After a number of lean months over the past 12 months, we’re really in it now. So, I hope you’ve done all your book-reading, TV-watching, and music-listening, because the next four weeks are just wall-to-wall video games.
There is a massive one, a smaller one, a middling-sized one, a spiritual successor one, an early access one, one with a big-time actor, one with fishing, one with a legally distinct Chris Pratt analogue, one with horrible costume sense, and one that might scare you into doing a bit wee. But, I’d imagine you’re looking for some details before making any purchasing decisions—so let’s get into it. Here are the top 10 video games coming to PC in October 2021.
For those who like moving pictures set to words and music, you can watch the video above. But, if you prefer text, then read on.
Far Cry 6 (October 7th)
Who’s it by? Ubisoft Toronto
Where can I get it? Epic Games Store | Ubisoft Store
How much is it? £50 / €60 / $60
Some people have grown tired of culling cassowaries to upgrade their school bag, and others find getting trigger-happy in outposts full of ill-advised men and women doesn’t hit the same as it once did. I’m not one of those people. If the dictator of Cuba-inspired Yara (TV’s Giancarlo Esposito) wants to spit monologues at me between missions that have me torching fields with a flamethrower, I’m game.
While it would be a pleasant surprise, I’m not expecting Far Cry 6 to lean on subtlety in its story that sees you join a guerrilla rebellion. There’s a gun that shoots CD-Rs of the Macarena and an alligator that’ll attack enemies on your command—that doesn’t scream 'emotions' to me.
Changes have been made though. The biggest one might be that your character progression is tied to the gear and weapons you have, rather than a skill tree. We’ll get to see what other tweaks have been made—if any—when the game launches early this month.
Back 4 Blood (October 12th)
Who’s it by? Turtle Rock Studios
Where can I get it? Steam | Epic Games Store
How much is it? £50/€60/$60 / Free with Xbox Game Pass for PC
Emptying clips into the undead wasn’t a regular pastime of mine growing up, so I wasn’t too excited when Back 4 Blood was announced. Then I played the beta with a few RPS teammates and started planning future character builds. With three friends, the PvE campaign is a good time, and the Left 4 Dead fans on staff were eager for more after playing. The weighty weapons, enemy variety, and card buffs give Back 4 Blood more than just a shinier remake feel. It wasn’t perfect when we tried it months ago — the PvP mode was uninspiring, and the lack of a versus campaign drew groans — but I’m still excited to jump back in. There are zombies to kill, and I’m happy to help. (It’s not dark — they’re already dead).
Jett: The Far Shore (October 5th)
Who’s it by? Superbrothers, Pine Scented Software
Where can I get it? Epic Games Store
How much is it? £24/€30/$30
This space exploration game has intrigued people since it was first revealed in June last year. Even after previews in August, many are still wondering what it really is. Here’s what I know: you play as a scout named Mei, exploring an alien planet in a super nimble jet. You fly around, scan objects and points of interest, and fend off hostile wildlife — all while pretending you're a space-age Maverick. But only a bit, because it’s not about speed here. It’s more about gliding across the surface at your own pace and uncovering the planet’s mysteries.
Age Of Empires IV (October 28th)
Who’s it by? Relic Leisure, World’s Edge
Where can I get it? Steam
How much is it? £50/€60/$60 or £0.00 with Xbox Game Pass for PC
Review: Age Of Empires players who have tried the new game pre-release – including our own Nate – say this is more like a sequel to the second than the third one. But it’s no retread: Company Of Heroes developer Relic Entertainment was brought in to give RTS fans another long-lasting game. It will launch with eight civilizations, with plans to add more in the future; there are four campaigns to start with, and the visuals are much improved compared to previous entries. Whether it has the lasting power of Age Of Empires 2 remains to be seen, but so far, it looks promising.
Solar Ash (October 26th)
Who’s it by? Heart Machine
Where can I get it? Epic Games Store
How much is it? TBA
Review: From the developer of Hyper Light Drifter comes something quite different. Sure, it features vibrant colors like hot pinks and seafoam greens, but the similarities end there. Solar Ash is a 3D platformer with fast-paced movement and large-scale battles reminiscent of Shadow Of The Colossus. It focuses on fluid traversal, as discovered by our own Alice Bee. If Heart Machine nails the feel, this could be a strong follow-up.
Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy (October 26th)
Who’s it by? Eidos-Montréal
Where can I get it? Steam | Epic Games Store | Humble
How much is it? £50/€60/$60
Review: Before his turn as Mario, Chris Pratt (and friends) brought Marvel’s lesser-known crime-fighting crew to life. Now, years later, Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot get their own game. Playing as Quill, you’ll battle aliens in third-person combat and command your teammates, blending action with strategy. With Deus Ex: Human Revolution also from this developer, expect meaningful dialogue back on your spaceship. Let’s hope this one lands better than Marvel’s Avengers.
Moonglow Bay (October 7th)
Who’s it by? Bunnyhug
Where can I get it? Steam | Epic Games Store
How much is it? TBA / £0.00 with Xbox Game Pass For PC
If you’re not into the AAA bombast typical for this time of year, try the tranquility of Moonglow Bay. After your partner is lost at sea, you and your daughter fulfill her last wish: to document local aquatic life. Meanwhile, your Canadian coastal town faces financial collapse, and it’s up to you to save it—by fishing. This RPG offers peaceful gameplay with meaningful goals.
Riders Republic (October 28th)
Who’s it by? Ubisoft Annecy
Where can I get it? Epic Games Store | Ubisoft Store
How much is it? £50 / €60 / $60
Riders Republic may come with annoying NPCs, but if you can look past that, it’s a fun game. Like Steep, it lets you snowboard, ski, and fly with a rocket-powered wingsuit. One standout is the mountain biking, which is pure joy. The 50+ player races add chaotic excitement, making it a potentially great pick for October.
Darkest Dungeon II (October 26th)
Who’s it by? Red Hook Studios
Where can I get it? Epic Games Store
How much is it? TBA
The sequel to the popular dungeon-crawler RPG arrives this month via early access. Darkest Dungeon II shifts to a rogue-like structure with a new party each run and permanent upgrades between sessions. The graphics are now 3D but retain the iconic hand-drawn style. Expect many updates during early access.
Inscryption (October 19th)
Who’s it by? Daniel Mullins Games
Where can I get it? Steam | GOG
How much is it? £15 / €18 / $18
Inscryption is a deck-building card-battler mixed with escape room puzzles and a creepy atmosphere. From the creator of Pony Island, this spooky title includes talking cards, self-mutilation mechanics, and mysterious characters. It’s one of the most anticipated releases this October.
Once again, another packed month for games. Beyond the four above, we also have House of Ashes, a new Jackbox, FIFA 22, Alan Wake Remastered, and Into The Pit. What games are you looking forward to? Far Cry 6? Back 4 Blood? Age Of Empires IV? Let us know in the comments!