Top 20 Most Anticipated Games of 2024 Ranked (Our Picks)

Ready to dive into what 2024 has in store for us? It’s shaping up to be an epic year with some highly anticipated titles set to hit our screens.

From action-packed adventures to immersive RPGs, there’s something for everyone.

Let’s take a sneak peek at the top 20 games you should be hyped about!

20Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

“Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” is making a grand return, reviving the classic series with a fresh twist. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, the studio behind the Rayman series, this game is set to release on January 18, 2024.

It’s a 2.5D platform action-adventure game that introduces us to a new hero, Sargon, a member of The Immortals warrior clan. Your mission? To rescue the kidnapped Prince Ghassan in the cursed city of Mount Qaf.

This title stands out with its side-scrolling action-adventure gameplay, allowing Sargon to showcase his agility and combat prowess.

A mix of quick platforming actions like jumping, sliding, and air dashing, combined with strategic combat elements, makes for a thrilling experience. Special time-based powers and various puzzles add depth to the gameplay, typical of Metroidvania games.

Expect interconnected worlds, hidden rooms, and time crystals that unlock new weapon upgrades.

The game’s narrative is deeply rooted in Persian mythology, with a modern touch in its visual design, aiming to bring a fresh perspective to the franchise. The time powers from “The Sands of Time” series make a comeback, but with a twist - they are used by the game’s antagonist, not Sargon.

The artistic direction promises to deliver high-quality graphics and immersive cinematics, all running smoothly at 60 fps on all platforms.

Ubisoft is not just reviving a beloved series; they’re reimagining it for a new generation, blending traditional elements with modern design and storytelling.

19Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

“Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” is set to launch on February 2, 2024, marking Rocksteady Studios’ return to the Arkham Universe since “Batman: Arkham Knight.”

The game is exclusive to next-gen platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, showcasing why it’s not available on older consoles like Xbox One or PS4.

Set in Metropolis, it thrusts players into an alien invasion led by Brainiac, who has brainwashed the Justice League, turning them against humanity.

The game features four playable characters - Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark - each with unique abilities and skill trees.

Deadshot offers traditional action-genre gameplay, Harley Quinn excels in acrobatics, King Shark brings brute force, and Captain Boomerang uses speed to his advantage. Players can expect a melee system for devastating juggle attacks and a gear system to enhance character power with weapons.

18Nightingale

“Nightingale” is a captivating open-world survival crafting game set to enter Early Access on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on February 22, 2024. Developed by Inflexion Games, this title marks a new venture for a team that includes industry veterans from BioWare.

“Nightingale” immerses players in a Victorian Realmwalkers world, a player-versus-environment experience where you’re stranded in a network of mystical and fantastical realms due to the collapse of the arcane portal network.

This crisis leaves you battling for survival in a labyrinth of realms filled with beauty and danger.

The game explores the relationship between humans and the Fae, a magical race that has significantly influenced human civilization.

After a devastating virus in the late 1800s, survivors seek refuge in the Fae Realms, where they must navigate their way to the city of Nightingale, the last known human bastion.

17Destiny 2: The Final Shape

“Destiny 2: The Final Shape” brings an epic conclusion to a decade of storytelling in Destiny’s universe, with its release now scheduled for June 6, 2024.

This expansion is highly anticipated as it promises to end the Light and Darkness saga, a central narrative element that has been a part of Destiny 2’s lore.

In “The Final Shape,” players will find themselves at the crux of the ultimate showdown with The Witness, a character poised on the brink of victory.

An intriguing aspect of the expansion is the mysterious return of Cayde-6, a beloved character, adding a layer of suspense and excitement. This expansion is set to host the biggest battle in Destiny 2’s history, taking place within the enigmatic structures of the Traveler itself.

The expansion will introduce several new gameplay features and systems. Players can look forward to new Exotics, weapon upgrades, and a revamped post-launch structure.

The Final Shape will also bring an episodic approach to storytelling, aiming to provide a more continuous and engaging narrative experience.

16Homeworld 3

“Homeworld 3”, set for release on March 8, 2024, is the long-awaited sequel in the acclaimed Homeworld series, renowned for its real-time strategy gameplay set in space.

Developed by Blackbird Interactive, which includes veterans from the original Homeworld games, this title promises to expand on the series’ legacy with modern technological enhancements.

The narrative of Homeworld 3 unfolds a century after the events of Homeworld 2, marking a new chapter in humanity’s interstellar journey. This era, described as a golden age for humanity, is threatened by a mysterious force known as the Anomaly, spreading across the cosmos.

