June 2024 Video Game Releases: Big Hits and Small Wonders

Game releases 2024 heated up this June with several major titles that deserve your attention. While the month might be quieter compared to earlier releases this year, it still packs a serious punch with highly anticipated expansions and remasters.

June 2024 video games offer something for every type of player. The month kicked off with “Destiny 2: The Final Shape” on 4th June, which aims to conclude the game’s ongoing storyline and introduces the innovative Prismatic subclass. Additionally, horror fans were able to finally get their hands on “Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game,” which launched on the same day. However, the biggest highlight came on 21st June with “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree,” providing the long-promised large new area, weapons and enemies. Later in the month, on 27th June, “Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD” arrived with cooperative multiplayer for up to four players. Between these major releases, you’ll also find unique experiences like “Still Wakes the Deep,” a narrative horror game set on an oil rig during a disaster, which launched on 18th June.

This guide will walk you through the most anticipated upcoming games 2024 had to offer this June, from blockbuster expansions to hidden gems worth your time and attention.

June 2024’s Gaming Trends: What’s Hot and What’s Not

Looking at June 2024 games across the industry, clear patterns emerge in what’s capturing players’ attention. This month showcases significant shifts in gaming priorities, with certain types of releases dominating the landscape while others take a backseat. Let’s examine the defining trends shaping this month’s offerings.

Expansions leading the charge

Video game releases 2024 in June are notably dominated by expansions rather than entirely new titles. “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” stands as the undisputed heavyweight of the month, generating enormous anticipation among Souls fans. This massive expansion introduces a completely new area called the Land of Shadow, alongside new weapons, armour sets and fearsome enemies to challenge even seasoned players.

Similarly, “Destiny 2: The Final Shape” represents another major expansion drawing significant attention amongst the June 2024 video game releases. As the conclusion to the Light and Darkness saga that began a decade ago, it marks a pivotal moment for the long-running franchise. The introduction of the Prismatic subclass offers players unprecedented customisation options, breathing fresh life into the established gameplay formula.

These expansions demonstrate how 2024 game releases are increasingly focused on extending the lifespan of already successful games rather than risking resources on entirely new ventures. Furthermore, both expansions command premium pricing that approaches or matches that of full games – a pricing strategy that seems acceptable to fans eager for more content from their favourite titles.

Remasters and ports making a comeback

Beyond expansions, June 2024 video games feature a notable surge in remasters and ports. “Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD” exemplifies this trend, bringing the beloved 3DS adventure to modern platforms with enhanced visuals and cooperative multiplayer support for up to four players.

Moreover, the surprise PC games for June 2024 lineup includes previously console-exclusive titles making their debut on computer platforms. This strategy allows publishers to monetise their back catalogues with relatively minimal development investment, essentially giving older games a second life on new platforms.

The increasing prevalence of remasters reflects publishers’ desire for safer financial bets in an uncertain market. Rather than committing vast resources to unproven concepts, updating established hits with modern graphics and quality-of-life improvements offers a more reliable return on investment. For players, these refreshed classics provide opportunities to experience missed gems or revisit nostalgic favourites with technical improvements.

New IPs vs established franchises

Despite the dominance of expansions and remasters, several new intellectual properties have managed to secure a place among June 2024’s gaming hits. “Still Wakes the Deep” from The Chinese Room represents one of the most promising new titles, offering a narrative-driven horror experience set on an isolated oil rig. Its focus on storytelling and atmosphere rather than combat mechanics provides a refreshing alternative to more action-focused releases.

Nevertheless, established franchises continue to overshadow new entries in terms of marketing presence and player anticipation. This imbalance reflects the challenging reality for new IPs launching in today’s market, where brand recognition often trumps innovation in determining commercial success.

Furthermore, video game enthusiasts across all platforms appear increasingly willing to wait for sales or subscription services rather than purchasing new, unproven games at full price. This consumer behaviour further incentivises publishers to focus on recognised franchises with guaranteed audiences rather than taking chances on original concepts.

The few new IPs finding success typically carve out distinctive niches or offer innovative mechanics that established titles haven’t explored, thereby finding an underserved audience eager for fresh experiences amid the sea of sequels and expansions.

