Top 10 Games Still Releasing Before 2024
The video game industry shows no signs of slowing down, with some of the most anticipated titles still set to launch before 2024. From long-awaited sequels to new IPs, something is exciting on the horizon for every type of gamer. Let’s look at the 10 best games still releasing before 2024 that should be on every player’s radar.
Top 10 Games Still Releasing Before 2024
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
The sequel to 2017’s groundbreaking The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was announced in 2019, though details remain scarce. Nintendo has kept things tightly under wraps, not even revealing an official name yet.
Still, the massive success and critical acclaim of the first BotW mean expectations are sky-high for the follow-up. The original broke the Zelda formula and delivered an open-world Hyrule ripe for exploration. With game director Eiji Aonuma promising an even larger world, Breath of the Wild 2 is shaping to be one of the biggest Switch releases ever.
Though the game was initially slated for 2022, Breath of the Wild 2 saw a delay to Spring 2023. This likely means the size and scope increased during development, which can only be a good thing for impatient fans. As long as Nintendo takes the time to polish this eagerly awaited sequel, it should be well worth the extended wait.
2. Starfield
As Bethesda’s first new IP in over 20 years, the hype for Starfield is understandable. Serving as the developer’s first game on Xbox following Microsoft’s acquisition, it will also be a console exclusive. While details remain limited, Bethesda has emphasized the vast scale of Starfield’s setting.
The game promises over 1,000 explorable planets across 100 star systems. Early trailers indicate a tone blending epic space opera with hard sci-fi elements. It appears you can freely pilot a ship through star systems, land on planets, and explore both handcrafted areas and procedurally generated content.
Though the initial November 2022 release was pushed back to the first half of 2023, Starfield should be one of next year’s most significant releases. Series like Fallout and Elder Scrolls have cemented Bethesda’s reputation for open-world excellence. With Microsoft’s resources now backing them, Starfield could mark a new era for the storied studio.
3. Spider-Man 2
Insomniac’s 2018 Spider-Man defied the checkered history of superhero games to deliver an exhilarating open-world experience worthy of the web-slinger. The forthcoming sequel promises to build on that strong foundation by introducing fan-favorite characters like Venom, as well as the option to freely explore the city as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales.
Details remain limited for now, but the brief teaser trailer showed the heroes facing off against Venom. With two playable Spider-heroes and a sinister new threat, Spider-Man 2 should give players both an engaging narrative and plenty of room for co-op gameplay possibilities.
While Spider-Man 2 was initially announced for 2023, recent rumors suggest it could see a delay to late 2024. However, Insomniac has earned goodwill via the consistent quality and care shown in the Ratchet & Clank series. Whenever this hotly anticipated sequel arrives, players can expect the same polish and heart put into the first game and Miles Morales spin-off.
4. Final Fantasy XVI
The numbered Final Fantasy entries are always monumental events, and the upcoming FFXVI looks to continue that trend by bringing the Fantasy franchise into the modern AAA gaming era. Some classic hallmarks like turned-based battles and world map travel have been dropped to deliver a darker, more action-oriented real-time combat system.
Early trailers indicate a gritty, political narrative concerning the magical knight Joshua and the struggle surrounding his mysterious powers. Series veterans like Naoki Yoshida and Hiroshi Takai are heading up development, so the story and world should still deliver signature Final Fantasy lore and creativity.
Originally slated to launch in the summer of 2023, FFXVI was recently delayed to next winter. Yet this could be a positive, reflecting Square Enix’s commitment to ensuring the quality matches fan expectations. For a series as storied as Final Fantasy, it is better to take the time to get things right rather than rushing it out.
5. Hogwarts Legacy
Despite the controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling, there is no denying the universal appeal of the Wizarding World she created. Hogwarts Legacy finally gives fans the open-world Harry Potter experience they’ve always wanted. Developed by Avalanche Software (of Disney Infinity fame), this ambitious project promises to be the biggest Harry Potter game ever.
The core hook is letting players experience life as a Hogwarts student in the 1800s. This allows the game to tap into the rich lore of the franchise without being beholden to the stories of Harry and his friends. You can freely roam a stunning recreation of Hogwarts Castle and surrounding areas, attending classes, taming magical beasts, brewing potions, and mastering spells.
Originally set for 2021, Hogwarts Legacy saw a delay to 2022 and then again to February 2023. These shifts likely reflect the developers’ commitment to meeting high expectations. For Potterheads, the wait should be well worth it for the chance to finally attend the famous School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
6. Dead Space
Iconic sci-fi horror series Dead Space makes a welcome return with this complete from-the-ground-up remake of the 2008 original. EA Motive is heading up the project, promising to maintain the visceral combat and terror while updating the graphics, audio, and controls for a modern audience.
Early footage shows the USG Ishimura and other locales from the first game rebuilt with stunning new visuals and immersive environmental effects. While the story and beats will remain familiar for series veterans, there are also hints of expanded lore and context sprinkled throughout.
The Dead Space remake launches on January 27, 2023, giving survival horror fans something chilling to look forward to early in the new year. With the franchise lying dormant since 2013’s underwhelming Dead Space 3, this remake could mark a bloody return to form for Isaac Clarke’s nightmarish adventures.
