After a relatively quiet first half of 2019, the fall release season is finally upon us, meaning there’s roughly one big game dropping just about every week until the end of the year!
Whether you’re interested in big RPGs like The Outer Worlds or Greedfall, or looking to squad up with some friends in games like Ghost Recon: Breakpoint or Borderlands 3, there’s undoubtedly something for everyone.
Check out our slideshow above, or scroll down to read more about all 22 of the biggest games releasing between now and the end of 2019.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
Release Date: September 6 (PS4, Xbox One, Steam in January, 2020)
Okay, this one is a gimme since it just came out, but it’s too good not to mention. Monster Hunter World was the series’ coming out party in the West, quickly becoming Capcom’s best-selling game of all-time in its first two months. Most recently, MHW surpassed 12 million copies shipped mark, an astonishing number if you consider that’s more than any single Resident Evil, Mega Man, or Street Fighter game ever sold. The first major expansion, Iceborne, takes the series to Hoarfrost Reach, the largest region in Monster Hunter World. Besides adding new locations, tons of new monsters, and many more quality of life improvements, what’s important is that you can finally pet your Palico.
Are you ready to dive in? Here are some things you should do to prepare for the new adventure. And, be sure to check out our review of the expansion, which we gave a 9.0.
Gears 5
Release Date: September 10 (Xbox One, PC, also available as part of Xbox Game Pass with early access beginning September 6)
Kait Diaz is back and looking to uncover the truth about her family’s mysterious past. In addition to a robust campaign mode that is said to feature the largest level in Gears’ history (fifty times larger than anything before it!). The team at The Coalition have also added an all-new PvE mode called “Escape”, as well as the return of Horde mode, plus some novelty character packs featuring Sarah Conner from Terminator, a set of Halo: Reach skins, and even Dave Bautista later this month.
In the meantime, why not check out the story trailer for Gears 5? Also, read our campaign review for Gears 5, which we scored an 8.8.
GreedFall
Release Date: September 10 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
GreedFall is an upcoming Action-RPG that takes place in The Old World, a fictional area inspired by 17th century Europe, that is suffering from a deadly, incurable plague known as Malichor. As De Sardet, the main character, you discover the remote Island of Teer Fradee, an area that has not been affected by the disease yet. Your goal is simple – scour this new land for a cure while embarking on quests, developing your character’s skills, and fighting to survive against fantastical creatures.
While you prepare for your journey, here’s 13 minutes of spoiler-free gameplay from GreedFall.
Borderlands 3
Release Date: September 13 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
Are you ready to venture back to Pandora, Vault Hunter? Borderlands 3 is the latest entry in the wildly popular cooperative looter shooter. Technically the fourth game in the core series, it introduces four new Vault Hunters: Moze the Gunner, Zane the Operative, Amara the Siren, and FL4K the Beasthunter.
You’ll now be able to travel to different planets while cruising the galaxy in your new ship, the Sanctuary III. There are a ton of quality of life improvements being added, including the ability to slide and vault over obstacles, a loot-pinging system similar to Apex Legends that includes contextual voice lines, loot-instancing that allows players to gain their own loot (instead of fighting over it with others), and more. Oh, and there are over 1 billion guns in the game. Happy hunting.
Hungry for more Borderlands? Our final preview of the game should bring you up to speed.
Daemon X Machina
Release Date: September 13 (Nintendo Switch)
The latest game from Kenichiro Tsukada, producer of the Armored Core series, is another game starring…you guessed it, mechs. In Daemon X Machina, you are tasked with saving humanity from artificial intelligence that’s predictably turned against its creators. Equipped with your fully customizable mech known as an Arsenal, you must scavenge the planet eliminating enemy Arsenals in up to four player co-op.
NHL 20
Release Date: September 13 (PS4, Xbox One)
The biggest NHL game returns with all new gameplay mechanics including Superstar Signature Shots that attempt to replicate the trademark shooting styles of famous players. There’s even a battle royale-inspired mode called Eliminator that pits 81 players against each other in a survival tournament bracket with only one being crowned the victor.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Release Date: September 20 (Nintendo Switch)
The cult classic GameBoy game is being remade from the ground-up in HD for Nintendo Switch. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening recreates the original game while modernizing the visuals with a playful new art style.
