Epic battles, rebuilding worlds and comic book capers are just some of the experiences waiting for players in July’s gaming releases.
Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers
Light becomes dark in the third major expansion to Final Fantasy XIV. Shadowbringers will expand the world of Final Fantasy XIV and bring new tribes, trials and stories as players embark on a journey as the Warrior of Darkness. With the threat of the Empire looming, players must travel to Norvrandt, the last bastion of life following the Flood of Light. As a reflection of the Source, this land might be similar to Eorzea but the people have been shaped by a much more troubled history.
Players who pre-order the game will start with a 30% boost to their EXP level with the Aetheryte Earring along with a Baby Gremlin minion and Early Access to the expansion.
Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers will be available on PlayStation 4 and PC from July 2*
Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle
The fight for survival continues in this epic sequel. Based on the anime of the same name, Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle takes players through the storyline of the third season of this worldwide phenomenon. As an original character, players will be able to play through the chapters of the anime and interact with the show’s characters – including Eren, Mikasa, Armin and Levi – as they help with the fight against the giant Titans who threaten to wipe out all human life.
Players who have already purchased Attack on Titan 2 will be able to purchase all of the Final Battle content in a digital-only Upgrade Pack which will be available through select retailers as well as via the official Koei Tecmo website.
Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle will be available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch from July 5*
Dragon Quest Builders 2
Rebuild the world one step at a time with this action-packed sequel. In Dragon Quest Builders 2, players will find themselves the target of the Children of Hargon, a group who are looking to eliminate all builders from the world. Initially captured, a successful escape attempt leads them to wash ashore the Isle of Awakening. Encountering an amnesic named Malroth, players must use their building skills to help undo the Children’s work and save the world.
Players who pre-order will be able to unlock a special DLC pack containing the Dragon Quest logo along with two ornamental items – the Medicinal Herb and Chimera Wing – with select retailers also offering a limited-edition magnet sheet as a pre-order bonus. All copies of Dragon Quest Builders 2 will come with a reversible cover and recipe to make Stackable Slime.
Dragon Quest Builders 2 will be available on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch from July 12*
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
Assemble your team of heroes in this Switch exclusive. In Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order, it will be up to the player to save the galaxy from the machinations of Thanos and his acolytes by using dream-teams comprised of some of the most iconic characters in the Marvel universe including some from Avengers, Inhumans, Guardians of the Galaxy and The Defenders.
Players who pre-order through select retailers will receive a limited-edition poster with their game. Players will also have the option to purchase the Expansion Pass as either part of a bundle or a separate purchase. The pass will include access to all DLC packs as they launch, adding in characters and other content from franchises such as The Fantastic Four, X-Men and Marvel Knights, with the first pack set to launch in the Autumn and an alternative chef costume for Deadpool unlocked at launch.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order will be available on Nintendo Switch from July 19*
Wolfenstein: Youngblood
The next generation takes centre stage in the latest from the Wolfenstein franchise. Set in German-occupied France in the 1980s, Wolfenstein: Youngblood puts players in the shoes of Jessica or Sophia Blazkowicz, the twin daughters of BJ, who have travelled to Europe to find their missing father. Assisting the efforts of the French resistance, the sisters must work together – with players being able to choose between local or online co-op or an AI companion – to put together the pieces of the mystery and put an end to the German occupation.
Players who pre-order will receive the Legacy Pack. This pack contains a set of outfits and weapons used by BJ Blazkowicz, including a New Colossus Jacket power suit skin, Old Blood pipe and knife, a US Army power suit skin and a WW2 ranged weapon skin set. The Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game in a Steelbook case, the Cyborg Skin pack and a Buddy Pass – which will allow players to invite a friend to play through the game with them for free.
