2024 has been a big year for video game scores, with composers delivering soundtracks that can leave a lasting mark on even the most casual gamers by pushing the boundaries of what music is able to achieve in a video game. While there were dozens of great games released in 2024 with even better soundtracks, however, only a handful of them can be considered the best.
Ultimately, for a video game soundtrack to be considered one of 2024's best, it needs to offer something fresh and innovative that enhances its game's world and reinforces the storytelling. Great video game music can't get in the way, nor can it hide behind the scenes; it needs to stand out without sticking out, acting as a complement rather than the star of the show. In 2024, 12 games managed to accomplish that, with 5 of them even being nominated for Best Score and Music at the 2024 Game Awards. Each of the scores and soundtracks listed is presented in alphabetical order.
The 10 Best Video Game DLCs of 2024
2024 has been a big year for game DLCs, but there are ten that arguably stand above the rest, with the quality and quantity of content they offer.
Astro Bot
Read The Best War Games's Review of Astro Bot
Nominated for 2024's Game of the Year as well as many other categories, Astro Bot is one of the year's best games for a multitude of reasons — including its exceptional soundtrack. Primarily composed by Kenneth C M Young, known for his work on LittleBigPlanet and Tearaway, Astro Bot's soundtrack features 87 tracks that blend original compositions with remixes of fan favorites, all while including familiar elements from the Sony games it features to connect in a humorous and heartfelt way to fans. Ultimately, the music enhances the overall experience of Astro Bot's immersive experience, with each track complementing its diverse levels and themes and enhancing the game's joyous atmosphere. All of these elements work together to reinforce Astro Bot's position among the best video game scores and soundtracks of 2024.
Astro Bot
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 95 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- September 6, 2024
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Team Asobi
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Franchise
- Astro Bot
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Black Myth: Wukong
Read The Best War Games's Review of Black Myth: Wukong
Yet another Game of the Year nominee known for its gameplay, visuals, and storytelling is Black Myth: Wukong, but its soundtrack is something to write home about as well. With Black Myth: Wukong pushing players headfirst into Chinese mythology, it needed an impressive soundtrack to back it up. As it turns out, Black Myth: Wukong's soundtrack is exceptional, serving as the perfect auditory stage for the game's rich narrative and incredibly detailed environments, using traditional Chinese instruments to enhance the game's cultural depth. With music that seamlessly blends into its gameplay for a synchronous experience, Black Myth: Wukong is more than deserving of recognition as one of 2024's best video game scores.
Black Myth: Wukong
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 82 /100 Critics Rec: 80%
- Released
- August 20, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Game Science
- Publisher(s)
- Game Science
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 39 hours
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion may only be DLC, but it has still managed to find its way onto the list of 2024's Game of the Year nominees as well. While this is largely due to its expansive world, its willingness to honor the formula of the base game while simultaneously innovating it, and its challenging yet fulfilling gameplay are its most noticeable features, its score complements its scenery and battles so well that it's difficult to even know that it's there at times. Some might find that to be a fault with a soundtrack, but a great score needs to find a way to walk the line between center stage and a backdrop, and the soundtrack for Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC does that masterfully, making it a standout addition to the list of 2024's best video game scores and soundtracks.
- Released
- June 21, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Base Game
- Elden Ring
- Developer(s)
- FromSoftware
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Read The Best War Games's Review of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Once again, a Game of the Year nominee makes its way over to the list of 2024's best video game scores and soundtracks as well. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the second entry in Square Enix's Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, and while its gameplay, story, and world are all brilliantly executed, its soundtrack is just as awe-inspiring. By blending reimagined classics from the original Final Fantasy 7 with innovative original compositions, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's soundtrack effortlessly bridges the gap between fan service and new demographics. Furthermore, with music that dynamically adjusts to the gameplay scenario for a seamless and immersive experience, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's soundtrack undoubtedly belongs on the list of 2024's best video game scores and soundtracks.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- February 29, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 40 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Helldivers 2
Read The Best War Games's Review of Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2's soundtrack is one of 2024's best, simply due to its ability to underscore the themes and action of the title's gameplay. While its score as a whole is representative of the epic battles Helldivers 2 offers, its main theme, "A Cup of Liber-Tea," is its most famous track, evoking feelings of militaristic heroism as players duke it out against giant bugs on war-torn landscapes. Ultimately, Helldivers 2's soundtrack enhances the game's intense action sequences and spurs players to keep fighting for democracy, making it more than deserving of a place among the best video game scores of 2024.