The game’s campaign centers around Imogen S’Jet, the successor to Karan S’Jet, as she holds the key to unraveling the mysteries threatening the galaxy’s future.

Homeworld 3 remains faithful to the series’ roots in real-time space strategy, allowing players to command fleets of spaceships across a three-dimensional plane. Strategic positioning in galactic sectors is crucial due to the realistic ballistics system, where line of sight and cover are vital.

Players must manage their fleet judiciously, as it persists from mission to mission, making the conservation of ships and resources a key element of strategy.

15Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines 2

“Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2,” has undergone a significant development journey. Originally pitched in 2016 by developer Hardsuit Labs and writer Brian Mitsoda, the game experienced multiple delays and a change in development teams.

Paradox Interactive, the game’s publisher, parted ways with Hardsuit Labs due to differing visions for the final product and later handed the project to The Chinese Room, known for narrative-driven games like “Dear Esther” and “Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture.”

The vision for “Bloodlines 2” under The Chinese Room involves capturing the player fantasy of being a vampire in a video game and faithfully representing “Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition.” The game’s protagonist is now an elder vampire new to Seattle, as opposed to a newly formed Thinblood vampire.

This shift accompanies an upgrade from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5. Gameplay remains first-person, with various combat options and abilities adapted from the RPG.

Players must maintain the Masquerade, avoiding exposing their vampire identity in public, with narrative consequences for breaches.

14Ark 2

“Ark 2,” initially set for release in 2023, has been delayed to late 2024. This sequel to the popular survival game “Ark: Survival Evolved” is being developed by Studio Wildcard and will be available on PC, Xbox Series S/X, and Xbox Game Pass.

The game’s development journey has been complex, with the team deciding to delay the release to ensure they can deliver the best possible experience.

This decision also aligns with the game being developed on Unreal Engine 5, a powerful but relatively new toolset for the developers. They need more time to understand and leverage this engine effectively to make “Ark 2” as good as it can be.

In the meantime, to appease fans and provide a next-gen Ark experience, Studio Wildcard announced the release of “Ark: Survival Ascended,” a remastered version of the original game using Unreal Engine 5. This remaster is scheduled for release in August and will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.

“Ark: Survival Ascended” will feature significant updates and improvements over the first game, including a dynamic water system, interactive foliage, performance gains, and cross-platform multiplayer and modding capabilities.

“Ark 2” itself is expected to undergo some significant design changes from the original game. These include a focus on “Souls-like” combat, primitive-only weaponry, and strict third-person mechanics. The game is also said to adopt a ‘very serious’ tone, differentiating it from its predecessor.

13Palworld

“Palworld,” set to release into early access in January 2024, is an open-world game that combines creature collection with a unique and somewhat surreal twist. The game, developed by Pocketpair, is often described as “Pokémon with guns.”

Players can befriend and collect various creatures, known as Pals, in an expansive world. However, unlike traditional creature collection games, “Palworld” allows players to engage in armed combat alongside their Pals.

The gameplay involves traditional elements like catching Pals using specially designed spheres, breeding to create powerful variations, and pitting Pals against each other to strengthen them.

Also, the game incorporates survival and crafting mechanics, requiring players and their Pals to gather resources for survival. You can expect to navigate through diverse environments, ranging from arctic landscapes to active volcanoes.

12Black Myth: Wukong

“Black Myth: Wukong” is an action RPG scheduled for release on August 20, 2024. Developed by Game Science, the game is highly anticipated due to its stunning visual presentation and gameplay based on Chinese mythology.

It draws inspiration from the classic 16th-century Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” and features a unique, visually striking world filled with diverse and fantastical creatures.

In “Black Myth: Wukong,” players assume the role of the titular character, Wukong, who is a monkey-like figure with extraordinary combat abilities.

The game’s setting and character design stand out for their departure from traditional western fantasy tropes, incorporating elements from eastern mythology and folklore.

The gameplay is described as Soulslike, a term that refers to games inspired by the “Dark Souls” series, known for their challenging combat and intricate world design.

This means players can expect intricate combat mechanics requiring skillful timing and strategy, particularly in battles against the game’s numerous enemies, which range from animalistic creatures to demonic entities.

11The Wolf Among Us 2

“The Wolf Among Us 2” is an upcoming episodic graphic adventure game, set to release in 2024. Developed and published by Telltale Games with the assistance of AdHoc Studio, the game is a sequel to the 2013 title “The Wolf Among Us.”

