As 2025 comes to a close, all eyes are turning toward 2026 and what could be the next standout year for video games. After a massive 2025 that delivered critically acclaimed releases across AAA, AA, and indie studios, expectations for the Most Anticipated Games of 2026 are higher than they have been in years. Developers are finally moving beyond the limitations of pandemic-era production, with full teams and longer development cycles shaping the next wave of releases. The result is a 2026 lineup packed with sequels, new IPs, and long-awaited projects that aim to build on one of the strongest years gaming has seen in the past half decade.
With the stage set and expectations sky-high, it’s time to stop looking back and start looking ahead. These are The Outerhaven’s Most Anticipated Games of 2026, the titles we’re watching closely as the next year of gaming takes shape.
Grand Theft Auto VI
Release Date: November 19th, 2026
Let’s get the big one out of the way, the one that’s been sitting on our most anticipated lists for the better part of the last decade; yep, we’re talking Grand Theft Auto IV.
Since we got the announcement a few years ago, we’ve been waiting forever for anything about Grand Theft Auto VI to hit from official sources, since we did get an alpha build leak that was quickly shut down by Rockstar, and now we got something, a Trailer. Sure, it featured a lot of cutscenes or moments set up through a theater viewer/recorder, but what we got looked amazing.
As more information came… Wait… We got the trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI and that’s it. After the great moment, we got a release date, then another delay, and another delay, and another. Gone was the 2025 release date and replaced with a November 2026 release date, adding another year to “polish the game” (aka, we just fired half our staff and are waiting for the bad press to disappear, milk GTA Online a few more times, and our next financial report to happen). IF Grand Theft Auto VI actually releases in 2026, then we might just not bother with any Game of the Year awards. – Karl Smart
Wolverine
Release Date: Fall 2026
Insomniac Games did really well with Spider-Man & Miles Morales (Let’s not talk about Spider-Man 2), so it seems that Disney/MARVEL trusts them enough to make something with one of their other big-time franchises, one of the most Anticipated Games since Spider-Man, and someone who rarely gets good games, Wolverine.
Much like GTA 6, we only have a single trailer to glean information from, but what we got was enough to make the comic book nerds on this site scramble to claim the review rights. This version of Wolverine looks like the comic book version mixed with the Deadpool & Wolverine live action version, and best of all, they’re not afraid to let blood fly when Wolverine does the classic SNIKT and pulls those lovely claws out.
While Wolverine might be one of the better X-Men/Wolverine games that could be made (Yes, I’m calling it already), all we need is a good case of villains and maybe a Deadpool cameo to make this game something that will go up on the wall of all-time classic comic book games… Because we need more comic book games in general. – Karl Smart
Denshattack!
Release Date: TBA 2026
I’ve never been the type to proudly declare, “I like trains,” but the moment I watched the trailer for Denshattack!, I couldn’t look away. It’s the kind of game that immediately makes you pause, squint at the screen, and ask, “What on earth am I watching?” In this strange, future-leaning world, subway trains aren’t just for transportation, they’re tools for pulling off skateboard-style tricks as you blast through a colorful, dystopian vision of Japan.
It looks chaotic, fast, and unapologetically weird, channeling the experimental energy of late-era PlayStation 1 games, when developers weren’t afraid to take risks just to see what stuck. And honestly, that kind of bold, off-the-wall creativity is something modern gaming desperately needs more of. – Keith Mitchell
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
Release Date: February 12th, 2026
When it comes to the Yakuza/Like a Dragon Franchise, Yakuza 3 is somewhat of a blind spot for me. This is because my history with the series began with Yakuza 4, and while I have gone back and tried to play the third game since.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t hold up well enough for me to see the entire game through, but that’s precisely why Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties make my most anticipated list for 2026. I’ll get to play a modernized, remade version of the only game I’ve never finished in a franchise I love. Ever since the release of Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2, fans like me have wanted a Yakuza Kiwami 3, and in 2026, that wish will be granted. I can’t wait to see what I missed out on for all these years! – Jordan Andow
Beast of Reincarnation
Release Date: TBA 2026
When I found out that Game Freak, the studio best known for the Pokémon series, was working on a full-blown action RPG, my interest was immediately piqued. As the resident action RPG enthusiast here at The Outerhaven, this was already in my wheelhouse. Then I finally saw the trailer, and that curiosity quickly turned into genuine excitement.