Best June 2024 Games for Different Types of Players

The wide range of June 2024 games caters to a diverse range of player preferences, with something special for every type of gamer. Whether you’re seeking atmospheric storytelling, challenging combat, cooperative fun or spine-tingling horror, this month delivers exceptional experiences across all categories.

For story lovers: Still Wakes the Deep

If immersive narratives captivate you, Still Wakes the Deep deserves your immediate attention. Released on 18th June, this atmospheric horror adventure from The Chinese Room places you in the oil-soaked boots of Caz, an electrician working on a Scottish oil rig in the 1970s. The game excels through its meticulous period-accurate details, from authentic outfits to technology and delightful Scottish dialects.

The premise unfolds when the rig drills into something mysterious beneath the seabed, transforming both environment and crew into Cronenbergian horror abominations. Subsequently, you must navigate storm-swept decks and claustrophobic corridors while fleeing from the nightmare that unfolds.

What makes this game particularly appealing for narrative enthusiasts is its emotional depth. Despite the terror, you’ll develop genuine connections with the crew members through exceptional voice acting and dialogue. In fact, as one of the top June 2024 video game releases, the game’s most compelling aspect might be how it builds meaningful relationships with characters, making their fates all the more impactful when things go wrong.

For action fans: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Action aficionados undoubtedly would have marked 21st June on their calendars for the launch of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. This expansion to FromSoftware’s acclaimed fantasy RPG stands as their largest expansion to date, almost overwhelming in its scope. Guided by Empyrean Miquella, you’ll venture beyond the Lands Between into the Land of Shadow, a completely new world full of dark secrets.

The expansion introduces a remarkable 70 new weapons, 10 new shields, 39 new talismans, 14 new sorceries, 28 new incantations, 20 new spirit ashes, 25 new ashes of war and 30 new armour sets. Accordingly, this wealth of new equipment provides unprecedented freedom to customise your character and combat approach.

Firstly, the combat remains as challenging as ever, with over 40 bosses to overcome. Secondly, the world itself is incredibly dense and layered, with paths leading upward to ruins suspended in sky and others delving deep beneath the surface. This masterful balance of difficulty and discovery makes it perfect for players seeking both challenge and exploration.

For co-op players: Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble

Cooperative gameplay enthusiasts will find Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble absolutely delightful. This Nintendo Switch exclusive allows you to join AiAi and friends as you roll through wonderfully crafted environments with up to four players locally or online.

The game particularly shines in its Adventure mode, where you and three friends can embark on a journey seeking seven mysterious artefacts said to be key to locating The Legendary Banana across 200 all-new stages. Essentially, you’re getting three experiences in one package – a single-player adventure, local co-op fun and online multiplayer mayhem.

Additionally, what makes Banana Rumble special for co-op fans is its flexible approach to multiplayer. You can progress through the entire game in co-op mode without needing to unlock levels in single-player first. Furthermore, the game supports a mix of online and local players, making it easy to jump in regardless of where your friends are located.

For horror enthusiasts: Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Horror fans seeking multiplayer thrills should immediately check out Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, which arrived on 4th June. Based on the iconic ’80s cult film, this asymmetrical multiplayer horror game pits three killer klowns against seven citizens of Crescent Cove.

As klowns, you’ll cooperate with two other players, utilising unworldly abilities and hunting humans with zany weapons. Alternatively, as citizens, you’ll team up with six others to explore the town for valuable loot and weapons while trying to survive the alien invasion.

The game provides a unique approach to hide-and-seek gameplay with customisation options, PvPvE elements and dynamic objectives leading to multiple match results. Especially noteworthy is the involvement of the original Chiodo Brothers (creators of the film) in the game’s development, ensuring it captures the cosmic horror comedy spirit of the source material.

Platform Highlights: Best Games for Each System

Each gaming platform shines with its own exceptional June 2024 video games, offering unique experiences that cater to different player preferences. Let’s explore the standout titles across major systems this month.

Top PC games for June 2024

PC games for June 2024 showcase remarkable variety, with FromSoftware’s highly anticipated expansion leading the charge. “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” arrives on 20th June, introducing the Land of Shadow with new bosses, weapons and areas to explore. This expansion stands as the largest in FromSoftware’s history, making it a must-have for fans of challenging action RPGs.

