Football video games have been popular on consoles for decades, but finding the best NFL and college football options on PC can be a challenge. While flagship franchises like Madden and NCAA Football seem tailored made for PlayStation and Xbox, there are still plenty of pigskin classics and new titles worth playing on desktops and laptops.
From updated classics to indie darlings with surprise depth, we‘ve rounded up the top football games currently available for PC gamers.
Overview of the Best NFL and College Football Games for PC
| Rank | Game | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madden NFL 24 | Official NFL teams and players, improved gameplay mechanics |
| 2 | NCAA Football 14 via emulator | Beloved college football franchise, run on PC via PCSX2 |
| 3 | Zen GM Football Manager | In-depth franchise simulator with seasons, trades, scouting |
| 4 | Axis Football 2023 | Create and manage custom teams with strong franchise mode |
| 5 | Football Simulator | Hilarious ragdoll physics and unpredictable gameplay |
| 6 | NFL Blitz 2000 | Arcade-style action perfect for couch multiplayer |
#1. Madden NFL 24
The latest entry in EA‘s Madden franchise is the premier way to experience the NFL on PC. Madden 24 marks the sixth PC release since the series returned to computers in 2019. There are improvements across the board, especially relating to gameplay mechanics.
New skill-based passing brings more user control to tossing the pigskin. Quarterbacks can now throw balls away purposefully, target high or low with more precision, and even attempt risky shovel passes when scrambling. On defense, upgrades like 360 cut tackles and gap responsibilities make playing linebacker more rewarding.
There are also upgrades to overall gameplay physics and improvements to blocking. Gang tackling brings more realism to taking down ball carriers. On the presentation side, new cinematics and fluid player motions make the on-field action feel more lifelike.
Franchise mode remains a vital part of the experience. While not a full overhaul, Madden 24 does bring back some fan-favorite elements like training camp and custom draft classes. The scouting system also finally gets some tweaks to make drafting feel deeper and more engaging. Roster management sees improvements as well with new position battles to push starters and a more balanced trade system.
Minimum PC Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 64-Bit
- CPU: Intel i5-6600k / AMD Ryzen 5 1600
- RAM: 8 GB
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 2GB / AMD Radeon RX 560
- HDD Space: 50 GB
Recommended PC Specifications:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- CPU: Intel i7-7700k / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon VII
- HDD Space: 50 GB
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Official NFL teams, players, stadiums | Can be buggy at launch |
| Improved gameplay mechanics like passing, tackling | Franchise mode not a massive overhaul |
| Presentation upgrades increase immersion |
For NFL fans, Madden 24 represents the best pigskin option on PC thanks to its authentic teams and players paired with improved on-field gameplay. Despite some lingering issues, no other football game comes close to matching its overall package.
#2. NCAA Football 14 via emulator
Diehard college football fans still clamor for NCAA Football 14, the beloved last entry in the cancelled EA Sports series. The game never released on PC, but through the magic of emulators, you can enjoy this gem on desktops and laptops.
If you have a decent gaming PC, we recommend using the PCSX2 emulator for the best performance. NCAA 14 originally released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, making it a prime candidate for PCSX2. You will need to acquire an ISO file of the game through the internet to play.
Once setup, NCAA Football 14 looks stunning running in 4K on a PC. Beyond graphics, it still plays wonderfully thanks to deep dynasty modes and addicting Road to Glory career. Alternate uniforms, weekly presentation upgrades, and fight songs add to the college atmosphere that‘s unmatched even today. Custom conferences and playoffs give tremendous longevity through dynasties.
The PCSX2 emulator enables save states and other quality of life improvements as well. You can bolster performance through speed hacks or upscale visuals with custom resolutions. Support for mods like updated rosters or stadiums makes NCAA 14 still feel current too.
If you want to experience the greatest college football game ever on PC, emulating NCAA 14 with PCSX2 is your best bet. No limitations from 2005 hardware gives modern desktops a chance to push this classic to its limits.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Authentic college atmosphere | Must legally own a copy to emulate |
| Dynasty mode with customization | Takes work to setup emulator properly |
| Enhanced visuals at 4K resolution | No multiplayer capabilities |
NCAA 14 set the gold standard for college football games, and thanks to faithful emulation from PCSX2, new and nostalgic fans can enjoy this masterpiece.
#3. Zen GM Football Manager
The most shockingly deep football simulator available is entirely free through web browsers. Zen GM Football Manager takes the core ideas of franchise mode from Madden or NCAA but dials them up to 11 for a data lover‘s dream.
As a text-based browser game, there are no graphics or on-field gameplay. Instead, the focus centers on salary cap management, draft strategy, roster building, and calling plays through key situations. You take on the role of general manager for an NFL, NCAA, or custom league team with immense control over decisions.
The customization possible allows for tremendous replay value. Import historical rosters or test your mettle as GM with an expansion franchise. Join active online leagues or craft your own universe of teams.
For football fans obsessed with front office strategy or long-term team building dynamics, Zen GM Football Manager delivers a phenomenally detailed experience at no cost. The web-based format means you can build your dynasty anywhere without needing a powerful gaming rig either.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fully customize teams, players, leagues | No actual gameplay |
| Incredibly deep management simulation | Entirely browser-based |
| Perfect for franchise mode fanatics | Text and menus only |
Despite its humble presentation, Zen GM Football Manager provides practically endless football management bliss for free. Armchair GMs can live out their wildest fantasies guiding a franchise to glory.
