Early Access is a great way for developers to get their community involved while finishing the full launch version. While there are so many games that start this way, these are the top 10 best upcoming Early Access games releasing in 2024 to keep your eye on.
Top 10 Games Releasing to Early Access in 2024
Palworld by Pocketpair Games
Release Date: January 19, 2024
Palworld, nicknamed the “Pokemon with guns” game, is set to release just a few weeks after the new year. At launch, it’ll have 100 Pals that you can catch, tame, breed, and assign to various tasks, including base building. During the planned one-year EA period, Pocketpair plan to introduce more Pals and areas, according to the FAQ published on its Steam page.
Enshrouded by Keen Games
Release Date: January 24, 2024
Enshrouded is easily my favorite game heading to EA. It’s a survival crafter based in a fantasy land filled with strange creatures and a life-sucking mist. What more could you want? This game has been on my watchlist for a while now, and I’ve gotten more and more hyped with each update.
EA will last about a year, with a road map detailing all the additions. The map starts as an 8x8km with four different regions, though the final map is set to 16x16km. The base building appears seamless, with a variety of ways to outfit your camp. You can play with friends and get a dedicated base. The amount of content available in EA alone is mind-blowing, never mind what they have planned for the future.
Nightingale by Inflexion Games
Release Date: February 22, 2024
Another crafting and survival game, Nightingale enters the genre with an occult twist. Not only can you build a defensive base, but you can also build an elegant mansion. Too often in survival games, your homes end up looking hobbled together; now is the time for bougie bases.
The maps are procedurally generated, so every adventure will be different from the last. Explore new areas by heading through Portals. And hunt eldritch nightmares through the Fae Realms to become a Realmwalker.
Life by You by Paradox Interactive
Release Date: March 5, 2024
First announced in March 2023, we finally have a competitor for The Sims. Taking a more realistic approach to a life simulator, Life by You is set to take the stage this March. It features a slew of character customization options, real-world dialogue, and a detailed build mode. Those looking for a fresh take on the life sim genre should keep an eye on this one.
Guild Saga: Vanished Worlds by Ocelot
Release Date: April 17, 2024
Fans of retro, turn-based, tactical RPGs are going to love Guild Saga Vanished Worlds. You’ll step into the boots of an aspiring hero, build a party of companions (each with their own side quests), and learn new abilities from 10 different skill trees. There are also different professions you can master, and you can befriend NPCs.
Not only do your decisions change which path you may take to the endgame, but they also impact the story. If you’re rude to one NPC, they may become an enemy down the road. Complete with pixel graphics, this is set to be a fun nostalgia trip.
Manor Lords by Hooded Horse
Release Date: April 26, 2024
Another game I’m excited about is Manor Lords. It’s a city builder mixed with a tactical war simulator, though the team at Hooded Horse stated the main focus is on keeping your thriving settlement alive. Taking place in a medieval setting based on the 14th century, it’s a gorgeous historical take on the genre.
You’ll have to manage all the details when it comes to life in your settlement. With resource management, battle tactics, exports, and seasonal achievements, something will always need your attention. Take care to craft the best defenses. Otherwise, rival lords could seek to oust you as ruler. Those who like city builders, but want something tethered to history, this is the game for you.
Hades 2 by Supergiant Games
Release Date: Q2 2024
Supergiant Games is ready to earn a slew of awards with its first-ever sequel Hades 2. While it doesn’t have a specific launch date, we do know it’s coming between April and June. The original Hades won a variety of awards, including Best Indie Game in 2020 at the Game Awards and Golden Joystick Awards, as well as BAFTA Game of the Year in 2021. We’re expecting the follow-up to be just as amazing.
Hades 2 has a dedicated community of players itching to get their hands on it. Play as the Princess of the Underworld, earn boons from the Greek Gods, tame new familiars, and slay creatures in the signature style of the franchise. Though each run will differ from the last, you’ll be able to fight your way to victory as you slaughter the minions of the Titan of Time.
Pax Dei by Mainframe Industries
Release Date: Q4 2024
Pax Dei is another game I’ve been watching closely since Alpha. This year seems to be the year of fantasy-survival crafting games, and I’m excited it’s joining the ranks. It’s still in the closed testing stages, with sign-ups open on their website, but what they’ve shown so far is worth taking a look at.
It’s also an MMO with sandbox mechanics. Player choices will shape the world as they decide to lean towards war or peace. The myths of the land will be uncovered as you explore, and bases built with friends will be a safe haven from the cold. Set to release at the end of the year, there’s surely more to see from Mainframe Industries as they continue development.
Hyper Light Breaker by Heart Machine
Release Date: 2024
Another sequel, Hyper Light Breaker takes us back to the world introduced in Hyper Light Drifter, now in 3D. Originally set for release in 2023, it was delayed due to the team wanting more time to realize its full potential.
You’ll take down enemies in this third-person action game as you strive to defeat the Abyss King. Set in the Overgrowth, you can explore the ever-changing world solo or with your friends through online co-op.
Windblown by Motion Twin
Release Date: 2024
Windblown takes the final spot thanks to the dev team making it: Motion Twin. You likely know it as the studio behind Dead Cells, which won the 2018 Game Awards Best Action Game, as well as IGN’s Best of 2017 Best Action Game award.
Differing from the previous title, Windblown is an action roguelike that pits you against a variety of brightly colored enemies. It doesn’t have a specific date for release, but we do know it’s coming this year.
Honorable Mention — Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch by Ocean Drive Studio
While there are a ton of recently announced games that are inching closer, Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch caught my eye. As the second title in the Lost Eidolons world, it’s a tactical, turn-based RPG that utilizes grid movement. With a medieval-inspired setting, it reminds me of Wartales. There isn’t any timeframe for when it’ll be released to EA, which is why it’s currently an honorable mention.
Those are the top 10 best upcoming games coming to Early Access in 2024. With many of them focusing on survival, action, and RPG elements, it seems 2024 will be a boon for genre fans. For more on these titles, check out our various game hubs and stay tuned for more right here at GameSkinny.