Helldivers 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
- Released
- February 8, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- bitsquid
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- All platforms
- Franchise
- Helldivers
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players (online)
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Extraction Shooter, Action, Science Fiction
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Neva
Read The Best War Games's Review of Neva
Neva, released in October of this year, has been widely acclaimed for its captivating visuals and emotional narrative, with its soundtrack playing a significant role in enhancing the overall experience it offers. As Neva is largely all about its atmosphere, its music needs to complement that, and to say that it does would be an understatement. Neva's soundtrack is often incredibly simplistic, which is precisely how it manages to capture the emotion and atmosphere offered by the game's visuals and gameplay. In a sense, Neva's soundtrack itself plays a major role in the game's storytelling, which works in turn to increase the game's immersion. There is little reason why it shouldn't be included on the list of 2024's best video game scores and soundtracks.
Neva
- Released
- October 15, 2024
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nomada Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Devolver Digital
- Engine
- Unity
WHERE TO PLAY
- Number of Players
- 1
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Platformer, Puzzle
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 5 GB (approx)
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Read The Best War Games's Review of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Creating an authentic Indiana Jones experience in the gaming space is no easy feat, but MachineGames' Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has managed to do that with what is arguably one of the most true-to-film Indiana Jones gaming experiences ever made — a sentiment that goes all the way down to its soundtrack. To translate Indiana Jones into a game is one thing, but attempting to honor a composer as legendary as John Williams while still creating an original score is something else. However, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle's composer, Gordy Haab, captures the adventurous spirit of the franchise in the game's music to back up what feels like a playable Indiana Jones film, thereby justifying its inclusion on the list of 2024's best video game scores and soundtracks.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- December 9, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- MachineGames
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- id Tech 7
- Franchise
- Indiana Jones
- Number of Players
- 1
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- December 9, 2024
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- December 9, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- April 17, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Read The Best War Games's Review of Metaphor: ReFantazio
Understandably composed by Shoji Meguro, who is known for his work on the Persona series, Metaphor: ReFantazio's soundtrack takes the music fans have become familiar with in Persona and translates it into an orchestral and operatic selection of songs fit for the game's darker, medieval setting. While it might have been hard for some hardcore fans of the Persona series to wrap their heads around Meguro's departure from his previous jazz and pop-infused styles, Metaphor: ReFantazio's soundtrack has since left its mark on 2024 by inspiring appreciation for its artistic intent and alignment with the game's themes. This Game of the Year nominee's soundtrack is more than worthy of recognition for having one of 2024's best video game scores.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 93 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- October 11, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Studio Zero
- Publisher(s)
- Atlus
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- GFD
- Number of Players
- 1
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Playable
- PC Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- How Long To Beat
- 65 Hours
- How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs)
- 104 hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 81.15 GB
Persona 3 Reload
Read The Best War Games's Review of Persona 3 Reload
As a remake, Persona 3 Reload needed to do everything in its power to ensure its soundtrack was faithful to the original game and yet innovate on it in ways that would breathe new life into it for modern audiences. Fortunately, Persona 3 Reload's soundtrack is fresh yet familiar, featuring plenty of tracks that fuse genres together for a memorable auditory experience that has received plenty of praise since the game's release. Due to its willingness to pay homage to the original score for Persona 3 and its ability to seamlessly integrate its music into its gameplay, Persona 3 Reload's soundtrack is undoubtedly one of 2024's best in the gaming space.
Persona 3 Reload
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- February 2, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17 / Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- P-Studio
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Franchise
- Persona
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, RPG, Life Simulation, Strategy
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- How Long To Beat
- 65 hours
Silent Hill 2
Read The Best War Games's Review of Silent Hill 2
Yet another remake in 2024, Silent Hill 2 had the same task ahead of it that both Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Persona 3 Reload had: finding a way to honor and yet revitalize the original game's iconic soundtrack to complement the new title's remake status. Well, Silent Hill 2's remake took that quite literally, blending remastered tracks from the original game with brand-new compositions that even further enhanced the game's atmosphere. The updated score preserves the atmospheric ambiance showcased in the original game's soundtrack while simultaneously introducing plenty of new elements to keep the overall experience feeling fresh. This balance of nostalgia and originality are what ultimately put Silent Hill 2's soundtrack on the list of 2024's best.
Silent Hill 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- October 8, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Bloober Team
- Publisher(s)
- Konami
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Prequel(s)
- Silent Hill
- Franchise
- Silent Hill
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unsupported
- PC Release Date
- October 8, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- October 8, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- How Long To Beat
- 15 Hours
- How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs)
- 26.5 hours