Happy New Year, readers! We wanted to kick things off this year with our most anticipated games coming out in 2026!
We’ve curated a special list of the games we’re most excited for and why. We’ve also included release date and links to storefronts (where possible).
Most Anticipated Games of 2026 Quick Links
- 007: First Light
- Crimson Desert
- Dragon Quest VII Reimagined
- GTA VI
- Mariachi Legends
- Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf
- Pokémon Pokopia
- REANIMAL
- REPLACED
- Resident Evil: Requiem
- Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War 4
- Wolverine
007: First Light
Image: IO Interactive
Release Date: May 27th
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Bond, James Bond… but make it Hitman? 007 First Light sees IO Interactive finally working with one of the most iconic spies ever, and I couldn’t be more sat. Unlike your traditional Bond film, this adventure takes place during his MI6 recruitment days. It seems likely this will be a slightly scrappier, although likely just as charming Bond, as we play through his origins.
Having spent a lot of time with Hitman World of Assassination, I have no problem getting excited for this one. While this is still set early in James Bond’s story, no doubt there will be a thrilling Bond theme song, gadgets galore, alongside the studio’s signature flair for letting the player take control of the mission. Here’s hoping it’s the beginning of a brilliant new Bond era. – Alex Beaty
Crimson Desert
Image: Pearl Abyss
Release Date: March 20th
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac
Picture a combination of the open freedom and sky temples that line the horizon in Tears of the Kingdom, a mad combat blend of WWE and Dragon’s Dogma, and the traversal mechanics of Insomniac’s Spiderman. Now roll all that up into a game that looks as good as Red Dead Redemption 2, and you’ve got Crimson Desert.
It’s easy to get into the hype once you realise what this game is trying to achieve, but I’m hoping that mixing all these influences can bring out the best of the game, and if it does, it could be a potential game of the year contender in what is becoming a stacked competition. – Roberto Moran
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined
Image: Square Enix
Release Date: February 5th
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1/2, PC
Originally released in Japan 25 years ago, Australia only got a glimpse of DQVII for the 3DS in 2016. At the time of release it went on to become one of the biggest sales record breaking games in Japan.
Dragon Quest 7 is a downright hardcore JRPG. An adventure that runs a minimum of 100 hours with its turn-based combat, quaint towns to explore and the cast of memorable characters drawn to life by Dragon Ball creator, the late Akira Toriyama. To have this epic reimagined in the intended style, without any of the original technical constraints, and including a whole lot of quality-of-life. – Roberto Moran
GTA VI
Image: Rockstar Games
Release Date: November 19th
Platforms: Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Since the beginning, I’ve loved the Grand Theft Auto franchise, with each new entry improving on the last. GTA VI is boasting dual protagonists, a modern world, and a massive technical leap since the last game – What’s not to love? I can’t wait to see what the State of Leonida holds, and all the new ways I can cause chaos! After spending over 1,000 hours in GTA V online, it’s no wonder why I’m looking forward to GTA VI. – Mario Milos
Mariachi Legends
Image: Halberd Studios
Release Date: Q2 2026
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
I’ve had my eye on Mariachi Legends since way back in November 2023, after I was too poor to buy into their Kickstarter (Yes, I’m still upset!).
Since then, I’ve been closely following their developer updates, finding myself completely enamoured with every bit of character and world design Halberd Studios shares.
After the latest trailer dropped during the Latin American Games Showcase late last year, I caught a glimpse of the expressive combat that Halberd has been boasting. Such elegant animations on display has me wanting more, so with ~6 months between now and a potential release, I’ll be eagerly awaiting another taste. – Nate Shearer
Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf
Image: Wishfully
Release Date: TBA
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1/2, PC
I was incredibly late to the Planet of Lana party, having only completed the original game in late 2024. Despite that, my love for this adventure runs strong. From its gorgeous use of colour and stunning visuals to the goosebump-inducing soundtrack, Planet of Lana was an atmospheric and unforgettable experience. With an interesting story, fun puzzles, and one particularly powerful scene that brought me to tears through its sheer beauty, I absolutely adore Planet of Lana.
