10 Hottest Games Coming Summer 2024
As the sun begins to blaze and the days grow longer, gamers worldwide eagerly anticipate the hottest new releases of the summer. From highly-anticipated DLCs to brand-new titles, Summer 2024 promises to deliver a thrilling array of games across all platforms. Whether you're a fan of epic fantasy adventures, intense strategy battles, or immersive sci-fi experiences, there's something for everyone in this season's lineup. Here are the ten must-play games heating up the summer of 2024.
1. Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance
- Release Date: June 14, 2024
- Developing Studio: Atlus
- Device: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is an enhanced re-release of the 2021 game Shin Megami Tensei V, adding significant new content and improvements. The original game, a major entry in the long-running SMT series, was known for its complex narrative, challenging gameplay, and post-apocalyptic setting. In Vengeance, players will experience quality-of-life improvements, new gameplay elements, and a substantial amount of additional content, making it much more than a simple update.
One of the major additions in Vengeance is a new storyline centered around the theme of revenge, which ties into existing themes from the original game and introduces new characters, both allies and villains. The story expands with the inclusion of Yoko Hiro Min, a transfer student with her own supernatural abilities who becomes a central figure in the narrative. The plot also features the villainous Kadish Trio, a group of demons embodying twisted revenge.
The game incorporates new regions, such as a heavenly, ethereal area, and includes over 40 new demons for players to collect and battle with. The gameplay experience is further enhanced with technical upgrades like higher resolution and smoother performance on PS5, as well as numerous quality-of-life improvements. Players can expect around 75 more hours of gameplay with this re-release, according to Atlus.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance will be available on multiple platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S, allowing a broader audience to experience the definitive version of this critically acclaimed RPG when it launches on June 14th.
2. Blud
- Release Date: June 18, 2024
- Developing Studio: Exit Plan Games
- Device: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One, Switch
BLUD is a vibrant and engaging 2D hand-drawn dungeon crawler set to launch on June 18, 2024, for PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The game features a unique animation style reminiscent of "Ren and Stimpy" and "Clone High," blending whimsical visuals with an arcade-like gameplay experience. In BLUD, players control Becky Brewster, a high school student and the latest in a lineage of vampire hunters, as she navigates a world facing a vampire apocalypse.
The narrative centers around Becky’s quest to save her friends, fight off demonic infestations, and survive the challenges of freshman field hockey practice. The game creatively integrates social media elements, allowing Becky to take selfies with demonic forces to analyze their weaknesses. This quirky feature complements the game's over-the-top animation and humor, making it a delightful throwback to 1990s cartoons.
BLUD combines action RPG elements with dungeon crawling, offering a fresh take on the genre. Players can expect a mix of high-energy combat, exploration, and character interactions, all set against a backdrop of richly detailed, hand-drawn environments. With its intriguing storyline, engaging gameplay, and nostalgic animation style, BLUD promises to be a standout title for fans of both dungeon crawlers and animated adventures.
3. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Release Date: June 21, 2024
- Developing Studio: FromSoftware
- Device: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Elden Ring, a soulslike RPG developed by FromSoftware, took the gaming world by storm in 2022, earning the prestigious Game of the Year award at the Game Awards 2022. The game captivated players with its expansive open world, intricate lore co-created with A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin, and challenging combat mechanics. Set in the Lands Between, Elden Ring follows the journey of the Tarnished, who seeks to become the Elden Lord by reassembling the shattered Elden Ring and defeating formidable demigods.
Building on this success, FromSoftware announced the highly anticipated expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree. This new adventure transports players to the Land of Shadow, a mysterious realm physically separated from the Lands Between. Players will follow Miquella, brother of Malenia, a character minimally featured in the base game, as he seeks to uncover the central mystery of the land while retracing Queen Marika’s footsteps.
The expansion introduces Mesmer the Impaler as the antagonist, adding depth to the storyline with his destructive past and fiery powers. With a map larger than Limgrave and featuring dense, intricately designed areas, Shadow of the Erdtree promises a rich and immersive experience. The expansion also brings over 10 new bosses, a new level-up system, and maintains the series' signature challenging gameplay. Although George R.R. Martin did not contribute new work for this expansion, it is based on unused parts of the original mythos he created for Elden Ring. Set to launch on June 21st, Shadow of the Erdtree is poised to further solidify Elden Ring as a landmark title in modern gaming.
4. Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail
- Release Date: July 2, 2024 (June 28 for Early Access)
- Developing Studio: Square Enix
- Device: PC, PS, Xbox
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is an expansive new addition to the acclaimed Final Fantasy XIV (2010) MMORPG. It will launch on July 2, 2024, with early access beginning June 28. This update brings a significant graphical overhaul, enhancing textures, lighting, and character models to modernize the game's look while maintaining its beloved art style.
