What are the very best upcoming video games this yr? In the event you’re something like us, you’re time is already stretched attempting to play all the nice video games out proper now… nevertheless it’s not slowing down any time quickly. Hope, anticipation, agony, and elation (plus exhaustion) – the countless cycle of feelings we undergo through the annual PC launch schedule.
Yr in, yr out, video games are produced in such various levels of high quality that not a single one among them is destined for sure success. A few of the finest PC video games of all time are launched alongside utter disasters, sequence are born whereas others dwindle, and infrequently a sport really lives as much as our expectations. Under you’ll discover all of the upcoming PC video games you must hold in your radar, and it’s wildly various. There’s horror video games, racing video games, story video games, a sequel for one of the common combating video games sequence of all time, and all of their anticipated launch dates.
Listed below are all the very best upcoming PC video games for December 2023 and past:
December sport releases
The Day Earlier than
There was a time we weren’t certain if The Day Earlier than was ever going to return to fruition, thanks to varied points referring to the sport’s launch, title, and suchlike. Now, regardless of a delay from its unique November launch date, The Day Earlier than is simply weeks away, and with such secrecy and chaos round it, we are able to’t wait to see the ultimate product.
The Day Earlier than is an apocalyptic MMO primarily based on a zombie rebellion, and survivors a lot work collectively to outlive. Collect assets from retailers and surrounding areas, repair up automobiles, and craft weapons to remain alive. Happening after a terrifying pandemic, The Day Earlier than is maybe extra relatable than most different MMOs proper now, so take the prospect to learn how you’d get on on the finish of the world.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Ubisoft’s Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is the proper mixture of the acquainted film sequence and an all-new setting, the Western Frontier. Predominantly an FPS sport, Frontiers of Pandora makes use of nature and exploration as your predominant instruments for achievement in guerrilla warfare. As we discover in our full Avatar Frontiers of Pandora release date guide, “Pandora is a living, breathing place… From a jungle that reacts to your presence to a dynamic weather system,” bringing the very best aspects of the movies to an immersive videogame.
House Flipper 2
Most of the games on this list right now are deep, complex story games and RPGs with emotional storylines. Here’s House Flipper 2 to the rescue if you’re after something a little more… calming. Following on from the success of House Flipper, one of the most successful relaxing games of recent years, House Flipper 2 isn’t as stressful as flipping a house in real life as you sit back, switch off, gut rooms, destroy walls, and decorate interiors in this methodical and therapeutic game.
- House Flipper 2 release date: Thursday, December 14, 2023
Poppy Playtime Chapter 3
In the third chapter of horror puzzle game Poppy Playtime, we’re taken to Playcare, having crashed a train right outside the terrifying daycare center at the end of Chapter 2. All we know from the trailer so far is that there is some new creature creature coming after us – what it is, we’ll just have to wait and see.
January game releases
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Ubisoft’s return to the long-running Prince of Persia series sees yet another genre change. Instead of a third-person 3D action adventure, The Lost Crown adopts a more Metroidvania-like style of gameplay, only with a heavier emphasis on combat mechanics, skills, and big bosses. In a way, it’s more faithful to the Broderbund Apple II original with its maze-like levels but with more formidable foes waiting to strike.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Yes, this is the third Like A Dragon game to come out in a calendar year, but as Infinite Wealth has Ichiban as the protagonist, this marks a return to the RPG mechanics introduced in Yakuza: Like A Dragon. So far, we’ve seen Ichiban sent on a mission to Hawaii to find his mother, only to be ambushed, stripped naked, and left unconscious on a beach with nothing to his name. A new job system helps refresh combat, along with the returning Poundmates summon system to call in reinforcements. Oh, and like every other Like A Dragon/Yakuza game, you can lose tons of time in many vastly different minigames.
Tekken 8
While we got a brief taste of Tekken 8 during the Closed Network Test, this barely scratched the surface of what’s to come in the latest of Bandai Namco’s premier fighting game series. With Heihatchi Mishima seemingly dead after the events of Tekken 7, the story continues with Jin Kazama seeking to end the tyranny of his devil-wielding father, Kazuya Mishima. Many familiar faces are in the Tekken 8 roster, along with at least one brand-new fighter. New modes are also plentiful, including a unique take on the classic arcade mode. Most importantly, however, we have confirmation that the best minigame, Tekken Ball, is returning. But that begs the question: will that mode be online compatible? We can only hope.
