Summer is heating up, which means school is out of session, family vacations, and a general need to find indoor hobbies to stay cool. Whether traveling or staying home, there’s a game or two just waiting to join your collection. Enjoy puzzles and rhythm games with D-Topia and Rhythm Heaven Groove. New worlds and storylines await in Mistfall Hunter or Culdcept Begins. Or walk a familiar path with an old friend and enjoy the remaking of Halo or Assassin’s Creed Black Flag. Sports fans aren’t left out with a brand new College Football title. Find some shade and your favorite console, stay hydrated, and let’s jump into our monthly games guide for July.
Rhythm Heaven Groove
Fans of rhythm games are not going to want to miss out on the latest installment in the Rhythm Heaven Groove franchise. This is the first new game in over a decade and the fifth overall. Players will find this game packed with content, over 100 total games. Solo players can look forward to 80 minigames, while 30 multiplayer games exist for those who’d rather play with friends. Additionally, there is a mode known as “Beatspell” where different (and correct) combos result in varying spells cast to defeat foes.
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: July 2
Granblue Fantasy Relink: Endless Ragnorak
Peace has just settled over Zegagrande with the defeat of Astral Lilith. However, it doesn’t last for long. Mysterious and powerful entities begin to appear. But their origins are as mysterious as they are powerful. And so, begins a new adventure in the Granblue Fantasy world. With exhilarating solo and co-op modes, players can tailor their experience. Co-op quest tiers feature bosses with evolving challenges await. Or enter the Conflux, a solo mode where both mystery and trials await. Playable characters can be unlocked to diversify playstyles and push players to new heights. Endless Ragnorak is a DLC to the original Relink title. For those who don’t own the base game, there are options to buy the complete game across your desired platforms here.
Platforms: PS5, PC, Switch 2
Release Date: July 9
EA Sports College Football 27
College football is back and better than ever! The core gameplay mechanics have been updated to be more realistic than ever before. College players are the up-and-comers and while talented don’t have the game down as tightly as the pros. Focus was placed on making those differences felt by the players. One example is accessible defensive playbooks went from nine to thirty-one. With 138 teams, players can find the team that best suits their playstyle or tailer their skills to their favorite team. And if you just can’t wait for release date, pre-order the deluxe edition for 3 days ealier access or join EA’s MVP+ membership service before July 2 to access the game a full week earlier and enjoy these other benefits. Check out the varying purchase options here to make sure you grab all the goodies you desire.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: July 9 (July 6 – Deluxe Edition)
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
Black Flag Resynced isn’t just a remaster. While updated visuals and gameplay await, so too does new content. The stunning open world of Black Flag is more alive than ever with a new dynamic weather system and ray tracing. Returning players or those new to the story will navigate this upgraded world as Edward Kenway, pirate and captain of Jackdaw. While the core storyline can be experienced, new tales are waiting to be discovered. Beloved characters such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet have new storylines as well as a new endgame chapter and side missions. Unlock a Hideout on Great Inagua and upgrade it to enjoy some amazing amenities. Photo mode has also been added to capture those unforgettable in-game moments. Difficulty settings have been added as well with four settings and three categories within those settings for maximum replayability.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: July 9
D-Topia
Imagine a future where AI was leaned on to create the perfect environment for humans to not only survive but thrive. In D-Topia, players get to step into such a world. Taking on the role of Facilitator, it is evident that there are things even an all-knowing AI system can prepare for – the variability of humanity. That’s where the Facilitator steps in. Solve puzzles of varying types to prevent calamities and forge relationships with others living in D-Topia. Earn in-game currency to spend on upgrading your apartment to make it your perfect post-work paradise. This cozy, puzzler has a deep narrative that is only as unlockable as players are willing to explore.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch, Switch 2
Release Date: July 14
Denshattack
Boards are out and gravity-defying trains are in in this eclectic adventure. Perform tricks across varying terrain going for the high score in each level. Every kickflip earns the respect of underground gangs and rebels, all with the goal of defeating the evil Miraido Corporation. With bosses as diverse as the terrain, traverse the ranks from beginner to pro and earn the title of Denshattacker, the fastest train in the world.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch 2
Release Date: June 15
Culdcept Begins
The world of this thrilling card-based game has existed since 1997! However, new players don’t need to fret as this installment modernizes the beloved classic in a introductory friendly fashion. Players step into the shoes of a “Cepter” developing his abilities to defend the People of the Deep Lake. When called to action, his full powers awaken and he must succeed or risk a threat that could destroy the world. This narrative is told through card-based battles that can be played on or offline. Enjoy thrilling battles with a hand-painted backdrop. Tired of playing solo? Invite up to three friends for a total of four players across multiplayer. Fans of physical media can grab a Switch 2 edition, complete with cartridge, here.