Key features include the introduction of the female Hrothgar race, adding diversity to character options, and two new jobs: Viper, a melee DPS wielding dual blades that can combine into a twin blade, and Pictomancer, a caster with painterly abilities. The level cap is raised to 100, with new skills and abilities to unlock.
The expansion features new regions inspired by South American landscapes and futuristic cyberpunk cities, offering a diverse and intriguing setting. Players can engage in Fate grinding for rewards, participate in double Extreme Trials at launch, and explore the vibrant, active community.
Dawntrail promises to be the biggest expansion yet, including alliance raids, beast tribe quests, Blue Mage updates, field operations like Eureka and Bozja, and more. With comprehensive content catering to various player interests, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail aims to deliver an immersive and evolving gaming experience.
5. Frostpunk 2
- Release Date: July 25, 2024
- Developing Studio: 11 bit studios
- Device: PC
Frostpunk 2, releasing on July 25, 2024, for PC, is a city-building survival game that expands significantly on its predecessor. Players must build and evolve a city to withstand the relentless cold, managing resources and navigating political factions.
In this sequel, entire city districts are constructed with a click, and time is measured in weeks and months. The game introduces a new “frostbreak” mechanic for thawing and extracting resources from the frozen ground. Players face tough choices, such as demanding double shifts from workers or sacrificing wildlife for food.
The narrative centers around New London, a city expanding through frostbreaking. The game shifts focus from resource gathering to workforce management, emphasizing the health and productivity of the population. The Council system is a key feature, where players must secure majority votes to pass laws, navigating factions like the Stalwarts, Frostlanders, and New Londoners.
Visually stunning with detailed steampunk architecture and atmospheric effects, Frostpunk 2 offers a complex, engaging experience. The game combines moral dilemmas and political intrigue, challenging players to keep their city and its inhabitants alive in a harsh, unforgiving environment.
6. Earth Defense Force 6
- Release Date: July 25, 2024
- Developing Studio: Sandlot
- Device: PC, PS4, PS5
Earth Defense Force 6, launching on July 25 for PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, is the latest installment in the long-running series known for its over-the-top, action-packed gameplay. Following the events of Earth Defense Force 5, humanity is once again under threat from a relentless invasion of giant bugs from Planet Space.
In Earth Defense Force 5, a hard-won victory over the invaders came at a steep price, with 90% of Earth's population wiped out and civilization on the brink of collapse. Now, just three years later, the alien menace has returned, and the Earth Defense Force (EDF) is urgently recruiting new soldiers to join the fight.
The game continues the series' tradition of embracing its "videogamey" nature, offering a comedic, self-aware take on the classic bug-hunting formula. The recruitment trailer humorously invites new players to join the EDF, with incentives like a juicy steak for early sign-ups, capturing the series' playful tone.
Earth Defense Force 6 promises large-scale battles, with players tasked with defending humanity against swarms of enormous insects and other alien threats. The gameplay focuses on sheer action and chaos, with a wide array of weapons and vehicles at players' disposal. Unlike the more strategic Helldivers 2, Earth Defense Force 6 leans into raw, unfiltered arcade-style shooting, offering a thrilling, no-holds-barred experience.
With its blend of humor, intense action, and classic "save the Earth" storyline, Earth Defense Force 6 continues to celebrate the series' unique charm and dedication to delivering pure, unabashed fun.
7. Black Myth: Wukong
- Release Date: August 20, 2024
- Developing Studio: Game Science
- Device: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Black Myth: Wukong is an upcoming third-person action RPG from Game Science, inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The game has garnered significant attention for its stunning visuals, intricate lore, and engaging combat mechanics since its first trailer in August 2020.
Game Science, founded by former Tencent employees Feng Ji and Yang Qi, previously released successful mobile games like 100 Heroes and Red Tides. They began developing Black Myth: Wukong in 2018, and the project's initial trailer received over 50 million views in China. The team has since expanded, with support from Tencent.
In Black Myth: Wukong, players step into the role of Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King, navigating a fantastical version of ancient China filled with gods, demons, and mythical creatures. The game blends traditional mythology with a dark fantasy twist, featuring Wukong's magical black iron staff that can grow and shrink, and combat stances including smash, pillar, and thrust forms. The game also includes spells, transformations, and dynamic environments.
The combat system, influenced by the Souls genre, emphasizes challenging boss fights and mini-boss encounters in unique arenas. The demo version showcased battles with Centipede Guay, Macaque Chief, and Tiger Vanguard, each with distinct attack patterns and environments. The game also features hidden bosses and varied environments like forests, villages, and temples.
Initially developed using Unreal Engine 4, the game switched to Unreal Engine 5 for advanced graphics capabilities. Black Myth: Wukong is set to release on August 20, 2024, for PC, PS5, and XSX/S platforms, offering over 15 hours of content with more than 160 enemies.
