The best games of 2024, so far

There’s no shortage of video games releasing this year, so let us help you pick the best from the rest in our pick of the greatest games of the year so far

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How many of the best games of 2024 have you had the chance to play? The new year has only just begun and we’ve already started to see some fantastic new games land, including one of thebest fighting gamesof this console generation. Looking at the long list ofnew games for 2024, it’s likely to be another historic year for video games, which is why we want to help you cut through the noise and find your next interactive obsession.

Our living list of the best games of 2024 will catalog every video game that earns a review score of 3.5 stars or above. You can click this link to learn more abouthow we score on GamesRadar+, but suffice to say that we believe that “good games are worth playing” around here. Naturally, not every new release will meet the threshold for inclusion on this list, nor are we able to review every game that is released in any given year. But this page is where you’re find our strongest picks for Game of the Year contenders.

You should also keep your eyes on GR+ for other recommendations. You can find the rest of ourgame reviewshere – which is also where you’ll find titles that we aren’t quite ready to score, such as with ourPalworld Early Access review. There’s also ourIndie Spotlightseries which shines a light on excellent titles that may have slipped your radar each week, and oureditorial team always has something to sayabout the most interesting new releases of the year. With all that said, you’ll want to keep reading on to find our pick of the best games of 2024 so far, and be sure to keep coming back to find more spotlights of the greatest video games of the year that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

5 Stars

Tekken 8 – 5/5

Developer:Bandai NamcoPlatform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series XGenre:Fighting

The competition for the fighting game throne has never been fiercer.Capcomand WB. Games went all out last year, as you can learn in our respectiveStreet Fighter 6 reviewandMortal Kombat 1 review, but developer Bandai Namco isn’t one to shy away from a good fight. Tekken 8 is yet further proof that we’re in a new Golden Age for the fighting game genre, an absolutely stunning 3D brawler that matches an awesome roster with true technical precision. It’s fast, it’s frenetic, and it’s a bloody excellent time that takes full advantage of the power of the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Learn more in our fullTekken 8 review, where the game earned itself a coveted 5 stars out of 5 rating.

4.5 Stars

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – 4.5/5

Developer:Square EnixPlatform(s): PS5Release date: February 29, 2024Genre: RPG

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Following Final Fantasy 7 Remake was never going to be an easy task. InFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth, developer Square Enix was tasked with delivering the second part of a planned trilogy, and with navigating some of the most iconic sections of the original 1997 release. The studio succeeds because of its keen understanding of when to leverage our nostalgia for the past – building out fan-favorite locations and moments – and when to veer off in entirely new directions, keeping fans of all experience guessing where it might go next. Combine all that with what is undoubtedly the best combat system to reach the Final Fantasy in years, a delicate balance between the strategy of old and the action of new, and Rebirth easily stands tall as a true triumph.

Learn more in ourFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth review, where the game scored 4.5 stars out of 5.

Sons of the Forest – 4.5/5

Developer: Endnight GamesPlatform(s): PCRelease date: February 23, 2024Genre: Survival

After a year spent weaving its way through Steam Early Access, Sons of the Forest has emerged as one of the best survival games in recent memory – no easy feat, given that the market is currently saturated with competition through the likes of Enshrouded, Palworld, and Nightingale. Still, Sons of the Forest sets itself apart by leaning heavily into survival horror themes, as you and your buddies attempt to survive an island overrun with cannibals. Whether you’re crafting shelters in dense forests or delving into dark caves for resources, or poking around every corner for more clues on the wider mystery, Sons of the Forest is an exemplary experience that doesn’t disappoint.

Learn more in ourSons of the Forest review, where the game scored 4.5 stars out of 5.

Ultros – 4.5/5

Developer: HadoquePlatform(s): PC, PS5, PS4Release date: February 13, 2024Genre: Metroidvania

Ultros is a trippy metroidvania which tasks you with descending into the depths of a cosmic uterus. A weird premise that is backed up by absolutely phenomenal play. Typically, games that occupy this genre will see you become gradually stronger in an effort to access new areas of a sprawling map – powers earned through defeating bosses and uncovering hidden locations. In Ultros, progression is gated by your willingness to explore, yes, but your connection to the world itself too; gardening is a central theme, with blooming flowers poking new holes in the environment, while carefully dispatching enemies will allow you to harvest richer resources. Ultros is a psychedelic experience with a thoughtful, refreshing perspective.

Learn more in ourUltros review, where the game scored 4.5 stars out of 5.

4 Stars

Helldivers 2 – 4/5

Developer: Arrowhead Game StudiosPlatform(s): PS5, PCRelease date: February 8, 2024Genre: Third-person shooter

Helldivers 2is some of the most fun you’ll have on PS5 this year. The chaotic shooter has taken the world by storm, with millions of players flocking to enlist in Super Earth Armed Forces in an effort to turn the tide in a Galactic War that’s being tracked in real-time. Whether you’re rolling into battle solo, or in a squadron with three other friends, Helldivers 2 is an absolute blast – hilarity drawn out from friendly-fire accidents and hectic encounters against an ever-surmounting threat from monstrous bugs and nightmarish cyborgs. And with plenty more updates to come, Helldivers 2 is sure to keep you occupied all year round.

Learn more in ourHelldivers 2 review, where the game scored 4 stars out of 5.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – 4/5

Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku StudioPlatform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox OneGenre:JRPG

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is going to consume a hell of a lot of your life. It’s another sprawling JRPG from developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, one which generously trots the globe as new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga and Yakuza royalty Kazuma Kiryu go off in search of friends, family, and the answers to some of life’s most challenging questions. I made that sound pretty dark, didn’t I? Well, you can also call a combination of crustaceans into battle to help you defeat a giant shark, or stick street thugs into the backseat of an out-of-control taxi cab to deal them maximum damage. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has a lot of heart and humor, and an undeniably out of control combat system.

Learn more in ourLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth review, where the game scored 4 stars out of 5.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – 4/5

Developer:UbisoftMontpellierPlatform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox OneGenre:Metroidvania

It’s been a little over a decade since Ubisoft paid the Prince of Persia franchise any real attention, and the publisher delivered one of the strongest installments in the series to date this year. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a sprawling metroidvania which follows Sargon, a new hero protagonist, in his attempt to rescue the prince from a bunch of shadowy time bandits. With plenty of shortcuts to pursue and secret rooms to uncover the interconnected map is a thing of beauty, but it’s the challenging platforming puzzles and demanding combat encounters that really steal the show.

Learn more in ourPrince of Persia The Lost Crown review, where the game earned 4 stars out of 5.

WWE 2K24 – 4/5

Developer: Visual ConceptsPlatform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox OneRelease date: March 5, 2024Genre: Sports

Historically, the WWE games have always struggled to reflect the fun and fandom so inherent to the franchise itself. That all changed withWWE 2K24, with developer Visual Concepts delivering what is undoubtedly the best wrestling game in years. That’s on the strength of its core rhythms of play, where a brilliant, bombastic, and bruising brawler is able to let you live out your fantasy of stepping into the ring with some of the biggest names in the business. WWE 2K24 is also positioned as a celebration of 40 Years of WrestleMania, so if you’ve been out of the loop for a while there’s still plenty to draw you in.

Learn more in ourWWE 2K24 review, where the game scored 4 stars out of 5.

This list will update every month with our pick of the best games of 2024. While you wait, take a look at what you can expect to see in ourupcoming PS5 games,upcoming Xbox Series X games, andupcoming Switch gameslists.

Josh West is the Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar+. He has over 15 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+’s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you’ve definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.

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