Top PC Games of 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to New PC Releases
As highlighted in the accompanying video, 2024 is proving to be an exceptional year for PC gamers, boasting an impressive lineup of new releases and highly anticipated sequels. This year brings a diverse array of titles, from expansive open-world adventures and intense action RPGs to strategic simulations and thrilling survival horror experiences. Consequently, there is something exciting on the horizon for every type of player, whether you prefer exploring vast digital landscapes or engaging in deep, narrative-driven sagas.
The gaming industry continues to push technological boundaries, with many developers leveraging advanced engines like Unreal Engine 5 to deliver stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. This comprehensive guide delves deeper into some of the most prominent PC games of 2024, expanding on their unique features, gameplay mechanics, and what makes them standout additions to the gaming world. We will explore both titles that have already launched and those eagerly awaited by the community, ensuring you are well-informed about the best PC games this year has to offer.
Anticipated PC Games Coming in 2024
A significant portion of 2024’s excitement stems from games yet to be released, promising innovation and fresh experiences. These titles build anticipation with their unique concepts, compelling narratives, and cutting-edge graphics, making them a focal point for many gamers.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl
Scheduled for release on September 5th, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl is a first-person shooter that intricately blends survival horror and RPG elements. This highly anticipated sequel significantly expands upon the original 2007 title by offering a vast, open-world environment set within a radioactive wasteland known as The Zone. Players will navigate anomalies and mutated creatures, experiencing a rich story and enhanced graphics that redefine the series.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
A faithful remake of the iconic stealth-action game, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is expected to launch later this year, potentially in November or December. This project is committed to preserving the essence of the original, even utilizing the original voice cast and recordings, a decision widely praised by fans. While it offers a substantial graphical overhaul, its core gameplay and narrative are meticulously recreated, promising a nostalgic yet fresh experience for both veterans and new players.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Set to release on May 21st, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II continues the critically acclaimed dark fantasy action-adventure saga of Celtic warrior Senua. The sequel promises to expand significantly on themes of mental illness and resilience, which were central to the original game’s success. Developed by a now-larger studio, it aims to deliver an even more immersive and impactful narrative journey, building upon the studio’s early achievements.
Dune: Awakening
This open-world survival MMO immerses players in the harsh deserts of Arrakis, drawing heavily from Frank Herbert’s iconic science fiction universe. Although a specific release date for 2024 is not yet confirmed, Dune: Awakening will feature resource management, base building, and intense conflicts between rival factions over the vital Spice. Consequently, players will contend with giant sandworms and treacherous sandstorms, creating a truly unique survival experience.
Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure game that artfully combines medieval history with fantasy elements. While it shares some DNA with Black Desert Online, this title offers a distinctly single-player focused experience, emphasizing storytelling and character development around the mercenary leader Macduff. Although a release date is pending, players can expect engaging combat, both on foot and mounted, alongside diverse activities such as hunting and trading, all within the expansive continent of Pywell.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Landing on June 20th, Shadow of the Erdtree is the highly anticipated expansion for the critically acclaimed Elden Ring. This new chapter will transport players beyond the familiar Lands Between into uncharted territories, brimming with fresh lore, enemies, bosses, and characters. The expansion further deepens the game’s intricate mythology, providing new challenges and narrative threads that fans have eagerly awaited since the base game’s release.
Hades 2
The sequel to the beloved roguelike dungeon crawler, Hades 2, is set to arrive in 2024, with no specific date announced. This installment introduces players to the Immortal Princess of the Underworld on a new journey, featuring entirely new gods, enemies, and environments. True to its predecessor, it promises dynamic story elements and a distinctive art style, further solidifying Supergiant Games’ reputation for compelling and visually striking titles.
The First Descendant
Running on Unreal Engine 5, The First Descendant is a visually stunning free-to-play third-person co-op action RPG expected in 2024. Players assume the role of Descendants, endowed with unique abilities, tasked with defending their fantasy world from an alien threat. This title offers both PvE and PvP modes and introduces an interesting co-op spin on the action RPG formula, differentiating it from many genre counterparts.
Star Wars Outlaws
Ubisoft’s upcoming action-adventure game, Star Wars Outlaws, is slated for release this year, though a precise date remains undisclosed. This title promises a blend of stealth, exploration, combat, and a compelling narrative across various planets. Drawing comparisons to the Uncharted series, it aims to deliver a robust Star Wars experience, immersing players in a cinematic journey within the iconic galaxy far, far away.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
This action-adventure game, set in the 1930s, offers a unique first-person perspective, promising an intriguing blend of exploration, intricate puzzles, and cinematic storytelling. While reminiscent of Tomb Raider or Uncharted, the first-person whipping and distinct mechanics set it apart. Expected to land in 2024, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle aims to deliver a fresh take on the classic archaeologist’s adventures, drawing players into its rich historical setting.
