The year 2024 is shaping up to be a standout for the gaming world, with releases that push the boundaries of graphics, storytelling, and immersive gameplay. From epic adventures and riveting RPGs to innovative indie games, this year’s lineup has something to offer for every type of gamer. In this article, we’ll explore some of the must-play video games of 2024, focusing on their unique features, gameplay mechanics, and why they’re capturing the attention of players everywhere.
1. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty – The Definitive Expansion
Why Cyberpunk 2077 is Worth Revisiting
After a rocky launch in 2020, CD Projekt Red has worked tirelessly to improve Cyberpunk 2077, culminating in the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion. Set in the dystopian world of Night City, this massive expansion introduces new storylines, characters, and gameplay mechanics that breathe fresh life into the game. Players join a high-stakes mission with Idris Elba’s character, Solomon Reed, as they uncover secrets that change the fate of the city.
What Makes Phantom Liberty a Must-Play
With revamped AI, smoother mechanics, and enhanced graphics, Phantom Liberty addresses past issues and offers an experience that rivals the original vision. This expansion brings new weapons, abilities, and vehicles, making it feel like a brand-new game. Phantom Liberty is essential for both newcomers and returning players who want to experience Night City in its ultimate form.
2. Starfield – Exploring the Vastness of Space
Bethesda’s New Frontier in RPGs
Starfield is Bethesda’s highly anticipated open-world RPG that transports players to the vastness of space. Known for its expansive environments, Bethesda now gives players a universe with over 100 explorable planets, each with unique ecosystems and challenges. As a member of the Constellation, an organization of space explorers, players embark on a journey filled with space combat, diplomacy, and discovery.
Why Starfield is a Game-Changer
With complex character customization, factional alliances, and intricate storytelling, Starfield combines the freedom of exploration with Bethesda’s signature RPG mechanics. From piloting custom-built spacecraft to discovering alien species, Starfield is an ambitious game that satisfies fans of both RPGs and sci-fi. Its richly detailed universe offers countless hours of exploration, making it one of the must-play games of 2024.
3. Final Fantasy XVI – A Return to Fantasy Roots
Reimagining the Final Fantasy Series
Final Fantasy XVI brings the legendary franchise back to its medieval fantasy roots, featuring a war-torn world ruled by powerful nations and mythical creatures. The game centers around Clive Rosfield, a young warrior on a quest for revenge in a world gripped by political conflict and ancient magic. With breathtaking visuals, complex characters, and an immersive world, FFXVI has captivated fans worldwide.
What Sets FFXVI Apart
This installment of Final Fantasy emphasizes real-time action combat rather than traditional turn-based mechanics. The game’s director, Hiroshi Takai, incorporates stunning Eikon battles—epic showdowns between massive creatures—adding a cinematic flair to gameplay. FFXVI offers a gripping narrative with mature themes, making it a must-play for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
4. Spider-Man 2 – Swinging into New Heights
A Dynamic Duo in the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man 2, developed by Insomniac Games, brings back fan-favorite heroes Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they team up to face Venom and a host of other villains threatening New York City. The game expands on the mechanics introduced in previous installments, allowing players to switch between both Spider-Men, each with unique abilities and storylines.
What Makes Spider-Man 2 an Essential Play
With a larger, more detailed open-world setting, Spider-Man 2 allows players to explore iconic neighborhoods of New York. The game introduces new traversal mechanics, enhanced combat, and a deep storyline that delves into the personal struggles of Peter and Miles. For fans of superhero games, Spider-Man 2 offers an exhilarating experience with top-notch graphics and storytelling.
5. Diablo IV – Dark Fantasy at Its Best
Return to Sanctuary in Diablo’s Darkest Chapter Yet
Diablo IV takes players back to the gothic world of Sanctuary, where the return of Lilith threatens humanity. Building on the success of the franchise, Blizzard has crafted an expansive, open-world RPG that combines dark fantasy with thrilling hack-and-slash gameplay. With multiple classes, a non-linear storyline, and a focus on player-driven exploration, Diablo IV is a return to form for the series.
Why Diablo IV Stands Out
The game’s non-linear world allows players to choose their path, whether it’s delving into dungeons, exploring vast landscapes, or joining forces with other players in multiplayer events. Diablo IV’s haunting atmosphere, intense combat, and depth of customization make it a must-play title for both veterans and new fans of the series.
