There’s a peculiar joy that comes with anticipating a new video game release. It’s that feeling of restless excitement, meticulously checking release calendars, and perhaps even having a few dreams about diving into fresh virtual worlds. Keeping track of all the groundbreaking titles on the horizon, however, can often feel like a Herculean task. Thankfully, resources such as the video above are crafted to cut through the noise, highlighting the absolute best among the next wave of releases. Below, we delve deeper into some of the most highly anticipated upcoming PC games 2024, expanding on the insights shared and exploring why these titles are poised to redefine our gaming experiences.
Level Zero: Extraction – A Twisted Take on Survival Horror
Imagine the adrenaline of a squad-based shooter, where every corner turned could lead to an intense firefight, then layer on the chilling dread of being relentlessly hunted by an unseen, sentient threat. That, in essence, is the compelling promise of Level Zero: Extraction. This title, slated for an August release, is designed to deliver a unique blend of extraction mechanics and survival horror, appealing particularly to fans of high-stakes, cooperative gameplay.
Unlike conventional extraction shooters, the twist here is profound: a competing team of players pilots the monstrous alien creatures. This dynamic elevates the tension exponentially, transforming every loot run and intel secure into a desperate fight for survival. The alien players, possessing the ability to traverse secret passages and lay cunning traps, force human players into a constant state of vigilance. Teamwork is not merely encouraged; it is an absolute necessity for survival. Coordinating room lockdowns, exploring hazardous environments, and ensuring a safe extraction become critical endeavors where every decision carries significant weight. The unique player-vs-player-vs-environment (PvPvE) structure is anticipated to offer endless replayability, as no two encounters are likely to unfold in the same way. The sheer terror of being stalked, juxtaposed with the satisfaction of a successful extraction, is expected to provide a truly memorable gaming experience.
Reka – Witchcraft, Cozy Living, and a Walking House
For those who find solace in autumnal aesthetics and the mystical allure of witchcraft, Reka offers an intriguing escape. Slated for release in August, this open-world title immerses players in the journey of an aspiring witch, undergoing training under the tutelage of the legendary Baba Yaga herself. The game gracefully combines elements of cozy gaming—such as foraging for ingredients and practicing spells—with a compelling narrative centered around solving mysteries and quests.
A standout feature is the player’s customizable, chicken-legged walking house, a fantastical mobile base reminiscent of Slavic folklore. This unique dwelling is not just a cosmetic gimmick; it is an integral part of the experience, offering a personal sanctuary that can be tailored to the player’s desires. The blend of farming, building, and a hint of spooky-flavored magic is expected to resonate with a broad audience. While the combat focus might be less pronounced than in other titles, the emphasis on exploration, crafting, and magical progression offers a rich, immersive world to get lost in. Player freedom is paramount, allowing for a personalized witchy adventure where discovery and creativity are rewarded.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – Living a Medieval Life
The original Kingdom Come: Deliverance carved a niche for itself by offering an unparalleled historically accurate medieval RPG experience, setting a high bar for immersive storytelling and challenging combat. Now, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is poised to build upon that legacy, promising an even grander and more detailed rendition of 15th-century Bohemia. Expected later this year, this sequel maintains the core tenets that made its predecessor so beloved: a robust combat system, extensive character customization, and a world brimming with possibilities.
While a main plot of revenge and daring deeds is present, players are encouraged to “live a medieval life” – meaning they can easily get sidetracked by the myriad side activities available. From the bustling streets of sprawling cities to lush, unexplored vistas, opportunities abound for blacksmithing, archery, hunting, and crafting. In contrast to many fantasy RPGs, the game’s commitment to historical accuracy provides a tangible sense of place and time. The combat system, described as “clunky but funky” in the original, is promised to be further refined, offering even more tactical options and player agency in battles. This ensures that every clash of steel feels impactful and demands strategic thinking. The sheer scale and depth of interaction available are anticipated to provide hundreds of hours of gameplay for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in this living, breathing historical world.
