Players, if your next-gen preorder just disappeared into thin air, you’re not imagining things. In 2025, US gamers are entering a whole new reality, and it has everything to do with the console tariffs. Following the US government’s move to impose a 25% import tax on gaming consoles, the hardware market is suddenly volatile. Everything will soon become more costly, and your 20 USD purchase will soon multiply higher, and it makes you think: is it all worth it? Well, if US console tariffs caused a massive issue in your gaming passion, then we may just have the right answer: promising Korean PC and mobile games.
Because while the console world scrambles, Korea’s game industry is calmly stepping forward, unaffected, unbothered, and more ready than ever. And they might just be the very answer you’re desperately looking for.
US Console Tariffs: What’s Going on and Why It Matters for Gamers
On April 3, 2025, the U.S. government enacted new tariffs of up to 25% on imported gaming consoles. This includes Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and S.
This new policy resulted in immediate reactions. Nintendo postponed its U.S. launch of the Switch 2. And experts now expect console prices to climb by $100 or more, depending on the brand. This is a shakeup that hits both manufacturers and consumers, and especially gamers who rely on those systems for everyday play.
But here’s the silver lining: Korea’s game ecosystem doesn’t need those consoles to thrive. In fact, it’s already thriving without them.
Why? Because Korea’s strength has never relied on hardware.
From blockbuster PC titles to polished mobile games that rival console experiences, Korean developers have been quietly leading the charge. And if you’re looking for a smarter, more flexible way to keep gaming in 2025, it might be time to pivot your focus.
So, now let’s talk about why Korean games aren’t just an alternative—they might be your next best move.
Korean Games Do NOT Rely on Console – Freedom from US Tariffs
Now, just as we previously discussed on the US console tariffs impact on the Korean games and gaming industry, 2024 Korea Game White Paper reported that a staggering 84.9% of Korea’s game revenue in 2023 came from PC and mobile platforms.
Yes, this number means that South Korea has never built its empire on consoles. Over the years, they have honed their experience, built based on digital innovation, genre mastery, and on platforms you already own. It means, with Korean games, US players will never have to bother waiting for a console drop. Also, there is no way for you to deal with inflated hardware prices, shipping, customs, or retail markups.
With Korean games, US-based players will experience console-level quality without any of the hassle of fluctuating tariffs and logistical chaos.
Recommended Korean Games to Start for US Players: PC and Mobile
So, are you interested in starting your adventure into the best Korean masterpieces? Forget backorders, tariffs, and overpriced consoles. Here are the best Korean PC and mobile games making waves right now, most recommended for US players with zero consoles required.
These Korean games deliver the kind of quality and content that used to require a $500 machine. No waiting. No customs. Just hit download and start playing.
Korean PC Games for US Players
Among all the existing masterpieces, these are the best Korean PC games to start for US-based players.
Lost Ark (Smilegate)
If Diablo and Final Fantasy XIV had a baby, with more flash and fewer paywalls, it would look a lot like Lost Ark. This action MMORPG delivers fast-paced combat, deep class diversity, and sprawling cinematic storylines. And unlike many MMOs, it respects your time, letting you jump into epic content within hours.
▶ Why U.S. Players Love It: It’s English-localized, NA servers are active, and there’s always something happening—raids, events, Twitch drops, you name it. If you’re tired of MMOs that feel like work, this one brings the fun.
▶ Play It On: Steam (Free-to-play with optional purchases)
PUBG: Battlegrounds (KRAFTON)
You know the name. But in 2025, PUBG isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. After going free-to-play, this battle royale giant doubled down on what matters: cleaner gunplay, smarter map design, and regular seasonal content. No gimmicks. No clutter. Just skill-based survival and that unmatched final-circle tension.
▶ Why US Players Keep Coming Back: Massive NA community, controller support, constant updates, and it still runs well on mid-range rigs. If Fortnite feels too goofy and Warzone too bloated, this is your return to raw.
▶ Play It On: Steam, Epic Games Store (Free-to-play)
Black Desert Online (Pearl Abyss)
Visually stunning, mechanically rich, and weirdly soothing—Black Desert is the open-world sandbox MMO you didn’t know you needed. It mixes high-speed action combat with life skills like fishing, trading, and horse breeding. Oh, and the character creator? Insanely detailed. Like, “accidentally spend three hours on your nose shape” detailed.
