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RPGamer’s Most Anticipated Games: 2026 Edition Being a fan of RPGs in recent years has been both a blessing and a challenge. A blessing, as there's such a varied collection of superb games to choose from. A challenge, because there's absolutely not enough time to play all the ones deserving of attention. The same looks set to apply to 2026, with a veritable host of excellent-looking titles on the horizon. With so many games, it can be easy for some to slip notice, so we have the return of our Most Anticipated Feature to highlight many games worthy of keeping an eye out for in the near future. Our volunteers were invited to select some of the games they are most looking forward to and tell us why, and you can read up on all of our choices below, with varying degrees of likelihood of releasing in the next twelve months. We hope you enjoy reading about our most anticipated games. This list certainly isn't an exhaustive one and there will be great titles we've missed, so please also let us know what games you are looking forward to in the coming year! --- Code Vein II Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: 01.30.2026 Publisher: Bandai Namco Developer: Bandai Namco, Shift Official Website Code Vein II initially caught my attention for its visuals; I’m somewhat of a sucker for post-apocalyptic settings and dark, gritty worlds filled with demons, ghouls, or -- in the case of Code Vein II -- Revenants, which blend vampiric and undead elements… even better! Some of the architecture, world, and enemy designs in the game are certainly eye-catching, but even better is that this is a standalone title from the first game. Featuring Soulslike combat, Code Vein II seeks to pit players against horrifying imposing bosses, and some of the designs shown off are terrifyingly intriguing. The biggest question is how well the computer-controlled companion will function, especially considering that this game aims to be bigger and more complex than its predecessor. -- Jordan McClain --- CONTROL Resonant Platform: PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Remedy Entertainment Developer: Remedy Entertainment Official Site CONTROL Resonant was the only demonstration at The Game Awards that both caught me totally off guard and captured my attention. I played the game’s 2019 predecessor, CONTROL, not long after it released, and liked it quite a bit. Its story was intriguing, the visual concept of the dimensional-distorting “Hiss” was executed fantastically, and the gameplay was quite engaging, even as somebody who is generally not a fan of (or just not the best at) shooters. It was a bit too short for my taste, though, and despite its graphical fidelity and stellar art direction, I wanted more out of the setting’s scope and gameplay depth, as the original felt a bit too reductive at times in combat. Color me surprised, then, when the sequel was announced, showing off a significantly larger world: a discombobulated, warped, and bizarre Hiss-corrupted Manhattan, while still maintaining the atmosphere and look that made CONTROL work so well. Further, CONTROL: Resonant appears to utilize some sort of shapeshifting melee weapon and multiple fighting styles, with the game reportedly set to incorporate significant RPG elements and more aggressive combat. Such a drastic change in gameplay is certainly an eyebrow raiser, but a welcome one; the game’s creative director, Mikael Kasurinen, is on record stating “this is not a safe sequel.” By all accounts so far, that seems to be true, and I’m super excited to see just how different CONTROL: Resonant will be and how well it ends up working. -- Jordan McClain Crimson Desert Platform: PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: 03.19.2026 Publisher: Pearl Abyss Developer: Pearl Abyss Official Site After Dragon’s Dogma II ended up being a slightly disappointing retread for me, my sights were set on the frequently shown, but always seemingly far away Crimson Desert, a multiplayer-turned-single-player open world action RPG from the makers of Black Desert. Eerily reminiscent of Capcom’s franchise, Crimson Desert’s primary goal seems to be to throw everything at the wall to see what sticks. Wrestling moves, a Spider-Man-esque grappling hook, fantasy power armor, mechanical dragons, and floating islands punctuate what would otherwise be a traditional European-inspired fantasy setting. There's a danger this kitchen sink approach could leave everything as shallow as a puddle or a muddled mess of conflicting themes and mechanics. I’m also not expecting a late twist that throws the whole game for a loop in the vein of Dragon’s Dogma, and the set protagonist also implies a certain level of commitment to a plot that I’m not sure developer Pearl Abyss will be able to fully back up. However, all Crimson Desert needs to do is deliver on solid action and let the goofier elements take hold and it should provide a very fun experience. -- Zack Webster --- Dosa Divas Platform: PC Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Outerloop Games Developer: Outerloop Games Steam Page Food and family were big themes in Outerloop Games's previous title Thirsty Suitors, and the developer has stuck with them for Dosa Divas. The game follows sisters Samara and Amani, who, after years apart, set out with their ancient spirit-mech to defeat a rotten fast food empire. Combining turn-based combat