With the passage of the summer solstice last month, we are firmly in the hottest season. And this July, we’ve got a generous collection of compelling titles worth checking out. From some intriguing indie titles to Final Fantasy XIV’s latest expansion and beyond, this month is packed with games that look well worth your time, many of which have some free demos you can try right now if you’re not keen on waiting for release date.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail – July 2
Releasing on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
The latest expansion to one of the world’s most popular MMORPGs, Dawntrail officially arrives on July 2, 2024. The vacation-like expansion will send players to Tural, a brand new continent. New content also includes the Viper and Pictomancer jobs and a new level cap of 100.
The First Descendant – July 2
Releasing on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
A free-to-play co-op third-person shooter, The First Descendant arrives for consoles and PC on July 2. It features a cast of more than 14 playable characters to choose from. Oh, and Abubakar Salim (Assassin’s Creed Origins, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, The Legend of Vox Machina, House of the Dragon) is in it. Bet that got your attention.
Zenless Zone Zero – July 4
Releasing on: PS5, Windows, iOS, Android
This free-to-play action RPG from the makers of Genshin Impact arrives on consoles and mobile devices on July 4. Set in a post-apocalypse, players take on the role of survivors hanging on to what remains of humanity’s desperate future, and in terms of design, ZZZ just might make the whole gacha grind feel a lot less grindy.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak – July 5
Releasing on: PS5, PS4, Switch, Windows
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak lets you switch between strategic turn-based combat and real-time battles in a unique twist on two RPG formulas. The game launches on PlayStation, Switch, and PC on July 5.
Once Human – July 9
Releasing on: Windows
An open-world multiplayer survival title, Once Human sets you against a world devastatingly transformed by an alien contamination. The game features third-person shooter mechanics alongside survival challenges such as finding non-contaminated food and water as you do your best to survive.
Wastelander – July 12
Releasing on: Windows
Wastelander, a turn-based strategy game in which you must survive on an alien world against powerful storms while unearthing alien technology, leaves Early Access on PC on July 12.
Darkest Dungeon 2 – July 15
Releasing on: PS5, PS4, Switch
A follow-up to the innovative and nerve-wracking 2016 role-playing game in which your party suffers emotional and psychological damage as well as physical wounds from adventuring in the monster-infested depths. Featuring roguelike mechanics set in a dark fantasy world where it’s up to you to guide your horse and cart through one dark and messed up world, Darkest Dungeon 2 makes the leap to PlayStation and Switch after officially arriving on PC in May of 2023.
Cataclismo – July 16
Releasing on: Windows
From the developers of 2018’s indie action RPG, Moonlighter, Cataclismo features real-time strategy challenges in which you’re expected to build fortresses and defend them from all manner of monsters (including some messed-up-lookin’ frog-like beasts).
EvilVEvil – July 16
Releasing on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
EvilVEvil promises fast-paced, bloody vampiric first-person shooter gameplay. You and up to three other players can join forces, assuming the roles of vampires with unique playstyles.
Yaoling: Mythical Journey – July 16
Releasing on: Windows
Yaoling features creature-collecting RPG gameplay in a semi-open world brought to life with some wonderful-looking visuals. The game currently has a free demo on Steam ahead of its July 16 release date.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate – July 17
Releasing on: Switch
Originally released on Apple Arcade in 2023, the cooperative action roguelike which sends the titular turtles on a quest to rescue Splinter from Shredder comes to Switch this month. The game features up to four-player co-op, randomized power-up drops, and upgradable powers.
The Sacred Acorn – July 17
Releasing on: Windows
If you like Soulslikes but crave something more adorable, you should check out The Sacred Acorn on July 17. You’ll play as a squirrel on a journey to uncover the secrets behind an evil power transforming the forest around you.
Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus – July 18
Releasing on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Windows
With gorgeous hand-drawn 2.5D visuals, Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus features action platforming mixed with aerial combat set in a world inspired by Japanese folklore.
Dungeons of Hinterberg – July 18
Releasing on: Xbox Series X/S, Windows
Set in the Austrian Alps, Dungeons of Hinterberg sees Luisa set out on an adventure to explore various dungeons in an attempt to get away from her bland business lifestyle back home.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn – July 18
Releasing on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
Taking cues from the Soulsike genre, but with guns and aerial platforming, Flintlock; The Siege of Dawn arrives on July 18. There’s a free demo on Steam if you’re curious to see how such wild elements combine.
Meifumado – July 18
Releasing on: Windows
Featuring moody and alluring retro-style visuals, Meifumado combines action role-playing combat, non-linear level design, and samurai stylings. It releases on July 18.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess – July 19
Releasing on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
This single-player action strategy game from Capcom tasks you waging battles against hordes of monsters in a never-ending day/night cycle.
Weyrdlets – July 23
Releasing on: Windows
Weyrdlets is a pet simulator featuring, well, Weyrdlets. They’re weird looking! These critters will live alongside your daily computer tasks, showing up as you type up emails, surf the web, and more. There’s a free demo on Steam if you’re curious about whether or not to let a Weyrdlet into your life.
Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure – July 25
Releasing on: PS5, Switch, Windows
Arranger explores the life of Jemma, a misfit who’s out to discover herself (mood). The game’s entire world is a puzzle-like grid, creating satisfying challenges for you to solve as moving Jemma slides a whole row of the grid with her. There’s a free demo on Steam, if you’re curious.
Earth Defense Force 6 – July 25
Releasing on: PS5, PS4, Windows
Those damn Ravagers are at it again, dropping colossal ants and covering the skies with their weird machines. The latest in the Earth Defense Force series, EDF 6 arrives on July 25 to satisfy all of your massive insect, dragon, robot, and monster-killing fantasies.
Frostpunk 2 – July 25
Releasing on: Windows
Frostpunk 2 aims to go way beyond its predecessor. Now, instead of just struggling against the frigid temperatures of your environment, you’ll also have to manage larger cities, filled with competing interests across different factions.
Tokyo Xanadu eX+ – July 25
Releasing on: Switch
Making its arrival on Switch on July 25, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ follows the story of a cast of characters surviving in the wake of a massive earthquake in Tokyo. Featuring action RPG gameplay, time attack, and boss rush modes, you’ll take on the roles of unique characters ready to do battle with vicious creatures.
Weko the Mask Gatherer – July 26
Releasing on: Windows
An action adventure experience starring Weko, a character who sets out to collect powerful primordial masks, Weko the Mask Gatherer features puzzles, real-time combat, and a vast open world. You can try out a demo on Steam right now.
Sword of Convallaria – July 31
Releasing on: Windows, iOS, Android
This tactical RPG features beautiful pixel art, turn-based combat, branching narratives, and, how could I forget, a score composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, who brought us the melodic soundscapes of Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy XII. Sword of Convallaria has a free demo on Steam if you can’t wait until July 31.
And that wraps our picks for games you should keep an eye on this July.
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