▶ Why It’s Worth Your Time: It runs surprisingly well on modest PCs, NA servers are stable, and the latest Land of the Morning Light expansion brings Korean folklore into the world. This game doesn’t just look good—it grows with you.
▶ Play It On: Steam or official site (Buy-to-play, optional sub)
The First Berserker: Khazan (Neople / Nexon)
If you’re craving something darker, heavier, and punishing in all the right ways, The First Berserker: Khazan should be on your radar. Think Dark Souls, but wrapped in Korean brutality and built inside the Dungeon Fighter universe. This isn’t your typical free-to-play RPG—it’s a premium, single-player experience, and it looks gorgeous doing it.
▶ Why You Shouldn’t Miss It: Designed from day one for global players with full English VO and Western-style UI. It’s the kind of game that hurts so good, and makes you hit retry without rage-quitting.
▶ Play It On: Steam (Premium title, launching early 2025)
Mobile Korean Games That Feel Like Console Titles
If you prefer games to play conveniently anytime, start with these best selections from the existing Korean mobile masterpieces.
Blue Archive (Nexon)
What starts as a quirky anime school sim quickly turns into a deep, turn-based strategy game with real emotional punch. Blue Archive features slick animations, lovable characters, and an unexpectedly rich storyline with global appeal.
▶ Why It Works for US Gamers: Clean localization, a massive Western fandom, and frequent content drops make it feel alive. Plus, you can play it casually, or go full meta.
▶ Play It On: Google Play, App Store (Free-to-play, gacha optional)
Summoners War: Chronicles (Com2uS)
This isn’t your average mobile RPG—it’s an open-world, cross-platform adventure. With real-time combat, boss raids, and a ton of summoning strategies, Chronicles feels more like a full-fledged PC MMO than a mobile spinoff.
▶ What US Players Say: It hits that perfect middle ground between casual fun and midcore depth. The cross-play between mobile and Steam is seamless, and events are well-paced without being predatory.
▶ Play It On: Google Play, App Store, Steam (Free-to-play)
MIR4 (Wemade)
Want full-scale PvP and open-world guild battles—but don’t want to be glued to a desktop all day? MIR4 nails it. It runs beautifully on mobile and PC, and its clan system, dungeons, and economy are all surprisingly robust.
▶ Why It’s Popular in the US: Global servers with solid NA support, PC/mobile integration, and content that feels polished, not thrown together. There’s even a blockchain element if you’re into that (but it’s optional).
▶ Play It On: Google Play, App Store, Steam (Free-to-play)
Why Korean Games Are Built for 2025
Sure, tariffs may have triggered the conversation. But the truth is, Korean games are thriving for much bigger reasons:
1. Lower Barrier to Entry
No need for 600-USD hardware. Korean games are optimized for smartphones and everyday PCs, making them widely accessible, even for players on a budget.
2. Smarter Monetization
Most Korean titles run on a free-to-play model, letting you try before you buy. You can invest on your terms—without being forced into a $70 upfront cost.
3. Cultural Creativity
Korean developers are known for tapping into unique themes—from K-pop aesthetics to traditional folklore. These aren’t generic fantasy clones—they bring something fresh to every genre.
4. Continuous Support
Korean games are updated frequently, with seasonal events, balance patches, and community feedback loops. You won’t be waiting six months for new content.
How to Start Playing Korean Games Today
It takes less time than you think.
PC Gamers
Install Steam or the Epic Games Store. Search for titles like Lost Ark, Black Desert, or The First Berserker: Khazan
Mobile Gamers
Head to Google Play or the App Store. Try Blue Archive, Summoners War, or Mir4
And remember—following your favorite studios on social media gets you updates, rewards, and early access perks.
Navigating US Tariffs Loss for Gamers: The Console May Wait, But You Don’t Have To
Console gaming might be facing delays, markups, and unpredictability in 2025, but you don’t have to hit pause on your play.
Korean games are already here. Already thriving. And already offering rich, polished, story-driven content across every genre imaginable.
This year, the smartest move might not be waiting for the next big console drop. It might be downloading your next Korean game.
Because while the rest of the world catches up, Korea’s already in the game—and winning.
If you’re looking to promote your products and connect with international buyers, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Join us on an exciting journey to explore the vibrant world of Korean lifestyle – from the latest beauty tips to the hottest tech and so much more on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Flipboard.
