Creature Collecting Games in 2024
2024 is over and it has been a monumental year for Creature Collecting Games. When few decades ago, we primarily had to pick between Pokémon, Digimon and Monster Rancher, the genre has evolved.
In this post, I will highlight my favourite 7 games released in 2024 within this genre.
7. Tales of Tanorio
This classic creature collecting game on Roblox shines for its accessibility, especially for free-to-play players. Streaming the game and shiny hunting with the community was my favourite aspect, with Roblox being massively social game.
While development is slower than expected, I’m eagerly waiting for the PvP system, which will feature my favourite 2v2 format.
6. Yaoling: Mythical Journey
This Early Access gem blends ancient aesthetics with auto-battle combat featuring teams of seven or more monsters. It also introduces a brilliant mechanic where your creatures can gather and craft items while you explore.
The sad thing for me is that I got the game pre-release, which made my save file incompatible. As I have to start over, I'm waiting for the full release before fully committing to the game.
5. Isle of Swaps
This roguelike card game lets you build decks through swaps and booster packs. With four unique characters and challenging Nuzlocke/randomizer modes, it’s a delightful addition to the genre.
I've gathered some good hours into the game and completed the game with all characters. Now I continue to slowly complete my Master Binder and uncover new and rarer cards.
4. Beastieball
Combining creature collecting with volleyball mechanics, this Early Access game brings a fresh 2v2 gameplay experience.
The story follows a classic pokemon style journey, with some similar tropes. However, the combat is very fresh! I did struggle a bit, but I found the auto-mode useful, allowing me to enjoy the game more.
3. Temtem: Swarm
This Bullet Haven spin-off of Temtem impressed me with its co-op mode and roguelike gameplay. As a lover of Temtem (with 5,000 hours played), this was a great game in the universe to let us see Temtem from a different angle.
It is also in Early Access, like most games in this list, with more updates awaiting in the coming months!
2. Palworld
Despite its controversy, Palworld delivered an incredible experience. From intense base-building moments to the thrill of seeing my base destroyed, it’s been an unforgettable ride. Playing on a friend’s server added another layer of fun.
Sure, it is not the classic type of game that I am used to, however having the Pals work at the base really pushed it to the top.
1. Ova Magica
Unsurprisingly to those who follow me, Ova Magica is my #1 game! The charming blend of creature collecting, crossbreeding, and farm-sim elements stole my heart.
It's one of the few games that made me truly care about building all relationships! The biggest feature is the endless blob breeding with millions of possibilities.
The game will fully release in 2025 alongside console release, which I am looking forward to!
Honorable Mentions: Games That Evolved in 2024
I must mention games that released before 2024 but received significant updates throughout the year, drawing me back.
Moonstone Island introduced its Switch version and published new features, including an infinite dungeon and additional spirits!
Cassette Beasts brought two huge updates: multiplayer and gauntlet mode. The gauntlet mode is an infinite train, which can be played co-op, giving you and your teammates a better chance to defeat the toughest bosses!.
Finally Temtem overhauled its endgame, improved Luma odds, and introduced balance updates. This has rebalanced the end-game in a great way for newer players to stay engaged after they finish the game.
Overview
2024 was a fantastic year for creature collecting fans. What were your favourite games of the year?