In Beast of Reincarnation, the world is once again teetering on the brink of extinction. Players take on the role of a young woman named Emma, who is accompanied by her canine companion Koo, a wolf-like partner who plays a key role both narratively and mechanically. Together, they set out to confront the Beast of Reincarnation itself, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Along the way, players can expect layered storytelling, a steady stream of enemies to overcome, and no shortage of imposing boss encounters.
While the game is not being officially labeled as a Soulslike, it clearly borrows elements from the genre, particularly in its deliberate combat and intense encounter design. Visually, it also draws comparisons to Phantom Blade Zero, especially in its striking art direction and atmospheric presentation, and it looks absolutely stunning as a result.
Although a specific release date has not yet been announced, Beast of Reincarnation is currently slated to launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. – Keith Mitchell
007 First Light
Release Date: March 27th, 2026
Being a long-time fan of James Bond and IO Interactive’s HITMAN franchise makes 007 First Light an exhilarating prospect for me. I mean, what kind of British person would I be if I wasn’t at least interested in a James Bond game?
From the moment this project was first announced, IO Interactive felt like the perfect choice to drive forward the future of Bond in video games. Then we got to see the first gameplay earlier in 2025, and I was very impressed. It looks like the team has captured the sandbox freedom of HITMAN while combining it with the action movie set pieces we expected from James Bond. Providing that IO Interactive can achieve the correct balance, this could be the ultimate James Bond video game, but they also need to get the driving mechanics right. I have one concern right now, it’s 007 First Light’s driving, though it hasn’t dampened my anticipation for this title, and I can’t wait to earn the number as the tagline says.
We don’t have long to wait before we find out if this is the match made in heaven many expect it to be. 007 First Light releases on March 27th, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. – Jordan Andow
Resident Evil Requiem
Release Date: February 27th, 2026
Take a guess who’s writing this entry… Yeah, the guy who does 90% of Resident Evil content on this site, and yes, Resident Evil Requiem is going to be on the Anticipated Games of 2026. This weird follow-up to a single character from Resident Evil Outbreak (Yes, the PlayStation 2 online game), done in the modern style that Resident Evil VII: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village made popular, is going to “recreate horror once again” (CAPCOM’s words, not ours).
Two of our staff, Keith and Andrew, both had separate hands-on with the game during a special press event and again during NYCC 2025 and gave it some high praise. However, I (Karl) am a bit skeptical about the story, the lack of ability to fight back, using the “unbeatable enemy NPC” monster that stalks you through the whole game idea once again, and the writer/director saying that he likes and uses Resident Evil VII: Biohazard as his inspiration for this game (I’m not a fan of Resident Evil VII: Biohazard. It’s a good horror game, but it’s not a Resident Evil game, and I’ll defend that to the death).
As always, should Resident Evil Requiem play really well, have a story worthy of the Resident Evil legacy, and give me the scares I want from the series, I’ll eat crow and admit I was wrong. Should I be right, however, be prepared for me to give Resident Evil Requiem the bullet to the head that people think Resident Evil 6 should get. – Karl Smart
Pragmata
Release Date: April 24th, 2026
Before the Capcom panel at New York Comic Con, I didn’t have Pragmata on my radar. And for a game originally announced in 2020, that doesn’t seem to bode well. But let me tell you, the game’s arrival at the con really turned things around. I’m not usually into sci-fi games, but the unique combat system hooked me and quickly made this one of my most anticipated games.
Pragmata takes place in the future, with human Hugh Williams teaming up with young android Diana on a space station. If the pictures make this game look a bit like Mass Effect and Observation had a baby, it’s this team up that carves out a unique identity in the genre. You see, this isn’t your grandpa’s sci-fi escort mission (that would be Rick and Morty). Rather, Pragmata sees players taking on the roles of both Hugh and Diana. Hugh plays like your standard shooter, while Diana serves up hacking minigames so Hugh can dish out more damage to the bionic baddies.
