10 Best New Games of May 2023

We’re nearly halfway through the year, and it’s been quite a ride so far with some cracking games hitting the shelves. But the real excitement kicks off in May 2023. With much-anticipated releases like Starfield coming later in the year, particularly in autumn, this month is shaping up to be a corker. We’ve sifted through over 30 games to bring you the 10 best new games of May 2023. Read the Best 7 Games of 2023 Thus Far here

Keep your eyes peeled for the new Zelda and the eagerly awaited Redfall. Following on the heels of April 2023’s big hits, Dead Island 2 and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, May is set to be a month chock-full of gaming goodness. The majority of games launching this month will be available across all platforms, so regardless of your console preference, you’re in for a treat.

Also read: God of War Ragnarok: 10 Best Armor Sets, Ranked

Amnesia: The Bunker

Amnesia series has now become a household name amongst gamers. When it first launched in 2010, it garnered significant fame, particularly through gameplay series on YouTube by the likes of Pewdiepie and Markiplier. As the years rolled by, the developer, Frictional Games, added a whole host of different games to their repertoire. Now, as of May 2023, they’re diving back into the ominous shadows once again.

Amnesia: The Bunker is pretty self-explanatory – you take on the role of a solitary French soldier, trapped in a bunker during the World War I. One intriguing detail from the trailers is that our gun only has a single bullet. The chilling atmosphere synonymous with previous Amnesia games is present and correct, and there’s also an item management mechanic reminiscent of Resident Evil, as well as the ‘Hide from the monster’ mechanic found in Alien Isolation.

Amnesia: The Bunker is set for release on PC, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on 23rd May 2023.

System Shock

If you started gaming post-2010, the name System Shock might not ring a bell. You’re likely more familiar with titles like Doom or Half-Life (Because they are more mainstream). However, every FPS we play today owes a debt of gratitude to System Shock, a trailblazer from 1994. Not only is it one of the most significant games of all time, but it’s also one of the most captivating.

Fast forward 29 years, and we’re once again treated to this masterpiece, albeit with a fresh lick of paint and streamlined controls. The game is being developed by Nightdive Studios, in collaboration with Looking Glass Studios, the original creators. This is splendid news for the remake, ensuring it stays true to the original. It’s potentially the most exhilarating time of the year for all gamers aged 30 and over – so it’s safe to say we’re on tenterhooks. And definitely it is one of the best new games of May 2023.

System Shock will be launched for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on 30th May 2023. Plus, it’s being developed using the Unreal Engine 5.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum

The past couple of years haven’t been too kind to Lord of the Rings fans, I’m afraid. The Rings of Power series, aired on Prime, fell short of the mark. Particularly those who are well-versed in the books harbour some rather negative feelings towards the series. Unfortunately, it seems the ill fortune is set to continue, as we have a game project in the pipeline that appears somewhat underwhelming.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is a bit of a departure. Its narrative sticks strictly to the book (It bears no connection to the films). It’s an action game that lets us explore Middle-earth from the perspective of the Gollum we know and love. As such, it’s chock-full of stealth, concealment, climbing, and silent enemy takedowns. So why do I say “Not looking good”? Because the development of this game has been rather drawn-out. It’s been revamped twice, its graphics have been overhauled entirely. The final version isn’t terrible, but it definitely won’t be giving Hogwarts Legacy a run for its money.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum will be launched for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on 25th May 2023. The game is being developed by Daedalic Entertainment, which doesn’t have any AAA projects under its belt.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

It seems the gaming gods reckoned that a System Shock remake with modern graphics might tip the scales. That’s probably why the new Warhammer game comes adorned with 90s-style graphics. It appears we’re in for a proper retro extravaganza, complete with the colour palette, weapon designs, explosion effects, and HUD layout of that era.

As you can deduce from the name Boltgun, this FPS game is set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. They’ve never ventured into this territory before, but the trailers released so far suggest a jolly good time. If you’ve played and enjoyed the new Doom games, you’ll likely find this game to be a barrel of laughs as well.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is set to launch for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on 23rd May 2023.

Miasma Chronicles

One of the best standout new games of May 2023 might just hail from a genre you didn’t anticipate. That’s because Miasma Chronicles is a turn-based tactical RPG game. It’s being brought to us by Bearded Ladies, the team behind Mutant Year Zero. If you reckon MYZ was rather decent in its own right, then it’s only fitting to get excited about Miasma.

Set in a fictional future, the game introduces us to three distinct factions: Humans, robots, and enigmatic entities known as “Miasma“. Our mission? Unravel this mystery whilst engaging in tactical turn-based combat. The graphics won’t be redefining the era, but they’re more than satisfactory for the genre.

Miasma Chronicles is scheduled for release on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One on 23rd May 2023.

After Us

Every condition seems ripe for After Us, a game centred on storytelling, to find success. The game is being crafted by Piccolo Studios – the team behind Arise: A Simple Story. So, we’re talking about folks who’ve already demonstrated they can weave a moving narrative. Judging from the trailers, it appears there’s been a fair bit of inspiration drawn from Journey, which is rather promising.