Frostpunk 2 – The Cold War of Humanity
On September 20th, PC gamers will face an even more daunting challenge with the release of Frostpunk 2, the highly anticipated sequel to one of the most acclaimed city-builders. The original Frostpunk was celebrated for its unforgiving yet deeply engaging portrayal of humanity’s struggle against nature in a frozen apocalypse. Its successor takes this concept further, shifting the primary conflict from environmental survival to the intricate and often brutal dynamics of human society itself.
Players assume the role of a steward in a vastly expanded city, tasked with mediating the competing interests and ideologies of various factions within the populace. No longer is it simply about generating enough heat or gathering resources; the challenge lies in maintaining social stability, managing dissent, and making morally ambiguous choices that impact the future of the entire settlement. This evolution introduces a complex layer of political and social strategy, where compromise and leadership skills are paramount. With cities now on a significantly greater scale, and offering both story and sandbox modes, Frostpunk 2 promises endless replayability and difficult ethical dilemmas. The experience of navigating internal conflicts within a desperate, frozen society is expected to be a profound and often melancholic one, solidifying its reputation as a “depression simulator, but really fun.”
Wild Bastards – Cosmic Rogues and Tactical Shootouts
Bearing a name as audacious as its premise, Wild Bastards is an upcoming FPS title set to deliver a unique blend of tactical combat and character-driven narrative. As a spiritual successor, it builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, promising a vibrant, procedurally generated universe brimming with opportunities for mayhem and strategy. This game is expected to launch in 2024, promising to captivate players with its distinct visual style and innovative gameplay.
Players command a diverse crew of 13 deranged characters, each with their own bespoke loadouts and special abilities. The procedural generation of each world ensures high replayability, as environmental effects will dynamically impact character effectiveness, necessitating careful squad selection for each stage. Beyond the explosive combat, the game also emphasizes the development of relationships within the gang, with actions leading to dynamic boons or nerfs that influence gameplay. This adds a layer of depth, transforming simple shootouts into strategic engagements where character synergies and rivalries play a crucial role. The need to plan who takes point, utilizing the environment for destruction, and leveraging unique abilities creates a constantly evolving tactical puzzle. It is anticipated to be a delightful blend of action, strategy, and character management, all wrapped in a visually striking package.
Silent Hill 2 Remake – Reimagining a Horror Icon
For fans of psychological horror, few titles hold the legendary status of Silent Hill 2. The announcement of its remake, set to arrive on October 8th, has ignited a fervent discussion within the gaming community. While its origins are on consoles, the impact of Silent Hill 2 on PC gaming and horror as a genre cannot be understated. This high-budget, official re-imagining by Bloober Team aims to bring one of the most important horror games of all time to a new generation, complete with modern graphics and refined mechanics.
The original game was lauded for its masterful storytelling, deeply disturbing atmosphere, and profound exploration of grief and guilt. The remake is expected to maintain these core elements while enhancing the visual fidelity and potentially refining controls to meet contemporary standards. The anticipation stems from the opportunity to revisit James Sunderland’s haunting journey through the fog-shrouded town with unprecedented detail. Regardless of initial impressions or developer reputation, the prospect of experiencing this narrative masterpiece with a fresh coat of paint is undeniably exciting for countless fans. Moreover, a special shoutout is often extended to Slitterhead, releasing in November and directed by the original Silent Hill director, further amplifying the horror landscape for PC in 2024.
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred – Unleashing the Spiritborn
No discussion of upcoming PC games would be complete without acknowledging Blizzard’s juggernaut, Diablo 4. The Vessel of Hatred expansion, dropping on October 8th, promises to revitalize the already expansive experience with a wealth of new content. This isn’t merely a minor update; it’s presented as a significant addition that expands the game’s universe, introduces new mechanics, and pushes endgame challenges to their limits.