Needless to say, I am super excited for its sequel. I can’t wait to see where the story goes following the conclusion of the original, and which new locations we’ll explore along the way. The official website says we will trek through icy mountains, forgotten ruins, and deep oceans, and I can already imagine the stunning visuals that will be on display.
As Planet of Lana 2 is one of my most anticipated games of 2026, I implore anyone that hasn’t played the original to do themselves a favour and correct that mistake. – Jamie Briggs
Pokemon Pokopia
Image: Koei Tecmo Games Co.
Release Date: March 5th
Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
I’ll be the first to say I’m a little over the traditional Pokémon game formula, as much as I do love hunting down shinies at 2 am. However, Pokémon Pokopia isn’t your usual mainline series game – it’s a life sim game that sees players becoming Ditto as they transform a dilapidated town with the help of their Pokémon friends! While we’ve seen an assortment of other Poké-centric games that could definitely be considered cozy, this doubles down on that trend. I am really interested to see how this game shapes up and if it can maybe even go toe-to-toe with the likes of Animal Crossing.
More of this, please! – Alex Beaty
REANIMAL
Image: Tarsier Studios
Release Date: February 13th
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Tarsier Studios of Little Nightmares I & II fame are back with a new IP that looks to enhance their signature formula called REANIMAL.
I played the demo recently and it left me wanting more. The controls feel much more intuitive while still remaining familiar, and the interactivity in the world feels much more purposeful than Little Nightmares. A horror game and co-operative play go together like PB & J. Keep this on your radar and play the demo right now! – Brad Goodwin
REPLACED
Image: Sad Cat Studios
Release Date: March 13th
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
When thinking of a game tagged Pixel Graphics, the last thing on your mind is REPLACED. When the release trailer dropped for Sad Cat Studios’ debut title, my little monkey brain was immediately gripped by its arresting, cinematic art direction and robust, lively combat animations.
The game wears many of its inspirations on its sleeve, with the staunch retro-futurism and synth-heavy soundtrack à la 1982’s Blade Runner, and combat that, mark my words, is going to pay homage to Old Boy in the form of a long-ass close-quarters corridor fight. I, for one, cannot wait to sink my teeth into it all. – Nate Shearer
Resident Evil Requiem
Image: Capcom
Release Date: February 27th
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Resident Evil Requiem is my most anticipated game of the year, and not just because ‘Daddy Leon Kennedy’ shares the leading role with newcomer Grace Ashcroft. Resident Evil has been in its renaissance era since we were introduced to the Baker’s in RE7: Biohazard. With RE 9 returning to Raccoon City, back where it all began, expect to find Easter Eggs aplenty!
Can Requiem keep up the momentum that its predecessors have built up? I certainly think so. – Brad Goodwin
Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War 4
Image: KING Art
Release Date: TBA
Platforms: PC
Dawn of War, and the RTS genre as a whole, hold a special place in my heart. Why does 4 have me hyped? Because, KING Art, the team behind Iron Harvest are behind it!
In a genre lacking enjoyable additions, the new Dawn of War looks like it’s what we’ve all been waiting for – Large scale combat similar to the first, coupled with detailed, easy to digest visuals. – Mario Milos
Wolverine
Image: Insomniac Games
Release Date: TBA
Platforms: PlayStation 5
If there’s one studio that can develop a Wolverine game and ensure, without a shadow of a doubt, that it is both fun and faithful to the source material, it’s Insomniac Games. I’ve been a huge fan of the studio since my obsession with the Ratchet & Clank series growing up. I’ve followed them through Resistance, Song of the Deep, and eventually their foray into superhero experiences with the Spider-Man trilogy.
Above all else, every one of Insomniac’s releases has been brimming with fun. That’s why I am optimistic Wolverine will deliver a thrilling adventure with frenetic combat and a story that comic book fans will absolutely adore.
As a Wolverine fan since the ‘90s X-Men animated series, I look forward to donning the Adamantium claws later this year. – Jamie Briggs
For a look at our favourite games of last year, check out The NextPlay Game Awards 2025.
