Must-Play Games of July 2024: Your Guide to Great Gaming

The best games of 2024 really hit their stride this July, and our gaming backlog is already bursting at the seams! If you’re anything like us here at Vengadge, you’ve probably been struggling to decide which new video game titles deserve your precious time and hard-earned cash this summer 2024 gaming season.

This July has certainly delivered an impressive lineup of must-play video games across every genre imaginable. From blockbuster RPG releases to indie darlings, the best video game releases of July 2024 have something for everyone. Furthermore, many of these July 2024 games are already being hailed as potential Game of the Year contenders, reflecting the latest gaming industry trends.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the absolute cream of the crop of must-play games of July 2024 – the titles that have kept us up until ridiculous hours despite our better judgement. Whether you’re into sprawling RPGs like Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, action-packed shooters such as Helldivers 2 or quirky indies like Animal Well, we’ve got you covered with this essential roundup of 2024 video games you simply shouldn’t miss. We’ll explore recent game releases and highly anticipated games across various platforms, including PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Top RPGs to Dive Into This July

RPG fans have plenty to celebrate this July with several standout titles that showcase the best of the genre. From highly anticipated expansions to imaginative new worlds, these games offer rich storytelling, engaging combat systems and immersive worlds to explore.

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail – A new chapter begins

Following the triumphant conclusion of the Final Days storyline, Final Fantasy XIV’s latest expansion Dawntrail launched on July 2, whisking players away to the western continent of Tural. This vibrant land serves as the backdrop for an entirely new adventure centred around a royal succession rite in the nation of Tuliyollal, further cementing the game’s status as a leading MMORPG.

Dawntrail introduces two exciting new jobs that expand the game’s already impressive roster. The pictomancer, a magical ranged DPS that brings artistic creations to life, and the Viper Ranger, a dual-blade wielding melee DPS focused on quick, efficient damage. These new classes add fresh gameplay options for veteran players and newcomers alike. Additionally, the expansion raises the level cap to 100 for the first time in the game’s history.

The stunning new city of Tuliyollal marches up a mountainside from coastal harbour to lofty palace, offering players a visually striking hub to explore. Meanwhile, the long-awaited female Hrothgar playable race makes its debut alongside a comprehensive graphics update that breathes new life into the game’s visuals. Definitely one of the top 3 must-play games of July 2024!

Dragon’s Dogma 2 – Fantasy adventure reimagined

While Dragon’s Dogma 2 was released back in March, it remains one of the most compelling RPGs to dive into this July. This expansive fantasy adventure checks all the boxes for a grand RPG experience – from powerful combat abilities to titanic boss battles – but its true charm reveals itself when you venture off the beaten path.

At its core, Dragon’s Dogma 2 thrives on organic, emergent gameplay moments. The game doesn’t hold your hand; instead, it drops you into a harsh fantasy world where you must forge your own path. This design philosophy creates a uniquely satisfying experience that’s increasingly rare in modern gaming, especially on next-gen console games for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

The innovative Pawn system returns, allowing you to customise AI-controlled party members or borrow companions created by other players online. These Pawns learn from combat and exploration, adapting their tactics accordingly and even gaining abilities like bartering on your behalf. This clever asynchronous multiplayer mechanic feels just as groundbreaking now as it did in 2012.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak – A new journey

Having arrived on July 5, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak continues Falcom’s beloved fantasy saga while serving as an accessible entry point for newcomers. Set in the year S.1208 in the Calvard Republic, the game follows Van Arkride, a “spriggan” who works as a detective, negotiator and bounty hunter rolled into one.

The narrative unfolds during a time of unprecedented economic prosperity for Calvard, though beneath the surface lurks growing uncertainty as immigration increases and questionable political reforms take hold. Your involvement in a strange case threatens to change not only Van’s life but potentially the entire nation.

Trails through Daybreak features a revamped AT (Action Time) Battle system that seamlessly transitions between action field battles and turn-based combat. The game also introduces an innovative Alignment system where your choices affect how your story unfolds – influencing your status in the city, who allies with or opposes you and even what jobs and dialogue options become available.

With its rock-solid gameplay, well-written characters and substantial combat overhaul, Trails through Daybreak delivers a fresh experience that feels rewarding for both veterans and first-time players alike. As one of the must-play games of July 2024, this title is available on multiple platforms, including PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Best Action and Shooter Games to Play

Action fans looking for an adrenaline rush had several exceptional titles to choose from this July. From cooperative alien-blasting mayhem to loot-driven shooters and souls-inspired adventures, these action games offer some of the most exciting gameplay experiences of 2024.

