As we approach the end of the year, it’s time for gamers everywhere to reflect on their experiences. Along with our upcoming list of the Top 10 Most Optimized PC Games of 2024, we can't help but highlight the worst-optimized titles that left many players frustrated this year.

So, what qualifies a game as poorly optimized? For us, it's games that struggle to utilize multiple CPU cores effectively, or that exhibit 'console-like' failings—think restrictive field of view (FOV), clunky mouse and keyboard controls, and frequent stuttering. Additionally, titles that demand excessive CPU or GPU resources without delivering a satisfying experience fall into this list. Notably, we assess only the latest iterations of these games, excluding any in Early Access.

Now, let’s dive into our selection of the most disappointing releases:

Until Dawn Remake

This remake, crafted using Unreal Engine 5, was meant to reignite the chills of the original. However, PC players quickly discovered significant tech issues, including stability problems that could corrupt saved games and malfunctioning ray tracing features. While high-end rigs could somewhat mitigate the issues, many gamers encountered frustrating crashes.

STALKER 2

Visually stunning but deeply flawed, STALKER 2 launched in an unfinished state plagued by optimization woes. Despite several patches from GSC GameWorld, players continue to suffer from annoying traversal stutters and performance drops in CPU-heavy situations. For a game hyped to be a sequel to a beloved franchise, these technical deficiencies remain a bitter pill for fans.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Using the RE Engine, this sequel was expected to improve upon its predecessor, but it delivered a messy experience instead. Released seven months ago, it is marred by significant optimization issues, particularly in busy areas like towns. Players have expressed annoyance over the AI mechanics, which see NPCs popping in and out seamlessly, contributing to a chaotic world that feels less immersive compared to competitors like Starfield.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake

This remastering of a classic failed to leverage the capabilities of UE5 effectively. The implementation of Lumen, for instance, did not enhance gameplay or visuals as expected. Many players found both the PC controls to be subpar and the gameplay riddled with traversal stutters that detracted from the experience.

Games Harboring Traversal Stutters

A concerning trend emerged this year with several AAA titles exhibiting traversal stutters. If you prioritize smooth gameplay, you would do well to steer clear of the following titles: STALKER 2, Frostpunk, Until Dawn Remake, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake, Black Myth: Wukong, Alone in the Dark, Infinity Nikki, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead, and Outcast – A New Beginning. Notably, Silent Hill 2 Remake and SAND LAND were particularly notorious for their severe stuttering issues.

SAND LAND

has been especially problematic, suffering from extreme stutters in the first few hours, and post-launch support has been dismal, with only minimal patches issued that failed to address the core issues. Coupled with the excitement from Bloober Team's previous titles, the technical faults have cast a shadow over this latest offering.

In summary, gaming enthusiasts had quite the mixed bag this year. While some titles enchanted us with engaging stories and immersive worlds, others fell flat due to technical missteps. Stay tuned for our upcoming Top 10 Most Optimized PC Games of 2024 – you won’t want to miss it!