Top 20 Most Abandoned Video Games Of 2024

About this gallery:

For this list, we dove into the stats over on HowLongToBeat to uncover the most abandoned games of 2024. And by "abandoned," we mean games released in 2024 that players decided to leave unfinished – whether because they were too long, too difficult, or, well... just plain boring.

But hey, that doesn’t mean these are bad games! In fact, a few titles on this list also made it onto the most completed games of 2024. Talk about a love-hate relationship, right?

20. Supermarket Together

Shopping with friends sounds fun, right? Well, Supermarket Together aimed to turn the mundane task of grocery shopping into a co-op adventure filled with chaos and strategy. While the concept was quirky and charming, many players quickly realized that wrangling carts, managing stock, and competing for discounts could feel a bit too much like actual life. Toss in some bugs and repetitive mechanics, and suddenly the excitement of the produce aisle didn’t feel so fresh. Maybe some players just didn’t have the patience for cooperative coupon clipping. Virtual shopping is fun – until it’s not. | © DeadDevsTellNoLies

19. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

The Zone is unforgiving, and so is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. With its gripping atmosphere, challenging survival mechanics, and an overwhelming sense of dread, the game pulled players in – but couldn’t always keep them there. Between managing hunger, radiation levels, and mutant ambushes, it’s no surprise that many players threw up their hands and left their journey unfinished. The Zone doesn’t suffer the faint of heart, after all. For those who stuck it out, the payoff was massive, but for the rest, Chornobyl remains one big question mark... and a giant missed opportunity. | © GSC Game World

18. Supermarket Simulator

Supermarket Simulator dared players to trade in their swords and spells for something more relatable: managing inventory and navigating the world of retail. But while the idea was novel, many players abandoned their digital grocery stores when the charm of running a checkout lane wore thin. The game piled on the complexity – pricing wars, demanding customers, and sneaky shoplifters made it more stressful than expected. And while some thrived in the chaos, others said, “You know what? I think I’ll stick to farming sims.” Now, abandoned aisles and empty shelves stand as reminders that retail isn’t for everyone – even in the virtual world. | © Nokta Games

17. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden promised a gripping narrative about love, loss, and hunting ghosts. And while it delivered on emotional depth, the deliberate pacing and story-heavy approach didn’t resonate with every player. Some hoped for more fast-paced action and ended up ghosting the game entirely. Between unraveling the mystery of New Eden and managing the emotional stakes of its protagonists, this game required commitment. For those who stayed, the journey was unforgettable. For everyone else, the ghosts remain... well, banished from their backlog. | © Focus Entertainment

16. Wuthering Waves

Wuthering Waves offered a vast, breathtaking open world, dynamic combat, and intricate lore. But not everyone was ready to ride these waves to completion. The game’s sheer scope, combined with a demanding grind for progression, left some players feeling overwhelmed. Add in the challenge of mastering its combat system, and it’s no wonder that many adventurers set sail... only to dock before reaching the end. It’s a gorgeous, ambitious game, but sometimes the prettiest landscapes just aren’t enough to keep you from hitting “quit.” For those who abandoned it, the winds of Wuthering will have to wait. | © Kuro Game

15. Dungeons of Hinterberg

Dungeons of Hinterberg seemed like the perfect recipe for success: gorgeous mountain vistas, dungeon crawling, and a touch of social sim. But for many players, scaling the heights of Hinterberg turned out to be more grind than grandeur. The mix of puzzle-solving and combat was fun, but the pacing left some adventurers feeling stuck in a snowdrift. While the game’s charm and art style captured attention, actually completing all those dungeons was a different story. It seems some players left the mountains unexplored, leaving the Hinterberg dream half-baked. | © Microbird Games

14. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

With its stunning fusion of Japanese folklore and action-packed combat, Path of the Goddess stood out as a bold, creative adventure. But walking this mystical path wasn’t for everyone. Between the cryptic narrative and challenging gameplay, some players found themselves bowing out before reaching enlightenment. Its intricate systems and punishing difficulty weren’t exactly inviting for casual players, leaving many stuck in limbo. Those who persevered swear by its beauty and depth, but for the rest? Let’s just say this goddess remains a mystery. | © Capcom

13. The Plucky Squire

The Plucky Squire burst onto the scene with its innovative gameplay that had players hopping between 2D storybooks and 3D worlds. It’s a brilliant concept, but execution is everything, and for some, the novelty wore off too quickly. Despite its vibrant visuals and heartwarming charm, finishing the tale wasn’t as easy as it seemed. Whether it was the platforming challenges or the shift between game styles, many players left this adorable story unfinished. The Plucky Squire may be plucky, but for some players, the adventure was just too short-lived. | © Devolver Digital

12. Banana

Banana, developed by Sky, is a clicker game that’s as absurd as its name suggests. The premise? You click a banana to get more bananas. Every few hours, you’re dropped a fresh one, often “designed” by the community. While it initially caught attention for its quirky concept, many players quickly realized there’s only so much clicking you can do before the novelty wears off. Add to that a dash of controversy over its in-app purchases and lack of meaningful progression, and it’s no surprise many abandoned their digital bananas for more fulfilling gaming experiences. | © Sky