The centerpiece of the expansion is the beautifully rendered jungle region of Nahantu, offering players new environments to explore and new threats to conquer. Crucially, a brand-new class, the Spiritborn, makes its debut. This fighter is designed to amplify combat capabilities through the use of spirit guardians, promising a fresh approach to combat and character building for both new and veteran players. The expansion also continues Diablo 4’s acclaimed storyline, adding more lore and narrative depth. However, the true “meat” of this expansion, as hinted by the developers, lies in its multifaceted endgame dungeon. This content is explicitly designed to be a true test of player skill and teamwork, pushing parties to their absolute limits. It is anticipated that players will need to hone their builds and coordinate meticulously to overcome these ultimate encounters, offering a substantial challenge that adds significant replayability and depth for those seeking the pinnacle of Diablo 4’s experience.
Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 – Soaring to New Heights
November 19th marks a significant milestone for simulation enthusiasts with the release of Microsoft Flight Sim 2024. As the 40th-anniversary iteration of this iconic franchise, it is expected to harness the latest technological advancements to deliver the most sophisticated and immersive flight experience yet. Following a predecessor that allowed players to explore literally the entire planet, the bar for realism and detail is incredibly high.
This new entry is poised to emphasize enhanced weather systems and graphics, offering an unparalleled level of realism for pilots. For those seeking more challenging flights, dynamic and complex weather phenomena are set to play a more significant role, requiring greater skill and planning. The continued pursuit of hyper-realism extends beyond visuals to include more nuanced flight physics and environmental interactions, which is expected to immerse players deeper into the cockpit experience. Whether navigating treacherous storms or enjoying a serene sunset flight, the fidelity and scope of Flight Sim 2024 are anticipated to set new benchmarks in the genre. Despite the potentially terrifying realism for those afraid of flying, the game is set to offer an accessible yet profoundly deep simulation for aviation aficionados.
Metal Slug Tactics – Explosions, Strategy, and Nostalgia
For fans of both classic arcade action and meticulous strategic gameplay, Metal Slug Tactics, set to drop in December, appears to be an absolute dream. This title is a tactical, strategy-based reimagining of the beloved Metal Slug franchise, promising to blend the series’ iconic aesthetics and explosive action with a turn-based, grid-focused combat system. The early footage has already generated considerable excitement, appealing to both nostalgic veterans and newcomers to the genre.
The visual fidelity is stunningly faithful to the source material, ensuring that the charming pixel art and exaggerated explosions are perfectly preserved. However, the core gameplay shifts to careful placement and tactical decision-making, where an unhealthy amount of explosions remains a key component. Level destruction is not merely cosmetic; it is crucial for victory, allowing players to collapse buildings and bridges on their enemies, adding a dynamic layer to each encounter. Developed by Dotemu, a studio with a proven track record of revitalizing classic games (e.g., Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4), Metal Slug Tactics is expected to deliver an outstanding new installment that respects its heritage while innovating significantly. It is anticipated to be a gift that keeps on giving, combining strategic depth with the sheer joy of over-the-top destruction, perfect for a December release.
Baby Steps – The Art of Not Falling Over
Rounding out our list is Baby Steps, a delightfully peculiar and challenging title expected sometime this year. For those who recall the infamous difficulty of games like Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, this game is poised to deliver a similar brand of physics-based frustration and comedic struggle. Here, players control an “average gamer” who must navigate a vast, Skyrim-adjacent world where the primary mechanic is, quite literally, walking.
The innovative twist lies in the game’s unique control scheme, which simulates a state of extreme inebriation or profound clumsiness. Players are required to individually control each leg, making even the simplest act of walking a formidable puzzle. This physics-based walking system, combined with a dynamic soundtrack that adapts to the player’s movements, creates an experience that is both maddening and strangely compelling. Adding to its unique features is a “onesie soilage system,” promising an unprecedented level of realistic (and perhaps gross) detail. Developed in collaboration with the creator of Ape Out, Baby Steps is expected to be a test of patience and dexterity, offering a truly original gameplay experience that challenges conventions. Its blend of humor, frustration, and unique mechanics ensures it will be a talking point among players seeking something truly different among the upcoming PC games 2024.