Helldivers 2 – Team up and conquer

Released in February 2024, Helldivers 2 has maintained its position as one of the best video games of the year. This third-person co-op shooter transforms players into beefy space marines who touchdown on alien planets to spread “managed democracy” through overwhelming firepower.

The gameplay loop is remarkably tight yet endlessly entertaining. You team up with three other players, blast down to hostile planets, annihilate anything that moves, collect valuable resources, then extract to upgrade your arsenal. Although seemingly simple, every element has been meticulously crafted to provide maximum enjoyment. The guns feel impactful, enemies explode in satisfying tidal waves of insect goo and every missile strike sounds like a fiery symphony of destruction.

Helldivers 2 stands out among July 2024 video games primarily because of its chaotic multiplayer experience. The controversial inclusion of friendly fire creates moments of frenzied panic as players call in orbital strikes with reckless abandon. Moreover, the game’s satirical tone adds an extra layer of enjoyment, although some players may miss the underlying critique of militarised jingoism. Available on PC and PS5, it’s one of the best PC game releases of the year.

The First Descendant – Loot and shoot excitement

Launched on July 2, The First Descendant brings free-to-play looter shooter action to PC and consoles. Developed by Nexon using Unreal Engine 5, this third-person shooter places players in the role of “Descendants” – powerful individuals with mysterious abilities who represent humanity’s last hope against an invasive alien force called the Vulgus.

The game’s core appeal comes from its 11 different playable Descendants (with more planned for future updates), each with distinct powers and subtle variations in playstyles. Players can grapple across environments using futuristic weapons and gadgets while embarking on quests through the rugged regions of the Ingris Continent.

Although The First Descendant borrows elements from games like Destiny, Warframe and The Division, it offers extensive customisation options, including weapon loadouts, character skins and ability-augmenting modules with hundreds of possible combinations at launch. The game truly shines in cooperative play, especially when facing the meticulously designed Colossal Bosses that serve as climactic encounters.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn – Souls-like action adventure

Set to release on July 18, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn presents a unique “flintlock fantasy” setting where magical elements blend with black powder firearms. This souls-inspired action RPG from A44 Games (creators of Ashen) follows Nor Vanek, a trench digger who finds herself battling ancient gods after a cataclysmic event unleashes undead forces across the world.

What distinguishes Flintlock among must-play video games is its approachable take on the typically punishing Souls-like formula. The combat system maintains the genre’s strategic depth but feels more forgiving across its three adjustable difficulty modes. With axe in hand and black powder pistol at the ready, players can chain attacks and utilise a unique reputation multiplier that rewards skilful combat by increasing experience gains.

Nor’s companion, Enki – a god taking the form of a small feathered fox – adds another dimension to gameplay by providing magical augmentations and attacks that build a stagger metre against enemies. Once filled, this allows for cinematic finishers that either eliminate weaker foes or strip armour from tougher opponents.

Spanning approximately 10-20 hours, Flintlock delivers a focused experience that improves as you progress, unlocking more engaging skills and combat options that let you fully utilise its XP multiplier system and flashy combat mechanics. It’s set to launch on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, making it one of the most anticipated next-gen console games of the month and one of the must-play games of July 2024.

Must-Play Indie Games You Shouldn’t Miss

Indie games continue to push creative boundaries in 2024, offering experiences that often surpass their AAA counterparts in innovation and charm. These smaller studios are delivering some of the best games of 2024 through distinct visual styles, unique mechanics and fresh approaches to gameplay. Let’s explore some of the most exciting indie game launchesthat took place in July.

Animal Well – A surreal exploration

Developed by solo developer Billy Basso over seven years, Animal Well stands as one of the most captivating indie experiences among July 2024 video games. This dense, atmospheric puzzle box Metroidvania places you in control of a small yellow blob navigating a surreal, interconnected labyrinth filled with creatures both beautiful and unsettling.

What makes Animal Well truly special is its layered approach to secrets and discovery. The game features multiple “layers” of puzzles, with some requiring collaboration from at least fifty players to solve. This community-focused design ensures players will be discovering hidden elements for years to come.

The game’s distinctive pixel art visuals are rendered through a custom engine built specifically for modern hardware, creating an experience that “looks and plays like no other game.” Indeed, Animal Well has received critical acclaim, particularly for its aesthetics and puzzles, earning it spots on numerous “best of 2024” lists already.