with a strong emphasis on cooking and lots of character to its art style, there's plenty to get RPGamer's mouths watering at the prospect. The studio showed great ability at balancing humour and heavier subjects in its previous title, and it looks like the studio is aiming to do much the same here. With culinary culture playing such an important role in family, but also allowing for different people to come together in a shared passion for food, Dosa Divas will hopefully be able to send an important message, but providing a ton of fun while doing so. -- Alex Fuller --- Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Switch 2 Release Date: 02.06.2026 Publisher: Square Enix Developer: Square Enix Official Site Dragon Quest VII is the reason I joined RPGamer. Many moons ago, my love of the series shined bright enough that I was invited to join the staff and podcast about the game. I’ve spent multiple hundreds of hours on PlayStation and Nintendo 3DS playthroughs and will defend its greatness to the ends of the Earth. However, it’s a lengthy beast of a game that I’m not always willing to commit to playing through as I grow older. Thus, this seemingly shorter Dragon Quest VII Reimagined version interests me greatly! Even though I’m not at all a fan of the new doll-like graphics for the reimagining, I’m excited to get more time with my friends Keifer, Ruff, Sir Mervyn, and Aishe. The thrill of Dragon Quest VII has always been the intimate episodic storytelling from its multiple lands opened as the story progresses, and I cannot wait to see these locations in their newer 3D glory. Having recently just experienced the previously pretty boring Dragon Quest II being remade into a near S-tier DQ title, I’m excited to see what improvements might be in store for a game I already hold in high esteem. -- Matt Masem --- Dream Channel Zero Platform: PC, Mac, Linux Release Date: TBA Publisher: Odencat Developer: Odencat, Fuming Official Site Odencat’s Dream Channel Zero is one of my top picks based on their record of sweet, quirky experiences. Like Meg’s Monster, Dream Channel Zero appears to be using an inviting character design and charming world in service of a novel emotional experience. The surreal, apocalyptic imagery in the trailer has me excited to learn more, and to meet Mac Tonight’s cravat-wearing cousin. Beyond Odencat’s bona fides, Dream Channel Zero takes place in one of my favorite RPG settings: a game world free from the pesky influence of the player. Like Kid Radd, The Magic Circle, and Wreck-It Ralph before it, Dream Channel Zero explores a world that exists past its sell-by date. Familiar systems have revealed themselves as mere artifice, survivors struggle to find new strategies, and the bones of the old world loom over it all. -- Zach Welhouse --- Doloc Town Platform: PC Release Date: 2026 (currently available in Early Access) Publisher: Logoi Games Developer: RedSaw Games Studios Steam Page Farming games dominated my playing time in 2025. Though I've always loved the genre, recently it's been going through something of a Cambrian explosion, with old favorites such as Story of Seasons and Rune Factory receiving standout entries, as well as indie greats breathing fresh air into the space. One such promising indie title — currently available in Early Access — is RedSaw Games and Logoi Games's Doloc Town. This game sets itself apart from its peers in a number of ways; it's a side-scroller, the scenario takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, and there's a heavy emphasis on science. Players have already praised this quirky and cute title to the high heavens, but I prefer to wait for developers to get their full visions out there with a 1.0 release before diving in myself, which is easier said than done sometimes. I've been sneaking wistful peeks at Doloc Town livestreams on occasion, trying to get a bite-sized taste of it without spoiling too much of the main course. Thankfully, it looks like I won't have to wait much longer, since Doloc Town should be released in the first half of 2026 according to its development road map. See you there, fellow doomsday ranchers. -- Casey Pritt --- Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Platform: Switch 2 Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Bandai Namco Developer: FromSoftware Official Site Since I played my first FromSoftware game in 2024 with Dark Souls Remastered, I've become a fanatic, and The Lands Between have been calling out to me in every waking moment and every hazy dream. Determined to wait it out for a Switch release for the boon of portability, I binged everything from FromSoftware that I could, and then started a replay binge because I still hadn't had enough. When a bundle of Elden Ring and its DLC was initially revealed for a Switch 2 release in 2025, I was happy with my decision to wait for a complete and portable edition of the game, but as fate would have it, it would be delayed to 2026 to improve its performance. Elden Ring had poor performance on PC and consoles during its original release, so it’s not surprising that it continues to be an issue. As long as it reaches a consistent thirty frames per second, it'll be superior to the PS4 version for me and worth the wait. What I'll be interested in seeing is if it dethrones The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as my favorite open-world game, and if its difficulty is absurd and cheap, or just