Tekken 8 release date: Friday, January 26, 2024
February game releases
Persona 3 Reload
This may seem like an odd pick for a remake, but the version of Persona 3 that’s currently on PC is based on the PSP port that severely downgraded the visuals and simplified the navigation perhaps a bit too much. Persona 3 Reload looks to be more on par with the PlayStation 2 original in terms of its gameplay style but with some more modern tweaks first found in Persona 5. It’s the best of both worlds, and Persona 3 was the RPG that put the series on the map, so an updated and readily available version of this cult classic is an exciting prospect.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
We’ve been wondering what Batman Arkham developer Rocksteady has been up to for years, and now we finally have our answer: a Suicide Squad game. We can’t say it’s the game we were hoping for, but Rocksteady has done a terrific job with the Batman license, so we’re quietly confident. We know that the game features the late, great Kevin Conroy as Batman, too, so that’s reason enough to look forward to the Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League release date.
Tomb Raider Remastered
During a recent Nintendo Direct, it was revealed that Lara Croft and her pointy boobs would be returning to a PC or console near you. Yes, Tomb Raider I-III are getting remastered and rereleased in 2024, and the great thing is that you have the option to toggle between the new graphics and the old ones at will to see just how far the game has come. Even better is that the new graphics are truly just a remaster of the old, so it still has that classic Tomb Raider feel to it, unlike some more modern Tomb Raider content.
Homeworld 3
Homeworld, the beloved series of real-time strategy games, is getting a long-awaited third installation. Homeworld 2 was released almost 18 years ago, but in recent years the positive reception to the Homeworld Remastered Collection and prequel Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak has encouraged publisher Gearbox and developer Blackbird Interactive to work on an official sequel. Expect more tiny ships gracefully swooping through the vastness of space and a “ballistics-style weapon system similar to Homeworld 1”.
March game releases
Life by You
Even with the next The Sims game, Project Rene, under production, we couldn’t be more excited about the release of Sims-like Life by You. Incredibly similar to The Sims but seemingly more detailed with more customization options, Life by You could be a real rival for whatever Project Rene becomes. It’s also developed by Paradox Tectonic, whose parent publisher, Paradox Interactive, also published Cities Skylines, so the simulation game is in good company already.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
It’s been over a decade in the making, but Dragon’s Dogma 2 finally lets us step back into the boots of the Arisen. A pesky dragon’s only gone and stolen our heart, and it’s up to us to save the kingdom and slay the beast once and for all.
While we didn’t get to experience any of the plot in our Dragon’s Dogma 2 preview, we did get to grips with the combat, and quite literally so with the larger monsters as you climb on top of them to drive a sword into their skulls. The returning pawns back up the player with a mixture of ranged weapons, spells, and swift melee strikes to fell all kinds of beasts, from minotaurs to harpies. We even chased a griffon, which went as badly as one expects. Everything we’ve seen so far has been promising, and with a much-improved engine running the RPG game, it has every potential to be one of the best of 2024.
Game releases in 2024
Frostpunk 2
Following on from the BAFTA-nominated Frostpunk of 2018, one of the best survival games out there, we’re heading back into the storm for another attempt at surviving the apocalypse. Frostpunk 2 takes place in the same, last city standing in which we found ourselves in the original game, but, this time, things are changing. The age of steam has come and gone and the future lies in oil – naturally, this leads to newer, more terrifying threats than before.
Stalker 2
Nearly two decades since the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R, the horror sequel is finally on its way. Okay, we were expecting it in December 2023, and that has now been pushed back to “Q1 2024”, but looking at the trailers and the official site’s proud discussion of its use of mo-cap and photogrammetry tech, it looks like Stalker 2 should be worth the wait. Take a look at our Stalker 2 release date guide for more details.
