4K HDR Monitor or TVs have become immensely popular in 2019, and there is quite a number of titles you can play to test their capabilities. There was a time where HDR wasn’t accepted in the mainstream due to limited support and a mix of compatibility issues a lot did not dare to touch. However, the latest media such as movies and games can become more eye-popping thanks to the improvements in technology, where even the non-native titles flourish.
However, 4K HDR monitors and TVs are not cheap by any means, but they have become priced accordingly for the masses. There are also several levels of HDR implementation as defined by VESA which also affects pricing. These products normally have a 3840 x 2160 resolution, but what matters more is the higher contrast ratio and vibrancy which will provide the most substantial upgrade to your visual experience.
The Best Games of 2019 for Your 4K HDR Monitor or TV
Most of the titles we picked feature HDR compatibility on all platforms, but not all will render at true 4K in some consoles. However, the focus of these games isn’t the pixel count, but the diverse experiences and storylines which are enhanced by cutting edge graphics and design. Here are the games you should buy for your 4K HDR monitor or TV before the year ends:
Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2019) (PC, PS4, Xbox)
COD Modern or Warfare is one of the most successful releases this year thanks to a refreshed multiplayer system and a gritty, yet satisfying singleplayer campaign. The game’s varying environments from the deserts of Kyrgyzstan to London’s urbanized Picadilly Circus will truly test your screen’s capabilities. Excellent contrast ratios brought about by HDR-capable monitors are crucial here, so you can enjoy the inky darkness of the night missions all the way to the varying textures and explosions in the games.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (PC, PS4, Xbox)
RDR2 is another frenzy-causing title this year for PC due to its beautiful landscapes and laid back atmosphere that’s distraught with gang violence. The HDR-native game’s open-world setting took Rockstar Games seven years to create, resulting in unrivaled detail and visuals which brought a lot of systems to their knees. 4K HDR monitors and TVs do this title’s environment a lot of justice, especially when light blooms or god rays appear while you ride off into the sunset.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (PC, PS4, Xbox)
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is the first critically-acclaimed game from the franchise in recent times due to its dark, yet canon-faithful storyline that takes place after the fall of the Jedi and the democracy they protect. The title’s engrossing lightsaber duels and the massive amount of blaster fire you come across look more gut-wrenching when viewed with a 4K HDR monitor or TV. Contrast and backlight performance is key to a visual experience that makes the Star Wars lore and its detail come alive.
Blair Witch (2019) (PC)
Blair Witch is one of the most torturous games we’ve played this year thanks to its focus on the protagonist’s grim psychosis and experiences. The game isn’t the best when it comes to the technical side, but its focus on uncovering the unknown versus running and gunning makes it a treat for horror fans. The title takes place in a forest with derelict structures and is mostly played in the dark, so enhanced black levels while dynamic range takes care of the flashlight’s wash against the eerie backgrounds.
Need for Speed Heat (PC, PS4, Xbox)
Need for Speed Heat is currently the best-looking arcade racer of 2019 thanks to its excruciatingly detailed cars and the mods that follow. Races take place at a fast-paced rate at night, so responsive 4K HDR monitors which can enhance even the neon glows of signages and streetlights are crucial. What makes the game interesting is its day and night mechanic which lets you enjoy various ambiances and effects on the cars at any given time.
The Outer Worlds (PC, PS4, Xbox)
The Outer Worlds is one of the breakout titles that truly surprised the gaming community this year with its light-hearted RPG style that spans across a solar system. The game’s unique, retro aesthetics coupled with uniquely designed sci-fi environments make it a refreshing visual experience. What makes the game beautiful pops out in 4K where the title runs smoothly, while HDR enhances the variety of colors and lighting effects you can enjoy.
Borderlands 3 (PC, PS4, Xbox)
Borderlands 3 is another distinctively rendered game that uses cel-shaded or comic-book style graphics which makes it eye-popping and more enjoyable. This title features an explosion of colors and a mishmash of action that isn’t as fast-paced as competitive gaming, but daunting for slower monitors. 4K HDR monitors and TVs will play this title nicely with the combination of higher color coverage and sharpness which will help define the game’s art style.
F1 2019 (PC, PS4, Xbox)
F1 2019 is our top pick for motorsport simulators simply because of the breathtaking race tracks and the equally impressive Formula 1 cars speeding through them. The game features an experience that doesn’t get any more authentic in front of a screen, even going as far as introducing two rival drivers to go against while you rise to number 1 driver status. The game features all of the sport’s liveries and tracks along with classic vehicles and those from the F2 spec, ensuring that there are tons of car guy eye candy.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (PC, PS4, Xbox)
Sekiro is another well-loved title with a unique storyline and environment set during the time of shinobi and samurai. Wolf, the shinobi bodyguard you play runs through a classic Japanese-style environment that is either bursting with cherry blossoms or ablaze with the fires of treachery. The game is somewhat narrative, so enjoying it with full 4K HDR visuals will surely liven up your game nights.
Man of Medan (PC, PS4, Xbox)
Man of Medan is the first entry from Supermassive Game’s Dark Pictures Anthology which is essentially a series of interactive games that feel like a movie. The title’s strongest point is its realistic animations such as the death sequences that are enhanced by visceral camera angles. The game offers a lot of darkness, mystery, and some syrupy blood, making it even more riveting than other horror titles.
Editor’s Note: Check out more games that will look great on any 4K HDR monitor or TV in this article.
About the Author:
Paolo is a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since his junior high years. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations and he believes that it’s every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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