The plot seems somewhat standard at first glance, but there’s plenty of potential. We’ll take on the role of Gaia, or the Spirit of Life, in the game. Our quest? To locate lost souls and guide them back to where they truly belong. This journey will involve solving plenty of puzzles, traversing through sections that could pass as works of art, and taking in a compelling story. Let’s wait and see if this “Soft storytelling” genre makes its mark amongst the new games of May 2023.

After Us will be released for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on 23rd May 2023. The game doesn’t support previous generations.

Age of Wonders 4

One of the earliest games to drop in May 2023 is Age of Wonders 4. This series holds significant weight for those who hold a passion for the 4X strategy genre, and it’s been rather successful. The fourth instalment, developed by Paradox Interactive, promises a bounty of fresh mechanics. Meanwhile, the tried-and-tested features that made past iterations successful are set to remain intact.

For those not well-acquainted with the series, Age of Wonders 4 can be neatly summarised as the magical cousin of Civilisation. It’s one of the top games for crafting your own epic adventure, filled with heroes, monarchs, mythical creatures and, of course, conflicts. The reviews rolling in have been fairly positive, with scores typically hovering around the 80 mark, which certainly testifies to the game’s quality.

Age of Wonders 4 is set for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on 2nd May 2023.

The Outlast Trials

The sole gripping horror thriller amongst the new games launching in May 2023 is The Outlast Trials. The quintessential Outlast experience you’re familiar with is delivered with a unique twist this time around. The standout feature is the co-op gameplay, supporting up to four players. Instead of navigating the core narrative solo, this time, you’re striving to survive with your mates.

What sets The Outlast Trials apart from its predecessors is its faster pace and a more action-heavy focus. It’s set during the Cold War period and delves into the individuals subjected to experiments by the Murkoff Corporation, offering a different take on a familiar theme. Originally scheduled for a 2021 release, the game was significantly delayed due to the pandemic. Now, it’s gearing up for launch with an Early Access version.

The Outlast Trials is set to drop as a PC exclusive on Steam Early Access on 18th May 2023.

Redfall

As I pen this article, there’s quite a bit of drama unfolding around Redfall. The review embargo for the game is set to lift somewhat late, so the review scores aren’t available just yet. However, a few gaming sites that have jumped the gun are painting a rather grim picture of Redfall. For a comprehensive look at the entire debacle, you might want to check out the article on Forbes.

Turning our attention back to the game itself, our excitement is running rather high. Redfall is being crafted by Arkane Studios, the creators behind renowned titles such as Dishonored, Deathloop, and Prey. As such, you can expect to navigate the game with a mix of stealth-based or action-heavy gameplay. The premise is somewhat unique, requiring you to rid a city of its vampire infestation. Additionally, there’s a co-op mode that supports up to four players.

Redfall will be released for PC and Xbox Series X|S on 1st May 2023.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

One of the standout games of not only May 2023, but potentially the entire year is on the horizon. Post Breath of the Wild, which was arguably the game of the year in 2017, I’m just as eager as everyone else for the new Zelda. One of Nintendo’s finest creations, this series shows no signs of losing momentum.

Tears of the Kingdom promises to deliver a more expansive experience than ever before. We’re on the cusp of exploring a splendid open world, enhancing crafting mechanics, engaging with a story at your own pace, and much more besides. It’s undoubtedly one of the most keenly awaited games of 2023 – time will tell if it emerges as the best when the year wraps up.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is set to launch as a Nintendo Switch exclusive on 12th May 2023.

These are the 10 best new games of May 2023. Keep your excitement high because there will be many more to come in the coming months. 2023 will be a great game year, especially with the Diablo IV, Street Fighter 6 and Starfield.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Games Should I Buy in 2023?

We’ve already seen a fair few cracking games in 2023, and that number is set to grow as we progress into the latter half of the year. Assuming all goes swimmingly and expectations are met, we can compile a list of recommendations. So, without further ado, here are the games we’d suggest snapping up in 2023: Diablo IV, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Starfield, System Shock, Dead Space, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

How Many Games Are Coming Out in 2023?

In 2023, we’re set to see thousands of games officially hit the market. If you include indie games crafted by a single developer, this number could easily skyrocket into the tens of thousands. However, when it comes to major games developed by professional teams, the count is just a smidge over 100. Perhaps that’s why we’re on the brink of experiencing the finest gaming year since 2004. Come on, Starfield – don’t let our hopes down!

What Are the 3 Most Anticipated Games of 2023?

The games we eagerly look forward to aren’t always the ones that end up being the best. But that doesn’t stop the hype train from charging full steam ahead until these games finally launch. 2023 is set to be a bumper year with many top-notch games hitting the shelves, but there are a few that millions of players are particularly buzzing about. Here are three of the most keenly anticipated games of 2023: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Diablo IV, and Starfield.