7 Enduring PC Games Released in 2017: A 2026 Backlog Value Guide
Step back in time to one of the most remarkable years in PC gaming. The games released in 2017 represent a diverse and impactful collection that continues to offer immense value for players today. From sprawling RPGs and genre-defining battle royales to punishingly difficult platformers and deeply narrative-driven experiences, this was a year that truly delivered. But with years of sales, bundles, and platform updates, how do you decide which titles are worth your time and money now? This guide is designed to answer that question, providing a detailed breakdown of standout titles from 2017.
We go beyond simple recommendations. For each game, you'll find a practical analysis tailored for the savvy Steam user. We'll examine current pricing, historical lows, and calculate the cost-per-hour value to help you maximize your budget. We'll also assess each game's completion value for achievement hunters and provide backlog-priority suggestions. When we evaluate the lasting value of games like those released in 2017, it's crucial to consider all elements that contribute to their appeal, including how mastering sound in game design boosts immersion.
This roundup will help you rediscover modern classics and make informed decisions about which games released in 2017 deserve a place in your library. Let’s dive into the data.
1. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition (Larian Studios)
Even years after its launch, Divinity: Original Sin 2 remains a gold standard for computer role-playing games (CRPGs). It’s a standout among games released in 2017 for its sheer depth, player freedom, and remarkable co-op implementation. The game offers a rich, reactive world where your choices genuinely matter, from character creation to dialogue and combat outcomes. You can play as one of several origin characters with unique backstories and quests or create a completely custom hero from scratch.
The entire campaign is playable with up to three other players, making it a fantastic shared adventure. Larian Studios’ official website, divinity.game, serves as the central hub for news, community updates, and links to purchase the game on platforms like Steam.
Backlog & Value Analysis
| Metric | Steam Analysis |
|---|---|
| Typical Playtime | 60 hours (Main Story), 100+ hours (Completionist) |
| Cost-Per-Hour | Extremely low, often less than $0.20/hour during sales |
| Lowest Price (Steam) | $17.99 USD (-60%) |
| Backlog Priority | High for RPG fans, Medium for casual players |
Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers exceptional value. Its base price on Steam is $44.99, but it frequently goes on sale for 60% off, dropping to around $17.99. Given a main story that easily exceeds 60 hours, the cost-per-hour value is fantastic, especially for completionists who can sink hundreds of hours into its world.
Backlog Tip: This is not a game for quick sessions. Block out at least 2-3 hours per play session to make meaningful progress. Due to its length and complexity, consider moving it up your backlog only when you’re ready for a deep, long-term commitment. Use a wishlist tracker to get notified of its frequent 60% discount.
The game has a steep learning curve, particularly with its tactical, turn-based combat system that relies heavily on environmental interactions like electrified water or poison clouds. However, mastering these mechanics is part of the reward. For those interested in mastering complex game systems, you can find more recommendations among the top computer strategy games available today.
2. PUBG: Battlegrounds (Krafton)
While not the first game with a "last-man-standing" concept, PUBG: Battlegrounds is the title that ignited the global battle royale phenomenon. Its arrival was a landmark moment for games released in 2017, presenting a high-stakes, realistic multiplayer shooter where 100 players parachute onto a massive island to scavenge for weapons and fight to be the sole survivor. The tension of its tactical gunplay and the ever-shrinking play area created an endlessly replayable loop that defined a new genre.
The game transitioned to a free-to-play model in 2022, making it more accessible than ever. The official website, pubg.com, is the main source for patch notes, developer updates, and esports news. Krafton continues to support the game with new maps, weapons, and seasonal content, ensuring a fresh experience for its massive player base.
Backlog & Value Analysis
| Metric | Steam Analysis |
|---|---|
| Typical Playtime | Endless (Live Service), ~20-30 minutes per match |
| Cost-Per-Hour | N/A (Free-to-Play) |
| Lowest Price (Steam) | Free since January 2022 |
| Backlog Priority | High for competitive FPS fans, Low for solo players |
As a free-to-play title, PUBG offers immense value with no initial investment. However, serious competitors will want the optional Battlegrounds Plus upgrade. This is a one-time $12.99 USD purchase that grants access to the ranked competitive mode, the ability to create custom matches, and some cosmetic items.
Backlog Tip: Don't let the "free" tag fool you; PUBG demands a significant time investment to master its realistic ballistics and recoil. New players should spend their first few hours in the training mode to get a feel for different weapons before diving into live matches.
