Many third-party developers are preparing batches of new games to launch throughout 2026. This year won’t just provide brand-new games, but also returning franchises and IPs that have been revived to support the established fanbases. The list is quite extensive, broadening its range for new and veteran players to enjoy on different gaming platforms.
Smaller creators have been on the rise with highly praised games in recent years, including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Split Fiction, and Hollow Knight Silksong. High-quality games are being distributed from various developer studios, giving more memorable, unique experiences for a wider audience. Here are a few noteworthy picks to look out for:
Decapolice
Cyber criminals
Date: Unknown, 2026
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Decapolice is one of many projects from Level-5 Studio designed as a suspenseful crime RPG. It takes a unique approach to crime investigation with its reliance on a virtual copy of the world called Decasim.
Harvard Marks is the main protagonist who leads his Special Investigations Unit’s rookie team to catch dangerous criminals by using virtual reality. His teammates can also use their specialties to link clues together to uncover specific facts or targets when analyzing the criminal event in the copied virtual realm. Facing criminals may require the use of force, especially when they turn into Crime Beasts, a physical manifestation of malice. Level-5 has recently been on a roll with acclaimed releases such as Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road and Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, with the upcoming Professor Layton and the New World Of Steam also being on our radar. Decapolice looks to be one of Level-5’s most daring projects to date and we hope we will see a release date announcement soon.
Scott Pilgrim EX
Scott Pilgrim vs The World with a twist
Date: March 3
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Scott Pilgrim EX brings Scott Pilgrim in another 2D adventure through Toronto, Canada, against demons, robots, and vegans. His journey will take him across space and time to discover the source behind the chaos affecting him and his friends.
Scott Pilgrim can take on everything by himself, but there’s a roster of allies who can help in his main quest, including Ramona Flowers and Matthew Patel. The battle system is similar to its predecessor, though there are new weapons and abilities for Scott Pilgrim and his gang to use during their crazy encounters. Will this overtake Scott Pilgrim vs The World as the fan favorite in the series? We won’t have to wait much longer to have our answer.
Reanimal
Depressing sail through horror
Date: February 13
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam
Little Nightmares fans will take a liking to Reanimal, a new horror coop game created by the original developers of Little Nightmares. It brings back the terrorizing dread and grotesque atmosphere when exploring the new, depressing world.
Each island hosts various puzzles and secrets for the leading pair to discover, such as new hats or inconspicuous collectibles. They have to work together to find their lost comrades through dangerous obstacles and unwelcoming strangers. Reanimal launched to great reviews, meaning this one should already be on our watchlist.
Invincible VS
Thinking twice about violence
Date: 30 April
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam
Invincible VS is the first console game that pits the Invincible cast of characters against each other. Skybound & Quarter Up kept the show’s most significant, traditional portrayals of characters, incorporating their signature moves, personalities, and violence within the matches.
The battle format is similar to Marvel vs Capcom, letting the fighters team up in squads of three to switch active and support roles during the heat of battle. The in-game violence is very similar to Mortal Kombat, with characters becoming more injured during lengthy battles. It’s even possible for the fighters to overkill their targets, making them explode into gory pieces like brutalities. Groovy, isn’t it?
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter
Turning over a new chapter
Date: Fall 2026
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is another remake that continues the series’ momentum with Estelle leading the journey. The game is designed similarly to its predecessor, with major upgrades to in-game graphics and gameplay for more fan appeal.
Veteran Trails fans will also find new enjoyment in the remake with its updated modern gameplay, including new features like the crafts system and brave rush. Liberl Kingdom has plenty of new additions to spice up Estelle’s journey, like poker, fishing, and even new characters that can join Estelle’s main party. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter was very well received by critics and the public. We hope that the 2nd Chapter can also deliver.
Mouse: P.I. For Hire
The old-fashioned way
Date: April 16
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Steam
Mouse PI For Hire provides a satisfying nostalgia trip with its early 1930s classic cartoon noir presentation. Its narrative follows Jack Pepper as a lone crime investigator within the corrupted city of Mouseburg.
He accepts various cases that take him to different sections of Mouseburg, including sewers and graveyards. Some objectives will make him face normal foes like criminals and police forces, while other make him battle more supernatural beings, such as a haunting third wife. He has to use whatever tools are necessary, including shotguns and Mind-D-Self-Aware Attitude Changer, to uncover the truth in every accepted case.
Fable
Brand new fairy tale
Date: Fall 2026
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam
Playground Games is bringing back Fable as a franchise reboot, making it the most accessible game for both new and veteran players to invest into the franchise. This latest entry will reimagine the Hero’s adventure in Albion for a new experience, but will also keep faithful additions of the franchise, like its humorous narrative and great customization.
The world of Albion provides numerous opportunities for the Hero to become whatever the player desires. The Hero isn’t limited to completing quests for characters, but also developing relationships. Any choice from the player can greatly affect the Hero, with satisfying and regretful consequences.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Sharpening a dull blade
Date: Unknown, 2026
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
The Onimusha franchise was dormant for two decades before it welcomed another new game. The Oni gauntlet has finally found Musashi as its new owner to take down the familiar Genma forces in Onimusha: Way of the Sword.
The game takes place in Edo-period Kyoto, overtaken by corrupted malice. Musashi can use his experienced swordplay for offensive and defensive stances to gain the upper hand, especially when using the environmental surroundings. His Oni gauntlet only benefits his strength through soul absorption, letting the samurai use Issen techniques and Oni Armaments. Welcome back Onimusha, we missed you.
Gungrave G.O.R.E: Blood Heat
Shooting in style
Date: Unknown, 2026
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam
Gungrave G.O.R.E: Blood Heat revitalizes its predecessor in Unreal Engine 5, greatly improving the third-person shooter combat. The game is designed to remain faithful to the Gungrave series while making enough adjustments to provide a fresh, immersive experience overall, especially with new ways to style enemies.
