With the passing of the summer solstice last month, we are firmly in the hottest season. And this July, we have a generous collection of fascinating titles worth checking out. From some intriguing indie titles to Final Fantasy XIVThe latest expansion on and off, this month is full of games that look well worth your time, many of which have some free demos that you can try right now if you don’t want to wait for the release date.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail – July 2
Release of: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
The latest expansion of one of the most popular MMORPGs in the world, Dawntrail officially arrives on July 2, 2024. The vacation-like expansion will send players to Tural, a brand new continent. The new content also includes the Viper and Pictomancer quests and a new level cap of 100.
The first descendant – July 2
Release of: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
A free-to-play third-person co-op shooter, The first descendant arrives for consoles and PC on July 2nd. It features a cast of more than 14 characters to choose from. Oh, and Abubakar Salim (Assassin’s Creed Origins, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, The Legend of Vox Machina, The house of the dragon) is in it. I bet that got your attention.
Zenless Zone Zero – July 4th
Release of: PS5, Windows, iOS, Android
This free-to-play action role-playing game from the creators of Genshin Impact arrives on consoles and mobile on July 4th. Set in a post-apocalypse, players take on the role of survivors holding on to what’s left of humanity’s desperate future, and in terms of design, ZZZ just might make the whole gacha grind they feel much less grindy.
The Legend of Heroes: Paths Through the Sunrise – July 5
Release of: PS5, PS4, Switch, Windows
The Legend of Heroes: Paths Through the Sunrise lets you switch between strategic turn-based combat and real-time combat in a unique twist on two RPG formulas. The game launches on PlayStation, Switch and PC on July 5.
Once a man – July 9
Release of: Windows
A multiplayer open world survival title, Once a man pits you against a world devastatingly transformed by alien contamination. The game features a third-person shooter mechanic along with survival challenges such as finding uncontaminated food and water while doing your best to survive.
Wastelander – July 12
Release of: Windows
Wastelandera turn-based strategy game where you must survive on an alien world against powerful storms while digging up alien technology, comes out of early access for PC on July 12.
The darkest dungeon 2 – July 15
Release of: PS5, PS4, Switch
Sequel to 2016’s innovative and nerve-wracking RPG, where your party suffers emotional and psychological damage as well as physical wounds from adventuring into 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 a dark and confused world, The darkest dungeon 2 makes the jump to PlayStation and Switch after its official arrival on PC in May 2023.
Cataclysm – July 16
Release of: Windows
From the developers of the 2018 indie action RPG, Moonlighter, Cataclismo features real-time strategy challenges where you’re expected to build fortresses and defend them against all manner of monsters (including some confused frog-like beasts).
EvilVEvil – July 16
Release of: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
EvilVEvil promises a fast-paced, bloody vampire first-person shooter. You and up to three other players can join forces, taking on the roles of vampires with unique play styles.
Yaoling: A Mythical Journey – July 16
Release of: Windows
Yaoling features creature-collecting RPG gameplay in a semi-open world, brought to life with some great looking visuals. The game is currently having a free demo on Steam ahead of its July 16th release date.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate – July 17
Release of: Switching
Originally released on Apple Arcade in 2023, the co-op action roguelike that sends the titular Turtles on a mission to save Splinter from Shredder is coming to Switch this month. The game features co-op play with up to four players, random power drops, and upgradeable powers.
The sacred acorn – July 17
Release of: Windows
If you like Soulslikes but crave something more adorable, you should check it out The sacred acorn on July 17. You’ll play as a squirrel on a journey to uncover the secrets behind an evil force transforming the forest around you.
Bo: The Way of the Blue Green Lotus – July 18
Release of: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Windows
With gorgeous hand-drawn 2.5D visuals, Bo: The Way of the Blue Green Lotus features action platforming mixed with aerial combat in a world inspired by Japanese folklore.
Hinterberg Dungeons – July 18
Release of: Xbox Series X/S, Windows
Located in the Austrian Alps, Hinterberg Dungeons sees Louisa go on an adventure to explore various dungeons in an attempt to escape her boring business lifestyle at home.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn – July 18
Release of: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
Taking cues from the Soulsike genre, but with weapons and aerial platforms, Flint key; The Siege of Dawn arrives July 18th. There’s a free demo on Steam if you’re curious to see how such wild elements combine.
Meifumado – July 18
Release of: Windows
Featuring dark and alluring retro-styled visuals, Meifumado combines action RPG combat, non-linear level design and samurai style. Out July 18th.
Kunitsu-Gami: The Way of the Goddess – July 19
Release of: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
This single-player action strategy game from Capcom tasks you with fighting hordes of monsters in an endless day/night cycle.
Weyrdlets – July 23
Release of: Windows
Weyrdlets is a pet simulator featuring, well, Weyrdlets. They look weird! These creatures will live alongside your daily computing tasks, appearing as you type emails, surf the web, and more. There’s a free demo on Steam if you’re curious about whether or not to let Weyrdlet into your life.
Arranger: RPG puzzling adventure – July 25
Release of: PS5, Switch, Windows
Arranger explores the life of Gemma, a misfit who wants to discover herself (mood). The entire game world is a puzzle-like grid, creating satisfying challenges for you to solve as the moving Gemma drags an entire row of the grid with her. There’s a free demo on Steam if you’re curious.
Earth Defense Forces 6 – July 25
Release of: PS5, PS4, Windows
Those damn Ravagers are at it again, dropping colossal ants and covering the skies with their strange machines. The newest in Earth Defense Forces series, EDF 6 arrives on July 25th to satisfy all your fantasies of slaying giant insects, dragons, robots and monsters.
Frostpunk 2 – July 25
Release of: Windows
Frostpunk 2 aims to surpass its predecessor. Now, instead of just battling cold environmental temperatures, you’ll also have to manage larger cities full of competing factional interests.
Tokyo Xanadu eX+ – July 25
Release of: Switching
Coming to Switch on July 25th, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ follows the story of a group of heroes who survive a powerful earthquake in Tokyo. Featuring action RPG gameplay, time attack and boss modes, you’ll take on the roles of unique characters ready to battle vicious creatures.
Weko The Mask Collector – July 26
Release of: Windows
An action-adventure featuring Weko, a hero who sets out to collect powerful primal masks, Weko The Mask Collector features puzzles, real-time combat, and a massive open world. You can try out a demo on Steam right now.
The Sword of Convalaria – July 31
Release of: Windows, iOS, Android
This tactical RPG features beautiful pixel art, turn-based combat, branching narratives, and, how could I forget, music composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, who brought us the melodic soundscapes of Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy XII. The Sword of Convalaria there’s a free demo on Steam if you can’t wait until July 31st.
And that concludes our picks for games to watch this July.
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