15 Best Early Access Games of 2024

Even if a game isn’t completely finished yet, it doesn’t make it any less enjoyable or capable of competing with fully-fledged games. Over time, numerous early access games have been packed with content and polished to an extent that puts completed games to shame, such as Baldur’s Gate 3, which offered more than 40 hours of captivating content in its early access phase before its acclaimed full release in 2023. This collection includes games that share the same spirit; titles where their potential is evident from the very beginning. As we will discover, a few of these games exhibit clear signs of becoming Game of the Year contenders.

1. Path of Exile 2

Among the games on this list, none has come close to appearing completely polished quite like the upcoming title, “Path of Exile 2”. It’s no hyperbole to assert that “Path of Exile 2” currently ranks among the finest action Role-Playing Games (RPGs) out there. With a year still to go before its official launch, it’s evident that this game is brimming with potential. The extensive character build customization, the diverse grim settings, and the story steeped in captivating lore are just a taste of what we anticipate will be even more content-rich experiences when “Path of Exile 2” fully launches next year.

2. Hades 2

The highly anticipated sequel from indie developer Supergiant, known as “Hades 2“, is currently in early access and it’s already impressing fans with its improvements and enhancements on the original’s roguelike structure. This new game infuses a dash of enchantment (literally) and further refinements into the mix, promising a richer gaming experience. The sequel delves deeper into the well-crafted Greek pantheon introduced in the prequel by introducing a fresh character, Melinoe, who is the sister of the protagonist from “Hades 1“. By setting out to surpass its predecessor in every aspect, “Hades 2” already shows promise with the numerous new locations and abundance of content available even during early access.

3. Wild Woods

In this indie game designed for four players, you’ll collaborate to protect a wagon as it travels through perilous forests. At first glance, it might seem straightforward, but it draws inspiration from the resource-gathering and night combat aspects of Kunitsu-Gami. During daytime, you collect resources for future battles, while at night, these resources are essential for survival. The four-player cooperation forms a solid base for additional maps and challenges leading up to its full release. However, since Wild Woods only entered early access on December 9^th, it still has some ways to go before its complete launch.

4. Palworld

In terms of sales exceeding eight million units and boasting impressive Steam player numbers, the game Pocket Pair’s Palworld is thriving, despite the impending Nintendo lawsuit. The game Palworld has managed to attract a significant number of players who were disappointed by the latest releases from Pokemon. The base building and combat featuring gun-wielding Pal characters in this game are quite enjoyable. Additionally, the Feybreak update, scheduled for release on December 23rd, promises even more content for players to anticipate.

5. Enshrouded

Enshrouded might be just another survival crafting game, but it excels in every aspect compared to many others. The combat feels rewarding with its action RPG mechanics and frequent parry battles. If you’re having a hard time surviving in this harsh open world, there are 15 other players who can either assist or complicate your adventure. Enshrouded is particularly notable because it has achieved most of the milestones outlined on its roadmap as it steadily approaches its complete release in 2025.

6. Manor Lords

As a dedicated gamer, what truly sets Manor Lords apart from other city builder strategy games is its relentless focus on authentic medieval history. The game’s intricate detailing of town expansion and resource management, featuring historical systems like burgage plot structuring, really makes you feel like a lord in the Middle Ages. These complex town management mechanics amplify the intensity of real-time strategy battles, immersing us deeply into the genre. I can’t wait to witness this one-man labor of love unfold when it officially launches!

7. Astrometica

As a gamer, I’ve jumped headfirst into this new survival crafting game, Astrometica, that dropped in early access on December 10th. Unlike the endless space voyages in upcoming games like Starfield, Astrometica offers an intriguing twist: the diverse fleet of ships are not just for show; they’re your ticket to uncovering mysteries and exploring strange anomalies scattered across the cosmos. And let’s not forget about the asteroid belts, adding another layer of challenge as you maneuver your vessel through them. But be warned, the cold, hostile expanse of space demands a permanent base for survival, which Astrometica delivers with its immersive tech tree and captivating outpost construction system.