The in-game enhancements aren’t just limited to the gameplay, but the world itself. Beyond the Grave won’t just face the original cast of characters with updated looks, but also brand-new characters. The protagonist even returns to the bullet-flying action with a new look designed by Gungrave manga artist Yasuhiro Nightow.
Romeo is a Deadman
Dead or alive
Date: February 11, 2026
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam
The creators of No More Heroes, Suda51 and Ren Yamazaki, partnered to create their new sci-fi project called Romeo is a Deadman. Similar to Grasshopper Manufacture’s previous projects, the game is designed to be uniquely creative and wacky, with a decent narrative and soundtrack.
Another immersive design of a Grasshopper Manufacture game is the gameplay. Romeo is a Space Time special agent who travels across the universe to take down dangerous fugitives. As he chases down criminals, he also searches for clues relating to his missing girlfriend, Juliet. Whatever hides the answer will require some bloody force, which Romeo can provide with his weaponry, including his one-handed chainsword, pair of gauntlets, spearaxe, two-handed sword, and various guns. Romeo is a Deadman is out right now so you can jump into the craziness right away.
Beast of Reincarnation
Legendary cycle
Date: August 4
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam
Game Freak is very well known for its Pokémon franchise, though they tend to stray from the familiar series for new IPs like its upcoming Beast of Reincarnation. The developers are using their knowledge and experience from Pokémon to design the detailed nature and unique creatures roaming in the new action RPG.
The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic Japan with its lands tainted by the Blight. Emma is a tragic protagonist who’s known as the Blighted One, a cursed user who can connect with nature through vines. She has to travel through the hopeless lands and take down different beings with her sword techniques and natural powers alongside her furry, supportive comrade, Koo. This project can really test Game Freak’s skill besides Pokémon and even become the start of a new franchise.
007 First Light
The start of Agent 007
Date: May 27
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam
Agent 007 hasn’t been adapted into a new video game for close to 15 years. While most of his previous games were straightforward gunplay, IO Interactive takes a different, modern approach by providing the most cinematic focus on James Bond’s earliest career in 007 First Light.
What makes 007 First Light different from its predecessors is the gameplay depth. The developers are using their experience from Hitman to incorporate various scenarios that provide multiple solutions for Bond to utilize, such as discovering key items for disguises or using environmental distractions. Bond can also face his enemies with his highly charismatic bluffs, influencing NPCs from turning hostile. There will also be moments that require intense action, forcing Bond to activate his license to kill for more fast-paced, destructive shootouts.
Okami Sequel
Stroke of art
Date: Unknown
Platforms: TBA
The Okami Sequel brings back the Okami franchise, which rested without a new game for two decades. The new project has brought some original developers of Okami from within M-TWO Inc., Machine Head Works Inc., and CLOVERS Inc. It even includes Hideki Kamiya as the project’s main director.
The upcoming game will follow the franchise’s tradition with its artistic graphics, giving the most appealing, colorful experience. Amaterasu is still the main protagonist who previously relied on her Celestial Brush, which was essential for both combat and problem-solving. Unfortunately, we don’t have a release date or details of platforms, but we hope that 2026 will reveal more about this sequel.
Pragmata
The expressive AI
Date: April 24, 2026
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam
Pragmata is Capcom’s new sci-fi game about a human and an android being trapped in a lunar research station. Hugh and Diana meet after a fatal encounter before venturing together to find a safe way to escape. The adventure will provide the pair with moments to learn about one another, especially when Diana discovers human expressions like high-fiving.
The research facility is overtaken by robots with highly defensive armor, making it impossible for Hugh to take down alone with weapons. Diana can help expose Hugh’s targets by hacking into their systems during combat. The duo must use their strengths simultaneously to overcome the hostile robots and find a way back home. A demo is currently available across platforms, so you can have a taster of what’s to come.
Resident Evil Requiem
Return of the infected
Date: February 27
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam
Resident Evil Requiem brings both new and familiar additions with its horrifying narrative. Grace and Leon are the main protagonists working on the same murder mystery with some relation to the history of Raccoon City. Both agents are targeting similar solutions, but how they complete their missions is very different.
Leon’s veteran experience allows him to face danger head-on in close, action-packed encounters. He can weaken his targets by disarming their weapons or shooting their limbs to slow their mobility. He’s unlike Grace, who must be more cautious in her investigations. Limited resources force her to be slower, precise, and strategic with her given tools, like the Requiem handgun. Resident Evil Requiem is out now and has been met with critical acclaim, already making it a potential Game of The Year contender.
Grand Theft Auto VI
Back to Vice City
Date: November 19
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Grand Theft Auto VI is the latest project that Rockstar Games has been perfecting for nearly two decades. It will push the franchise to its limits with its exceptionally detailed graphics, smooth animations, denser crowds, and much more.
Vice City makes a welcoming return with a new cast of characters starring Jason and Lucia as the protagonists. The main duo is looking for a new beginning together, but falls into a dastardly setup. With everything turned against them, they’re forced to cooperate to handle any challenge, including vehicle chases, airplane combat, and more. Grand Theft Auto VI has the potential to break records when it launches, but it faces the craziest expectations of any game in history. Can it live up to the series’ legacy?
Which 2026 games are the most anticipated according to you? Let us know in the comments and on our social media.
Brandon has played games ever since the PS2 like Ape Escape, Rampage Total Destruction, and Crash Bandicoot. His love for RPGs would only grow once he played Persona 3, which made him try other immersive games like Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne and Xenoblade Chronicles. He continues to play on modern consoles like PS4 and Nintendo Switch 2.