really hard. Even with many new and exciting games coming out in 2026, including The Duskbloods from FromSoftware itself, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition seems highly likely to be my most-played game of the year. -- Amaan Bhimani --- Fields of Mistria Platform: PC Release Date: 2026 (currently available in Early Access) Publisher: NPC Studio Developer: NPC Studio Official Site NPC Studio's Fields of Mistria is a farming sim that hearkens back to the genre's roots, but then adds a magical twist the likes of which wouldn't feel out of place in the Sailor Moon universe. Its gorgeous aesthetics clearly draw inspiration from retro shoujo anime and manga, with soft colors and precious pink cows. Moreover, the diverse cast of characters, as well as the broad array of player character customization options -- including tons of freedom to change outfits -- are well appreciated. A great deal of what I said about my excitement for Doloc Town likewise applies to Fields of Mistria. It's already getting rave reviews in Early Access; I'm just waiting for version 1.0 to drop later in 2026. But 1.0 is not the end, as NPC Studio has promised some post-launch updates for players to look forward to further down the line. We farming game fans are slated to have another excellent year. -- Casey Pritt --- Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Platform: Switch 2 Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Intelligent Systems The latest entry in Nintendo and Intelligent Systems’s long-running tactical RPG series is on the horizon, and it takes players back to the world of Fire Emblem: Three Houses for a mix of the old and new. We currently know very little about Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, except that the crest system will return and that Sothis will make an appearance under a different form. The reveal trailer also shows a tournament underway and a character wielding what looks like a gun, while the environment and character designs suggest it takes place on a different continent and/or at a different time than Three Houses. Fire Emblem: Engage broadly improved upon the gameplay of Three Houses, but it fell flat with its writing and tone. The ideal result for Fortune's Weave will be that it takes the better maps and combat from Engage; combines them with Three Houses’ tight writing, grounded themes, and established universe; and retains enough of its own identity to make it greater than the sum of its parts. Though faced with high expectations, it's shaping up to be another excellent entry that, if it succeeds in taking the best from its predecessors, could become the series’ best and become an RPG worth getting a Switch 2 for. -- Amaan Bhimani --- Menace Platform: PC Release Date: 02.05.2026 Publisher: Hooded Horse Developer: Overhype Studios Official Site One thing I've been hoping for is a brand-new follow up to XCOM 2. It's a game that I've spent a long time on and modded everything I could to extend my time with it and add new challenges as well as new items, weapons, and abilities. Unfortunately, XCOM: Chimera Squad didn't provide the experience I was looking for, and another intended spiritual successor, Phoenix Point, proved to be its own disappointment. Thankfully, Menace looks like it will be the spiritual successor that I've been waiting for. Menace comes from the developer behind Battle Brothers, which I haven't had a chance to play, but I have heard positive things about. Combat in Menace takes place on large maps that are fully destructible. This adds a great new dimension to combat, since players can block sight lines and even create new cover or approach points mid-mission. Menace also seems to mix in more of the combined forces that haven't been a major part of tactical squad-based RPGs for a good while. I look forward to using an array of tanks, emplacements, mechs, and soldiers in missions. More options in strategy games usually lead to a greater amount of skill and player expression, which as I get older, I have found to become my main desire in a strategy game. -- Jahwon Corbett --- Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 Release Date: 03.13.2026 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Official Site Capcom has done a great job building on the popularity of its Monster Hunter franchise with its Monster Hunter Stories spin-offs. The first two games helped establish their own place and fan base with a more colourful graphical style and by mixing monster-raising with a turn-based combat system. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection looks set to build upon its previous entries and provide another engaging experience with much to entice RPGamers. The Monster Hunter series is largely not known for its story, though Capcom has certainly made improvements in this area in both the mainline entries and its Stories offerings. