Personally, I’m grateful that there aren’t many games releasing in July 2024 that interest me. It means I have more time to spend playing Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, my most anticipated game of the year. Yes, Early Access for the MMORPG’s latest expansion launches on June 28, but the official release date for Dawntrail is July 2. The month isn’t completely dry, however, as EA Sports College Football 25 is likely the most exciting game for many players. There’s also Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and the long-awaited sequel to Frostpunk. Here are our picks for the top games to play in July 2024.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
It’s the next expansion to the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV, and it’s kicking off a whole new storyline now that the Hydaelyn vs. Zodiark saga has ended with the Endwalker expansion. Although Dawntrail’s Early Access begins on June 28, its official launch date is July 2. As a result, it ends up on two lists. As my most anticipated game of the year, I’m very much looking forward to seeing how Creative Business Unit III takes us on a whole new adventure. I consider Final Fantasy XIV one of the best games I’ve ever played, and I look forward to seeing what it will offer over the next 10 years.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail releases on July 2 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The First Descendant
I’ve been keeping a curious eye on The First Descendant, developed by Nexon Games. It’s being touted as a third-person looter shooter developed in Unreal Engine 5, and it’ll be free-to-play. The First Descendant supports up to four-player co-op, and each character can be equipped with three guns, four secondary accessories, and various sub-weapons. It will probably be filled with season passes and microtransactions for monetization, but if the gunplay feels right, it could be a fun time with friends.
The First Descendant releases on July 2 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Darkest Dungeon II
Darkest Dungeon II isn’t a brand-new release, but it will finally be available on PlayStation 5 and Switch in July. The game has been available on PC for over a year as the sequel to one of the most popular roguelikes of all time. Its popularity hasn’t quite reached the same heights as the original Darkest Dungeon, and some players prefer the first game over the sequel. But for those who don’t have a gaming PC and have spent dozens of hours in Darkest Dungeon on console, Darkest Dungeon II is worth putting on your radar.
Darkest Dungeon II releases on July 15 for PlayStation 5 and Switch.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
Originally introduced as a Kickstarter project, Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus received a proper reveal trailer at the Humble Games Showcase in May 2023. Billed as a hand-drawn Metroidvania based on Japanese folklore, Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus focuses on acrobatic combat and platforming, as players will explore a world based on a fantastical Japan. Developer Squid Shock Studios was inspired by games such as Okami, Hollow Knight, Paper Mario, Dustforce, and Celeste, along with anime like Spirited Away, Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, Princess Mononoke, and Mononoke.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus releases on July 18 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
If you’re looking for something fresh, Dungeons of Hinterberg might be the game for you. If you’re gaming on PC, you can check out a demo. The game has you exploring the alpine village of Hinterberg, armed with a sword and a tourist guide. Discover magic hidden within its dungeons as you solve puzzles and slay monsters, or spend the nights creating friendships with other locals and adventurers.
Dungeons of Hinterberg releases on July 18 for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
From the studio behind Ashen, A44 Games presents Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn. It’s described as a Soulslite game where gods and guns collide in a battle for the future of humanity. In the game, players take on the role of Nor Vanek, a member of the Coalition army, joined by Enki, a fox-like companion. Together, they set off on a quest for vengeance against the gods. The storyline is pretty generic, but the gameplay is rather fun for a $39.99 title, and there’s a demo on Steam if you want to check it out.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn releases on July 18 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition
Love speedrunning classic NES games? Think you have what it takes to be the best? Prove yourself when Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition arrives exclusively on Nintendo Switch with over 150 challenges from 13 classic NES games. Players will be able to compete against one another all around the world, or locally on the couch. Here are the games that are featured in Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3, Kirby’s Adventure, Kid Icarus, Ice Climber, Excitebike, The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Metroid, The Original Donkey Kong, and Balloon Fight.
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition releases on July 18 for Switch.
EA Sports College Football 25
The last time the world had a college football game to play was 2013, and Auburn was still relevant. Now that NIL is official and players can get paid for using their name, image, and likeness, EA Sports has brought college football back with the accurately named College Football 25. Based on previews, the game is much more than a Madden NFL reskin, as it embraces everything that makes college football special, like the Heisman and team traditions.
EA Sports College Football 25 releases on July 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
The hype for Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess strangely died down after its initial premiere, but we’re still excited to see what Capcom has up its sleeves. Billed as a single-player Kagura Action Strategy game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess features third-person action with tower defense-like tactics. The game has a day and night cycle where players will purify the villages during the day and protect the Maiden against the hordes of the Seethe during the night. They have to assign roles and position villagers to help defend in constantly changing battlegrounds, with the goal of guiding the Maiden to the Torii gates so she can restore peace to the mountain.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess releases on July 19 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Earth Defense Force 6
The next entry in the Earth Defense Force series is around the corner, with developer SANDLOT saying it’s the largest volume in the series’ history, with the most missions and weapons ever included. Every mission in the game supports up to four-player online co-op as players once again work together to save the future of Earth. It’ll be interesting to see if the recent success of Helldivers 2 has any impact on Earth Defense Force 6.
Earth Defense Force 6 releases on July 25 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