The learning curve is much steeper than in more arcade-style shooters, rewarding patience, positioning, and tactical awareness over run-and-gun aggression. Its high-skill ceiling makes it one of the most satisfying multiplayer games online for PC for players who enjoy a serious challenge. Given its free entry, it’s a no-risk addition to your backlog if you’re curious about the roots of the battle royale genre.
3. Hollow Knight (Team Cherry)
Among the most beloved indie games released in 2017, Hollow Knight stands as a masterclass in Metroidvania design. Developed by the small Australian team at Team Cherry, it offers a sprawling, atmospheric world, brutally elegant combat, and a deep well of content that far exceeds its modest price point. The game's hand-drawn art style and melancholic score create the unforgettable, decaying kingdom of Hallownest.
The game’s design encourages pure exploration, with minimal hand-holding and secrets hidden in every corner. Its official website, hollowknight.com, acts as a simple portal for news and purchase links, reflecting the game's minimalist ethos. The core game includes all four major post-launch content packs, adding new bosses, quests, and game modes at no extra cost.
Backlog & Value Analysis
| Metric | Steam Analysis |
|---|---|
| Typical Playtime | 27 hours (Main Story), 60+ hours (Completionist) |
| Cost-Per-Hour | Extremely low, often under $0.15/hour during sales |
| Lowest Price (Steam) | $7.49 USD (-50%) |
| Backlog Priority | High for Metroidvania fans, Medium for casual players |
Hollow Knight delivers an incredible amount of content for its standard $14.99 price on Steam. It frequently receives a 50% discount, bringing it down to just $7.49. For that price, players get a main campaign that averages nearly 30 hours, with completionists easily spending double that time to uncover every secret and defeat every boss. The cost-per-hour value is exceptional, making it one of the best deals on the platform.
Backlog Tip: Don't be fooled by the charming art style; this is a demanding game. The boss fights are challenging and require pattern recognition. If you get stuck, don't be afraid to leave and explore another path to find new abilities or upgrades before returning. Its bite-sized exploration loops make it a good candidate for both long and short play sessions.
4. Cuphead (Studio MDHR)
Cuphead is a masterclass in style and substance, standing out among games released in 2017 for its breathtaking, hand-drawn 1930s cartoon aesthetic. This run-and-gun action game is primarily a series of challenging boss battles, each one a visual and mechanical marvel. The painstaking detail in its cel animation and watercolor backgrounds, paired with a lively big-band jazz soundtrack, creates an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Its gameplay is as demanding as its art is charming, requiring precise timing and pattern recognition to succeed. Studio MDHR's official website, cupheadgame.com, acts as the primary home for news, merchandise, and purchase links for the base game and its excellent DLC, The Delicious Last Course. The game is a fantastic local co-op experience, perfect for sharing the challenge with a friend on the couch.
Backlog & Value Analysis
| Metric | Steam Analysis |
|---|---|
| Typical Playtime | 10 hours (Main Story), 15+ hours (Completionist) |
| Cost-Per-Hour | Low, around $1.00/hour or less on sale |
| Lowest Price (Steam) | $13.99 USD (-30%) |
| Backlog Priority | High for fans of challenge, Low for casual players |
Cuphead provides a short but intensely memorable experience. Its standard price on Steam is $19.99, but it frequently drops to around $13.99 during sales. For a focused 10-hour campaign, its cost-per-hour is good, and its replayability for higher grades and achievements adds further value. The Cuphead & The Delicious Last Course bundle offers the best deal, often discounted to under $20.
Backlog Tip: This is an ideal "weekend game" for your backlog. It doesn't require a long-term commitment, but its high difficulty demands focus. If you get stuck on a boss, don't be afraid to take a break and come back later. Playing in short, dedicated bursts can help you overcome its toughest challenges without burnout.
5. NieR:Automata – Game of the YoRHa Edition (Square Enix / PlatinumGames)
NieR:Automata is a genre-defying masterpiece that blends PlatinumGames’ signature stylish action with shoot-'em-up mechanics and a deeply philosophical story. This title stands out among games released in 2017 for its unconventional narrative, which unfolds across multiple playthroughs to reveal a complex and emotional tale. The game’s unique structure, memorable android protagonists 2B and 9S, and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack create an unforgettable experience.
The Game of the YoRHa Edition is the definitive version, bundling the base game with the 3C3C1D119440927 DLC and bonus cosmetic items. The official website, nierautomata.square-enix-games.com, acts as a portal for official news, media, and purchase links for Steam and other storefronts. It’s a great starting point to see if the game's distinct art direction and themes appeal to you.
