June was an exhilarating month for gamers, filled with showcases that got us all hyped for titles coming later this year and into 2025. The Xbox Games Showcase, Summer Game Fest, and Nintendo Direct unveiled a lineup that promises an exciting future for gaming. While it’s tempting to look ahead, it’s also essential to focus on the great games launching soon. Here’s a guide to the must-play games releasing in July 2024.
July: A Prime Month for Game Releases
July often sees fewer major releases as publishers gear up for the fall. However, this year, several exciting games are set to launch, taking advantage of the quieter release period. Here are the games you’ll want to make time for this month.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail – July 2
Anyone familiar with Final Fantasy XIV is eagerly awaiting Dawntrail. For newcomers, this is a great entry point into the expansive MMO. Dawntrail serves as a cooldown expansion after Endwalker, allowing new players to jump in without needing extensive background knowledge. With fresh content that doesn’t require hundreds of hours of prior gameplay, it’s the perfect time to dive in and start your adventure.
The First Descendant – July 2
Kicking off July with a bang, The First Descendant is a free-to-play third-person shooter reminiscent of Destiny. Create your own Descendant and battle the Invaders to save humanity. Featuring distinct character classes, a plethora of weapons and gear, and co-op missions, this looter-shooter RPG has all the makings of a hit. Keep an eye on how the game evolves post-launch, as it could become a staple in your game rotation.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak – July 5
For RPG enthusiasts, The Legend of Heroes series continues with Trails Through Daybreak. This entry offers a fresh start in the ongoing series, making it accessible for new players. Set in the familiar world but featuring a new story and characters, Daybreak is the ideal starting point for those interested in diving into this long-running series.
Frostpunk 2 – July 25
Escape the summer heat with Frostpunk 2, a game set in a frozen dystopia where survival is a constant struggle. This sequel to the critically acclaimed Frostpunk ups the ante with more complex city-building, resource management, and political dilemmas. It’s a challenging yet rewarding experience for those who enjoy strategy and simulation games.
July 2024 offers a diverse selection of games across various genres. Whether you’re into MMORPGs, action RPGs, JRPGs, indie platformers, or strategic simulations, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to mark your calendars and enjoy these exciting releases as we gear up for an even more thrilling fall gaming season.