Horror enthusiasts had a field day on 18th June for the release of “Still Wakes the Deep,” a narrative-driven adventure set on an oil rig in 1975 Scotland. Alongside these major titles, strategy fans were able to delve into “Crab God” on 19th June, offering crustacean-themed tactical gameplay with a distinctive visual style.

Meanwhile, “Songs of Silence” delivers a refreshing blend of real-time strategy with turn-based management, launched on 4th June for those seeking strategic depth.

Must-play Playstation games in June 2024

PlayStation games in June 2024 feature impressive exclusives and enhanced experiences. “V Rising” made its console debut on PS5 on 11th June, bringing vampire survival action-RPG gameplay to console players after finding success on PC.

Indeed, PS Plus subscribers received additional value with June’s lineup including “Monster Hunter Rise” for both PS5 and PS4, plus “Football Manager 2024” and “Crusader Kings 3” for strategy enthusiasts on PS5.

PS VR2 owners should consider “Kayak VR: Mirage,” which offers stunning virtual kayaking experiences in lifelike environments, topping the PlayStation VR2 charts in Europe during early June.

Best Xbox games in June 2024

Xbox games in June 2024 include several Game Pass additions that deliver exceptional value. “Still Wakes the Deep” joined the service on launch day (18th June), offering Xbox players immediate access to this atmospheric horror title.

For racing enthusiasts, “NeoSprint” arrived on 27th June, reviving the classic Atari “Sprint” series with modern enhancements. Additionally, “Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends” (4th June) provides a delightful life simulation where you operate a sushi restaurant in a cosy village.

Xbox Game Pass continued to expand its impressive library with the aforementioned titles alongside indie gems like “GRAPPIN” on 6th June and “Times & Galaxy” on 21st June.

Switch standouts you should not miss

Nintendo Switch games in June 2024 feature several exclusive titles that showcase the system’s unique appeal. “Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble” (25th June) brings the beloved series back with online multiplayer for up to 16 players and a new Adventure Mode.

Furthermore, “Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD” arrived on 27th June, offering enhanced visuals and multiplayer ghost-hunting adventures as you recover the Dark Moon pieces across various haunted mansions.

Equally important, “Tchia” landed on Switch the same day, letting players embark on a tropical open-world adventure with unique abilities to control animals and objects. RPG fans have been enjoying “Monster Hunter Stories” (14th June) and “Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance” (14th June), with both games offering expanded versions of critically acclaimed titles with new features and content.

Hidden Treasures: Small Games Worth Your Time

While blockbuster titles dominate headlines, June 2024 games also include several smaller gems deserving your attention. These hidden treasures offer unique experiences that often push creative boundaries beyond what bigger studios attempt, making them valuable June 2024 video game releases.

Crab God

Beneath the waves arrived Crab God on 20th June, a captivating underwater strategy game where you guide a colony of adorable Crablings through dangerous ocean depths. As Guardian of the Abyss, you lead a Great Migration to ensure the birth of the next Crab God while restoring vibrant coral reefs.

The gameplay centres around commanding your Crablings to gather food, defend against predators and construct intricate coral structures. Each crustacean companion has a unique personality you can develop by upgrading movement speed, health and attack power, creating a deeper connection with your underwater friends.

What truly sets this title apart among video game releases is its partnership with dots.eco, allowing you to contribute to real-world ocean conservation through your in-game progress. Upon finding Ritual Stones of Preservation, you can choose which environmental cause to support – from saving baby sea turtles to removing ocean plastic – with the developers making actual contributions to these initiatives.

Dicefolk

Alongside comes Dicefolk (27th June), a tactical roguelite combining customisable dice mechanics with monster-catching elements. Playing as Alea, a young Chimaera Summoner, you’ll embark on a quest to save humanity from an evil sorcerer by recruiting from over 100 unique, hand-drawn creatures.

The combat system offers unprecedented control over luck elements – you decide the order for both your team’s dice and the opponents’, creating strategic depth as you choose when actions occur. Throughout your adventure, you’ll unlock various talismans that reveal secrets behind the Chimaeras’ existence.

Tchia (Switch release)

Finally, amidst June 2024 video games, “Tchia” arrived on Nintendo Switch (27th June). This tropical open-world adventure, inspired by New Caledonia, follows a girl rescuing her father from the archipelago’s cruel tyrant.