Backlog & Value Analysis
| Metric | Steam Analysis |
|---|---|
| Typical Playtime | 21 hours (Routes A+B), 37+ hours (Main Endings) |
| Cost-Per-Hour | Good, often under $0.50/hour during sales |
| Lowest Price (Steam) | $19.99 USD (-50%) |
| Backlog Priority | High for action RPG and story-driven fans, Low for those who dislike replaying content |
With a standard price of $39.99, NieR:Automata delivers solid value, which becomes excellent during its frequent 50% off sales on Steam. The cost-per-hour is very reasonable, especially for players who pursue all five main story endings (A-E) to experience the full narrative, a journey that can easily exceed 37 hours.
Backlog Tip: The key to enjoying this game is understanding its structure. The second playthrough (Route B) re-contextualizes the first, and the story truly begins with the third (Route C). Don't stop after the first credits roll. Set it aside if you need a break, but plan to return to see it through to Ending E for the complete, impactful experience.
6. Resident Evil 7 biohazard (Capcom)
Capcom’s Resident Evil 7 biohazard was a masterclass in revitalization, stripping the series back to its survival horror roots while shifting the perspective to a terrifyingly intimate first-person view. It stands as one of the most impactful games released in 2017, trading action-hero theatrics for claustrophobic dread and resource scarcity. The game places you in the decaying Baker family plantation, a setting filled with palpable tension, grim exploration, and a constant sense of vulnerability.
The shift to first-person was a brilliant move, making every creaking floorboard and distant scrape feel immediate and personal. Capcom’s official franchise portal, game.capcom.com/residentevil/sp/en/, acts as a hub for series lore, news, and links to storefronts where the Gold Edition bundles the base game with its DLC.
Backlog & Value Analysis
| Metric | Steam Analysis |
|---|---|
| Typical Playtime | 9.5 hours (Main Story), 15 hours (Completionist) |
| Cost-Per-Hour | Low, often less than $0.50/hour during sales |
| Lowest Price (Steam) | $7.99 USD (-60%) |
| Backlog Priority | High for horror fans, Medium for action gamers |
Resident Evil 7 offers great value for a high-quality horror experience. Its standard price on Steam is $19.99, but it frequently drops to $7.99. Given a tight, well-paced 9-10 hour campaign, the cost-per-hour is excellent. Its shorter length also makes it a perfect backlog candidate you can complete over a weekend.
Backlog Tip: This is an ideal "palate cleanser" game between longer RPGs. Its focused narrative and contained playtime mean you can finish it without a major time commitment. For achievement hunters, a second playthrough is almost necessary, and you can learn more about how to approach the full list of achievements for Resident Evil 7 to plan your runs effectively.
While some players found the final act shifted more toward action and the enemy variety was limited, the game's atmosphere is its true star. The Baker family members are unforgettable antagonists, and the feeling of being hunted in their own home remains a powerful experience years later. It's a must-play for fans of the genre.
7. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (Ninja Theory)
As one of the most powerful narrative-driven games released in 2017, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is an unforgettable journey into the mind of its protagonist. Developed by Ninja Theory as an "independent AAA" title, it blends visceral combat, environmental puzzles, and a deeply researched portrayal of psychosis. The game’s use of binaural audio is a core mechanic, creating an unsettling and immersive soundscape that places you directly within Senua's perception of her world.
This focused, cinematic experience is supported by Melina Juergens's award-winning performance capture as Senua. The official website for the series, senuassaga.com, now serves as a hub for both the original game and its sequel, providing lore, development insights, and links to purchase the game on Steam and other platforms.
Backlog & Value Analysis
| Metric | Steam Analysis |
|---|---|
| Typical Playtime | 7-9 hours (Main Story), 10 hours (Completionist) |
| Cost-Per-Hour | Low, often under $0.50/hour during sales |
| Lowest Price (Steam) | $2.99 USD (-90%) |
| Backlog Priority | High for story-focused players, Low for RPG/systems fans |
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice provides a different kind of value. Its standard price on Steam is $29.99, but it frequently receives a massive 90% discount, bringing it down to just $2.99. For a tightly crafted 8-hour experience, the cost-per-hour is excellent during these sales, delivering a high-impact story without demanding a long-term time investment.
