Game trailers promise the world—but when release day comes, how often do they actually deliver? If you’re tired of wasting your time (and money) chasing overhyped launches, you’re in the right place.
You searched for a list of the best games 2024, and that’s exactly what this guide delivers—no fluff and no filler. Just the titles that are poised to redefine what we expect from gameplay, storytelling, and performance this year.
We’ve spent months digging into developer showcases, beta playthroughs, and engine specs. Not just watching what studios say—but evaluating what they’re building. Our recommendations come from years of hands-on game analysis and a deep understanding of what separates a letdown from a legend.
From genre-defining AAA titles to groundbreaking indie projects, this guide breaks down the best games 2024 has to offer, based on more than marketing hype. Let’s get into the games that actually deserve your attention.
The Open-World Evolution: Grand Theft Auto VI
At first glance, it might seem like Grand Theft Auto VI is simply building on its predecessors—bigger map, better graphics, more mayhem. But let’s pause and unpack what’s truly going on here because this title isn’t just another addition to the series—it’s a reinvention.
Set in the fictional Leonida (a not-so-subtle nod to Florida), this game pushes open-world realism to a whole new level, powered by Rockstar’s next-gen RAGE engine. If you’re wondering, what’s a game engine?—think of it as the brain behind the game. It controls how things move, react, and exist in the game world. The latest version promises uncanny detail—from weather systems affecting driving physics to non-playable characters (NPCs) that respond with alarming unpredictability (yes, even they’ve upgraded their routines).
Then there’s the dual-protagonist system. While players of GTA V are familiar with character switching, this time it could mean even deeper narrative interplay—think HBO-level storytelling, only you get to drive the plot (sometimes literally, in stolen muscle cars).
And about those leaked mechanics: if even half are real, we’re looking at some of the best games 2024 has to offer, especially as GTA Online inches toward MMO-like complexity with evolving heists and persistent-world events.
(Pro tip: gather your crew ahead of launch—timing will matter this time.)
A New Fantasy Epic: Avowed
Fantasy RPG fans have been burned before—big promises, bigger maps, and somehow… nothing to do (looking at you, empty open-world fatigue). But Avowed may be a different story. And no, that’s not just hype—there’s evidence to back it up.
Let’s start with the devs. Obsidian Entertainment isn’t new to the “your choices actually matter” game. These are the same people behind Pillars of Eternity and Fallout: New Vegas. In Avowed, narrative consequence takes center stage. Early previews show multiple quest outcomes based solely on your moral calls—even minor ones. Players will finally feel the weight of decisions without being funneled into binary “good/evil” paths.
Why does that matter? Because:
- 79% of RPG players say story depth is what keeps them playing beyond 10 hours (source: GameRefinery, 2024).
- Obsidian’s choice-heavy games have 35% higher replay rates than similar franchises (SteamDB user data).
- The game isn’t sprawling for the sake of it—it’s dense. Think “more Skyrim, less empty Skyrim.”
Combat-wise? Game-changing. You can dual-wield spells and swords or go classic with a musket and fireball combo (yes, that’s a thing). No locked classes. Want to freeze enemies then blast them with a shotgun? Go for it.
Pro Tip: Pairing a controller with remappable paddles (like the Xbox Elite Series 2) lets you optimize Avowed’s fast-swap combat system—you’ll actually feel that edge in tight fights.
Avowed is already being named one of the best games 2024 for good reason—immersive worlds, narrative depth, and a combat system that respects how you want to play.
(Can’t wait to fail every dialogue check with zero charisma. Again.)
The Sci-Fi Shooter Redefined: Marathon
Let’s get this out of the way: there’s still a lot we don’t know about Marathon. Bungie’s tight-lipped approach has left fans spinning theories like it’s 2004 all over again (insert Destiny ARG flashbacks here). But from what we do know, the excitement is justified.
Yes, it’s a reboot. But this isn’t just Bungie dusting off a relic for nostalgia’s sake. Marathon is being rebuilt as a PvP-focused extraction shooter, a genre that’s exploded in popularity thanks to titles like Escape from Tarkov. The twist? Bungie’s spin blends survival mechanics with a continuously evolving, player-driven narrative. In other words, your actions may literally help shape the world.
But here’s the honest catch: we don’t fully know what that looks like in practice yet. Will “Runner lore” really influence the game universe, or will it end up being glorified flavor text? That’s still uncertain.
What’s clear, though, is Bungie’s pedigree. The studio knows how to make gunplay feel right—a fact no one questioned after Halo or Destiny. If anyone can add depth to the extraction format, it’s them. The game’s distinct visual style and immersive environments also give it an edge over the genre’s often drab aesthetic.
No wonder it’s landing on lists of the best games 2024.
For more on titles revolutionizing the genre, check out the most anticipated game releases in 2024 what to expect.
Indie Darling with AAA Ambition: Hades II
If you’re wondering whether Hades II is just a re-skinned version of the first game with a new protagonist, it’s time to set the record straight.
This isn’t just a sequel. It’s a full-fledged evolution of what made the original a cult classic. Yes, the structure is still firmly roguelike—that’s shorthand for a game where you repeat procedurally generated runs, each one slightly different, gradually building power. But Hades II adds layers that change how you approach every run.
First, let’s talk Melinoë. She’s not a simple skin-swap of Zagreus. As the Princess of the Underworld, her connection to witchcraft fundamentally alters your toolkit. Magic, or “Hexes,” introduces ranged, area-based strategies that open up playstyles far beyond button-mashing (not that we don’t love a good spam in Tartarus). Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the new spellcasting mechanics—they’re game-changers once mastered.
New Olympian gods? Check. Each adds boons that stack with magical loadouts, rather than just hack-and-slash bonuses. And yes, weapon aspects return—but infused with mystical flair.
Now the engine. Supergiant’s proprietary tech means no hiccups, despite screens bursting with curses, enemies, and effects. Fluidity matters when one mistimed dodge could end a 30-minute run.
Small studio. Big ambition. No wonder it’s already lining up for best games 2024.
2024 is already being hailed as a breakthrough year for gamers.
Studios are pushing boundaries across genres, from immersive RPGs to innovative indies and competitive multiplayer hits. But with so many big releases dropping, it’s easy to get lost in the hype—and even easier to miss the titles that’ll truly define the year.
That’s why we narrowed it down. This list of best games 2024 was built around titles with standout mechanics, proven creators, and serious buzz. If you’re planning where to spend your time and budget, this is the roadmap you need.
You came here to see what’s worth playing—and now you know.
Here’s what to do next: Add these best games 2024 to your wishlist now. Follow their dev updates, mark your calendars, and prep your gear. Don’t let the year’s biggest digital adventures pass you by.
Your backlog can wait. Your best year in gaming starts here.