The narrative continues six months after the events of the first game. This sequel promises to further explore the noir world of fairytale characters living in our reality, with players once again stepping into the shoes of Bigby, “The Big Bad Wolf” and Sheriff of Fabletown.

The game has seen a turbulent development history. Initially, Telltale Games planned a second season after completing the first game in 2014 but had to delay due to other projects.

Despite announcing the sequel in 2017 for a 2018 release, internal studio issues led to its postponement.

The situation was further complicated by Telltale’s majority studio closure in 2018, which led to the cancellation of several projects, including this sequel.

10Blue Protocol

“Blue Protocol,” a highly anticipated free-to-play MMORPG developed by Bandai Namco and published by Amazon Games, is set for a worldwide release in 2024.

The game, which already debuted in Japan in June 2023, stands out with its striking anime-style visuals and promises an immersive MMO experience.

Set in the futuristic world of Regnas, which faces impending destruction due to an overreliance on technology, “Blue Protocol” offers a rich narrative. Players embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind their origins and confront their destiny.

The game features extensive character customization, dynamic combat, and a focus on both solo and multiplayer gameplay, including raids and dungeons.

Five playable classes will be available at launch: Blade Warden, Keen Strider, Spell Weaver, Twin Striker, and Foe Breaker, each offering unique abilities and playstyles.

“Blue Protocol” has been designed with a controller-first approach, although it will also support keyboard and mouse controls.

9Star Wars Outlaws

“Star Wars Outlaws” is an upcoming open-world game set in the Star Wars universe, marking a new venture in the franchise’s gaming history.

Developed by Massive Entertainment and published by Ubisoft in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, the game is scheduled for release in 2024 on platforms including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

“Star Wars Outlaws” takes place in the period between “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” This timeframe offers a rich narrative potential, as it encompasses a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga.

The game’s open-world format is a first for a Star Wars game, promising a vast galaxy to explore with distinct planets, both iconic and new.

Players will step into the role of Kay Vess, a character voiced by Humberly González. Alongside her loyal companion Nix, voiced by Dee Bradley Baker, players will navigate the galaxy’s underworld.

The game focuses on a cast of rogues and ne’er-do-wells, differing from the typical Jedi-centric narratives, offering a fresh perspective in the Star Wars universe.

8Avowed

“Avowed,” an upcoming first-person RPG by Obsidian Entertainment. The game expands the universe created in the original Pillars of Eternity games, offering a new perspective and a land to explore in the world of Eora.

Players will delve into the Living Lands, an island filled with diverse ecosystems, from bustling port towns to areas with fantastical plant life and creatures like sentient mushrooms and lizard-like Xaurips.

The game features a new first-person combat system, giving players a variety of options including swords, shields, pistols, magical spells, and more. The combat system allows for dual wielding, providing numerous combinations for players to experiment with.

Companions play a significant role in the adventure, with the first companion being Kai, a former soldier who guides the player through the Living Lands. The diverse array of enemies and unique environments promises a rich, immersive experience.

“Avowed” will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows 10/11, and Steam, and will also be accessible on day one with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.

7Frostpunk 2

“Frostpunk 2,” set to launch in the first half of 2024, is the sequel to the popular and challenging city-builder survival game “Frostpunk.” Developed by 11 bit studios, this sequel will be available on PC via platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.

In “Frostpunk 2,” players will move from coal to oil as their primary power source. The game’s objective remains the same: to survive the harsh winter conditions.

But the needs of the people can sometimes conflict with the best interests of the colony, and players must make tough decisions to ensure survival. This aspect of the game emphasizes the tension inherent in management games, where a single wrong decision can lead to the collapse of an entire settlement.

The sequel is set 30 years after the original, with years of whiteouts giving the world a clean slate as The City grew and progressed.

6Greedfall 2: The Dying World

“GreedFall 2: The Dying World,” the sequel to the 2019 RPG “GreedFall,” is officially scheduled for release sometime in 2024.

Developed by Spiders and published by Nacon, this game is eagerly awaited by fans who appreciated the original title for its engaging gameplay and narrative.

Details about “GreedFall 2: The Dying World” have been scarce since its announcement, but an update, possibly including a gameplay reveal and a specific release date, is expected in the early months of 2024.

The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Its announcement has generated excitement, especially considering the success and unique qualities of its predecessor.