If I’m lukewarm about sci-fi titles, I love to see games that shake things up with unique gameplay mechanics. Thankfully, I can attest that the dual-roles of shooting and hacking are just as fun in practice as they are in theory. And if you want to see for yourself, Pragmata has a short yet smooth demo on Steam that you can check out here. Not only does it showcase the multi-tasking combat well, but it encourages replays through unlockables. Now excuse me while I replay it yet again. – Andrew Agress
Code Vein II
Release Date: January 30, 2026
Code Vein II has quickly become one of my most anticipated games of 2026 after seeing it for the first time during the Summer Game Fest 2025, and that’s coming from someone who wasn’t the biggest fan of the original. The first Code Vein had style, ideas, and a killer character creator, but it never fully came together. The pacing dragged, the companion AI was inconsistent, and the world design did not always support the ambitious lore. Everything about the sequel, though, looks like Bandai Namco took those criticisms to heart and rebuilt the formula into something far more confident and exciting.
The follow-up expands the scope in every direction, introducing a more open structure, sharper combat, and a narrative centered around time travel, which plays a major role in the game. You are not just exploring cool new areas; you are literally moving through different eras to influence events, reshape the world, and confront threats that stretch across multiple timelines. I am genuinely looking forward to seeing just how this mechanic influences the gameplay, progression, and overall structure because it already feels like a bold step the first game never dared to take.
Most importantly, Code Vein II feels like a true evolution rather than a safe sequel. It keeps the vampiric-anime aesthetic that made the original stand out while shedding the parts that held it back. Everything I have seen so far suggests this could be the moment the series finally delivers on its full potential, and that is exactly why it is one of my must-watch titles of 2026. – Keith Mitchell
Nioh 3
Release Date: February 6, 2026
After years of playing the Nioh series, I’m really looking forward to what Koei Tecmo has in store for the third chapter. I really enjoyed the first two games, even if Nioh 2 changed or removed some of the mechanics I loved in the original. Team Ninja’s blend of fast-paced combat, deep builds, and unforgiving enemy design has always hit the right notes for me, and it looks like the third entry is doubling down on everything that makes the series special.
After spending time with the alpha and watching all the extended previews from those who were able to dive even deeper into the game, it is clear that Nioh 3 is shaping up to be Team Ninja’s most ambitious Soulslike yet. The new weapons feel incredible, the revamped Ki management system makes combat even more flexible, and the enemy variety seems stronger than ever. The environments also look far more open and layered, with multiple routes, elevation shifts, and secrets that encourage exploration instead of just moving from arena to arena.
As the “Soulslike guy” of the crew, this is exactly the type of game I live for. Nioh 3 feels like it is taking the best elements of the first two games and merging them with smart new ideas that modernize the formula without losing its identity. If the final release lives up to what I played during the alpha and what others have gotten to experience in recent hands-on coverage, then Nioh 3 is poised to be one of the standout action RPGs of 2026. – Keith Mitchell
Phantom Blade Zero
Release Date: September 26, 2026
I’ve had the pleasure of playing a short build of Phantom Blade Zero, back in 2024. And despite it being over a year and some change ago, I’ve still haven’t forgotten how it felt when I got my hands on the controller and unleashed into this weapon martial arts title.
What makes the wait harder for me is that I’ve already had the chance to play it, and those hands-on sessions only left me wanting more. I loved the off the wall combat, the insane boss fight, and it was unlike any action game I had played before. Adding in the Chinese-infusion, it was simply a masterpiece in the making.
Phantom Blade Zero is a fast, stylish action game that leans heavily into fluid melee combat, chaining together strikes, dodges, and parries with an almost fighting game-like flow. Despite some early comparisons, S-Game has been clear that this is not a Soulslike, and having played a very short slice of the game myself, I agree. This is all about speed, precision, and spectacle. – Keith Mitchell
Crimson Desert
Release Date: February 6, 2026
I had the pleasure of getting hands-on with Crimson Desert earlier in 2025, and ever since that initial preview, I have thought about the game on a weekly basis. Oh, and even my good friend Keith Mitchell understood my hype level for this one after going hands-on with the game himself.