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection has a strong story premise, as players are put into a world with two major competing nations and a crystal encroachment threatening the environment, which is pushed further by the arrival of a supposed portent of destruction. The game also offers plenty of interesting gameplay elements, such as habitat restoration, joining the ever-popular monster raising and battling, to ensure that Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection has plenty of people looking forward to it. -- Alex Fuller --- My Time at Evershine Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: TBA Publisher: Pathea Games Developer: Pathea Games Official Site Pathea Games has done a solid job with the first two entries in its My Time life sim series, establishing a good base with My Time at Portia before building upon in My Time at Sandrock. However, the series's third title, My Time at Evershine, will need to take some significant steps to help it stand out among a genre that has gone from strength to strength in recent years. The developer has proven itself adept at creating strong gameplay loops and fun story moments, but, based on the previous entries, its greatest challenge will be ensuring that it keeps player interest and engagment up right through to the end. It looks like the studio is not resting on its laurels in Evershine, at least in the graphics department. It is moving on from its original cartoon visual style, which worked at the time but did feel a bit dated in the second game, to a new style with more realistic character model proportions that looks promising at first glance. Promoted into the role of Governor rather than a Builder for Evershine should give players many more options to influence their towns rather than simply filling requests, which promises some exciting decision making or designing opportunities. Meanwhile, the ability to have followers will hopefully allow for plenty more interactions with and chances to shine for the series' fun cast of characters. -- Alex Fuller --- Nexomon 3 Platform: PC Release Date: TBA Publisher: VEWO Interactive Developer: VEWO Interactive Official Site The Nexomon titles are 2D monster-collecting masterpieces that really snuck up on me in recent years. I reviewed both, enjoying them for what they offered, and got at least a couple more staff members to join in the fun as well. We covered the games on RPG Backtrack and had a great time doing so. I remember my trepidation when Pokémon was ready to let go of its 2D roots and go 3D, but I’ve remained a big fan of that series for decades, so as Nexomon prepares to make the same leap, I’m definitely excited. It’s hard to say what makes me such a Nexomon fan, but the hilarious writing and the transparency about catching rates are most definitely at the top of the list for me. I like knowing what my odds are! There’s not a whole lot to go on yet for Nexomon 3, but all the tiny little changes the developer has made that set it slightly apart from Pokémon have been changes I’ve really appreciated, so I’m anxiously awaiting what little new twists arrive with this new generation of Nexomon. -- Matt Masem --- Nioh 3 Platform: PC, PS5 Release Date: 02.06.2026 Publisher: Koei Tecmo Developer: Team NINJA Official Site Nioh is a series that has only increased in quality over time. While the first game had excellent combat, awesome enemies, and gorgeous aesthetics, Nioh 2 upped the ante even further. Featuring deeper combat and fascinating yokai-inspired themes, Nioh 2’s Burst Counters and Soul Cores increased the depth of combat significantly, combining with the three stances to produce some of the most riveting combat and boss fights around. Nioh 3, based on its demo and mechanics, adds even more layers, including offering two different modes of combat: the Samurai style, which plays similarly to the previous games, and the Ninja style, which is focused on evasion, quickness, and aerial attacks, while also being able to use specialized tools in place of the three combat stances. I’m so excited to see how Team NINJA manifests these additions, and I’m hoping to face even more insane bosses and figures from Japanese mythology and history. -- Jordan McClain --- Onimusha: Way of the Sword Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Official Site Occasionally, comedic banter in big budget titles just clicks. In Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny, this banter broke up the tense atmosphere with some laughs. I am hopeful this tradition continues with Onimusha: Way of the Sword's new protagonist Miyamoto Mushashi. His everyman vibe, bravado to back it up, flashy swordplay, and sense of charm have thoroughly endeared him to me. Stylistically, I've always enjoyed demons and zombies, but tend to avoid horror games overall, which is what makes one that doesn't entirely take itself seriously so interesting. Beyond that, seeing how Capcom updates the battle system for a new generation is something I'm very excited about. Combo slashing through demons and collecting souls never grew old in the previous entries, and I hope that the game does well enough to not only reinvigorate its own series, but also perhaps encourage revivals for others. -- Ryan Costa --- People of Note Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Annapurna Interactive Developer: Iridium Studios Official Site One of the more fun ideas to have come out in recent years is that of the musical RPG. People of Note follows in the footsteps of titles such as Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical, though it puts plenty of focus into keeping the RPG parts fully intact with its turn-based combat. Following Cadence as she looks to assemble a genre-blending band to help progress her career, players should be treated to a full suite of musical experiences in the game. The trailers for the game have been encouraging; there's a great sense of style to the game, and