Video Game Releases August 2024: Hot Picks and Top Tips

The much-anticipated video game releases August 2024 bring several high-profile titles despite being a relatively quieter month for the gaming world. Last month we saw hits like Thank Goodness You’re Here changing the face of gaming. This month, Black Myth: Wukong stands as the most wishlisted game on Steam, drawing massive attention with its stunning visuals and Souls-like combat based on the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West.” After more than three years in development, this title represents just one of the month’s most anticipated game sequels.

Although August might not be as packed as previous months, we’re still seeing remarkable video game releases August 2024 has to offer across all major platforms. Star Wars Outlaws makes history as the first-ever open-world Star Wars game, allowing players to explore distinct planets in a galaxy far, far away set between “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” Meanwhile, Visions of Mana revives a beloved franchise after a 15-year absence, and Madden NFL 25 introduces the physics-based Boom Tech tackling system that took over two years to develop. Furthermore, SMITE 2 aims to build upon the success of its predecessor, which has attracted more than 40 million players since launch.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-play games of August 2024, covering everything from PS5 game releasesto Xbox Series X|S and PC offerings. We’ll also highlight some hidden gems you might otherwise miss and provide tips for Game Pass subscribers looking to maximise their membership this month.

Top Must-Play Video Games Released in August 2024

August 2024 game releases have delivered a spectacular lineup of titles across multiple platforms. From action RPG releases to team-based shooters, this month has provided gamers with diverse experiences worth diving into. Let’s explore the must-play video games that have made August a standout month for video game enthusiasts across all platforms.

Black Myth: Wukong – Soulslike Excellence

Black Myth: Wukong launched on August 20th, bringing players into a world steeped in Chinese mythology. Based on the classic novel Journey to the West, this action RPG puts you in the role of The Destined One, a monkey seeking the six relics of Wukong. Developed by Game Science Studio, this highly anticipated game sequel draws inspiration from the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong. 

While initially appearing similar to soulslike games with its checkpoint system and stamina bar, Black Myth: Wukong actually shares more with traditional action games, offering a more forgiving yet equally challenging experience. The combat system balances twitch reflexes with resource management through a Focus Metre that builds when landing hits or perfectly dodging attacks. Additionally, the game features Spirit Skills that transform you into different characters with unique movesets. 

The stunning visuals and challenging gameplay make this one of the most popular video games of August, even with some technical issues that will likely be addressed in post-launch patches.

Star Wars Outlaws – A New Open-World Adventure

Making history as the first-ever open-world Star Wars game, Star Wars Outlaws was released in August 2024, set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Players step into the shoes of Kay Vess, a scoundrel seeking freedom alongside her companion Nix. The game offers distinct locations to explore, from bustling cities to expansive outdoor landscapes. 

Players can take on high-risk missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates, steal valuable goods and pilot The Trailblazer in dogfights against Imperial forces. Consequently, every choice influences your reputation in the galaxy. The organic world design provides a refreshing departure from the typical Ubisoft checklist approach, offering meaningful activities rather than endless collectibles. 

This sci-fi adventure game promises to be a landmark title in Star Wars gaming, ensuring it was one of the top video game releases August 2024.

Visions of Mana – A JRPG Revival

After a 15-year absence of mainline entries, Visions of Mana revitalises the beloved JRPG series with its August release. Taking control of Val, a young man from the Fire Village of Tianeea, players embark on a journey as a soul guard accompanying a childhood friend chosen as an alm to the Tree of Mana. 

The game features real-time, fast-paced combat across expansive semi-open areas filled with secrets and enemies. Furthermore, the vibrant, colourful graphics capture the series’ themes of nature and elemental aspects beautifully. 

As one of the most anticipated Square Enix releases, this fantasy RPG title successfully maintains the classic adventure-RPG gameplay that made Secret of Mana beloved while adding modern quality-of-life improvements, making it accessible for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Mana series.

Madden NFL 25 – Sports Fans Rejoice

Madden NFL 25 brings significant improvements to the long-running franchise with its August 2024 release. The headline feature is BOOM Tech, a physics-based tackling system that creates realistic collisions and new gameplay animations. This technology breaks down tackles into smaller animations that take player ratings, strength, weight, force, velocity, angle and momentum into account during each play. Moreover, ball carriers now “get skinny” when hitting holes and brace for incoming contact. 

