2024 will be a blockbuster year for the RPG genre, especially if you want to revisit worlds from much loved franchises such as The Witcher or Final Fantasy. In this guide we look at 10 of the most anticipated RPGs being released in 2024, with gameplay, features and release dates.
The Witcher 4 Polaris: A New Trilogy Starts
No RPG guide would be complete about a Witcher release, so here’s the latest one (and in our opinion, one of the most exciting upcoming titles to look forward to). CD Projekt Red has confirmed they are developing The Witcher 4, codenamed Polaris, which will kick off a new AAA RPG trilogy in the beloved franchise. After years of speculation, Witcher fans finally have confirmation that Geralt’s story is far from over.
An Intriguing New Saga Begins
After wrapping up Cyberpunk 2077, development resources at CDPR are funneling into the ambitious new Witcher trilogy. While details remain scarce, CDPR says Polaris will be the “beginning of a new saga” in the Witcher universe. The teaser image features a Lynx medallion, suggesting the game may connect to Lynx School fan fiction never before explored in the games. Wherever the story leads, The Witcher 4 promises to be CDPR’s most expansive RPG yet in this beloved dark fantasy setting.
The Witcher 4 Unreal Engine 5
Built for Next-Gen with Unreal Engine 5 In a series first, The Witcher 4 will run on Unreal Engine 5, leveraging the engine’s cutting-edge graphics, physics and open world capabilities. As CDPR’s first steps into next-gen development, the trilogy aims to set a new bar for RPG visual splendor.
The Witcher 4 Release Date
While no release window is yet confirmed, speculation puts Polaris tentatively around 2025 or later as the expansive project ramps up. With Cyberpunk support slowing down, expect more Witcher hype from CDPR soon.
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Exploring a Dark Fantasy World
A decade after the original captured players’ hearts, Capcom has finally announced that fans can dive back into the immersive dark fantasy realm of Dragon’s Dogma II. Revisit the dangerous and mystical lands of this beloved action-RPG sequel slated for release on March 22, 2024.
Dragon’s Dogma II Story – The Epic Tale Continues
While taking place in parallel universes, Dragon’s Dogma II resurrects key franchise lore in the new kingdoms of Vermund and Battahl. You again take the mantle of a resurrected ‘Arisen’, whose destiny sees them leading a rebel faction against corrupted powers that be. Your loyal Pawns also return, where these A.I. comrades continue to reflect the lessons learned while gamely venturing alongside you, their enigmatic master.
Dragon’s Dogma II Gameplay and New Features
With an emphasis on understanding systems more intuitively, Dragon’s Dogma II aims to be more accessible while still delivering hardcore RPG elements avid fans crave. Vocations get complete overhauls, with fan favorites like Archer joining new Thief and Mage classes. You’ll also lead your Pawns against fantastical foes like roving Minotaurs, debilitating Medusas, cunning Sphinxes, and the ominous Dullahan. Strategic followers can now actually stand atop larger enemies, magic affects environments more, and combat emphasizes new ‘downed’ states for tactically changing battles.
Dragon’s Dogma II Release Date
Where and When You Can Play Offering breathtaking next-gen visuals, Dragon’s Dogma II arrives on March 22nd, 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and Steam.
Persona 3 Reload: A Remake with Modern Reimagining
Revisit the Dark Hour in Persona 3 Reload Atlus has unveiled the highly-anticipated remake Persona 3 Reload, arriving February 2nd, 2024 on major platforms. Returning fans and newcomers alike can experience the enhanced version of this seminal Japanese RPG about balancing high school life with a supernatural fight against evil.
Battling Shadows as a Phantom Thief
In the updated tale based on 2006’s Persona 3, you play as a transfer student who discovers they can summon Personas during the hidden 25th “Dark Hour”. You join SEES, a club of fellow students also gifted with Persona powers who explore a monster-filled tower appearing during this frozen time. Sharpen your swords and personas to uncover why the Dark Hour exists and the mysteries behind your awakened abilities.
Persona 3 Reload Gameplay and Social Elements
While keeping the DNA of the original intact, Reload refines systems with quality-of-life upgrades inspired by recent entries like 2020’s Persona 5 Royal. Choose to directly control your party members in battle or let them act independently alongside your protagonist.
Survey your opposition mid-fight with a new command, or pass your turn to teammates using the upgraded Baton Pass system. There’s more to life than fighting though, with expanded relationship-building through activities like cooking, gardening, film viewing and reading unlocking deeper story arcs for supporting characters.