Backlog Tip: This is a perfect "weekend game" to clear from your backlog. Play with a good pair of headphones to fully appreciate the binaural audio, which is crucial to the experience. Given its frequent and steep discounts, add it to your Steam wishlist and wait for the 90% off sale; it's a near-guarantee during major seasonal events.
2017 Releases: Seven-Game Comparison
| Game | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resource Requirements ⚡ | Expected Outcomes 📊 | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition | High — deep systems, steep learning curve | Moderate–High — long sessions; modern PC/Steam Deck friendly | Very high replayability and co‑op campaign value | Long cooperative campaigns; tactical CRPG groups | Build freedom, reactive combat sandbox |
| PUBG: Battlegrounds | Medium–High — competitive mechanics, tactical play | Moderate — stable internet and time investment | High tension multiplayer with long‑term engagement | Competitive large‑scale online shooters | Large player base, realistic gunplay, replay loops |
| Hollow Knight | Medium — challenging platforming, minimal guidance | Low–Moderate — modest hardware; time for exploration | High satisfaction for exploration, combat, and completion | Metroidvania fans; portable/Steam Deck play | Exceptional polish, content‑to‑price ratio |
| Cuphead | Medium — pattern‑learning boss encounters | Low — modest hardware; local co‑op only | High immediate challenge and aesthetic reward | Local co‑op sessions; art and music enthusiasts | Unique hand‑drawn art, tight controls, boss design |
| NieR:Automata – Game of the YoRHa Edition | Medium — action combos + narrative across routes | Moderate — benefits from multiple playthroughs | High narrative payoff after repeated playthroughs | Story‑driven action RPG players | Distinctive narrative structure and soundtrack |
| Resident Evil 7 biohazard | Low–Medium — accessible survival horror systems | Moderate — PC/VR variations; atmospheric audio/controls | Strong atmospheric horror and tense campaign pacing | Single‑player horror sessions; VR where supported | Intense atmosphere, exploration, resource tension |
| Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice | Low — linear, focused gameplay with narrative depth | Low–Moderate — good audio recommended (binaural) | High presentation and emotional impact in short runtime | Short cinematic experiences, audio‑focused play | Binaural audio, performance capture, respectful portrayal of psychosis |
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the remarkable lineup of games released in 2017 reveals more than just a list of classics; it offers a blueprint for smart collecting and backlog management. From the sprawling tactical depth of Divinity: Original Sin 2 to the precise, demanding combat of Hollow Knight, this year delivered experiences that continue to provide immense value. The data-driven approach we've explored empowers you to move beyond simple nostalgia and make informed decisions about your gaming investments.
By analyzing metrics like historical low prices, completion times, and cost-per-hour, you can see which of these 2017 titles align best with your budget and available playtime. This isn't just about saving money; it's about maximizing the enjoyment you get from every dollar and every hour spent. The enduring popularity of games like PUBG: Battlegrounds and the critical acclaim for narrative gems like Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice demonstrate that 2017's impact is still felt across the PC gaming community.
Key Takeaways for Your Gaming Strategy
Our journey through the games released in 2017 has highlighted several core principles for managing a modern Steam library. These takeaways are your next steps to building a more intentional and rewarding collection.
- Patience Pays Off: As demonstrated with titles like NieR:Automata and Resident Evil 7, waiting for a deep sale, often 75% or more, dramatically improves your cost-per-hour value. Setting up alerts on your wishlist is a simple, effective action.
- Completion Time is a Critical Filter: A game’s length is a key factor in backlog priority. A short, impactful experience like Cuphead might be a perfect weekend project, while a massive RPG like Divinity: Original Sin 2 requires a significant time commitment. Use sites like HowLongToBeat to realistically plan your gaming queue.
- Value is Subjective but Measurable: While personal enjoyment is paramount, objective data provides a strong foundation. Calculating potential cost-per-hour helps quantify a purchase, turning a speculative buy into a calculated investment of your time and money.
Ultimately, the goal is to curate a library that excites you, not one that overwhelms you. The games released in 2017 serve as a perfect case study for this philosophy. They are old enough to have established deep discounts and a wealth of performance data, yet new enough to feel modern and relevant. By applying these analytical tools, you transform your backlog from a source of stress into a curated list of incredible experiences waiting to be discovered at the right price and the right time.
Ready to apply these principles to your entire library, not just the games released in 2017? The Steam Calculator can instantly analyze your account, revealing total value, playtime statistics, and cost-per-hour metrics for every game you own. Visit Steam Calculator to get a clear, data-driven overview of your collection and make smarter purchasing decisions today.