given it's a musical, one readily assumes that there will be some great music and performances front and centre. Its screenshots also promise plenty of variety in the locations players will visit as well. With its turn-based combat and some of the traditional puzzles that have sadly gone by the wayside in recent times, I'm very much looking forward to see how its innovative presentation meshes with RPG staples. -- Alex Fuller --- Phantom Blade Zero Platform: PC, PS5 Release Date: 09.09.2026 Publisher: S-Game Developer: S-Game Official Site When I first saw Phantom Blade Zero, I registered it as yet another Soulslike in a gaming landscape where, right now, they’re a dime a dozen. While its wuxia-style combat was definitely a hook, especially as a huge fan of wuxia film and martial arts movies growing up (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is one of my favorite movies of all time!), I wanted to actually see it play out a bit more before allowing myself to become fully excited. Now, after closer inspection and reading developer interviews, Phantom Blade Zero surely looks to be quite a bit different than I initially expected, with a blistering combat pace that rivals more of a Ninja Gaiden or Devil May Cry, properly befitting of a wuxia game. What stood out to me the most in its gameplay demonstration at The Game Awards was the intricate way the enemies seemed to operate and move around the player. Given the relentless pace of combat, this will be a crucial factor as to whether fights feel fair and for it to nail the chaotic wuxia style it’s going for. Further, some of the martial techniques shown off seemed to be reminiscent of drunken boxing style, which appears to indicate that there are a lot of different and fun styles both enemies and players will be able to adopt. Beyond its gameplay, Phantom Blade Zero looks visually spectacular, and I’m always excited to see more games set in China; with such a long and rich history, it’s a setting that is historically underrepresented in games and is bound to offer a lot of surprises, especially to those in the West. -- Jordan McClain --- SacriFire Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Pixelated Milk Developer: Pixelated Milk Steam Page SacriFire is a beautiful title. The camera angles, the sharp designs on the character models, and the detailed backgrounds all easily catch the eye. That alone has put this on my radar for a few years now, but each successive trailer that releases ends up showcasing a new gameplay element that hypes it up even more. Gameplay looks smooth and exciting. It blends real-time with turn-based in a side-viewed battlefield, where the enemies only move when the player does. The strategic possibilities at play hearken back to the nostalgia of the original PlayStation, but it also just looks so fun to engage with. Beyond that, there are side-scrolling segments that evoke Metroidvania-style dungeon exploration. With interesting gameplay and a great-looking visual style, I look forward to more information on the game that will hopefully only end up increasing my hype for playing it in 2026. -- Ryan Costa --- Star Wars Zero Company Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Release Date: TBA Publisher: Electronic Arts, Lucasfilm Games Developer: Bit Reactor Official Site I grew up on the Star Wars prequels. Obviously, they have plenty of detractors, but there are still plenty of good ideas and story elements within them, most notably the Clone Wars and the fall of the Jedi Order. Those ideas are why I look forward to Star Wars Zero Company. Set during the initial outbreaks of the Clone Wars, Zero Company is a turn-based strategy RPG, a sub-genre I have huge fondness for, with what looks to be a set cast. We have yet to get much gameplay, but the little I saw was at least intriguing. The best thing to know is that former Firaxis Games developers are part of the team at Lucasfilm Games, so hopes are high that combat will flow well. -- Jahwon Corbett --- Starfinder: Afterlight Platform: PC Release Date: TBA Publisher: Epictellers Entertainment Developer: Epictellers Entertainment Official Site I've had strong success with Kickstarter-funded cRPGs. Almost all of the ones I've enjoyed over the recent years have been crowdfunded, and when I saw the Kickstarter for Starfinder: Afterlight, based on the sci-fi tabletop game Starfinder and using its second edition ruleset, I knew it was one I had to check out. I have always enjoyed sci-fi more than fantasy, and I think the number of sci-fi cRPGs out there is lacking. The game has plenty of things that just intrigue me beyond its premise. Its art style is one of them, and I feel its overall look could transition to all types of stories given the chance. Starfinder: Afterlight oozes an enjoyable lighter-hearted style that I feel gets lost in many western RPGs. -- Jahwon Corbett --- The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Square Enix Developer: Square Enix, Asano Team Official Site The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is an upcoming original title from Team Asano, the same team behind the Bravely Default and Octopath Traveler series, Triangle Strategy, and the recent Dragon Quest remakes. Like several of the above, this game features Square Enix's distinct HD-2D graphics style. Unlike the above, The Adventures of Elliot will feature real-time combat. With players using Elliot and his fairy