Thank Goodness You’re Here – British humour at its best

For those seeking laughs with their gameplay, Thank Goodness You’re Here delivers an absurdist comedy “slapformer” set in the bizarre Northern English town of Barnsworth. As a travelling salesman, you’ll meet eccentric locals who eagerly hand you increasingly odd jobs.

The game has been hailed as “the new high watermark for a comedy game” with its constant hilarity and creative approach. Furthermore, it has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with 96% of over 5,500 Steam user reviews giving it a thumbs up.

Thank Goodness You’re Here essentially feels like “catching some weird British cartoon on Adult Swim at four in the morning.” Its uniquely British humour – featuring feuds over meat pasties and milk-based exposure therapy – creates a singularly enjoyable experience that stands out among must-play video games.

Pepper Grinder – Drill your way to victory

Pepper Grinder combines traditional platforming with a thrilling drilling mechanic that allows you to burrow through terrain like a dolphin swimming through water. Playing as the titular Pepper, you’ll use your super-powered drilling device to reclaim treasure stolen by mischievous creatures called Narlings.

The core gameplay revolves around fast-paced, precision platforming as you rocket around at “Mach-10 speeds.” Above all, what makes Pepper Grinder remarkable is how each level introduces new and inventive mechanics – from controlling snowmobiles to jumping inside massive mechs.

Despite its relatively short four-hour main adventure, Pepper Grinder packs an impressive amount of creative ideas into its runtime. Even typically frustrating video game tropes like water levels become enjoyable as you “dive in and out of the waves like the lovechild of a dolphin and a unicorn.” This drill-focused platformer has been praised as “one of the most entertaining 2D platformers in recent memory.”

Top Multiplayer Games for Friends and Family

Multiplayer experiences bring an entirely different dimension to gaming, creating memorable moments through shared victories and friendly competition. The best games of 2024 include several standout titles designed specifically for social play, featuring gameplay enhancements and strategic decision-making elements.

Zenless Zone Zero – Fast-paced team battles

Hoyoverse’s latest action RPG takes players to the bustling city of New Eridu, where teams of three characters (called Agents) work together to conquer mysterious environments known as Hollows. The combat system revolves around strategic team building, with each Agent serving a specific role: Stun Agents build up enemy Daze metres, Attack Agents deal massive damage during stunned states and Support Agents provide crucial buffs.

What makes Zenless Zone Zero perfect for friends is its thoughtfully designed combat mechanics. Players can perform Chain Attacks after stunning enemies, creating opportunities for teammates to unleash powerful coordinated strikes. Furthermore, the Assist system allows for seamless character switching mid-battle, with teammates swooping in for counterattacks when timed perfectly.

Multiversus – Platform fighting fun

This free-to-play platform fighter brings together characters from across Warner Bros. Discovery’s vast universe. Unlike traditional fighters, Multiversus was built specifically for team battles, with character classes (Assassin, Bruiser, Mage/Ranged and Tank) designed to complement each other in 2v2 matches.

The game shines brightest when played with friends, as each character’s unique Fighting Style (Horizontal or Vertical) creates opportunities for strategic team compositions. For instance, teams might pair a Tank character who excels at defence with an Assassin focused on delivering quick, devastating attacks. In effect, these combinations allow for exciting tag-team moments that reward coordination.

Flock – Co-op flying adventure

Released on July 16, Flock offers a refreshingly peaceful multiplayer experience where up to four players become flying shepherds, each tending to their own unique herd of adorable aerial creatures. The core gameplay revolves around gentle exploration and collection rather than competition or combat. This very reason is why this title features on our list of must-play games of July 2024.

Players begin with a small group of hover-sheep and set out to discover new species across beautiful upland environments. As teams explore together, they can help each other spot rare creatures, share discoveries and work cooperatively to solve environmental puzzles. Consequently, Flock creates a relaxing social space where friends can simply enjoy flying around without pressure to achieve specific goals – though collecting wool to knit increasingly elaborate items provides optional progression.

Hidden Gems and Underrated Releases

While blockbuster releases often dominate gaming headlines, 2024 has delivered a treasure trove of exceptional hidden gems that deserve your attention. These underrated titles showcase remarkable creativity that highlights how diverse the gaming landscape truly is, right down to its most eccentric fringes.

Nobody Wants to Die – A noir detective story

Set in New York City in the year 2329, Nobody Wants to Die blends classic noir detective work with a dystopian future where immortality exists through consciousness transfer. As Detective James Karra, you’re pursuing a serial killer targeting the city’s elite in a world where death should be merely an inconvenience. The investigation mechanics shine through the Reconstructor – a holographic device that recreates crime scenes as you feed it clues.