8. The Rogue Prince of Persia

Crafted by the same studio behind the critically-acclaimed DLCs for the game “Dead Cells”, this polished version of the roguelike “Prince of Persia” title has been available for half a year since its early access launch. True to its name, “The Rogue Prince of Persia” offers procedurally generated levels brimming with the acrobatic platforming and action that the genre is famous for. Fans who enjoyed “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” or classic 2D platforming games will find much to appreciate in “The Rogue Prince of Persia”.

9. Rogue Command

In another unique entry on this list, “Rogue Command” combines the essence of roguelike games with the classic style of real-time strategy (RTS) titles. I can’t recall encountering an RTS format in a roguelike game before. The idea of having completely distinct builds and units for each playthrough is fascinating, but “Rogue Command” manages to keep the experience engaging and enjoyable with user-friendly elements such as a 10% time slow-down. Despite being in early access, the game offers a substantial amount of content, including hundreds of unique units and more than 20 different map types.

10. Finnish Cottage Simulator

I must confess, I was taken aback to find that the Finnish Cottage Sim has been garnering an incredible number of positive reviews on Steam since its early access launch on November 15th. What captivates me about this game is its delightful visuals and inviting ambiance that set it apart from other budget-friendly ‘simulator’ games. However, it’s the diverse quests and engaging 6-player multiplayer aspect that have drawn players into this enjoyable and soothing exploration of cottage life.

11. Dunjungle

If you enjoyed “The Rogue Prince of Persia”, then you might also like “Dunjungle”, another early access title that’s worth a look. This speedy action platformer stands out with customizable gear and classes, allowing you to capitalize on enemies’ vulnerabilities. The gameplay is more intense and challenging than “The Rogue Prince of Persia”, given its absence of checkpoints, but fortunately, you keep much of your equipment and progress between attempts. One of the most satisfying early access games, “Dunjungle” owes its appeal to its catchy drop-in, drop-out gameplay style.

12. Cataclismo

Fans of strategy games who also enjoy building with Legos should definitely give the game “Cataclismo” a try. The unique blend of real-time battle strategies with base construction using brick-like components creates an engaging experience. Building structures is made simple due to the step-by-step process involved, making it feel like stacking bricks. If you enjoy arranging blocks together, “Cataclismo” delivers by offering a variety of architectural pieces for creative building and RTS combat to test the durability of your constructions.

13. Aska

Aska doesn’t simply fall into the category of survival games; it sets itself apart by requiring you to oversee your own tribe in addition to strategizing resources and fending off wildlife and scavengers. The tribal management element significantly enhances the gameplay experience. One innovative feature that distinguishes Aska is the way you create villagers – by crafting them from available resources, which adds a unique touch to the game. This creative twist on the survival genre deepens the village management aspect, making survival more intriguing and immersive.

14. New Arc Line

For enthusiasts of traditional role-playing games, this pre-release title, known as “New Arc Line“, offers an immersive experience set in a dystopian world where technology and magic coexist. In the opening scene, you find yourself penniless, traveling on a steamship to what’s referred to as “the new world”. The game boasts a diverse cast of non-player characters (NPCs) that can be recruited and developed relationships with. Moreover, the combat system combines mechanical and magical elements, which has made “New Arc Line” particularly popular among players who enjoy games rich in choices.

15. ATLYSS

ATLYSS” is a cozy, laid-back online RPG that strikes a perfect chord for those yearning for a taste of nostalgia from yesteryears. The open world is brimming with rewards to discover and traverse, and the vibrant graphics reminiscent of the PS2 era truly set it apart. With numerous players simultaneously engaged, finding companions for your adventures should be effortless. What makes ATLYSS distinct is that none of its content is exclusive to multiplayer, allowing you to enjoy the experience solo as well.

As a dedicated enthusiast, I’d like to clarify that the opinions shared within this piece are my own personal perspective. They may not align with the collective viewpoint of GamingBolt as a whole, so please keep that in mind when reading.

2025-01-04 19:12