
The 25 best video games of 2024

25. Five Nights at Freddy's: Into the Pit
Five Nights at Freddy's: Into the Pit takes the franchise to thrilling new heights, leaning heavily into its supernatural elements to deliver an unforgettable experience. As the highest-rated FNAF game to date, it is one of the most surprising releases of the year and a must-play for horror fans. | © Scottgames

24. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Black Ops 6 stands out as the finest installment in the franchise for this console generation, offering top-notch gunplay and an irresistibly addictive combat loop. It strikes a perfect balance between innovation and tradition, featuring a gripping campaign, expertly crafted 3-lane maps, and the much-anticipated return of round-based Zombies. | © Infinity Ward

23. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown significantly enhances the franchise with fast-paced combat, tight controls, and a sleek, stylish presentation. While the story may have some flaws, the exhilarating gameplay, and polished mechanics more than make up for it, making it a worthy successor for the legendary franchise. | © Ubisoft

22. Sons of the Forest
Sons of the Forest takes everything that its predecessor did well and does it slightly better, offering a more refined survival experience. Exploring its vast, stunning island through changing seasons is both captivating and dangerous, with moments of heart-pounding tension reminiscent of Subnautica. | © Endnight Games

21. Batman: Arkham Shadow
Arkham Shadow is a fantastic video game that brings everything we love about Gotham and Batman into VR, delivering a visually impressive game tailored for the Meta Quest 3. While smaller in scale than previous entries, this game is a standout VR experience for Batman fans. | © Camouflaj

20. Core Keeper
Core Keeper blends the best elements of Valheim, Minecraft, and Stardew Valley into a procedurally generated co-op survival sandbox game. Story-wise Core Keeper offers 20-30 hours of gameplay, but thanks to the endless crafting, base-building, and item collection possibilities you can easily sink countless hours. | © Pugstorm

19. Frostpunk 2
Frostpunk 2 takes everything that made its predecessor challenging and scales it up, offering larger cities, expanded mechanics, and even tougher resource management. Successfully navigating its harsh world delivers an unmatched sense of accomplishment, making it a must-play for fans of strategy and survival games. | © 11 bit studios

18. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Echoes of Wisdom takes everything Nintendo has learned from the Switch era and utilizes it to improve the classic 2D formula with a beautifully crafted adventure. The diverse dungeon design, Echoes mechanic, and combination of modern and nostalgic elements make it a standout in the franchise. And, bonus points for having Zelda herself take center stage for the first time! | © Nintendo

17. STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
STALKER 2 has been a standout highlight of 2024, breathing life into the Zone with unforgettable characters and breathtaking visuals. Its expansive open world is rich with intricate details, complemented by improved AI and revamped gunplay mechanics that ensure players remain captivated for hours on end. | © GSC Game World

16. Persona 3 Reload
Persona 3 Reload uses the power of Unreal Engine 4 to become the best Persona game to date, even if it stumbles in some ways. With its engaging story, memorable characters, and signature Shadow-slaying action, this game offers a deeply nostalgic and immersive experience. | © Atlus

15. Silent Hill 2
Widely regarded as one of the most profound entries in the series, Silent Hill 2 continues to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers to the chilling world. With its expansive exploration, intricate puzzles, and multiple compelling endings, the game delivers a deeply immersive and rewarding experience. | © Konami

14. Dragon's Dogma 2
Dragon's Dogma 2 elevates the action RPG genre with its richly detailed open world, dynamic Pawn system, and refined combat mechanics. Building on the strong foundation of its predecessor, it introduces smarter AI companions and deeper gameplay systems that make every battle and exploration feel fresh. | © Capcom

13. 1000xRESIST
1000xRESIST allows players to experience one of the best narratives and worlds, showcasing the storytelling potential of video games. While the gameplay leans towards a walking simulator with light platforming puzzles, the richly crafted world and gripping story more than make up for it. | © Sunset Visitor

12. Arco
Arco is a masterpiece of fast-paced gaming, delivering a truly unique experience even for seasoned gamers. Its innovative combat system blends unforgiving and tactical gameplay paired with a compelling story, which creates an unforgettable journey unlike anything else in gaming. | © Panic

11. Solium Infernum
While being a niche strategy game, Solium Infernum is a perfect experience for those who thrive on cunning tactics and ruthless competition. The game presents a unique combination of board game mechanics with political maneuvering, which promises an unforgettable and fun experience. | © League of Geeks

10. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth offers an emotional and entertaining experience for fans of the series, who will find plenty to love in this bold and unforgettable adventure. With an 89 on Metacritic, it's the best-received game in the franchise's history. | © Amusement Vision

9. Tekken 8
Tekken 8 is the most accessible entry in the series, designed to welcome newcomers with excellent tutorials, a robust training mode, and simplified control options. Featuring two single-player campaigns, it offers plenty of content for casual players and seasoned fans, even though it follows the footsteps of previous titles. | © BANDAI NAMCO Studios

8. Satisfactory
Satisfactory is a deeply immersive factory-building experience that combines stunning aesthetics with the thrill of exploration. Unlike similar games, the game has infinite resource nodes and focuses on maximizing efficiency through power management, which creates unique and satisfying challenges. | © Coffee Stain

7. Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 sets the new standard for modern multiplayer gaming with a focus on fun, freedom, and pure enjoyment. Free from the grind of battle passes and daily log-ins, it offers a refreshing, straightforward experience packed with intense action and hilarious moments. | © Arrowhead Game Studios

6. UFO 50
UFO 50 is one of the best collection of indie games that channels the sense of discovery from the 8-bit era. With 50 creatively designed game experiences, this collection is a treasure trove of retro-inspired experiences, many of which are so polished they could easily shine as standalone releases. | © Mossmouth

5. Animal Well
Animal Well is a unique and refreshing twist on the Metroidvania genre that focuses on brain-teasing puzzles rather than grueling platforming challenges. The stunning pixel art and dynamic lighting create a visually captivating world, while haptic feedback and finely tuned physics make every interaction feel satisfying. | © Billy Basso

4. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth offers a main storyline and character development that are some of the best in franchise history. From engaging mini-games like Queen’s Blood to expansive dialogue and unique side quests, Rebirth offers an experience that is at least twice as captivating as its predecessor, setting a new standard for the series. | © Square Enix

3. Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio builds on the fantastic mechanics and foundations of Persona while also becoming something on its own. The gameplay systems are connected, ensuring every moment feels purposeful and rewarding. With a gripping narrative and an innovative combat system, it stands as one of the most thrilling RPGs of the year. | © Atlus

2. Astro Bot
Astro Bot is a charming platformer that celebrates the legacy of PlayStation video games while delivering a fresh and inventive experience. Each level in this game offers creative design with honor to history combined with solid platforming mechanics that are both engaging and polished. | © Team Asobi

1. Balatro
Balatro delivers a unique blend of poker strategy and creative gameplay that keeps players hooked. The game enhances the traditional poker experience by allowing you to craft hands while using joker cards for unique modifications, such as four-card straights or strategic gaps. | © LocalThunk
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