7. Resident Evil 4
Capcom is on a roll remaking classic Resident Evil titles. After the phenomenal reception for 2019’s RE2 and last year’s RE3 remakes, the publisher is giving the same treatment to 2005’s seminal Resident Evil 4. While the original still holds up remarkably well, updating the graphics and modernizing the controls should make this masterpiece even more accessible.
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The story and setting of Leon Kennedy’s disastrous mission to rescue Ashley Graham in Spain remains intact. But developer Capcom has also teased some surprises and shifts to keep things from being a pure 1:1 recreation. With series veterans like Yasuhiro Anpo directing, RE4 should retain the brilliant pacing, rewarding combat, and B-movie charm that made it so special.
Slated to launch on March 24, 2023, the Resident Evil 4 remake will let a whole new generation experience Leon’s quest against cultists and crazed villagers. Packed with action and memorable set pieces, this overdue reimagining promises to be one of next year’s scariest treats.
8. Diablo 4
It has been nearly 10 years since the divisive launch of Diablo III, but Blizzard returns to the acclaimed dungeon-crawling series with the ambitious Diablo 4. Bringing the franchise into a seamless open world, this next entry boasts five distinct regions to explore, mountains of treasure to loot, and hundreds of grisly demons to slay.
New features like mounted combat help you swiftly traverse the world, while social hubs let you team up with other players. Blizzard has emphasized Diablo 4 as a return to the darker tone and grittier visuals of the first two entries. With over 150 dungeons promising random layouts and dynamic encounters, no two playthroughs will be the same.
Originally slated for 2023, Diablo 4 was recently delayed to early 2024. But Blizzard has stressed this reflects their commitment to polishing the enormous amount of content. Whenever it arrives, Diablo 4 looks primed to suck fans back into its gloriously gothic demon-slaying grind.
9. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Rocksteady Studios made their name revolutionizing superhero games with the acclaimed Batman: Arkham trilogy. Their next project takes on DC’s worst heroes with Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. As the name implies, this co-op shooter tasks Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark with saving the world by killing Superman and other members of the Justice League.
The twist is that these heroes have been brainwashed by Brainiac, turning them into dangerous enemies rampaging across Metropolis. Suicide Squad promises Rocksteady’s usual meticulous world design and engaging combat, now seamlessly blended with cooperative gameplay for four players. There are also hints you can freely switch between characters to utilize their unique abilities both in combat and exploration.
Though pushed from 2022 to Spring 2023, the additional development time should let Rocksteady refine its first multiplayer experience. Taking on Superman, The Flash, and other powerful Justice Leaguers alongside your friends makes this one of next year’s most promising cooperative adventures.
10. Assassin’s Creed Mirage
After the mythological RPG trilogy of Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, the Assassin’s Creed series is going back to basics with the smaller-scale Mirage. Set in 9th-century Baghdad, the game follows original assassin Basim on his quest for vengeance amidst the backdrop of the elegant House of Wisdom.
This represents a throwback to the intimate open worlds and refined stealth systems of early AC titles. Ubisoft promises a renewed focus on parkour, dynamic crowd interactions, and taking down targets with stealth rather than sheer combat power. After years spent evolving the series into a sprawling RPG, Mirage offers a more concentrated dose of classic assassin gameplay.
Originally speculated for 2023, Assassin’s Creed Mirage has been confirmed for a 2024 release. However, this return to form still promises to revitalize the best parts of the iconic stealth sandbox franchise. For long-time fans, revisiting the Order’s roots next year should make the additional wait worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upcoming Games
What big games are coming out before 2024?
Some of the most anticipated upcoming games slated for release before 2024 include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, Starfield, Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy XVI, Hogwarts Legacy, the Dead Space remake, the Resident Evil 4 remake, Diablo 4, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
Which game release are fans most excited about?
There is immense hype surrounding The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel, given the massive critical and commercial success of the 2017 original. The follow-up is shaping up to be one of the biggest Nintendo Switch releases.
Will any games get delayed out of 2023?
There is a chance anticipated titles like Starfield, Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy XVI, and Suicide Squad could face delays pushing them into 2024. However, these delays often reflect developers needing more time to meet fan expectations, which remains encouraging.
What are some notable franchise sequels on the way?
In addition to highly awaited sequels like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 and Spider-Man 2, other big franchise follow-ups include Resident Evil 4 Remake, Diablo 4, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Several dormant series are making big returns.
Should fans be concerned about games being delayed?
While game delays can be disappointing, they often indicate the developer is committed to taking the necessary time to make an exceptional finished product. So delays could mean some of these games ultimately released in better shape.
The Future Looks Bright for the Games
The next couple of years promises a staggering lineup of exciting new games and sequels to beloved franchises. Although delays remain a possibility, each of these upcoming titles has enormous potential. With elite studios like Nintendo, Bethesda, Insomniac, and more on the rise, the future of gaming looks bright leading into 2024.
Strap in for exciting horizons as releases like Breath of the Wild 2 and Starfield promise to take things to the next level. Whether it is bold new worlds to explore, menacing villains to battle, or thrilling stories to experience, the sheer quality makes this one of the most anticipated periods in gaming history.
As long as studios respect fan investment by taking the time they need, the wait for these games should prove well worthwhile. The only trouble will be deciding which title to dive into first!
So which of these upcoming releases are you most excited to get your hands on? Did we leave anything big off our list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