The presentation has been improved with cleaned-up menus, franchise updates and a rebuilt NFL Draft experience featuring Roger Goodell. New commentary teams have been added as well, notably Kate Scott and Brock Huard, refreshing the broadcast experience. 

As one of the most anticipated EA Sports titles and one of the best video game releases August 2024, this latest entry in NFL video games showcases impressive sports game updates.

Concord – Team-Based Shooter Fun

Concord arrived in August as PlayStation’s entry into the competitive multiplayer shooter market. The game features 16 unique characters called Freegunners, each with different weapons, abilities, movement speeds and health stats. What sets Concord apart is its focus on team coordination – understanding both your team’s and your opponents’ abilities is critical to success.

The game launched with 12 maps and 6 modes spread across 3 playlists: Brawl, Overrun and Rivalry. Notably, the Rivalry playlist requires strategic character selection as you cannot use the same Freegunner twice after winning a round. With exceptional gunplay and responsive character abilities, 

Concord offers satisfying team-based combat for £31.77, with future Freegunners, modes and maps promised as free additions.

World of Warcraft: The War Within – New Adventures Await

The tenth expansion for the legendary MMORPG, World of Warcraft: The War Within released on 26th August as the first part of the Worldsoul Saga trilogy. This expansion takes players beneath Azeroth’s surface to the subterranean continent of Khaz Algar, with four distinct zones and the capital city of Dornogal serving as a central hub. The primary narrative involves the Harbinger of the Void, Xal’atath, who threatens both Khaz Algar and Azeroth. 

The expansion raises the level cap to 80 and introduces several new features: Hero Talents for every class and specialisation, Delves for solo or cooperative play and the playable Earthen race that unlocks after completing the main campaign. Plus, the expansion includes eight new dungeons and a raid for end-game content.

Best August 2024 Game Releases by Platform

Looking at the video game releases August 2024 has offered across all platforms, certain titles stand out as must-plays depending on your gaming system of choice. Nevertheless, each platform has received impressive new game launchesworth exploring.

Top PS5 Game Releases August 2024

PlayStation 5 owners have been particularly fortunate this month with PS5 game releases August 2024 featuring several exclusives. Black Myth: Wukong made its console debut exclusively on PS5 on 20th August, with its Xbox version delayed due to optimisation issues. Additionally, PS5 exclusive multiplayer shooter Concord launched on 23rd August, offering 16 unique characters called Freegunners across 12 maps and 6 modes. For those who prefer narrative-driven experiences, Dustborn arrived on 20th August, bringing its story-centric adventure with a colourful cast of misfit characters to Sony’s platform.

Best Xbox Game Releases August 2024

Xbox game releases August 2024 brought several noteworthy titles to Microsoft’s console. Kena: Bridge of Spiritsfinally arrived on Xbox Series X|S on 15th August, giving Xbox players access to this Zelda-like adventure previously unavailable on the platform. Furthermore, Creatures of Ava launched on 7th August as another notable addition. Xbox Series X|S players can also enjoy multiplatform releases like Star Wars Outlaws (30th August) and Visions of Mana (29th August), both of which have been eagerly anticipated by the gaming community.

Exciting PC Game Releases August 2024

PC game releases August 2024 have been particularly robust. World of Warcraft: The War Within expansion launched on 26th August, bringing the first chapter in the new Worldsoul Saga trilogy to dedicated MMORPG fans. Tactical Breach Wizards arrived on 22nd August, offering magical combat inspired by XCOM-like tactics. For those seeking something completely different, Squirrel With A Gun launched on 29th August, delivering exactly what its title promises – you’re a squirrel with a gun!

Switch Highlights for August 2024

Nintendo Switch owners received several platform exclusives this month. World of Goo 2 launched on 2nd August with exclusive local co-op features allowing up to three players to build together. SteamWorld Heist II arrived on 8th August, letting players explore a vast ocean blue where adventure, mystery and danger await. Cat Quest III also launched on 8th August, offering a swashbuckling RPG adventure across the Purribean. Lastly, Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club launched on 29th August, bringing a dark, twisted thriller to Nintendo’s portable platform.

Hidden Gems Among August 2024 Video Game Releases

Beyond the blockbuster titles, several hidden gems among August 2024 game releases deserve the spotlight for their innovative gameplay and unique concepts. These lesser-known titles offer refreshing experiences for video game enthusiasts across all platforms.