companion Faie's abilities to solve puzzles and get through platforming segments, the game seems to be in the same vein as the 2D Legend of Zelda games and the Mana series. While I haven't finished many of Team Asano's previous games, I did enjoy what I have played from The Adventures of Elliot's demo. I like the HD-2D art style, and from what I've seen so far the game looks positively gorgeous. If the gameplay is as fun and engaging as it looks, and if the story is half as good as Bravely Second or Octopath Traveler II, then The Adventures of Elliot could easily become one of my favorite Team Asano games. -- Cassandra Ramos --- The Duskbloods Platform: Switch 2 Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Nintendo Developer: FromSoftware Official Site We know so little about FromSoftware’s new title that it’s difficult to go into detail about what’s interesting about it without leaning on the company’s pedigree. While anticipation for its new single-player title is obvious, the recent turn toward making multiplayer-focused games seems to have let the company spread its wings a bit. Despite numerous flaws, Elden Ring Nightreign is a largely enjoyable experience, and if The Duskbloods is an even bigger swing creatively, then it is primed to be one of the more interesting major titles next year. Being an explicitly PvP game with PvE elements is an entirely new arena for FromSoftware and one that hopefully brings with it a wealth of new ideas for the company to explore. What is obvious from what we have seen is FromSoftware’s signature style is still top notch. The characters are all distinct and interesting-looking. The company’s sense of humor is present, with T-posing jetpackers and random dinosaur transformations abound. Visually, the game picks up where Bloodborne seems to have left off, mixing in more technology with the still top-of-the-line dark fantasy aesthetic. My only real fear for the project is that as a Switch 2 exclusive; it is both the console I least want to play online with and the one where I think it will have the most trouble finding an audience. However, one hopes this means that Nintendo has given FromSoftware free reign to tinker to its heart’s content and that there is something truly special on the horizon. -- Zack Webster --- The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Switch 2 Release Date: 01.15.2026 Publisher: NIS America Developer: Nihon Falcom Official Site The Trails series is a recent favorite of mine. I played through the Cold Steel tetralogy in 2020, and then marathoned the entire series in 2023 (thank you, turbo mode!). The Daybreak duology has been a bit hit-or-miss for me in comparison. The series feels a bit like it’s crumbling under the weight of the size of its cast and some of the game systems, though updated, still feel dated at times, especially outside of combat. I say all of this as someone who is incredibly excited for The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon. The promised return of not just some key characters from the Cold Steel subseries, but Kevin Graham, who to this point has been missing from the series altogether after a stellar showing in Trails in the Sky the 3rd, is wildly exciting. Furthermore, I’m excited to see how the franchise tackles the space race and the implications going “beyond the horizon” has for the lore of the franchise. And, as always, watching everyone barely tolerate Campanella’s chaotic whimsy is always a fun time. -- Ezra Kinnell --- The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Platform: PC, PS5, Switch, Switch 2 Release Date: Q4.2026 Publisher: GungHo Online Entertainment Developer: Nihon Falcom Official Site The Trails series has always felt like this massive behemoth of exposition and terrific worldbuilding. When I was younger, I played the first two The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel titles and was hooked, then I found out that the earlier games took place in another part of this world, granting further exciting characters and interesting situations. Flash forward, and the first Trails in the Sky was remade with modern graphics, voice acting, and a combat system more attuned to the latest entries of the franchise. This felt like the perfect situation to get reacquainted with these games. It worked superbly, and learning that the sequel is quickly following is wonderful news. Having Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter coming out so soon only heightens excitement. With more character interactions, mini stories, and various plot threads to carry on, 2nd Chapter will allow players to explore the deeper connections between everything, while Estelle's experience in becoming a Bracer during the first game will go hand-in-hand with the greater stakes coming into play. This is a franchise where I feel bigger is better, and will continue to build in unexpected ways that keep me glued to the screen. -- Ryan Costa --- The Secret of Weepstone Platform: PC Release Date: 2026 Publisher: DreadXP Developer: Talesworth Game Studio Steam Page One of the first books I picked up as a child was the player's handbook for the first edition of Dungeons & Dragons, and immediately, I was taken by fantasy worlds and hand-drawn art thereof. The Secret of Weepstone is a turn-based dungeon crawler that takes a party of characters through a punishing nostalgic run of combat and puzzles that's only heightened by the monochrome art