What makes Tchia extraordinary is the “soul-jumping” ability letting you control over 30 animals and hundreds of objects. You’ll climb any surface without restriction, sail customisable boats across turquoise lagoons and play your fully functional ukulele to trigger special events like rainfall or attracting animals.

Looking Ahead: How June 2024 Sets the Stage for 2024 Best Video Games

The spectacular June 2024 video games have really set the stage for what’s shaping up to be an extraordinary year in gaming. Throughout the remainder of 2024, players can anticipate a diverse range of experiences across all platforms, from massive expansions to innovative indies.

Upcoming expansions and sequels

Following June’s significant expansion releases, 2024 game releases continue with “Destiny 2: The Final Shape” arriving on 2nd July. This expansion introduces two new jobs (Viper and Pictomancer), raises the level cap to 100 and adds the vibrant new Tural region to explore. Soon after, “Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2” launches on 9th September, bringing cooperative third-person combat against Tyranid hordes.

Undoubtedly, “Star Wars Outlaws” stands as one of the most anticipated upcoming games 2024 has to offer, landing on 30th August. This open-world adventure places you in the role of Kay Vess, a scoundrel navigating the criminal underworld between the events of “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.”

Indie titles to watch

Beyond June’s indie offerings, several promising titles await video game enthusiasts across all platforms:

• “Echo Point Nova” delivers unprecedented freedom in an open-world FPS where creativity trumps conventional gameplay restrictions
• “Fields of Mistria” receives a substantial update with customisable animal mounts, enhancing exploration in this charming farming simulator
• “Neva” combines emotional storytelling with atmospheric gameplay, earning three Game Awards nominations including Best Indie Game

As well as these standouts, “Europa” offers a meditative gaming experience with its synth-inspired soundscapes, whereas “Nova Drift” continues to impress with its recipe-like approach to roguelike gameplay.

Major releases teased for late 2024

The latter half of 2024 features several must-play video games yet to receive firm release dates. “Frostpunk 2” expands on its predecessor’s city-building and survival mechanics, shifting from coal to oil as humanity’s primary resource. Altogether, “Pneumata,” “Wild Bastards,” “The Plucky Squire” and “Keylocker” round out an impressive slate of 2024 best video games scheduled before year’s end.

Looking Back and Forward: The Impact of these June 2024 Video Game Releases on the Gaming Year

June 2024 video games have undoubtedly delivered a remarkable array of experiences, setting a high standard for the remainder of the year. While expansions dominated the month’s offerings, they’ve proven their worth through exceptional quality and substantial content additions. “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” stands as the undisputed highlight, providing players with dozens of hours of challenging new content that expands FromSoftware’s masterpiece in meaningful ways.

Additionally, this month has shown how the industry continues to balance nostalgia with innovation. Remasters like “Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD” demonstrate how beloved classics can find new life on modern hardware, while fresh experiences such as “Still Wakes the Deep” push narrative boundaries with their atmospheric storytelling. This balance ensures both longtime gamers and newcomers find something worth their time and money.

The platform-specific offerings this month further emphasise how each gaming ecosystem maintains its distinct identity. PlayStation focuses on premium experiences and technical showcases, Xbox leverages Game Pass to provide immediate access to diverse titles, Nintendo celebrates its unique franchises and PC remains the home for experimental indie gems and definitive versions of cross-platform releases.

Furthermore, June’s smaller titles deserve recognition for their creative approaches to gameplay and storytelling. Games like “Crab God” and “Dicefolk” prove that innovation often thrives in the indie space, where developers can take risks that larger studios might avoid. These hidden treasures often provide some of the most memorable gaming experiences despite their lower profiles.

Though the June 2024 video game releases might appear quieter compared to earlier months this year, its quality-over-quantity approach has delivered several standout titles that will likely feature in year-end discussions. The month effectively bridges the gap between spring and autumn release seasons, providing substantial experiences to enjoy during summer months.

Looking ahead, the remainder of 2024 promises to build upon June’s foundations with anticipated releases like “Star Wars Outlaws” and “Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail.” Nevertheless, the gems released this month deserve your attention before the next wave of games arrives. Whether you’re drawn to expansive RPGs, atmospheric horror or quirky indie adventures, the diverse June 2024 video game releases ensure you’ll find something to enjoy regardless of your gaming preferences.