The Best New Games of June 2024 | Monthly Wrap-Up

June is over, which means it’s time to take a look back at the best new games of June 2024! From survival games to vampire action and an amazing DLC, these games should definitely be on your radar.

ASKA

If you enjoyed the settlement management aspects of games like Fallout 4 or Valheim, you should check out the Early Access title ASKA. In this open-world survival crafting game, you’ll build and lead a thriving Viking tribe from the ground up. You command a bustling village of intelligent NPCs, each playing a vital role in hunting, crafting, and fighting to ensure the tribe’s survival.

Explore a gorgeous, procedurally generated world filled with hidden caves, valuable resources, and ancient threats. The dynamic weather system and changing seasons will test your strategic planning and adaptability. Combat in ASKA is skill-based and exciting, pitting you against various mythical enemies. The game is graphically stunning and runs smoothly with only a few minor bugs. We can’t wait to see how it develops in the future!

#BLUD

Welcome to #BLUD, where high school drama meets vampire apocalypse in an electrifying animated dungeon crawler! Immerse yourself in the chaotic world of Becky Brewster, the new girl in town with a deadly secret – she’s the latest in a line of spell-casting vampire hunters. If you’re looking for combat that combines the mechanics of action RPGs with the crazy energy of ’90s cartoons, this is your game.

The hand-drawn animation is a visual feast that captures the nostalgic essence of Saturday morning cartoons. The soundtrack is packed with catchy tunes that you’ll find yourself humming for days. The characters are quirky, hilarious, and memorable, adding a delightful charm to the game’s story. The writing is sharp, funny, and engaging, making every interaction a treat. We think this action dungeon crawler deserves a lot more hype than it’s getting!

Drug Dealer Simulator 2

If you’re looking for a new career in the virtual world, try Drug Dealer Simulator 2. You play as Eddie, a fugitive seeking refuge on the mysterious Isla Sombra. The game plunges you into a sprawling world, from quaint villages and bustling ports to vibrant cities, each filled with rich detail and colorful characters, all within the atmospheric grip of a Caribbean dictatorship. The technology and vibes of the early 2000s only add to the immersive experience.

Fans of the first game will love the improvements. The story in DDS 2 feels more gripping than before, drawing you deeper into Eddie’s perilous journey. The graphics are a significant upgrade, though we hope to see even better textures and optimizations in future updates. Gameplay-wise, DDS 2 is more streamlined, especially with recipes, and introduces a wealth of new equipment to experiment with. 

Empires of the Undergrowth

After years in Early Access, the RTS base-building game Empires of the Undergrowth finally saw its full release in June. Assume the role of an ant colony leader and navigate a world teeming with fearsome insect threats. Build intricate nests, develop clever pheromone-based tactics, and evolve to meet the ever-increasing dangers. The battles are intense and the stakes are high as you lead a variety of ant species in epic confrontations.

While it may take a few minutes to figure out how to get your ants to follow orders, managing a colony is more complex than it seems. There are two basic classes of ants: workers and warriors. The queen, while essential, is a liability – you must protect her at all costs, because if she dies, the colony perishes. To keep things interesting, the developers have designed a dynamic gameplay loop, which adds a lot of replay value!

Monster Hunter Stories

Originally released for the Nintendo 3DS back in 2016, Monster Hunter Stories has finally found its way onto our PCs eight years later. The game flips the traditional Monster Hunter experience on its head. Instead of hunting monsters, you’ll raise them! As a Monster Rider, you’ll forge unbreakable bonds with your monster companions, experiencing a heartwarming and thrilling journey.

The game returns with fully voiced Japanese and English options, plus exciting new features like a museum mode where you can soak in the captivating music and concept art. Monster Hunter Stories can be best described as a love letter to the franchise. Every movement, attack, and detail is meticulously crafted to honor the main series, making you feel a genuine bond with your monstrous allies.

ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree

Okay, so technically this isn’t a new game, but Shadow of the Erdtree is about the size of five Limgraves, and we’ve spent so many hours in the Shadow Realm that we couldn’t do this blog without mentioning it. ELDEN RING’s first and only DLC is just as beautiful as the main game, and it felt like playing it for the first time again (on ultra-hard mode).

Embark on a journey through an all-new open-world map filled with intricate dungeons, formidable bosses, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. The bosses have divided fans, with some saying they are way too hard, and others saying they are arguably some of the best FromSoftware has ever created. The Shadow Realm itself is a visual masterpiece, surpassing even the astonishing landscapes of the original game. Coupled with a stunning soundtrack that sets the perfect tone for your adventure, we think the DLC is an absolute masterpiece.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

First released in 2021, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a re-release that fixes nearly all of the problems with the original release and adds two new complete storylines. Prepare to become a mighty demigod and immerse yourself in a devastated, demon-infested Tokyo. In this war between angels and demons, every choice counts as you forge your own path and dictate the fate of all existence.

For newcomers, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is an unparalleled JRPG experience with one of the best turn-based combat systems in gaming. For those who played the original, this re-release is absolutely worth it. The new Canon of Vengeance route is packed with compelling content and improvements. The story enhancements, fleshed-out main characters, and intense demon negotiations kept us hooked.

More new games

In addition to the games above, we have three more for you to check out. Head over to our blog with recommendations for games to play this summer and find out more about Go-Go Town, Republic of Pirates, and SunnySide.

You can find even more recommendations on our YouTube channel!

Happy Gaming!