For me, June 2023 was one of the craziest months of gaming I had ever experienced with the releases of Street Fighter 6, Diablo IV, and Final Fantasy XVI. This year is a very different story, as it feels relatively quiet compared to last year. Then again, millions of gamers are probably rejoicing that they can dedicate all their time to one highly anticipated DLC without having to worry about another game getting in the way. There’s also the Early Access release for our most anticipated game of the year in late June, although the official release date is in July. Nonetheless, here are the games we’re most looking forward to playing in June 2024.
Destiny 2: The Final Shape
It’s hard to believe that Destiny 2 will be seven years old in September, especially since the original Destiny lasted just three years before its sequel was released. The team at Bungie is concluding the 10-year Light and Darkness Saga with Destiny 2: The Final Shape, and it’s still unclear whether that means the end of Destiny 2. Obviously, the franchise isn’t going anywhere, but the big question remains whether the new saga starts within Destiny 2 or if Bungie will prepare the red carpet for the inevitable Destiny 3.
Destiny 2: The Final Shape releases on June 4 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game
Friday the 13th: The Game will always go down in my gaming history as one of the most entertaining games we’ve ever played as a group, despite its jankiness. To this day, I don’t think I have ever laughed as hard as I did during some of those game sessions, while others were legitimately very tense. It’s unfortunate what happened to that game and its licensing, but developer Illfonic is back with another game, Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game. Once again, it’s an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game, this time based on the 1980s film. Choose to work as a team of three Killer Klowns or fight back as a team of seven brave citizens of Crescent Cove. IIllfonic has continued building on the asymmetrical formula, giving this game a unique hide-and-seek approach, customization, PvPvE, and dynamic objectives that can lead to different match results.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game releases on June 4 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Star Wars Hunters
There’s a good possibility that Star Wars Hunters will be a short-lived title as a Switch and mobile game. However, it’s Star Wars, and we’ll take any Star Wars game we can get. Star Wars Hunters is a third-person hero shooter similar to Overwatch. The game features several battlefields set in iconic locations, including Ewok Village, Mos Espa Podrace, and Death Star Crossfire. Like many other hero shooters, players can choose from damage, support, and tank characters. Game modes include Squad Brawl, Dynamic Control, Power Control, and Trophy Chase.
Star Wars Hunters releases on June for Switch, Android, and iOS.
V Rising
V Rising was on our Top Games to Play in May 2024 list, and it’s making a return this month because it’s launching on PlayStation 5. Having spent over 130 hours playing the game since its Early Access launch in 2022, I can’t recommend this game enough to those who are interested in the genre. V Rising is an action RPG with crafting and survival mechanics, featuring an entertaining gameplay loop and challenging boss battles. We recently experienced everything 1.0 had to offer on PC and believe it will offer a fantastic experience on console—assuming it’s bug-free.
V Rising releases on June 11 for PlayStation 5.
Still Wakes the Deep
Developer The Chinese Room is known for Dear Esther, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture. With Still Wakes the Deep, it returns to the first-person narrative horror genre, with players taking on the role of an offshore oil rig worker fighting for their life in a vicious storm. The immersive disaster story features an authentic cast of Scottish actors, with gameplay focusing on your wits and determination. That’s right, there are no weapons or powers to rely on as you struggle to survive on the unstable oil rig.
Still Wakes the Deep releases on June 18 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
Shadow of the Erdtree really needs no introduction, as it’s the highly anticipated DLC for multiple Game of the Year winner, Elden Ring. It will be FromSoftware’s largest expansion to date, as players will head to the Land of Shadow, guided by Empyrean Miquella. The expansion will add new weapons, equipment, weapon skills, and magic, along with new enemies, boss fights, and plotlines. Given the quality of Elden Ring, we imagine Shadow of the Erdtree will offer dozens of hours of gameplay to experience—possibly hundreds for fans. Either way, it’s an excuse to return to Elden Ring for millions of gamers.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC releases on June 21 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
The definitive version of Shin Megami Tensei V is coming as Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. The game has been “massively expanded” with a brand-new storyline filled with new locations, demons, and choices to make. The original was released on the Switch in 2021, but Vengeance adds updated visuals for modern consoles, an improved battle system, greater field exploration, and more. This is a great game to hold you over until Metaphor: ReFantazio releases in October.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance releases on June 21 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble
For something less serious and more fun, there’s Super Monkey Banana Rumble. This entry in the popular franchise has players joining AiAi and friends in a game where up to 16 players can compete online to become Top Banana. Players can also work together in a four-player cooperative mode or set off on their own story in the all-new Adventure Mode. Super Monkey Banana Rumble features over 300 items for customization, including headwear, clothing, accessories, and even monkey balls.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble releases on June 25 for Nintendo Switch.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, another remaster, ports the 3DS classic to the Switch. Once again, players take Luigi and his ghost-hunting Poltergust 5000 to retrieve the missing shards of the Dark Moon. The game also features the ScareScraper, a haunted building filled with ghosts and challenges not found in the main adventure, supporting up to four-player co-op (local or online).
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD releases on June 27 for Nintendo Switch.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (Early Access)
Technically, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail releases on July 2, but early access begins on June 28. Most Final Fantasy XIV players will be preordering the expansion and setting off on the new adventure on June 28, which is why we decided to put it in this month’s list. Dawntrail is starting a new story arc for the long-running MMORPG, which concluded the Hydaelyn vs. Zodiark story with Endwalker. New jobs in the expansion include Viper and Pictomancer, while the new playable race is female Hrothgar. Others are likely looking forward to the graphical updates.
Personally, I’m very interested to see how the team is going to kick off a new story arc and whether Dawntrail will capture that “summer vacation” feel Yoshi-P is promising. Although it’s just an expansion, Dawntrail is my most anticipated game of the year, and I’m looking forward to my Eorzean vacation.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail’s Early Access releases on June 28 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