5S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Heart of Chernobyl

“S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl” is an eagerly anticipated first-person shooter survival horror video game developed and published by Ukrainian game developer GSC Game World. The game is a sequel to the acclaimed S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, known for its immersive gameplay set in the post-apocalyptic Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.

“S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2” promises to deliver a unique blend of first-person shooter, immersive sim, and horror elements. Players will explore the vast and dangerous Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, full of deadly enemies, anomalies, and powerful artifacts.

The game is expected to feature a non-linear story, allowing players to shape their own narrative and make choices that affect the game world.

The game is designed to provide a one-of-a-kind gameplay experience, combining elements of action, simulation, and horror in a post-apocalyptic setting.

The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone in the game will present a unique, dangerous, and ever-changing environment, promising a deep and immersive experience.

“S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl” is planned to be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. The game will be a Microsoft-exclusive release, initially launching on Microsoft Windows and the Xbox Series X/S. This exclusivity is slated to last for three months following its release.

4Little Nightmares III

“Little Nightmares III,” set for release in 2024, is a continuation of the acclaimed puzzle-platform horror adventure series.

Developed by Bandai Namco Europe, this installment introduces a new setting, the Necropolis, a desolate desert city overflowing with windmills and sails. It’s a city of eternal energy but also certain death, with the original inhabitants, the Dwellers, having disappeared.

The game introduces two new characters, Low and Alone, who are determined children seeking an escape from this distorted world. Players can use Low’s bow and arrows and Alone’s wrench to survive new challenges.

For the first time in the franchise, “Little Nightmares III” will feature online co-op, allowing players to face their childhood fears together. Alternatively, players can opt for solo play with an AI companion.

The Necropolis presents various dangers, including Monster Baby, a new Resident whose clumsiness and size add to the game’s eerie atmosphere. Other hazards also lurk in this dead metropolis, promising a mix of intrigue and horror.

“Little Nightmares III” will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Additionally, an original story set in the Little Nightmares universe is being released as a podcast series called “The Sounds of Nightmares,” following a young girl, Noone, and her counselor, Otto.

3Senua’s Saga Hellblade II

“Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II,” developed by Ninja Theory and published by Xbox Game Studios, is set for release in 2024. This action-adventure game is a sequel to “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.”

It will be available for Windows and Xbox Series X/S platforms. The game was first revealed in 2019 alongside the Xbox Series X console reveal.

Hellblade II takes place in Iceland and continues the intense narrative and visual style of its predecessor. It utilizes advanced photogrammetry and cloud generating technology to create dramatic landscapes and atmospheres.

The game’s development has involved creating real costumes and scanning them in, with a focus on delivering photorealistic visuals. Melina Juergens returns as Senua, and her preparation for the role has included demanding and severe fighting training.

2Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” is scheduled to release on February 29, 2024, for PlayStation 5. This action role-playing game by Square Enix is a sequel to “Final Fantasy VII Remake” (2020) and the second in a planned trilogy, remaking the 1997 PlayStation game “Final Fantasy VII.”

The game features real-time exploration and combat, expanding into a more open-ended environment compared to the linear progression of the “Midgar” section in the first remake.

Players will primarily control Cloud Strife, a former Shinra soldier, and join forces with the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE. The gameplay will combine real-time action with strategic and role-playing elements, and players can also ride Chocobos for faster traversal.

“Rebirth” builds on the hybrid combat system introduced in the previous game, featuring a mix of physical attacks, magic casting, and the use of items.

The story is a direct continuation of “Final Fantasy VII Remake,” focusing on the journey to end Shinra’s exploitation of the planet and defeat Sephiroth. The plot will span from leaving Midgar to the Forgotten Capital, though with some changes in the order of locations explored compared to the original game.

1Tekken 8

“Tekken 8” is set to revolutionize the fighting game scene with its release on January 26, 2024. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc., this entry in the legendary Tekken series will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

This game is not just an incremental update but a significant leap forward, as it’s the first major fighting game to be powered by Unreal Engine 5, promising stunning visuals and a more cinematic fighting environment.

What sets “Tekken 8” apart is its focus on an aggressive combat system that rewards offense-first tactics. This means players can expect more spectacular fights with a new emphasis on stage destruction and character reactions.

This approach breathes new life into the series, offering a fresh and dynamic combat experience.

The game’s premise is intriguing, set six months after “Tekken 7”, focusing on the final confrontation between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama. This father-and-son rivalry has been a cornerstone of the series, and “Tekken 8” promises to bring their story to a new crescendo.