Skull and Bones
Black Flag and For Honor meet for PvP sailing, piracy, and cannon-firing in Skull and Bones. With a familiar UI and control mechanism for anyone that’s played Assassin’s Creed’s sea-bound adventure, it’s no surprise that it’s garnered a following of fans since its announcement in 2017. Unfortunately, it’s been subject to continuous delays since then, but Ubisoft has now moved the game into the closed beta stage, and streaming was even allowed for the latest beta, so we must be getting closer to something they’re willing to release. The uncertainty is a shame, but one day we’ll be able to sail the high seas and claim some booty for ourselves.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
It’s been nearly 19 long years, but we finally have a sequel to the cult classic bloodsucker. The sequel takes us to Seattle, but the land of coffee and grunge has been given a coagulated coat of crimson as you unravel another rich mystery.
While the original is remembered fondly for its engrossing narrative, it remained rife with bugs and disappointing combat. Luckily, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2’s gameplay plunders immersive sims such as Dishonored 2 and Deus Ex to make its vampiric fisticuffs just as engaging as its story. Following a switch of developers, the release date has been pushed back, but we’re more than ready to sink our teeth in when it finally arrives.
Hellblade 2
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is a direct continuation of the eponymous Senua’s journey following the events of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. The troubled Pict warrior returns to overcome the darkness both within and without – but this time, she’s not alone. Senua has accrued a warrior tribe of her own, which she’s set to lead on a brutal journey to survive the desolate cold and folkloric horrors of Viking Iceland. BAFTA Games Award winner Melina Juergens reprises her role as Senua for the sequel, and familiar staples make a return, including the unnerving binaural whispers baked into Hellblade’s sound design.
Classified France ’44
Despite a fairly confident “2023” listed as the release date on the Classified France 44 Steam page, there is still no set date for the turn-based strategy game. Hopefully, it will see the light of day this year, especially since there is still regular communication on the game’s Twitter/X profile and loads of new trailers and content material launched on a near-daily foundation.
- Labeled France ’44 launch date: 2024
Star Wars Outlaws
Grow to be an area outlaw on this open-world Ubisoft Star Wars sport, which follows lead character Kay Vess on a mission to free herself from her fugitive standing. Accompanied by the very stylish android ND-5 and the lovable Nix, you’ll by no means be wanting firm in Star Wars Outlaws, which has been narrowed down for a launch date someday in 2024.
The Wolf Amongst Us 2
One of many extra shocking updates from The Video games Awards 2019 was the return of The Wolf Amongst Us 2. You’ll be able to count on the identical selection and consequence-style narrative expertise of earlier Telltale video games. Whereas the unique trailer confidently boasted a 2023 launch date, don’t count on The Wolf Amongst Us 2 anytime quickly, as developer LCG Leisure has hit the reset button.
- The Wolf Amongst Us 2 launch date: 2024
Avowed
We received our first correct glimpse of Avowed through the Xbox Video games Showcase, and whereas everybody’s consideration could have been on a Bethesda-developed house sport, Obsidian’s fantasy RPG journey has all of the hallmarks of a enjoyable romp throughout the Pillars of Eternity world. Will you employ your magic powers and competent swordsmanship for good, or will you terrorize the land with evil intent? It might be some time till Elder Scrolls 6, so that is the subsequent smartest thing, even when it’s not an open-world sport.
Earthless
A sci-fi, roguelike deckbuilder? Sure, please. Earthless is a novel deckbuilder during which your playing cards will assist (or hinder) your journey by means of house on a mission to avoid wasting mankind. The house sport might be launched into early entry someday in 2024, so if you wish to be a part of the Earthless growth, you may wishlist now.
- Earthless launch date: 2024
Recreation releases in 2025 and past
Grand Theft Auto 6
The long and short of it is, while we’ve seen leaks of this hotly anticipated action game, we know next to nothing else about it for sure. We know it’s coming sometime between 2024 and 2025 and is likely to have a Vice City setting as well as two playable protagonists with a Bonnie and Clyde relationship, but that’s it. We’ll bring you more when the game is officially announced.
Zenless Zone Zero
Though we expect Zenless Zone Zero to release sometime in 2024, this hasn’t been fully confirmed by HoyoVerse yet, so we’re keeping it in the ‘beyond’ section for now. That said, players are currently testing out the most recent ZZZ closed beta and getting to grips with the satisfying combat, unique dungeon-crawling similarities, and cute ZZZ Bangboos.