Dustborn – Story-Driven Adventure

Released on 20th August, Dustborn delivers a compelling narrative-driven experience set in an alternate America of 2030. Players control Pax, an outcast with the extraordinary ability to weaponise language. This power manifests both in combat and conversations, where you can literally use words to physically affect enemies and manipulate people. The game masterfully blends road-trip adventure with comic-book aesthetics as you travel across a divided America with a band of misfits posing as a rock group. In essence, Dustborn transforms your gameplay choices into a customised 35-page comic book that you can share online or print.

SteamWorld Heist II – Tactical Fun

SteamWorld Heist II sailed into August with significant improvements over its predecessor. This turn-based tactical shooter places you in command of a crew of steambot submariners navigating a planet-sized bowl of water floating in space. The game eliminates annoying features from the original, such as procedurally generated levels and limited inventory systems. Instead, it introduces a flexible mix-and-match class system that allows characters to combine abilities from six different skill trees. Furthermore, the combat remains uniquely engaging with its ricocheting bullet mechanics that require manual aiming rather than percentage-based hit chances.

Squirrel With A Gun – Meme Magic

True to its name, Squirrel With A Gun launched on 29th August offering exactly what you’d expect – you’re a squirrel with a gun. This sandbox shooter/puzzle platformer transforms a simple premise into surprisingly creative gameplay. Guns serve dual purposes: combat tools and platforming mechanisms, with recoil enabling additional jumps or hover abilities depending on the weapon. Despite its meme origins, the game offers more substance than similar novelty titles, featuring solid level design and ingenious puzzles utilising gun physics.

Gundam Breaker 4 – Build and Battle

Gundam Breaker 4 released on 29th August allows players to create their ultimate Gunpla (Gundam plastic models) from over 250 base kits. This hack-and-slash looter game introduces a new dual-wielding combat system allowing unique combos as you break apart enemy mechs to collect their parts. The customisation options are exceptionally deep – you can resize individual parts, mix standard and SD Gundam components and personalise with paint, weathering and decals. Importantly, the new diorama mode enables players to create elaborate scenes with backgrounds and special effects to showcase their mechanical masterpieces.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Fantasy Combat

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands among the best video game releases of August with its powerful narrative and exceptional battle system. Set in a world where people perish at a predetermined age marked by the godlike Paintress, you lead an expedition seeking to end this cycle of death. The turn-based combat system incorporates real-time elements similar to Mario RPGs, requiring timed button inputs to enhance spells or avoid attacks. Each character features unique mechanics – like Gustave building charges to power his Overcharge skill or Lune collecting elemental stains for more powerful spells – creating one of the most brilliant turn-based combat systems in recent memory.

Game Pass Releases August 2024: What to Play First

Xbox Game Pass releases August 2024 bring subscribers a diverse collection of titles worth exploring this month. With multiple waves of new games joining the service, there’s plenty to keep players busy across various platforms.

Top Picks on Game Pass This Month

August game releases on Game Pass kicked off impressively with Creatures of Ava arriving on 7th August, bringing its gorgeous action-adventure gameplay to Cloud, PC and Xbox Series X|S. Following closely, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy joined the service on 8th August, offering approximately 50 hours of gameplay for achievement hunters seeking all 77 achievements. Mafia: Definitive Edition rounded out the first wave on 13th August, providing an excellent remake that takes roughly 20-25 hours to complete.

The second half of August saw even more video games released in August 2024 joining Game Pass. Atlas Fallen, perhaps the biggest title of this wave, arrived on 22nd August with its open-world action RPG experience set in vast desert landscapes. Core Keeper followed on 27th August, letting players explore a dynamic 2D survival sandbox where crafting, building and uncovering ancient secrets await. Star Trucker, coming on 3rd September, puts an interstellar twist on the truck simulation genre.

Certainly the most significant addition is access to the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 open beta from 28th August to 30th August – normally requiring a pre-order but freely available to Game Pass members. Rewards earned during the beta will carry over to the full game when it launches day one on the service.

Tips for Maximising Your Game Pass Subscription

To get the most from your game pass subscription in August 2024:

• Try the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate conversion trick – buy Xbox Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold) then convert it to Ultimate for significantly less than paying monthly. For example, purchasing 24 months of Core (£47.65/year) plus one month of Ultimate converts to 24 months of Ultimate for approximately £119.91 instead of £407.76.
• Download departing games before 31st August – even if you can’t play immediately, they’ll remain accessible until your subscription renews.
• Purchase games leaving the service while still subscribed to enjoy a permanent 20% discount.