Platforms: PC, Switch, Switch 2
Release Date: July 16
Splatoon Raiders
Dive into this Switch 2 exclusive and the world of the band Deep Cut, a trio of musicians setting out for treasure and more on the Spirhalite Islands. Players can customize their own character, a mechanic, that travels alongside Deep Cut. Customize varying weapons that shoot ink and more at the Salmonids. Fight alongside a member of Deep Cut in an upgradable Exploration Bot. Tourist, Raider, and Survivalist mode exist to control the challenge with the same loot remaining across all three modes. Multiplayer is also available for up to three other players to join or use the unique “Call for Help” feature created for solo players who may find themselves in a bind.
Platforms: Switch 2
Release Date: July 23
Avatar Legends
Avatar Legends is a 2D 1v1 fighting game based on the world of The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra. This game features hand-drawn animation and also supports cross-play. Twelve characters will be available at launch with more to come. Alongside the man characters are multiple modes including arcade, training, and more. The Switch version is not releasing on July 23 and will be rolling out later, so heads up Nintendo fans! Purchasing the deluxe edition unlucks the year one pass, digital art book, and soundtrack. If you pre-order now, access to the July 2-5 closed beta is included.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch
Release Date: July 23
Halo: Campaign Evolved
Evolved is a complete remake of the Halo: Combat Evolved campaign. But this classic story is coming to players with brand new visuals, cinematics, and controls for the modern-day console. This incredible remake was built in Unreal Engine 5. Outside of the original tale, fans can enjoy three brand new prequel missions featuring Master Chief and Sargent Johnson. Up to four-player co-op is supported and for those who dabble in nostalgia, don’t worry. A two-player split screen option is available on console. And while there are modern touches such as vehicle hijacking, sprinting is totally optional.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: July 28
Mistfall Hunter
Extraction-based games have been seeing a renaissance in the last year and Mistfall Hunter is throwing its hat into the ring. The official genre is third-person PvEvP extraction action RPG. Take on the role of a Gyldhunter where you must fight monsters and other players to collect loot and escape. Customization runs deep between unique classes and skill trees, allowing players to build a hunter that best fits their skills. And in a world where death means losing everything, building your perfect Gyldhunter is that much more important. Level your skills, base camp, and return with as much loot as you can to access harder maps and better gear. Solo is available for those who like to go it alone, but trios are also available for when you want to call in some aid.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: July 29
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Definitive Edition
Join Rex and Pyra in a beloved quest with substantial quality-of-life upgrades. Search for Pyra’s home in enhanced 4K while in TV mode. Or swap to handheld mode and experience this adventure in full HD at 60 frames. Cut scenes look sharper in this upgraded edition. Aside from the visual upgrades, look for a brand new Blade and enjoy it in a new action battle mode. Both Pyra and Mythra have new equipment designs specific to the Switch 2 edition. If you already own Xenoblade Chronicles 2, an upgrade pack is available.
Platforms: Switch 2
Release Date: July 30
The Relic: First Guardian
Fantasy fans who enjoy the grit and challenge of soulslike games don’t want to miss The Relic. Stunning vistas, incredible bosses, and a world informed by Asian folklore awaits. The shattering of the Great Relic resulted in smaller relics to be dispersed through this land rife with darkness. Finding relics embues the character with new passive abilities to take on the enemies of Arsiltus. With 80 bosses, there is plenty of action to be had, alongside the semi-open world questing. The combat system is unique in that stamina does not drain while attacking as in normal soulslikes. Instead, stamina is tied only to defense and dodging. Acquiring skills, weapons, and armor allows for freedom in buildcrafting to hone a hero that fits each player’s taste.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: July 31