Wolfenstein: Youngblood will be available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC from July 26*
Fire Emblem Three Houses
A fragile peace hangs in the balance in this latest Fire Emblem release. In Fire Emblem: Three Houses, players take on the role of a professor at the Officer’s Academy in Fodlan, a land ruled over by the Church of Serios. With the land divided among three ruling houses – the southern Adrestian Empire of the Black Eagles, the Blue Lions of the northern Holy Kingdom of Faerghus and the eastern Golden Deer of the Leicester Alliance – players must make their way around the world after they start experiencing visions of a mysterious woman known as Sothis.
Players who pre-order will receive a limited-edition Fire Emblem collectable coin and pouch. The Deluxe Edition will include a copy of the game, a Steelbook case, artbook, Three Houses pin badge set and USB stick with a selection of music from the game in a collector’s box.
Fire Emblem Three Houses will be available on Nintendo Switch from July 26*
Free to Play
Gold Xbox Subscribers will have four new titles to download and play for free this month. On Xbox One, Inside will be available from July 1-31*, with Big Crown: Showdown available from July 16 – August 15*. Over on Xbox 360 (and Xbox One via Backwards Compatibility) Castlevania: Symphony of the Night will be downloadable from July 1-15*, followed by Meet the Robinsons from July 16-31*
On PlayStation, Plus subscribers will have two new games to download and play for free during July. Starting from July 2*, Detroit: Become Human Digital Deluxe Edition – which includes Detroit: Become Human and Heavy Rain – and Horizon Chase Turbo will be available for free until August 5*
Details on this month’s Twitch Prime offers – including 12 months of Nintendo Switch Online – can be found on the official Twitch Prime website.
Also Released This Month
July 1* – I’m Fine (Rift, Vive)
July 2* – Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-Tered (Switch)
July 4* – Stranger Things 3: The Game (Xbox One, PS4, Switch, PC), Wonder Blade (PC, iOS, Android)
July 5* – Sairento VR (PS4/VR), Sea of Solitude (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
July 9* – They Are Billions (Xbox One, PS4), Bear With Me (Xbox One, PS4, Switch), Senran Kagura Peach Ball (Switch)
July 10* – Godhood (Steam Early Access), Dr Mario World (iOS, Android)
July 11* – FIA European Truck Racing Championship (Xbox One, PS4, Switch), Sky: Children of the Night (iOS), Professor Lupo and his Horrible Pets (Switch, PC), Field of Glory: Empires (PC), Ninja Legends (PC, Rift, Quest)
July 12* – Redeemer Enhanced Edition (Xbox One, PS4, Switch), God Eater 3 (Switch)
July 16* – The Sims 4: Island Living (Xbox One, PS4)
July 17* – Gloomhaven (Steam Early Access), Let’s Go Nuts (Switch), Tidal Tribe (PC)
July 18* – Etherborn (Xbox One, PS4, PC, Switch), Gabbuchi (PS4, PC)
July 19* – Cities: Skyline – Nintendo Switch Edition (Switch), Nowhere Prophet (PC)
July 22* – Beyond Two Souls (PC)
July 23* – Caravan Stories (PS4)
July 24* – Pawarumi (Xbox One, Switch)
July 25* – Honor and Duty: D-Day – All Out War Edition (PS4/VR), Arma 3 Contact (PC), Raiden 5: Director’s Cut (Switch), Songbird Symphony (PS4, PC, Switch), AI: The Somnium Files (PS4, Switch, PC)
July 26* – Wolfenstein Cyberpilot VR (PSVR, PC), Kill La Kill: IF (PS4, Switch)
July 27* – Date A Live – Rio Reincarnation
July 30* – Mutant Year Zero – Road To Eden Deluxe Edition (Xbox One, PS4, Switch), Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Prophecy (PC), Space Mercs (PC)
July 31* – Ash of Gods: Redemption (Xbox One, PS4, Switch, PC), The Executioner (PC)
*Dates refer to UK release only. International dates may vary and are subject to change. All information correct at time of writing.
Words by Megan Roxburgh