According to recent updates, Game Pass Ultimate remains the best value at £15.88 monthly, including both Xbox and PC game libraries plus cloud gaming functionality across mobile devices.

Top Tips for Choosing the Best Video Games to Play

With so many exciting game releases August 2024 has provided, choosing what to play next might feel overwhelming. Thankfully, there are several practical approaches to ensure you select games that match your preferences and provide the best possible gaming experience.

Match Games to Your Playstyle

Understanding your gaming preferences is the first step toward making satisfying choices. Every player has unique tastes that influence their enjoyment. Consider which games you’ve previously enjoyed and what made them stand out – whether competitive multiplayer, rich narratives or creative sandboxes.

Different playstyles often fall into recognisable archetypes:

• Social Gamers prioritise multiplayer experiences and connecting with friends
• Explorers enjoy open worlds with deep lore and freedom to roam
• Trophy Hunters seek achievements and collectibles
• Story-focused players value narrative and character development

Review platforms can help identify games that align with your preferences. When browsing reviews, focus on comments relevant to your playstyle rather than overall scores. If you enjoy immersive storytelling, look for praise about plot and character development, whereas competitive players should pay attention to balance and mechanical depth.

Look for Early Access and Demos

Many developers offer free demos or trial versions that provide hands-on experience before purchasing. This approach allows you to determine if gameplay, graphics and overall feel match your expectations.

Early access games offer another way to try games during development. When you purchase an early access title, you receive the current build plus all future updates through to final release. However, remember these games are unfinished works-in-progress that may contain bugs or incomplete features.

Early access benefits include:

• Direct influence on development through feedback
• Often lower prices than final releases
• Building community connections with developers

Watch Out for Post-Launch Updates

Modern gaming rarely ends at launch, with most titles receiving various degrees of post-launch support. This ongoing development can substantially improve games over time through bug fixes, performance optimisations and new content.

When evaluating video game releases, consider developers’ track records for post-launch support. Games with active communities and regular updates typically offer better long-term experiences. Developers who respond to player feedback demonstrate commitment to improving their games, potentially transforming good experiences into exceptional ones.

Post-launch updates often include:

• Critical bug fixes and performance improvements
• New content like levels, characters or game modes
• Balance adjustments based on player feedback

Joining game-specific forums or social media groups can help you stay informed about upcoming updates and community sentiment regarding ongoing support.

The Best Video Game Releases August 2024: Summarising Summer

As summer winds down, the game releases August 2024 has offered demonstrate a fascinating pattern – the most anticipated titles arrived primarily in the latter half of the month. Indeed, as one industry observer noted, “the good news is that there are several games to look forward to playing in August; the bad news is that they don’t come until the second half of the month.”

August began with Star Wars: Bounty Hunter on the 1st, giving fans their first taste of the galaxy far, far away before concluding with the ambitious Star Wars Outlaws on the 30th. Analogous to bookends, these titles framed a month rich with diverse gaming experiences.

The release calendar progressed through Pepper Grinder on the 6th, followed by Cat Quest III and SteamWorld Heist 2 both arriving on the 8th. Subsequently, Madden NFL 25 kicked off on the 16th, serving sports enthusiasts with its latest iteration.

Mid-month marked the arrival of the most anticipated release, as Black Myth: Wukong launched on the 20th for PlayStation 5 and PC. This title topped Steam’s wishlist charts, reflecting intense player interest in its Chinese mythology-inspired world. That same day, the story-driven Dustborn also made its debut.

The momentum continued with Concord on the 23rd, followed by World of Warcraft: The War Within expansion on the 26th – the first chapter in the new Worldsoul Saga trilogy. Near month’s end, Visions of Mana arrived on the 29th, bringing the first new mainline Mana game since 2006.

Looking towards autumn, upcoming video games like Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions (3rd September), Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (11th October) and Metaphor: ReFantazio (11th October) suggest the gaming calendar remains robust heading into the fall season.

Throughout August, video game enthusiasts across all platforms found something to enjoy, from action RPG releases to team-based shooters and sports simulations, making it a satisfying conclusion to the summer gaming releases despite its back-loaded release schedule.