In addition to the original story, there is also an all-new Zelda dungeon creator mode called Chamber Dungeons that allows players to create and play through their very own dungeons, complete with enemies and loot. Additionally, there’s an adorable new Link amiibo that will add a Shadow Link to player-created dungeons that will reward a large amount of rupees if defeated.
Check out our walkthrough from E3 2019 showcasing gameplay from the upcoming Zelda title.
FIFA 20
Release Date: September 24 (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC)
FIFA 20 is looking to create the most realistic FIFA experience yet,with improved ball physics, allowing for lifelike spins, bounces, and arcing shot trajectories. Strafe dribbling and controlled tackling systems have been added, and an overhauled shooting system adds a larger risk-reward mechanic when taking shots on the goal.
FIFA’s “The Journey” story mode is being replaced by the brand new Volta mode, which allows you to build and customize your character as you journey to 17 football playgrounds from around the world.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
Release Date: September 27 (Nintendo Switch)
Say that title three times fast. Dragon Age XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition adds additional story content that delves deeper into character backgrounds, the ability to switch between HD and 16-bit graphics, both English and Japanese voice acting, synthesized and symphonic music options, plus a photo mode. There’s also a new Draconian Quest difficulty setting for those who are looking for even more of a challenge.
Destiny 2: Shadowkeep
Release Date: October 1 (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Google Stadia in November)
After parting ways with Activision earlier this year, Bungie has pushed forward with the Destiny story in the all-new expansion, Shadowkeep. Journey back to the Moon with Eris Morn as you work to eliminate the Hive before they take over Earth. This standalone expansion includes brand-new story content, weapons and gear to customize your Guardians, new missions and quests, and a new raid set in The Black Garden.
For more on Destiny 2, check out Episode 225 of Fireteam Chat with special guests David “Deej” Dague and Scott Taylor from Bungie where they discuss how the team is looking to evolve Destiny going forward.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint
Release Date: October 4 (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Google Stadia in November)
Set directly after the events of Ghost Recon: Wildlands, Breakpoint takes place in the Auroa Archipelago, a remote area in the South Pacific that features everything from snowy peaks to lush rainforests. You control an elite US Special Ops unit that must take down a group of rogue agents known as The Wolves who have taken over a tech mogul’s production facilities. Ghost Recon: Breakpoint features a cooperative multiplayer story, as well as a PvP mode that pits you against other players in squad-based combat.
Check out our recent impressions after six hours of hands-on gameplay with Ghost Recon: Breakpoint.
Concrete Genie
Release Date: October 8 (PS4)
In Concrete Genie, you play as Ash, a bullied teen who is trying to bring light to his hometown of Denska that has been polluted by Darkness. While exploring a mysterious lighthouse, Ash discovers a magical paintbrush that allows him to create living art on the walls of Denska in hopes of purifying the town from evil.
Release Date: October 25 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
After last year’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 was conspicuously missing a campaign, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare returns to the series’ roots, not only in name, but by attempting to craft a gritty, realistic campaign that blurs the line between good and bad, and examines what “modern warfare” really means.
Besides the campaign, multiplayer has been reworked, adding in three new categories for maps: Flash Maps, featuring the new 2v2 Gunfight mode, Tactical Maps, home to 6v6 and 10v10 Team Deathmatch and Domination modes, and Battle Maps, which include the series’ biggest mode, Ground War. And, for the first time ever, the series will feature cross-play across all platforms, allowing players to team up regardless of the system they choose to purchase the game on.
Looking for more Call of Duty? Here’s 24 minutes of gameplay in glorious 4K.
MediEvil
Release Date: October 25 (PS4)
The classic PS1 game, MediEvil, is being remade from the ground up for the PlayStation 4. You play as Sir Daniel Fortesque, a skeleton knight who was mistakenly resurrected by his enemy, the evil sorcerer Zarok. During your adventure, you’ll wield enchanted swords, crossbows, hammers, knives, and axes as you try and foil the plans of Zarok once again.
The Outer Worlds
Release Date: October 25 (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch TBA)
After awakening from a decades-long slumber aboard a colonist ship headed for the outer reaches of the galaxy, you find yourself in the middle of a bizarre colony known as Halcyon.
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the same minds behind Fallout: New Vegas, The Outer Worlds blends first-person, open-world gameplay with quirky characters, tons of weapons, and a variety of different biomes to explore. The game also relies heavily on decision-making, complete with multiple different endings based on your character’s decision.
