January can be a bit of a slow month for new game releases, but don’t let that fool you – there are still some gems to discover. We’ve sifted through the avalanche of new Steam releases so you don’t have to. Let’s dive into the must-play games that dropped this January.

Hidden Gems of Early January

Sterling Shroud

Release Date: January 4
Developer: Squid Snooze Studio

If you’re craving a retro, eerie experience, Sterling Shroud is worth a look. This monochrome point-and-click adventure game has a very old-school vibe, reminiscent of early computer games. The simple, almost stark, art style adds to the suspense as you navigate a camping trip gone horribly wrong. The puzzles are challenging, and your imagination has to fill in the blanks with the sparse visuals, which is part of the appeal.

Puck

Release Date: January 5
Developer: Nils Asejevs

Puck offers a stripped-down, no-frills online hockey experience that’s perfect for a quick gaming fix. Forget about complicated rules – just get the puck in the goal! It’s a fun, free way to jump into some chaotic multiplayer action. With the success of other minimalist multiplayer games, Puck could very well find a solid audience.

Subterror

Release Date: January 4
Developer: Team Monumental

This co-op horror game plunges you into the depths of the ocean in procedurally generated underwater biodomes. Subterror is a visually appealing horror game with a unique System Shock 2 vibe, but with more diverse biomes such as deserts, forests, and tundras. You can explore solo or with a team of up to four players and attempt to escape.

Beyond Citadel

Release Date: January 3
Developer: doekkuramori

Beyond Citadel is the sequel to 2020’s anime FPS The Citadel. It’s a boomer shooter that takes the formula and runs with it. Though it doesn’t reinvent the genre, its anime-inspired aesthetic is something you don’t see often in this space. It’s got plenty of atmosphere and satisfying old-school action.

Wood and Flesh: A Candleforth Short Story

Release Date: January 5
Developer: Under The Bed Games, Bibiki

For a quick, quirky horror puzzle adventure, check out Wood and Flesh. This is a free bite-sized entry into the Tales from Candleforth universe. Its “cozy horror” vibe makes for a fun time, especially if you’re into twisted fairy tales and escape room-style puzzles.

Anticipated Games of Late January

While the beginning of the month offered some smaller releases, late January is stacked with bigger titles. Here’s what you should keep an eye on:

Hyper Light Breaker (Early Access)

Release Date: January 14
Platforms: PC (Steam)

The much-anticipated sequel to Hyper Light Drifter is finally here in early access. This time, the game is in 3D, with an open world and co-op play. Hyper Light Breaker promises action-packed combat and a distinctive visual style that takes what the original did and amps it up.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Release Date: January 23
Platforms: PC (Epic Games Store, Steam)

After a period of console exclusivity, the second part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake saga is making its way to PC. Rebirth takes players out of Midgar and into the wider world, revisiting classic locations. It’s still worth playing, even if it doesn’t have quite the same buzz as the first entry.

Eternal Strands

Release Date: January 28
Platforms: PC (Steam)

From the studio founded by former Dragon Age creative director Mike Laidlaw comes Eternal Strands. This fantasy adventure game has a demo available on Steam, letting you get a feel for it before it releases.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Release Date: January 30
Platforms: PC (Steam)

The latest game in the Sniper Elite series takes players to occupied France for more Nazi-hunting action. It’s bound to deliver the reliable fun and gore the series is known for.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

Release Date: January 31
Platforms: PC (Epic Games Store, GOG.com, Steam)

One of 2022’s best RPGs is getting a sequel, and it looks to be quite different. In Citizen Sleeper 2, you’re not stuck on a space station anymore; you have a ship, a crew, and contracts to complete.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Release Date: January 30
Platforms: PC (Epic Games Store, Steam)

Another former PlayStation exclusive has found its way to PC. Spider-Man 2 lets you step into the roles of Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they face off against Kraven the Hunter and Venom in New York City.

Other Games to Watch

Here are some other notable releases from January that you might want to add to your wishlist:

• Freedom Wars Remastered – January 9 (Steam)
• Airborne Empire (Early Access) – January 13 (Steam)
• Aloft – January 15 (Steam)
• Assetto Corsa EVO – January 16 (Steam)
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins – January 16 (Steam)
• Tales of Graces f Remastered – January 16 (Steam)
• Mekkablood: Quarry Assault – January 20 (Steam)
• Star Wars: Jedi Power Battles – January 23 (Steam)
• Synduality Echo of Ada – January 23 (Steam)
• Virtua Fighter 5 REVO – January 27 (Steam)
• Space Engineers 2 (Early Access) – January 27 (Steam)
• Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap – January 28 (Steam)
• Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter – January 28 (Steam)
• The Stone of Madness – January 28 (Steam)
• Warside – January 28 (Steam)

Conclusion

While January might be a bit quieter than other months, there’s still a lot to explore on Steam. From retro-inspired adventures and online hockey madness to major AAA releases, there’s something for every type of gamer. Keep an eye out for these games and enjoy the start of a new gaming year.