style. This combination fully commits to feeling entirely like walking through an old module published in the '80s, but with enough details in the presentation to make it more of an endearing reflection of that era for modern eyes. The party that enters this dungeon in search of fame and fortune isn't experienced at all. This makes for a curiously harrowing and potentially comically tragic experience, as players can send a tavern waitress to inspect an area with a glittering light at the bottom of a tunnel, only for them to fall in and immediately drop hundreds of feet to their death. It's a system that rewards players for acting intelligently and also causes a bit of laughter in a "bet you won't try that again" way when encountering difficult obstacles that will pop in the player's paths. Being able to dive into a mysterious dungeon and mixing a dice-based system with dry humour, horror, and a detailed old-school aesthetic tick all the boxes for me. -- Ryan Costa --- Witchbrook Platform: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Switch 2 Release Date: 2026 Publisher: Chucklefish Games Developer: Chucklefish Games Official Site The Super Nintendo's Harvest Moon began my interest in life sims, but it wasn’t until Rune Factory launched on the DS that I found the perfect blend of RPG and cozy game features. The indie scene has launched plenty of life sims with sides of combat, but something about the charming pixel art of Witchbrook has had me following the development of the game since Chucklefish hinted at it in 2016. Finally appearing on a Nintendo Direct this March, Witchbrook was initially slated to release this winter, but a slight delay places it squarely on top of the list of games I cannot wait to play next year. Witchbrook is going to allow me to finally attend the magical college I’m sure many fantasy fans have always wished they could’ve gone to. From attending classes to crafting products to sell at market to pay my tuition to battling monsters in the forests using the spells my professors are teaching, I’m anxiously waiting for a new release date for a game I’ve already waited nearly a decade to play. With just a few short trailers to glean information from, I’m excited to see and experience all the other gameplay elements that haven’t been revealed yet. If just half the fun features hinted and teased about for years are in the final build of the game, I’ll be one happy warlock. -- Matt Masem --- WiZmans World Re;Try Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch Release Date: 2026 Publisher: City Connection, Clear River Games Developer: City Connection Official Site It's always interesting when a game that was Japan only for a long time gets an opportunity to come west. In this case, we have WiZmans World, a 2009 Nintendo DS title from Jaleco Entertainment. City Connection's remaster on PC and consoles, released in Japan last year, finally gives the game the chance for an English release. Part of the allure of WiZmans World Re;Try is that not a huge amount is known about it. It has a simple but interesting enough premise as players control a wizard from a city that has been cut off from the outside world, trying to get through the thus-far-impenetrable set of dungeons surrounding it while accompanied by three homunculi. The game's turn-based combat promises some interesting options as the homunculi can gain the stats, skills, and appearances of defeated monsters. It will be interesting to find out if the game is a hidden gem deserving of its new chance at popularity. -- Alex Fuller --- Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Switch 2 Release Date: 02.12.2026 Publisher: Sega Developer: Ryū ga Gotoku Studio Official Site Yakuza 3 was the first game I purchased when I got my PlayStation 3, and the first game in the series I reviewed for RPGamer. Having played all the other Yakuza games, Yakuza 3, in retrospect, is one of the weaker games story-wise, yet I have such a soft spot for it because it was my first. Yakuza 3 focuses primarily on Kazuma Kiryu’s desire to get out of organized crime and settle into a life running the Morning Glory Orphanage. When the orphanage gets an eviction notice, and a friend explains that his adoptive daughter has gone missing, Kiryu is forced back to Tokyo to investigate these swift changes and to uncover who is pulling the strings behind the scenes. Yakuza Kiwami 3 + Dark Ties promises a fresh update on the game’s combat, a new localization, restored content, and even a new storyline focused on the villain, Yoshitaka Mine, which will be available from the start. There’s a great story here, though if one is not a fan of the orphanage plotline, your mileage may vary. I am excited for Yakuza Kiwami 3’s glow-up, as I think of all the titles that released on PlayStation 3, it is the one that is the most rough around the edges. Yakuza Kiwami 3 brings this story to newcomers with a much more modern battle system, and I’m beyond curious what we as players will learn about our villain in the Dark Ties story. -- Sam Wachter --- We hope you enjoyed reading about our most anticipated games. Please let us know what games you are looking forward to in the year (or further) ahead either through the comments, social media, or our dedicated Discord server! The post RPGamer’s Most Anticipated Games: 2026 Edition appeared first on RPGamer. https://rpgamer.com/2025/12/rpgamers-most-anticipated-games-2026-edition/