11. Black Myth: Wukong

Few games have been as highly anticipated as Black Myth: Wukong. With jaw-dropping visuals and intense combat inspired by Journey to the West, it had everything going for it – except, apparently, completion rates. For some, the Souls-like difficulty and intricate boss fights proved a bit too much to handle. Combine that with a sprawling world and steep learning curve, and plenty of players decided to call it quits before the Monkey King’s journey was over. For those who stuck it out, it’s an unforgettable masterpiece. For the rest? Let’s just say Wukong’s legend remains unfinished. | © Game Science

10. Animal Well

Animal Well invites players into a dense, pixel-art labyrinth full of cryptic puzzles and hidden secrets. At first, its serene ambiance and minimalist charm draw you in, but the game’s mysteries quickly escalate into head-scratching enigmas. For many players, the lack of hand-holding became too daunting, leading to abandoned save files somewhere deep in its interconnected caverns. It’s the kind of game that rewards patience and curiosity, but for those without either, the “Well” became a bit too deep to climb out of. | © Bigmode

9. Pacific Drive

A survival game where your car is both your lifeline and your greatest weapon, Pacific Drive is a unique take on post-apocalyptic horror. Players were drawn in by its eerie landscapes and tense, resource-scavenging gameplay. But navigating the supernatural Olympic Exclusion Zone in your trusty station wagon proved more stressful than some bargained for. The repetitive repair loops and high stakes driving led many to slam on the brakes before reaching the finish line. For those who stuck with it, it was a wild ride – but for others, it was an abandoned road trip. | © Ironwood Studios

8. Another Crab’s Treasure

Another Crab’s Treasure charmed audiences with its whimsical take on the “Soulslike” formula, featuring a crab protagonist armed with bits of trash for armor. But the challenging combat and deliberate pacing made some players feel like they were caught in a never-ending tide. The quirky charm could only carry it so far for those unprepared for its tough-as-nails mechanics. For many, the crab’s treasure remained undiscovered, as they scuttled away to friendlier waters. | © Aggro Crab

7. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown attempted to revive the iconic franchise with fast-paced combat and stylish platforming. While it captured the spirit of the series, its difficulty spikes and sprawling level design left many players stuck between walls they couldn’t climb – or unwilling to. The game required precision and persistence, but some found the journey to reclaim the Prince’s crown wasn’t worth the frustration. Abandonment stats aside, those who finished it swear it’s a worthy adventure. | © Ubisoft

6. Balatro

A deck-building roguelike with a chaotic sense of humor, Balatro gave players plenty of reasons to shuffle their cards and dive back in. However, its steep difficulty curve and randomized gameplay often felt like more luck than strategy. For some, repeatedly losing to bad draws or unpredictable enemies was too frustrating to bear. While its witty presentation earned praise, many players folded their hands before getting through the full deck. Completing it became a badge of honor – but only for the most determined. | © Playstack

5. Dragon's Dogma 2

Dragon’s Dogma 2 captured the imagination of RPG fans with its sprawling open world, intricate combat system, and deep character customization. But for many, the game’s overwhelming scale and difficulty were a double-edged sword. Players were drawn into its mesmerizing environments, only to find themselves stuck in an endless grind for experience and loot. The game’s pawns – AI-controlled allies – were either a blessing or a curse, depending on their behavior. While some persevered to uncover every secret, many left their party stranded in the wilderness, their adventures unfinished. For those who abandoned the Arisen’s journey, the dragon still waits. | © Capcom

4. The First Descendant

The First Descendant had all the makings of a multiplayer looter-shooter hit: dynamic visuals, fast-paced action, and co-op gameplay. But as the novelty wore off, players began to notice the repetitive grind and a lack of variety in missions. While the gunplay was satisfying and the world-building intriguing, it wasn’t enough to keep everyone invested long-term. Many teams disbanded, leaving the Descendant’s quest to save humanity incomplete. It’s a reminder that even the most polished mechanics need depth to keep us hooked. | © Nexon

3. Persona 3 Reload

Returning to Persona 3 Reload was a nostalgic dream for many, but not everyone had the stamina to juggle dungeon crawling, social links, and high school life. The Tartarus tower seemed endless, and balancing relationships while battling Shadows proved too much for some players. While the updated visuals and voice work made it a treat for longtime fans, newcomers often found the grind overwhelming. For those who stuck it out, the payoff was worth every late-night study session. For the rest? Their calendar froze sometime in May. | © Atlus

2. Palworld

Imagine Pokémon, but with guns. That’s Palworld in a nutshell. This bizarre creature-collecting survival game promised a unique mix of cuddly and chaotic, but its vast open world and grind-heavy mechanics left many players overwhelmed. Managing “Pals” while crafting and surviving harsh environments became a task too big for some, leading to unfinished farms and abandoned creature companions. While the concept was intriguing, Palworld remains a curious experiment more than a fully realized adventure for many. | © Pocketpair

1. Satisfactory

Few games deliver on their name quite like Satisfactory, but it turns out even perfection can feel like a chore. Building sprawling factories and optimizing production lines is oddly addictive – until you hit the point where balancing conveyor belts becomes an engineering nightmare. For many players, the sheer complexity of late-game automation proved too much, leaving half-finished mega-factories abandoned across alien landscapes. For those who embraced the grind, the game was endlessly rewarding. For the rest? Satisfactory became an exercise in knowing when to quit. | © Coffee Stain Studios