What makes this game stand out among the best games of 2024 is how it examines the darker side of immortality. The wealthy can transfer to fresh bodies while regular folks who can’t afford “subscription fees” become replacement vessels. This social commentary provides depth to an otherwise familiar noir setting, complete with dialogue choices and moral dilemmas that influence the story’s direction toward one of four possible endings.

Dungeons of Hinterberg – Magic and mystery

Dungeons of Hinterberg transports players to an idyllic Austrian Alps spa town where the local economy revolves around magical tourism. As Luisa, you’ll escape corporate life to explore dungeons that have appeared throughout the region. Each morning, you select a dungeon to tackle, then spend evenings forging relationships with locals and fellow adventurers.

The game’s genius lies in how it balances dungeon exploration with town life. Each of the 25+ dungeons offers unique puzzles requiring specific magical skills – from weighting down switches to leaping between mine carts. In town, your relationships with characters unlock perks and abilities, creating a compelling progression system. Beneath its cartoonish art style and charming exterior lies a surprisingly poignant story about burnout, authenticity and the true cost of tourism.

SCHiM – A shadow-hopping adventure

SCHiM presents a wholly unique concept – you play as a shadow-like creature separated from its human, hopping between shadows to reunite with them. The core mechanic involves leaping from one shadow to another within a three-second time limit before being zapped back to your starting point.

The visual design is immediately striking, with levels presented in limited colour palettes that change throughout the journey. One level might bathe a park in salmon pink at sunset, while another might drench a nighttime scene in deep blues. The stark contrast between these vibrant colours and the matte black shadows creates both a visually stunning experience and clearly readable gameplay spaces. As you progress through the 65 levels, the game introduces increasingly complex shadow physics, including moving platforms, lightning effects and interactive objects, making this one of the most innovative must-play video games of July 2024.

Frostpunk 2 – Survival management evolved

Building upon the success of its predecessor, Frostpunk 2 takes the survival management genre to new heights. Set 30 years after the events of the original game, players must guide their city through a new crisis as oil becomes the dominant resource in this frozen world. The game expands on the original’s city-building and society management mechanics while introducing new layers of political intrigue and resource management.

Frostpunk 2 challenges players to balance the needs of various factions within their city, each with its own agenda and vision for the future. Will you side with the engineers pushing for technological progress or the preservationists who seek to maintain tradition? Your decisions not only affect the city’s development but also shape its culture and values.

The game’s stunning visuals bring the harsh, frozen landscape to life, with detailed animations and weather effects that make you feel the biting cold. New gameplay elements include expanded exploration options, allowing you to send expeditions beyond your city walls to discover resources and uncover the mysteries of this post-apocalyptic world.

Available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, Frostpunk 2 promises to be one of the most engaging strategy games of the year, offering a deep, thought-provoking experience that will keep players coming back for multiple playthroughs.

New Video Game Releases and Must-Play Games of July 2024

July 2024 certainly stands as a landmark month for gaming enthusiasts across all genres. From expansive RPGs like Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail to adrenaline-pumping shooters such as Helldivers 2, this summer offers an unprecedented variety of quality titles deserving your attention.

With these must-play games of July 2024 it is clear that the broader gaming landscape has evolved significantly, with indie developers now creating experiences that rival AAA studios in creativity and enjoyment. Games like Animal Well and Thank Goodness You’re Here demonstrate how small teams can deliver uniquely captivating adventures that often surpass bigger-budget counterparts in innovation.

Multiplayer games likewise continue to thrive through titles such as Zenless Zone Zero and Flock, where shared victories and collaborative gameplay create memories that single-player adventures simply cannot match. Additionally, hidden gems including Nobody Wants to Die and SCHiM prove that stepping outside mainstream releases often leads to discovering some of the most innovative gaming experiences available.

Although your gaming backlog might already be overwhelming, the exceptional quality of this month’s releases justifies making room for at least a few more titles. Whether you prefer epic fantasy worlds, cooperative alien-blasting mayhem or thoughtful puzzle adventures, the best games of 2024 have already arrived – making this July an extraordinary time to be a gamer. The difficult part remains choosing which worlds to explore first!

As we look ahead to the rest of the gaming calendar 2024, it’s clear that the industry continues to push boundaries and surprise us with new ideas, and this is also apparent in the upcoming game releases in the months to come. From the latest entries in popular game franchises to innovative indie titles, there’s no shortage of exciting experiences on the horizon. So keep an eye on those video game release dates, consider pre-ordering games for July that catch your interest and get ready for an incredible second half of the gaming year!