The combat feels more like a fighting game than a character action title. There are so many different combos and abilities to learn, each lending itself to a unique playstyle. While I haven’t personally experienced the game’s open-world aspect yet, from everything I have seen and heard, it looks expansive and full of diverse adventures. Being a tech head, I was amazed by what I saw from the engine this game is built on. If what I saw in the preview translates to the full release, Crimson Desert could represent a leap forward in open-world game design and optimization. The likes of which we haven’t seen since The Witcher 3.
Luckily, we don’t have to wait too much longer to find out. – Jordan Andow
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
Release Date: TBA 2026
I’ve been a fan of Lara Croft ever since I first picked up the original Tomb Raider. Those early adventures weren’t just games to me. They’re memories I shared with my late younger brother, full of discovery, danger, and that feeling of stepping into the unknown together. Exploring ancient tombs and surviving impossible odds made those moments feel timeless.
Lara stood out because she wasn’t just another action hero. She had confidence, toughness, and yes, a bit of sex appeal, but she earned her place through grit and determination. Every victory felt hard-won, and that made her unforgettable. And then there were those iconic dual pistols. More than a visual trademark, they symbolized Lara’s readiness to face whatever ancient ruin, creature, or death trap stood in her way.
With Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, revisiting that original adventure reimagined with modern visuals, tighter gameplay, and refined controls feels like the perfect way to honor Lara’s legacy. This isn’t just nostalgia. It’s an opportunity to remind longtime fans why Lara Croft became iconic, while introducing a new generation to one of gaming’s most enduring legends. – Keith Mitchell
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter
Release Date: TBA 2026
I had an amazing time revisiting the first entry in the Trails series with the remake Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter. It ends in a very impactful way that makes you get right on top of finding out what is next in the story. Luckily, the team behind the Trails series, Nihon Falcom, anticipated this and prepared for it. Which is why they prioritized Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter for 2026. We get to play as Estelle as she searches for the whereabouts of Joshua. The 2nd chapter of the Trails in the Sky trilogy is seen by a big part of the Trails fanbase as the absolute best story of the series, even to this day. It fleshes out the underground societies at play in Zemuria as well, and we learn about the church and what it does for the people.
I am so stoked to see what gameplay improvements they add to this game, as Nihon Falcom is constantly evolving and innovating in its gameplay systems and storytelling. This entry also houses some of the best thematic fights in the series. I am stoked to re-experience some of the peak moments of Trails in this new engine!
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter will be coming out before October 2026. No confirmed date, but that time frame is confirmed. – Scott Adams
Trails Beyond The Horizon
Release Date: January 15th, 2026
Trails Through Daybreak I and II showed off a very impressive usage of the new action transition to turn-based combat that was introduced to the series. Unluckily, neither game closed the arc of Van Arkride. Enter Trails Beyond the Horizon, where we get more of Van Arkride and Arkride Solutions, alongside adding a lot more of the previous arc’s protagonists to the arc. Not only do some of Class VII from Trails of Cold Steel’s arc come back with Rean in tow, but we get Kevin as a playable character for the first time in what feels like forever! Kevin Graham hasn’t been playable since Trails in the Sky the 3rd. If all these titles are confusing you, then be sure to read my guide that explains the arcs and what they entail.
I did play a small snippet of the beginning of the game at Pax West 2025, which you can see on our YouTube Channel. Overall, I loved it. Gameplay is even more balanced, and it includes even more options for your repertoire. It was a very small snippet, which means there is so much more to experience, and January can’t come fast enough!
It is coming out January 15th, 2026, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. – Scott Adams
Arknights: Endfield
Release Date: Early 2026
Arknights is a gacha game that I played for what feels like forever ago. It has a good design, and the art is great. The gameplay is mainly a tower defense setting as you learn more about the characters in your party. I started following the development of the game closely over a year ago when I played it at Pax West 2024. I was even able to play in the first beta test that was in January of this year. The art direction and design are still top-tier, but gone is the 2D tower defense game, and say hello to the 3D action RPG combat.
