5 best sports games released in 2024

Sports games leveled up in 2024 thanks to several heavy hitters raising their standards. Some of the biggest franchises in the genre pushed technical limits with increased realism and fluidity. At the same time, fan-favorite modes expanded in scale to deepen long-term enjoyment. By bringing back dormant series or adding playstyles, developers showed renewed innovation too.

While competition on the virtual field, court, and track remained as intense as ever, each sports game opened its club to more athletes. This article will cover an overview of the top five best sports games released in 2024.

NOTE: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinion.

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From WWE to F1, here are the five best sports games released in 2024

1) WWE 2K24

Cody Rhodes in WWE 2K24 (Image via 2K)

WWE 2K24 hit the stores in March 2024, commemorating 40 years of show-stealing moments. Fan favorite CM Punk returns with his signature sneer and spite with the latest v.19 update.

The greatest innovation, though, is that it lets you officiate games for the first time. Calling the shots ringside is made possible by referee mode, which allows you to use five counts to discipline unruly brawlers when the action spills outside or count pinfalls.

Additionally, you can also alter clothing. In 2K24 MyGM simulation mode, you can use the unique powers of controlling finances, shows, and rival promotions. While pushing the boundaries in terms of referee duties, WWE 2K24 keeps the grappling action and creation tools that fans have come to expect from any other sports games.

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2) EA FC 25

Jude Bellingham in EA FC 25. (Image via EA Sports)

As summer turned to fall, September ushered in a new soccer/football season as well as EA Sports FC 25 — the series formerly known as FIFA. While the name changed due to licensing, EA's heritage in virtual kickoffs continued. And like past annual iterations, it focuses on refining previous foundations rather than reinventing play.

Solid modes like FIFA Ultimate Team now offer additional customizations for building fantasy squads out of favorite global stars. You can use a single-player career mode which benefits from enhanced transfer options as fans steer a club over seasons. Though improvements seem subtle on the surface, it plays better than earlier entries thanks to key engine enhancements.

For both long-time fans and recent World Cup converts, this title offers the best football simulation you'll come around from any other sports game.

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3) EA Sports College Football 25

EA Sports CF 25 tears onto the scene, capturing the electrifying atmosphere and intense rivalries of college football. (Image via EA Sports)

It was a more than decade-long wait, but EA Sports finally followed up NCAA Football 2014 with College Football 25 this past July. Rather than relying on outdated gameplay foundations, EA rebuilt the college game from kickoff to final whistle exclusively for modern consoles and PCs. All the fight songs, cheerleaders, and mascots that make Saturdays so special now burst with visual pop and fluid animation.

On the field, upgraded locomotion technology mirrors real college athletes with precision cuts, tackles, and everything in between. For franchise fans, recruiting plays a huge role as well when managing school programs long-term. You also have the dynasty mode and you can also visit high school prospects and sign talent to shape teams over four-year tenures to add more strategy.

Beyond the coaches' clipboard, you can feel the electricity when emerging from locker room tunnels to stadium atmospheres. With all facets firing, this sports game made up for lost time from the opening kickoff.

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4) EA NFL Madden 25

Christian McCaffrey in Madden 25. (Image via EA Sports)

In keeping with the annual August tradition, Madden 25 hit shelves touting multiple football upgrades that build on previous editions rather than overhaul them. Primary attention centered around more lifelike player movement with polished running styles and defensive maneuverability. Crisper tackles and receiver-catching animations shine too, capturing the hard hits and athletic feats expected every NFL Sunday.

Enhancing the immersive qualities, this sports game provides special intro flair for rising squads alongside TV-style replay transitions emulating real league broadcasts. One of the most noteworthy Madden NFL 25 game modes is the expanded Franchise mode with RPG-like management mechanics allowing you to customize nearly all team aspects — from hot dog prices to playbook schemes.

Though gameplay enhancements seem marginal on the surface, that refined realism makes this title the virtual package this year.

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5) EA F1 24

These svelte machines are ready to unleash their fury at the F1 24 race. (Image via EA Sports)

Given its license from the actual Formula 1 circuit, the F1 game series from Codemasters provides an unrivaled simulation experience complete with authentic variables annually. With tracks changing every year along with team rosters and car tweaks, this 2024 game incorporated all ongoing season details when it was released in May.

The most important improvement was the F1's recent wide car upgrades, which include updated tire physics, altered aerodynamics, and more powerful hybrid systems for the season.

It also offers an updated career mode focused on improved features, such as tracking rivalries between Verstappen and Hamilton over entire seasons. With stunning visuals that render car liveries down to sponsor logos, the 2024 release captures the thrill of real Formula 1 racing, making it one of the must-have sports games for fans.