Check out the game’s latest trailer, showcasing some of the different planets.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Release Date: October 31 (Nintendo Switch)
Luigi’s Mansion 3 takes place in a giant, multi-story haunted hotel and finds Luigi once again trying to rescue Mario and friends. This time around, however, he’s got help from his pal Gooigi, a nightmare-inducing gooey green replica of Luigi that first debuted in the port of the original Luigi’s Mansion on 3DS.
Luigi and Gooigi will have to work together to solve puzzles throughout the hotel, uncovering secrets and sucking up a plethora of ghosts with his Poltergust G-00 vacuum in the process. Luigi’s Mansion 3 features full cooperative play, with one player controlling Luigi and the other controlling Gooigi, as you navigate the environments. Lastly, the “Scarescraper” mode adds time-based multiplayer challenges, and the newly announced ScreamPark mode lets 2-8 players battle ghosts either as Team Luigi or Team Gooigi.
Just Dance 2020
Release Date: November 5 (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Wii, Google Stadia)
If you were wondering what new Wii games were coming out in 2019, then you’re in luck, because Ubisoft continues releasing Just Dance for the aging platform with the latest release, Just Dance 2020. The wildly popular rhythm series returns not just to the Wii, but all major consoles as well, with over 40 new chart toppers including songs from Ariana Grande and Panic! At The Disco. There’s also a new Kid Mode that features eight kid-friendly songs for even the youngest players.
Death Stranding
Release Date: November 8 (PS4)
Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the Metal Gear Solid series, returns with his first project from his new studio, and it looks just as wild as you’d expect. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelson, Léa Seydoux, Lindsay Wagner, Guillermo Del Toro, and more.
Death Stranding revolves around a mysterious set of supernatural events that began after catastrophic explosions hit the planet. You play as Sam Bridges (Norman Reedus’ character) who must journey across the world and save the planet from its demise.
Curious to learn more? So are we. But here’s all the cinematics, trailers, and gameplay released for the game so far.
Need for Speed Heat
Release Date: November 8 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
The popular street racing franchise returns for its 24th installment with Need for Speed Heat. The new entry takes place in Palm City, a Miami-inspired metropolis full of neon lights, beaches, and plenty of heat. NFS:H features the Speedhunter Showdown, a series of racing, drifting, and off-road events that earn you Bank to customize your vehicle. But beware – once the sun goes down, a rogue task force sets out to hunt you down.
Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield
Release Date: November 15 (Nintendo Switch)
The world of Pokemon welcomes you to the Galar region, a UK-inspired area complete with sprawling hillsides and industrial cities. In Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield, you’ll encounter plenty of new Pokémon that are exclusive to that region, as well as some familiar faces (albeit in their Galarian form).
Sword & Shield introduces the mysterious Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing, which supersizes Pokémon and can even change their form and grant them special abilities. These abilities must be used sparingly, but will definitely add new strategies to trainer and gym battles. Besides that, there’s plenty more to explore in Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield, including Raid Battles, Wild Areas, a new villainous organization known as Team Yell, and much, much more.
There’s also a special edition Nintendo Switch Lite that’s available to pre-order now featuring the two new legendary Pokémon, Zacian and Zamazenta.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Release Date: November 15 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
Taking place just after the events of Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order follows Cal Kestis, a former padawan now on the run in the aftermath of Order 66. We don’t know many details about the story, save for that Cal must fight back against the newly-formed Empire to preserve the Jedi legacy for future generations. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order features dynamic combat that includes epic Lightsaber battles, martial arts, and more.
Check out 19 details we learned from the E3 2019 demo of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
DOOM Eternal
Release Date: November 22 (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Google Stadia)
DOOM Eternal follows up 2016’s series reboot, DOOM, featuring our favorite Doom Slayer. As the game begins, you find that Earth has been invaded by demons, and it’s time to clean up. Just like previous games in the series, DOOM Eternal features blazing fast combat sequences with over-the-top weapons and kills.
There is also a new asynchronous multiplayer mode called Battle Mode that pits one player as the Doom Slayer against two player-controlled demons (and a host of fodder zombies).
What are you most excited for that has yet to come out this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and for everything else, stick with IGN.
Matthew Adler is a freelance journalist who is still trying to figure out how to add more time to the day to be able to play all these games. You can follow him on Twitter at @matthewadler.
