If there’s one thing all gamers can agree on, it’s that the next best game is just around the corner. So what are the most anticipated new games that will utilize it in 2024?
This, of course, is a highly subjective list—and while these are my opinions, I’ve tried to mix the genres up a bit and look at what the major buzz is around… otherwise, it would be a list of tactical turn-based RPGs!
Top most anticipated games coming in 2024
Note that these games are all slated for an expected 2024 release at the time of writing. Things go wrong, and schedules change. But fingers crossed that all these will arrive within the year.
12. Nightingale
Expected release date:February 22
While originally pegged as an MMO,Nightingalehas been realigned as asolo or co-op gaslamp-fantasy survival experiencefor up to six players. However, a strong focus on crafting and sandbox-style gameplay is still turning heads as the game nears its launch. Players will travel through portals to fantastical worlds they’ll create by assembling cards, allowing them to have a say on the environment they’ll face on the other side.
11. Palworld
Expected release date:January
Think of a Pokemon-style environment, where the Pokemon are called Pals and they’re far more dangerous to deal with. Thismultiplayer survival crafting experiencegives these Pals teeth, and there are more than 100 of them to tame and capture to help you battle, base-build, and train up your new friends. Palworld is a genius blend of genres that is certainly capturing the imagination of the gaming community.
10. Life By You
Expected release date:March 5
Since The Sims came along and created its own genre, nobody has been able to lay a glove on it. But a new big-time contender could be about to emerge in the shape of life sim Life By You. This open-world experience is promisingreal-language conversations, content creation, questing, modding, and more, all in a seamless environment. If it’s anywhere near as good as its ambition suggests, Life By You could be one of the biggest games of the year.
9. Avowed
Expected release date:TBC 2024
While some are disappointed that Avowed won’t be another epic, life-stealing Skyrim experience, there are still plenty of players looking forward to thisfantasy action-adventure game. The fact it’s set in the world of Eora made famous by thePillars of Eternityfranchise certainly helps, while developer Obsibdian’s history of excellence is sure to work in its favor. Expect a tight first-person experience with a great story and spell-lead combat.
8. Tekken 8
Expected release date:January 25
It’s almost a decade since the highly acclaimed Tekken 7 took the gaming world by storm, so it’s no surprise Tekken 8 has got the fighting game fans chomping at the bit. It promises to bring old features up to date while introducingenough new ideas to wow a whole new army of fight fans. This time, the focus is on aggressive attack rather than defense, thanks to a building Heat gauge, while online modes will feature tournaments, old-school environments, and more.
7. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will bring fans into the next generation of the franchise following the massive success of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. This standalone title won’t be reinventing the wheel, but expect to be able to enjoy aerial thrills including the thrills offirefighting and search and rescue, but also balloon rides, gliders, and more. Expect this to be the start of another planeload of DLC too, as Marketplace will offer a tonne of addons.
6. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Expected release date:January 15
When it comes to platformers, the original Prince of Persia was one of the first and best. 2010’s Forgotten Sands was also a huge hit, so there’s plenty of pressure on the shoulders of The Lost Crown. Happily, so far all the signs are good.Platforming and combo-rich combatare enhanced with an amulet system that allows you to craft the style of character you want to play, while you’ll be able to find hidden treasure and solve puzzles across a series of beautiful landscapes.
Related:Prince of Persia The Lost Crown – Trailer, Gameplay, Release Date, and more!
5. Persona 3: Reload
Expected release date:February 2
This genuinely genre-defining RPG has earned its remake and fans of the Persona series can’t wait. The 2006 original was a huge hit, and this highly-anticipated reload has been in the works since 2019. While sticking to the game’s RPG and social simulation roots,expect aesthetic, graphical, and gameplay upgrades across the board. Everything from the UI and maps to movement and new conversational side stories akin to later games in the series.
4. Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl
Expected release date:Q1 2024
The game that’s on most FPS gamers’ lips as we enter 2024 is Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl. This fourth game in the award-winning Stalker serieslooks as graphically incredible as it does terrifyingwhile promising advanced enemy AI that’ll push your tactical brain to its limits. But there will also be RPG elements, as the decisions you make as you follow the storyline will affect outcomes further down the line.
3. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Action-adventure RPGs look like they’ll continue to be box office through 2024, with Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth being one of the top contenders. The latest entry in the Like a Dragon series promisesdynamic, fast-paced actionwithin a game that’ll mix quests and activities across a series of exotic Pacific locations, from Japan to Hawaii. The combat will againblend turn-based and real-time combat, creating a unique hybrid mix that has won the franchise an army of fans.
2. Star Wars: Outlaws
It wouldn’t feel like a most anticipated list without at least one Star Wars title and this year’s top contender is Star Wars: Outlaws. This Ubisoftaction-adventure gamereturns to the classics, beingset between Empire and Jedi. The popularity of recent Star Wars shows has shown that scoundrels, scum, and villainy are the way to go, and as the name suggests, Outlaws will go there with bells on. Force (ho ho) your way into secret locations as you fly, sneak, and steal your way up the most-wanted list.
1. Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
Expected release date:February 29
While you might not find FF7 at the very top of every most anticipated game list you’ll read this year, you will find it on more lists than any other game. The FF franchise has a special place in most gamers’ hearts, and VII is the pinnacle for many. Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth promisesupgrades to everything from the plot to graphics to combat, giving anopen-world experiencein which familiar narratives and locations will still manage to surprise old fans.