Silent Hill 2 Remake
A highly anticipated reimagining of the classic survival horror game, the Silent Hill 2 Remake by Bloober Team is expected in 2024. The developers aim to retain the unsettling essence of the original while updating it with modern graphics and gameplay, akin to the successful Resident Evil remakes. Players will step into James Sunderland’s shoes as he searches for his deceased wife, uncovering dark and disturbing secrets in a truly atmospheric experience.
Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2
Launching on September 9th, Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the 2011 action-packed third-person shooter. Building on its predecessor’s foundation, it features enhanced graphics, a deeper narrative, and promises additional content. This installment aims to immerse players in the brutal, futuristic warfare of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, offering intense combat and an expanded story for fans of the franchise.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong, a highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Metroidvania, is expected to release sometime in 2024. This action-adventure side-scroller shifts focus to Hornet, the Princess-protector of Hallownest, as she explores a completely new kingdom. Players can anticipate new acrobatic abilities and expanded mechanics, further enhancing the rich world and challenging gameplay that made the original a fan favorite.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
The next chapter in BioWare’s revered RPG series, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, is set for release in 2024. This installment follows the story of Solas, the enigmatic Dreadwolf, promising deep storytelling, character studies, and strategic combat. BioWare’s signature political intrigue is expected to return, making this a significant addition to the Dragon Age saga, though a specific release date remains under wraps.
Ark 2
Ark 2, the sequel to the popular survival game Ark: Survival Evolved, aims to elevate the survival genre by introducing vastly improved graphics, more dynamic ecosystems, and enhanced AI. While a concrete release date for 2024 is not yet available, this game promises to evolve the dinosaur-filled survival experience to new heights. Players can expect an even more immersive and challenging world, building upon the original’s success.
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown
This racing game revitalizes the Test Drive Unlimited franchise with an open world that is a 1:1 scale replica of Hong Kong Island. Expected in 2024, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown promises unparalleled freedom of exploration and deep immersion in car culture through the Solar Crown competition. Fans of the series can look forward to a detailed and expansive racing experience, celebrating automotive passion in a stunning setting.
Hyper Light Breaker
Inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and building on the success of Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, Hyper Light Breaker is a roguelike adventure game coming in 2024. It features procedurally generated biomes, dynamic traversal, and combat reminiscent of its predecessors. Although a specific release date has not been announced, fans of developer Heart Machine’s distinctive art style and challenging gameplay are eagerly awaiting this title.
Gothic 1 Remake
The classic action RPG Gothic, originally released in 2001, is receiving a full remake in 2024. This project aims to preserve the essence of the original while providing better graphics, a more accessible user interface, and refining some of its “jankier” aspects. The remake intends to introduce the beloved, albeit quirky, world of Gothic to a new generation of players while appeasing long-time fans with a modernized experience.
Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular free-to-play action RPG, is expected to launch in 2024. Set 20 years after the first game, it features a grittier, darker aesthetic and introduces a revamped skill system for greater customization and flexibility. Players can look forward to new classes, equipment, and challenges, expanding on the deep and rewarding gameplay that made the original a strong contender in the ARPG genre.
Black Myth: Wukong
Set to release on August 20th, Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Players will embody Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, battling mythical creatures in a visually stunning world rooted in Chinese folklore and history. This title has garnered significant attention for its impressive graphics and challenging combat, promising an epic and culturally rich adventure.
Fable Reboot
Playground Games is developing the Fable Reboot, an action RPG set in the living Lands, part of the world of Eora, slated for release in fall or winter 2024. Players will assume control of an Envoy of the Aedyr Empire, tasked with investigating a mysterious plague. This reboot marks a new era for the beloved franchise, moving beyond its original creator to offer a fresh perspective on its unique blend of humor, choice, and fantasy adventure.
Must-Play PC Games Released This Year
Several highly anticipated titles have already graced PC platforms in 2024, setting a high bar for the rest of the year. These games have quickly garnered critical acclaim and widespread player engagement, becoming instant favorites.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Already released, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has been highly recommended for its refreshing return to the franchise’s roots as a platformer and puzzler with strong Metroidvania elements. The game features non-linear 2D exploration, fluid parkour-style movement, and acrobatic combat. It has been lauded for its engaging gameplay and innovative approach, revitalizing the classic series with a modern twist.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Granblue Fantasy: Relink, an action RPG that expands the Granblue Fantasy universe from its web-based origins, is now available. This title offers serious real-time combat and beautiful graphics, showcasing a significant evolution for the franchise. With input from Platinum Games’ Yasuyuki Kaji, the game delivers an engaging blend of JRPG and action RPG elements, making it a compelling experience for fans of both genres.
