discounts and offers as they go live.