Persona 3 Reload Release Date
Whether you played the original or want to see what the buzz is about, Persona 3 Reload arrives on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows on Steam on February 2, 2024.
Crimson Desert: Diverse Gameplay in a Rich World
Fans eagerly await the launch of Crimson Desert, the upcoming story-driven open-world action RPG serving as a standalone prequel to popular MMORPG Black Desert Online.
A Mysterious Warrior’s Origin Story
Although not directly tied to Black Desert continuity, Crimson Desert shares the same fantastical setting of medieval magic and political intrigue. Embody the skilled fighter Macduff, whose mercenary past remains shrouded in secrecy even to himself after amnesia clouds his true origins. Seek answers while freely exploring the realm either on foot or horseback, interacting with characters and factions, battling men and monsters, and pursuing quests that can shift the balance of power itself.
Crimson Desert Gameplay
Crimson Desert promises to reward different playstyles, be it close-quarters melee and ranged weapons combat or subtle subterfuge. Parry blows, launch devastating combo finishers and wield magic against menacing beasts like towering Cyclopes in the heat of action. Or stealthily infiltrate strongholds, pilfering valuables while picking off patrolling guards. Dozens of abilities can be unlocked and customized through extensive talent trees to complement equipment crafting/enhancements when preparing to survive the unforgiving wilderness.
Crimson Desert Release Date
Crimson Desert launches simultaneously on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. After some delays, developer Pearl Abyss had planned to launch the solo and multiplayer cross-platform title in early 2024, however there is some recent speculation that this date may have been pushed out to 2025. As soon as we know more, we’ll let you know.
We Kill Monsters: Challenging Survival Action Adventure
Indie developer Glass Revolver of cult hits ITTA and House of God returns with We Kill Monsters, a survival action-adventure focused on challenging exploration.
Seeking Fluids in the Dying City In the ominous setting of the decaying metropolis Edinu, you control a manufactured being tasked with extracting Primordial Fluid from fallen angels. This substance powers The Great Elevator, your only means of escape from the perilous underground Shell encapsulating the ruins.
Inventory and Survival Key to Progress
Inspired by Death Stranding, We Kill Monsters emphasizes grueling traversal over expansive terrain, with survival and resource management crucial to progress deeper into the ruins. Players must carefully loot materials from the corpse-littered environment and craft items to aid their expedition into the unknown.
We Kill Monsters Solo or Co-Op Gameplay
You can brave the dangerous landscape alone or team up with up to three other players in online co-op. Communication and coordination will prove essential to overcome environmental and monstrous hazards hidden in the intricate, open levels.
We Kill Monsters Release Date
No release window yet for We Kill Monsters, but Steam listings confirm it’s coming to PC, with no console ports currently planned.
Greedfall 2: The Dying World
Developer Spiders has confirmed they are working on GreedFall 2: The Dying World after 2021’s original game gained critical praise. Published again by Nacon, this direct prequel/sequel hybrid to the popular RPG is slated to launch on PC and consoles in 2024.
A Native Hero’s Origin
Greedfall 2: The Dying World explores the events alluded to in the first game, with new protagonist De Sardet playable for the first time. Like other denizens of the primitive magical isle of Teer Fradee, you’re captured and taken overseas to the technologically advanced but war-ravaged continent of Gacane. Guide De Sardet in regaining their freedom and foiling the imperialist agenda of greed that threatens the entire realm.
Greedfall 2 Improved Gameplay and AI
While Spiders has understandably kept developments on The Dying World closely guarded as they wrap up production on dystopian action-RPG Steelrising, fans can expect gameplay improvements over the first title. These include overhauled combat with real-time-with-pause mechanics inspired by classic Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic RPGs, and companions boasting more intelligent AI behavior.
Greedfall 2: The Dying World Release Date
Greedfall 2’s release date is slated as 2024, with the Steam page saying it’s ‘çoming soon’. We’ll keep you updated on the release schedule.
Avowed: Fantasy Action Adventure
Acclaimed RPG developer Obsidian Entertainment has been hard at work on fantasy action-adventure Avowed, their first Xbox first-party title since Microsoft’s acquisition. Set in the intricate realm of Eora from Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed sees the iconic studio adopting an immersive first-person perspective reminiscent of Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls.