Arknights: Endfield has you in the shoes of the Endministrator. They were in a giant encounter that required them to be put on ice before coming back into commission. Unfortunately, the Endministrator lost all their memories in the process. Now you have to help Endfield Industries make a livable space on the planet of Talos-II. It may be a gacha-free-to-play game, but it has a lot of content in store for you to play. It is also a very fun, complex but yet engaging experience! You can read the most recent beta test experience I had with Beta Test II. It is coming out in early 2026 to PlayStation 5, PC, and Mobile devices. – Scott Adams
Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave
Release Date: TBA 2026
I’ve made it no secret how much I love the Fire Emblem franchise, and when Nintendo used its second official Direct during the Switch era to announce Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave, I knew I’d be getting it the moment it came out.
Admittedly, we only know precious little about this title, but what we’ve seen absolutely intrigues me. For example, the focus of this title seems to be a special set of gladiatorial games, where the winner gets a wish granted. Just as important, there are four main characters whose stories will “interweave” with each other in some fashion.
Graphically, the trailer looked absolutely crisp and already teased lots of new gameplay elements, including riding certain beasts into battle!
Then, there’s the ending, where Sothis not only returns, but is all grown up! Eagle-eyed fans will also have noticed certain weapons and Crests that tie back to Three Houses. So, what’s going on here? How do these two titles connect canonically, and what else does Intelligent Systems have in store for us?
I’m not sure, but I can’t wait to find out! – Scott Adams
Release Date: TBA 2026
Only just recently announced at The Game Awards 2025, CONTROL Resonant has already skyrocketed to the top of my most anticipated game list. I was initially caught off guard by the trailer, as this sequel looks like it has some massive differences from its predecessor. However, the more times I have watched the trailer, the more excited I am for what CONTROL Resonant could become. I’ve even made a video on our YouTube explaining why I’m so excited.
CONTROL Resonant looks like it shares some DNA with Capcom’s Devil May Cry franchise, but if I know Remedy Entertainment, they’ll find a way to add their own unique spin on things. – Jordan Andow
MARVEL Tokon Fighting Souls
Release Date: TBA 2026
I’ve been a fan of Marvel fighting games, done by Japanese studios, since X-Men: Children of the Atom. Their respect and takes on the franchise always hits with high notes thanks to the artists that work on them. Bengus and Shinkiro have always stood out because the way they depict them feels as though they took it upon themselves to express the characters in fantastic ways. The action within them are love-letters to each character with their own flare to the signature abilities and weaponry. Then again, the East always seems to do right with Marvel in fantastic ways. Heck, just look at Marvel Rivals and Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order done by NetEase and Team Ninja respectively.
Tokon doesn’t seem to be any different in this case thus far. Especially with Arc System Works at the helm. For what it’s worth, the beta demos showed that there is a ways to go, but from what I’ve seen, the Guilty Gear charm that made Dragon Ball FighterZ just as stellar is definitely here. The 4 vs 4 fights, the comic panel transitions, and the liberties taken with news, were just stylish. Spider-Man was never my usual choice in fighting games, but here: he’s a high tier hero who feels like Spider-Man without many limits.
I’m looking forward to seeing who else gets to join in the fun and a potential story to go with this. Since it’s already skipping a full launch on major tournaments, I’m hoping to see it next year in the Fall in full. – Kevin Kelly
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement
Release Date: TBA 2026
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement earns its place on The Outerhaven’s most anticipated games of 2026 list for a very personal reason. I’ve been a lifelong Castlevania fan, and when Konami stopped producing new entries and key creators like Koji Igarashi moved on, it felt like a defining era had ended. Bloodstained didn’t just step in as a replacement. It preserved the spirit of what made Castlevania special, from its gothic atmosphere and exploration-driven design to its combat and progression systems. Every Bloodstained release so far has proven that legacy is alive and well.
What makes The Scarlet Engagement especially exciting is how quietly it’s approaching release. In a year packed with massive franchises and loud reveals, this game is flying under the radar, and I don’t think many people realize it’s even dropping in 2026. When it does, it’s going to catch a lot of players off guard. Everything that made Castlevania great lives on in Bloodstained, and I can’t wait to get my hands on Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement. – Keith Mitchell
These are the games The Outerhaven team is most excited to follow as the year unfolds, and we’ll revisit this list regularly as more details emerge. Whether you’re here for massive AAA releases or bold new ideas, 2026 is a year worth keeping an eye on.
