Gaming can be an expensive hobby, with players needing to invest in hardware and software to enjoy the latest and greatest titles. While subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus offer access to a wide range of games for a monthly fee, most AAA titles still require a significant upfront cost of $69.99. This can add up quickly for avid gamers who want to experience all the latest releases.
Free-to-play games have become increasingly popular as a way for players to enjoy gaming without breaking the bank. These games offer a way to stay entertained in between premium titles and can provide hours of gameplay without the need for a financial investment. While there are many free-to-play games available, the selection is set to expand significantly in the coming months and years, with several highly-anticipated new releases on the horizon.
In July 2024, several new free games made a big splash in the gaming world. Titles like Zenless Zone Zero, The First Descendant, and Once Human garnered praise and attracted a healthy player base. While some of these games received criticism, they all found their place in the gaming landscape. Looking ahead, there are plenty of exciting upcoming free games worth keeping an eye on.
One highly-anticipated release is Smite 2, a popular MOBA that is getting an upgrade with Unreal Engine 5. While the announcement of the sequel was met with some confusion, the game promises to offer improved graphics and accessibility for both new and returning players. With early access set to launch in July 2024, Smite 2 is expected to make a big impact in the gaming community.
Throne and Liberty is another ambitious project from NCSoft, known for their MMORPGs like Guild Wars 2 and Blade & Soul. This game has been in development for over a decade and is set to release on September 17, 2024. With a focus on guild-based conflicts and PvPvE gameplay, Throne and Liberty aims to appeal to a wide range of players with its unique mechanics and immersive world.
Marvel Rivals is a third-person shooter that brings together iconic comic book characters in an Overwatch-style game. With a diverse roster of heroes and villains, fast-paced gameplay, and unique abilities for each character, Marvel Rivals promises to be a fun and engaging experience for fans of superhero games.
Mini Royale takes a different approach to the battle royale genre by shrinking the scale and dropping players into a child’s messy room with toy soldiers. This whimsical premise sets Mini Royale apart from other battle royale games and offers a unique gameplay experience with a charming map and creative weapons and items.
Arena Breakout: Infinite is an extraction shooter that aims for realism in its presentation and weapon customization. While still in beta, the game shows promise with its visuals and quality-of-life improvements, although it may need some refinement before its full release.
Blue Protocol, an anime-style JRPG from Bandai Namco, promises to offer customization, real-time combat, and a detailed storyline. With beautiful visuals and engaging gameplay, Blue Protocol looks set to be a standout title in the action RPG genre.
Tom Clancy’s The Division: Resurgence is a mobile third-person shooter set in the same universe as the popular Division series. With missions, exploration, and loot, the game offers a similar experience to its predecessors on a mobile platform, with both PvE and PvP content for players to enjoy.
ARC Raiders is an extraction shooter from Embark, the developer behind The Finals. With a closed beta already underway, ARC Raiders aims to attract a new audience to the niche genre of extraction shooters with its free-to-play model and unique gameplay mechanics.
Path of Exile 2 is the highly-anticipated sequel to the beloved action RPG from Grinding Gear Games. With a six-act campaign, extensive endgame content, and hundreds of unique equipment options, Path of Exile 2 promises to be an exciting expansion of the original game’s formula.
Arknights: Endfield is a spin-off game set on a new planet with real-time strategy combat and a focus on exploration and survival. With a different gameplay style from the mainline Arknights game, Endfield offers a fresh experience for fans of the franchise.
Perfect New World is an Eastern MMORPG from Ironcore Game Studio that completed a closed beta test in June 2023. With real-time hack and slash combat, co-op/multiplayer gameplay, and a focus on exploration and PvP, Perfect New World aims to offer a fun and engaging experience for players.
Karlson is a first-person shooter from Dani, the creator of Muck and Crab Game. With a focus on parkour and speed-running, Karlson offers a unique gameplay experience that has already garnered attention from players. With a free version available on Itch.io, Karlson is shaping up to be a standout title in the indie gaming scene.
Overall, the gaming landscape is constantly evolving, with new and exciting free games on the horizon for players to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of MOBAs, MMORPGs, shooters, or action RPGs, there’s something for everyone in the world of free gaming. Keep an eye out for these upcoming releases and get ready to dive into a world of endless entertainment without breaking the bank.