Unveiling the Horizon: The Most Anticipated PC Games of 2022
Are you eager to discover the next major titles poised to redefine your PC gaming experience? The year 2022 was widely anticipated to be a landmark year for upcoming PC games, promising a diverse array of experiences from highly anticipated sequels to groundbreaking new IPs. As highlighted in the accompanying video, the landscape of PC gaming was set for an exciting evolution, with numerous titles poised for release throughout the year.
This detailed overview aims to expand upon the video’s highlights, providing a comprehensive look at the releases that captured the attention of gamers worldwide. Attention is paid to each game’s unique attributes, significant features, and the broader trends they represent within the gaming industry. Furthermore, specific release dates, where available, are integrated to offer a clear timeline of these exciting additions to the PC gaming library.
Early 2022 PC Game Releases: A Strong Start to the Year
The initial months of 2022 were packed with high-profile releases, setting a robust pace for the year’s new PC game releases. These titles spanned a variety of genres, catering to different player preferences and showcasing the versatility of the PC platform.
Weird West
On January 11, ‘Weird West’ introduced players to a dark fantasy reimagining of the Wild West. This action RPG, from the co-creators behind ‘Prey’ and ‘Dishonored,’ was characterized by its immersive simulation elements and strategic isometric gameplay. A fantastic sandbox, replete with mystery and secrets, was offered, inviting extensive exploration and narrative engagement.
Monster Hunter: Rise
Capcom’s ‘Monster Hunter: Rise’ made its long-awaited PC debut on January 12, following a year as a Nintendo Switch exclusive. This iteration was lauded as the most accessible ‘Monster Hunter’ game to date, offering PC players a smooth 60 frames per second experience with ultra-high textures. The game’s robust performance, powered by the RE Engine, served as an excellent prelude to its massive ‘Sunbreak’ expansion.
God of War
The critically acclaimed action-adventure title ‘God of War’ was released on PC on January 14, marking a significant move for Sony exclusives. This port allowed a wider audience to experience Kratos and Atreus’ epic journey through Norse mythology with enhanced visuals and improved performance. The opportunity to play this award-winning game on PC was greatly appreciated by many.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Extraction
January 20 saw the release of ‘Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Extraction,’ which represented a considerable departure for the series by venturing into science fiction. Players were tasked with forming three-person squads to combat an alien threat, a premise reminiscent of ‘Left 4 Dead.’ The game leveraged signature weapons and operators from ‘Rainbow Six Siege,’ adapting them for a cooperative horde-mode experience.
Dying Light 2: Stay Human
The much-anticipated sequel, ‘Dying Light 2: Stay Human,’ launched on February 4, deepening the franchise’s RPG elements. Its signature parkour mechanics were meticulously refined, enabling fluid traversal across its expansive urban environments. The narrative was designed to be impactful, with player choices significantly influencing the overarching story, promising a memorable journey.
Saints Row
A soft reboot of the popular open-world series, ‘Saints Row’ arrived on February 25, embracing a more outlandish and customizable approach. Extensive character customization options were provided, allowing for highly creative and often humorous designs. The inclusion of drop-in, drop-out co-op functionality further enhanced the experience, allowing players to wreak havoc across its open-world settings with a friend.
Elden Ring
Also released on February 25, ‘Elden Ring’ quickly became one of the most talked-about action RPGs of the year. Developed by FromSoftware, the game’s 15-minute gameplay preview generated substantial hype, showcasing a vast, meticulously crafted open world. It skillfully integrated mechanics from ‘Sekiro’ and ‘Dark Souls’ while forging its own identity, establishing a new benchmark for the genre.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt
February also brought ‘Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt,’ a free-to-play battle royale set within the ‘World of Darkness’ universe. This iteration distinguished itself through the incorporation of various vampire abilities, adding a unique tactical layer to the established battle royale formula. The game was made available in early access on Steam, allowing players to engage with its distinctive gameplay mechanics.
Mid-2022 and Beyond: Significant Upcoming PC Games
Beyond the early 2022 deluge, the year continued to promise a wealth of compelling 2022 PC game releases, with many fan-favorite franchises making a return. These titles represented key genres, from real-time strategy to expansive science fiction RPGs.
Total War: Warhammer III
The third major installment in the ‘Total War: Warhammer’ series, released in early 2022, was a highly anticipated title for strategy enthusiasts. It offered significant improvements to the real-time strategy experience, immersing players in the perilous Realm of Chaos. Here, battles against extra-dimensional enemies were fought, providing a grand-scale strategic challenge.
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
‘Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End’ and ‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’ arrived on PC in early 2022 as part of the ‘Legacy of Thieves Collection,’ marking another prominent PlayStation exclusive port. This move allowed PC players to experience Nathan Drake’s dramatic final adventure and Chloe Frazer’s standalone story with enhanced graphical fidelity. Such ports further enriched the PC gaming library with acclaimed console narratives.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl
Slated for an April 28 release, ‘S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl’ invited players back to the irradiated exclusion zone. Developed by GSC Game World and powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game promised an unprecedented level of environmental detail and atmospheric immersion. This survival horror experience aimed to deliver an intense journey through its dangerous, post-apocalyptic landscape.
The Day Before
On June 21, ‘The Day Before’ entered the survival genre, aiming to blend post-apocalyptic shooter elements with MMO-like gameplay. This indie title sought to evoke the atmosphere of games such as ‘The Division’ and ‘The Last of Us,’ where players scavenged for resources and collaborated in a zombie-infested world. Its open-world design was central to the survival experience.
