As the 2024 gaming year draws to a close, one clear trend stands out: several of this year's biggest releases have turned out to be unexpected hits. While 2023 was packed with standout titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Street Fighter 6, and Alan Wake 2, 2024 has delivered major releases such as Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Dragon's Dogma 2, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
These games were almost guaranteed to receive high praise, but it's the surprise hits of 2024 that have truly captured attention. We've seen breakout titles like the action-packed Helldivers 2, the quirky, humor-filled Thank Goodness You're Here, and two Prince of Persia games that have boldly reinvented the series.
With must-play indie titles, strong showings from big-name franchises, and a few hidden gems, 2024 has been a year where both the best and the most unconventional games have shone.
Just like last year, we’re tracking the top-rated games. To make the cut for this list, a game must earn at least an 8 (a fantastic score!) from GameSpot. However, there are still plenty of great games that didn't reach that threshold or weren't reviewed, so don't overlook them. Expect this list to grow as more outstanding games are released, and for more on what's ahead, check out our feature on the most anticipated games of 2024.
Elden Ring
And what an open world it is. The Lands Between in Elden Ring is a marvel: vast but never empty. Every area teems with new enemies to outsmart, ancient ruins to explore, peculiar NPCs to encounter, and fearsome bosses to battle again and again until mastery is achieved. Each zone features a “legacy dungeon,” reminiscent of the linear, punishing levels found in earlier Souls games, but filled with hidden secrets that make revisiting them worthwhile.
However, if a particularly tough dragon guarding a lake proves too overwhelming, you’re free to wander elsewhere. The game offers guidance, but ultimately, you’re at liberty to explore, discover more about the world, and grow stronger, simply by indulging your curiosity and experimenting with different builds.
Elden Ring stands out not only for its quality but also for its significance in shaping the future of open-world design. It steers the genre away from repetitive, formulaic activities and map icons, offering a more organic and immersive experience. There’s no need for a seasonal reward track, because in Elden Ring, the journey itself is the reward. For more in-depth analysis, be sure to check out our full Elden Ring review.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
If you're craving more Elden Ring content, our Shadow of the Erdtree review is essential to see how FromSoft has taken the game to new heights with this expansion. The Realm of Shadows DLC map is nearly as large as Limgrave, especially when factoring in the verticality of the zone, with many areas easily overlooked if you're not observant.
The expansion introduces a fresh leveling system that encourages exploration, as players must seek out Revered Spirit Ashes and Scadutree Fragments to enhance their characters. Interestingly, the game received a patch a week after release to boost the power of these items, as many players found themselves struggling with even regular enemies. Several months later, the developers adjusted the difficulty by dialing back some of the expansion's toughest bosses, including the final battle, to balance the challenge more fairly.
Hades 2
As the only early access game on our prestigious list, Hades 2 has big shoes to fill, especially as a follow-up to one of Supergiant Games' most celebrated titles. Thankfully, it more than justifies its place, building upon the impressive foundation laid by its predecessor. This time, you play as Melinoë, sister of Zagreus, on a quest to defeat Chronos, the God of Time. To differentiate the siblings' gameplay styles, Melinoë wields a variety of new weapons, incantations, and keepsakes, ensuring the combat feels fresh and distinct.
Despite its early access status, don't let that stop you from diving into this exceptional roguelike. Our Hades 2 review is glowing, describing the game as "flawless, perfecting the roguelike genre in a way its predecessor nearly did." We're confident that by the time the full release arrives in 2025, Hades 2 will be even bigger and better than it already is.
Cyberpunk 2077
Alongside No Man’s Sky, Cyberpunk 2077 stands as one of the most dramatically improved games in recent years. As the follow-up to CD Projekt Red’s beloved The Witcher 3, expectations were sky-high for this cyberpunk adventure. While our Cyberpunk 2077 review gave the game an impressive 9/10, it was easy to see why other outlets were more critical. The game launched to positive reception on PC, but console versions were another story, plagued by performance issues and bugs. The backlash led to its removal from console storefronts, with the developers pledging to fix the game and implement features the community had been asking for since launch.
Fast forward to 2024, and with the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 feels like a completely different experience. The expansion continues V’s journey, offering additional endings that feel more fitting for the character. Players also get to team up with Idris Elba, who portrays former FIA agent Solomon Reed, as they navigate the lawless Dogtown in search of the NUSA President. For a more in-depth look, our Phantom Liberty review gave the expansion a stellar 9/10, highlighting its quality.
With all the improvements to the base game and this excellent expansion bringing Cyberpunk 2077 to a satisfying close, now is the perfect time to experience this outstanding RPG.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Larian Studios' reputation as one of the top developers in the industry was cemented with the release of Divinity: Original Sin 2, and if there were any lingering doubts, Baldur's Gate 3 has surely dispelled them. Based on the Dungeons and Dragons fifth edition ruleset, BG3 empowers players to approach problems with creativity, whether it’s to solve puzzles, complete quests, or, quite literally, set goblins on fire.
Many games claim to offer this kind of depth, but BG3 truly delivers, allowing the story to progress even if you decide to kill every useful NPC you encounter. This 70-hour epic adapts to your choices, no matter how drastic — even if that means murdering fan-favorite characters like Astarion or Karlach. For more on why we gave this outstanding game a 9/10, be sure to check out our Baldur’s Gate 3 review. And if you're planning to create your own unique character, don't miss our Baldur’s Gate 3 builds guide for expert tips.