E3 2021 has come to a close, and as usual, it was a show full of big announcements, reveals, trailers, and more. As expected, video game publishers and developers used E3 2021 to announce release dates for their upcoming projects, and now that the dust has settled, one month in particular stands out as especially exciting for gamers.
E3 2021 really set up October 2021 as being a huge month for gamers this year, with it on track to arguably be the biggest month for the industry this entire year. Numerous high profile video game releases are currently scheduled to release in the month of October, and it's entirely possible that more have yet to be revealed. However, other games may want to plan on launching a different time, as October is currently stacked and there's not a lot of room for more titles.
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Here are the games currently scheduled to launch in October 2021 that make it the biggest month of the year.
Ubisoft's open world games are sometimes criticized as being too similar to one another, but Far Cry 6 is making some big changes to the established formula. One of these key changes in Far Cry 6 is its switch to a third-person view for cutscenes and other moments in the game. This should go a long way in ensuring Far Cry 6's protagonist is more relatable than its usual heroes, which should in turn help players get more invested in the story than they would have otherwise.
Far Cry 6 will be an open world experience that sees players fight in a guerrilla revolution against an oppressive government ran by Anton Castillo, played by celebrated actor Giancarlo Esposito. What's been seen of the game so far has been rather impressive, and so it will undoubtedly be one of the tentpole video game releases come October 7.
Far Cry 6 will launch for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X on October 7.
The big surprise at Nintendo's E3 2021 event was the reveal of Metroid Dread. Metroid Dread has had a tumultuous development cycle, but it seems as though the long-awaited 2D Metroid game is finally going to see the light of day come October. A Nintendo Switch exclusive, Metroid Dread is returning the franchise to its roots, while also serving as the conclusion for the story that began with the original Metroid game back in the 80s.
Metroid Dread launches October 8, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
Turtle Rock Studios made a name for itself with Left 4 Dead, but that franchise is owned by Valve and has been dormant ever since the release of Left 4 Dead 2. While it doesn't seem as though Valve has any interest in continuing the Left 4 Dead series, fans can look forward to its spiritual successor in the form of Back 4 Blood. Launching as a day one Xbox Game Pass title, Back 4 Blood is more or less Left 4 Dead 3, featuring the familiar zombie-slaying action with some enhancements and other twists to help things feel fresh. Back 4 Blood was certainly one of the most promising titles showcased at E3, and since it's a blood-soaked zombie game, its October release date is perfect.
Back 4 Blood launches October 12 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Following months of rumors and speculation, EA finally announced Battlefield 2042, the next entry in the long-running Battlefield franchise. Battlefield 2042 will be a multiplayer-only game, with the next-gen version offering up to 128 player battles. A Battlefield 2042 beta will likely take place before launch, but those looking forward to the full experience can jump into the online multiplayer arenas beginning October 22. Those who are subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or EA Play can play Battlefield 2042 a week early, when access to the game goes live on October 15.
Battlefield 2042 launches October 22 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
It appears as though Square Enix is not done making Marvel games. Square Enix and Eidos Montreal are working on a Guardians of the Galaxy game where players take on the role of Star-Lord, making important decisions to steer the plot while fighting off all kinds of alien enemies. The Guardians of the Galaxy video game is clearly inspired by the MCU take on the franchise, and anyone excited by the E3 2021 trailer should note that they will get to try it for themselves later this year.
Guardians of the Galaxy releases October 26 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Nintendo usually sticks to releasing one major first-party Switch exclusive game in any given month, but it's changing its pattern with Mario Party Superstars. Mario Party Superstars isn't a completely brand new Mario Party game, but it should still get fans of the franchise excited. Mario Party Superstars features classic Nintendo 64 boards and mini-games, but with updated graphics and online support.
Mario Party Superstars launches October 29, exclusively for the Switch.
And finally, Bethesda's Ghostwire: Tokyo is also set to launch October 2021, though it wasn't featured at E3. Ghostwire: Tokyo is a PS5 exclusive game, and since Bethesda had a joint E3 2021 event with Xbox this year, it makes sense that Ghostwire: Tokyo was nowhere to be seen. Assuming the game is still on track to meet its October 2021 release date, though, fans should be able to expect news on its status sooner rather than later.
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