Most Anticipated Games List Releasing Throughout 2026

The year 2026 is packed with major release schedules—from lengthy JRPGs and classic remakes to cooperative action, horror, and one strong candidate for the most anticipated game of the decade. Here is a monthly summary based on the latest announcements, complete with release dates and main platforms.

January

• January 15
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch 2) — Life simulation returns with a new version on Switch 2; owners of the original Switch version can upgrade to Switch 2 for a small fee. First Switch players will also receive a 3.0 update adding features like hotel renovation, crossover items from other Nintendo properties, and LEGO-themed sets.
  • The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond The Horizon — The next Trails series (part of the Legend of Heroes), available on all Switch, PlayStation, and PC consoles.
• January 22
  • Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade — A port version combining all visual/technical improvements (PS5 port) available on Switch 2, Xbox Series, and PC; includes Yuffie content and a mode that deals massive damage (9,999) to speed up story completion.
  • Dynasty Warriors Origins — Also released on Switch 2 alongside the DLC Visions of Four Heroes for other platforms.
• January 26
  • Highguard — Free Raid-PvP with a fantasy vibe from former Respawn developers; releases on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series.
• January 28–30
  • The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin (Jan 28) — Open-world RPG based on the anime, for PS5, PC, and mobile.
  • Code Vein 2 (Jan 30) — Bandai Namco’s vampire soulslike sequel for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC.
• Additionally, 2XKO (2v2 fighting from Riot Games) continues to consoles (PS5/Xbox Series) after early access on PC.

February

• February 5
  • Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined — Modern rework of the legendary JRPG, available on next-gen consoles and PC; the long experience (around 100 hours) is expected to remain the same.
• February 6
  • My Hero Academia: All’s Justice — 3v3 fighting with many anime characters, for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC.
  • Nioh 3 — Team Ninja’s soulslike sequel (PS5, PC) — hardcore combat is the focus.
• February 11–13
  • Romeo is a Deadman (Suda51) — Absurd action in Grasshopper Manufacture style, available on PS5/Xbox Series/PC.
  • Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties — Major remake plus narrative expansion, released on almost all platforms (except Xbox One).
  • Mario Tennis Fever (Switch 2) — Nintendo sports game with the series’ distinctive touch.
  • High on Life 2 (Feb 13) — First-person metroidvania sequel from Squanch Games.
• February 20–27
  • Ys X: Proud Nordics — Enhanced version of Ys X with new content (PS5, PC, Switch 2).
  • Tides of Tomorrow — Post-apocalyptic RPG with player choices affecting the narrative (PS5, Xbox Series, PC).
  • Resident Evil: Requiem (Feb 27) — The 9th main entry in the Resident Evil franchise, releasing on Xbox Series, PS5, PC, and Switch 2; Resident Evil 7 & 8 also available on Switch 2 the same day.

March

• March 5
  • Pokemon Pokopia (Switch 2) — Concept similar to Animal Crossing but players play as Ditto disguised as a human.
• March 12
  • John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando — Post-apocalyptic co-op FPS with John Carpenter’s touch (PC, Xbox Series, PS5).
  • Solasta 2 — Tactical CRPG sequel for genre fans.
  • Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake — Classic survival horror remake, available on latest platforms.
• March 13–26
  • Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection — Turn-based JRPG.
  • Crimson Desert — Action open-world RPG (Xbox Series, PS5, PC).
  • Mouse: P.I. For Hire — Cartoon-style boomer shooter.
  • Screamer (Mar 26) — Cyberpunk anime racing with long cutscenes, for PS5 & Xbox Series.

April

• April 16
  • Cthulu: The Cosmic Abyss — First-person thriller with cosmic horror style (Xbox Series, PS5, PC).
• April 24 & 30
  • Pragmata — Capcom sci-fi property mixing third-person shooter with hacking mini-games.
  • Saros — Third-person roguelite bullet-hell from the makers of Returnal, featuring unique narrative elements.

May

• May 8
  • Mortal Kombat 2 — The movie releases in theaters; mentioned due to pop culture relevance in the game/film era.
• May 27–29
  • 007 First Light (May 27) — James Bond game developed by the Hitman creators; available on latest consoles and PC.
  • LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight (May 29) — LEGO game with tighter combat and Arkham vibes.

September

• September 8
  • John Carpenter’s Halloween — Single-player game version from Illfonic studio (Xbox Series, PS5, PC).
• September 12
  • Phantom Blade Zero — Action RPG with soulslike elements (PC, PS5).

October

• October 16
  • The latest Street Fighter movie (directed by Kitao Sakurai) is highlighted; although not a game, such film releases often influence hype and game collaborations.

November

• November 19
  • Grand Theft Auto 6 — Anticipated as one of the biggest releases of the 2020s; if released on this date, it will be the peak of the 2026 release calendar for Xbox Series and PS5.

The year 2026 promises many options: from casual and social to intense and challenging.