Top 3 PC Games That Will Push Your Graphics Card to Its Limits

1. Control: A Ray-Tracing Showcase

Why Play:
Inspired by New Weird literature, the SCP Foundation, and David Lynch, Control ($60 on Epic Games Store) is an atmospheric, mind-bending adventure set in the Federal Bureau of Control's mysterious headquarters, the Oldest House. It's widely considered Remedy's best game since Max Payne 2.

Why It Melts GPUs:
This game is the reason to own an Nvidia GeForce RTX card. Control’s real-time ray tracing brings reflections and lighting to life in a way that’s simply jaw-dropping. The glass partitions, TVs, and even polished concrete floors create ultra-realistic reflections, making the Oldest House feel incredibly lifelike. It's the definitive example of why ray-tracing is a game-changer in modern graphics.

2. Metro Exodus: A Beautiful, Open-World Apocalypse

Why Play:
Metro Exodus ($60 on Epic Games Store) evolves from its predecessors by moving into an open world, while maintaining the series' signature tension and atmosphere. Away from the crumbling ruins of Moscow, you explore the icy shores of the Volga, immersing yourself in a haunting and oppressive post-apocalypse.

Why It Melts GPUs:
Metro’s real-time ray tracing subtly enhances its global illumination—creating moody, realistic lighting. Stealth moments, like turning off lanterns and sneaking through darkness, feel even more tense with RTX enabled. While not as flashy as Control, the subtle lighting shifts are perfect for adding depth and drama to its environment.

3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019): Grimy Realism

Why Play:
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare ($60 on Battle.net) reboots the gritty, war-torn stories that made its earlier entries iconic. It boasts hyper-realistic cutscenes and gameplay that makes every bullet and explosion feel visceral. With its night vision sequences, the game immerses you in some of the most intense, realistic combat scenes in the series' history.

Why It Melts GPUs:
Call of Duty’s ray-traced shadows add an extra layer of realism, especially with foliage and detailed environments. While the effect is more subtle compared to other RTX titles, it enhances the game’s overall gritty aesthetic, making the visuals pop in a raw, unsettling way.