No need to wake up early and splurge on fishing rods with these relaxing fishing games for PC. You enjoy all the fun from the comfort of your home. Let’s get hooked!
Fishing is a beloved pastime for many, and although some skeptics may claim that gaming can’t replace the actual feeling, thousands of gamers would beg to differ. In reality, fishing games have soared in popularity, allowing players to cast a virtual rod from the comfort of their seats.
Whether you yearn for tranquility or crave a thrilling challenge, these titles offer it all. Are you prepared to embrace your inner angler? If so, delve into our list of the best fishing games to play in 2025.
This article was updated on March 3, 2025. We’ve cast a wide net and caught two new titles. Cod you believe it?
What are the best fishing games on Steam?
No matter your skill level and how much you know about ichthyology, these PC fishing games provide that fun experience of reeling in a big catch for beginners and veterans alike. So, are you ready for some angling fun? Keep reading to discover our recommendations!
Fishing Planet
Fishing Planet stands out for its advanced mechanics, offering players a taste of real-life fishing in beautifully rendered fisheries across the globe. It’s impressive with its vast selection of equipment, a wide range of bait options, and diverse types of fish species controlled by well-designed AI.
The behavior of marine life dynamically responds to various factors such as time of day, water temperature, stream strength, or wind. Notably, the game is free to play, but you have the option to purchase DLC with additional types of fish and gear.
Real VR Fishing
Wanna enjoy the beauty of in all of its glory? Then, Real VR Fishing is a top pick for you. It’s likely the closest you’ll get to a real fishing experience without leaving your house. Just grab your lucky hat and VR headset, and you’re good to go. The game features over 150 fish species (with more available through DLC) to catch, plus a multiplayer mode for up to four players. In other words, it’s one of the most realistic fishing games out there, but it’s also a lot of fun—definitely a must-try for virtual reality fans!
Fishing: Barents Sea
Fishing: Barents Sea is a highly immersive fishing boat simulator that puts you in the shoes of a novice fisherman. Starting with an old cutter, you gradually earn money to upgrade your tools and eventually buy a better boat.
The game’s realism is evident in its meticulously generated locations, which closely resemble the real world and the authentic feel of operating a trawler. In addition to catching fish, players must manage their business, hire a capable crew, and invest in the proper equipment.
Fishing: North Atlantic
In the second installment of the Fishing series, players will venture into the waters near Nova Scotland, Canada, instead of the icy Barents Sea. While the developers made some adjustments, the core mechanics remained the same.
Initially, you start with a small cutter equipped with a speargun for catching fish. As you progress, keeping your crew’s morale high becomes crucial. Additionally, navigating through changing weather conditions poses challenges, as sailing out during a storm can be dangerous.
Professional Fishing
This title, developed by the Polish studio 4Fishing, presents an arcade-style approach to this wonderful and calming process, making it accessible to fishermen who prefer more straightforward gameplay. It means you don’t need to be an expert on different fish species to fully enjoy it.
One exciting feature is that you can freely explore your surroundings, swim, and ride a quad bike. It’s free-to-play, but if you wish to enhance your game, various optional DLCs are available.
Reel Fishing: Road Trip Adventure
Reel Fishing: Road Trip Adventure is a pretty peculiar mix, combining elements of fishing games with JRPGs. The story follows three friends on a grand quest to capture a legendary fish. As for the gameplay, it includes standard fishing mechanics and a visual novel-like plotline. The game doesn’t rely heavily on realism and can’t be called a simulator. Still, it hits the right spot if you want to unwind after a hard day.
Fishing Adventure
Contrary to the usual “the most epic gaming experience possible” type of description, this one is being marketed simply as “a typical fishing game.” Now that’s a breath of fresh air! Speaking of which, Fishing Adventure will have you visit seven different locations based on real-world places.
Like many other good fishing games to play in 2025, this title is fairly realistic; however, grasping its mechanics doesn’t require going through long tutorials. It’s a straightforward sim featuring more than 30 fish species and various tournaments and challenges to keep the playthrough interesting. While it has a little bit of a mobile game vibe, its affordable price may well make it appealing to the eyes of virtual fishermen.
Pacifish: Recast
In Pacifish: Recast, you can fully immerse yourself in the fishing lifestyle —casting your line and patiently waiting for a bite. This remake of the original free title introduces new features, improved visuals, and a blend of idle gameplay with management mechanics. You can swim, craft, and even battle aquatic creatures, all while reeling in upgrades. It’s a simple, relaxing game—one of the more laid-back titles among the top fishing games on PC—and a great choice if you’re looking to cast your cares away.
Far Cry 6 (Included with PC Game Pass)
Far Cry 6, one of the most visually stunning ray-tracing games, unfolds in the tropical land of Yara. You assume the role of Dani Rojas, a local guerrilla fighter on a mission to liberate his homeland from the brutal rule of dictator Antón Castillo. However, the title is not all about overthrowing the totalitarian regime. Amidst the adrenaline-fueled narrative and intense battles, you can find solace by casting a line in Yara’s waters. It’s a delightful contrast, offering a moment of peace in the middle of a tumultuous revolution.
Good news, fishermen! Far Cry 6 is available with Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service that grants its members access to a vast library of titles. If you’d like to catch some fish with XGP, take a look at the offers provided below.
Call of the Wild: The Angler (Included with PC Game Pass)
Following the success of theHunter, Expansive Worlds brings a similar type of gameplay to the world of hooks, lines, and sinkers. Call of the Wild: The Angler nicely captures the vibe of being out in nature, providing a vast open space to fish around.
Of course, the main pull is the very thrill of the hunt—there’s always a bigger fish to fry, with a long lineup of species to meet and greet (with your hook). And it’s not all sitting and chilling, as the aquatic creatures can put up a good fight before getting out of the water. To make the most of the trip, you’ll have to learn different techniques and get your hands on a piece of better equipment. As expected of one of the best fishing games on PC, The Angler provides enough activities to sink dozens of hours into it, especially with friends—it supports multiplayer for up to 12 players.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Undoubtedly, Red Dead Redemption 2 is widely regarded as one of the most immersive open-world games in recent memory. Its depiction of the American frontier in the late 1800s is undeniably captivating. From breathtaking landscapes to ever-changing weather and lifelike wildlife, it feels truly authentic.
Moreover, players can engage in a variety of side activities, including fishing, which provides a much-needed break from action-packed heists. Not to say that successfully reeling in a catch is satisfying in and of itself.
Ultimate Fishing Simulator
The last pick on our list is a fishing simulator that balances realism with fun gameplay. Featuring seven different locations around the world, you can soak in the atmosphere of the sunny coast of Panama or challenge yourself in the harsh weather of Siberia.
Each spot has a unique array of fish species requiring specialized equipment for successful catches. In addition, fishers can use the game’s map editor to unleash their creativity and create the fisheries of their dreams.
You might have wanted to hear more recommendations, but alas, you’ve reached the end of the article. Oh, well, that’s the way the fish flops. Anyways, are you a fan of fishing games, or do you lean toward different genres? Perhaps you’re a seasoned angler in real life, and you can compare the virtual and genuine experience. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