Silent Hill 2
We all know it, Silent Hill 2 is one of the best horror games of all time, and, as such, there has been some concern about rebooting the game in 2023. Especially given that Bloober Team are behind the new release. That said, we enjoyed Layers of Fear, and we can’t wait to see James, Pyramid Head, and Silent Hill itself in their all-new, updated glory.
XDefiant
Ubisoft’s upcoming arena shooter will see 6v6 teams of ‘Defiants’ duke it out, using customized loadouts and powerful abilities unique to the ‘faction’ you choose. You can change your loadout each time you respawn to adapt to the fast-paced battles as they develop. Following recent beta tests, Ubisoft’s Mark Rubin release a statement on the delay of XDefiant, stating there is more work to do with compliance before the game passes the submission process. As such, he’s still keeping us waiting for a release date.
The Outer Worlds 2
Obsidian’s hit retro-futuristic roleplaying game is getting a sequel. The teaser trailer doesn’t tell us much, simply showing off exotic alien landscapes and futuristic combat, but its wry, self-aware voiceover tells us “the developers haven’t finished the [main character’s] design, or finished the story, or finished any gameplay that’s actually ready to show”. At least it’s honest.
The Sims 5/Project Rene
EA still hasn’t gone into great detail about how The Sims 5 will look, but in the Sims Summit video above, we did get a small glimpse of the early ideas following the Project Rene reveal. This “new era of The Sims” features more detail, more customizability, and a greater focus on community then ever before, and while there’s no set release date yet, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for The Sims.
The Elder Scrolls 6
Bethesda finished its E3 2018 conference in the best way possible by announcing the upcoming PC game we all wanted: The Elder Scrolls VI. With only a teaser trailer of some rocky hills, ruined castles, and coastlines to go on, we’re still waiting on a setting and a launch window.
With Starfield now in orbit, we can assume (from Todd Howard’s previous comments) that attention turns to Elder Scrolls 6 as the next Bethesda game to see the light of day. Just when that will be, though, is still a mystery.
Dragon Age 4
Otherwise known as Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, it should come as no surprise to long-time Dragon Age fans that Solas – the Dread Wolf himself – is set to return, in a new high fantasy adventure set after the events of Dragon Age Inquisition. While BioWare has remained tight-lipped on the development of Dragon Age 4 thus far, lead writer Patrick Weekes says that Dreadwolf’s story explores “what happens when you don’t have power” – a question that may have startling implications for Dreadwolf’s protagonist. Regardless, we can anticipate BioWare to deliver an expansive RPG complete with politics, romance, and elves. Lots of elves.
The Witcher 4
The Witcher 4 is slated to be the first installment of a brand-new saga, so there’s a high chance that it won’t actually be called The Witcher 4. However, CD Projekt Red’s official reveal includes a School of the Lynx medallion half-buried in snowIt’s possible that this brief tease is a nod to The Witcher 4’s protagonist, though the particulars are still unclear. While The Witcher 4 is likely years away, we can’t wait to experience the follow-up to one of the best PC games of all time.
Haunted Chocolatier
The next game from Stardew Valley developer Eric ‘Concerned Ape’ Barone has been announced, and it’s set in an enchanting fantasy town with plenty of spooky goings-on. It shares Stardew Valley’s charming pixel-art style, though the gameplay focuses on combat rather than farming. As the eponymous chocolatier, you’ll be tasked with fending off slimes to harvest ingredients for intricate chocolate creations, which you can sell and display in your own chocolate shop. There’ll also be plenty of characters to meet along the way, though relationships may play out slightly differently than in Stardew. Unfortunately, there’s been no further word on when we can expect to get our sticky hands on Barone’s upcoming game, but one thing’s for sure: the day we open our chocolate shop can’t come soon enough.
That’s a lot of games to get excited for – luckily, our anticipation levels are boundless already. I mean, there are life games, RPG games, pirate games, and so much more on this list. Of course, it’s tough to keep up with games as they come out, let alone remember the games we should save for. If you’re not looking to break the bank, we list the best free PC games you could be playing while you wait.