Avowed Story
As a wielder of formidable mystical abilities, your character finds themselves embroiled in the secretive affairs of the Vailian Republic. Uncover your forgotten history while exploring distinct open regions, interacting with guilds and factions, and tackling quests impacting this conflict-laden nation. Hone spellcasting, melee, stealth and more through detailed progression systems against menacing magical creatures pulled straight from Eora lore.
Avowed Gameplay Features
Longtime fans can expect hallmarks of Obsidian RPGs like choice-driven narratives and companion characters benefiting from next-gen technical capabilities. These hand-crafted party members boast their own fully-realized personalities, backstories and combat capabilities, rounding out your adventuring party dynamically reacting to decisions.
Avowed Release Date
While concrete details remain scarce, all signs point to the May 2024 release speculation being accurate, ideally giving Avowed room to shine before Obsidian’s next RPG The Outer Worlds 2 in late 2024.
Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2
After years in production limbo, the long-awaited sequel to 2004 cult classic Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines will finally get a release in 2024.
Published by Paradox Interactive with The Chinese Room now spearheading development after replacing original studio Hardsuit Labs, Bloodlines 2 transports players back into the dangerous political spheres of modern vampire society.
Ruling the Dark Underbelly of Seattle
In this action RPG and immersive sim, create your own fledgling vampire choosing from several distinct clans dictating unique disciplines and weaknesses. Feeding on human blood keeps the masquerade thriving within the shadowy factions vying for control in a reimagined 21st-century Seattle backdrop. Navigate complex undead relationships and the moral dilemma of sating your sanguine urges, or risk succumbing to the irrepressible Beast within.
Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 Gameplay
Bloodlines 2 unfolds from a first-person perspective, offering greater freedom to explore environments and interact with fully voiced characters than its beloved predecessor. The player-driven narrative sees consequences stemming from every temptation indulged and betrayal exacted.
Combine clan-specific vampiric skills, weapons-based combat and player customization to survive the coming war between warring covens who may discover your newly turned fledgling first.
Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 Release Date
Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 is expected in late 2024 and will be for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Windows PCs on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Epic Adventure
Square Enix will be releasing one of the most eagerly awaited PlayStation 5 exclusives in 2024 – Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This ambitious RPG marks the second chapter in a planned trilogy of Final Fantasy 7 Remake titles that collectively reimagine the seminal 1997 classic for modern platforms.
Continuing a Reimagined Story
Rebirth resumes brooding protagonist Cloud Strife’s quest as a mercenary embroiled in eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE’s rebellion against the ominous Shinra Corporation. Series’ fans can expect to revisit beloved locales like the gaudy Gold Saucer amusement park while unraveling a narrative that may yet surprise. The development team has hinted Rebirth may take the story in unexpected directions, so anticipate new twists alongside fan-favorite characters like Cloud and silver-haired antagonist Sephiroth.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Gameplay
Building on foundations established in Remake, Rebirth blends real-time combat and tactical menus to dispatch foes, with new weapons and skill trees expanding each playable fighter’s arsenal.
Players can expect to pour over 100 hours into main and side content questing across expansive environments or partaking in nostalgic mini-games.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Release Date
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a PS5-exclusive game and is set to launch in February 2024.
The First Descendant: You Are Humanity’s Last Hope
Get ready to fend off an extraterrestrial attack when free-to-play RPG looter shooter The First Descendant releases in 2024. Combining strategic co-op play with RPG progression, players band together against invading aliens threatening the sci-fi continent of Ingris.
The First Descendant Story
As the last line of defense known as Descendants, your customizable protagonist taps into mystical powers that complement high-tech weaponry. Work closely with up to three other real-life or A.I. controlled players in story-driven missions spanning lush outdoor areas to abandoned mines and factories. Dispatch menacing creatures in tactical boss battles to unlock the secret behind the aliens’ emergence.
The First Descendant Gameplay
The First Descendant emphasizes looting fallen foes for resources in order to upgrade gear and abilities best suited for your playstyle.
Gun down adversaries across distinct character classes wielding rifles, blades, hammers or magic before adorning your hero with stylish skins. Participate in open world activities when not advancing the narrative against humanity’s usurpers across ingeniously designed levels powered by Unreal Engine 5.
The First Descendant Release Date
The First Descendant will release on PC on Steam in Q3 2024. With AAA-quality visuals in a F2P package, the game might just hit that co-op looter shooter sweet spot when it launches next year.