Black Myth: Wukong promises to be a significant addition to the gaming world, offering players an immersive and challenging experience in a richly crafted fantasy world.
8. Star Wars Outlaws
- Release Date: August 30, 2024
- Developing Studio: Massive Entertainment
- Device: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Star Wars Outlaws is an eagerly anticipated open-world, third-person action-adventure game set in the turbulent period between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Developed by Massive Entertainment with the stunning Snowdrop engine, this game promises to deliver the first truly open-world Star Wars experience, featuring expansive, handcrafted planets across the galaxy.
Players will step into the shoes of Kay Vess, a cunning scoundrel, and her trusty axolotl-like companion Nix, as they embark on one of the greatest heists the Outer Rim has ever seen. Inspired by the legendary adventures of Han Solo, Kay navigates the galaxy's dangerous underworld, interacting with notorious crime syndicates like the Hutts, Pykes, and the new Ashika Clan. Your reputation with these factions will influence the opportunities and challenges you face, making every decision crucial.
Gameplay blends stealth, close-quarters combat, and blaster firefights with exhilarating space battles aboard Kay’s ship, the Trailblazer. The game offers seamless transitions between on-foot exploration, speeder traversal, and space travel, creating an immersive Star Wars experience like never before.
Explore massive open-world environments inspired by iconic and new biomes. From the scorching deserts of Tatooine to the wild, untamed landscapes of Toshara, each planet is meticulously crafted to provide a unique and authentic Star Wars adventure. The narrative-driven gameplay allows for player choice and non-linear storytelling, ensuring a fresh experience with each playthrough.
Star Wars Outlaws is set to launch on August 30, 2024, with early access available on August 27 for those who purchase special editions. It will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, bringing the galaxy far, far away to life like never before.
9. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
- Release Date: September 5, 2024
- Developing Studio: GSC Game World
- Device: PC, Xbox Series X/S
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is the long-awaited sequel to the renowned S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, developed by GSC Game World. This first-person shooter immerses players in the eerie and hazardous Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, filled with anomalies, mutants, and hostile factions. Players assume the role of Skif, a seasoned stalker, navigating this treacherous landscape to uncover valuable artifacts and secrets.
The game features a seamless open world, spanning over 60 square kilometers, brought to life with Unreal Engine 5. The dynamic A-Life 2.0 system ensures an ever-changing world where events unfold independently of the player's actions. Combat involves over 30 customizable weapon types, and players must manage resources, hunger, and radiation levels.
The narrative is non-linear, with multiple endings influenced by player choices. Familiar locations like Cordon and Pripyat return, alongside new areas such as Duga. The game introduces new anomalies and mutants, enhancing the lore and danger of the Zone.
Initially announced in 2010, the game faced numerous delays due to financial issues and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which forced GSC Game World to relocate from Kyiv to Prague. Despite these challenges, the team is dedicated to delivering a polished and engaging experience. The current release date is September 5, 2024.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will be available on PC and Xbox Series X|S, with day-one access through Xbox Game Pass. While a PlayStation release has not been confirmed, it might be a timed-exclusive on Xbox for three months before expanding to other platforms.
With its release now in sight, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is set to be one of 2024's standout titles, offering a haunting and atmospheric gaming experience.
10. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
- Release Date: September 9, 2024
- Developing Studio: Saber Interactive
- Device: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, is set to release on September 9, 2024, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game continues the story of Lieutenant Titus of the Ultramarines, now enhanced by the Rubicon Primaris surgery, as he battles the deadly Tyranid hordes during the Fourth Tyranid War. Players will engage in brutal third-person combat, both ranged and melee, across multiple planets, with the option to play solo or in co-op mode. The game features extensive customization, six unique classes, and a variety of weapons and gear upgrades.
Built on Saber Interactive’s proprietary engine, Space Marine 2 promises detailed battlefields and massive enemy hordes. The game supports cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, with customization reminiscent of painting miniatures in the tabletop game. The Collector’s Edition includes a Lieutenant Titus statue, a steelbook, an art book, and the "Macragge’s Chosen" DLC. Fans can expect a thrilling continuation of the original game's legacy with rich lore, intense combat, and deep customization.
Have a great summer!
Summer 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting season for gamers, with a diverse lineup of highly anticipated titles. Whether you're a fan of RPGs, action-adventures, or strategy games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the enhanced Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance and the expansive Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC to the immersive world of Star Wars Outlaws and the intense combat of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, these games promise countless hours of thrilling gameplay. Get ready to dive into new adventures and unforgettable experiences as these hot summer releases hit the shelves.
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Patrick Yu is a Senior Project Manager at Level Interactive and has 8 years of experience writing business, legal, lifestyle, gaming, and technology articles. He is a significant contributor to Acer Corner and is currently based in Taipei, Taiwan.
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