6. The Legend of Zelda: The Depths of Hyrule
Exploring Hyrule’s Darker Side
Following the massive success of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, The Depths of Hyrule takes players on a journey into the underworld of Hyrule. This new installment focuses on the ancient secrets and hidden realms lying beneath the kingdom, as Link faces dark forces threatening the land. The game builds on the open-world mechanics of its predecessors, offering new areas to explore and powerful artifacts to uncover.
Why Fans are Excited for This Adventure
The Depths of Hyrule introduces a darker narrative and more complex dungeons, providing fresh challenges and mysteries. With enhanced gameplay mechanics, such as advanced crafting and exploration tools, this Zelda game offers a new level of depth and immersion. It’s a must-play for fans who love expansive worlds and intricate lore.
7. Hades II – The Return to the Underworld
Roguelike Excellence from Supergiant Games
After the groundbreaking success of Hades, Supergiant Games returns with Hades II, a roguelike action game set in Greek mythology’s underworld. This time, players take on the role of Melinoe, the sister of Zagreus, who seeks to overthrow Cronos, the god of time. With familiar mechanics and new powers to wield, Hades II combines fluid combat with a compelling story.
Why Hades II is Worth Playing
Hades II builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, adding new layers of strategy and a cast of gods and mythical beings to interact with. With stunning artwork, addictive gameplay, and a rich storyline, Hades II is one of the most anticipated indie releases of 2024 and is sure to capture the hearts of roguelike fans and mythology lovers alike.
8. Avowed – Obsidian’s Epic Fantasy RPG
A New Contender in Fantasy RPGs
Obsidian Entertainment, known for its work on The Outer Worlds and Pillars of Eternity, presents Avowed, a first-person RPG set in the world of Eora. The game offers an open-world experience filled with magic, powerful foes, and intricate quests, drawing comparisons to the Elder Scrolls series. Players choose their own path as they navigate political intrigue and dark secrets within this richly crafted world.
Why Avowed Deserves Attention
With its focus on player choice, deep lore, and immersive world, Avowed brings a fresh perspective to the fantasy genre. For fans of story-driven RPGs, Avowed provides the freedom to shape their journey while experiencing top-tier storytelling and gameplay. Its visually stunning environments and customizable character abilities make it a must-play title in 2024.
9. Fable – A Beloved Series Reimagined
A Classic RPG Reborn
The Fable series returns with a fresh reboot, bringing back the charm and humor of Albion while introducing new visuals and gameplay mechanics. Developed by Playground Games, this installment reimagines the classic RPG experience, allowing players to shape their hero’s fate in a vibrant and whimsical world.
What to Expect from Fable
With an emphasis on moral choices, dynamic storytelling, and an open-world environment, Fable offers players the chance to make choices that impact both the world and their character’s journey. For fans of fantasy RPGs, this reboot provides nostalgia with a modern twist, making it a highly anticipated release in 2024.
10. Silent Hill: Rebirth – The Return of Survival Horror
A Haunting Revival of the Horror Classic
Konami revives its legendary survival horror series with Silent Hill: Rebirth, taking players back to the eerie town of Silent Hill. This new installment offers a blend of psychological horror and survival elements as players confront horrifying creatures and solve mind-bending puzzles. With updated graphics and mechanics, Silent Hill: Rebirth is designed to terrify both old fans and newcomers.
Why Horror Fans Will Love It
Silent Hill: Rebirth combines atmospheric tension with deep psychological storytelling, staying true to the series’ roots. The game’s emphasis on exploration and narrative-driven horror offers an immersive experience that’s hard to match, making it a must-play for anyone who enjoys survival horror.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable games that are making waves this year include:
- Project Rewind – A time-travel RPG with unique mechanics.
- Dragon Age: The Dread Wolf – BioWare’s highly anticipated fantasy sequel.
- Armored Core VI – A mech combat game from FromSoftware, bringing back a cult classic.
Conclusion: A Stellar Year for Gaming
From expansive RPGs and thrilling adventures to terrifying horrors and beloved reboots, 2024’s gaming lineup is packed with experiences that cater to every taste. Whether you’re a fan of open-world exploration, intense combat, or narrative-driven stories, this year’s must-play games promise countless hours of excitement and immersion.
With so many incredible titles available, there’s no better time to dive into the worlds these games offer. Grab your controllers, charge your consoles, and get ready to embark on unforgettable adventures in 2024.