The summer sun continues to reign down upon us with its blistering rays and unbearable heat. Luckily, we gamers know how to beat the molten temperatures by staying inside with the alternate realities that we love. July was a month consisting of new entries into familiar franchises, as well as a few indie darlings that captured our hearts.

In our ongoing monthly feature, we take a look at some of last month’s biggest games as ranked by Metacritic score.

6. Sea Of Solitude

Metacritic Score: 68 (Averaged Across Platforms) / User Score: 7.4 (Averaged Across Platforms)

Developer Jo-Mei’s Sea Of Solitude may not have been one of July’s heaviest hitters, but the title - published as an EA Original - is well-worth mentioning, especially considering that we gave the game a perfect score in our review. Sea Of Solitude takes players on a visually mesmerizing journey through a water-logged world with a narrative that touches on the topics of bullying, divorce, and depression. That may not seem like the most uplifting game to play, but Jo-Mei does a wonderful job of navigating players through the tough topics, creating a game that is both enjoyable and important with its message of fostering positive mental health. Sea Of Solitude is available now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

5. Wolfenstein: Youngblood

Metacritic Score: 69 (Averaged Across Platforms) / User Score: 2.7 (Averaged Across Platforms)

What looked be a promising and incredibly fun next-installment into the Wolfenstein franchise, turned out to be an uninspired, bug-ridden mess that single-player gameplay enthusiasts may want to avoid. On the other hand, those in for some over-the-top Nazi-slaying action with a friend may be able to look past the issues. Although the mindless action is fun with a partner, our 1.5 out of 5-Star review should probably be enough to sway you to some other, more polished co-op games. If you do still wish to play, Wolfenstein: Youngblood is out now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

4. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

Metacritic Score: 73 / User Score: 7.2

What could have made more sense this year than a new Marvel video game? Sure, we’ll get Marvel’s Avengers from Square Enix in 2020, but with the MCU closing out Phase 3 with Avengers: Endgame, it just made sense for another Ultimate Alliance game to come out. Exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order puts players back in action with their favorite superheroes as they team up to fight none other than Thanos (surprise, surprise). Although a rewards grind certainly exists for those who are willing to put in the time and effort, casual fans and comic book fans alike can still enjoy what Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order has to offer.

3. Dragon Quest Builders 2

Metacritic Score: 86 (Averaged Across Platforms) / User Score: 7.9 (Averaged Across Platforms)

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is as close to a must-own title as it can get without being perfect, especially for fans of the Dragon Quest series and Minecraft. The second installment in the Builders series improves upon the original game in almost every way, albeit not without a few design flaws that keep the game from being perfect. The multiplayer element alone makes it worth picking up for building your way to glory with friends. Dragon Quest Builders 2 is available now for the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.

2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Metacritic Score: 88 / User Score: 8.1

Turn-based, tactical RPG battles reign supreme in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, out now for the Nintendo Switch. Although the interface is a little difficult to navigate, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the most accessible installment yet with a superb story that fans of the series are sure to adore. On top of all that, you can use every single Amiibo with the game. That alone should be reason enough for you to grab it.

1. Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers

Metacritic Score: 92 (Averaged Across Platforms) / User Score: 8.7 (Averaged Across Platforms)

Rounding out the list of July’s top games is Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers, which is available on the PlayStation 4 and PC. The expansion brings new content to the popular MMO, including an emotional story that you’ll actually care about, as well as NPCs that you will enjoy having along for the ride. In fact, pretty much everything, from the quest lines to the new Viera race, is enjoyable enough to check out, especially if you were already playing before Shadowbringers.