What’s new in August 2024: 7 upcoming games to play this month

As we approach the start of fall and the beginning of the holiday season, the number of high-profile games released begins to go up. The AAA games that want to beat other fall titles to the punch oftentimes come out in August, while several indie games launch as it’s their last chance to get some time in the limelight before a crowded fall. Last year, August even brought us the release of eventual Game of the Year winner Baldur’s Gate 3.

In 2024, plenty of noteworthy games are coming out as well. Seven in particular stand out to me as ones everyone should be keeping an eye on. I’ve included a more comprehensive list of the games launching this month at the end of the article as well.

Volgarr the Viking 2 (August 6)

Recommended if you like: Ghosts ‘n Goblins

There are a lot of standout indies launching throughout the month, but none feel as old-school as Volgarr the Viking 2. A sequel to a beloved 2013 platformer inspired by classics like Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Rastan, Volgarr the Viking 2 is a tough-as-nails platformer where players must try their hardest to survive in levels where enemies are constantly out to kill the titular Viking. Developers Crazy Viking Studios and Digital Eclipse made a concerted effort to make Volgarr the Viking 2 more approachable with a zombified mode that prevents Volgarr from taking damage if players use enough continues, so you should give this a shot even if you don’t traditionally like difficult games.

Volgarr the Viking 2 launches for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch on August 6.

SteamWorld Heist 2 (August 8)

Recommended if you like: Worms

The SteamWorld series of games has always been a reliable source of some of the most creative and enjoyable smaller-scale games out there. Its latest entry is SteamWorld Heist 2, a sequel to a 2D strategy game set in the SteamWorld universe that was released in 2015. The most fun part of this strategy game is bouncing bullets around the walls of the arenas that you’re