Though SLI isn’t as popular as it was at its peak, there are still plenty of fans of the Nvidia brand engine that uses the power of multiple graphics cards to create an incredible visual gaming experience (when done well and correctly, of course).
Since its popularity has gone down, many of the best games that support SLI are a few years old, and you may have already beaten the games on this list several times over. However, if you’re looking to take advantage of your setup and haven’t played any of these, you are in for a treat– sure, they support SLI, but more importantly, they’re just plain great games.
In no particular order, this list features the top 10 games on a PC that supports Nvidia’s SLI or Scalable Link Interface.
#1 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Bethesda is great for memes, but it’s hard to argue with calling Skyrim a great game. It’s an open-world RPG that tore the gates open for more games utilizing an open-world environment surface, paving the way for a plethora of new “where the heck am I” RPGs.
That may sound like an insult, but honestly, Skyrim’s limitless options, some outstanding Skyrim mods, and action will renew your curiosity and steal the heart of any RPG fan by showing you a brand new world that glitters with iconic innovation.
#2 PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
It’d be really easy for me to go on a novel-length rant about whether PUBG or Fortnite is better, but whichever you prefer, PUBG is more popular on Steam and supports SLI, hence its inclusion in the list. Battle royale games have been around for a long time, but it wasn’t until the surge in PUBG’s era that they became massively popular.
PUBG, in particular, focuses on a more realistic battle royale experience than its competitors. You know a game is good when you’ve done essentially the same thing 20 times in a row and could do it 20 more. Every match is different, and every match is fun (as long as I win, anyway).
#3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Considering how recent TW3 was released, it’s incredible that casual and passionate gamers alike consider it one of the best games ever made– especially when you see how nice it looks with 60+ frames per second using SLI. The worldbuilding is as vast and fantastic as something from Tolkien or George R. R. Martin, and as far as game writing goes, this team may very well be the gaming world’s equivalent. (I mean, check out those awards!)
If you’re looking for an action RPG with immersive gameplay, exciting combat, and a story as well-planned and well-written as an epic fantasy novel, this is the game to play. The story, characters, and dozens of hours of riveting gameplay will be with you long after ‘the end.’
#4 Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III had quite the shoes to fill as the newest installment of one of gaming’s most challenging franchises. However, Dark Souls III met or exceeded expectations for many, and for good reason. In typical Dark Souls fare, you’ll die countless times as you try to defeat regular enemies and bosses who are notoriously difficult to kill before you meet your own untimely fate again, wake up at the fire, and try, try again.
The music and atmosphere make the game even more haunting as you journey to defeat hellish monsters– though, you can’t help but feel unequivocally fulfilled when you conquer one of the most challenging adventures the gaming universe has to offer.
#5 BioShock
BioShock may be one of the best first-person shooter games, but it will immerse you in the atmosphere and story as much as any of the RPGs on this list. With eerie music, a dark world, and a plot that will remind you why you love gaming, BioShock is artful and fun at the same time.
This game has been called “unique” and “unpredictable,” and while that’s true, there aren’t quite words to bring justice to this game. The only way to know is to play it yourself.
#6 Titanfall
Titanfall is easily one of the most unique games that support SLI, as it’s a mech-inspired first-person shooter that’s multiplayer only. However, even if the only one who will play games with you is an actual bear, it’s worth enduring the potential death-by-bear for the sake of one of the most fun and exciting shooter games of all time.
There’s so much to do in this game that has expanded the boundaries of what competitive play means in our tech-heavy world. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be overwhelmed by ideas of game mechanics that could change the competitive game scene in the future. Titanfall really pushes its boundaries, and the player is rewarded in consequence. Plus, giant robots. Let’s be honest.
#7 Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear’s team wanted to end the franchise with a bang, and with their fifth installation, The Phantom Pain, they’ve done just that. MGS is usually pretty straightforward: story and stealth. MGSV, in particular, adds so much while never retracting from the core of the franchise.
With an enrapturing open-world atmosphere to play in, The Phantom Pain may not have wrapped the story up neatly, but did it ever bookend Hideo Kojima’s visionary legacy.
#8 Fallout 4
Fallout continues its franchise with yet another addicting installation of post-apocalyptic action, survival, and collection. While it’s closer to Fallout 3 than its predecessors, and it has mixed reviews from fans of Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4 is a polished and enjoyable RPG with all the atmosphere, customization, and side quests you will ever want and/or need.
Yet another sandbox world, Fallout 4 also emphasizes crafting and exploration. It would take a lot of effort to find a way to be bored with this game, especially with all of those Fallout 4 mods.
#9 Grand Theft Auto V
Hailed as one of the greatest games of all time, even when it was released on Xbox 360 forever ago, the PC port feels silky smooth, perfectly optimized, and utterly definitive. Its physics engine, whether you’re driving or shooting, is incredibly crisp, and it looks great to boot.
GTAV is another open-world game; however, this title is a lot more casual than some of the other games on this list. Nevertheless, it packs just as much of a punch and will be referenced for decades to come, from and for gamers and developers alike. GTAV is a master class in fun.
#10 Diablo III
Diablo III is Blizzard’s action RPG that, with some of the other games on this list, has raised the bar for action RPGs and video games in general. It presents a familiar formula with just enough twists to keep it interesting and immersive, and dang, is it ever.
Losing countless hours in this game may be an inevitability, but I doubt anyone’s upset about that fact. It’s dynamic, exciting, high-energy, strangely charming, and has fantastic replay value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of SLI?
SLI is Nvidia’s proprietary graphics rendering engine that uses multiple GPUs combined to create the images you see on your screen. By splitting the work through up to 4 total GPUs using “Scalable Link Interface,” you can significantly increase your computer’s display of frames per second.
Ultimately, SLI seems as though it’s peaked, and its competitors seem to have done the same. However, when done correctly and paired with SLI-optimized games, the system can really make some magic happen.
Is SLI good for gaming?
It’s not bad for gaming, per se, but I don’t know whether I would call it good. Some users have reported problems with video stuttering, overheating, and noisiness when using more than one GPU card.
Honestly, it depends on how much you like SLI. In some cases, it can be more cost-efficient (check out this article for more budget graphics cards for gaming), but it really depends on which cards you’re comparing. If you’re looking for a single graphics card instead, with no price consideration, here are the best graphics cards for gaming.
Do you need an SLI bridge?
To connect multiple Nvidia GPUs with SLI, you will need a bridge. Two different kinds are offered by the company: high-bandwidth, which connects cards that are more powerful, and standard, which connects any cards not considered high-bandwidth.