13 Best New Games to Play in 2024
As we dive into the summer heat, the gaming world is set to sizzle with a host of exciting new releases. From thrilling shooters to expansive MMOs, 2024 has something for every gamer. Let’s explore the 13 best new games to play this year.
1. The First Descendant
- Release Date: July 2nd
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Genre: Third-person shared world looter shooter
A third-person shared world looter shooter, The First Descendant, offers a mix of Destiny and Warframe elements. Players can choose from various classes, explore semi-open worlds, and engage in repeatable missions and boss fights. While it features enjoyable gameplay mechanics, the game’s pay-to-win aspects, especially the cash shops for cosmetics and upgrades, might be a turnoff for some.
Key Features:
- Variety of classes to choose from
- A semi-open world with repeatable missions and bosses
- MMO looter shooter structure similar to Destiny and Warframe
- Shared explorable zones with other players
- Mission markers that spawn enemies and objectives
- Main town “Albion” with story NPCs, vendors, crafting stations, storage, mailbox, and two cash shops (cosmetics and upgrades/progression)
- Void intercept battles (big boss fights) and Special Operations as endgame content
- Emphasis on farming for power progression, unlocking new characters, weapons, gear, and mods
Concerns:
- Lifeless open world unless on a quest
- Stiff gameplay and pacing issues
- Pay-to-win aspects likely due to Nexon’s history
2. Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
- Release Date: July 2nd
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Genre: MMORPG expansion
The beloved MMO is back with its fifth expansion, Dawntrail. Set in the new world of Tural, the expansion introduces two new jobs, the Viper and the Pancer, and raises the level cap to 100. Players can expect new regions, quests, dungeons, raids, and a new playable race. As always, Final Fantasy XIV continues to expand its rich, immersive world.
Key Features:
- New storyline arc set in the region of Tural, featuring mountains and lush forests
- Two new jobs: Viper (physical melee DPS) and Pancer (magical ranged DPS)
- Level cap raised to 100
- New side quests, Fates, treasure hunts, dungeons, and trials
- New playable race: Female Hrothgar
- New 8-player raid, Alliance and Ultimate raids, and new limited job “Beastmaster” (coming in patch 7.x)
- Ongoing content updates
3. Once Human
- Release Date: July 9th
- Platforms: PC, Mobile
- Genre: Multiplayer open-world shared-world survival looter shooter
Once Human combines elements of open-world looter shooters with survival mechanics. Players explore various biomes, complete objectives, and engage in large-scale boss battles. The game also features base building and crafting, offering a unique blend of The Division and Defiance with a supernatural twist. However, the game’s potential pay-to-win mechanics might deter some players.
Key Features:
- Seamless open world with various biomes and points of interest
- Strongholds with multiple tasks, hidden objectives, and puzzles
- World events including bosses, horde modes, jumping puzzles, and PvP-triggering space whales
- Silos (group dungeons) and Monoliths (raid-inspired boss battles)
- Power progression through leveling, gear crafting, and cradle/deviation systems
- Survival mechanics with stamina, sanity, hydration, and hunger meters
- Base building with a territory system and construction elements
Concerns:
- Persistent issues from previous betas not fully addressed
- Likely pay-to-win elements due to being a free-to-play game by NetEase
4. Stormgate
- Release Date: July 30th (Early Access)
- Platforms: PC
- Genre: Real-time strategy (RTS)
A real-time strategy game from Frost Giant Studios, Stormgate, aims to revive the genre with a blend of Starcraft 2 and Warcraft 3 elements. Players gather resources, build bases, and command armies in competitive matches and co-op campaigns. The game’s visual style might seem a bit off, but the gameplay promises to bring back the nostalgic feel of classic RTS games.
Key Features:
- Made by ex-Blizzard developers, drawing inspiration from Starcraft 2 and Warcraft 3
- Three playable races: Human Resistance, Infernal, and Celestial Armada
- Various game modes including competitive 1v1, co-op campaign, 3v3, and custom games
- Hero units for co-op and 3v3 modes
- Numerous maps with different designs, layouts, and locations
Concerns:
- The visuals/ graphics are not very impressive.
5. Zenless Zone Zero
- Release Date: July 4th
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Mobile
- Genre: Urban fantasy ARPG
From the creators of Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero is an urban fantasy ARPG with a focus on character abilities and combo-based combat. Set in a densely packed city environment, players navigate the city of New Eridu, fighting ethereal enemies and recruiting unique characters. The game’s gacha mechanics might be similar to Genshin Impact, but it offers a fresh setting and gameplay style.
Key Features:
- Developed by HoYoverse (Genshin Impact creators)
- Story set in a near-future world affected by “The Hollows”
- Action combat with character switching and combo abilities
- Not open-world, but densely packed city environment
6. Cataclismo
- Release Date: July 16th
- Platforms: PC (Steam)
- Genre: Real-time strategy tower defense
A real-time strategy tower defense game, Cataclismo, is set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players explore, gather resources, and build defenses during the day to fend off hordes of mutated enemies at night. The game features a robust building system and various game modes, including a campaign and creative survival.
