2024 has shaped up to be a golden year for gaming, with many highly anticipated releases making waves across different platforms. While free games have their allure, paid games offer rich, immersive experiences that are hard to match. Whether you’re into expansive RPGs, action-packed shooters, or story-driven adventures, here are the top 10 paid games in 2024 that you should definitely consider playing.
1. Elder Scrolls VI
The long-awaited sequel to Skyrim, Elder Scrolls VI is finally here, and it’s already being hailed as one of the best RPGs of the decade. With an expansive open world, detailed lore, and endless opportunities for exploration and role-playing, Elder Scrolls VI is a dream come true for fans of fantasy worlds.
Why play it?
- Immersive, massive open world filled with quests, dungeons, and mysteries.
- Deep character customization and skill progression.
- Stunning graphics and lifelike environments.
Where to play it?
Available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
2. Starfield
Starfield, Bethesda’s ambitious space RPG, has taken the gaming world by storm. Set in a sprawling universe filled with planets to explore, factions to align with, and mysteries to uncover, Starfield is a groundbreaking game for sci-fi fans. Whether you’re exploring distant galaxies or engaging in epic space battles, Starfield offers endless possibilities.
Why play it?
- Vast, open-world space exploration with hundreds of planets.
- Deep narrative choices that impact your experience.
- Beautifully crafted environments and thrilling space combat.
Where to play it?
Available on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
3. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Expansion
After its rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has made a strong comeback with its latest expansion, Phantom Liberty. The expansion adds an entirely new storyline, characters, and areas to explore within the sprawling city of Night City. Phantom Liberty refines the original experience with updated mechanics, AI improvements, and more polished gameplay.
Why play it?
- Deep, immersive cyberpunk world with a captivating narrative.
- Major improvements in gameplay and AI over the base game.
- Stunning visuals and cinematic storytelling.
Where to play it?
Available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
4. Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XVI marks a return to the franchise’s high-fantasy roots, offering a darker, more mature narrative set in the world of Valisthea. With its action-packed combat system, deeply emotional story, and breathtaking visuals, Final Fantasy XVI has become a standout in 2024.
Why play it?
- Rich, emotionally charged narrative with well-developed characters.
- Fast-paced, real-time combat system with a strategic edge.
- Gorgeous, large-scale environments and boss battles.
Where to play it?
Available exclusively on PlayStation 5.
5. Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2 takes everything fans loved about the original and its spin-off, Miles Morales, and pushes it to the next level. This time, players control both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they face off against a host of new villains, including Venom. The web-swinging mechanics are smoother than ever, and the game’s open world is packed with activities.
Why play it?
- Fast-paced, fluid web-swinging and combat mechanics.
- Dual protagonists with unique abilities and storylines.
- Beautifully rendered open-world New York City.
Where to play it?
Available exclusively on PlayStation 5.
6. Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy is a dream come true for Harry Potter fans. Set in the Wizarding World during the 1800s, players take on the role of a student at Hogwarts, learning magic, exploring the school and surrounding areas, and uncovering dark secrets. With its open world, rich lore, and magical abilities, this game captures the essence of the Wizarding World like never before.
Why play it?
- Immersive recreation of Hogwarts and its surroundings.
- Tons of magical abilities, creatures, and spells to discover.
- Engaging storyline with plenty of side quests and hidden secrets.
Where to play it?
Available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
7. Resident Evil 4 Remake
The remake of Resident Evil 4 reimagines the classic survival horror game with modern graphics, enhanced controls, and updated mechanics. The game still follows Leon Kennedy as he battles through a Spanish village filled with grotesque enemies, but the new version features a more immersive experience with improved gameplay elements and a gripping atmosphere.
Why play it?
- Faithful remake of a survival horror classic with modern enhancements.
- Engaging storyline and intense atmosphere.
- Revamped combat system for smoother gameplay.
Where to play it?
Available on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.
8. Diablo IV
Diablo IV takes players back to the dark, gothic world of Sanctuary, where they must battle hordes of demons, necromancers, and other fiends. This action RPG features open-world exploration, deep character customization, and intense dungeon-crawling gameplay. The game also includes multiplayer features, allowing players to team up for challenging raids or PvP combat.
Why play it?
- Dark, gothic art style and gritty world design.
- Deep, rewarding gameplay with endless character customization.
- Cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes.
Where to play it?
Available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
9. Baldur's Gate III
After years of anticipation, Baldur's Gate III fully launched in 2024, offering an authentic Dungeons & Dragons experience. Players can explore a rich fantasy world filled with deep lore, interact with a wide variety of NPCs, and engage in turn-based combat that rewards strategic thinking. With endless replayability thanks to its branching narrative paths, Baldur's Gate III is a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
Why play it?
- Deep, immersive role-playing experience with endless narrative choices.
- Tactical, turn-based combat system with rich strategy.
- Strong character customization and progression.
Where to play it?
Available on PC and PlayStation 5.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Nintendo once again captivates the gaming world with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. As the sequel to Breath of the Wild, this game takes players back to the open world of Hyrule with new powers, dungeons, and a deep storyline. Tears of the Kingdom is easily one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch in 2024.
Why play it?
- Expansive, open-world exploration with new mechanics and abilities.
- A gripping narrative that builds on the foundation of Breath of the Wild.
- Unique puzzle-solving and dungeon-crawling gameplay.
Where to play it?
Available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.
Honorable Mentions:
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, Mirage returns to the franchise's roots with stealth-based gameplay in a richly detailed historical setting.
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon: Available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, this mech-based action game by FromSoftware offers a fresh take on mech combat with intense, fast-paced action.
- Alan Wake II: Available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, this psychological thriller builds on the cult classic with a darker and more immersive narrative.
Conclusion:
2024 has been a phenomenal year for paid games, with titles that cater to nearly every kind of gamer. Whether you’re exploring the vast worlds of Starfield and Elder Scrolls VI, battling demons in Diablo IV, or swinging through New York as Spider-Man, there’s no shortage of premium experiences that are well worth the price of admission. If you’re looking for games that offer depth, longevity, and engaging gameplay, these top 10 paid games of 2024 are the ones to watch out for.