#4. Axis Football 2023
This indie football franchise has slowly grown into a hidden gem thanks to in-depth team building tools and a solid core of gridiron gameplay. Axis Football 2023 releases on November 1st, bringing a wave of improvements over past iterations to PC and consoles.
The biggest upgrades focus on enhancing on-field action. Locomotion sees kinks worked out for smoother animation transitions between moves. AI adjustments especially for defensive backs help bolster realism across the field. Enhanced lighting and player models also push presentation to new heights.
Under the hood, Axis 23 leans into customization that fits perfectly with PC modding potential. Create unique teams, design logos, build stadiums – the creation suite is extremely open ended for crafting your ideal franchise experience. Same goes for new training camp activities that let you mold rookie prospects how you see fit.
Other areas like scouting, injuries, roster management, and offseason activities give tremendous freedom in guiding your organization. Leagues featuring complete custom teams foster imagination and investment that should satisfy armchair owners.
For a full-fledged football game with strong franchise hooks, Axis Football 23 looks like an excellent value available on consoles and PC.
Minimum PC Specs:
- OS: Windows 7 64-bit
- CPU: Intel i5-2400 / AMD FX 6300
- RAM: 8 GB
- GPU: Nvidia GTX 750ti / Radeon R7 250X 2GB
- Storage: 6 GB HDD
Recommended PC Specs:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- CPU: Intel i7-7700 / Ryzen 5 1500X
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: Nvidia 1060 GTX 6GB / Radeon RX 580
- Storage: 6 GB HDD
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Deep franchise management tools | Still fairly niche franchise |
| Full custom league support | On-field action lacks NFL polish |
| Available on PC and consoles |
Axis Football 23 shapes up as an excellent football fix for PC gamers thanks to robust customization and improved gameplay mechanics aimed at simulating a lifelike experience.
#5. Football Simulator
Sometimes you just want to turn off your brain and laugh while experiencing ragdoll physics chaos. Football Simulator from Refactor Games delivers hilarious unscripted football moments fueled by wonky physics and unpredictable AI.
Instead of serious simulation, Football Simulator leans into crazy interactions between players for physical comedy gold. Quarterbacks can get squashed into oblivion right after throwing a perfect pass. Running backs bounce into the air like pinballs surrounded by tacklers. Even referees get flattened on the regular.
The randomness makes repeating plays endlessly amusing. One snap might have you break free for a kickoff touchdown. Do it again and three guys whiff on tackles leading to epic commentary mocking the defensive ineptitude. It captures the pure fun that attracted many to gaming without bogging down in stodgy franchise mode trappings.
Football Simulator does feature team management, playbooks with formations, and skill trees to unlock fun abilities like a flying kick tackle. The added context frames the enjoyment rather than transforming the experience like some entries. Quick hit matches capture the arcade spirit for people wanting over-the-top football gaming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Physics-based ragdoll hilarity | Purposefully unbalanced |
| Replay value from unpredictable moments | Limited depth outside matches |
| Performance friendly for low-end PCs | Early access state – still in progress |
For only $20, Football Simulator delivers outrageous physics-based football comedy. Don‘t take it seriously and enjoy the emergent moments of digital athletes clanging into each other with reckless abandon.
#6. NFL Blitz 2000
This late 90s arcade classic still holds up wonderfully as an alternative to stuffy, hyper-serious football simulation. NFL Blitz 2000 represents the gold standard of over-the-top pigskin gaming with fast gameplay catered toward fun.
Action moves at breakneck speed with quarters lasting just a few minutes each. Scoring happens early and often with high point totals the norm. Late hits against defenseless receivers and midfield bombs energize the hard-hitting gameplay. While not an accurate football simulation, it captures the essence of excitement that pulls casual onlookers into fandom.
NFL Blitz 2000 marks the series debut on PC after starting in arcades and launching on Nintendo 64 and PlayStation. It features all 30 NFL teams and authentic uniforms to ground its liberal interpretation of rules. Modes include standard exhibition, season mode through multiple campaigns, and satisfying mini-games to shore up team weaknesses or let star players shine.
The zany style extends beyond core football into dunk tanks for missed kicks, first down markers lit on fire after conversions, and showboating encouraged at every opportunity. For gatherings with gamers and non-gamers alike, it hits the sweet spot between approachable concept and fierce competition.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to pickup and play | Dated presentation by modern standards |
| Speedy gameplay keeps excitement high | Lacks franchise customization opportunities |
| Local multiplayer still shines |
NFL Blitz 2000 is a delightful arcade callback that nails casual appeal and rowdy competitive fun. The accessibility allows anyone to enjoy football gaming with enough depth in playcalling and roster management for diehards to dig into as well.
This wide range of excellent football video game options proves PCs can deliver exciting digital gridiron action to satisfy all pigskin gaming tastes. The barrier to entry is lower than ever too with so many free or low-cost indie alternatives compared to the console space.
Whether you live for autumn Saturday college showdowns or bleed your NFL team‘s colors every Sunday, there‘s a football game that can fulfill your fandom on computers. If we missed any hidden gems or you still have questions finding the right PC football fit for you, drop a comment below!
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