Starfield
Bethesda’s ambitious science fiction RPG, ‘Starfield,’ was announced for a November 11 release. Described as ‘Skyrim in space,’ it was poised to offer an expansive universe with immense possibilities for exploration and gameplay. While early details were primarily from cinematic trailers, the game was expected to be a monumental addition to the RPG genre.
A brief interlude was provided in the video by its sponsor, Gold Inc., a free-to-play and play-to-earn multiplayer strategy game. This innovative title allowed players to construct a gold mining empire, starting with a significant in-game capital of 10 million. In this venture, players could purchase equipment, manage security, and mine for gold, with the unique ability to convert in-game earnings into real-world currency (mula). The game’s currency, GXB, was designed to increase in value daily, highlighting the growing trend of NFT gaming and the strategic advantages of early adoption. Gold Inc. was available on Android and iOS, reflecting the convergence of mobile and blockchain gaming trends.
Darkest Dungeon II
The sequel to the acclaimed Lovecraftian rogue-like, ‘Darkest Dungeon II,’ was confirmed for a 2022 release, initially in early access on the Epic Games Store. This installment expanded upon its predecessor’s maddening dungeon-crawling formula with new mechanics and enhanced visual flair. Its grotesque and unpredictable challenges were awaited by fans of the original.
Company of Heroes 3
‘Company of Heroes 3,’ the third entry in the iconic real-time strategy series, was also set for a 2022 release. The game was expected to deliver heart-pounding combat with significantly improved graphics and more seamless tactical gameplay. Set to explore new theaters of war, it aimed to refine the strategic combat that defines the franchise.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Despite being in early access for a considerable period, ‘Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord’ was targeted for a full release in 2022. This medieval warfare simulator, nearly a decade in the making, retained the intricate strategic combat and grand-scale battles that captivated fans. Although reviews during early access were varied, the core magic of its gameplay was undeniably present.
Need for Speed 2022
An unnamed installment in the mainstream ‘Need for Speed’ racing franchise was also slated for a 2022 release. While details were scarce, the official announcement confirmed its development. The game faced high expectations, particularly with the recent successes of titles like ‘Forza Horizon 5’ and ‘Gran Turismo,’ underscoring the competitive nature of the racing genre.
Sons of the Forest
A sequel to the survival horror hit ‘The Forest,’ ‘Sons of the Forest’ was announced for 2022. Players were once again to be thrust into an isolated wilderness, confronting hungry cannibals and utilizing environmental resources for survival. The developers aimed to provide an improved exploration experience within an even larger and more perilous world.
Highly Anticipated Titles with TBD 2022 Release Dates
Several other significant titles, while lacking definitive release dates at the time of the video, were confirmed for a 2022 launch. These upcoming PC game launches represented a diverse spectrum of genres and franchises, ensuring continued excitement throughout the year.
Gotham Knights
Warner Brothers’ next Batman-universe game, ‘Gotham Knights,’ shifted its focus from the Caped Crusader to his proteges: Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, and Red Hood. Slated for 2022, the game tasked players with uncovering a vast Gotham conspiracy involving the Court of Owls. Its gameplay, akin to ‘Arkham Origins,’ incorporated a greater emphasis on RPG mechanics, indicating more character progression and numerical depth.
Hogwarts Legacy
The long-awaited Harry Potter RPG, ‘Hogwarts Legacy,’ was also expected in 2022, finally allowing players to create their own character and experience life within Hogwarts. While details remained limited, it was known that the game was set years before the events of the books. This title promised to fulfill a long-held wish for fans of the wizarding world.
Lost Ark
After being announced in 2014, the Korean MMORPG ‘Lost Ark’ was set to finally release to Western markets in 2022 with the assistance of Amazon Games. Designed for a fast and seamless action RPG experience, the game featured a richly detailed world and numerous distinct classes, each offering diverse gameplay styles. Its progression through closed beta stages indicated a readiness for its broader launch.
Little Devil Inside
An indie action-adventure game with a distinctive visual style, ‘Little Devil Inside’ was also on the list for 2022. Set in a mystifying Victorian-era world, players assumed the role of a wanderer navigating treacherous landscapes and engaging with mythical creatures. Recent trailers offered glimpses into the numerous adventures and challenges awaiting players in this unique title.
Against the Storm
‘Against the Storm,’ an indie city builder integrating rogue-like mechanics, was designated as a timed Epic Games exclusive for its 2022 release. Players were tasked with managing and expanding an empire inhabited by a variety of fantastical creatures. The game’s dynamic world, subject to unpredictable elements, ensured a constantly evolving city-building experience.
Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League
Rocksteady’s next project, ‘Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League,’ was confirmed for a 2022 release, focusing on Harley Quinn, King Shark, Deadshot, and Captain Boomerang. This departure from Batman-centric narratives promised a fresh take on the DC universe. Although gameplay details were sparse, cinematic trailers hinted at an exciting, character-driven action experience.
The Invincible
Lastly, ‘The Invincible,’ a science fiction horror game from Starward Industries, was also on the horizon for 2022. Its retro-futuristic visuals drew comparisons to titles like ‘BioShock’ and ‘Atomic Heart.’ The game’s primary objective was to induce fear, employing survival horror mechanics similar to ‘Amnesia’ and ‘Layers of Fear,’ making it an intriguing prospect for genre fans.
The year 2022 was indeed a monumental period for upcoming PC games of 2022, delivering a vast array of titles that catered to virtually every gaming preference. From expansive open-world RPGs to intense strategic battles and compelling narrative adventures, the releases provided players with countless hours of engagement. This vibrant selection ensured that the PC platform continued to be a dynamic and essential destination for gamers worldwide.