Tekken 8
Tekken 8 has redefined the fighting game genre since its release, continuing the dramatic saga of the Mishima Clan with insane graphics and elevated combat. The game has received immense praise for its intricate mechanics and stunning visuals, significantly improving upon its predecessor. It is highly recommended for both long-time fans and newcomers seeking a top-tier fighting experience, demonstrating remarkable depth and intensity.
Manor Lords
Launched on April 26th, Manor Lords is a strategy game that combines city-building, resource management, and tactical warfare in a feudal setting. Its unique emphasis on organic growth based on player decisions and the landscape sets it apart. The game also features large-scale, visually impressive battles that require strategic planning and troop management, offering a deep and rewarding simulation experience for strategy enthusiasts.
Persona 3 Reload
Persona 3 Reload, an updated version of the game that established the formula for Persona 4 and 5, is now available. This title benefits from updated visuals and mechanics that align more closely with Persona 5, offering the definitive way to experience Persona 3. Despite some content omissions from previous versions, it remains a robust and engaging JRPG, captivating players with its deep narrative and memorable characters over tens of hours.
Enshrouded
Currently in Early Access, Enshrouded is a co-op survival action RPG set in a mysterious, eerie world focused on exploration and puzzle-solving. It has received very positive reviews for its impressive visuals and sound design. Players engage in crafting, combat, and base building within a well-received and continually updated game environment, making it a strong contender in the crowded survival genre.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth continues the series’ full transition into the JRPG genre, offering a uniquely quirky and engaging experience. This title blends traditional JRPG mechanics with elements of its beat ’em up origins, creating a truly bizarre and massively fun adventure. It has been highly praised for its engaging story and memorable characters, solidifying its place as a must-play for fans of the Yakuza series and peculiar JRPGs.
Homeworld 3
Developed by Blackbird and published by Gearbox, Homeworld 3 brings real-time strategy to space, now available since May 13th (with advanced access on May 10th). This crowdfunded sequel, in development since 2017, boasts epic battles and utilizes modern hardware for stunning visuals. It offers a bigger, better experience for fans of the franchise, delivering grand-scale space combat and strategic depth.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Released earlier this month, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is an action RPG from Don’t Nod, known for its unique narrative-driven games. This title tells a poignant love story between a living Ghost Hunter and his ghostly partner. Players use a combination of physical attacks and spiritual powers to battle supernatural forces, earning positive Steam reviews for its engaging combat and compelling emotional depth.
Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered
Launched in early February, Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered offers a faithful update to the classic action-adventure games. This collection provides improved graphics while retaining the original look and includes a modern control method, alongside the ability to switch between new and old visuals at any time. It has received excellent feedback for delivering exactly what it promises: a high-quality remaster of beloved classics, complete with original expansion content.
Palworld
Palworld, currently in Early Access, is a multiplayer open-world survival and crafting game often described as “Ark Survival with guns and Pokémon.” Despite some controversy, it has achieved massive success, maintaining a 93% positive rating from over 235,000 reviews. New content is expected in the coming months, highlighting its ongoing development and widespread appeal for its unique blend of monster-collecting and survival mechanics.
Pacific Drive
Pacific Drive, a supernatural survival game, is now available, offering a fresh take on the genre. Players must navigate treacherous, anomaly-filled environments in a station wagon, constantly repairing and upgrading their vehicle. This game uniquely focuses on driving mechanics as a core survival element, creating a tense and engaging experience centered around overcoming life-threatening storms and mysterious phenomena.
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 has exploded in popularity since its release, transforming the original top-down shooter into a frantic third-person cooperative experience. Building on the 2015 original, this sequel amps up the action to extreme levels, delivering incredibly fun and chaotic battles against alien threats. Its widespread acclaim and consistent player engagement make it a standout title for anyone seeking exhilarating co-op gameplay.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2, a highly anticipated action RPG, launched on March 22nd. The original game, released in 2012, garnered a massive cult following, and this sequel aims to deliver on its promise by leveraging modern technology to realize previously impossible concepts. Players can expect an expanded and refined combat system, alongside all the beloved elements that made the original a unique and memorable adventure.