Key Features:
- Post-apocalyptic world with magical cataclysm
- Daytime exploration and resource collection for base building
- Nighttime defense against hordes of mutated enemies
- Free-form building system with over 100 pieces for creating defensive structures
- Crumbling buildings that damage units underneath
- Campaign mode and additional modes: Creative, Survival, and Skirmish
- Shareable strongholds through Steam workshop
7. Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
- Release Date: July 18th
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Genre: Third-person action RPG
Flintlock is a third-person action RPG set in a world where players fight against old gods. The game combines melee combat with flintlock firearms and features an open world divided into three regions. Players can also use a fox-like companion for magical attacks and teleportation.
Key Features:
- Blend of melee weapons and flintlock firearms
- Execution system that refills ammo or restores armor
- Accompanied by a fox-like creature for additional abilities
- Open world divided into three regions with side activities
- Progression upgrades, crafting, and unlocking new abilities
8. Frostpunk 2
New Release Date: September 20th (Delayed from July)
Reason for Delay:
- Additional improvements based on feedback
- New game mechanics
- UI/UX enhancements
- “Zoom Stories” feature
Originally set for July, Frostpunk 2 has been delayed for further improvements. The sequel to the critically acclaimed survival city-builder promises to expand on the original’s mechanics with new features and extensive UI enhancements.
Key Features:
- Continuation of the city-building survival genre
- Set in a world where the climate has worsened
- Player decisions impact the fate of society
- Managing resources, citizens’ needs, and moral dilemmas
- Introduction of new factions and technologies
Concerns:
- Potentially high difficulty level
- Balancing new features with the core gameplay
9. Smite 2
New Release Date: August 27th (Delayed from July 30th)
Reason for Delay:
- Implementing changes based on feedback for a better launch experience
The sequel to the popular third-person MOBA, Smite 2, has been delayed to implement feedback and improvements. Players can expect updated graphics and mechanics, with the same beloved characters and gameplay style.
Key Features:
- Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game
- Mythological theme with gods and mythic figures as characters
- Improved graphics and gameplay mechanics from the original Smite
- New characters and abilities
10. Corepunk
Alpha Testing: July 1-7
An isometric MMORPG, Corepunk, returns for another round of alpha testing. The game features a mix of exploration, dungeons, and PvP, set in a detailed open world. Players can expect improvements and new content based on feedback from previous tests.
Key Features:
- Cyberpunk-themed MMORPG
- Open-world exploration with a mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements
- Dynamic weather and day-night cycles affecting gameplay
- PvP and PvE content
- Deep character customization and progression system
Concerns:
- Performance issues based on previous tests
- Balancing PvP elements to ensure fair play
11. Dungeon Born
Play Test: July 3
Dungeon Born offers a fresh take on the dungeon-crawling genre with its fantasy extraction mechanics. Players can dive into dungeons, fight enemies, and extract valuable loot. The upcoming play test will provide a sneak peek into the game’s unique features.
Key Features:
- Fantasy dungeon crawler with an extraction-based gameplay loop
- Focus on cooperative multiplayer
- Variety of dungeons with unique challenges and rewards
- Emphasis on strategy and teamwork
Concerns:
- Competition with established games in the genre
- Ensuring a smooth and engaging multiplayer experience
12. Bitcraft
Closed Alpha: July 8
Bitcraft, a sandbox MMORPG, is set for its second closed alpha. While the initial alpha received mixed feedback, the developers aim to refine the game’s core mechanics and offer a more engaging experience in this next phase of testing.
Key Features:
- Open-world sandbox MMO
- Emphasis on crafting, building, and exploration
- Player-driven economy and society
- A unique blend of survival and city-building mechanics
Concerns:
- Improving upon the first Alpha’s shortcomings
- Balancing the sandbox elements with structured gameplay
13. Throne and Liberty
Open Beta: July 18-23
Amazon’s next big MMO, Throne, and Liberty, enters open beta this month. Set in a fantasy world, the game promises large-scale battles, dynamic weather systems, and intricate class mechanics. With Amazon’s track record, players can expect a polished experience, though only time will tell if it can maintain a steady player base.
Key Features:
- Large-scale MMORPG developed by Amazon
- Rich lore and story set in a fantasy world
- Combination of PvP and PvE content
- Dynamic events and world-changing actions
- Focus on player agency and choices affecting the game world
Conclusion
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for gamers with a diverse array of new releases and test phases. Whether you’re into MMOs, RTS, or action RPGs, there’s something new to dive into. Keep an eye out for these titles and get ready for more fun gaming experiences!
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