2024 will see a wide array of MMOs released, encompassing a diverse range of genres, including sci-fi, fantasy, and survival horror. Each of these upcoming MMOs offers something unique and captivating for players seeking a shared and immersive gaming experience.
2024 is poised to be an exceptional year for massively multiplayer online games, with an impressive array of new releases and expansions anticipated within the year.
2024's most anticipated MMOs feature captivating new worlds, long-awaited sequels, and immersive linear expansions. They encompass a diverse range of genres, from epic sci-fi to classic fantasy to survival horror. Some of these titles are exclusive to PC, while others are available on a wide array of gaming consoles. With such a diverse offering, 2024 offers a MMO for everyone, and these are just a few of the most anticipated.
Ever wanted to design a custom superhero? Ship of Heroes has got that covered in the sequel, Blue Protocol. Ship of Heroes is set in the distant future, when humans (and superhumans) have taken to space. Early previews reveal an incredibly robust character creator, and, like its predecessor, a detailed system of superpower customization. Blue Protocol appeals to the consummate role-player, especially anyone who's ever doodled their own superhero in the margins of a sheet of notebook paper. It doesn't have a set release date, but is expected by the end of 2024.
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam
Developer(s): Bandai Namco Entertainment, Amazon Games
Publisher(s): Bandai Namco Entertainment
Genre(s): MMORPG, Action RPG, Adventure
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer, Online Co-op
Engine: Unreal Engine 4
ESRB: T
Mode: Single-player, Multiplayer
In Once Human, players have transcended their humanity to become powerful Meta-Humans, who can resist the pollution that destroyed the rest of the world. However, they are not immune to it, and players will need to scrounge up uncontaminated food, water, and supplies to keep themselves alive. The multiplayer element can make or break a game, as players can make friends or foes with anyone else they encounter. Once Human held its second beta test in December 2023 and is expected to see a full release by the end of 2024.
Throne and Liberty was originally intended to be a sequel to Lineage, a 1998 MMO developed and published by NCSoft. This game was eventually scrapped, with Lineage getting a separate sequel called Lineage W, while the framework of the in-development title was repurposed for an original game called Throne and Liberty. Set in an ever-changing fantasy world, players can participate in enormous, chaotic battles with hundreds of participants and transform into different animal shapes in order to use their unique abilities. Throne and Liberty still doesn't have an official release date, but is currently in the process of testing.The Elder Scrolls Online is a Diablo-style, top-down, dungeon-crawling action RPG with a variable character class system that allows for a wide range of playstyles. Players have the option to freely customize their characters' main and subclass classes, resulting in a unique and personalized gameplay experience. The game is free-to-play, with cosmetic customization options that do not impact gameplay. Path of Exile 2 promises to offer a new story, new classes, new weapons, and new locations compared to its predecessor. While an official release date has yet to be announced, the game has released several gameplay trailers and preview clips, suggesting an imminent release.The Elder Scrolls Online is set to receive its eighth expansion in 2024, with no details about the content being revealed at the time of writing. The upcoming expansion is expected to include another addition to the vast map, sprawling story, and exciting quests. It features more rigid class structures than single-player Elder Scrolls games, but with plenty of personal customization. Besides its main campaign, ESO offers satisfying crafting grinds and thrilling PvP battles.
Like ESO, Guild Wars 2 has been a beloved game for a long time - since 2012, in this case. It has consistently received positive reviews for its approachable gameplay and vast customization options, and has seen its popularity grow with each expansion. Characters have access to a deep pool of skills, classes, and professions to choose from. The next Guild Wars 2 expansion doesn't have a title yet, but is expected to follow the conclusion of its Elder Dragon Saga and release in 2024.
An open-world Dune game is long overdue. Dune: Awakening, based on the series of novels by Frank Herbert, might finally be the video game adaptation the franchise deserves. Set on the harsh desert world of Arrakis, the beating heart of the galaxy's economic system, it'll feature both survival and MMO elements as players explore, team up, and fight to survive. Trailers have already featured a number of classic Dune staples: ornithopters, Fremen stillsuits, and, of course, gargantuan sandworms. While little else is known about the game, and it doesn't have a solid release date yet, some inspiration can be drawn from developer Funcom's previous survival game, Conan Exiles.
World of Warcraft has almost two decades under its belt, and is still going strong with new content releases. The upcoming expansion The War Within will be its tenth major update, and there are already two more planned to follow. The War Within raises player level caps to 80, introducing four new map regions and the new Hero Talents customization feature. It'll also allow players to bring along their alternate characters with the Warbands mechanic, and complete treasure-laden dungeons called Delves.
Dawntrail is the fifth major expansion for the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy 14. It introduces three new jobs to FFXIV: Pictomancer, Viper, and Beastmaster. However, the true highlight is the continuation of the Hydaelyn-Zodiark saga with familiar characters, promising a new adventure with captivating storylines and captivating gameplay. While an exact release date is yet to be revealed, Dawntrail is scheduled for release sometime in 2024.
2024 is poised to be an exceptionally exciting year for massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMO's). With a diverse range of games planned for release, catering to a broad spectrum of player preferences, 2024 promises to be a year filled with thrilling discoveries and unexpected surprises.